November/December Favorites!

I unfortunately lost track of time and forgot to post my November favorites! Because of that I decided to combine November and December into one post.

you can find links to these items here

1. TAZO Organic Iced Green Tea: This drink is so refreshing! I love having one on my desk at work.

2. Old Navy Flip Flops: I know what you're thinking - flip flops in winter? - but, that's Florida for you! These are so comfy and show off my pedicure just right. And they're CHEAP!

3. One Direction and James Blake: These musicians are on the complete opposite ends of the spectrum but I've been loving both lately! The title track from 1D's Midnight Memories is so fun and James Blake's 'A Case of You' has a very somber mood but both are fantastic. 

4. Purple Lippy: I have been LOVING a bit of purple lipstick lately! Revlong Colorstay and Maybelline Color Whispers have great shades that I am obsessed with. 

5. TGI Bed Head - Epic Volume Conditioner: This conditioner has been a lifesaver it makes my hair so smooth and tangle free and it smells AMAZING!

6. Iphone 5: I know by now everyone is moving onto the 5s and 5c but my 5 has been so useful as of late. I've been using it to read on the go, keep track of my to-do lists and count down to upcoming events. I'm so grateful to have this. 

Book Review: Eleanor & Park; Openly Straight; Fangirl

Eleanor & Park - Rainbow Rowell:

This week I started with the novel Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell. Set in the 80's this book spans one school year for the title characters. A red head with big hair and big-ish everything else and a half-asian boy who's not really sure what that's supposed to mean to him end up sitting together on the bus and it goes from their. This book was heartwarming and heartbreaking. I myself have never been in love but reading this makes me think that I have an idea of what it feels like.

8/10

Openly Straight - Bill Konigsberg

Openly Straight is funny and interesting. Konigsberg does a great of balancing out humor and intellect. He explores the ins and outs of discovering yourself and then being true to who you are. A fantastic coming out and coming of age story. With quick witted character, sensitive jocks and quirky best friends Openly Straight has easily become one of my new favorite books.

7.5/10


Fangirl - Rainbow Rowell

Out of all three books I read this week Fangirl was the story I was most able to relate to. The main character, Cather or Cath, is quiet, introverted and in a relationship with fanfiction and 18 years old. All of those things I would say are the same about myself. This book has wormed it's way into the section of my bookshelf reserved for favorites. Filled with ups and downs and excellent one liners - I love a good one-liner - Fangirl exceeded all expectations I had set for it and set high expectations for any book I read hereafter.

10/10

October Favorites!

October is finally coming to a close! Since today is the last day of the month I though I would post this months favorites! Enjoy!

you can find links to these items here

1. Coke Zero. I love this because it tastes far better than Diet Coke in my opinion. And, it's better for you than a regular coke. 

2. These booties from H&M have become a fall favorite! They have just the right balance between dressy and casual.

3. Bangerz! Miley's new music is so edgy yet still manages to remain soulful and emotional.

4. Pinafore style playsuits paired with tights are perfect for fall! The tights help make the transition from summer to fall and keep you warmer!

5. Revlon has some great products right now. Their ColorStay Concealer and ColorStay Gel Eyeliner have been an everyday ritual this past month.

6. This bag from H&M is quickly becoming my favorite bag that I own. A perfect amount of space inside with a leather look exterior that can be dressed up or down.

Happy Halloween! 

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Something that very few people know about me is that I suffer with severe anxiety and have to live with weekly and sometimes daily panic attacks.

This is something I have had problems with my whole life with varying degrees of difficulty. I can remember being seven years old and dealing with it and now I'm 18 and it's becoming much too difficult to be something that I just "deal" with. 

I have had to deal with multiple "types" of anxiety. A lot of it boils down to not always being able to be in control of everything all of the time. I constantly have this feeling of worry in the pit of my stomach and it builds up to massive amounts of panic until I have a panic attack.

Panic attacks can be different for everyone. Personally when I get them my chest starts to hurt until I feel like I'm breathing harder and harder but can't get enough air in. I get shaky and my stomach starts to hurt. I will feel like I have to be up and moving but I can't actually get anything done because I can't focus on anything except the panic attack.

It may not sound that bad but a panic attack is physically and mentally exhausting. I would rather run a 5k without stopping than have a panic attack. It's so tiring and embarrassing.

Lately my panic and anxiety has gotten so bad that it's starting to run my life. Before doing anything I always consider my anxiety.
Will this make me feel more anxious than I already am? Will I have a panic attack? What if something happens whilst I'm out? I guess I just won't go.

That's how things have been as of late. Hopefully I will soon learn ways of coping/dealing with this problem.

September Favorites!

Now that September is over I've decided to recap on a few of my favorite things during the month! Each month of the year brings exciting new things, but I've narrowed it down to a select few from this past month. 

you can find links to these items here

1. Diet Dr. Pepper. Unfortunately I am the kind of person who has a tough time drinking water. I find it boring. However, I started drinking Diet Dr. Pepper. While this isn't necessarily "healthy" it is nice to have a can with your lunch. 

2. Low-top Converse in black. I had never really worn converse very much before this month but lately I've been wearing them almost religiously! They're so comfortable and can work with almost any outfit whether you're keeping casual or want to dress down something a bit fancier.

3. Ariana Grande and The 1975. These two artists are on complete opposite ends of the spectrum! I've been loving both of them so much this month. Fantastic albums.

4. Dungarees and Playsuits. I'v been loving both of these clothing items this month. Dungarees can be so cute and casual and playsuits can be dressed up so fancily. Both items are so comfortable and easy! Love it!

5. Maybelline FITme Foundation stick and Essie's Play Date. I'm not usually a fan of cream/stick foundations but this one works SO WELL. It's completely matte and keeps your face from looking shiny which i desperately need. As for nails, Essie's 'Play Date' is so sweet and girly. I've been loving it!

6. Chunky Gold Necklaces. These are such a statement piece and can be added to almost any outfit from tee's to blouses! They're so versatile and I absolutely love mine! 

What are your September favorites? Let me know HERE!

Music I'm Loving!

Moving from summer into fall a lot of new music is being released and I am LOVING IT!

I like to think that my music taste is quite broad spanning from bubblegum pop to indie rock.

Here are some of my November favorites!

Ariana Grande - Honeymoon Avenue

Miley Cyrus - Wrecking Ball 

Mary Lambert - She Keeps Me Warm

The 1975 - You

Kings of Leon - Supersoaker

Lorde - Royals

Playful Playsuit

Living in Florida you don't typically get to experience all four seasons. Here it's pretty much all summer, all the time aside from a month or two where it gets a little chilly outside. But even then, it's not too cold. Occasionally it's even warm enough to wear shorts on Christmas! 

Like now, while most are stocking up on their new autumn wardrobes I'm still rocking summery denim and playsuits! I did just that with today's outfit.

Outfit Details-

Jacket: Z Cavaricci

Playsuit: Local Boutique

Bag: Coach

Shoes: Converse

Beauty Haul: ULTA

Hello!

This past Saturday I was visiting St. Petersburg in south Florida. While I was there my younger sister and step-mom decided to make a trip to ULTA. If you don't know what ULTA is, ULTA is part of a chain of beauty superstores. 

While I was there I ended up spending nearly $70! But luckily, everything that I purchased has proved to be worth my while.

Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Salt Spray: Since buying this I have used it every day. I'll spray into my hair and then tie it in a braid or use it to add a more controlled texture to my naturally wavy hair. It has been very worth my while.

Cost- $5.99

Maybelline FITme Foundation: I purchased this foundation only because I needed a new one and the color seemed to match my previous one. I'm usually not very picky about foundations even though I should be. This one though has definitely proved to be worth it and I will definitely continue using it. It sits light on the skin but still provides a very full coverage which is important to me as I don't have the best skin.

Cost- $7.99

Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder: This powder is amazing. It keeps shine away for a very long time which is something that I need. This one is translucent and makes my foundation matte and smooth. I love it.

Cost- $4.99

Rimmel London Natural Bronzer: I love this bronzer. It has a light shimmer in it that leaves a glowing effect on your skin. It it perfect for the summer, but I will also use it in the winter to brighten up my face since it isn't too dark. 

Cost- $4.99

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion: This is the best skin care product that I have purchased. You leave it on your blemishes over night and by morning the redness has disappeared and the blemish itself is nearly gone(sold in store only).

Cost- $17.00

Ginger and Co. Soft on You Daily Body Lotion: The best smelling lotion around in my opinion! It leaves your skin hydrated but without that sticky feeling. I love it.

Cost- $9.99

-Emory