Hi hey, hello! When making a list for my monthly favorites post, I realized I actually didn't have a whole lot of favorites in June, at least in the way of beauty/ fashion. BUT I still had a couple things I've been loving & made a few purchases recently so think of this as a June favorites write-up... done fresh. 
One of my favorite things this month has been the concept of acrylic gel nails. One day I was getting a pedicure with my mom & almost got nails as well... & then I thought "hey! I can totally diy this." (yes, watch for a full post on this) So I ran to Target and picked up these oval-shaped nails along with a new blue color & Essie's gel top coat. I LOVE IT. (also still loving this Essie blue)
Confession: I have been reading the same book since January. JANUARY. I know. BUT I'm more than halfway through Eleanor & Park now and it's so good, y'all. I wouldn't say it's monumental or anything, but it's a cute summer read that gives you some feelings, if that's up your alley.
My choker love is still going strong, & I recently purchased a couple more from asos, (oh asos) one of them being this cutie little bow choker. I think it adds a chic little touch to any look & I'm obsessed. 
I'm not sure this counts as a recent purchase if it was purchased just twenty four hours ago, but I make the rules & I say it goes. SO. I'm still on the adult coloring book train & I spyed this gem at Walmart of all places. It even has little tidbits about certain dress from different periods. HOW CUTE.
The other day I watched the first episode of How to Get Away With Murder with my best friends & I've been on a binge ever since. I'm hooked. It's SO GOOD! I like that you never really know what's gonna happen next. I would have added OITNB, but I'm still on like episode five & really have no desire to finish the season because of the thing that happens that we won't talk about. 
AND FINALLY, MUSIC. I compiled a little playlist to play in my car (because the radio/ cds just aren't enough, obviously) that's basically a mix of throwback, pop, country, everything? All the jams. All of them.
Tell me all your favorites from this month!
xo,

Twenty Two.

We're a mere two days away from my twenty-second birthday, and I feel like birthdays always bring a sense of reflection, kinda like new year's. It's a chance for a fresh start and beginning a new chapter. Turns out I've learned a lot over the years, & the thing I wanted to focus on today is the art of letting go of the things that cannot be changed. 

Well, I guess I should say I'm in the process of learning this and probably always will be. Because, let's face it, when you've got a mind that never shuts off and a jaw that is constantly clenched, feeling out of control can be the worst thing possible. I am constantly worrying, to the point of driving myself crazy.

But I'm learning to let go.

(here's a piece of irony for ya- this is the second time I'm writing this because in the middle of the first time I ACCIDENTALLY DELETED EVERYTHING. tears were held back.)

There are so many things in this life that are beyond our control, so what's the point of focusing on them? I'd rather focus on what I can control, like my work ethic (always a work in progress) & the way I treat people. My vibe. The way I handle different situations. THOSE are real goals to set and keep your mind on. 

None of this what if stuff.

Or so I say.

SO, what should I focus on for twenty-two?

+ the things I can change & make better

+ immersing myself in the world

+ BREATHING a bit.

+ more breakfast at midnight. and falling in love with strangers. (uh, oh)

details:

dress | xhilaration (in stores, similar here & here)

shoes | soda (similar here & here)

choker | f21 (similar)

sunglasses | target

lips | nyx

xo,

The Jinx

I guess you could say I'm a casual sports fan. I watch the games, have the apps, but sadly I'm not a Sarah. If anyone tries to talk sports with me I freeze up faster than high school Kaeleen during a math test. Maybe this makes me one of those fake fans everyone hates?
Maybe it's all for the best, though. Because, as I was sitting in my seat of the Rangers game, watching the seventh inning, I came to realize something I think I've known for a long time:
I am cursed.
Me. In the flesh. It seems to happen everytime. I can go about my day, casually checking the score of a game, not really thinking too much, and everything's fine. They usually end up winning, eruptions of cheers are had, it's a party. And then I sit. And I actually watch a game, invest those precious hours of my life into it. Stress out. And they lose.  I can't catch a break.

So, this is me, admitting the problem. That's the first step right? Maybe I should just quit sports altogether, then things wouldn't be so stressful! But where's the fun in that.
The more I write of this post, the more I'm positive there isn't really a point other than my rambling. I gotta keep it fresh, I guess? 
Just one more thing before I go: If you were a Ranger, what would your walk-up song be? Baseball never goes out of style, so I'd choose this one, obviously.
Come back Friday for a more coherent post, pinky promise!
xo,

Summer Essentials

Hey hi, welcome to Monday. It might just now be the summer solstice, but the season is already in full swing, and like all seasons, summertime comes with a list of things you should have at the ready. SO. What are some of my picks?
Colorful nails + lips This is a must for a bright, easy pop of color. I've been really loving blue on my nails & my most recent fave is in the cab-ana. These matte lipsticks are two of my go-tos for the season! A good light coverage foundation I've talked a lot before about Chanel's healthy glow fluid because it's so wonderful. It's smooth & light, which is exactly what a face needs in the summer heat. Candles, always candles Candles are just a life essential, in my opinion. Cool fruit-y type scents were made for this, duh!

A good swimsuit + footwear Not to be worn together, obviously, unless that's your thing. In which case, you go! These wedges are a favorite pair of mine, so easy to dress up or down. (here's a regular size version) Mixing & matching suits are a trend I'm always here for. Currently I've got this xhilaration top & these color block bottoms. The bottoms remind me of Triangl and add some color to the suit.  Travel essentials Instant camera, sunglasses, and an awesome playlist. Check check & check! Hydration Water might just the most simple but most important of the essentials. Always stay coo!

OKAY, your turn! Did I leave anything out? Lemme know everything you reach for all summer. xo,

Simple as ABC

{outfit deets here}

Hi, hello! Boy, lemme tell you, am I glad I stumbled upon this blog post for a fun little game of ABC! AKA I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to write for today & PANIC SET IN. Crisis averted, we can breathe. Thanks Erin! And facebook, apparently.
Let's find out needless facts about me!
A- Age: 21, but I'm mere days away from the big twenty two. (If you think I won't be blasting the song all day, you're sadly mistaken) 

B- Biggest fear: I have a strange fear of being burned to death.

C- Current time: As I write this, 8:11 PM, because my brain still can't seem to function normally until after 5 PM. Something's gotta give, brain.

D- Drink you last had: Water, but it's about to be wine. (I just realized that might sound like I'm about to Jesus-it up, but in fact the water will still be the water.)

E- Every day starts with: Being awoken to a needy and hungry pup, feeding that pup, going back to sleep, & then coffee. Ooooh the coffee.

{we also snapchat}

F- Favorite song: Right now it's '80s Mercedes by Maren Morris. I'm SO OBSESSED.

G- Ghosts, are they real? Oh, I've seen A Haunting. I know.

H- Hometown: Saginaw, the land of the trains.

I- In love with: a good lipstick.

J- Jealous of: Everyone seeing Selena Gomez Saturday night. Think I can fit into your bag?

K- Killed someone?: I'd tell you, but then I'd have to kill you. (to clarify, I have NOT actually killed anything not found crawling on the wall)

L- Last time you cried?: I'm probably crying right now.

M- Middle name: Michelle

N- Number of siblings: I've got myself a sister who is too many states away. (come back to me)

O- One wish: That packages arrive on your doorstep immediately. Like, c'mon. It's 2016. 

P- Person you last called: People still call each other?

Q- Question you're always asked: "Are you 18?" Or some version of that, each time painfully reminding me that petite + a baby face isn't always kind to you. Good times!

R- Reason to smile: It's Friday! (That's what everyone says on Friday)

S- Song last sang: I sing about 500 times a day and all the songs run together, so my memory's a little fuzzy. But it was probably Adele. SEND MY LOVE TO YOUR NEW LO-OVERR.

T- Time you woke up: 6:30 am because like I said, Stevie is needy. But a belly full of food and three more hours of sleep later, it was all good.

U- Underwear color: Okay, creepy teenage boy.

V- Vacation destination: If I could go to Paris right now.... HOO BOY.

W- Worst habit: I have a tendency to procrastinate everything, which kinda gets annoying! Especially when I procrastinate breathing. Sorry, lungs.

X- X-Ray's you've had: Wait, what kind of question of this? Who keeps a record of their x-rays? What is this.

Y- Your favorite food: Pizza has been my answer to this question since the day I was born.

Z- Zodiac sign: Crabbin' with the Cancers. I know everyone says they're JUST LIKE their sign, but it's only because it's true. 

"Why am I like this?? Oh right, I'm a Cancer." -A daily thought.

Now for a fun thing: You answer these! Thank me later.

xo,

Makeup Menu 002 | Everyday

When summer hits the natural instinct is to reach for lighter and less makeup products.(or at least for some it's less, with me I can't seem to part with what I've deemed necessities.. it's really a struggle)
Anyway, today I've put together a little makeup menu of what my every day routine has been looking like as of late. 

Base Chanel's Les Beiges healthy glow fluide in no. 10 is probably my favorite for lighter coverage, but still feeling like you've got enough. & I always mix a little bit of oil in with it so it's extra dewy.  Then it's on to concealer- I just swipe it on any blemishes and then my lids as an eyeshadow base. For a little perk up under the eyes, Pixi is the way to go, as well as a bit of highlight from Sonia. Finish everything off with some highlighting powder and it's on to the eyes!
Eyes + Brows I like a palette I can do a lot with, so I've been reaching for my Anastasia World Traveler palette nearly every day. (apparently this palette was limited edition.... does that mean it's not available anymore?? um. this does not sit well with me.) Of course I like a good classic wing, but in the summer I also like playing up my liner & I've been loving the glitter trend. I will never not be in love with Maybelline's Lash Sensational.... it transforms your lashes in a way I've never experienced from another mascara, and I don't think I ever will. (cue that dramatic music they used to play on the hills when they would awkwardly stare at each other for two full minutes.) As far as the brow routine, it's the same, always the same.
Cheeks + Lips I've got a lotta love for contour palettes. They're simple, everything you need is in one place, & it's just quick and painless.  After the bronzer & blush is on, I've been pulling out my Chic Luminosity stick again to up the highlight a bit. I like the highlighter in the palette, but sometimes you just need a little more, ya know? To top off the look, I've been loving a pink/peach toned lip & I'm having a moment for liquid lipstick. For a matte look, I set everything with NYX's setting spray and bam! DONE.
What about you? Tell me what's on your makeup menu!
xo,

Soft Is Brave

I had another post & some Chandler Bing-style sarcastic jokes planned for today, but it just didn't feel right. Sometimes blogging is trying to find this sort of balance between the light & the heavy. I try to keep that balance on WDAC & it feels weird having two "serious" posts back to back, but it's the only thing that felt right. 
Because the world these past few days doesn't feel right. It has not been good or kind to us, and my heart full of blind optimism & hope for the good in people doesn't quite understand. It doesn't quite understand why we live in a world where rapists get off with six months in prison, a twenty two year old girl dies for sharing her art with the world, & lgbtq+ & people of color can die simply for existing. Trying to understand is exhausting & it can be easy to become hardened and numb. 
But being soft in this world is a beautiful and brave thing. I'm realizing that softness is a part of me that I don't ever want to lose. I don't want to lose the kindness and goodness that defeats the evil at the end of everything. (at least according to all the fairytales) I have to believe that the light is stronger. 
SO. My advice? It's okay to let your heart be heavy and to not understand, but please don't stop being soft. Don't ever let the harshness and cruelness of the world take away your light, because the light is what heals. Never be afraid of loving too hard or being too much or living too loud. 
You are you, & what you are is beautiful. 
And now, I think I WILL end this with some Chandler B. wisdom, thank you very much: You know what's weird? Donald Duck never wore pants. But whenever he's getting out of the shower, he always puts a towel around his waist. I mean, what is that about? (*please discuss)
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. -Psalm 147:3
xo,

Failure & Second Winds

I can't exactly pinpoint the first time I failed a test, which thinking about it now, might not the best thing. It's not like I had a Shawn Hunter track record, (no offence, Shawn. Love ya) but I was never Rory Gilmore either. (but oh, did I want to be) I don't remember what grade I was in or what subject my first failure was in; I do however, remember perfectly the feelings that followed.  Desperation. Disappointment. Fear. Is this what dying feels like?
Okay, so I've always been one for the dramatics. It really wasn't as bad as I made it out to be, but in that particular moment my tiny little world was ending. As the years have passed I've noticed a concerning pattern amongst myself & my peers; (somehow I never thought I'd say that word in a casual sentence) failure is one of the biggest reasons we continue to beat ourselves up.
What determines failure, anyway? How does one define it? The first definition in the Cambridge dictionary is "a lack of success in doing something." Which then begs the question: What does it mean to be successful? The truth is, both success & failure look different on everyone, mean something different to everyone. I've mentioned some how my life sometimes hasn't quite gone according to plan (life rarely does) & there have been many a time I've sat at my coffee-ring scattered desk, hair askew and eyes wild, suddenly panicking, "What am I doing?? I've failed. I'm failing."
But, my babes, in the midst of it all I can't help but wonder, maybe it's only failure when you stop trying. I'm sure a version of that line has been printed and sold in many a craft store and re-pinned 50,000 times, but maybe it's the answer. Maybe it's that second wind that catches you by surprise and reminds you of your own definition of success, that Elle Woods-getting-into-Harvard-and-proving-Warner-wrong move. 
Contrary to popular belief, failure is not the end of your world. In fact, quite often it's only the beginning, just a different version then what you had in mind. And we have to believe that that's okay. xo,

When Things Get Casual

striped halter | mossimo shorts | mossimo choker | f21 (similar here) bracelet | francesca's  shoes | stevies (similar here) sunglasses | target headband | similar
xo,

Things To Do In June (Or All Summer Long)

Oh hi hey! Comin back at ya with another summer themed post today.... a little bucket list of things to do this month, or all summer long really!
// Make homemade ice cream. Because what's better?
// Take all the photographs. Life is a work of art, ain't it? (oh, I sound like a character in a John Green novel)
// Go exploring through town. The hidden gems can end up being the best kind.
// See a summer musical/ concert. There's something about the summer air that makes them better.
// NETFLIX, duh. Because some days it's just too HOT & you need your shows to get you through. It's okay. We're in this together.
// Stop & smell the candles. The sweet, sweet candles.
// Eat some cheesecake.  I don't really know how summer & cheesecake go together, they just do.
// LAUGH. Cheesy, but necessary. 

Tell me what's on your summer bucket list!
xo,

Summer Spark

For me, the entire month of May is like the opening scene in high school musical 2 (I know you know the one I mean) where the word summer is just repeated over & over until FINALLY. The bell rings & it's sweet freedom. Only in this case, the bell is metaphorical. I don't really hear a bell ringing in my head! (most times)
I love scrolling through Taylor's hashtag on instagram, #mysummerspark. It's full of photos that are so unapologetically SUMMER, and as the days get longer & the nights hotter, we can hear it coming from a mile away.
Everything feels a little bit freer in the summertime. It's the smell of freshly cut grass & barbeque on the grill. That perfect sip of lemonade by the pool. That glorious scent of chlorine & SPF mixed together. Road trips & making up for lost time. The fact that somehow iced coffee tastes even better. Laughter & sunshine & ice cream. 
It's all so perfectly innocent and magical. And it's here.
xo,