Lets Chat #8: The New Year

Hi guys,

As you already know it's almost 2014!   You know what that means... it's time to start fresh.  I hope you all had a great year and I hope next year is even better for you guys. :)  This year was kind of "ehh, ok" for me, it could have been better but it could have been worse so I'll count my blessings there.  Actually the good and the bad evened out.   How was your year?

A few people are going to drop by at my house;  although it is not an official party, I will be dressing up.   I love dressing up, it is so much fun.  Do you?  For some reason I can't stand taking makeup off my face at the end of the night, maybe because I'm already tired at that time.

Now that I think about it this year went fast and college is going quickly (I'm going to be an upper sophomore next semester gahh).  It still feels like yesterday I graduated high school!

I'm not that big on New Years resolutions... I prefer to fix things as I go.  You?

I'm happy that I started my blog this year!  Not only is it a fun hobby, it's a great way to see all of your amazing blogs!

Enough random thoughts....It's time for me to get the house New Years ready!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Time Machine

Hi guys,

I hope you had a Merry Christmas, I know I did!  And it's time to look forward to New Years Eve and ultimately, the New Year!

 

Since the new year is upon us.  It is a new time to look forward, start anew and look back.  I created this look to to have a vintage appeal.  I wanted the look to be timeless in the sense that if a woman, from the fifties, came through a time machine, they would style be fashionable; hence the name.  The look is fifties inspired with hints of flare here and there. Haha that rhymes!  I decided to keep the shoes and jewelry timeless.  I chose the ring to add a bit of color to  the outfit.

What do you consider to be timeless?

Merry Christmas!

The Most Wonderful Time for... Holiday Makeup

Hi guys,

I hope you are excited about Christmas!  This series is beginning to wind down, but I think this is the best post in the series.  I hope you enjoyed this series as much as I enjoyed making it (a lot)!  Don't worry, I am working on another series that should start after the New Year; so be on the look out for more info on that! ;)  Also if anyone would like to do a collaboration of sorts don't be afraid to ask!  Send me an email.

Here is a Holiday Makeup post, featuring 5 different looks, great for both Christmas and New Years Eve:

Got a favorite?

The Most Wonderful Time for... Velvet Dresses

Hi guys,

I just realized have yet to do a fashion post in this series yet so here is the first.  I am a big fan of dresses but for the holiday season velvet dresses are my favorite.  They are classic and very versatile, they can be worn with boots or heels.  I think the holiday season is the best time to showcase these beauties.

What is your go-to outfit for holiday parties?

The Most Wonderful Time for... Giving

Hi guys,

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, I've been very busy with finals and all.  I'm happy to say the difficult ones are over and I only have to finish an essay, so I finally have time to blog!

Here is another post in the series and this one really goes without saying.  I'm sure a lot of you have gotten into the holiday spirit and if you haven't then you've noticed: "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go...".  (Yes I know that was a corny move but it made my point).

 A huge part of The holiday season is about giving.  All of the decorations and all are secondary, sometimes I think that idea gets lost in all of the fanfare.  By giving I'm not only talking about giving to someone who will buy you something.  It doesn't have to be a present per-say, it could just be a kind gesture.  Give to someone who deserves it; bring a smile to some one's face! 


I know many of you have been Christmas shopping for your friends and family and since I haven't posted in a while I'm making this post special.
 If you are doing some last minute shopping and are on a budget here are some ideas for you:

Also if you want to make a gift here are some ideas:

• Decorated mugs
• Bracelet (or a man-let)
• Knit or crochet something
• Printed T-Shirt 
• DIY phone case

 Are you done Christmas shopping?

The Most Wonderful Time for...Reflection

Hi guys,

I hope you have enjoyed my previous posts in this series and there are still more to come.  This one is going to be a bit different.

When the end of the year comes around it is almost inevitable to look back at the beginning.  It is time to think about the past and move forward.  Even if this year hasn't been the best for you, try to think about the good things from this year, even if it is hard.  For me many things have changed this year for good and for bad.  

After you look back on old times you may want to reach out to old friends and maybe even reconcile with others.   If it works out great.  If it doesn't work out at least you know you did your part and this should make you feel good.

By the way thinking about yourself does not mean you are self-absorbed!  When you think about yourself excessively...well... you might want to change that.  How far have you come this year as a person?  This time is a good time to start with those New Year resolutions.   If you've kept the ones you made last year, awesome because not many people do.  If you haven't why not start?

What is your happiest moment/biggest accomplishment this year?

The Most Wonderful Time for... Gingerbread

Hi guys,

Here is another post in the series:
I must be honest and say I have never made gingerbread, but I do enjoy eating it.  If anyone has a nice recipe for gingerbread they would like to share please let me know, because I would really like to bake some. 

I remember making a gingerbread house in elementary school.  It didn't hold together well.  I can't remember what the class used to hold the house together, but it obviously wasn't what we should have used.  After the house partially collapsed, I proceeded to demolish it, then eat it.

I love the smell of gingerbread.  I love good smells in general (who doesn't?).  Gingerbread has such a "warm" scent to it.  A couple of years I was given a gingerbread flavored body wash/bubble bath!

Any good gingerbread recipes?

 What is your favorite Christmas time smell?

The Most Wonderful Time for.... Decorations

Hi guys,

This is my first post in my new Christmas series, and I'm super excited about it.  If you haven't read my previous post you might want to scroll down and check it out.
Today's post is going to be all about Decorations. 

I love Christmas Decorations!
They are the first sign that Christmas is here (and rapidly approaching).  I love how people get creative and bring life and cheer to their houses.  I love New York around Christmas time.  I love the decorative lights that hang over the streets.  I love decorations put in the display cases of stores.  
I love Rockefeller Center!

If you don't know why I love Rockefeller Center, let me explain.  If you are planning a trip to NY this holiday season I recommend you go here.  Every year a huge tree is lit along with the angel decorations. I think the lighting of the tree takes place tonight.   In addition, below the tree, is the ice skating rink, which is always super crowded.  It's a nice sight to see.  If you plan on skating I suggest bringing your own skates because the skating prices here are pretty steep, because you pay for the atmosphere.

As for me and my decorations... I decorated my house on the first of this month :)

Any suggestions on what to post next in the series?

Comment below

Lets Chat #7 :New Series

Hi guys,

I'm so excited because Christmas is coming!  I love Christmas!  It's the most wonderful time of the year after all!  Everyone is so happy and cheery. 

In honor of my love for Christmas.  I am starting a new series called....

"The Most Wonderful Time of the Year."  

Each of the post in the series will start with "The most wonderful time of the year for (insert wonderful-ness here)".  

If you have any ideas or topics you would like me to include, I welcome your suggestions.  You can leave a comment below or email them to me at www.vworldrocks.gmail.com.

Coconut Oil

Hi guys,

I have been hearing buzz about coconut oil for a while now.  I have used products that contained coconut milk and oil, but about two months ago I purchased my first jar of virgin unrefined coconut oil.  I absolutely love this stuff.  Unlike other oils, coconut oil has a low melting point which means it also has a low freezing point.  This is great because when coconut oil is at room temperature it is a solid, making it easy to apply (just by scooping it out), unlike other oils.  The low melting point allows it to be melted in without leaving clumps!  It is perfect, and it smells great!

• If your skin is dry you may want to apply coconut oil to your skin and lips.  This is especially important with the colder weather months coming.  

• If you wish to use this on your face use it sparingly because you don't want your face to appear too oily.  

• You may want to apply this around your eyes if the skin is dry.  This can be also used to condition your eyelashes (that's right I said condition and eyelashes in the same sentence).  If your eyelashes fall out it may be because they are dry. 

• This can be used as an oil-based makeup remover.

• To apply to hair you do not need much.  Coconut oil will add softness and shine to your hair.  Remember it will melt in quickly so don't worry about the clumps.  

• You can also use coconut oil to shine leather.

• You can use this to clean paint brushes (instead of using mineral spirits).

The great thing about coconut oil is that considering all of the uses it is relatively cheap!

Do you know any other uses or recipes with coconut oil?

Camo Glam

Hi guys,

I decided to make another comfy/casual look but this one has a bit more edge to it. 

I went for a tough look with bling.  If you want to add more glam, this look would look great with a cat eye and bold lipstick.

Shirt/Dress: Edith A. Miller

Leggings: Topshop

Boots: Sketchers (I didn't know sketchers made boots!)

Ring: H&M

Watch: Micheal Kors

Eyeliner: Elf

Lipstick: Topshop

Lets Chat #6: Tips on Flying

Hi guys,

Happy early weekend everyone!  It's weekend for me because I have no classes on Fridays.  I've been extremely busy this past week and have not been as active on my blog as I would like to have been.  I finally have a chance to sit down and blog *sigh*.  I went to a science conference and was out of town last week and when I came back I was hit with two quizzes and a test.  It's really good to have a break, so I am really looking forward to doing nothing this weekend.

In addition to the stress from the conference and studying.  I had problems with my flights including a cancellation that resulted in returning home one day later than planned.  *sigh* (again, I know, so much sighing).  As much as I love traveling, I just wanted to go home; even if that meant going to Chemistry lab for three hours the next Morning.  I'd rather not talk about that right now and just get to what I planned on discussing: How to pack for a flight.  

Everyone knows that flying especially in the U.S. can be a pain.  Here are some tips to make your flight easier.

1. What are you doing on the trip?  If you know what you are doing on the trip you will know how to pack.  My trip was for business, so I packed mostly pencil skirts, dress shirts and blazers.  
2. Bring a comfortable set of clothing.  I usually chose these to be my "traveling clothes"; the clothes I board the plane (or whatever mode of transportation) in. 
3. Try to pack all makeup and beauty products together.  This makes your life so much easier.  If you are afraid your beauty products will leak, put the leak-prone products in a plastic bag that you can put into your beauty/makeup bag. When you unpack you can simply place this bag in the bathroom and your set; no rummaging through you bag looking for that misplaced eyeliner.
4. Make your suitcase  unique (when flying).  This helps you identify your bag especially if it is a plain black bag.  I usually put colorful yarn on the zipper and handles.
5. Make sure your bag is not overweight (when flying). In the U.S. overweight suitcases are 50lbs+.  Try to shoot for 40lbs max when departing.  This allows you to bring back 10lbs of souvenirs.   I brought back around 7 extra lbs of clothing in my bag.
6. If you are flying and bringing a laptop.  I suggest bringing it as a carry-on.  I know people put their laptops in their suitcase but to be extra careful, carry it with you.  Who knows what happens to your bag after you check it in?
7. If you are bringing liquids make sure they follow the requirements.  There is a specific number of ounces allowable in carry-on bags. 
8. Don't wear too much jewelry and wear shoes that are easy to remove.   In the U.S.  You are required to remove your shoes at security check points.  Also you may be asked to remove jewelry.
9. Bring some food for the ride.  Although the guidelines for this is strict in the U.S. you can still bring a sandwich if you don't feel like spending on expensive airport food.  

Although I faced problems traveling I honestly can't wait to travel again (for vacation purposes this time).  If I ever came across a large amount of money I would travel the world.   I'd love to go and experience different places, cultures and foods.  

This reminds me... If you also enjoy traveling you might want to check out the Around the World tag I did a while back.

Don't Get Sick!

Hi guys,

The cooler months are here and it is only going to get colder.  (Sorry for being such a downer, but it's true).  When the seasons change people get sick, don't be one of them!  Here are a few tips to help you stay healthy.  I promise I won't get too Science-y on you guys.

1) Go to sleep-  Your body has to be charged to the max if you want it to fight against any sickness or even allergies for that matter.
2) Stay warm- I know people debate this one a ton.  Some people claim that being cold does not make it sick.  But like not having enough sleep, you aren't setting yourself up for a fair fight against a sickness.  Your body is a bit more stressed out trying to keep you warm instead of putting all of its effort into fighting off the sick!
3) Drink more fluids-  Although your body is capable of flushing itself out it can always use a bit of help.
4) Eat healthy-  What can I say?  You should try to be healthy anyway.  Try to give your body an extra boost in vitamins: A, B, C and E, whether in supplement or food form.  My personal favorites are green tea and grapefruit.  If people around you are sick I suggest stocking up on vitamins.

These tips can also help you fight off sickness quicker once you are already sick.

How do you stay healthy?

Leather and a Sweater

Hi guys,

"Leather and a Sweater", say that five times fast!  I created this look to put together two things that you don't usually see paired up.

I suppose you can wear this look day or night depending on the makeup.  The makeup I chose for the collage was a bit more of a daytime look.

Earrings: Jagger Jade

Watch: Forever New

Ring: Auriele Bidderman

Eyeshadow: Shishedo

Lipgloss: Makeup Store

Mascara: Lorac

Would you wear this look for day or for night?

Lets Chat #5: Minimalistic Beauty

Hi guys,

I was thinking of doing a post like this for a while now and decided to make it into a "Let's Chat", where I usually express my opinions.  I know a lot of you may disagree with my opinions in this post and you are entitled to your own opinions. Wow this is a super long post, so I have decided to put my points in bold (for all of you who don't like reading).

If you haven't figured out what this post is going to be about yet this post is going to be about daily makeup.  I think that daily makeup should be on the minimalistic side.  It's nice to be able to change your look up on special occasions; but on the day-to-day you should keep your makeup a bit more simple.  I think for the most part makeup, should highlight your features and not change them up.  For example, if your favorite feature is your lips why not highlight them with a nice lipstick and keep everything else on the simple side.  I feel you should choose one thing to bring out and keep everything else simple.  (I chose the two photos above to illustrate these points).  You can also go for a completely natural look and decide to go all out on special occasions; I completely understand wanting to express yourself.

Another reason you may want to keep your makeup on the natural looking side on the day to day (other than saving time and money) is the fact that you may feel good about yourself.  If you are used to wearing a full face of makeup and go all out everyday you may feel worse about yourself when you wear less.  In other words, wearing makeup is a slippery slope; the more you wear the better you look but the worse you feel when you are not wearing any.  If you don't feel this way and can sport a full face of makeup and au natural with the same confidence, God bless, you are rare! 

The last reason to be minimalistic is the fact that makeup especially foundation can clog your pores.  If you don't buy high-end brands, this is even more of a concern.  If you don't give your face time to breathe your pores may get larger to compensate for this. I know the use of foundation is a pretty touchy topic foundation for some people.  I'm an advocate for using foundation only when necessary.  If you have acne and want to cover it up, go ahead.  I know how acne can affect a person psychologically.  Just be mindful that you have to put in extra effort to remove it and clear your skin.  If you do have acne and decide to wear makeup this does not solve your problem (acne), put effort into clearing your skin and not just cover it up.  I do not have perfect skin by any stretch of the imagination and I prefer to cover up problem areas as opposed to covering my entire face.  

Bottom line: Do what makes you happy and be aware of what you are doing.  Makeup should make you feel good about yourself when you wear it and not worse when you don't.

Keep it Simple!

Hi guys,

I really love this look -and I have been sporting a similar one- for a day at school or a casual occasion because it is comfortable yet stylish.

What is your everyday look?

Let's Chat #4: Relax

Hi guys,

This week hasn't been the best and I'm glad it is over.  It was one of those weeks when you feel like nothing goes your way.  Well at least a new week is starting soon.

School or work can leave you stressed out and unable to relax.  I know sometimes I get so wired from school that I feel guilty just sitting down and relaxing, this is a terrible thing.  If you are a workaholic you need to relax before you burn out.  Think about it this way if you keep your laptop and use it everyday and just close it from time to time, it will eventually run out of battery.  You are the laptop and you need to recharge and not just rest. 

Last year in the midst of my studies I began to burn out.  I was so bitter about school work that I hated it.  I did not enjoy my classes at all, not because I do not like the topic but because I was so worn out that I no longer wanted to work.  People told me that I was too young to burn out, and I thought to myself "If that is true I can only go downhill from there", (yes I know a bit pessimistic).   In my case the burn out was the result of years of constant work and I haven't had a summer off (I'm a sophomore in college now) for as long as I can remember.   This past summer I took a break, I didn't get a Summer job or an internship.  I have to admit at first I felt guilty not doing anything for the Summer. When I went back to school I felt much happier and motivated. 

Many of you may not be able to take time off to give yourself a break but you should find bits of time to relax.  Don't feel guilty relaxing! You are a person, not a robot (even though I used the laptop metaphor earlier).

Here are some things you might want to do to help relax.  Although some of these are very obvious, sometimes I find myself staring at the wall wondering what to do, I know many other people must feel the same.

• Take a bubble bath
• Enjoy a nice walk
• Find a non-stressful hobby that lets your mind wander (example: knitting)
• Read a book (non-work/school related)
• Hang out with your friends
• Watch a movie
• Blog :)
• Cook
• Write/Draw
• Music
• Have a pampering day
• Find a new hobby.

Life can be quite a juggling act work and play are two of the things we have to juggle.  Although some people can work for what seems like forever without being stressed you need to relax every once in a while.  Even if you think you don't have the time, for fun at all, you need to find a way to stop you from burning out. 

Sunshine Blogger Award

Hi guys,

I was nominated for the Sunshine Award, (and I'm super happy about it), by Megan from     http://meganroisinn.blogspot.co.uk.  Her blog is great you should check it out. 

This award is for bloggers whose blogs you enjoy and make you smile.

Rules: Give 11 facts about yourself.  Answer 11 questions.  Make 11 questions for the people you nominate to answer.  Nominate 11 lovely blogs!  

11 facts:

1. I randomly make references to movies or shows or even songs in everyday life (when the situation calls for it).
2. I laugh a lot.  My friends think I'm crazy for laughing until I cry.
3. I am a Biology major and Neuroscience minor in college.
4. I like to knit and crochet.  I consider myself a crafty person, I love DIYs
5. I love to read and I would like to write a novel one day.
6. I love spicy food!
7. I think deeply very often.
8. I am a morning person and can get my best work done in the morning.
9. I absolutely love the beach.
10. I want to travel the world and experience different cultures.  
11. Classical music helps me study without getting frustrated.

11 Questions answered:

1) What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
      I turn on the light next to my bed to help me wake up.  Once I get up I put on my socks because my feet       are always ridiculously cold.
2) Who was the first celebrity you ever had a crush on?
      I honestly don't know
3) Can you remember the names of you very first best friends?
       Uhhh...
4) If you had to describe yourself using a food, which would you choose?
       I like this question.  I would have to go with a strawberry.
5) What is your favourite school-related memory?
      Finding out there was a snow day and school is canceled.  It's not that I hated school I just can't     think of anything I would consider a favorite.
6) What is the next book on your reading list?
       The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.  I hear it's sad, so I am prepared to cry.
7) Did you give something up as a child you wish you had carried on?
       Gymnastics, it was super demanding but I wish I carried on with it for a bit longer.
8) What are your career plans?
       Research biologist
9) Who or what is your biggest source of inspiration?
       My mom.
10) Would you rather have one true love for one year, or as many great (but not in love) relationships as you could ever want for any given time? (that was a hard one to word!)
      That's a hard one but I'd go with true love for one year.  Even though I would probably reminisce   about it forever.  Why only a year?  A year is so short.
11) Is there something you want to tell anyone right now but can't??
       Not really, I'm not much of a secretive person.

My turn...

1)  Are you introspective or are you an extrovert?
2)What are you most proud of?
3) Describe yourself with a color
4) Do you have any nicknames?
5) What is your favorite food?
6) Sweet tooth or sour tooth?
7) Do you like to keep a routine or change things up?
8) What makes you laugh or smile?
9) What makes you happy?
10)Morning person or night person?
11)What is your best memory?

And the nominees are.... 

In no particular order:

1. Francesca from http://ladolcemoda7.blogspot.com/
2. Andrea from http://www.andysparkles.de 
3. Anthi from http://relocatewonderland.blogspot.com/
4. Shayne from http://www.queenofallyousee.com/
5. Janine from http://theeoptimist.blogspot.ca/
6. Doffy from http://www.whatdoffydoes.com/
7. Gabriella from http://gabriellawolf.blogspot.com/
8. Sadia from http://saidacanephotography.blogspot.com/
9. Charley from http://ramblingofabeautyblogger.blogspot.co.uk/
10. Paige from http://www.roseandpine.com/
11. Mary from http://littlefeatherstyle.blogspot.com/

Halloween Movies that Are NOT Scary

Hi guys,

Do you like scaring yourself?  If you don't I understand. Let's say you are to scared for scary movies; here are some things you can still watch this Halloween!

I can honestly say I have been watching this movie every year for as long as I can remember.  It's become a tradition.  This claymation movie is perfect; the songs are great, the characters are great and it is perfect for those of you who don't like scary movies.  I love this movie! Rated:PG

 

This is an adventure/action horror movie.  Although it is slightly scarier than the previous two movies I have listed, it shouldn't be too frightening.   I feel like this movie is almost always on TV those of you with the FX channel should know what I am talking about. Rated: PG-13

I remember reading the book of the same name back in elementary school.  I have to admit that although this movie is not frightening enough to be deemed scary (in my book anyway), it is a bit spooky in a nightmarish kind of way.  Rated: PG 

 

 This movie is really not scary at all, but that does not mean that the story isn't good.  I think the title says it all, so I'll let it speak for itself.  Rated: PG

Would you like a list of scary movies?  Or any other movie list for that matter? If so let me know below!