Happy New Year - Hello 2015!

Hello loves <3

     Where I live, it is still December 31, but I know in other places you might be welcoming 2015 before I, so Happy New Year! 2014 went by in a flash, just like December! Do you guys think this year went by quickly or the opposite? It was literally just yesterday that I was sitting with my baby sister watching the ball drop, counting down to 2014!

     So many AMAZING things happened in 2014, and I'd love to share with you. And I encourage you to do so too, in the comment section!

~ YouTube! Yes, I got into YouTube in 2013 but this year was definitely when my obsession deepened and increased ;) I subscribe to over 100 people now and I love each and every one of them. Even though I haven't met them personally, I feel like we're connected in some way, maybe some of you can relate?

~ Writing! This blog, duh! I haven't owned (? is that what you'd say? owned? lol) this blog for long, a little more than a month but I have loved each and every minute of it. I read every comment, notice every view, which half probably are me ;) and I appreciate and love all of you! Thank you for such an amazing experience. I did not expect anything like this! More than 600 views in a month?! You have no idea how much it means to me that you are reading this right now. Whether you've read every single one of my posts or just this one, thank you. I know this is probably the cheesiest paragraph, but I mean every word from the bottom of my heart <3

~ Beach Trip! My best friends and I took a spontaneous two night trip to the beach right before school started! It was the best time of my life. We spent more than 48 hours in each other's company and it could not have been better. From listening to a relax app in the car to holding up knives in front of a butcher's shop sign, we've stuck together and been through it all. I love you guys.

~ Finding My 'Sense of Style'! This year, definitely with the help of YouTube and getting into reading magazines and fashion and makeup and stuff, I have found my own sense of style. I used to wear sparkles and glitter and super bright, fun colors. Which, don't get me wrong, I still do and love. But now, I've started to shop for different types of clothes and I've started to experiment with makeup. This year I truly found what makes my style unique to me.

     Those, of course, are just a couple of the astonishing things that happened in this adventurous year. There are loads of little things we probably don't remember and that saddens me some because I want to make and keep all these wonderful memories.

     Now, New Year Resolutions. I have heard loads of people say that they don't believe in resolutions, rather they create goals for themselves that they wish to achieve, and I'm not 'against' either ideas. So here are are my "plans," is what I'll call them, for 2015.

* Say thank you more. I recently watched a video on the Fine Bro's channel called Teens React to Thank You Project (You can watch it here). I won't explain it so you can find out when you watch it but basically it taught me that so many people do so many great things and we don't think to thank them. Yes, I say thank you if I buy something from the cafeteria and if someone holds the door open, but I want to say thank you more.

* Stop worrying. I am a worrier. That's just who I am, lol. I worry a lot. Whether that's about my weight, which I really shouldn't bother worrying about, some drama with friends, getting anxious or nervous about future events, I want to dial it down. Sometimes it takes over and all I can think about is whatever I'm worrying about and I don't want that to happen, I won't let it! If there's anything controlling you, don't let it! You have the power to control yourself.

* Expand this blog. This blog has become such an amazing part of my life, and I am so grateful for that, so I am going to continue and continue to do better and improve my writing.

     So, for one last time in 2014, thank you for reading and I'll talk to you soon. Hello 2015!

*computer hug*

What I Got for Hanukkah 2014!

Hello loves <3

     It's only been 3 days since I last posted, but it feels like forever! Probably because of the 25 posts back to back, haha. Let me just say, the purpose of this post is in no way to brag about what I received or anything like that! I just thought to show you guys and maybe if you see something you like, you can put it on your 2015 wish list ;)

     I'm just gonna talk about a few favorites <3

     From the beauty type products 'category' I got some super sweet goodies. I've been looking for a new dry shampoo and one of my best friends got me one from Victoria's Secret and it smells heavenly. I also got a new facial wash and makeup wipes which I have been using constantly lately and they've definitely been helping my skin - Neutrogena's Fresh Foaming Cleanser and Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes. Urban Decay's Naked 3 Palette! All 12 colors in this palette are so well pigmented and absolutely stunning, Liar, Nooner, and Mugshot especially.

     Candles deserve their own category :) All 5 of these smell delicious! Japanese Cherry Blossom and Pumpkin Gingerbread are both from Bath & Body Works. They fill my room with such a lovely fragrance that wafts throughout my home. I'm not too sure what the candle farthest to the right is called, but it's a very tropical, sweet scent. The other two are from luminessence - gingerbread and cinnamon stick. They both are such warm and wintery scents.

     I got this gorgeous taupe/nude colored vest with a fur rimmed hood from the brand 'American Rag.' I've loved wearing it on top of flannels. The beautiful purple scarf is so soft and plush; it can be worn two ways - scarf and turban, both of which are wonderful. Finally, gloves! But not just any gloves, touch-screen gloves that can be used on your phone! Both of the ones in the picture are touch-screen which is super cool! I also got some fuzzy socks, of course!!

     I also got some yummy treats! Chocolate dipped pretzels, chocolate coins, hot chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate uh-oh! I'm also a big fan of tea! And I don't know if you can see in the first picture, but there is a green striped mug in the back with a man hanging from the rim. Another one of my amazing friends got me that mug and the little man called Mr. Tea. You put your tea inside his pants and he sits on your cup flavoring the water. So cool! My parents also got me a beautiful glass tea pot and diffuser which will definitely come in handy as I've recently been wanting to try new flavors!

     Thank you to all those who got me these glorious presents! I love and appreciate each and every one. I was definitely spoiled this year ;) So, thank you for bring such great people, I love you.

     Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you soon.

*computer hug*

Thank you.

Hello loves <3

     Merry Christmas! I hope all of you celebrating have had/are having the best time, surrounded by those who encourage you to be better at what you do.

     I'm taking today's Blogmas post, the last of Blogmas, as an opportunity to thank you all for supporting me and believing in me, I did not think I'd have so much fun connecting with people who read what I have to say and I didn't think I'd become so attached to this blog, but I am so glad I have.

     Thank you to Sophie from SophieAliceInWonderland for being the first person to ever comment on my blog. You are so talented and I just want to let you know that I was absolutely ecstatic when I saw your comment. I was amazed that you took the time to do so, and I am so happy to have found your blog.

     Thank you to Lauren from LoveHeartDoodles for welcoming me graciously into Beau Bloggers, You are fantastic at drawing and you will go far! I will support you every step of the way!

     Thank you to Izzy from IzzyK for welcoming me into Beau Bloggers and always leaving the sweetest comments on my posts; they always make me smile. You are so sincere in everything you say.

     Thank you to all of the Beau Bloggers for making this experience better than I ever imagined possible. I cherish your wonderful support and ideas. You are all unique in your own way, and are all talented, whether that's writing, makeup, art, anything and everything.

If you'd like to join Beau Bloggers, a wonderful group, just click the tab up top titled 'Beau Bloggers' next to my 'About Me' page!

     Thank you to my parents for supporting me on this journey. I know I can be stubborn and annoying at times when it comes to talking about and sharing information about my blog, but you're always there, so thank you.

     I love you all and hope you have the most amazing holiday :)x

     Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you soon.

*computer hug*

December's Almost Over?! - Blogmas Day 24

Hello loves <3

     I know I said this yesterday, but honestly, this month went by in a flash! It was just yesterday we were sitting around a table sharing what we were thankful for!

     For most of you, tonight is Christmas Eve. So, Merry Christmas Eve! Please leave as many comments as you'd like telling me any Christmas Eve and Christmas Day traditions you have. I'd love to know!

     I will be doing my "What I Got for Hanukkah" post probably Friday, the 26. If you guys do a post on what you guys got for the holidays, be sure to tell me!

     Anyway, I'd like to sign off by recalling my favorite things about December so far this year, and I encourage you to do so as well! I loved the sudden change from crisp air to cold air; I loved the transition in candle scents from pumpkins and cider to gingerbread and holly; I loved making gingerbread houses with my sisters; I loved seeing my friends' reactions as they opened their gifts; I loved being able to discover more blogs and expand my own!

     Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you soon.

*computer hug*

Happy Hanukkah! - Blogmas Day 23

Hello loves <3

     Sadly, Hanukkah has almost come to an end. I've had the best holiday ever. December has gone by so fast! We ate homemade doughnuts and latkes, lit candles each night, sang and prayed, and most importantly, spent time with family and truly appreciated what we have.

     I got to enjoy quality time with my family; we set up the lights outside and decorated inside. I got to come together with my community and rediscover the true meaning of Hanukkah. 

     I'd like to thank my family and friends for making everyday as bright as the candles lit on the menorah.

     Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you soon.

*computer hug*

DIY Santa's Sleigh Treat! - Blogmas Day 22

Hello loves <3

     Another DIY! I have to give creds to my best friend, who I also call Chummy, for this idea as this was one of my gifts from her. So today I'm showing you how to make Santa's sleigh out of chocolates and candy!

like my pj's and socks? ;)

Materials You Will Need:

• 2 big candy canes
• Mini santa chocolate
• Hershey's candy cane chocolate bar, or any full size bar
• Hershey's peppermint bark bells, or any small chocolates
• Swiss Miss hot cocoa packet, or any packet of your choice
• ribbon
• small plastic bag
• hot glue or tape

Step 1: Glue or tape hot chocolate packet to chocolate bar. For me, Chummy chose Swiss Miss Caramel Cream Hot Cocoa Mix which sounds so so yummy!

Step 2: Glue or tape both candy canes to the underneath of the chocolate bar

Step 3: Glue or tape - glue works better for this - the santa towards the front of the sleigh, near the curved part of the candy canes.

Step 4: Gather your small chocolates, Chummy used Hershey's Peppermint Bark Bells, which, by the way are delish! And either wrap them in the plastic and tie off with the ribbon, or seal them in the small plastic bag.

Step 5: Glue to the back of the sleigh/hot chocolate packet to look like Santa's sack of presents!

     And you're done! This is one of the cutest things I've ever received and I don't want to take it apart but the caramel hot chocolate sounds super good, not to mention the candy cane Hershey's bar! So, thank you Chummy!

     If you decide to make this, be sure to let me know with a comment with a link to a picture or the link to a blog post if you write one about it!

     Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you soon.

*computer hug*

Gifts $10 and Under - Blogmas Day 21

Hello loves <3

     It's only 4 days till Christmas and maybe, just maybe, some of you cheeky people haven't bought presents yet! Or maybe you're on a budget. No need to worry, I am here to help. Without further ado, here are some gifts for under $10!

1. Chocolate! You can never go wrong with a chocolate bar or two! Ghirardelli chocolate variety packs are around $3.50 and they come with different flavors so whoever you're giving it to can try whichever they'd like! The actual Ghirardelli chocolate bars are just $2.24! If whoever you're shopping for is not a big fan of Ghirardelli, there's Hershey's, KitKats, Snickers, Twix, Three Musketeers, and loads more for under $1! How much better can it get? Whatever type you get, I bet the person you're shopping for will love what ever type of chocolate it is, unless they don't like chocolate :/ In that case, candy!

2. Makeup brushes! You can find Real Techniques brushes anywhere! If you know a makeup fanatic, this is definitely the way to go! The 'Expert Face Brush,' which I've heard so many great reviews about, is $6.49; the 'Blush Brush' is $7.19; the 'Powder Brush' is $7.99. They have such wide range for great prices! I have the 'Lash and Brow Groomer' (only $3.19) and I use it every day, it's so handy!

3. Nail polish! There are so many high-quality brands for under $10, $5 as well! I am a big fan of Sinful Colors. It is the brand I own the most of! They have such a wide range of colors for every season and they are $1.98!! Not very expensive so you may think they're crappy quality but they are absolutely amazing! If you'd like to buy a more high-end polish, Essie polishes are $8.47 and they are great for nail art! Here are some beautiful and festive reds for the holiday season from both of those brands:

Sugar Sugar

Up's

4. Mini mason jar candles! I am a big fan of mason jars and I'm a big fan of candles, so these are perfect for me, and maybe for whoever you're shopping for! At Bath & Body Works they have an endless range of candles. I personally really like the mini mason jar candles as they last a long time and look really cute anywhere you put them. They are $4.50, and are also sold in bigger sizes but those are $12.50 as they are larger and last longer. Here are some of the minis. 

5. Lastly, socks! You can really never go wrong with socks... I just recently found some in Target that said "Bah Hum PUG" and I bought them for my friend as they reminded me of Zoe and Alfie's puppy, Nala :) They are regularly $5, but were half off! Fuzzy socks are especially great for winter as you don't want your footsies to get cold! 

     I hope this helped some of you if you're last minute shopping or on a budget! I know if I got any of these gifts I'd be so happy! If you have any other gift ideas under $10 put them in a comment!

     Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you soon.

*computer hug*