Birthdays Bring New Beginnings

So today is my birthday. A lot has changed over the past few months. I broke up with my guy and also moved to a new place. Moving has allowed me to have a fresh start. I'm single now and around brand new surroundings, and although the break up was really crappy, I've come to terms with it and am moving on. Since it's my birthday, I really want this new year to be great.

I celebrated my birthday this past weekend with my fab friends and had a blast! Good food and good company make me happy =) I'm lucky to have such supportive and caring friends. Also, thank you to all you bloggers for your unconditional support. You have made the past few months a lot more bearable and easier for me.

I hope turning a year older will make me wiser. Here's to an amazing, life changing year! I'm only looking ahead, there's no more turning back...

{images via here}

Sleep....What's That?

Wouldn't it be nice if we didn't have to sleep? Then we would really have 24 hours a day to do what we needed to do. Having that much time would be amazing!! But if you generally sleep 8 hours a night, that cuts down your day to 16 hours.

Sleep seems like such a waste a time, but too bad it's needed to function. I personally need at least 6-7 hours a night to function properly or else I'm like a walking zombie, and it's not a pretty sight!

I also can't bring myself to take naps regularly. I rarely take naps because I feel like I'm wasting time and my day.

Some of you may have read something like this, but here is what your sleeping position says about you (taken from flatseats):

Foetus

Those who curl up in the foetus position are described as tough on the outside but sensitive at heart. They may be shy when they first meet somebody, but soon relax. This is the most common sleeping position, adopted by 41% of the 1,000 people who took part in the survey. More than twice as many women as men tend to adopt this position.

Log

Lying on your side with both arms down by your side. These sleepers are easy going, social people who like being part of the in-crowd, and who are trusting of strangers. However, they may be gullible.

Yearner

People who sleep on their side with both arms out in front are said to have an open nature, but can be suspicious, cynical. They are slow to make up their minds, but once they have taken a decision, they are unlikely ever to change it.

Soldier

Lying on your back with both arms pinned to your sides. People who sleep in this position are generally quiet and reserved. They don't like a fuss, but set themselves and others high standards.

Freefall

Lying on your front with your hands around the pillow, and your head turned to one side. Often gregarious and brash people, but can be nervy and thin-skinned underneath, and don't like criticism, or extreme situations.

Starfish

Lying on your back with both arms up around the pillow. These sleepers make good friends because they are always ready to listen to others, and offer help when needed. They generally don't like to be the centre of attention.

Ok, enough of my ranting. Time to get ready to sleep...HAHA.

{images via withamymac, iahealth, ehow}

Beauty Secrets Unveiled!

Hello my lovies! I decided to share my must have facial beauty products. I live and die by them and don't know what I would do without them! Some of these products are pricey, but they last a while so it's worth it! Here is my daily ritual:

MORNING:
-Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel (This is so calming and gentle to my skin.)
-Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner (It says to spray it straight on your face, but I prefer to spray a few pumps onto a cotton round, and then put it on my face.)
-Bare Escentuals bareVitamins Skin Rev-er Upper (This is like a daily multi-vitamin for your skin and a great base before putting on makeup. Plus it absorbs into your skin almost instantly!)
-Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel (I use this sparingly if needed because the rev-er upper provides moisture already. I use the gel instead of the lotion because my skin is on the oilier side and the gel soaks up the oil a lot better.)

NIGHT:
-Dermalogica Precleanse (I LOVE this product because it totally removes all of my makeup (including mascara!) that the cleanser doesn't. It also helps clear away oil and dirt from my face and preps my face for the cleansing gel.)
-Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel with the Clarisonic (this is heaven sent!!)
-Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (This is an exfoliant that you can use everyday because it's so gentle and not abrasive AT ALL.)
-Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner (look above)
-Philosophy Help Me Retinol Treatment (This is a nighttime treatment that totally refreshes my face. It's so gentle and actually helps smooth and clear up my skin.)
-Eye Love Cucumber Soothing Eye Gel (This is gentle and soothing to my eyes. I just pat a small amount under my eyes and around my corners.)


A FEW TIMES A WEEK:
-Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque (I leave it on for about 10 minutes, then wash it off with warm water. It leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth like a baby's bottom =))


I also just started taking the Dr. Brandt Anti-Oxidant Water Booster:

One dropper full is supposed to be equivalent to 15 cups of decaffeinated green tea. It also includes white tea and grapeseed extract. All you have to do is put 1 dropper full into 8 oz. of water everyday. I've been taking it for about a week, but I'm kind of skeptical because how can one teensy drop really be the same as drinking 15 cups of green tea? Have any of you tried this before? I hope I didn't just waste my money! But as they say, beauty comes from within right?

It comes in blueberry, pomegranate, green apple, and original. I currently have the blueberry flavor. It's not the best tasting thing in the world, but it's not horrible either.

I hope you all enjoyed reading about my beauty products. This feels like a free advertisement for Dermalogica, haha. But I really don't know what I would do without these products!

{images via howstuffworks, phytolife, glow}

I'M STILL HERE!!!

Hello blogger world!! I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm still alive, don't worry ;) .....

I've just been super busy the last few weeks with work starting up again. It's been a crazy and tiring last few weeks, but I hope to put up a new post this weekend. Sorry I've been so MIA lately. Forgive me!! I've missed all of you terribly and can't wait to catch up on all of your blogs soon!!

Until then, XOXO!! =)

{image via flickr}

LASIK, Here I Come!!!

So it's official. I went in for a consultation a couple weeks ago and was found to be a good candidate for Lasik. I was stuck wearing glasses for the past 2 weeks (oh so annoying!) to prepare for Lasik. This was a huge struggle for me because I practically live in my contacts. But I will be finally getting Lasik tomorrow!!!

I'm kind of nervous and freaked out about it...

{image via team sugar}

But my fiance got it done a few years ago, and he said it was one of the best decisions he made. Thank goodness he will be coming with me tomorrow because I'm going to be a nervous wreck. The doctor said that they could give me some valium to help control my nerves (YES PLEASE!). He said it will be like drinking a martini, haha. I hope everything goes well. It will be so awesome to just wake up and see clearly without having to fumble for my glasses or contacts!

I might not be able to blog for a few days after I get the Lasik done because my eyes may be super sensitive, so sorry in advance if I'm MIA with blogging!

Wish me luck guys, and I hope to catch up on all your blogs soon!! xoxo

{image via photobucket}

P.S. Don't forget the Project Runway season premiere is tonight!!! Also, just a reminder that it's not on Bravo anymore but on Lifetime. My DVR is already set to go, and I can't wait! I thought the day would never come. Tim Gunn, I've missed you! Hopefully the designers "MAKE IT WORK!" this season.

Born Again?

FYI, this is going to be more of a serious post...

The fiance and I went to church today for the first time in a long time (we're talking years). We kept saying we would go to church, but we kept talking about it instead of actually doing it. Well, today was finally the day that we actually went, and it was amazing.

Let me first start by explaining my religious experiences growing up. As a girl, my parents would "force" me to go to church every Sunday against my will, and I hated going. I felt like it was a chore and not what I wanted to do. I didn't really take going to church seriously and just saw it as a place to hang out with friends.

But just recently, I realized I was missing something in my life. It didn't feel complete and like something was missing. I didn't feel completely fulfilled, and I realized that it was because I did not have a relationship with God, and I really needed to have one. My fiance has a closer relationship to God than I do, but neither of us are anywhere near where we want to be. And we feel like if we have that spiritual connection it will bring us even closer to each other too.

Even after going to church just one time already made me feel more fulfilled, and as crazy as it may seem, I could really feel God's love and could feel his presence while I was there. It felt so REAL! The sermon was inspiring, and I was just touched by everything. I think it was different this time because I wanted to go to church on my own terms and really seek God and start a relationship with him.

My fiance and I agreed that we would continue to go to church every Sunday and maintain a relationship with God together. I'm excited for this journey ahead, and I can't wait to grow closer to him...

Thanks for reading my rambling ;)

Things You Didn't Know Until Now...

So I was tagged by Under Lock and Key, Everyday Delights, and Late Afternoon to do this, but I haven't gotten around to it until now. Sorry this is so late ladies, but better late than never right? ;)

So here are 10 things about me. Enjoy reading! Maybe we have some things in common ;)

1) I've traveled to all 50 states in the U.S. except for Hawaii and Alaska.
While I was growing up, my parents and I would travel to different places during my winter and summer vacations. I've been north, south, east, west, all over. I've roughed it up camping as well as stayed in nice hotels. Maybe that's why I still love traveling to this day. I would love to go to Hawaii and Alaska sometime soon.

{image via Weekly Writer}


2) I can justify spending a lot of money on handbags, but when it comes to spending money on shoes, I can't bear to spend more than like $200.
I don't know what it is. Maybe it's because handbags seem more useful to me and more versatile but shoes aren't as much. The most expensive handbag I have is close to $1000, but with shoes, the most expensive I have aren't even $200. Funny, huh?

{image via Sparkle N Dazzle Co.}


3) I'm kind of anal when it comes to certain things, and I cannot procrastinate for the life of me...even when I try to!
If there is something that I need to do, I won't put it off until the last minute. Even when I try to, I keep thinking about it and obsessing over it until I finish it. Even during school, there was no such thing as pulling all nighters for me because I got things done in advance. Hmm....I guess that makes me a bit of a loser and maybe kind of OCD? =P

{image via cafe press}


4) I love anything pink.
When I was little, I was a tomboy and hated the color pink. Blue was my favorite color back then, but as I got older and I guess "girlier", I was drawn more to the color pink. Now it's my favorite color. I'm not really into hot pink, but more of the pastel pink. Funny how getting older changes your perspective on things.

{image via Steven Gambrel}


5) I can eat like a champ.
Even though I'm only 110 pounds, I eat like I'm 300 pounds. Sometimes I even outeat my fiance! I guess I've been blessed with a high metabolism (insert hateful comments here)

{image via AARP}


6) When I'm stressed out or upset about something, I don't overeat, I SHOP!!!
Shopping is so therapeutic for me. It helps me feel better and relieves stress. This is not a good habit though because I tend to overspend, esp. online when I should be saving money! Oh, and not to mention I'm a total sucker for sales.

{image via Creative Class}


7) Reality shows and magazines are my guilty pleasure.
I just love reality shows. I think it's because my life feels dull sometimes so I love to live vicariously through other people. I also subscribe to People magazine and used to subscribe to US Weekly. Yes, I'm guilty.

{image via e-how}


8) I love trying out new restaurants.
Some people I know love to stick to the same old routine and get the same thing on the menu every time, but I like to mix it up a little and entertain my palette. Yes, sometimes it's a miss, but sometimes it's a hit and I love that I took that risk to try something new. I guess you can say that I'm somewhat of a foodie.

{image via Eater}


9) I'm a sucker for chick flicks.
I don't discriminate other movie genres, but when it comes to chick flicks, I have to watch them whether in the theater, on TV, or through Netflix. I just love romance and those grand gestures boys do for girls. Yes, I'm a hopeless romantic. My all-time favorite:

{image via Reel Life Wisdom}


10) Even though I'm a girly girl, I love watching sports!!!
I esp. love watching basketball and football. They are so fun and exciting. My fiance appreciates this so much because he loves watching sports as well, so when he wants to watch, we don't have to fight over the remote because I will gladly watch with him. A lot of guys are impressed when they find this out about me because I look like a typical girly girl who wouldn't watch sports. I even do fantasy football and basketball. Surprising, I know.


{image via frontierok}


Ok, phew, there's my list. Thanks for reading! I tag anyone who wants to do this too.

Tickling My Senses

Fellow bloggeristas (sorry, I couldn't come up with a better name, haha),

I added a text box on the left side of my blog called "Tickling My Senses". I'll periodically update you on what I'm up to so all of you can be in the know. Maybe some of you will be "tickling your senses" in the same way I am! Love you all xoxo



{image via notusweekly}

A few of my favorite things...

I posted this about a month ago, but at the time I was just starting up my blog. Since more of you are my lovely "blog friends", I thought you might be interested in getting to know me better and some of the things I enjoy. Here goes....

• Lazy weekends
• Anything pink
• Great fitting jeans
  
  
• Bright colored nail polish
  
  
• Bright colored scarves
  
  
• Chunky, long necklaces
  
  
• Watching snow fall
  
  
• Curling up in bed with a good book
  
  
• Wine and sushi
  
  
• Warm summer nights
  
  
• The smell of freshly washed laundry
  
  
• Looking at an empty hamper after just doing laundry
  
  
• Witty and selfless people
  
  
• Listening to the sound of waves
  
  
• Snuggling up by the fireplace
  
  
• The feeling of satisfaction after accomplishing something difficult
  
  
• Walk-in closets
  
  
• Cupcakes
• Chocolate covered strawberries
  
  
• Brunch
  
  
• Pastel colors
  
  
• Cosmos
  
  
• Bubble baths with candles
  
  
• Lilies, orchids, and daisies
  
  
• Sunsets
  
  
• Driving with no destination in mind
  
  
• France and Italy
  
  
• Traveling
  
  
• The feeling of sand in between my toes
  
  
• Walks on the beach
  
  
• Buying something on sale
  
  
• Wearing something for the first time after I get it
  
  
• Date nights
  
  
• GNOs
  
  
• Eating outside on a patio
  
  
• Kisses on the forehead
  
  
• Burt's Bees chapstick
  
  
• My guilty pleasures: gossip mags and reality TV