The I'm Trying and Here's Why Tag

I absolutely love the concept of this tag. This tag was created by my good friend Izzy, over on Izzy K and could there be a more perfect self-love tag than this? And let's be honest, we all need to be more proficient in self-love. I think the majority of people I talk to struggle with this and I know I'm in the same boat. We place a lot more pressure on ourselves to do everything and be everything when in reality, we are amazing just doing what we do.

The Rules of the Tag

The aim of the tag is to give yourself credit where credit is due, especially if you feel your hard work is being taken for granted. The rules of the tag are quite simple. Basically, all you need to do is write down a list of things that you try really hard at, and explain why they take a lot of effort to accomplish. Don't worry about sounding cocky or like you're exaggerating, just say how you feel and let it out. Explain your efforts to the world because it's about time that we praise ourselves for our hard work.

1. I keep my household running. It's true. While I am one of the lucky people who has an amazing husband, things would not get done without me being there to instruct, support and carry out. Even if my husband is cooking, I plan out dinner. I make sure everything is de-thawed, chopped, stocked and can be found. I'm pretty sure we'd starve if it wasn't for me.

2. I might as well have 3 full-time jobs. I work 40 hours a week at what I guess I would classify as my real job. I'm also partners in a coffee shop that's opening up another one at the end of February. It's not all making fun drinks and talking to customers. There's the matter of inventory, accounting, marketing, employees and a whole other slew of stuff that comes from owning your own business. Rewarding? Yes. Hard work? Definitely! My husband and I also own rental properties. Have you ever had tenants? I like to equate it to a room full of elementary aged children whom you are expecting to be adults. We get constant excuses as to why rent is late, calls at 2 in the morning because they've locked themselves out (not, technically, our responsibility) and hissy fits when we have to be stern. I just want to note that these are, in fact, legal adults that we rent to.

3. Blogging. While I don't consider blogging a job, rather a hobby that I truly love, it is a lot of work. Trying to figure out how to be a photographer, social networker, web designer and writer is sometimes completely overwhelming. Since February, when I started my blog, I've posted fairly consistently and I can say I'm truly proud of that as I can think of a million excuses why I wouldn't have had the time to (see above).

4. I'm a good daughter, sister, wife, and friend. It's true, I am. I am often concerned about others to the point where I will completely disregard my own needs in order to help out my loved ones. I don't regret this, not one bit, because my loved ones are what's most important in my life. 

5. I'm a positive person. This sounds relatively simple, but as we all know, it's not always easy being the person who sees the bright side of things. I feel like one thing I'm really, really good at is seeing the bright spot in a dark day. 

I mean, I could just go on and on because I'm really a great person, but I don't want to bore you. I kid, the truth is that we all need to be a little bit more nice to ourselves and if the only way to do that comes in the form of a tag, then I highly encourage you all to give this a go. It's nice to be nice to yourself! XO

The Power of Perspective

I've been thinking a lot lately about how the way we think ultimately impacts everything in our lives. In light of it being a new year, I've read countless resolutions and goals on positivity and this is something that truly makes me happy. With all the craziness that this world thrusts upon each and every one of us, wishing to live with a positive attitude is certainly admirable. If you're like me, though, it's easy to want to achieve the end goal, but on a day to day basis it's quite difficult to attain if you don't set any steps for yourself. As I blogged about in a previous post, it becomes instinctive to think the worst of anything that doesn't go our way and our perspective can sway any situation, whether positively or negatively. For example, if you follow me on Instagram, you'll have seen that I've had quite a few posts lately complaining about my train being late. Since this is my main mode of transportation, it's a part of my daily life. When things become a daily routine or habit it's easy for our natural reactions to them to be negative. Oh great, the train is late, again. Instead, I never think about that extra time I have, all to myself, before I head home to my long list of other commitments. Sure, it's never fun to get home an hour late, or to stay up later than anticipated because I still have to get through my other obligations. However, I constantly complain about never having time to do something I enjoy, like read. Obviously, what I view as a negative can easily be turned into a positive, say, by using that extra hour to enjoy some quiet reading. A shift in perspective can make all the difference when it comes to the small things, and the small things add up into big things, which can make small negatives become a big positive. I challenge each of you this week to think differently about one event, be it a daily task or maybe something that just didn't work out right. If you truly believe that everything happens for a reason (as I definitely do) it's easy to look for the positive in any situation.

Leave me a comment telling me of a time when your perspective helped (or hindered) a situation! Let's make this a positive week! XO

City Color Timeless Beauty Gold Palette

I don't know if it's the dream of warm weather, but when I saw this palette I pictured all the bronze goddess summer looks it would create and I just had to get it. I've been interested in City Color as a brand lately, because I've had such great luck with the two products I've tried and because they are really, really affordable. This palette definitely does not disappoint. It retails at $18 which is on the pricier side of the labels products, but it's a good size and you get 12 shadows and 3 huge bronze (blush) shades. After swatching the palette I'm impressed with the quality and pigmentation of the shadows, especially the bronze shades, and the bronze/blush colors are absolutely stunning. I can see myself getting a lot of use out of this palette this summer.

 

I love the golden green eyeshadow, it's such a gorgeous addition to the bronzey neutral shadows that make up the rest of the palette. The three bronzer/blushes are super pigmented and really gorgeous. I would say if you are looking to try something from the range this is definitely in my top picks. Check out my post on the contour palette from City Color if you're interested in another great product.

Have you guys tried anything by City Color?

Find the Gold Palette here

January 2016 Goals

 While I did make a few resolutions for the year, I've found it much easier to actually accomplish my goals when I specifically make smaller ones each month. I did really well for the month of December, crazy as it was, and actually accomplished every single goal. I went on a date with my hubs, had a day to myself and we even managed to get Christmas cards out this year. Go us! Now onto a fresh new month!

1. Get on my spin bike 3 times a week - While the last few months have been spent winding down from my big bike relay, the next few months will be critical in conditioning for the new season. I already have commitments for rides that start in June and go on through July so I've got to get myself back into riding shape. I always like to start small so I know I'll stick with it, and 3 times a week is really reasonable.

2. Eat better - Now that the holidays are over and I've gorged beyond belief, it's time to crack down and get my body ready for a busy year. I read recently, that you should treat your food as energy for your body. Your body needs proteins and vitamins and even healthy fats in order to keep up with our busy lifestyles and I definitely need to get back on track.

3. Plan out my blog year - Towards the end of the year I was much better organized as far as blog posts went, and I hope to keep that up into the new year. I also want to schedule some classes to better utilize my equipment for blogging, so I'm going to try to keep on top of all that.

4. Better utilize my time - Since I am so busy and one of my priorities this year is to spend as much time with loved ones as possible, I am trying to get more organized as far as time management. While I'm always on the go I have some down time during commuting and in between meetings, etc, that I want to utilize better by doing blog work or other projects I have going so that I can spend my time at home really focusing on family.

A lot of my goals for this month are about getting more organized and fit, which is always something I'm working on. What do you guys want to accomplish this month?

The Revlon Love Collection

I love a good bargain. You guys know this by now. And even though it's only the first part of the brand new year, I can honestly say this might be the steal of the year. I purchased this Revlon Love Collection at Ross. The original price was $19.99, which in itself is quite a good deal, but it was discounted at Ross for $9.99. Now if you know anything about Revlon, you know this is pretty much the cost of one lip product. I got 5 in this set. Five. If you like Revlon then seriously run to your local Ross and find this set!

 The first product in this set is a Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in the shade Kissable Pink. I love the formula on this lipstick and the cool toned light pink shade

This next product is a Super Lustrous gloss in the shade Pinkissimo. It's a pretty light pink gloss, similar in shade to the lipstick.

This Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm in Flirtatious is one of my favorites of the bunch I have a few of the matte balms but have never tried the Lacquer Balms. I love the gorgeous dark pink shade.

This Colorburst Matte Balm in the shade Showy is so pretty. It's super cool toned, with a purple tinge to it. The matte balms are really comfortable to wear and one of my favorite matte formulas.

This last product was really exciting because I love the Revlon Lip Butters. This is in the shade Berry Smoothie and is a nice berry pink color. The formula on these lip butters are so moisturizing, which will be great in this freezing weather!

My favorite part about this set is the range of colors you get. While they're all pinks, they are all very different in color and consistency which makes this set perfect for any lip lover. The colors are all very wearable, with both glossy and matte finishes. I seriously cannot believe what a steal this set was, I'm literally patting myself on the back for finding this one.

What's been your favorite bargain you've ever found?

New Year Tag

It's a New Year guys, which is always a great time for reflection and for looking forward to another (hopefully) great year. Lets make some plans and have the best year yet!

What is one of your favorite memories from last year? I'd have to say starting my blog in February. It's almost been one full year and I've learned so much. I'm so grateful I was able to put one of my dreams into motion this last year.

What was one New Year's resolution you accomplished? Honestly, I don't remember specifically any resolutions I made so that pretty much answers the question.

Three words to describe last year. Positive. Happy. Busy.

Favorite song from last year. Meghan Trainor ft. John Legend's Like I'm Gonna Lose You. So good.

Something you are looking forward to this coming year? Opening our second coffee shop and continuing learning more about blogging. So many crazy things going on!

What did last year teach you? That I have a lot more drive, commitment and willpower than I ever gave myself credit for.

What was your most worn clothing item of last year? Black booties...pretty much the same every year. I live in them year round.

If you had to sum up your year in one word what would it be? Amazing.

What are you hoping more for this coming year? I'm hoping to continue growing and learning in all aspects of my life and, as always, spending more time with family.

What are you hoping for less of this year? Negative energy. There is so much going on in this world, we really don't need to add anymore negativity into it all.

What is your upcoming resolutions for the New Year? To spend more quality time with the people I love, that is number 1. There are more but that is the most important.

This was a fun tag to do. It helped me reflect on the old year while bringing in the new one. Hopefully it's full of love, happiness and laughter for each and every one of you! If you do this tag let me know in the comments! XO

That New Years Glow

 Lets be honest, every girl loves a little sparkle for the New Year. Whether that be a full on sequin dress or a little sparkle along the cheeks we all love a little something extra during this festive time of year. I got this Laura Geller highlight trio over the holiday and it's perfect for that party glow.

The first highlight in the trio is French Vanilla. It's a true highlight in the sense that it's a sheer sheen, no noticeable color, just a pretty sparkle for the cheek.

The second highlight is in Golden Rose. You may be thinking it looks oddly similar to French Vanilla. It is. While these highlights are gorgeous, glowy, super soft and smooth, they are all, sadly, similar in pigmentation. This has a slight pink sheen to it but it's just a very slight variation.

The last in the trio is Portofino, no doubt the most popular of the bunch. This one is similar to the first two, but it does have a more golden tone to it. Definitely my personal favorite of the bunch.

I think these are all gorgeous highlights and while I do wish the pigmentation was slightly more varied, they are really great quality. You can purchase the set for $15 (a real bargain, in my opinion) here.

What are you guys going to sparkle in on New Years?