I've got a few different new makeup products recently. Well, actually some of them I've had for a few months, but I haven't posted about them yet, so I wanted to go ahead now!
I saw a makeup tutorial online awhile ago that used white eyeliner. I researched white eyeliner online, and I found this cheap $5 white eyeliner from Sephora. I figured that for $5 I might as well try it, and I really like it now! I only used a little bit of it on the edge of my eye closest to my tear duct, and it really just brightens the inner corner of my eye. I love it! I think it's a great bargain buy too.
This was actually one of my mom's buys, but I still use it :) I absolutely love Urban Decay's Primer Potions, and I have a small tube of the Original that I fell in love with awhile ago. This shade, Eden, is so neat though. It does the same thing as the Original - prevents creasing. BUT, it has a really pretty gold shimmer to it. I wouldn't want to use it everyday, but every once in awhile it's fun because it is so shimmery. You can wear it alone or layer some eyeshadow on top.
I also heard about this concealer online, and since I didn't have any kind of concealer, I went ahead and tried this. I like how it has SPF 35 in it, and all around I think it's a pretty good long wearing concealer. It's a little pricey, but I've been using it everyday for a few months now, and I've barely scratched the surface. I think it will last me a long time!
I LOVE this new lipgloss! It's really sparkly, and it comes in a bunch of colors. I think the one I have is on the right, but there are even more than just these 3 colors. Sometimes it's so hard to find a good lipgloss, but I like the formula of this one. It also has a little bit of a fruity smell to it that's nice and not overpowering. I hate it when lipgloss smells cheap and fake! Victoria's Secret actually has a whole new line of lip products including Shiny, Color, and Glossy, which I bet are really good too!
The last few days have been crazy! I thought it was going to be a relaxing weekend, but it was pretty much the exact opposite!
On Thursday night my school had our annual Open House. I worked it as I have done for the past 3 years. It was SO weird knowing that this was my last time to give tours!
When I got home from that, I had cake pops I needed to work on. One of the girls in my grade asked if I would make cake pops for her that were Cross Country themed. She runs Cross Country and had a meet that she was going to watch on Saturday. At first I had NO idea what to do for Cross Country cake pops. They ended up turning out pretty cute though I think.
The running figure was my favorite!
I was off school on Friday so my mom and I went out to the mall for a little bit in the morning. It wouldn't be a day off school if I didn't go shopping with my mom!
Macy's even has all of their Christmas stuff out which makes me SO happy!
We didn't have a whole lot if time at the mall because my mom had to go to work at 3. So I headed out myself to run some errands.
The main things I had to pick up were supplies for Halloween cake pops! I also had some other gifts to get. I thought it was funny how I spent over $80 and only $15 was really spent on something for me (a new holiday cake pop book!). I've decided I need to do that more though - I need to get better at giving gifts even if it's for no real reason!
This was my cart at Target - I felt like with food and gifts I should be a mom and not a teenager :)
The loot - ha!
When I got home I started working on my cake pops. I had a lot to make - for the Halloween ones alone I made a batch and a half (around 75 cake pops) because I have a bunch of people I want to give them to this week!
I worked Friday night and Saturday morning to get them done. I ended up doing a bunch of different ones. Some of the designs were suggestions from the kids I babysit. Let me tell you, they have an eye for detail and have some excellent ideas! I know they're going to be thrilled when I bring them a bunch of cake pops tomorrow because they've been asking me about them for weeks!
I ended up making witches...
...owls...
...mummies...
...jack-o-lanterns...
...spiders...
...and ghosts!
I made my first ever cake pop bouquet too! I've envisioned a cute little bouquet of cake pops before, but I'd never actually tried it out. Well I finally did! My cousin Erin got married last weekend and her and her husband came back from their honeymoon today. So I made them some cake pops as a surprise for when they got home!
The bouquet was SO easy, but I think they'll love it.
I even got some cute confetti to put in the bottom of the bucket!
All of my finished cake pops! I figured out that in the past week I have made over 100 cake pops. I don't think I've ever made so many at one time :)
Then last night I went out to dinner with my family at Newport and spent some time in the bookstore. I didn't do anything with my friends this weekend because I feel like I've just been too busy with so much other stuff - baking, college scholarship applications, and homework. I'm tired just thinking about it again - ha!
Today I've been trying to get caught up on all of my homework, and then I also got to babysit this cutie! I seriously love babysitting her because she's just so sweet. I would be playing with her, and she would just walk up and give me a hug :)
I'm pretty sure we play peek-a-boo every time I watch her.
Tonight was spent doing more baking - ha! I have my final class for my Cake Decorating Course tomorrow, so we have to bring our own cakes for that. I took this picture because this is what I've been looking like all weekend - wearing my apron!
We also managed to carve our pumpkin tonight as well. We decided on Winnie the Pooh - no scary pumpkins around here :)
This is going to be another busy week, but I'm SO looking forward to it. I've got my cake decorating class tomorrow, dinner with my family on Tuesday, Halloween on Wednesday, and a family party on Friday! I also got TWO new cake pop orders today - I've never received 2 in one day. One is for my cousin's birthday party on Friday, but the other one is from someone I don't even KNOW! She knows one of my friends who I've made cake pops for, so my friend Danielle passed my info along to her. I was literally so excited when I saw that email. My goal all along has been to get an order from someone I don't know, and I accomplished that goal tonight!
I can't believe how fast my little cake pop business has grown. Just in the last few weeks alone I've gotten more orders than I have in months. I'm praising God tonight that my prayers have been answered, even if they're just simple ones about cake pops :)
It's been a few weeks since I participated in What I'm Loving Wednesday, so I thought I would today!
I'm loving that the weather has been beautiful the last few days!
I'm loving that I get out of school early today - yay!
I'm loving that I'm completely off school on Friday - I can't wait for a 3 day weekend.
I'm loving these quotes I saw on Pinterest the other day. Every once in awhile, I just like to look through the quotes category on Pinterest for some inspirational words.
I'm loving that I carried the weekend wedding theme into Sunday by getting Wedding Cake ice cream at Orange Leaf and watching 27 Dresses. I have a serious wedding problem!
I'm loving the way my Senior Project is turning out so far. I'll have to do an updated post soon. But so far I love my mentor and my vision for my final presentation. I also have an interview with a local cupcakery tonight that I can't wait for!
I'm loving this picture I took of Coco and I - it looks like she's smiling in it!
And last but not least, I'm loving the fact that I got another cake pop order yesterday from a girl I go to school with. I can't begin to express how happy I am that my little cake business seems to be booming lately!
I hope you all have a fabulous Wednesday and rest of the week :)
I've got a different kind of post for you today! I was contacted a few weeks ago by Anya Sarre about doing a guest post on my blog. She's a fashion stylist who has been featured on Entertainment Tonight, The Insider, and the STYLE network. She is also a stylist for ShoeDazzle, where she works with Kim Kardashian and other celebrity stylists. So neat!
Every woman knows that
when you look good, you feel good. The best way to get to a state of looking
good is to start with feeling good about what you are wearing. Fall is the
perfect time to allow fashionable clothing and accessories to accentuate the
inner beauty you already possess. Express yourself with traditional and
contemporary fashion trends this fall! See how the right outfit can send your
self-confidence and sense of self-image through the roof!
When it comes to autumn
this year, all eyes are on the latest arrivals to the catwalk and the red
carpet. Models, actresses and performers of all sorts are imitating the
changing of the leaves with vibrant red and orange hues paired with simple
black and white accents. If the brightness of crimson and orange seems
overwhelming as the primary color for a full-length maxi dress or a long pair
of skinny jeans, try a more neutral base spiced up with accents of these iconic
fall hues. Sport a shorter dress in black and white print and pair with a
flashy plum purple belt, creating a head turning look with two of this fall's
most wearable and fashionable style elements.
Another of the season's
most popular fashion trends is the easy-to-wear, go-anywhere Bohemian print
dress. This style, often paired with flowing, breezy synthetic textures and
natural cotton, is one that fits any body type. Natural hues and paisley prints
bring to mind the carefree feeling and earthy warmth of autumn while the
vibrancy of pattern is evocative of swirling leaves and change. For a more
casual look, pair a Bohemian print top with white or deep brown leggings and
bangle bracelets. Work your look from the ground up with the perfect pair of shoes and finish off with strappy flats or a simple
wedge.
Tartan plaid is another
one of the most sought-after styles of the fall season this year. Following in
the footsteps of the undeniably vivid red theme, this timeless look revels in
the boldness and vivacity of black and crimson. Pair a heavy, over sized plaid
sweater with a black pencil skirt and you've got a classic look that never goes
out of style.
If you are one of the
many women who loves to dress up but prefers a more demure look, this fall
offers a bevy of options perfect for you. The simple, pale gray dress is in
this autumn season, drawing more attention to the grace of the feminine form
than to the garment itself. For the cooler nights in fall, have fun with
patterned tights and ankle boots, both of which pair exceptionally well with
the simplicity of this must-have autumn outfit.
Just a few of these fall
fashion essentials in your wardrobe will have you looking and feeling like a
new woman. Mix, match and have fun with the season and the incredible style
trends it brings.
...............................................
Thanks so much Anya! I hope you all enjoyed this post and will try out some of these fall fashion trends yourself!
My cousin Erin got married yesterday! It was so much fun, especially since we had been looking forward to it for a long time, and we got to party a lot this past week. I can't wait to tell you all about it. Be prepared - this may be the longest post in the history of my blog!
Erin met Dan around 6 or 7 years ago, and he was her junior year prom date. They've been together ever since, and we all knew it was just a matter of time before they got married. Since they've been together for awhile now, I feel like Dan is one of my cousins rather than just my cousin's husband!
I have really only been to 2 weddings that I remember before theirs - my cousins Jenny and Melissa got married years ago, so it had been awhile since I'd really been to a wedding. And although I remember having a lot of fun at their weddings, this one was just SO much fun. I think that's because I'm a lot older now and I understand the whole wedding thing a whole more. I also feel like I'm pretty close to both Erin and Dan, so that made the day that much more meaningful.
Erin and Dan have invited me over for pizza parties and bonfires before, so I know a lot of their friends as well - weddings are a lot more fun when you know a lot of people there!
Overall, the wedding was so enjoyable - I love both Erin and Dan so much, and I can't believe they're finally married :)
So here's my recap (and lots of pictures!) on all the fun we've had the last few days:
On Thursday night my parents and I were invited to Dan's parent's house for a bonfire party. I actually didn't go out to the bonfire since all the women mostly stayed inside :) It was fun being able to talk to everyone before the actual wedding. It gave me a little bit more time to talk to Erin and Dan that I didn't have at the rehearsal or wedding!
Friday was the big rehearsal and rehearsal dinner! We got to go since I was a Eucharistic Minister and my dad was doing a reading.
I loved Erin's dress!
Dinner was at a new restaurant downtown - the Moerlein Lager House. It was absolutely amazing! If I was getting married, I think I would want my rehearsal dinner there. The room overlooked downtown Cincinnati, and the food was absolutely amazing. They had this blueberry cobbler for dessert that was to die for!
When I woke up Saturday morning I couldn't believe the day was finally there! They got engaged about a year and a half ago, and I've been looking forward to this day ever since then. It was also exciting because I had got to be somewhat involved in the wedding stuff over the last year - I went with Erin when she found her dress, I went to her shower, and the bachlorette party!
We also got the task of picking up lunch for the girls since they were getting ready at my aunt's house. So we got to go over, have lunch with them, and hang out some in the afternoon too!
Maids of honor - my cousins Jessica and Melissa
Jessica, Melissa, and Melissa's boyfriend Mike
The dress!
The beautiful bride and I :)
The flowers got delivered while we there too.
The party bus! I loved the official looking driver.
How awesome is the inside of this bus?!?
We were having so much fun in here!
Erin, Annie, and Carrie
Jessica's boyfriend Max, my mom, and I
They had a light show setting where the ceiling changed colors and different lasers flashed around!
The parents of the bride - my Aunt Linda and Uncle Jim
We headed home to get ready while the wedding party went to take pictures. It was raining off and on, which was kind of a bummer, but I think it cleared up a little bit so they could take some pictures outside. Aside from the rain, it was a pretty fall day!
As I was getting ready, I of course had to turn on my Wedding/Love Songs playlist. Yes, I have a wedding problem/obsession :)
We took some pictures at home before we left for the big event!
We picked up my grandma and drove her too.
We were one of the first ones there, which was fun because we got to see the wedding party arrive!
My Grandma and Aunt Linda
I loved the flowers!
My cousins Brandon and Hannah
Then it was time for the actual ceremony to start!
My dad escorted my Grandma down the aisle.
My Uncle Jim and Aunt Linda - Erin's parents
Lighting the candles
Dan with his best men waiting to get married!
Wedding party waiting for Erin to walk down the aisle - I love how you can tell that Dan is moving his head to look down the aisle for Erin!
Erin looked SO pretty!
Groom and bride :)
My dad doing the second reading - ha!
Lighting the unity candle
My aunt, uncle, and cousins brought up the offitory.
Finally married!
New Mr. & Mrs.
Love how they're both looking at the camera on this one!
I admit I did get a little emotional during the wedding. I don't know what it is, but weddings always make me cry. I cry watching people get married in movies. But since I know these 2 so well, it made me even more emotional. I'm just so happy for them!
After the mass, we stuck around for pictures, and I got a few with my phone :)
Even though the lighting is a little off since I took this with my phone, I love this picture!
The whole wedding party
Then it was time for some fun! The reception was at a hall called the Meadows. It was a really pretty venue.
My Aunt Judy, her friend Carol, and I. This is a funny story - my Aunt Judy is my mom's sister, but Erin is my cousin on my dad's side of the family. My Aunt Judy was there because she just so happens to be really good friends with Dan's parents. They go on vacations together all the time. Small world!
Instead of just having 1 cake, they had 5! Each one was a different flavor, and they were SO good. I had the pleasure of trying 4 out of the 5 flavors - ha! I got to try the chocolate, caramel, spice, and strawberry ones.
The bride and groom!
Wedding party
Hannah and Brandon
The toasts were excellent too. Dan's best man Greg gave a speech....
Parents listening to the speeches
.....and Melissa and Jessica did a speech together. They did a fantastic job, and even sang part of Hakuna Matata!
Cutting the cake
They stood there like this for a little while - I think they were both afraid that the other one was going to smash it in their face :)
In the end, there was no face cake smashing!
Jessica and I
I love this picture of me with the bride and 1 of the maids of honor (I don't know where Melissa was!).
Erin and Dan's first dance was so sweet. They danced to the song "A Thousand Years" by Christian Perri. I love the lyrics to that song - perfect for their first dance!
The father daughter dance was next. I had never heard the song before (and I don't remember what it was), but the lyrics were sweet and fitting for the father daughter dance!
I love how they're both smiling at each other in this one!
If you look closely on this one, you can see Erin's ring sparkling!
Then the dance floor was opened to everyone. We all pretty much stayed out on the dance floor the rest of the night. So fun!
My little cousin Brandon was a dancing fool out there! He just kept doing the splits.
Brandon and I danced together during one of the slow songs - ha!
My Aunt Maria and Uncle Jay
My dad and I
My Aunt Linda and Dan - ha!
Melissa and Mike
Overall, I had SO much fun at this wedding. I loved how I could just tell that Erin and Dan were so happy yesterday and so in love. I think that's what makes me so emotional at weddings. Just the fact that God hand picks the perfect person for you to spend your life with is just amazing to me, and gets to me every time I think about it. I hope on my wedding day I can be as happy as Erin and Dan were yesterday!
I know I'm going to fall asleep tonight feeling thankful beyond belief. Thankful that I have such a great family. Thankful that true love really does exist in this world. And thankful that I have a God who can bring 2 people together like marriage does!
