10.12.2021

Fall Makeup Musthaves: Back to Basics

Sometimes I forget how much I love makeup, but truly, the allure of hunting for a specific product everyone is hyping up on YouTube is just so thrilling sometimes. My best friend and I would run to CVS in middle school for the next EOS lip balm flavor or Mane and Tail shampoo. There's something so comforting about drugstore makeup and it's just as good if not better than some of the higher end products I've used before. 

The first tried and true product, one that I always pick up when I run out, is the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer which saves me when I'm on the run and don't have the time to fix or prep and oh look I'm out the door! This concealer does wonders and half the time I don't use any other face makeup with it. 

This next one was a recent addition, but one that I cannot live without anymore! I'm all about achieving that "JLo Glo" and the Wet 'n' Wild MegaGlo highlighter is my go-to. I used this throughout high school and college. It's the creamiest pearlescent highlighter I've ever used! 
Walking on Eggshells was thee palette I used when I didn't want to "waste" my Tarte palette for every day wear. Smooth, creamy, with just a tad bit of fallout to smoke it out a bit and create the perfect golden smoky eye in minutes. All while using one finger and studying the eyeshadow placement diagram on the back of the palette. Topping it all off with some dreamy Clinique High Impact mascara, which I know is not drugstore, but would always find in my mom's makeup bag growing up. 

I have very thin eyelashes, so much that I've taken to research lengthening serums and formulas that will thicken my lashes. I never thought you could even grow your lashes or eye brows, but the Maybelline Lash Sensational Serum has turned my lashes into butterfly wings. I kid you not, I can tell the difference after using it for one week and my lashes just look and feel fuller when I put mascara on. 
I've definitely swayed away from using lipstick over the years, but there's always a time and a place for ramping up my usual look. I stick to neutrals mainly like nudes or rose-blush shades, like the Maybelline Nude Nuance or any of the cult Sensational Creamy Matte lipsticks they have. I used to be into the deep red and berry shades, but have not been that bold as of late. 

Maybe it's time to switch it up? That's what I love about these drugstore finds, they're accessible and affordable—but also just hands down great products that everyone can reach for. What are your current fall beauty must-haves? 
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9.28.2021

The Open Truth About Making "Space"

Making space can be hard when you're living in a room you've since grown out of, staring at the same four walls you've painted over and over again, and finding room for growth can seem disheartening even when you've become satisfied by making tweaks here and there. 

Recently, I've discovered the importance of making "space," or similarly, making room in my life for opportunities, discomfort, happiness, risk, and all else in between. 

After months of introspection and working on myself—focusing on my mentality, physicality, and fostering relationships with those I care about, not to mention with those who show up—I have also realized the intricacies of living openly, freely, and accepting whatever may come my way. 
As of late I've found it simpler to make "space" in my life rather than trying to control my surroundings, my interactions, my relationships, or my career. It's a vulnerable process. Having to submit to a "going with the flow" mentality is not always easy, especially for someone like me who is type-A and is constantly trying to fill out this "template" for how life should be. 

I've learned through the people around me that we just cannot obsess about how the next day, night, week, or season will go. No matter what we're "waiting for" or "looking forward to," I can't help but wonder what I would be missing out on if I didn't just make space to be vulnerable, open, and willing to step outside of this comfort bubble in the current moment. Extending my capabilities beyond pre-set expectations. 

Now you're probably wondering what all of this metaphorical mush is about (and I'll get there don't worry), but one example of this has been my strength journey and relationship with exercise as of late. For months I was always intimidated by the power-lifting at the gym, but through supportive friends and trainers who talked me through the process of safely and effectively weight lifting, I was able to squat 135 pounds! Look at them gains! 

As a woman lifting that much weight in the gym, I thought I was going to take up space, but being uplifted by fellow trainers and even other people working out around me, I felt confident, secure, and powerful about making my own space to be a little uncomfortable and to try something new. I took that risk to see how far my body could take me. 
Making enough space or just the right amount of space is contingent upon your comfort level, but taking those moments to step back and be open to the possibility of change, or creating change, in your life can happen in an instant. It's truly all about your mindset. 

I'm definitely at this point in my life where everything is new, but at the same time, I have to stop trying to submit to one way of living, thinking, or being and just allow things to come as they please. 

Whether it be reaching new strengths, reconnecting with old friends and forming new ones, being okay with spending time alone with myself, or planning spontaneous adventures—I know I am capable of creating those growth opportunities if I just make space for it. 

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9.21.2021

Ready to Embrace Autumn.

My blog has revolved around a lot of things, but one of the most recurring topics is the current season that I'm in—I mean the weather and time of year is always topic of conversation because it seems to be a marker for certain stages or phases of my life. 

Fall happens to be my favorite and every year I am always ready a month early for crisp evenings, changing leaves, and not having to sweat every time I leave the house. With the impending winter months ahead, I try not to think about it too much and embrace the season of letting go, creating warmth, and the holidays ahead.  

I thought I would accumulate a list of what I'm currently looking forward to this fall, and I can 100% admit that my bedroom is already decorated with pumpkins, cozy blankets, and twinkly lights—and I will be documenting it for all of you soon! 
Layers, Layers, & More Layers

One of the best things about fall is the wardrobe: the ripped denim, flannel shackets (for those of you who are unfamiliar, they are shirt-jackets), cozy crew socks, ankle boots, and the warm color palette I feel my best in!


I also feel like my fashion sense just gets a boost because there are so many more options for layering or pairing sweaters with different types of pants, as opposed to figuring out what to wear with the same Levi jean shorts I've worn all summer long. 


Fall Outings

I'd like to still think that a lot of fall happenings will resume this season since the majority of activities are outside like pumpkin picking, apple picking, Oktoberfest, haunted mazes, and farmers markets. No matter what's going on, I think fall walks are my favorite and my family and I love taking Cooper to our nearby nature preserve on the weekends for new scenery and a glimpse of just some of the changing leaves that Illinois gets at the beginning of October. That and bonfires are a must-have. 


A Shift in Focus

What I would have labeled as "letting go" has made me realize that even as much as the leaves change, fall, and die off, there's something beautiful about the way this season brings out things we don't normally notice when the greenery takes over during the summer months. My mom and I actually just discovered a couple of foxes that live in our neighborhood and nest in the brush behind my house, but during the summer we never really could tell where they were coming from. 


Much like the exposure of new natural beauties, I find that fall allows us to focus a bit more internally as summer was all about external interaction and socialization, for me at least. Whether it be working on how I manage my time more efficiently to align with my creative goals or push myself harder to continue to stay motivated during these shorter and darker days. In addition, focusing on my personal growth and leaning on the strong relationships I have with the people I love and care about the most. As we get into the holiday months, which can sometimes be isolating for some, I want to stay grounded and uplifted by the people who support me—falling into focus on what matters the most. 

Thinking About the Future...
This time last year was all about hunkering down and looking forward to nights in while continuing to finish up school. There wasn't really a plan in sight and I was just beginning to look for internships. I also was buffering up my resume and experiences, so I was doing everything I could to gather all of my past work for just the stepping stone to the beginning of my career. 

Now that things look a bit more promising, I have intentions of moving out as early as next year. What I've realized though is that what is mean't for me will come in a matter of time. I always feel reassured by that and am taking in the signs of autumn each day as it comes. What are you looking forward to this season? 

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