One of my favorite times of the year is Christmas. Decorating for Christmas has been one of my favorite holidays to decorate for and I thought I would make another post about the sweet little Christmas touches I added to my bedroom. I did a post quite similar to this last year and you can read about my favorite Christmas decorations in my home, here. With warm, fuzzy socks on, spicy Christmas candles burning, snow falling, and Michael Buble playing, what better time to start the holiday decorating!
I actually bought this mini Christmas tree at Walmart a couple years ago and it's been great ever since! It was like $10 and I think I bought the mini ornaments from there, too. I like to put my favorite and sometimes gifted ornaments on this tree. Along with some candy canes and some fake candy canes I made at a Christmas party.
This was probably one of the best Christmas presents I have received. A fox nutcracker?! It's honestly so adorable up on the shelf. Also, I have two sets of fairy lights that I also bought from Target in the Dollar Spot section and just leave them up there all year long.
This was probably one of the best purchases I have made all season. You would never guess where I got this sparkly, glittery, amazingness of a sign from. Not Home Goods, not Walmart, not Target, not any of those places. The Dollar Tree. It was only one buck! Despite how much the glitter gets everywhere, it's the perfect touch to any bland door or wall.
I believe that I got this monogrammed stocking as a gift and my sisters and I have matching ones. I added this fox ornament from Target (why wouldn't I?) and a little candy cane to make it look more festive.
Christmas can't be Christmas without an advent calendar! This one isn't the best and to be honest it tastes like cardboard, but it's the thought that counts. Plus, I think it's cute as just a decorative piece anyway.
I have this little winter penguin and my Balsam and Cedar mini Yankee Candle on my bookshelf. I love having wintery candles all over my room and burning every time I'm in my room.
I hope you guys enjoyed this little Christmas room tour of all my little touches I've added to my space! I love the festive feel it gives off. What are some things you do when you decorate for the holidays?
Xoxo, Nat
P.S. Happy 100th post on this blog! I am completely grateful for all of your guys' support! <3
Hi everybody! Sorry I didn't post this morning, I've been a bit behind schedule due to finals and some last projects I need to be finishing up. For this post, I thought I would talk about New Year's resolutions. Not many people love them or abide by them, but for some, they can be a great way to reflect and improve upon some of the things we think could help ourselves and others. I, for one, have always struggled with keeping up on my goals for the new year and sometimes I do make mistakes here and there, but I think the best thing we can do is pick ourselves up again and set new goals--ones we can at least try to reach. It can be as simple as eating less sugar to more complex like making sure you study more in order to get the outcome you want in a certain class. One of mine might be to lay off the blogging a bit and take more breaks; good content and ideas can only come out of passion, not just for getting a post up on a certain date in my opinion.
For myself, and all of you, I have compiled only twenty goals or resolutions I think we could all aspire to do that can make better changes in our lives this coming year. Sure, it's a bit early, but it's never too early to start improving ourselves.
1) Start saying I love you more: to your friends, family, and especially to yourself.
Accepting ourselves and learning to care and forgive is one of the most important steps to creating better relationships with our peers and ourselves. The whole hustle and bustle can distract us from remembering who we are and why we're here.
2) Get off your technology and remember the more important thing in life besides how many followers you have.
This is sort of a given, but I hope everybody can realize that there is more to life than the little box in their hands all the time. Look up more and experience life.
3) Make more time for yourself and have some solitude every now and then.
I know I'm a master at solitude and finding time for myself, but not everybody else is. For my more socially enabled readers, remember that finding alone time can help destress you and bring you away from the noise. Occasionally, it's never a bad thing to want to stay in bed and watch Netflix all night.
4) Focus on studies more, but don't over do it. Go out with friends while you can.
I know school is important, and so is living. Do what you gotta do and then go out with people you enjoy being around. You deserve it; don't torture yourself.
5) Find some physical activity that you enjoy and makes you happy. Such as yoga, sometimes these things we do for our bodies can be very good. Getting in shape, not only physically, but mentally will help improve stress and raise energy levels.
6) Volunteer your time more and give back.
Doing one simple deed for someone in need can make all the better. Even donating a dollar to your local Salvation Army bell ringers or helping out at a food kitchen can make a difference. These things shouldn't be taken for granted because every amount of help counts.
7) "Talk Less, Smile More."
Props to anyone who knows where that quote is from (ahem Hamilton). I think it's important to listen to people. Sharing your opinion and thoughts on things is important, but sometimes replying to people to understand is more important than replying to respond, says my English teacher. We can only accept each other and respect one another when both voices are heard. It's something that I forget sometimes.
8) Eat better food.
I know this is something we all have on our lists to do, but sometimes we need to get out of our comfort zones and try new food. Food that's different than what we normally eat. Maybe you'll find something healthy that you never thought you would have loved and it changed your whole entire eating habit.
9) Say "thank you."
We are all old enough to know manners, but sometimes things can go unnoticed. Giving someone a simple, "thanks", might make their day a tiny bit better.
10) Learn to let go.
Let go of grudges, mistakes, embarrassing moments, bad grades, broken friendships, arguments, bad critiques, failures, and everything else. You're human and that's just a part of living. Move on.
11) Try something new for the heck of it.
I never thought I would have loved yoga if I never tried it. I've learned so many things about myself and overall well being because of it. I know how to control my body and remain positive during challenges I have faced.
12) Try out a fashion trend you never thought you could pull off.
Wearing that same sweater and jean combination isn't doing you justice? Try a look that you normally wouldn't do and see what you think. I'm still scared to even touch a choker! Maybe it will open new aesthetically pleasing doors.
13) Don't assume things about people.
I think everyone can attest to at least once judging someone based on their actions, looks, or the way they speak. It's just what we do I guess. We should never treat a person based on an assumption. You don't know their life at all. Why don't you try to get to know them? Maybe they're dealing with something you can or can't relate to.
14) Reward yourself more for your achievments and battles.
This sort of goes with the "more solitude" one, but more specifically about the way we treat ourselves after an accomplishment or milestone. It's okay to treat yourself because you deserve it.
15) Stand up for yourself when something isn't right.
I can relate to this one a lot because I'm the type of person that won't ask for a new meal because something was not cooked or brought out right. I'm just so humble and my Dad always yells at me for not speaking up. As we grow older, our dads and moms will not be there to ask the waiter for another plate, and it will be up to us to make things right. This could apply to anything else really.
I hope these help spark some inspiration as to what goals you guys would like to achieve or improve on through the next year. I know there are a lot more so I might keep adding to the list as I think of more. Have a great weekend everybody!
What do you want to improve about yourself?
Xoxo, Nat
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Only 19 more days until Christmas and i can't believe it's already here. Surprisingly, I already have my shopping done, but I thought I would share with you some ideas for inexpensive stocking stuffers that will not drain your wallet. These stuffers also work well just as gifts or put together in a gift basket, for example. A lot of stores these days have awesome stocking stuffers and many have sections dedicated to them. Especially, Target. I've also seen them at places like Sephora, Walmart, Forever 21, and Nordstrom Rack.
Makeup
Elf Lip Kiss Set $5- This Elf lip set was a recent find and I thought that it was the perfect set for anybody who loves makeup, especially lip products. Elf products cease to amaze me and the quality is astounding. The pigmentation of these two lip products, the lip shine and balm, apply so smoothly and leave a great, subtle touch of pink to the lips.
Maybelline The Falsies Push Up Mascara $9.50- This mascara is one of Maybelline's classics; it's volumizing, lifting, and lengthening all in one. I wouldn't be mad if I received this in my stocking!
Mac Travel Size False Lashes Mascara $10- Mac has the best stocking stuffers in their travel sized section, including this mini False Lashes mascara. It does any amazing job at lengthening the lashes and creating the butterfly effect you oh-so desire.
Essie Luxeffects Nail Polish in Tassel Shaker $8.50- Infused with copper and bronze fringe, this nail polish is perfect for any Christmas or even New Year's party! I am obsessed with the look it gives on an accent nail.
Skincare
Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Spray $6- Sugar Crush has to my favorite scent from Soap & Glory. It's fresh, fruity, sweet, and all you could want in a body spray. The lime, lemon, and ginger compliment eachother so much and any girl would be lucky to receive this in her stocking! I'm obsessed.
Mini Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Butter $7- Found in the Irresistibubble gift set along with a shower gel, this body butter compliments the body spray and leaves your skin smoother than ever. Especially during these colder month, it's nice to have a smaller body butter during holiday travel.
Interior
Small Yankee Candle Balsam & Cedar Candle $10- Getting a Christmas scented candle for someone is the best way to go if you absolutely have no idea what to get her. Who doesn't love their homes smelling like fresh pine trees?
Target Fox Ornament Less than $10- This was an ornament I received last year from a friend and I recognized it from Target. I assume that it's under $10. I think ornaments are the perfect gifts for people; there are practically millions of different kinds. There's one for everyone!
Food
Hammond Candy Cane Crunch Chocolate Bar $1.66- I also think that food, and chocolate in particular, is one of the best gifts to receive. Hammond's Chocolate's are to die for and they always have holiday themed candies out for this time of year. I might have to go back a buy a few more for myself!
Clothes
Target Dollar Spot Christmas Socks $1- Last, but never least; cheap Christmas socks. I love receiving socks for Christmas (unlike the 99% of everyone else that doesn't). I love to wear them all Christmas and feel all snuggly. You could even get cheap fuzzy socks. The perfect gift, in my opinion.
What do you love to receive in your stocking?
Xoxo, Nat
posted in
So, I don't think I have completely done a full drugstore mascara collection post and surprisingly most of the mascaras I use daily and love are from the drugstore. After that huge Amish store beauty haul, I've been able to experiment and try out more mascaras. Drugstore brands have really upped their game with mascaras and I really have been impressed with the formulas. I find myself reaching more for these than I do for my Mac or Smashbox mascaras.
Older Favorites
Covergirl Lashblast- I find this mascara to be very volumizing. I know that actress, Shay Mitchell, obsesses over this mascara and I thought to give it a chance. Personally, I have always loved Covergirl's mascaras and their new formulas have been the BOMB.
Maybelline Lash Sensational- Ugh the ever-so-amazing fan favorite. Compared to Benefit's Roller Lash, this mascara does all the curl and the lift. Butterfly lashes, please!
Maybelline The Rocket- I found this mascara to be insanely similar to the Covergirl Lashblast. It gives a ton of extra volume. It also makes my lashes almost look fake in a way. It lifts your lashes really well.
Covergirl The Super Sizer- This is a great lengthening mascara and really does the job with it's absurdly thin wand. I also found that this mascara stays put for dayzz. It never crumbles and honestly, who hasn't forgotten to take their makeup at least once in their life and found all the remains on their newly ruined pillow? This mascara won't let you down!
Newer Favorites
Maybelline Falsies Push Up Drama- I really noticed that this mascara does a better job at lengthening than "pushing up". It is great at creating the fluttery eyelash look and separating lashes. I noticed a bit of clumping, but sometimes clumping is good!
Revlon Lash Potion-This mascara has given me a weird impression. I haven't ever tried Revlon mascaras and this one was good at volumizing, but it did leave a lot of clumping. I think i'll have to continue using it and give it another shot. However, I've heard that overtime as it dries, it gets better. So, hopefully it does!
Covergirl Plumpify- Honestly, I fell in love with the shape of this wand. The ball tip makes it so easy to get every single lash. I think this mascara does the perfect job at curling and opening your eyes up more.
I'm always willing to try out new mascaras and their are many older ones that I haven't even heard of! It's amazing how many drugstore mascaras there are these days. What's one of your favorites?
Xoxo, Nat
Hello everybody! I am back and better rested than ever. Thanksgiving is sadly over and all of my leftover turkey has been devoured; it went by so fast! It's almost Christmas and I can't believe it. Anyway, while I was at my Grandma's house this past week, I went to an Amish general store. Natalie, what is Amish, exactly? It's not "what" it's "who". In short, the Amish are a "group of Christian traditionalists", according to Wikipedia, and are mostly related to Mennonite churches. They live all over the country and prefer to live a simple lifestyle: no electricity and only propane gas, handmade clothes, they build their own houses, and choose to make other minimalistic lifestyle choices.
Many Amish communities have stores that people like us, or the "English" as they say, can go buy their products and produce they grow to sell. Many of these products are items you would normally see at any local market or pharmacy: cereal, canned goods, coffee, snacks, drinks, candy (lots of it), baking supplies, medicine, beauty and healthcare products, and much more. How they get these products is still to be figured out, but many of them are expired or closeout items that may have been slightly damaged or never bought. Fortunately, all of these items are almost 90% off and pretty much all of the makeup was a dollar. My family and I pretty much bought out everything they had and came home with boxes filled with stuff. This haul is probably a fourth of what we got in total. So here is only some of it:
So as I wandered over to the little shelf of drugstore beauty products, I noticed a huge cardboard box filled with nail polish. A lot of it was undesirable colors like neon green and weird, extraneous orange shades but, I managed to find a couple that I really loved. I was really surprised and overwhelmed by how practically free they were.
Revlon Colorstay Nail Polish in Perfect Pair $.50 (Orig. $7.58)
Revlon Colorstay Nail Polish in High Roller $.50 (Orig. $7.58)
Nicole By OPI in Shoot for the Maroon $.50 (Orig. $8.99)
If you've been here for a while you know that I have had a very long relationship with Simple's Micellar Waters. Boy, did I find Heaven. I use these every single day so, it wasn't such a bad idea to purchase every single one they had for just a dollar. They also had a huge collection of their wipes and I needed to pick a few up, as well!
Simple Micellar Water $1 ($7.79)
Simple Micellar Wipes $2.50 ($7.79)
Simple Exfoliating Wipes $2.50 ($6.29)
They also had a huge cardboard box of lip products. Pretty much all of these had seals on them before I took them off. I was especially excited for the Revlon Ultra HD lipglosses. I have heard raves about them all over and was intimidated by the high price to pay for only one tube. I also fell in love with this berry Milani shade that is perfect for this time of year.
Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor in Love $1 ($8.99)
Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor in Temptation $1 ($8.99)
Milani Amore Matte Lip Creme in Obsession $1 ($7.99)
I found a few face products and sort of had to guess which shade would match my skin tone. I managed to successfully find all of the shades that somewhat matched (more or less). I was very excited to try out some newer foundations and pick up a couple that I have owned before that I liked. The Covergirl concealer, for example, has been a long favorite of mine.
Rimmel Match Perfection BB Cream in Light $1 ($5.99)
Maybelline Age Rewind Foundation in 120 $1 ($12.99)
NYX HD Blush in Hamptons $1 ($10.50)
If you're still with me this far, kudos to you! I also picked up three L'Oreal eyeliners which I am super excited about and a Maybelline Master Fix Makeup Setting Spray. I have heard Tati Westbrook, a beauty guru on Youtube, rave about this spray and I've only ever tried the Elf Setting Spray which I didn't really like. Hopefully, she's right!
L'Oreal Lineur Intense Eyeliner $1 ($8.95)
L'Oreal Telescopic Eyeliner $1 ($8.95)
L'oreal Black Velvet Eyeliner $1 ($8.95)
Maybelline Master Fix Setting Spray $1 ($9.99)
I was actually in the need of some new drugstore mascaras to try out because I just did a big clean out of old ones I have used up. I was surprised to find many different kinds and was very happy to find the Revlon Lash Potion and Maybelline Brow Drama Gel.
Maybelline Brow Drama Gel in Transparent $1 ($7.99)
Maybelline Push Up Drama Mascara $1 ($7.49)
Revlon Lash Potion Mascara $1 ($7.49)
Covergirl Plumpify Mascara $1 ($4.81)
Kind of out of order, but I also found the Simple Light Moisturizer which I also use and love especially during the winter when my skin is incredibly dry and I also found a new Elf eyelash curler that I am grateful to have found because mine was pretty much fallen apart.
Simple Light Protecting Moisturizer $1.50 ($8.99)
Elf Eyelash Curler $1 ($2.00)
Last, but not least, are these two Maybelline Color Tattoos. I actually have the cream versions and love them to death. They really do last for a whole day! There is no smudging, creasing, or crumpling. Hopefully these act the same as the cream versions do.
Maybelline Color Tattoo Crayon in Gold Rush $1 ($6.99)
I don't think I've ever had to put in that many links into a post before, phew! I hope you guys enjoyed this massive haul. I've never done anything like this and hope to do it again in the future when I go back to my Grandma's. Obviously, most of this stuff will be gifted off to some people because I couldn't use it all enough and I know some of my friends that would love some of these products even more than I do. I would say that it was a very successful haul, though. I found a ton of products for practically nothing that I would never have bought due to how expensive some drugstore makeup products can be these days.
What products that I bought have you tried? Let me know if you liked/disliked any!
Xoxo, Nat
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