2015: A New Year, A New Start

So here it is- the obligatory resolutions blog post that we’ve all been dreading yet secretly hoping for.  Because yes, we all want to know that everyone else also gave up by mid-March in losing that 30+ pounds and stopped eating a healthier diet.  Or saving money.  Or whatever it was that you planned on doing in the New Year. 

If you read last year's post, you’ll know that I listed out resolutions that I wanted to achieve.  And I will be the first to admit that I was not successful in all of them.  Sure, I made progress in some, failed in others, but that doesn’t matter.  I made an effort to better myself.  To be perfectly honest, I hate the idea of “New Year’s Resolutions.”  Why does the turn of a page in a calendar dictate that I need to decide to change my bad habits?  Because for the majority of the population, that’s what resolutions are. 

So instead of making a list of things that I will only half commit to and forget by next week, I am deciding to do one thing- recommit myself to this blog.  Which, ironically enough started out as a New Year’s Resolution.  I’ll post a couple of old posts below so you can see where this all began!

This blog started three years ago now.  I can’t believe that.  It seems to have flown by.  I was a completely different person then.  I was a junior in college (JMU DUKES!), in a crazy roommate situation, and I hadn’t even met Brittany yet.  Brittany and I are inseparable now (or we would be if we lived close).  And when my blog launched, I had just gotten Charlie as a Christmas present, but he’s not here anymore.  Anyways, things change.

What are your own resolutions or commitments for the New Year?  Let me know in the comments below?  Are you for or against them? 

Here are some posts from the very beginning of it all, and ones posted in the beginning of 2014.  Enjoy!

2014 Resolution Post

First Ever Post

My Blog Inspiration

Meet The Blogger

50 Random Facts About Me

Until Next Time, Happy Reading! And Happy New Year!

Allison

The Perfect Holiday Red Lip

With the Christmas holiday next week, it’s safe to say that the biggest makeup trend on everyone’s mind is a bold red lip.  If you’ve followed my blog, or watched any of my videos before, you know I’m not always the most daring when it comes to lip color. But this year, I think I’m going to give a bold lip a whirl on the 25^th.  Here are some of my top picks for lip colors this year- both from my personal collection, and taken from others, in all price ranges.

Urban Decay, Revolution Lipstick in F-Bomb

This is described as a ‘classic red’ color.  I purchased this color after my makeover (which you receive when you bump up to a VIB level at Sephora), and it works really well for any classic sort of pin-up look, especially with a winged-out liner.  I pair this lipstick with Urban Decay’s lip liner in the shade “69.”  The lip color overall is super creamy and is easy to apply.  Me being me, I am paranoid about getting it on my teeth while wearing it and it bleeding out onto my face, but I have never had any issues.

Hourglass, Femme Rouge Velvet Crème Lipstick in Icon

This is definitely the priciest item on this list, but it is an absolutely beautiful color (and an item on my own personal lust list).  There is also a gloss that Hourglass makes in the same color that can be layered over for an even more intense look.  This is a deep cherry red, and was extremely popular with YouTube beauty gurus last December, and has now made its way back into the blogs.  Definitely something worth swatching if you are in a Sephora.

Wet n Wild, Lipstick in 910D/Red Velvet

This is probably the best “cheap” lip option that I have ever come across.  I did not have any sort of high hopes or expectations for this product when I bought it, but it is beyond any hopes and dreams that I could possibly have for it.  I do suggest wearing some sort of lip balm underneath it and exfoliating your lips prior to using it, as it can show dryness on the lips.  But, considering the price tag, it is well worth it!

Maybelline, The Elixir Gloss in Signature Scarlet

This is a great way to wear a red gloss and get a ‘less intense boldness,’ or a great option for layering products.  This entire line of products is great-there are so many bright, vibrant colors and the formulation is super wearable.

What type of lip look will you be rocking this season?  Let me know in the comments below, or tweet me/tag me in your Instagram photos!

Until Next Time, Happy Reading!

Allison

Link's I'm Loving

"24 Perfect Ways to Respond to People Who Ask 'What's So Great About Books?'"

Basically, if anyone ever comments on why I like reading, or why I like writing, or why I want to "waste" money on books, I will just show them this.

To see the article, click here.

"21 Things That Would Definitely Offend '90s Girls"

This list pretty much took me back to my childhood right from the start.  From having people question which Spice Girl I claimed to be, to killing off my Tamagotchi (OK- it was a Giga Pet, and my Dad actually stuck it in the freezer because he couldn't get it to stop making noise), to rocking out in body glitter- I was a total 90s girl.  Cory and Topanga FOREVER!!!

To see the article, click here. 

"24 Moments That Defined Every Late '00s High School Experience"

Apparently Buzzfeed just knew to make these posts about time periods in my life over the past few months.  I absolutely loved this one, and had several "OMG I forgot about that!" moments.  Facebook bumper stickers?? I was totally all over that.  Yes, I was a Twilight reader- but never in class.  Though I did see a ton of them.

To see the article, click here.

"25 Things All Nail Polish Addicts Can Relate To"

Pretty much me in a nutshell.  I can never have too much, or enough nail polish.  Whenever I'm in a store, I always have to at least look at the polishes, just to admire them.  I'm crazy right?  That's definitely not a normal thing to do right?

To see the article, click here.

“19 Socially Awkward Situations for People Who Are Always Early”

I can’t even tell you how many times these things have happened to me.  In college I was always in the room before the teacher (I can probably count on one hand the number of times I was late to class- and when I was, I was so panicked about it), and I’m always “fake texting” to pretend to be busy and important when I arrive somewhere before the person I’m meeting.  Admit it.  You’ve don’t it too.

To see the article, click here.

“10 Leadership Lessons We Can All Learn From You-Know-Who (Lord Voldemort)”

When I first saw this article headline, it called to me.  I completely thought it was a joke, but once I read it, I’m surprised to say, there actually are things to be learned here.  So go ahead and take a page out of old “Moldy Voldy’s” book.

To see the article, click here.

Thanks for supporting! What online sites and web pages have you been loving recently? Leave me a comment below with some links to explore!

Until Next Time, Happy Reading!
Allison

2014 Christmas Wish List

As a child, I remember getting the big toy catalog from the toy store and circling every thing I wanted in the weeks coming up to Christmas.  I also remember one particular year when I just knew I was going to get that American Girl doll (yes, I was one of those kids), that my letter to Santa was mainly a detailed description of what the doll needed to be like.  My mother didn’t quite understand how I could have such high expectations for a doll, but my young self did.  I didn’t want the Felicity, the Samantha, or the Kit.  I wanted “the twin.”  And now that I’ve made myself sound like a completely spoiled brat, I shall move on to tell you what I’m asking for this year, and hopefully this will give you all some ideas for your own lists!  (And for the record- there was such a thing as a ‘twin’ doll.  I have one!)

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

Obviously I would ask for some sort of makeup item right?  This is basically the #1 item on my list this year.  This came out last year, and I’ve lusted after it ever since.  This palette comes with 12 rose-toned eye shadows, and they all have the amazing super silky quality that came with the previous two Naked palettes from Urban Decay. 

Makeup Brushes

I do have a list of specifics, but most of my brushes that I currently have and use are from free gifts with purchase kits that I’ve inherited from my Mom and they just are not good quality.  I also have a few $1-3 dollar brushes that are OK but don’t apply product well and shed like crazy.  So, I’m really looking to start investing in good quality brushes. 

Books/Movies

I always seem to have at least a few books and movies on my list each year.  It’s just become an expected thing at this point.  Here are some of the ones I’m hoping for this year…

Sleeping Beauty Anniversary DVD

Girl Online by Zoe Sugg

Someday, Someday Maybe by Lauren Graham

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

What are you asking for the Holidays this year?  Leave a comment below and let me know what your most lusted after item is!

Until Next Time, Happy Reading!

Allison