1.) Belly buttons scare me. I'm afraid someone will poke my belly button and all my guts will pop out. My boyfriend thinks it's cute to try...it's not.
2.) I used to have two turtles named Beyonce and Clyde. RIP.
3.) I was the student council secretary in 4th grade. I won by singing the Spongebob Squarepants theme song in front of the whole school.
4.) I miss the snow. I never thought I would say that, but the 80 degree winters just don't do it for me. That being said, I don't want anything to do with the Polar Vortex.
5.) I've never told anyone this, but I would love to be a pediatrician. It could never happen though because I hate blood and I barely passed high school biology.
6.) The first concert I ever attended was Rascal Flatts. It was sophomore year of high school with my good friend Lauren and a few other girls on our cheer team.
7.) My celebrity crushes are usually on athletes, NOT celebrities. My number 1 boo thing? Mike Trout. I had the chance to meet him over summer at a game, but I got weak in the knees and couldn't even get the words out of my mouth.
8.) I have 3 older brothers and 2 sister in laws.
Mom, Dad, Me, Sara, Chris, Ryan, Jessica, Kevin
9.) I really like quinoa.
10.) I love the city of Boston, but hate their sports teams.
11.) I hate driving at night.
12.) My favorite of all the Real Housewives series' is Orange County. Gotta keep it 100.
13.) My favorite number is 23.
14.) I'm really excited to see That Awkward Moment. Michael B. Jordan, Miles Teller, and Zac Efron all on the same screen? Talk about a lady boner.
15.) I'm still angry that Matthew Schuler didn't win The Voice last season.
16.) Beyonce is life.
17.) My favorite show growing up was Full House.
18.) My favorite One Direction member was Zayn Malik until I saw 1D: This Is Us. Now it's Harry Styles.
19.) I get compared to Reese Witherspoon frequently.
For those of us that live in LA, we know this place is hell. I wouldn't wish 405 traffic, food truck food poisoning, or fear of the next "big one" upon anyone... except for maybe Claire from The Bachelor. The best way to deal with this satanic city is to make fun of it.
A new web series perfectly entitled, Only in HelLA, does just that. They're only three weeks into the series, but I can't wait to see what's next. Some personal suggestions? Waiting in line to get into Runyon Canyon, juice cleanses, LAX, road rage, and farmer's markets.
Check out this week's webisode below. Hilarity will ensue.
Three weeks ago I got the GLAMGLOW THIRSTYMUD Hydrating Mask. My skin is usually combination, but can get very dry in the winter months. The weather lately has been unbearably dry, leaving my face and legs looking like those of a lizard. Moisturizers and lotions were no longer cutting it for me, so when I went to Sephora to pick up new foundation, I got suckered into buying this as well as two more GLAMGLOW masks. I've used it at least ten times in the past few weeks, on various parts of my body, but mainly my face. It gets an A- from the teacher in me.
It moisturizes and calms the skin, leaving it dewy smooth, with a healthy glow. It has ZERO parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. It can be used during the day by leaving it on for 10-20 minutes then dabbing the excess off with a tissue or it can be used overnight by just putting an even layer on the desired area before bed. I've heard it is great to use before flights to keep the skin hydrated, but I have not traveled since purchasing this product. I have very sensitive, red skin and this has been great for it.
The only thing I do not like about this product is that it is so expensive for so little. The box it comes in is deceiving to how much you really get in the jar. However, I have found that by using a small concealer brush to "paint" it on my face, I am able to use a lot less product each time. I also have found it to be about $20 cheaper on Amazon than it was at Sephora.
BEFORE THIRSTYMUD.
My skin looks....thirsty!
AFTER THIRSTYMUD.
It looks much more hydrated and has a radiant glow.
(No makeup on in either photograph.)
Overall I love the product and will continue to purchase it!
It's not often that I miss Regis University. There are times I miss a certain friend, or look back to a certain memory, but overall I do not wish I could go back. I know I made the proper choice in transferring to CLU. I knew at Regis I wasn't right in their questioning of "how ought I to live." 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." As a college student tempted by peers and plagued by stress, I found this a difficult task for me to live up to at Regis. Although a Catholic and highly regarded university, I never felt challenged academically, mentally, spiritually, or socially. I was surrounded by negative influences and even developed into being the negative influence among my group of friends. However, this all changed the summer my grandmother passed away from cancer. In a short three week period my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer and then passed away. She was weak and it is better for her to no longer be on earth. Regardless, I took it hard. When I went back to Regis that semester, I knew I was no longer the same person. I wanted to spend every moment I had away from the demons I faced at Regis, and closer to the family I had nearby. I longed to return home and spend time with my family there and change from the ungodly woman I was quickly becoming, so I transferred and set myself right.
While I don't often miss Regis, there are rare mornings like this one in which I long to be back with the community there. Many alumni and friends of mine flew back to Denver this morning to honor a valued man. I considered Father Shelton to be the face of Regis University. He was everywhere on campus and always had wisdom to share. He was a professor, a coach, a priest, a chaplain, a friend, and a role model to many. He often spoke about grace and character, leading by example of how us Rangers should fulfill the Regis motto, "how ought I to live" and the answer is with gratitude. I am thankful for all I have been given in my life, including the personal growth I've undergone because of my time at Regis.
May Father Shelton live in peace, for heaven has truly hit the jackpot.
A lot of times when I want to look cute or try a new look I turn to Pinterest. I either go to the women's fashion tab or I will type in the search bar the type of outfit I'm looking for, such as New Year's Eve outfits, or a celebrity whose look I want to duplicate. I tend to be very simple, occasionally adding a statement necklace or an edgy shoe. I'm fearful in my fashion game, but it fits my laid-back, on the go personality and lifestyle.
My top 5 celebrity style icons, in no particular order:
Lauren Conrad: She is a classic beauty and can make even jeans and a t-shirt look effortlessly flawless. I've been a fan ever since her Laguna Beach days, Abercrombie denim skirts and all. I own a few items from her line at Kohl's and admire her ability to make everyday pieces work for both day and night regardless of where you are and what you're doing.
Nicole Richie: Motherhood has treated her well. Her style has matured alongside herself and I love the way she can make boho look glam. I'm not a fan of tights and jean shorts, but she makes me want to try it out. Her She's really evolved the past ten years and her style shows it.
Kourtney Kardashian: Another beautiful woman whom motherhood has transformed into someone with just my kind of style. She uses simple everyday pieces and adds a single statement to piece to make the look pop. Some of her outfits while pregnant with Penelope were questionable at best, but overall I admire her look is something anyone can duplicate based on the closet they already have.
Rihanna: Such a badass and always on her shoe game. I'm always shy to try new things, but when I'm going to do it, it will be with shoes. I wish I could pull off her loud, edgy style that aligns with her rockstar personality. She's eclectic and stays true to her roots with each piece she wears.
Reese Witherspoon: What's not to love? She's as cute as a button and I'm not just saying this because I'm constantly compared to her. She is very mommy chic and uses simple pieces to create beautiful looks. Not to mention her Hunter boots in this get up, my mom and I have been OBSESSED lately.
After being given cookbooks for Christmas, I realized it was probably time I stopped heating up Lean Cuisines and started learning how to make a real home cooked meal. My mom and I are Pinterest addicts, so she found a recipe for Baked Turkey Quinoa Meatballs on there that I decided to try out. They were...mediocre at best. My family seemed to like them, but I think they were missing something, maybe more oregano, maybe parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
1 lb. ground turkey
2/3 cup quinoa, cooked
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 egg
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp oregano
2 c tomato sauce
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cover baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl add ground turkey, quinoa, red onion, garlic, parsley, basel, oregano, egg, salt, and pepper.
Mix well. (I asked my Mom do this part for me because I didn't want to get meat under my nails...typical.)
Roll into 1-1 1/2" balls and place on baking sheet.
Bake 30 minutes until meatballs are firm and cooked throughout. Whip up some pasta, and heat tomato sauce in a pan.
Put meatballs in tomato sauce, then ENJOY...or if you're me...don't.
I am now a pre-school teacher! I could not imagine a more perfect job for me. I love kids and have worked in several classrooms throughout the years. I have been a nanny, a Sunday school teacher, and a teacher's assistant. I plan on eventually getting my teaching credential, but for now I'm going to have the opportunity to teach a new class just how awesome and capable they all are.
My number one goal has an educator has always been to teach kids more about themselves than the material. I want each student to know how smart, how kind, and how funny they all are.
While I'm so nervous to have a classroom full of little ones with sniffly noses and poopy pants, I'm excited for the first time they write their name, the first time they read a word, and the first time they I see the ah-hah moment.
I'm so proud of myself for making my dreams come true one step at a time!
People have been going nuts about the cold front all over the country. With wind chill as low as -57 in Minnesota and a wind chill of -30 in my former residence, Denver. A friend of mine is stuck in Ohio four days past her original flight day because of weather while another got bumped a few times on his flight from New York to LA.
The weather here in LA though.....is “FREEZING”. Watch this video below to see just how “cold” it is here in LA.
On Monday my boyfriend played hooky from work & took me to Disneyland. It was one of my birthday gifts, but we haven't been able to go because of work & school. Our schedules were very busy last semester between him coaching football and me having 18 credits, working part time, and having an internship. But, finally we got to go!
We left super early in the morning, and got to the park 30 minutes before it opened. By the time we parked the car and got on the tram to get to the front entrance, we were able to enter the park. My favorite ride I remember from when I went to Disneyland for 8th grade promotion was Autotopia, so we went on that first thing. Because the park had just opened we walked right onto the ride. It was fun, but not as special as I remember it being when I was 13 and had never driven a car.
I think he got tired of me a couple hours into the day.....
After that we went on Space Mountain. I'd never been on it and it was definitely my favorite. When we got off the ride we got a fast pass to go on it again later in the day. Because it was so early still, the fast pass return time was an hour later. We then went on Indiana Jones and were able to walk right onto that ride as well. By 10 AM we had already been on three rides and the park seemed to have barely anyone there. After that we did the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.
James kicked my butt!
Before getting on Space Mountain again we got Fast Passes for Star Tours. I really enjoyed Star Tours. It made me a bit queasy, but it was different than anything I'd ever been on. We also went on Splash Mountain, Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, Mark Twain Riverboat, and the Mad Tea Party.
Rocking our 3d glasses for Star Tours
TCU Horned Frog fans everywhere we go. Had to send this to our good friend & TCU football head coach Gary Patterson
It's A Small World...holiday themed
Our overall park experience was great. Around 1pm the park started to get more crowded and by 3pm we were exhausted. We decided to leave the park to rest, grab food, and head to a friend's house to watch Florida State University beat Auburn in the BCS National Championship. WHAT A GAME! After that we headed back to the Disneyland area to watch the fireworks before heading home.
It was a perfect day with a perfect guy. I'm so thankful to have James...always supporting me, encouraging me, and spoiling me to death. I look forward to more memories together throughout our lives.
If one more person asks me what I'm doing with my life now that I've graduated, I'm going to lose it on them. I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M DOING. I know what I want to do and I know that there are no job postings anywhere to do it. Hi, yes, thank you I know that I don't get paid per tv show or movie I view on Netflix....BUT I SHOULD. After spending the past 4 years taking 18 units a semester and working part-time, I think I deserve four weeks to do nothing but do crossword puzzles in People magazine and watch Goodburger, a powerful film about the struggles of working in the fast food industry.
Medium coverage, but it is buildable. It is lightweight and makes you feel like you’re not wearing anything. I’ve tried everything in the book because I have acne and have always felt the need to cover my face. I took time off from this product to try Bare Escentuals, which I also liked, but ultimately went back to the studio fix. It’s quick and easy to apply and stays on all day, especially with the use of a primer. It is more expensive, I spend $27 on it at Macy’s, but it will last me a few months. I know that some people find it makes them more oily, but I have very dry skin, especially during the winter months, so I have not found this to be a problem for me. It’s small and has a compact mirror and a sponge with it, so I am able to throw it in my bag and take it along with me for the day whether I’m running errands or out at the bar with my friends, although I don’t usually find myself needing to do so. I usually do not use the sponge that is included because I am prefer to apply with a flat head Kabuki brush and also wore about the cleanliness of the sponge, but I do however use it when I’m on the go.
Overall Grade: B+
Great product, good average, expensive
BEFORE Mac Studio Fix Powder
AFTER (with Neutrogena Healthy Skin Primer SPF 15, but NO other makeup)
I used to pray that God would feed the hungry or do this or that, but now I pray that he will guide me to do whatever I'm supposed to do; whatever I can do. I used to pray for answers, but now I'm praying for strength. I used to believe that prayer changes things, but now I know that prayer changes us and we change things.
I'm a huge YouTube fan, whether it's silly videos like hamsters eating broccoli or inspirational little ones like Kid President. One of my favorite YouTubers is Kandee Johnson. She started out as a makeup guru but has become an inspiration to many of her subscribers. She hasn't been dealt the easiest hand in life...she's a single mother to 4, her dad recently passed away, and her sister is really sick....but she makes it work. She stays positive and wants everyone else to do the same.
Check out her latest video on how to get ready to make it an awesome year. My favorite thing I took away from this was, "Think great thoughts in order to have a great life."
Now that I've finished Long Island Medium and Friday Night Lights (the series....for the 4th time) on Netflix, I had to move on to the next thing in my queue. (I refuse to call it My List.) I'm watching Katy Perry: Part of Me and have come to the conclusion that she is AWESOME. I'm not a huge fan of her music, even though it is catchy, but I am a fan of her as a person. She is a bad ass. She gives zeros about what anyone thinks of her and she beats to the tune of her own drum. She can be a role model to young women on following your dreams, even when you have no one backing you up.
A couple months ago I saw 1D: This Is Us. When I first saw it I was afraid to admit to how in love with Zayn Malik I fell, but now I've accepted the fact that he's the one. At the time I saw the movie I only knew a few songs by them and knew nothing about the guys. An hour and a half later I was dancing along to the music with a six year old girl in the theater. These guys are hilarious. They're so down to earth and all about their fans...the way it should be in the entertainment industry. A couple weeks ago I saw them on Saturday Night Live and yet again, was in giggles.
Watching these documentaries gives fans an insight into the lives of rock stars, athletes, and super models who are actually everyday people (minus the wardrobe changes, paychecks, and private jets.) I wish more celebrities had documentaries out about their lives. While there are E True Hollywood Stories and other short films about them, these are some celebrities I want to pay $13 plus another $7 for popcorn to see what they're all about on the big screen:
Beyonce: If you don't find her fabulous, stop reading my blog now. Yes I know HBO just did a feature on her, but I don't get HBO. Put it in theaters!
Rihanna: Her interview on Oprah's Next Chapter left me in tears. I would love to find out more about her and her troubled past that has made her the strong woman she is today.
Sean Simpson: Most people have yet to hear of him, but give him time. One of the youngest producers in the movie and television industry. I'm amped on his upcoming film, Sunlight, which should hit theaters in 2015. (Maybe I can get him to do the documentaries on all these other folks I'm talking about.)
Mike Trout: Another young guy making big movies with his natural God given abilities.
Every time a new year rolls around, people are always filling up my twitter and Facebook feeds saying, "new year, new me." This year, I don't want to change one bit. I love the person I'm becoming. 2013 was a big year for me. I grew a lot as a person and learned how to handle the struggles I face on a daily basis. While I know I'm not perfect and still have room to grow, I don't want to force it because it's a new year. I will develop with each opportunity that I seek in 2014.
This year I want to find a career and get my own place. I want to travel with my boyfriend, preferably somewhere neither of us have been, but a weekend get away up north will do. I want to find a hobby that I can enjoy anytime and anywhere...apparently Candy Crush doesn't count. (If anyone can help me beat level 70 I would greatly appreciate it, I've been here since Thanksgiving.)
In the past month I've managed to travel to and from Texas, get through all my finals with stellar grades, graduate college, move back in with my parents, find a job, quit said job, and cry....A LOT. This month I want to relax. I want to spend the days with my totally awesome 88 year old grandma hearing over and over again about what a blessed life we life. I want to spend a week straight in bed watching all five seasons of Long Island Medium. I want to drink smoothies, paint my nails, and watch the Broncos win their way to the Super Bowl.
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