I Love That Song

I told him that I love the song. But I can't tell, is it that I love the song or the idea that he sent to me? Am I reading too far into it or are the lyrics meant for me? Of course the song is pretty, but I had never heard it before, so how could I have loved it. And I definitely don't love him just yet, although I've always wished that I could. His smile is what got me the first time. I'm lucky I get to see it every day, even if it's not directed towards me. And yet, I don't to romanticize him; he's worth more than that. I just enjoy appreciating him from afar.
He's intellectually stimulating. I appreciate how he talks to me. He treats me like an equal, although I hope he sees me that way as well.
I hope he knows what I mean when I tell him that I love that song.

BareMinerals BarePro Liquid Foundation

Recently, Influenster sent me a package with the BareMinerals BarePro Liquid Foundation inside of it. I was a little hesitant to use it at first, because I've never liked any of BareMinerals' foundations. They've always left me looking cakey and never ever matched my skin tone. Maybe it was the people who matched it, or maybe the products just didn't work well with my skin. Either way, I had to make a review on the doomed foundation. And yet, I loved it.
I've never even seen a foundation this perfect. It dries super fast and feels like a thin powder, but it has amazing coverage (especially for someone with a birthmark on my face and a LOT of acne scars). It also has an SPF 30, which is essential when you live in South Florida (and yes, hurricane Irma is coming my way)(and yes, I'm okay). And ON TOP of all that, it fits my skin PERFECTLY, and stayed on all day.
All in all, I loved this product plain and simple. I hope that it works well with everyones skin type and color so that everyone can have the same wonderful experience as I did.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Click below to see the youtube video!

You Are A Badass (Seriously, You Are)

As much as a loathe sitting and listening to things (don't lie, I know you feel the same) I somehow managed to love You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero, regardless of the fact that the book is coming in the mail tonight, and I finished the whole audiobook in two sittings (and yes, I sat and listened).
This book is a self-help book that I recommend to anyone who is stuck in a rut. As someone currently struggling with depression and anxiety (as well as the feeling of impending doom brought on by the fast approaching school year), I have a first hand experience at how self-help books actually help. And trust me, I've had my fair share of moments sitting in my room, listening to a book about 'looking on the bright side' and 'making the best of every situation'. It's kind of like you're on a roller coaster and someone hands you a barf bag. Except you're on a roller coaster. And the bag's gone. And there's barf on your face. In fact, there's barf everywhere.
This book--it isn't like that. This book takes the epitome of badassery and shoves it in your face. Sincero is funny, understandable, and most of all, real. She gives good advice, and makes fun of it--in a sense of 'oh haha I'm silly' and 'yay this is fun', making it not only funny but fun to read. This book is also filled with stories of Sincero's own life, which are hilarious and fun to learn from.
"Why did I pick this book?", you might ask. Well, I'm part of a monthly book club! It's called the Bookfast Club and it's featured on Angelina "Jelly" Draper's blog, linked at the bottom of this post!
But all reasoning aside, I really believe that this book helped me to see my life in a different life.
Also, You Are A Badass. ;)

https://andraper7.wixsite.com/jelly/the-bookfast-club

A High School Survival Guide

Every high schooler knows that if there were a book to tell you how to get through high school without stress, while maintaining straight-As, a close group of friends, and somehow, a neutral mental state, we'd all use it. But even though there can't be a walkthrough, we luckily have Jessica Holsman, author of The High School Survival Guide.
Holsman refers to her book as "your roadmap to: studying, socializing, succeeding" and thats exactly what I would call it. This book gives amazing tips for getting through high school, and (surprisingly) isn't boring! This book is filled with worksheets, motivational cut-outs, outlines, and jokes--lots of them!
This book is a must-read for any high-schooler who is looking for a positive push towards a strong school year. I read this book the summer before my junior year of high school and I can say with complete honestly that I feel more prepared for this year.
As many students, I had a rocky start last year. As well as a rocky middle and end. My grades were not good, and neither was my attendance. I skipped some classes and even almost failed one. But not because I didn't put in the effort, but because I didn't know how to stay strong in school. I just tried to do what I had always done, which didn't work out too well. If I had this book, maybe I wouldn't have done so poorly. This book could've possibly turned around my negative view of school and helped me to make friends, stay committed, and realize how important it is to study and take control of my grades.
To be completely honest, every 179 pages of this book had something useful for me to learn. Of course, some of the things I had known already, but repetition is good for memory. I think this was a great book to read and think every student should consider it, high-schooler or not.

UPDATE | Why I Left + Where i've Been

I left social media for a bit. And not because I wanted to have some awesome third-eye-opening experience, or because I was sick of beauty standards, or anything. Simply because I had low self-esteem. But now I'm over that.

Through learning to love myself, I've become more content, more proud, and more caring. I'm now less of a perfectionist and am ready to embark on a new chapter of my life.

How To Not Suck When She's Sick

So you've been with this girl for a while now and you really like her. You've seen her with and without makeup, all dressed up and in sweatpants, but nothing has prepared you to see her like this. She's sick. Her nose is red, her eyes are puffy, her nose is stuffy, and she's coughing as if there's enough mucus in her throat to fill the empire state building. TMI. But seriously, this girl is a mess.

Now as a guy, you might not know what to do, how to act, what to say…Come on! You're a guy; everything awkward to you! But all your girl wants is to feel better, and as the boyfriend, you've gotta at least make her feel comfortable.

1. Play Nurse!

If you're not busy, and she's okay with you being there, stay with her to keep her company. Go over to her house, and pretend you're her nurse. Get her anything she needs, make sure she's comfy; do things a really loving nurse would do!

• Make Her a "CouchBed"

Couch beds are super fun for when you're sick! It's a change of scenery and you get to be right next to the tv! Take some super soft blankets and pillows and set her up a place to spend the day.

• Bring Her a Care Package

Who doesn't love having soup, tissues, and tea all right in front of you while you're sick? But who wants to go and find all of those things around their house (while they're sick)? If you can, stop by any local drug store and pick up anything you think she'll want or need such as:

- get well messages/cards

- food

- entertainment

- typical things such as hand-sanitizer and tissues
- medicine or supplements such as DayQuil, Emergen-C, and cough drops

- cute gifts like stuffed toys, candles, etc.

There's so much more stuff you could get to make her feel better in spirits!

• Touch Her

If you're not afraid to get sick, or you have a high immune system and a lot of hand-sanitizer, give her a massage or play with her hair. Maybe even let her cuddle with you (again, if you're not afraid of getting sick and she doesn't look like the guy from the Mucinex commercial)(unless you're into that).

     2. Check In With Her

Even if you are there with her, you should still be aware of how she's feeling. Ask her questions like "Are you feeling any better?" or "How are you feeling?". This will make her feel cared for, and even invite her to ask you for something, that she may have not felt comfortable asking you before.

If you are not able to be with her, call her throughout the day and make sure she doesn't need anything, and isn't getting worse.

    3. Make Sure She Isn't Getting Worse

Keep her in bed, and make sure she isn't uncomfortable. Wash your hands, and make her wash hers too. A lot of tissues and some DayQuil can go a long way. If her symptoms do get worse and/or she is in a lot of pain, you may want to take her to a doctor.

All in all, your girlfriend just wants to feel better Doing simple things like these can help your girl feel better emotionally and even physically.

The History of Houndstooth

Houndstooth is a duotone pattern that originated in Scotland in the 1800s. This simple but interesting print is made with alternating bands of four dark and four light threads in both warp and welt; two over and two under the warp. It was originally made on wool outer-garnments worn by shepards. When it was first made it was nicknamed "shepard's check" and later "dogtooth". When a smaller version was made, it was frequently called "puppytooth". These names lasted until the 1930s when the current name "houndstooth" was coined. This was around the time that the pattern was adopted by the upperclass as a symbol of weath.

This pattern was shown in a Christian Dior  line as a pointed, court-like shoe in 1959 and Geoffrey Beene even paired it with lace in the 1960s. Ann Klein also designed with this pattern in a line of menswear.
Although houndstooth is commonly shown in black and white, it is displayed in many other colors as well. Houndstooth also comes back into style every 20-30 years.
All in all, houndstooth is a classic pattern that never goes out of style.

Ferragamo's Houndstooth Dress