Everything Happens For A Reason

    You've probably have heard the saying "everything happens for a reason." Usually said to a person who is sad or upset and you are trying to cheer them up. That was me a couple of years ago. I had applied for this job in baseball and had two interviews, I thought for sure I would get the job. The interviews went well and I gave a great presentation so it was shocking to get an email a week later saying they went with a different person for the job.

   If you've been in the job market than you know how hard is is. They are always looking for extremely qualified applicants for entry level jobs which makes it nearly impossible for college grads to get the job. If you are lucky enough to get an interview and it goes well and you reach out to them to follow up but you never hear anything from them, ever. I'm not sure which is worse- not hearing back or to get a straight up no. Job searching is hard and mentally taxing.

   After everything with the interview and presentation went well but in the end getting a big fat no was difficult. I really wanted the job and felt my dreams slipping away. From family and friends I received a lot of "they don't deserve you," "you'll find something better," and of course "everything happens for a reason."

   A lot of times you don't get to find out why something happened for a reason but today I did. It was announced that the baseball team I interviewed with is closing its doors. After 15 years this minor league team is going to no longer be there with no current plans to relocate. So basically if I got the job years ago I would be unemployed and back to job searching hell. Instead I work for a great company that takes good care of it's employees. I have benefits and make more money than I would have in the baseball job. So even though you may hate to hear it, everything happens for a reason.

Must Have Monday : Favorite Drink and Mug

    There are a lot of people who can't function without that first cup of coffee in the morning, I am not one of them. Actually coffee is only something I drink occasionally, instead my drink of choice is green tea. On cold mornings I have such a hard time getting out of bed to make tea before work with enough time to sit and enjoy it so instead I drink it when I get home. It's like a treat or reward. I have several really cute mugs that I love but I tend to always go with a certain one. Nothing taste better than your favorite drink in your favorite mug.

   My favorite mug was actually a gift from my mom and stepdad. They bought it at a Starbucks outside of NYC while on vacation. I love NYC! As a kid I always dreamed of living in New York wearing heels to a fancy job on the 100th floor of a skyscraper with a great view of old rustic buildings. None of that happened but my love for NYC has not diminished. The mug is such a great rendition of New York. I like how it's black and white except for the Starbucks sign and yellow taxi. I want to get another mug to have a set.

   Green tea with blueberry honey is my first choice of beverage but occasionally I like to mix it up. I recently bought the Tazo Chocolate Chai tea mix. It's really good but really rich so I only make small cups and drink it every once in a while. It's super easy to make, you take equal parts chai mix and milk then heat it up. I use 2% but you can use almond milk, coconut milk, hemp milk, or whatever you like. When a day has been really good or really bad I may add a little whip cream as well. 

    What's your favorite drink? Do you also tend to reach for the same mug?

Happy Weekend 🍁

    Hello readers! For some reason this morning I woke up before 7:30am, the only people who wake up at that time on a Saturday are morning people and parents but I am neither. Since I was up I decided to clean house especially my room which has clothes everywhere. I finished my laundry and breakfast and now I am free to enjoy this rainy fall day! I think I will write a letter to my sister, read a book, and of course stop at Starbucks for a pumpkin spice latte!

    I hope you all enjoy your weekend! October is a great month for fall festivals and long walks in a cozy sweatshirt. Make sure to take time for you this weekend and enjoy all the blessings around you! Go buy some pumpkins and hot chocolates and have fun! Happy weekend friends!

Happy First Day of Fall!!

    Happy first day of fall and goodbye summer! I'm not much a summer person because it's too hot and I have no pool. #firstworldproblems, am I right? Anyways in honor of the first day of fall I have for you my favorites of the summer! It might not be my favorite season but there were a lot of things I loved about it this year and some precious memories I will cherish forever! Let me know if you enjoyed any of the same things!

 

Favorite Book: Girl Online by Zoe Suggs

Favorite Song: Uma Thurman by Fall Out Boy

Favorite Nail Polish: Sally Hanson Sticker Polish in Checkerboard

Favorite Shoes: My Cheetah Vans

Favorite Shirt: Asos Jeweled Shirt

Favorite Sunglasses: Wood Frames from Forever21

Favorite Food: Watermelon (I ate way too much)

Favorite Drink: Starbucks Iced Green Tea Lemonade

Favorite Accessory: Elephant Earrings from Forever21

Favorite Hobby: Swimming

Favorite Memory: Entire Alaska Trip

Favorite Picture: Iceberg Picture

Favorite Make up: Estee Lauder Rebel Metal Palette

 

My favorite book, shoes, shirt, and make up for summer!

One of my favorite pictures from Alaska! I love the blues in the iceberg! Completely magical and worth every penny of the trip!

The adorable elephant earrings from Forever21!

 

 

Mindy Kaling is my best friend! (OK I know I'm dreaming)

    I am about a quarter of the way through Mindy Kaling's new book and I had to put it down to write about it because I freaking love it! I thought her first book was amazing and this one is even better! Mindy Kaling is a comedic genius! I've looked at her instagram tags to see fellow readers pictures and it makes me so happy to see other people enjoy this book. The Mindy Project also started streaming on Hulu today so I guess I need a Hulu subscription now!

   I suggest buying this book because not only is it funny but there are some good truths. My favorite thing is her insight on weddings because I whole heartly agree with her stance. Have you purchased the book yet or even finished it?? If so how much do you love it??

    I've been rewatching the Office and Kelly is one annoying character but its because of how Kaling and the other writers wrote the character however Kaling's acting just hits it out of the park. Mindy is quoted saying that people think she is like her character Kelly but she's not. If she her personality is like how she write then you know that she's not Kelly. I do think they name drop similair but more in a loving George Clooney way but who doesn't?!

Have a great night!

Taken from my Instagram, @lastew07

**no this is not a paid thing I just love her work**

My Own Little Village

    Don't you miss those family members or friends who live so far away? Don't you wish you could keep them with you all the time and they wouldn't have to be so far? I do, especially when someone gets hurt. I've always wished I had my own little village that all my family and friends lived in so we could all be together whenever we wanted. I hate being away from those I love who live miles and miles away. I really wish that now since I got a call last night that my grandfather who lives several states away is in the hospital. I wanted to get in my car and drive to see him but by the time I'd get there I'd have to leave to drive back.

    I know if I had this dream village that I wouldn't be able to keep every safe but at least I would be able to see them and hold their hand through it all. Even though he lives states away my grandfather is in good care with my grandmother and aunt. We aren't sure what happened exactly. There is a possibility it was another stroke, he's had one before, or a heart attack. Not sure which is worse. Another bad thing about not being able to see him and know how he's doing is that on that side of the family no one tells anyone when they are sick.

    My grandmother called 9-1-1 in the morning and my dad didn't find out till later in the evening when he was talking with my aunt. This is typical behavior for the family. So if we aren't all together how do I know he's really doing ok and they aren't just saying that so I don't worry. They also rarely go to the doctor when they are sick which is also something that worries me. If my grandmother called 9-1-1 that means something bad must have happened. I'm praying everything will work and he will be in good health soon again. Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers and I will also keep you and your family in mine. I hope you and your families are all healthy and enjoying these last few days of summer!

Must Have Monday: Travel Edition

    Must Have Monday is back with my carry on edition! I love flying and wish I could do it more often but over the flights I've taken I've learned to bring certain essentials. Don't get me wrong I bring a lot more than what I'm going to show you. I am an over packer to the max. For example, I brought a giant suitcase that I checked when I went to Alaska. When I checked it, it weighed over 50lbs and we hadn't even gone shopping or bought souvenirs. I stuffed my gym bag in my suitcase in case it got too full. Good thing too because on the way back my suitcase was over loaded plus my gym bag was full. That's a lot right? Well I also put a bunch of stuff in my dad's suitcase. So yeah I over pack.

   But back to the essentials...

*Sunglasses- I hate when you leave early for a flight then you get to your destination and you are literally blinded by the light. Plus if it's in your carry on you wont forget to pack them.

*Chap Stick- The dry air in the plane always makes my lips chapped so moisturizing lip balm or chap stick is necessary. Besides the guy in seat 8A might be looking really cute and straight at you! Always be prepared!

*Phone- It sounds obvious but not everyone is attached to their phones and can easily be left behind. Phone charger is also a good thing to throw in your carry on verses your checked bag.

*Wallet- A good wallet with a place for all your documents is a good idea. My wallet has a perfect spot to put my boarding pass so I don't lose it and easy access to my license when entering security.

*Mints or Gum- I prefer mints because some people chew gum like a cow which can super annoying to those around you. If you have gum eventually it will run out of flavor and become hard to chew, if you don't have anything to put it in you're stuck with it. A mint can be chewed easily or sucked on. Fresh breathe, yes please!

*iPad- I like to bring my iPad more for when I get where I'm going. I usually read a book on the flight and not watch movies or the free entertainment. On my flight with my dad and stepmom my iPad came in handy because my dad's iPad wasn't working with the in-flight entertainment so he could use mine. I would never put important electronics in my checked bag in case it gets lost or stolen. I have on occasion put my hair straightener in my purse for that exact reason before.

*Water- When I get passed security and am waiting to board I usually buy a bottle of water. I hate getting a drink on the flight because then you have to put your tray down or hold it. You also have to hold it when you're done till they come around to pick up trash. Bottled water you can throw in your bag and not have to worry about spilling. I hardly ever eat or drink or even pee on a flight so I don't bother those around me.

*Deodorant- Don't want to smell on the flight or meeting whoever at the airport. Again there's a hottie in seat 8A and he doesn't want to smell your stank.

*Epi pen/Inhaler- This is probably just me but I have weird allergies. I have had serious breathing problems due to unknown allergens before so now I carry my epi pen with me at all times, especially on a flight!

*Camera- You want to remember to take pictures to savor the memories!!

What are some things that make it in your carry on?


**There was a picture but Blogger hates me and never uploads my picture, sorry friends!**

Helloooo!!!

    Hello friends! I'm back! Alaska and Canada was amazing with some beautiful pictures coming soon! It always feels nice to go home after a vacation but at the same time sad because you don't want to leave paradise. I was hoping when I got home that secret ninja maids cleaned up my mess from packing, unfortunately that did not happen. Lots of cleaning to do and lots of laundry ahead of me.

    This post isn't just about my vacation, in fact I wanted to do it because I witnessed something really sad at Target tonight. I heard there was funfetti gluten free cake mix so I ran to Target to get a box (added bonus was there was a cartwheel coupon)! In the check out line in front of me was a grandfather and his two granddaughters. The girls looked pretty young maybe around 6. While the grandfather was paying for their back to school light up backpacks one of the girls pointed to a picture of Kim Kardashian on the cover of some tabloid and kept repeating, "she's prettier than me." My heart broke for this young girl who already seems to be having body/self esteem issues before her first day of first grade.

    It made me want to cry and even writing this post I am getting emotional. I don't understand why girls or boys or women or men feel the need to judge themselves so harshly or compare themselves to celebrities. A six year old girl should not be repeatedly pointing to a picture of anyone saying "she's prettier than me." Instead that girl should be saying I'm pretty because fill in the blank.

    Please I urge you to share the love and teach your children, nieces, nephews, cousins, or your friend's kids to love themselves the way they are. At a young age we should be building up a child's self esteem not letting them feel so insecure. It's seriously heart breaking. Think about when you were younger and try to relate to find a way to reach them and what's the best way to show or teach them how beautiful they are, flaws and all.

   Even as adults we struggle with body issues probably on a daily basis but know that you are beautiful. You are a one of a kind which makes you extremely precious and unique. You deserve as much as the person next to you. Love yourself for who you are. Own it. Your flaws are what makes you beautiful and special. Don't ever lose yourself.

   I love all of you and I hope you go to bed tonight loving yourself or waking up knowing you are amazing the way you are. Share the love!

BRB It's Cruise Time!

    Guys I will not have internet for a while because it is finally here, the vacation of my grandmother's dreams! I'm leaving in four hours for an Alaskan cruise! I can't wait to get back and chat with you! Have a great week!

Mr. Holmes - Movie Review

    Mr. Holmes is about Sherlock Holmes' remembering his last case. Holmes is older and forgetful but he's trying to write about his last case. There was something about it that he wanted to remember. The film takes you through his journey of remembrance and new friendships with old friends.

 

 

   I loved this movie! The scenery was so beautiful I would leave everything to go live in solitude their myself. I was really looking forward to seeing this movie and I was not disappointed. Lately there hasn't been any films that I wanted to see really except Mr. Holmes. I did think that the movie would be a little more fast paced but it was more of a slow telling story line. I would give this movie a 4/5 because it was a great storyline, beautiful scenery, great actors, but it was a little slow.

 

 

Have you seen Mr. Holmes and if so did you enjoy? Any other good movies out there that I should give a second look at?



No Training No Mo'

    Today was my first day at my new job taking sales calls. The first call was so terrifying. I was stumbling over my words and my hands were shaking so much. After the call I had to just sit there and take a couple breathes before moving on. Once I calmed myself the next couple calls were easier. Of course I made a few learning errors but overall I built the scariness of the job up in my head and it's not scary any more. I left work today with a smile on my face for finally getting over the initial hump and learning that I love my new job. I am actually quite excited for Monday! Who even says that?!

    I am sure I will make a few more mistakes but getting over this fear I built up in my head felt empowering! If you have a hump in your path, face your fears and in the end you too will feel the joy and relief of overcoming your fear! Have a great weekend friends!

Maggie and Bailey wishing you a lazy wonderful weekend!

Tips for Starting A New Job

    The past week has been a whirlwind! Officially I have one week of my new job under my belt. My plan before starting my new job was to write a bunch of posts however life never goes as planned! I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Through all the chaos I did learn some helpful tips which I would like to share so let's get started!

Tip 1-

    Make a good first impression by showing up early and properly dressed. You need to remember that you are meeting a bunch of new people for the first time and they will remember this. You don't want to be the new girl who was 10 minutes late or the girl with messy greasy hair. Make a good first impression!

Tip 2-

   Bring something to write with and on. If someone is teaching you something you need to remember why not write it down. You'll also look like you're interested and care, which you should!

Tip 3-

    Smile! Smiling makes you more approachable which you want since you want to meet all your new coworkers. It's hard to remember the names of all the new people you meet but it's essential. You never know when you need Jim in accounting or Anna in marketing. As Buddy the Elf would say, "smiling's my favorite!"

Tip 4-

    Set out your clothes the night before. You will save time trying to find the perfect outfit. Setting out the make up you want to wear is also helpful. When everything is laid out you can't mess up or forget anything.

Tip 5-

    Wake up early! If you know you only need one hour to get ready, get up two hours early. Take your time getting ready. The first day is stressful so take time to distress before heading out. Personally I like to take my dog on a walk. It's a great way to get some air and distress as well as some exercise.

Comment below if you have some helpful tips to share with fellow readers!

 

 

   Trust me guys these tips are really helpful! The other day I was walking Bailey (my puppy) before work and she cut her foot some how. She was bleeding a lot and I wasn't sure what to do. I called my mom (a nurse) and she ended up leaving work to help me. Since I had an outfit planned and I woke up early to go on our walk I was able to get ready in the five minutes I had. You never know when trouble knocks on your door so you must be prepared! And if you were wondering Bailey is better and healing well! 

New Job, New Me

   I GOT A NEW JOB! Which is very exciting! My current job/the one I am quitting was more of a relaxed crazy schedule but my new job is more of an adult 9-5 thing which I am super excited about! To me the worst part of getting a new job is the quitting of the current job, my stepdad believes the opposite that its the best part. I just feel like I'm letting them down by leaving. I was nervous to hand in my two weeks but everyone has been pretty supportive and happy for me which makes me feel great!

    For this new job the dress code is business casual which I surprisingly don't own a lot of. I've had jobs where you've dressed business casual but I think I need to buy a bunch of new clothes. I have a week to create this new work wardrobe. Maybe I will post some pictures of my purchases and outfit ideas then you can tell me whether it's nice or I should return.

   With a new job you also get to reinvent yourself. For example, I'm pretty shy when you first meet me then I become more outspoken but with this new job I can change that. Or perhaps you can change your look. Always wanted to go from blonde to brunette? Now would be the chance although that is not what I want or am going to do, just an example. I know two people who work at my new job. One is someone who I went to high school with and the other is someone I use to work with but we weren't that close.

   I am really excited to start this promotions marketing journey and hope you stick with me as I fill you in with details of getting prepared and my first day (scary!)! Any advice for starting a new job or what is an essential in a business casual wardrobe?

Recent Beauty Loves and Hates

    I always want to do monthly favorites however I don't switch thing up too much in my routine however the past month and a half I've been using different things that I am loving with a couple of hates in the mix. I wanted to share with you, my friends!

    My Recent Beauty Loves

 

 

•  Too Faced Shadow Insurance in Champagne- This is a primer but works well by itself. It doesn't crease and applies easily. The color is very neutral, perfect for any look.
• Rimmel London Match Perfection Skin Tone Adapting Concealer 2-in-1 Concealer and Highlighter- When I first used this the color looked way off but it totally matches perfectly. This product is my new favorite concealer. Perfect for under eye because it does brighten but you don't look like you are wearing concealer if you know what I mean.
• Simple Cleansing Micellar Water- My face feels so refreshed after using this. After using this I got compliments for how radiant my skin looks. It's really easy to use. All you do is put some on a cotton pad and rub it on your face and you are done! It says it removes make up but I find that some mascara doesn't come off with just this.
• Estee Lauder Sumptuous Infinite in 01 Black- Very wet formula so you would need to be careful with it. It gives your lashes volume and length. My favorite mascara was a Clinique one till I tried this.
• Urban Decay Perversion Mascara - Big brush which is nice because it gets all you lashes. Adds volume for fuller lashes. Downside is it can be clumpy sometimes but overall happy with the product.
• Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien- Soft and long lasting color. This color is perfect for a natural make up look.
• tarte Maracuja Oil- I use this at night before bed and have been loving. In the morning my skin feels so soft and is radiant. I have my father's big forehead so unfortunately I have wrinkles there but this oil helps those disappear. It is oily but after a few minutes it does sink in.
• tarte Maracuja C-Brightener Eye Treatment- Super moisturizing. It's suppose to brighten but I'm not sure it works I haven't noticed too much.
• Smith's Rosebud Salve- I hated this the first time I used it but it's now my favorite thing. The reason I didn't like this before was the petrolatum in it. I need to buy like 10 of these to put everywhere. Extremely moisturizing but not super shiny. Smells so good like roses, duh!

 

 

My Beauty Hates

 

 

• Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer- Because I have fine hair and blonde hair so it can make my hair look really oily.  It's in my hates because it makes my head really itchy so that's not good at all.
• drybar Detox Dry Shampoo- This works well but smells AWFUL! I hate it so much and the smell last forever! Since I hate the smell I use it at night and my hair looks good the next day but not as smelly.

 

 

 



Puppy Adventures and Craziness

   Ladies and gentlemen I'm back! I'm sorry for leaving you with a such a cliffhanger of getting a puppy. I did in fact get a puppy and I had so many cute pictures I wanted to upload like an obnoxious parent however on my actual birthday my lovely puppy ate my phone cord while it was plugged in charging my phone causing my phone to short circuit and never turn on again. Not only did I not receive 98% of my birthday calls and texts I also lost all my pictures. It was quite the present, right? So not only did I get a puppy for my birthday I also got a new phone.

    My little darling is four months old and is a basset/beagle/lab mix.  She is sort of little with huge paws so most likely she will get a lot bigger than she is which I actually can't wait for. Bailey, my little monster, I mean darling, can squeeze under all our baby gates we set up for her as well as our fence in the backyard (more about that later). She likes to lay under the coffee table in the living room and the Adirondack chairs in the yard outside.



    She gets along with our two other dogs although as her adult teeth are coming in she finds them to be great chew toys so that's an issue we are trying to fix. Her favorite toy squeaks and is longer than she is. She is mostly house trained (thank goodness) and sleeps in bed with me. I can thank her foster family for that since they didn't crate her at night so she hates not being with me at night therefore making it impossible for anyone in the house to sleep if she is crated. Bailey will be joining a local puppy training class starting on the 26th of May.

    Besides playing with her toys and the other dogs Bailey enjoys cuddling and being petted. She is super friendly which comes in hand when she escapes from the yard which has now happened two days in a row. Last night I came home from work to my mom crying hysterically because Bailey was missing while under the watch of her. I did get her micro chipped so I immediately contacted the company but apparently they can't just find her. I need to get a GSP for this puppy for real. Anyways there was a huge search party looking for her with no luck.



   Then someone notice the search party and told us someone found a dog and called the police to pick her up. We called the police and they had her and we were happily reunited. The big problem with the escape was how the heck did she get out? We checked our fence and couldn't find any holes big enough for her to fit. Bunnies run in our yard all the time and have dug small holes to get to the next yard but they are all small holes so there was no way Bailey could fit through. That's completely wrong.
 
    This morning I was outside in the yard with her, watching her, so I decided to check the holes to see if I could find scratch marks where she would have gotten out and while I was doing that she escaped again! I freaked out and kept calling for her. I was calling my parents but they were at work and not answering. I grabbed her leash and my keys and headed to my car calling her name when a neighbor two doors down told me she found my dog and had her. I was so happy and scared and frustrated. I picked Bailey up and brought her back home. I put her on the leash and went to the back yard hoping she would lead me to her secret exit which she did.

    I am so glad both times we were able to find her and she was safe. Tonight we will be fixing these holes some how so Houdini can't get out again. I love her and am so thankful for her but I am excited for training classes. Since I lost everything on my phone I don't have many pictures but I will be sharing more later. I would take some now but she's sleeping and I am not going to ruin a good thing!

 

Did Someone Say Puppy?

    In a couple of weeks I will be turning 26, which seems so weird to think about, and my parents have decided for my birthday that they are going to get me a puppy! I was so excited but also scared. We filled out a couple of applications and found out we were approved for a puppy! I will be meeting this adorable babe Saturday morning.

 

 

Meet Krissy who will hopefully be mine on Saturday. I am not sure how old she is in this picture but on April 24 she will be 4 months old. She is a basset/beagle/lab mix so they are unsure of how big she will be. She is described as being hyper and a sweetie. Like I said Saturday she will be coming to our house to make sure she gets along with us and our other dogs. I hope she works out and I hope she loves to cuddle.

 

I am going to change her name but I'm not sure what I am going to name her. Here are some of my ideas:

-Penelope

-Brooklyn

-Riley

-Olive

-Sydney

-Piper

-Zoey

 

Any ideas on the name or advice for training a puppy? Thank you!



Motivation Tips For Keeping Your Workout Resolutions + DIY

    It's officially April!! I know, the year is flying by! By April most people have already given up on their New Year Resolutions and I am one of them. I was doing so well and had a perfect routine but then real life happened so my routine changed which then turned into me giving up completely. Not good! But it's time to get on track and keep up my workout resolutions. I have a couple tips that will help us all out!

I found this DIY workout jar on both Pinterest and YouTube, I do not remember which YouTuber it was, sorry! It's a great way to mix up your workout. To make a workout jar you need the following: mason jar, colored popsicle sticks, stickers or marker if you have good handwriting, and workout ideas. 

 

On the popsicle sticks write or use the stickers to spell out the workout. I wanted to use sticker letters because I have bad handwriting and wanted it to look nice. Use the colors for certain types of workouts such as use red for cardio, blue for abs, green for legs, and yellow for butt. If you need inspiration for workouts to put on your popsicle sticks check Pinterest.

 

 

Then put them all back in the jar and you have your workout jar. To use it just pick out an exercise and do it. I usually pick 5 then do those workouts like a circuit for 3 rounds. Then I pick four more and do another circuit.

 

 

Something that can be motivating is new workout clothes or shoes. I recently bought new sneakers because I needed new running shoes. I love them and they totally motivate me to get moving.

 

 

Drinking water makes all the difference in how you feel. I notice when I drink a lot of water I feel more refreshed and more productive. Find a cute water bottle that will help you keep drinking water all day. I like my bright orange Nalgene bottle. I love the color and the fact that it has measurements makes me compete with myself on how much I can drink. That's probably a little weird but I like knowing that I drank all 8 recommended glasses.

 

 

Reading fitness magazines help motivate with great tips for different workouts plus ways to eat better. Grab a couple of fitness magazines and find some new workout moves you haven't tried yet. You might even find more pictures to post on your inspiration board. There are also some really good recipes in the magazines too!

 

 

Random Tips:

*Working out with a partner will keep you going and being accountable.

*Leave a note on your fridge reminding you to drink more water or a goal you want to accomplish.

*Set out your workout clothes the night before.

*Find a clothing item in your closet that is a little tight now then before and use that as a goal.

*Make realistic goals you can actually achieve.

*Have fun with it!

 

 

 

 

What I Keep In My Clutch

    My favorite clutch is the Aztec geo print from DailyLook that I have previously talked about. I love everything about it. I used it the other night when I went out to meet some friends and I'm not kidding, the waitress snatched my clutch out of my hands and said she loved it and I should leave it so she can have it. It was a bit of an awkward moment but I guess in this case it was all good because she loved my bag so much. I got more compliments from my friends as well. Best clearance purchase I have ever made.

 

If you haven't read my previous post about the bag this is it. Like I said it was from DailyLook and it also comes with a gold chain but I prefer without it. It goes with everything since it's basic colors but the print gives it a little something extra.

 

Moving on to the essentials which are very important. This is a bigger clutch so it can fit a lot but the whole point is to not carry a lot but there are certain things you need when going out on the town. Here is a list of my clutch essentials:

*Pressed powder in case of emergency. The one I have here is the Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Intensive Comfort Pressed Powder in the shade 02 Light.

*The lipstick I have on for the night in case it starts to fade away. This is the Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 825 Lovers Coral.

*A hair tie. You need a hair tie with you always because you never know when you'll want it.

*Money for obvious reasons.

*Gum for some fresh breath because no one wants to talk with you if you have terrible breath.

*ID and credit card again because you have to have it.

*Lastly I like to keep lip gloss in my bag as well. This is the C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries Mentha Lip Shine in Spearmint.

*Also in case anyone was wondering I would also have my phone with me even though it's not in the photo.

 

 

 

    I like to watch "what's in my bag" videos on YouTube because some people carry the oddest things and other times someone has something that makes you think, why don't I carry that in my bag? Do you carry anything special in your clutch when you go out? 



Can't We All Get Along??

    A couple of weeks ago my Dad showed up to my work unexpected. I thought I forgot us meeting for dinner or something but I was wrong. My grandmother (my stepdad, John's mom) had a heart attack and was in the hospital. I left work to go to the hospital to be with my family. I expected to get there and see her in a hospital bed talking with my mom and stepdad but I was so wrong. I walked into this huge trauma room in the ER where my mom, stepdad, and his siblings were sitting to one side while their mother was laying flat on a hospital bed hooked up to a bunch of machines. I was shocked at how wrong I was. She wasn't even conscious and wasn't even breathing on her own.

    Later talking with my mom I got more details of what happened. Marie, my grandmother, had went into cardiac arrest meaning her heart stopped beating. My mom gave her CPR at Marie's house and was able to bring her back and they had to do it again on the way to the hospital. There was a certain time line for when Marie should be awake and able to do things herself but she never came out of the state she was in. They did some tests and it was determined that she lost too much neurological activity when she stopped breathing. Since she was not breathing a couple of times her brain lost oxygen and therefore suffered damage on both sides. She was basically a vegetable. After a certain number of days of being hooked up to the breathing machine you have to be disconnected so you don't get a virus.

    They made the decision to take her off the machine and within 30 minutes she was gone. As you can imagine this whole process was horrible on the family and no one was handling it well. How could they when they just lost their mother? I would be a mess as well. Marie had a beautiful funeral service on the following Saturday where a lot of people showed up to pay their final respects.

   You would think that after losing their last living parent you would lean on your family for support but that's not what happened, in fact things got ugly. The next day while all the siblings and spouses were all in the area (some lived hours away) they decided to go through the will and talk about what's next. John found the will and showed it to everyone. They were not happy because John was the executor of the estate and was also to inherit the house. His sisters got ugly and talked trash about John when he got up from the table. My mom was there and stood up for John so his sisters then turned on my mother calling her horrible things and getting in her face.

   It was ugly. My mother was so upset as well as my stepdad. The sisters even went so far as refusing to be in the house if my mom was in it, mind you it was freezing outside. I know emotions are high when something like this happens but it was all uncalled for and extremely rude. The family is now split when they should be leaning on each other for support not tearing others apart.

   This isn't the first time I have seen this happen. Three years ago my dad's grandmother died and it also got ugly. One of the daughters was stealing things from the house saying they were hers and she yelled at my grandmother. In fact they aren't on speaking terms and it's three years later. I know emotions are high when you lose someone so close but don't take it out on your siblings they are all you have left. It's stupid for families to split over materialistic things. You lost a parent now is when you need to hold on to the family you have left. Can't we all get along??

Christmas Present Giving in March

    I made a really special Christmas gift for my grandparents this year (2014) however we did not get to see each other. I could have mailed it but I was worried about it getting damaged and I also wanted to see my grandmother's reaction because I know she was going to love this gift! Personally I think this is one of the best gifts I have ever given anyone and the best part was I made it. I did need some help making it but the idea and concept was all me.

 

This is not what I made this is what inspired me. My childhood memories of being with my grandparents all have Scrabble in them. They had the anniversary board that was on a lazy susan and had red tiles. My idea was to make a Scrabble frame with all our names on it for them. I wanted Stewart (our last name) to be in the center and then we all branch off it. I wanted it to look like you could play it on an actual Scrabble board. I didn't want to have the background a real Scrabble board because I wanted it to look elegant. This is how it turned out...

 

 

   I would love to tell you that this was easy to make and I have step by step pictures with directions but that would be a total lie. It was a bit difficult to make probably because there are so many tiles and I wanted it to be perfect. There are a couple flaws but nothing you can see if you aren't looking super close. I bought the red tiles and tile holder from eBay, frame from Michael's, and hand made the mat to fit perfectly. Here is another picture but it looks yellow due to the hotel lights...

 



 

 

 

    This was a very rewarding gift to give because it was made from the heart special for my grandparents who would do anything for me. The fact that my grandmother loved this so much just made it so much more worth it.

 

    What do you guys think? Anyone going to try this or have done something similar?



February Favorites

    I can not believe February is over already! The month just flew by but it's probably because it only had 28 days. The beginning of the month was really good but for me the month ended badly. Sometimes you have to take the bad with the good. Today I'm going to share what I was using a lot/loving in the month of February.

 

 

1. Olay Fresh Effects Bright On Schedule Eye Awakening Cream

I love this eye cream because of the rollerball. It feels so good to apply because it's cool and you don't have to dirty your hands.

2. Nest Fragrances Indigo

I tend to buy travel size fragrances because I don't stick with one for long. This smells so good! It's like floral, fruity, and musk all wrapped in one. Perfection.

3. Sonia Kashuk Confidential Concealer 03 Light

For whatever reason I have a hard time finding the perfect concealer until now. This is my favorite and we shall never part.

4. Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam

I use this either on my wet hair to hold my naturally wavy hair or in my wet hair and blow dry for more volume and shine. It has such a good smell which can be hard to find in hair products I feel.

5. Ulta Lip Color in #246 Bit of Berry

It's a great berry color which is a must during this winter season.

6. tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara

My favorite mascara, ever.

7. tarte Airbuki Bamboo Powder Foundation Brush

Best powder brush I have ever owned. My make up doesn't look caked on which it tends to do when I use other brushes.

8. Urban Decay Naked Basics

This eye shadow palette is the best for a natural look or smokey eye look. I use this almost everyday. I like to use the black shade as eye liner instead of an actual eye liner because it's not so harsh on my fair skin.

 

 

I may be late on this one but I am obsessed with Amnesia by 5 Seconds of Summer. On repeat 24/7.

 

 

This is my favorite picture of the month. It's my two dogs laying in bed with me cuddling. It's so hard to wake up when they do this.

 

I read an article of books you should read before the movie comes out and this was on the list. I had never heard of it before but the article listed the cast and I was hooked (love you Mae Whitman). I watched the trailer and decided I had to read the book. I love this book so much! It was a bit more sexual than I thought it would be but I liked how the characters had good and bad things happen to them. They weren't perfect which made them relatable and loveable. Now I have to see the movie asap!

 

 

What were some of your favorite things in February?

 

 



Estee Lauder Event

    There was a local event for Estee Lauder that my mother and I signed up for that was today. They had a big show where they did make overs and there was also a fashion show. Unfortunately my mother and I could not get appointments together due to my schedule so I wasn't there when she had her make up done. The lady took a lot of time to go over everything with my mom who said she had a great time. My mom was able to be there for my appointment so she came with me and learned even more by watching someone else work which she really found useful.

    The girl who did my make up was great. I loved that she explained things for me and she took her time. Plus, and I think this is the best part, she didn't push me to buy thing. Don't you just hate pushy salesmen? I know it's their job but seriously? Chill out. Anyways, I want to share the look she did, what I loved about it, and what I didn't. This seems scary to post a picture of myself but here we go...

 

 

 

 

    Let's go over first what I did like. I loved the eye shadow palette she used which had gold and some darker shades (all products will be posted at the end). I usually use really light natural colors but I told her she could do what she felt like. Although you can't really see/noticed I liked the moisturizer she used which felt like a gel but went on as a cream. It wasn't oily and my skin felt so soft. I liked the way she did my eyeliner and the lipstick color.

 

    What I didn't like was the foundation was too much for me but only because I am a sheer tint BB cream type of person so a liquid foundation is not everyday for me. I think there was too much eye shadow I usually do one color or two at most. It looks really good in the picture but in real life it seemed like a lot caked on. I do love the lipstick color and the feel of it (it's really moisturizing) but at the same time I didn't like the color. I guess you can say I'm confused about it because I like it and dislike it for the same reason. Lastly the eyebrows were noticeably filled in. To me it didn't match my color and you could see the pencil markings.

 

   Overall I did enjoy the whole experience and will definitely be going back to see this girl again for more ideas and make up. Since I did like some things I did end up purchasing three items. I bought the eye shadow palette in Rebel Metals, the lipstick in 250 Blossom Bright, and lastly bronzer in 01 Light. I was also given a sample of the foundation she used, free mascara, and a 4 pack of lipstick samples to try. I do have pictures of everything I got except for the eye shadow palette because I had to order it but it's not letting me upload them. I will try again perhaps when I get the eye shadow palette in.

 

    Have you tried Estee Lauder before? What do you love? What do you dislike?

 

 

 

*PS- No there was no filter on the pictures I really am that pale.





DIY Inspiration Board



    Today I am going to show you step by step how to make an inspiration board. I'm sure you've seen them on Pinterest or YouTube. An inspiration board is something that you put together to inspire you how ever you like. My favorite part is that it's so personal since you are picking what inspires you and what you want to look at. I have seen some really beautiful ones with fashion sketches on them but for me that doesn't work because it doesn't inspire me the same way. So now let's get started!

 

 

 



The first thing you need to do is get your supplies. You will need a cork square, push pins, scissors, and magazines.

 

 

Next go through the magazines and cut pictures and/or words that you want to display on your board.

Then organize how you want them to be pinned.

 

 

This is what my board looked like when I was done. For me I wanted some fitness motivation, bright lipsticks, food, of course, and two hilarious actors (Mindy Kaling and Melissa McCarthy). You can cover your board so you don't see any of the cork or you can leave some showing. I left some showing because I can add more to it when I find something I want to cut out and add.

 

 

The only thing left to do is find the perfect spot for your board. I put mine on my desk so I can be inspired while I work.

If you make one I would love to see what inspires you. Use the hashtag #letschatinspired and I will check it out on twitter and instagram! I'm going to go post mine now and I hope to see yours too!

 

 

 

My Istagram: lastew07

My Twitter: LCStew

 

 

What I Bought With Mom

    My last post I talked about going shopping with my mom and now I want to share with you what I bought. Let's get started...

 

 

1. English bulldog socks from Forever 21 $1.50

2. Bite Beauty Luminous Crème Lipstick Duo in the colors Tangerine/Lingonberry from Sephora $12

3. Black Skinny Jeans from Forever 21 $17.90

4. Anne Klein Trumble in the color Wine from Macy's $43

5. First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Purifying Mask With Red Clay from Sephora $30

6. Aldo Purse from DSW $27.50

7. Everyday Skinny Jeans from Forever 21 $9.90

8. Under Armour Women's HeatGear Alpha Novelty Capris $22.48

 

 

Here's A Closer Look At The Smaller Stuff

 

 

 

    As I mentioned in my last post I did buy two things online as well that I wanted to share with you. I bought a clutch from Dailylook which I love and a sweater from Anne Taylor which I also love. Here they are...

 

 

Clutch from DailyLook

 

 

 



 

 

Back of the sweater

 

 

 



 ***For whatever reason I have been having such a hard time with Blogger recently. It has not been posting my pictures and not allowing me to finish my posts. This post has taken weeks so I apologize for the lack of posts.

 



 

 

 

 



Basketball with Dad, Shopping with Mom, and Alaska

       Last week was such a good week! Let's start with Alaska. It was announced that my dad, stepmom, grandparents, sister and husband, aunt, and I are all going on an Alaskan cruise! I am so excited I want to start packing now! Actually I have been online shopping for clothes for the trip but obviously I'm not buying anything yet. It didn't really hit me till the other day and since then I have had Alaska on my mind.

    Tuesday night my Dad was given two tickets to the Philadelphia Sixers game from a work friend. I just wanted to go but it turns out they weren't just tickets they were VIP tickets. We picked them up then went to the Lexus Club where we had dinner at this restaurant/bar. It led out to the court which was pretty cool. Our seats were 3 rows from center court! AMAZING! I was just enjoying everything when I realized the team the Sixers were playing was the Atlanta Hawks. My favorite player is Kyle Korver and he plays for Atlanta. I couldn't believe that I actually got to see him play and that we were sitting so close. I first saw Kyle Korver play when I was young and he was a Sixers and I have been following him since. Best night ever!!

AHHH!!!

 

 

Check out the video of the Sixers being introduced...

 

 

    The fun did not stop there... My mom and I went shopping basically all weekend. It was a lot of fun for both of us. I got some really good stuff and so did my mom. I'm going to share the stuff that I bought another day but it wasn't all about the stuff I got. It was just really fun to spend some time with my mom, mother-daughter time.