Ipsy: May's "Destination Chic"

Hello friends!
May is here and [almost] gone and that means the year is about halfway over.
That is absolutely insane.
Life has changed so much over the past month and is continuing to change as time goes.
So here's this months glam bag!

The bag:
Absolutely adorable.
I LOVE this bag.
It's very different from the others that they've sent and I am obsessed.
It's definitely going to be my new everyday bag for a while!

Lavender Lip Balm by Jersey Shore Cosmetics:
Um, lavender.....we don't really get along.
The idea of sending a lip balm is a great idea, but I would honestly rather have my normal balm than something I don't enjoy.
This is probably my least favorite thing that I've gotten in a while.

Hungry Hair Oil Treatment by Eva NYC:
I'm not much of a hair oil or treatment kind of person.
My hair is extremely picky and any change causes it to freak out.
I may pass on this and probably give it to someone who will actually use it, but we'll see!

Caribbean Sun Bronzer Duo in Aruba by Jelly Pong Pong Cosmetics:
Really nice and compact duo.
The pigmentation is really nice and the blush is a really nice neutral pink.
I'm excited to use it and see how the bronzer and blush look on my skin.

Mini Gel Liner in black by IT Cosmetics:
So cute and SO freaking pigmented and smooth.
I have several pencil gel liners and this one is really nice.
It says it's waterproof, and it almost is.
You will have to scrub a little to get it off, but staying power is amazing.

Gel Nail Polish in Safety Orange by Aurora:
This polish is very orange.
Imagine taking a orange highlighter and covering your nails in it.
It's a beautiful color, don't get me wrong, I just don't know how many times I'll actually wear it.
Maybe during Halloween?
Or whenever I can really rock orange?

This was my May Ipsy.
Overall, I give it a 3.5 outta 5.
The liner and the bag were my faves from this months bag!

Do you get ipsy or another sub? 

Let me know what you get and what your favorite product is! 

Don't have ipsy? Sign up here! 

Til next bag--

Shelby 

Loving Someone with a Disorder.

Disorders are not always something that can be fixed.
In fact, it's rare that it can be.
I want to make this short and simple.
People who have a disorder are not worthless.
They are not failures, or ignorant of others.
They simply just have problems dealing with certain things.
I suffer from severe stress induced anxiety.
When something happens, my mind flips a switch and can sometimes triggers extreme panic attacks.
There are days I wake up and can't find much to be happy about because my anxiety has completely taken over me.
I love someone (very much, still) who suffers from Borderline Personality Disorder (or BPD).
BPD is a mental illness that centers on the inability to manage emotions effectively.
It appears in the context of relationships, whether it be every type of relationship or just a single relationship.
Basically, there are times where they can be completely fine but other times they are completely emotionless or
Over the past year, I learned a few things about this.
What it does, how it affects them and how it affected me.
I wanted to share a few things I've gained through this to maybe help others push through.

1. Don't discourage them during their tough times.
When they get into a spell, whatever it may be, their wall is up. Encourage them to talk and to let you know that it's okay to tell you what's going on. Be open minded and give them hope and confidence that they can work through it.

2. Show them you are there 100% of the time, even when they can't be.
This goes in hand with the last one. When they're in a state where they don't feel like themselves or that they don't think they can handle something, be there for them. Help them work through the rough patches and overcome harsh roads. Another big thing is to support them when they aren't having a spell. You need to be there for them just as much because knowing you're there unconditionally will help

3. Let them talk about anything and everything on their mind.
Opening up is difficult and can be intimidating. It's not easy to just say everything that's on their mind, but having that knowledge that you are there and willing to listen. If it doesn't make any sense, it's okay to ask if they're comfortable explaining it more. If they aren't then don't pressure them to. Just be the open ears and open mind for them.

4. Love them fully.
This is probably the biggest piece of advice that I can give. They're still human and they need love. It will not be easy, trust me, but it is so worth it. Good times and bad, they need to have support and love because it is not easy. They may also not be able to love fully because of their disorder and that's okay.You need to cross oceans and climb mountains for people because it's not about what you get, it's about what you give. Give them all of you and all of your love. Help them and stand by them when they need it. This is something that will help better them and better you.

5. Learn about their disorder and how it affects them and you.
Disorders affects you as well as them. Research the disorder and what its symptoms and causes are. Figure out how to talk to them and how to help them the best you can. This can be so helpful within the relationship. You may not necessarily be the one suffering, but you need to think of yourself as well. If you can't be there for yourself, you can't be there for them. It's okay to take some time for yourself and mentally prepare for what's coming up. You need to be healthy and open with yourself so you can do the same for them.

I, myself, suffer from a disorder. People have been there to support, care and love me for who I am--anxiety and all. I have also become better because of this person. They have helped me become stronger in so many different ways and that gives me the hope, faith and confidence to push through each day.
Push through the hard times and find your sunshine.

Ipsy: April's "The Dreamers"

April is here!
Spring is here!
And new trends are here!
Here's what I got in my April Ipsy!

The Bag:

It's definitely an interesting bag.
I understand the concept of the bag, but it just doesn't fit my liking.

I honestly am not that big of a fan of it, so I'm just going to add it to my donation pile. 

Adesse New York Polish in Irina:

This color is beautiful!
It's a steel gray with blue to purple undertones.

It's super glossy and feels wonderful on my nails.

Purlisse Beauty Sheet Mask:

Sheet mask are so interesting and such a big trend.
They sent two different masks--a Blue Lotus & White Tea mask and a Blue Lotus & Seaweed mask.
The mask are meant to refine and help boost radiance.

I can't wait to try this on a night off and see how my skin feels.

Tarte Lip Surgence in Wonder: 

I've wanted to try this product for a while and I'm SO excited! 

The color is fun and perfect for spring and the formula is fantastic! 

It's super smooth and doesn't dry out my lips (which is amazing)!

Trust Fund Beauty That Glo Tho Highlighter:

This is gorgeous! 

I've been getting more into highlighting and this is a great new piece of my collection! 

I like that it's a cream product because I don't have many and it's easy for when you're on the go! 

The subtle gold undertones makes me have a radiant, but not super overpowering glow--perfect for those 'natural' days.

Luxie Beauty Tapered Highlighter Brush: 

I was so excited to receive this in my bag! 

I do already have several Luxie brushes and I am excited to get another.

It's so soft and cute and is a nice addition to my brushes.

I used this to apply a powder highlight and it is absolutely perfect. 

So this was my April Ipsy bag!

Do you get ipsy or another sub? 

Let me know what you get and what your favorite product is! 

Don't have ipsy? Sign up here! 

Til next bag--

Shelby 

Being An Adult: What I've learned (Part 1)

When I was in high school, I could not wait to get out on my own.
I was already planning out what I wanted and how I was going to do it.
To say the least, I was not ready.
When I moved to college, I was 8 hours away from home.
I thought that it was great, I was finally on my own.
I was wrong, but from then to now I have learned a lot so I thought I would share some of what I've learned in hopes that it will help!


1. Your roommate(s) may not become your best friend, and that's okay.
Being BFF's with your roommate may be your ideal situation, but it's not always the case. Create a plan of action for different situations, maybe even a roommate contract that keeps each other accountable. Be honest when it comes to how you're feeling or where you stand and find ways to work it out so that you are both happy. Try to spend some time together or do something (like the dishes or taking out the trash) for them every now and then. That will help keep the relationship and the space a healthy environment!


2. Create a budget and stick to it.

This is hard and I struggle with it all the time, but is so worth it when you do. Create a budget with your income, what is flexible (clothing, leisure) and what is stable (rent, loans, bills). Mint is a great budgeting tool with alerts when you go over your budget and helps you save for your goals! Also look into couponing! It's easy and can save you some dollars along the way. A few of my favorite apps (and websites) include Coupons.com, Checkout51 and Shopkick. It makes shopping less boring and you can earn rewards! Credit is also essential for everything--car buying (which is how I got my new car), house hunting, loans--and it's really easy to screw up. What I've learned is that having a credit card is fine when you can pay it off immediately. You don't want to have anything hanging over your head. Credit cards are not free money. It's money you have plus more (darn you, interest rates!). My suggestion is that if you get one, use it for gas and groceries and pay it off immediately. Before you know it, your credit score will be high and you will have the power!


3. Make decisions for yourself, by yourself.
Sure, you can ask for advice, but ultimately its about you and no one can make that decision for you. If something doesn't seem right with your body, make an appointment to get that checked out. If it's time for your car to get an oil change, call and set that up. You have to use your judgement on certain things and it will definitely help you become more confident when making decisions.



4. Learn new things that can help you adult.
Cooking, sewing, general maintenance; basics that turn into lifelong skills. Get yourself a cookbook and test some of the recipes out in your free time.  Also get a sewing kit and a tool kit (one with some wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, etc.) for those quick fixes around your home. YouTube some fun crafts that can bring some light to your walls and maybe even make yourself a canopy (I did!)! Expand your horizon and you will not regret it!







5. Take care of you.
This may seem silly, but it's actually really important.
You need to take care of you--mentally, physically and emotionally. I got myself a gym membership, started working out 2-3 (or more) times a week and it has helped me release so much stress and tension that I had been building up. I'll take some time out of my day to just breath and be alone or color to help get my mind off of the constant lists in my head. I'll run myself a bath, light some candles and relax for a while. There is nothing wrong with taking care of yourself and it will help you be better.

These are a few of the many things that I've been learning and there are DEFINITELY more to come!

Until then,

Shelby

Long time, no chat.

Oh hi.
Long time, no chat.
Why?
Well, life got really crazy and I needed to focus on me, my job hunt and the final push of my degree.
So, here's what has happened.

I graduated in December with a B.A. in History.

 


I moved into a new apartment (peace out dorm life).

I got promoted to a Business Manager position over my department at my current job.

I'm still trying to get the hang of the adult thing.
Not doing too bad so far!
I did file my taxes myself, dealt with finances without asking for help and am supporting myself.
It's still a lot to handle, but I know that with some love and support I can do this.

I'm going to be blogging regularly again. I just was completely overwhelmed with trying to get the next step in my life prepared and now, I'm there...mostly.

Thanks for sticking with me and understanding!
Keep your eyes peeled for some upcoming posts! :)
Always,
Me <3

Ipsy: October's "Alter Ego"

Y'all. It is FALL.
Warm tones, matte lips and soft hands!
I am more than excited about this month's bag, so let's just go ahead and get started!

The bag:
Beautiful metallic gold.
I adore it so much and I like bags like this!

MicaBeauty Cream Eyeshadow in Bronze:
This. Is. Gorgeous.
So creamy and crazy pigmented.
This golden bronze is perfect for fall and is basic without being overpowering!
A full product is about $15.

Pur~lisse BB Tinted Moist Cream:
This BB cream is meant to give a glow to the skin and reduce the look of those pesky fine lines.
Unfortunately, this color is a little too dark for me, so I'll be finding someone who can use it!
A full bottle of this is $32, making this about $4.

Delectable Coconut & Cream Hand Cream:
This is an ultra nourishing hand cream that smells wonderful.
It's so soft and thick and moisturizing.
I love it.
This is a full size and is $5.50!

Dr. Brandt Skincare Microdermabrasion:
I LOVE getting scrubs.
Microdermabrasion is a great way to help clear the skin and keep it healthy.
Dr. Brandt is a very high end brand so when I got this I was excited and nervous.
Nervous because I know I'll want more, but I really cannot afford it on a college/almost post-graduate budget.
A full size is $78, making this around $9.                          

TheBalm's Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Committed:
Yes. Yes yes yes.
This is an absolutely gorgeous nude lip with hints of pink and it smells wonderful!
I really enjoy products from TheBalm and this is my first lip product from them.
My boyfriend actually really likes how it looks on me, so that's always a plus!
A full lipstick is $17, making this around $4.

If you get Ipsy, what was your favorite product(s) this month?
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Allure Beauty Box: September 2015

Hello there!
Sorry it took me so long to post this!
I thought I lost all of the pictures I took, but I found them and immediately wanted to post!
Fall is approaching!
Huzzah!
Let's check out this months box!

Tangle Teezer, $15
I've heard a lot of really good things about this brush!
I've finally found the best types of products that work on my hair, but I know for a fact that my younger sister will get better use of this.
This is a full size product so I'm really happy about that!

Glow Tonic from Pixi by Petra, ~$4
I love Pixi.
It's like the higher end stuff of the drugstore products.
This is a toner that is really supposed to exfoliate and tone out the skin and leave it glowing!
I'm really excited about this and I love that it came with a coupon on the back!
A full bottle of this toner is $15!

Erno Laszlo Firmarine Bar Soap, ~$7?
I honestly have no idea what to do with this.
Bars of soap are something that I don't really use, but I'm sure I'll find someone who will use it!
A full bar is about $45 and that is...wow.

Jane Iredale Smooth Affair Facial Primer & Brightener, $~6
This looks like an absolutely wonderful product to try!
It's a primer and brightener in one and I'm really excited about it!
With the fall coming up, it tends to have more cloudy days, so I feel like have a little extra light to the face with make me look more lively!
A full size is $48.

Alterna Replenishing Moisture Milk, ~$7
I've gotten several samples from Alterna in the past and they're really nice!
This product is a leave-in conditioner that is meant to bring moisture back into the hair, keep it healthy and leaves it silky!
A full bottle of this is $30.

Soap & Glory Pillow Plump Lip Gloss in Pinkwell, ~$5
This is the coolest stuff!
It smells so lovely and, man, it tingles....a lot.
I'm not a gloss person, but I really wanted to try it out and I love the way it works.
It really does plump up the lips for a fuller look!
A full gloss is $14.

Kaplan MD Cellular Rejuvenating Concentrate, ~$17
This product is meant to smooth skin of wrinkles and fine lines and transform the texture and look of skin.
What makes it do this is all of the special ingredients inside of this formula (also why it is so expensive).
A full ounce of this product is $170.

This month really wasn't that bad!
They actually included 7 samples this month, which was awesome!
If you get the allure beauty box, which product was your favorite?
Want to get a monthly box from allure? Sign up here!