Dust yourself off

Over the last little while, I have had some unfortunate events happen in my life and to some very close people. I tend to think more on the negative side (I know I shouldn't!) because when something negative happens, I'm not THAT disappointed. However, these things that have happened to me have literally just knocked me down and have made me feel so tiny and small, it hurt. There were days when I wouldn't stop crying and I wouldn't want to socialize with anyone. But that's how I deal with things, I keep to myself and don't like to bother other people with my small problems.

It took me a while to be "okay" and my mom had made a very valid point - that everyone has been in my position at least once in their life and it's all how I handle the situation and carry myself. She's right. Instead of being stuck in my negative frame of mind, I got up and did something about it. Slowly but surely, things are starting to turn around and HOPEFULLY, they continue to get better. I've realized that I am tired of starting over and ending up in the same position, so this time around, things are going to be different. I am not going to think more on the negative side, I am going to emit positive energy and thoughts, that way the universe sends positivity back. I am going to enjoy things more and do things that make ME happy instead of trying to please people who could really care less if I do them or not.

There are a few things coming up that I am SO excited about and it's been a while since I have felt excited about something. I am going to my first fitness expo next weekend with my brother. Even though I am not a fitness competitor, I think attending this will have some great benefits and definitely give me the motivation that I have been looking for. I also have a family vacation coming up and it's been some time since we've gone away. We are heading to Conneticut, Boston and New York. I know it's not an all inclusive on the beach, but it's away from the city, from work, from having to cook and clean and just able to relax and have fun. The last time we did this trip, my mind was elsewhere and I don't think I fully appreciated it for what it was. This time, NOPE, none of that! I am going to FULLY enjoy this and enjoy myself - which means, if I want to have a beverage or two, I WILL, if I want to not eat as healthy for a few days, I WILL and if I don't want to worry about getting into the gym, I WON'T. Then ... after that, Brantley Gilbert in July. I am SO excited to see him! And again, my state of mind will be completely different than the last concert I was at.

It's funny how our mind and our thoughts affect our lives so I am looking forward to seeing what happens with this change of mind. Realistically, I will get knocked down again and again, because well, that's life .. but I just have to pick myself up, dust myself off and get right back to it.


PS. Another thing I promise to try - getting better at this blogging thing!!

Five on Friday - I'm STILL Here!

I'M STILL HERE!! This blog has taken a backseat to everything lately, my goodness, I am sorry! Let me just tell you, the last few months have been a roller coaster of a ride. Unfortunately, the majority of it has been all negative, but I'm trying to look at the silver lining of everything and have a positive attitude. Easier said than done.

Anyways, I thought I would come back with one of my favorite link ups. Head on over to A Liz Adventures to see what all the buzz is about! :)

ONE

Raptors made it to the second round of the NBA Playoffs since 2001. Needless to say, SO EXCITED! Right now the series is tied 1-1 with Miami and I have a feeling it's going to be another nail biter of a series. 

TWO

Missing the deep blue, wide open ocean today .... 

THREE

So, can someone explain to my WHY it took me SUCH a long time to get into Grey's Anatomy? Anyone .... Yeah, pretty much can't stop watching. 

FOUR

Since my last FOF post, I have been doing really well with the gym. Eating, meh, not so much. I have been trying to get there as often as I can and I am usually in there for longer than a hour. I have switched up my workouts and started lifting heavier and I can notice some upper arm strength coming in. A lot of people have been noticing some changes, including my brother which is weird because he NEVER has anything positive to say when it comes to that. Now, if only I could get the eating portion down, I'd be set. Anyone have any tips or suggestions?

FIVE

OH, almost forgot that I am going to see Brantley Gilbert in July! OMG I AM SO EXCITED! He's my favorite male country artist and of course, he is bea-you-tea-ful!! CAN'T WAIT!!! 

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Sunday Currently - March 13 v.45

Happy Sunday everyone! Is anyone feeling it from the time change today? I wasn't so bad when I woke up this morning but after a defeating workout, I am now feeling it. Sorry I haven't posted in a while either, been a little bit on the busy side but did everything I had to get done yesterday so I could relax today and have time to write this post. 

C U R R E N T L Y ...

READING: The Stand by Stephen King and Pretty Happy by Kate Hudson 

WRITING: This Sunday's edition of TSC 

MUSIC: Song(s) of the moment - Happy Man Remix by Nelly

LISTENING: To the above mentioned song

GUILTY PLEASURE: Lately I have been on an apple pie kick and I have no idea why because I never liked apple pie until like a month ago .. I'm weird, I know

THINKING: That todays work out kicked my ass ... 

NAIL COLOR: Nothing right now but I am thinking a nice light pink color for this week 

DRINK: Last drink I had was my Pure Protein after my workout

FOOD: I haven't had anything to eat yet today but the last thing I ate was a slice of apple pie and it may or may not have been a little later at night ... ooops! 

SMELLING: Laundry - typical Sunday smell 

HOPING: I have a great first week at my new job! I was able to find a full time position at a well respected and speciality animal hospital here at home that offered me a great schedule. The only downfall is that they are 12 hour shifts BUT I will take 12 hour shifts with rotating weekends off anyday!

TV SHOW: Still watching The X Files ... I have a few episodes left of Fuller House but I don't want to watch it because I don't want to finish it and have to wait forever for Season 2. Have any of you watched it, thoughts??

WEARING: Reebok sweatpants and hoodie

LOVING: The weather lately!! Yesterday was GORGEOUS! It was almost 20 outside and I was driving with the windows down and music cranked .... LOVE!!!

WISH LIST: For a personal assistant maybe?? 

NEEDING: To finish my never ending amount of laundry.  I have been so busy lately, I accumulated so much and it's taking me forever to finish

BLESSING: Everyone and everything that I have in my life

FEELING: A little defeated after todays workout ... 

CLICKING: Keyboard 

EXCITEMENT: For my LVFT order to arrrriiiivvveeeeee :) 

Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday!

Sunday Currently - Monday Edition Feb 22 v. 44

Hello from the other side! So, obviously didn't get around to posting yesterday or for the last little while but I had some extra time today for a Monday edition of TSC. Hope everyone had a great weekend. Did anyone do anything fun and exciting? I did not, I worked all weekend BUT tomorrow is my Friday and then I am off for three days! So happy and excited. 

C U R R E N T L Y ...

READING: 11/22/63 by Stephen King. I really want to watch the show they just came out with based on this book. Why? Uhm ever heard of James Franco?

WRITING: This Sunday's edition of TSC 

MUSIC: Song(s) of the moment - Pillow Talk by Zayn and this is legit on repeat

LISTENING: To the above mentioned song

GUILTY PLEASURE: This past week I was actually pretty good, HOWEVER, I recently discovered Talenti Gelato in Coffee Chocolate Chip. I had to force myself to put it away because I could have sat there and finished the entire pint in one sitting

THINKING: That I am suffering from a typical case of the Mondays and that I hope I muster up enough energy to make it to the gym after work

NAIL COLOR: Over The Edge by Essie

DRINK: Nice cup of hot chocolate 

FOOD: I made crockpot chicken tacos on Friday as my "meat" for the week and I am now obsessed, they turned out SO GOOD! I added the chicken to tortilla strips and sour cream and had a "less messy" version of a taco and I have been living off of this since then - no shame! 

SMELLING: Nothing at all as I am pretty sure I am permanently stuffed up. I forgot how much the winter season and I did not get along for this kind of stuff

HOPING: I have an easy and early night at work that way I can into the gym today

TV SHOW: Currently cannot stop watch The X Files .. I think Mulder has something to do with it though, just being honest haha

WEARING: Pajama pants, tee shirt and a hoodie

LOVING: My Smashbox 25th Anniversary Our Lips Are Sealed Lip Palette. I am pretty sure it is the most beautiful piece in my collection so far. I also have some Bite and Mac lippies on the way which means 31 days of a different color. Isn't that a part in the Wizard of Oz? Even though I had THE WORST experience with Smashbox so I will NEVER be ordering from their direct website again. I'll be sticking to Sephora.

WISH LIST: For a good week and to be consistent with the gym and eating

NEEDING: To clean my room, fold and put the majority of my laundry away and possibly start getting into a better sleeping routine. 

BLESSING: Everyone and everything that I have in my life

FEELING: A little tired today ...

CLICKING: Keyboard 

EXCITEMENT: My Bite and Mac lippies that are on their way AND that Fuller House airs this Friday! OMG CANNOT WAIT!

Enjoy your week everyone! AND I would like to remind everyone that like I said, this Friday, Fuller House airs on Netflix. OHHHH MYYYYY LAANNTTAAA!!

Five On Friday

Today does not feel like Friday to me ... anyone else agree? I woke up this morning with a wicked headache and it won't seem to go away. Probably because of the drastic weather changes we are going through here. A few days ago we had Spring weather - no joke, about 15 degrees - and today, it's about  -33 with windchill AND snow. Needless to say, we are finally getting our winter weather. 

Hope you'll join in with this weeks link up. All you have to do is write about five things from the past week or anything on your mind, head on over to A Liz Adventures and link up!

ONE

I chose the above picture instead of the usual FOF because there are only 13 days left until Fuller House. I have been watching youtube trailers for the last few days and I am SO excited. It definitely makes me feel a tad bit old and a bit nostalgic for the days when I would come home from school, watch Full House and then Step by Step, every single day. 

TWO

I FINALLY made it back into the gym this last week. Took a bit of a push but I am glad I did and I am slowly getting back into the rhythm. I added a few new exercises to my work out and I do not know how people can work out every single day, my legs are still SO SORE from Wednesday.

THREE

Went to see The Finest Hours last night with Mama Bear and it was a great movie. If you're looking for something to see, I recommend that. It's the true story of the coast guard rescue of an oil tanker that split in half during the blizzard of 1952. If you're like me, you will probably need a kleenex or two towards the end, but don't most true stories make us bawl like babies anyways? 

FOUR

It's NBA ALL STAR weekend!! Even though I have to work Sunday when the game is on, it's an entire weekend of basketball greatness AND what is even better, it's being hosted in Toronto! 

FIVE

Oh yes, it's also Valentines Day this weekend, how could I forget? I think I may be the only one who doesn't really like the idea of Valentine's Day. And NO, I'm not just saying this because I am single. Even when I was with my ex boyfriend for 5.5 years, we never celebrated this day. IMO, it shouldn't be one day a year where you go above and beyond and show your love, it should be every day you're with someone. You don't necessarily have to go above and beyond every single day, but it definitely shouldn't be limited to one day. 

Tuesday Review

Happy Tuesday! I thought I would share my opinions on some of the products that I have purchased over the last month or so just incase any of you were in the market for new products. Please note that I am not an expert at this stuff and these opinions are solely my own. Hope you enjoy!

 1. Smashbox ShapeMatters Palette
This palette has everything you need, a 3-in-1 - brow, face/contour and eye shadow. I am new to contouring so I decided to go with this instead of getting something else. The packaging is great and comes with how to go guides for each section. The eyeshadow colors are beautiful and look great on your eye. The contour powders are great for me, so basically great for beginners. The brow has two colors and then a wax but since my brows are light, I can only use the one color and I don't use the wax. The only downside to this product is there is a little bit of powder fall out, but other than that, I am definitely happy I purchased.

2. Bobbi Brown Corrector

I suffer from really bad dark circles under my eyes, probably thanks to my horrible sleeping patterns. I have tried a lot of products to try and cover them but THIS ladies and gentlemen is part 1 of 2 of my HG's to rid me of those circles. It definitely is a lot smaller than I thought it was going to be and it's a little bit difficult to pick up but I just warm it up a bit before use (I sit on it ... weird but it works). You don't need a lot of product so it will last you quite some time ... for that price, it should. I definitely recommend going to see an artist about this to get your correct shade. I have never been happier with a product to help with circles. I will continue to buy this as it 100% does what it says it's supposed to do. 

3. Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage

This is another product I was impressed with. I originally bought it for under my eyes but it soon became a great way to hide blemishes or imperfections on the face. Like the BB Corrector, it's a little difficult to pick up but once it's a bit warm, it works wonders. I put a little product from the left side on one end of a brush and then some product from the right side on the other side of the brush and blend on my hand. It's sort of tricky at first, but after you use it for quite some time, you get the hang of it. 

4. BareMinerals Stroke of Light Eye Brightener

This is part 2 of my HG for dark circles. I apply this once I am completely finished with my eyes and it definitely brightens up the eye. I find there to be a bit of a concealer color (if that makes any sense) to it so it can provide a bit of coverage on the under eye as well. I just sweep it on and pat it in with a finger. The texture is so lightweight too you barely feel it while it's on. 

5. Josie Maran Argan Enlightenment Illuminizing Veil 

Originally I wanted to purchase the Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder but it wasn't in stock when I went and apparently it's a very popular item. The girl at Sephora recommended this as the second most popular and I can see why. I am new to the whole contouring and highlighting thing, but I fell in love with this product. It's a product where you can layer it depending on the amount of "glow" you wanted but it gives you that perfect amount without looking "fake". There is hardly any fallout with this and it's so lightweight and looks beautiful on your face. 

6. Kat Von D Studded Kiss Matte Lipstick

When it comes to lipstick, I usually tend to stick to certain colors and never venture outside "the box" but Kat Von D hit a home run with her lipstick. I purchased the trio and the colors that came with it were Cathedral (matte coco rose), Sexer (florescent pink) and Hellbent (crimson red). I also purchased Coven (matte lavender). I am LOVING this line and her colors. Each color has enough "pop" but also has that subtle look to it. They are definitely matte, so if you like the gloss look, you may want to add something on top of the color. I can wear a color all day and not have to reapply and that is with eating and drinking. I may touch up just for the sake of touching it up but you won't have to. The packaging is also gorgeous and her monogramed initials are on the lipstick as well. I will continue to purchase this brand as I am IN LOVE.

I also purchased Tarte Lip Paint in TBT but I haven't used it yet so I can't comment, but once I do, I will for sure let you know my thoughts.




If any of you have any questions, feel free to ask and if you have any other product recommendations, feel free as well.


Enjoy your Tuesday! It is off to work for me, even though I do not want to adult today.

Sunday Currently - February 7 v.42

Welcome to one of the best days of the year! Well, it used to be anyways ... my team isn't in the Superbowl this year (New England) and I don't even think I will be watching it for the commercials. The Perfect Storm is on TV anyways and for some reason, movies are always better when they're on live tv instead of being chosen from a library of movies. 

C U R R E N T L Y ...

READING: Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray .. Book #2 in The Diviners series. I enjoyed The Diviners much more than I thought I would. If you're looking for a good read, give these two a try. 

WRITING: This Sunday's edition of TSC and lists of things I need to purchase to finish up my room. 

MUSIC: Song(s) of the moment - Perfect by One Direction and Hands To Myself by Selena Gomez

LISTENING: To the television .. currently watching The Lost Boys until The Perfect Storm comes on.

GUILTY PLEASURE: This past week I would have to say A&W. It's been so long since I have had anything from there and I was heading out after work and it was about 1:00 am and of course, drive thru's are the only thing open at that time and thought why not. SOOOO goood. 

THINKING: That there is something seriously wrong with guys these days. Number one - When a girl asks you why you're into her, PLEASE don't let the first reason out of your mouth be "because you're fucking hot". Number two - What makes you think it's a good idea to say "we haven't talked in a few months, but I still like you, so let's go out" and then get pissed off when you're shot down ... Seriously, what?

NAIL COLOR: Nothing

DRINK: Nice cup of hot chocolate 

FOOD: Dinner today will be some homemade stew. My dad is such a good cook and he makes THE BEST stew .. can't wait!

SMELLING: Nothing at all

HOPING: I can get my lazy butt back into the gym. It's definitely been way too long but honestly, my energy and motivation has all be shot to hell

TV SHOW: Still working on Law & Order SVU and let me just say, I do NOT like it one bit without Det. Stabler. I thought something was going to happen between him and Det. Bensen and then bam, take him out of the show. WHAT? WHY? .... Also, still working on The X Files ... I've missed that show

WEARING: Pajama pants, tee shirt and a hoodie

LOVING: That I was able to set up my make up vanity/dresser .. I am IN LOVE. I love having a place where everything is  in one spot and not all over my room. Now, I just have to get into my closet, clean it out and reorganized and my room will be done. AND, I think I found my HG's of hiding my hideous dark under eye circles!

WISH LIST: For a great week and to be able to get back into my workout routine

NEEDING: To do laundry and still get rid of a ton of clothes 

BLESSING: Everyone and everything that I have in my life

FEELING: A little down today .. just haven't been feeling myself lately

CLICKING: Keyboard 

EXCITEMENT: My dad has been planning a family vacation since we haven't been on one in quite a few years and he either wants to go out West, Vegas or do some traveling around the New York City area .. I vote for NYC. 

Enjoy your Sunday and if you're throwing or attending a Superbowl party, have fun and be safe! :)