Thursday, May 29, 2014

Beach Day Must Haves

Beach season is right around the corner. Now is the time to start getting all your beach needs together and ready to soak up that sunshine. I have put together a list of those must haves for your day at the beach.


1. Obviously you must have a beach bag! You want something fairly big and roomy. This bag is from Target and is perfect for adding a little style and cuteness to your beach bag.
2. A smaller make-up type bag is also important. You can keep your jewelry, your headphones, or any other little things you don't want to dig to the bottom of your bigger bag for.
3. Water is definitely something you will need when spending all day in the sun. Staying hydrated is healthy and will allow you to keep enjoying your day.
4. Sun screen is a total Duh! Having fun is great but staying safe and healthy is even better. My favorite kind of sun screen is the spray kind. It makes lathering up quicker and easier.
5. Sunglasses are a simple way to add some fashion to your beach day. Also it makes those beach games way easier by blocking those rays.
6. How are you going to go to the beach without a towel? You aren't. I prefer to relax on a towel than a beach mat. There are now beach towels big enough for two! Perfect for fitting your friends and the party.
7. Going somewhere after the beach? Or just worried about your hair after being in the water and sun all day? Pack up some beach hair products, two of these are to help your damaged hair and to style it. Dry shampoo is also great to spray in after your hair is dry. Keep looking cute with that beach head.
8. Keeping your skin clean is also something to keep in mind. Some wet wipes or hydrating wipes are a must to be in your bag.
9. Like I said, going somewhere after the beach make sure you have something easy and fashionable to toss on. A jumper is your shorts and top in one, what is easier than that?
10. I always like to have a pair of cheer shoes with me. Just in case you are going to do more walking or adventure where flip flops just won't cut it.
11. And finally you are going to bee a swimsuit!


Hope this helps with creating your beach bag! Now get out there and enjoy the water!

Saturday, May 17, 2014

My Birthday Gift Guide

I don't really expect much of anything this year since I am abroad and am in more need of money that things to come home to. But a girl still dreams. I have made a little list to give out ideas for gifts for me or just things people may want themselves!


*I am getting back on a sneaker fashion boat and obviously I need to kick that trend off with a fresh pair of classic converse. I only have 1 pair of low rise and my other pairs are getting near retirement.
*I get home just in time for summer to be really heating up. I want to spend a lot of time outside this year, having picnics, sitting at the beach, relaxing with coffee at a park. That is why I am asking for a picnic blanket for my birthday. Bath and Body works and other such places have fancy ones that roll up into a bag. Fashionable, comfortable, and convenient. Perfect.
*Staying on the track of summer I want to try Urban Outfitters mermaid sea salt hair spray! It gives your hair a great beachy look and is a must for your hair after a dip in the lake.
*You can't go wrong or disappoint me with a Target gift card..EVER.
*I have lost one of my favorite Tees on my travels. It is a zodiac loose fitted white tee. AKA my Illuminati tee. I loved it and need to replace it asap.
*Since getting my record player this christmas I am working on creating a collection. The new Girls album is out (I already have the first) and I would love some Sleigh Bells albums. Those are just a few titles I am hinting at.
*I have been craving one of these Urban Outfitter macaroon cases for a year. They are perfect for those little things you need to carry with you or just to look adorable on my desk.
*I may be getting an Iphone5 when I get home so a new phone case is an easy little surprise.
*The Camera from Urban Outfitters has been on my wishlist over and over again. I am smitten in love with that Diana Dreamer. Someday..
*Books are great for my birthday. Summer is my best time to focus on reading. I want to read James Franco's Palo Alto and am so excited for Lena Duhnman's book to come out this fall. Get that shit pre-ordered!
*James Franco is also in one of my guilty pleasure movies that needs to get added to my collection. Spring Break Forrrreeeevvvvaaa please!
*Finally I have had my eye on a gorgeous state necklace with turquoise. It is hand made in my home town making it even more precious to me. It will go with everything and give me that home town pride and classic accessory flare.

So there is my 2014 birthday gift guide! I am getting for excited for what TWOTWO has to offer me! Being twenty-one has been one hell of a year!

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

My Spring/Summer Fashion Loves

Spring is my favorite fashion time of year. I love bright colors, sun dresses, and lace. I have put together some of my current favorite spring going into summer trends.

Mauve is the color this spring and summer. This pink shade is a great way to add a little color, white is my other must have spring and summer color. I always feel spring is the time of year to be a little more feminine and light. 

The Maxi is a must have! They can be a statement piece all on their own or you can use them as a blank pallet and let your accessories do the talking.  The top maxis are my own. The bottom ones are all from Forever21. Maxis work great for spring and summer because they are so light weight and easy to throw on. Most of the colors and patterns they come in translate perfectly from bright spring to a funky fall. 

 Shoes, shoes, shoes.. Spring and summer can be tricky for shoes. During spring the ground can often be mushy and muddy from that last bit of lingering winter. And for Summer you are so hot you don't want anything covering your feet. But like most fashionistas know, the shoe can complete an outfit. Vintage style shoes bring the charm for spring. I always like an oxford-esque show or boot. Sandals in the summer don't have to be boring old flip-flops anymore. Add some color and texture with a great shoe.
My accessory obsession this season is stones. Turquoise is my favorite. It gives an urban feel while adding color. Also the phanny-pack is back and I am loving it! I actually have a little black one to work this summer. Sometime a purse is just too in the way and a hassle. If you can condense what you carry on your person life gets simpler. However, I always have a big purse with everything I need kept in my car. 



Spring and Summer are perfect times to be daring and try something new. There are so many opportunities of outdoor festivals, patio dates, and sunny parties. Cheers!

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Holiday with A Lover

My bf came to visit me about two weeks ago and we took a bit of a holiday together. We went to London, Berlin, and the Lake district. I saw some new things, ate great food, and drank a lot of wine. Hey, that's what holidays are for. It was nice to have company, especially from my love. Here are some sights..
 Afternoon walk in Westminster
Tower of London and Tower Bridge
Berlin. Best German eats NOM
Lake District

Time went way to fast, but it was worth it. Going somewhere once is never enough. I could spend my whole life traveling. Here's to more adventures to come.

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Paris weekend

Aww the city of love and lights. I had made the last minute choice to go and I will never regret it! This was a month or so back, sorry for the delay. But I am here now to share my trip and all the gorgeousness I saw!

 Nortre Dame 

 Eiffel Tower
 Night view. I went to the very top!
The Louvre,Mona Lisa, Orsay, and yummy dessert
Me at all the lovely places in Paris!

It was very easy to fall madly in love with Paris. I hope to get to go back again. The Notre Dame area was one of my favorite areas, you walk around the river check out little chops, snack on tasty pastries. I got to add some unforgettable memories to my life, drinking champagne on top the Eiffel tower, seeing famous pieces of art, experiencing the flow and culture of another country. It was an amazing trip in an amazing city. 

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Edinburgh Day Trip

I went on a day trip to Edinburgh, Scotland. It ended up being a gorgeous day! Blue skies with the sun out! I spent a large chunk of time walking Princess ave, the main shopping street. I also just roamed around and took in all the beauty of the city. It really is one of the prettiest places I have been. There are hills, the ocean, huge black rocks, amazing castles. I went to The Elephant House, which is where J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter! The graveyard behind it has Tom Riddles grave. Well a real Tom Riddle that inspired the characters name. It was a pretty charming place.I stopped into the art museum there, it was stunning. I recommend it. Anyway, here are a few pictures!


Tuesday, February 11, 2014

London Trip

I have finally gotten all my pictures of London together to share! I only got to see so much in two days, so I am going back to see so much more! The subway was having strikes so travel was a bit stressful and chaotic. Not to mention I tend to get motion sickness from too many buses and trains. I still got to see so many amazing things! It is a beautiful city!

 Big Ben
London Eye
\
Downtown Abbey/Parliament Square
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace Statues
Natural History Museum 
 Warrs Harley-Davidson Shop, British Library, Hostel, Camden Market, Camden Worlds End
ME!!


I was so in love with Big Ben, I took so many pictures! The Natural History Museum was THE coolest museum I have ever been to! It was huge with really amazing displays. They had animatronic dinosaurs!!! They also had a really great birth and sex exhibit. The building itself was gorgeous too. I sadly did not get to ride the London Eye but it is on the list for when I go back. The second day I was there is was freezing and down pooring so I didn't get to explore much. Next time I go I am staying for many more than 2 days. The city has so much to offer!

Monday, February 10, 2014

Valentin's Day Gift Guide

Well that special February day is fast approaching. I have yet again put together a little gift guide of some simple can't go wrong gifts!


1. Heat Necklace and Heart Bracelet: The necklace is from urban outfitters and the bracelet from forever21, they make a great matching set. And nothing says Valentines gift like hearts and jewelry!

2. Revlon Lip Balm: Some sexy V-day colors for the lips is an easy go to and who doesn't want lusty kissable lips?!

3. A Lush Soap Bar: A Lush product is always a great gift. This is a vanilla heart shaped soap bar. I can only imagine how good it smells and how soft it makes your skin.

4. Scarfs from forever21: Scarfs are fashionable all year round, and with spring coming up this is a great day to get something more feminine and colorful for your lady. It will never go out of style and always remind her of you.

5. Macaroons: I still have not had a fancy macaroon!! Valentines Day is the perfect holiday for these cute desserts! You can often get a variety of flavors and colors. Kind of like flowers, but they you can eat them. However, they probably won't last as long.

6. Polaroid Love Notes: I found this cute little number on Urbanoutfitters. It has a bunch of cute instagram-esq photos for you to write little love notes on.

7. A love globe: I am in love with this love snowglobe! You can put a picture in it and it rains red hearts! Something simple you can make personal.

8. Cath Kidston bag: These bags are so adorable and come in many patters and sizes. A great gift for a girl on the go, or a girl who just needs that extra purse room.

9. Pajamas: Silky pajamas are a must have. Trust me, no one will complain about getting a nice cute set of pjs.


10. to-go-jar: Mason Jars are still a hit and using them as a to go cup is brilliant and chic. Since they are glass your go green girl can reuse it and not worry about the chemicals from a plastic travel mug.

11/12. A record and a DVD set: Both these gifts are good together gifts. Get some take out, get comfortable, and just enjoy each other with a good tv series or backup music. Keep the night chill and casual while being together.

13. Lingerie: For your more sexy kind of gift go for a nice bra and pantie set. No girl can really have too many bras and panties. 

14. Strawberry Cheesecake Ice-cream: A repeat from last years gift idea, because do I really need to say anything..

15. Nail polish: Festive pinks and reds are such a simple gift. Again spring is coming up so some pastel colors are going to be needed. Adding pops of pinks is flirty and feminine. And with nail polish you won't ever pick the wrong size.


So this is my 2014 V-Day gift guide! I hope everyone spreads the love this Friday! 
Cheers! 

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Manchester Afternoon

I finally have full access to all my money!! I decided that meant I deserved a trip back to Manchester. I went all on my own and got all my train and bus tickets on my own! I am just a little local! I wanted to hit up Primark and get some good deals on clothing. It was nice to just walk around a big English city and know where I was. I went back to a few places I had been to my first day in the UK. Here are some sights..



 Primark!!!

 Manchester Cathedral

 Hard Rock Cafe

National Football Museum

I did some shopping, mostly at the Primark! I walked through a big shopping center too. It was really nice to walk around and know where things were. I maneuvered the city pretty smoothly and recognized stuff from my first visit. It is a great feeling knowing you have learned a new city. 

So here are some things I bought! I can't wait to find more shopping places around England. I had to get an I heart Manchester shirt, I couldn't resist the touristy item. I find it funny and ironic, and it was only 3 pounds so Holla!



My next trip may have to be London! I have two days off next week! Go for adventure and do all you can!

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Day in Preston

I took a little day trip to Preston. It was a very cute town with lots of shopping options. I went to go to the Primark, but it wasn't that impressive. I hope to get to Manchester soon to go back to their Primark! Anyway, I also stopped in a book store and found this lovely display..


I was in need of a pleasant surprise lately. Not to mention I will be alone this year for Valentines Day, since my lover is back in the States. What makes a better second option of a date than a book? I made my pick and was thrilled. It was wrapped so cute and sweetly I just could not resist. I got the book You Against Me by Jenny Downham. It sounds really good from the description! I am also glad to not have to read off a screen at times.


Oh and I saw a rainbow on the bus ride home! Cheery little things keep me going!

Friday, January 24, 2014

Money Money Money ain't it Funny

Well since the whole Target hackers in the States happened my bank is sending everyone new debit cards. So my bank and family worked together and got the card sent to me. Since my loan money just came in today I wasn't worried before. However, it has taken almost 2 weeks to get here and that should not be the case. So now I am working on trying to get another one. I had money transferred to me through Western Union. Which was very helpful, just wish the exchange rate was better and I had access to my cash. So I am still basically money-less. On a side note I am going to Preston tomorrow to go to a Primark. Primark is a huge store with great prices! Best place to go when I have no money...probably not. But at least I will still get out and do something. And I can always go back. Morally of the story, stay positive things will fall into place at some point!

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Orange is the new Black Review

Since I have had more free time than expected, I decided to jump on the prison train. I powered through this show and loved every minute of it! One of my favorite parts, as a gender and womens studies major, was the sisterhood/womanhood the show provided. There is still a division of race and sexuality, inmate vs guard, and woman vs woman conflict, but when it comes down to it the women truly look out for each other. Sadly I kept comparing it to this recent season of American Horror Story. A coven of witches screamed some awesome feminist lady power bitches, but instead its petty "woman" issues pinning them all against each other and killing each other..sort of. Any way, back to Orange is the new Black!



The cast is full of amazing women, each with their own personal story on why they got sent to prison. The show obviously has a focus on the main character, Piper Chapmin, but almost all the women get their own side stories that show how they became who they are. Through season one you watch Piper learn the rules of prison and how to find her spot among the" criminals." I put that in quotation because yes they committed crimes but you learn so much about each woman.  The show makes you question what you find wrong and right. At first you clearly relate to Piper and think she is not like any other woman in the prison, she just doesn't belong there. As time goes on you love everyone and wish non of them were there! You also really question our prison system! So many times I found myself appalled at many scenarios the show portrayed. Do criminals really deserve that? Are criminals less than people? Should they be treated that way? The power dynamic is played out beautifully in the show! As I said before, the gws student in me loved analyzing this show!

The first season is all on Netflix and season two is rumored to be coming out this spring. I highly recommend this show! It is hilarious and drama filled. It deserves all the talk and high reviews it has received. I will eagerly be waiting for season two!!

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Cooking Adventures

Since being abroad I have had to take up a lot more home cooking. I never thought I was a bad cook, I just didn't do it often. I didn't think I had cooking creativity. At first, being here I realized there is so much you need to cook things. The basics will only do for so long. But then tonight I took the basics to another level!! I made my own little pasta dish with some ingredients I discovered are good for many purposes.

-Pasta
-Steak
-Spinach
-Cherry Tomatoes
-Mushrooms
-Cheese
-Tomato sauce

That's all it took! A handful of ingredients I already had on hand. I cooked the steak, spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes on the stove in some oil. Placed all that on the pasta with a bit of sauce and a dash of cheese on top! Waa-Laa a main course meal for one! The ingredients are good for you and its not a frozen pizza! I may be a little too pleased for creating a pasta dish, but this was my best quick pull together of fresh ingredients. Normally all my veggies go bad before I use them up. I can only eat sandwiches so many times too. Pasta noodles never go bad but they can be dull. I spiced up my cooking and it tastes delicious!! As pleased as I am, I am still taking recipe! Well eat on!

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Gillian Flynn's Books Review

I heard Gillian Flynn on Wait Wait Don't Tell Me and was immediately intrigued. She is a suspenseful thriller author. Her books have twists and are often dark. I have read Sharp Objects and Dark Places. I am just starting her newest book, Gone Girl.


Sharp Objects is written all from the perspective of the main character. She is a journalist who is sent to her home town to write a story on two young girls who were murdered. She has major issues with her family and a dark childhood. Between her struggle to survive at home she tries to help solve these murders in a small southern town.

Dark places is written in the perspective of three people. Libby Day, the main character, her brother Ben Day, and her mother Patty Day. Libby is the survivor of her family who were all murdered, while her brother Ben is sent to jail for the crime. Libby, later in her life, is approached by a crime obsessed group who wants her to rethink her brother's guilt. Ben's and Patty's chapters are all written within the day of the murder. This book takes so many turns and keeps you wondering the whole way through!!

I am only a few chapters into Gone Girl. It is written from the main guys point of view and his wife's journal. I havent gotten a grasp on it much yet. I believe the wife goes missing and things get pretty dark and twisted.

Gillian Flynn caught me in her web of thrills and chills. I highly recommend her books. They are about average in length and are pretty quick reads. What books are on your must read list?

My day in town

Today I decided to gain some Independence. I took a bus into town all on my own. Lancaster is a small town, there is a city center area and thats about the most exciting part of town. It is really pretty and charming though! Brick and stone walk ways old and new buildings. I grabbed a coffee and wondered. I came across this huge bookstore! It was like a piece of heaven. Sitting areas to drink coffee and read, all types of books, cards, and character. Everyone is very kind. Made an old lady friend at the bus stop. Was told to go to the Lake District for the millionth time! I am still waiting another 2 weeks for my loan, sadly. I will be broke for a long time! That will keep me on campus for a long time. But everything I need is on campus. Any who, here are a few snap shots from town!


I didn't get any books. Everything is really expensive! Someday I will bring my ipad down and do some nook book reading at the book store. Also there is a Starbucks in case I need a taste of home! I now plan on staying in most the night and watching some Netflix! I just made myself some veggie and chicken curry! NOM!! 

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Cheers from the UK

Hello all!! I have been away from blogging forever! But I am back with some free time and blog worthy adventures. I am currently studying abroad in Lancaster, England. It is a charming place with loads of new experiences ahead of me! Here is a few photos of my almost first week here. Some pictures are from Manchester. I spent a day there when I first arrived. My suitcase was lost and took a few days too get here, but I finally got it and got to take a nice UK outfit pic! So stay tuned for whats to come!