Rent the Runway

A friend introduced me to Rent the Runway a few weeks back and I'm not going to lie, I'm obsessed. It's an online rental service where you can rent designer clothes, jewelry, and other accessories at a very affordable rate. 

I first rented a dress, earrings and a necklace for dinner in the city for my birthday. The thing I loved most about the whole experience is that I was much more adventurous in what I chose. The dress I chose was all sparkles and that's not something I would ever wear. The earrings and necklace were huge statement pieces that 1. I never wear and 2. are usually priced more than what I'd be willing to spend on something I would rarely wear.  

Then, three days before I  was set to go to a wedding (that was the day after my birthday), the dress that I had ordered weeks ago from Modcloth still hadn't come in so I hopped on to Rent the Runway and ordered this gorgeous dress that was green sparkles on the bottom. Again, not something I would typically buy but renting it made it so much easier to try it out. Since the wedding was the day after my birthday I was able to wear the jewelry pieces I rented again.

Both rentals came in a really nice gown bag that folded into a smaller, more compact size and you got to keep the hangers!  I wasn't paid for this review or anything, I won't get any kind of credit if you check them out but if you are in need of a dress or some jewelry, or even a clutch, for an event, definitely check them out! 

Birthday Wish List

It's official, my birthday is less than two weeks away. It all depends on what day you ask me whether or not I'm okay with the idea of turning 30. The one thing I am okay with is dreaming up a list of all the things I'd put on my gift wish list for my birthday. It's completely self fulfilling, I know but it's my birthday and I'll blog about all the gifts if I want to (I hope you heard the song in your head....that was the intention haha).

Cards Against Humanity

I'm all about board games and luckily I have friends that are too. I have yet to be able to play this game but everyone who has raves about it and it looks so funny. Plus, this would give me a great game to play during game night with my friends and laugh our asses off. 

Cast Iron Skillet

I made it to 30 without owning a cast iron skillet. Is that even legal? I have Le Cruset's dutch oven in Caribbean and its one of my favorite pieces of equipment in the kitchen. I think it needs a partner. 

Jewelry Racks

I have been lusting after these jewelry racks on Etsy for a long time. Dave could probably make them but it would take a lot of whining and grovelling on my part first before it happened. 

Kate Spade Glitter Studs

Oh Kate Spade how I adore thee. I haven't had a chance to really talk about it yet but I recently purchased a Kate Spade purse which ended up being quite literally the most perfect purse in the world for me. If you remember a little while back, I was looking for the perfect purse and Kate's bag fit the bill. Anyway, I'm now just slightly obsessed and these studs are looked at on a daily basis. Someday they will be in my ears, someday. 

Sizzix Cutting Machine

There are so many new quilts I could create with this machine, including one that's been bopping around in my head for months. I'll end up purchasing it  in the future if I don't get it soon from someone else anyway, since I need it to create circles and if there's one thing this girl can't do, it's cut a decent circle in fabric. 

Modern Rainbow Quilt Book and Cabin Fever Quilt Book

Quilting books, do I really need to say more? Haha I recently created a rainbow chevron quilt (see it here) and that created a current obsession with creating more colorful, modern quilts. 

Ribbon Ladder

I'm also beginning to create more rompers and bears, both of which require ribbons. I made a makeshift ribbon holder but it doesn't look at organized as this nor does it look as nice. This would look great in my sewing room. 

And there you have it, my birthday wish list! 

Fun with the Camera- Part II

A few weeks ago my friends Sheena and Kelly got married. They trusted me to take pictures for the wedding and while I still have a ton to learn (like not being in the way--photographers should be stealthy!) In the year that I've gotten my camera, I've definitely learned how to be comfortable with it (learning photo editing helps!) but I still haven't gone manual, which is a goal of mine. 

Anyway, I think the pictures turned out great! I decided to share a few of my favorites with you today. 

Saved the best for last! This is my favorite picture. Ever. 

Thanks for taking the time to check out my pictures! Come back Friday for a new End of the Week Roundup post, the first in three months!

Beauty Favorites

It's been nearly a year since I've posted a beauty favorites list, so I think we're due. How about you?

1. Too Faced Absolutely Invisible Pressed Powder

This is the last step in my makeup process. I have really oily skin and this powder does a great job keeping my skin matte and fresh looking.

2. Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Hibiscus and Lip Shine in Blush

I got these two in a gift pack last year and I love them together. The lip balm gives a great, subtle color and the lip shine is a great finishing touch that doesn't leave my lips sticky.

3. Real Techniques Setting Brush

I use this brush to apply my highlighting powder. It's the perfect size to accentuate the areas I want to highlight. The brush is soft and durable, I am a fan of Real Techniques brushes!

4. Fabulips Sugar Scrub

My lips have been really dry and cracked this winter, a lot worse than normal. I just started using this scrub and have noticed a big difference. I love the vanilla scent and the soft way my lips feel afterwards!

5. Tarte Amazonian Clay in Dazzled

I love Tarte's blushes so much, if I could own every color I would. My most recent purchase is Dazzled and it's a bit darker than what I normally where but I love the pop of color it gives my cheeks.

6. Burt's Bees Acne Gel Cleanser

Nothing has made my hormonal acne disappear but this gel cleanser has come the closest to giving me clearer skin. 

7. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream

I was hestitant to try CC cream for the longest time but I tried this travel size cream and fell in love with it. It completely covers up the redness in my face and the acne. A little goes a long way and lasts all day. 

What are some of your beauty favorites?

Favorite Podcasts

It takes me a while to get "with the times". I discover something and think it's amazing and then someone will tell me "uh Nicole? This has been around for years." Podcasts would be one of those things. When I upgraded my iPhone, the podcast app was brought to my attention. Now I know podcasts have been around for years but they weren't something I thought I had easy access to until now. 

Now I'm obsessed. I listen to podcasts all day, every day. I'm pretty sure I'm annoying my boss with the whole "huh? what? you're talking to me? ugh hang on let me pause and take my earphones out".

Here are my current favorites:

1. Serial

Is there anyone out there who hasn't heard of Serial? They just wrapped up the final episode of Season 1, and it's become the most popular podcast of all time. I never thought I'd look forward to a Thursday, then Serial came around and I couldn't wait for Thursdays to come so I could listen in to the new episodes. 

2. Screen Junkies: Movie Fights

Screen Junkies is responsible for the hilarious "honest trailers" on YouTube, and their "Movie Fights" podcast is just as entertaining. Each podcasts features debates like "who was the best James Bond" or "What did you think of the new light saber". It's led to some pretty good debates between Dave and I.

3. Risk! True Tales Boldly Told

This is by far my favorite podcast. So much so I've maxed out the storage space on my phone downloading back episodes. I currently have 99 in the queue and a few more that can be downloaded. Risk! is a podcast where people tell stories about themselves that wouldn't be something they'd probably share with others. Fair warning, foul language is abundant in this podcast and some episodes are definitely NC-17-ish. Definitely not for the conservative type.

4. Welcome to Night Vale

Welcome to Night Vale is a fictional podcast about a small town set in a desert. It's a really weird podcast but it's enjoyable if you like to listen to audio books. 

5. Books on the Nightstand

Two people who work in the publishing industry created this podcast to talk about books. If you're the kind of person who likes to get ideas about the next book they should read, what more do you need?

6. The Cracked Podcast

I love Cracked's app, it's just full of random articles that I really enjoy reading. This podcast is an offshoot of their articles, which means once I've scoured through all the most recent articles I can then listen to them talk about it even more. 

7. Stuff You Missed in History Class

As someone who enjoys history, I love hearing about more obscure moments in history that you don't normally hear about. Not only does it give me tidbits of knowledge to share with others, but I'm also learning about things I would have never known about.

Holiday Wish List

It's that time again! I love creating these wish lists...now if only they (and my fashion board on pinterest) would magically just show up because I created it. 

1. Rose Bowl 

I love the look of flowers in a rose bowl. There's something that's so simple and yet elegant about it to me. Since I'm not currently in a position to buy things that I want "just because" this is one of those things that I would love to have for when Dave brings home flowers, but unless someone gets it for me it won't be a purchase I'll make anytime soon. 

2. Salt/Pepper Jars

I've mentioned how much I love my current salt jar here (and how it makes me feel like an adult). I've been on the hunt for a pepper jar that would match the salt one, but I've been coveting this pair for a few years now. 

3. Skirt

I don't own a ton of cute skirts, but I wish I did. This green skirt is peppered with flecks of yellow and would look amazing with a navy sweater I have. 

4. Horseshoe Necklace

Sign of luck, silver, quaint, goes with just about any outfit, do I need to say more?

5. Boyfriend Pants

Dave bought me a pair of these pants last year for Christmas. They have been in my wash every single week since then. They are by far my most favorite item of clothing, warm, comfortable, I would own 100 of these pants if I could. 

6. Columbia Zenith Jacket

I currently own Columbia's omiheat fleece jacket and I love it. I wear it during the winter months and it's perfect because the omniheat keeps me warm by trapping in my body heat while the fleece allows me to be more mobile (I hate winter jackets that you can't move in!). The only problem with my fleece is that it's definitely a very casual jacket and I'd like to have something that looks nice for when I need to go to special events.

So what are some items on your wish list?

Five Favorites Friday

With my first semester of grad school winding down, this week has been pretty uneventful. Unless you consider writing unit plans and lesson plans as eventful. So in lieu of a end of the week roundup I decided to share five things this week that I'm loving. 

My boss introduced me to this song/band this week. I've never heard of them before but I 've really been enjoying the song. 

I finished this book this week. It's a really short, simple read but has so many powerful, inspirational messages. I'm already planning on including this as part of the teen book club reads. 

 I picked up a pair of these microliner socks (on sale!) from Old Navy the other week, and then promptly went back and bought three more pairs. I'm a flats wearing kind of girl regardless of the weather. During last year's deep freeze I didn't wear any kind of socks, and my feet weren't too happy with me. These socks should be a game changer this year. 

 I love it when OK Go releases music videos. They are always so much fun to watch because they are choreographed so creatively. Here's their newest video: 

 Squish knows the struggle. This is how he was sleeping on the back of the couch, face plant style. 

How was your week?

Favorite Pinned Hairstyles

I only give myself about 20 minutes to get ready in the morning, for both hair and makeup. It's mainly because I spend a good hour laying in bed just playing on my phone. What can I say? I like to wake up slowly and restfully, haha. 

Some mornings I'm just not feeling the whole "pull out the flat iron and curling iron" look, and I'll scan through my pins to find easy styles. The ones I am sharing today are my favorite go to simple looks. 

Pin        Original Source: A Beautiful Mess

I have a confession...I like to look at the back of my head in the mirror when I style my hair like this, the criss cross just looks so good!

Pin   Original Source: Anne Sage

I love how elegant this looks, especially since it's so simple. Plus I finally learned how to use my spin pins with it!

Pin          Original Source: The Beauty Department

If I have to do my hair for a fancy function (versus paying someone to do it), this is my go to look. 

Pin                 Original Source: Makeup.com

On the days where I do decide to pull out the ironing tools, but my front bangs won't cooperate, I'll braid my hair in this quick look. 

Pin  Original Source: The Beauty Deparment

This is similar to the first pin, in both looks and me looking at the back of my head a lot...

What are some of your favorite pinned hairstyles? Comment with the link below!

Five (Again)

I'm sorry guys, the past few weeks have been a bit stressful. I'm really dreading starting school next week (I'm loving my "free" time and don't want to give it up!!) and student loans has me freaking out since they can't seem to understand that I'm still in school and they keep trying to bill me, even after they supposedly have put a student forbearance on my account...three times. So I don't have another roundup for you. Instead, here are my top five favorite things this week:

1. This video...hilarious!

2. This shirt....ridiculously comfortable AND stylish? Yes please!

3. This cleanser...hormonal pimples are awesome, especially because they are not only unsightly but hurt too. This cleanser seems to soothe them.

4. This pin....I can never catch friends with this game in real life, so this pin is my way of doing it on a wide scale. 

5. This song....Ed Sheeran can do no wrong. He's been on repeat for the past month for me. 

How was your week? 

Rainforest After Dark Palette

One of the things I purchased when I went shopping with MJ a few weeks ago was Tarte's Rainforest After Dark Palette. 

At $38, I was a little hesitant to purchase the palette, especially since I had just bought several items at Ulta and got an eye shadow palette while I was there. But I loved the blush, and in fact, before I saw it in store I was loving the blush color. Then MJ pointed out that it was a really good value, since the blush appeared to be full sized, which would run $26 on its own, and there are 6 shadows in the palette, which could be the the price of the palette on their own. Plus, I really wanted to check out Tarte's bronzer, Park Avenue Princess. 

I have to say, I absolutely love this palette, love it. I love the bronzer, highlighter and blush trio. The fact that they are all in one spot also means I'm more likely to contour my face on a regular basis instead of just on special occasions, it's more convenient! 

The shadows are gorgeous, and it comes with a card that shows you how to create two different looks from the shadows offered. The picture below is the day time look. 

I seriously cannot praise this palette enough, I highly recommend it!