Being Two Places at Once

So far, July has been the most eventful month this year. I've made huge decisions (more on that later) and even gone to two places...at once. The beginning of this month had been a rough start, luckily my family had planned a road trip for this past week. We set off to the trip on July 6th, and arrived to Nevada that afternoon. Most of the time was spent on the strip or on Freemont, going into bars, listening to live music, collecting casino club cards, and living each day without worries. I am not a gambler, but it was fun spending a day going throughout the strip and collecting cards. Most of the time we would walk into bars and just order drinks while listening to cover bands and looking at street art. An illusionist actually used my sister for assistance, and I still do not know how he put her money in a lemon. We also saw Jersey Boys (my favorite night). This is my second time watching it and Allen's third, but it was my sisters and their husbands first and I am glad they loved it as much as we do. If you are ever in Las Vegas, this is a must see! In our hotel, there is also a pool where you can swim with the fishes and sharks...but I made the mistake of watching Shark Week during my free time. I also went to see Hoover Dam, which was pretty intense. The borderline of Nevada and Arizona is shown in the center, one step to the left and I am in Nevada, to the right I am in Arizona. 

On Thursday we drove to Laughlin, Arizona. Our first stop was to see the Great Canyon, 1 of the 7 Great Wanders. The time spent at Laughlin was more outdoors and adventurous. I rode a jet ski for the first time and I loved it! I didn't drive it because after seeing so many people fall, I got cold feet (ha!) Yet, I stood up while being passenger and decided that would be an even better idea. I didn't take many pictures because too much fun. But I really needed this vacation and it not worrying about next day feels amazing. Here's a fun fact: In Arizona, I was unable to order a drink because the waiter couldn't accept my license since it was vertical. But across the street, I am able to order as many drinks as I want. So I finally lived my Walk to Remember dream, and was at two places at once... now onto that butterfly tattoo ;)

Planning Fun Stuff!

I recently started planning that I've been so excited to share what I have been working on. I've seen so many photos of people getting creative with their planners, that I thought I thought I should give it a shot. I have so many unused planners, card stock, wash tape, stickers, and ideas, that I needed to put it towards something and planning was the perfect answer. There are so many benefits of planning (the creativity is just an extra bonus). I always over look events and agree to several plans that clash with one another or do not stick to simple plans (workouts, book goals, good deeds, etc.)

Here's how I set up my planner:

+ I like to plan week by week instead of month by month. So every Wednesday I set aside an hour or so to plan for the upcoming week. 

+ Doodles and stickers give a fun look.

+ Add motivational quotes. Need some sunshine? Just open your planner...and look forward to your upcoming events!

+ Lots of color!! Markers, crayons, pens, you name it. 

+ Highlight your highlights. I love having days off and making it known, or pay day! 

+ I include my work schedule, important dates, holidays, and goals. Even if I already know I have to work, it still gives me an idea of how my day will look. 

My planner is from Target as well as the paper. However, the decorations are from various shops here and the doodles are from yours truly :)

 

I recently went to Target and saw that they are coming out with new patterns, so I'm perhaps going to purchase a separate one just for school.

Do you plan? Or know of any cute sites that sell planning kits. Feel free to comment any tips :)

Birchbox: Beauty Solutions

I decided to subscribe with Birchbox after reading Cam's blog and realizing that this might make me more experimental with make-up and beauty products. I'm a typical eyeliner, mascara, and a hint of lipstick let's go kind of girl. I do not look into things because, well one makeup is expensive ( I rather buy dresses and food) and two because I am too lazy (20 minutes to get pretty or some extra snooze time?) However, after signing up with Birchbox, I have found some awesome products that I'd like to share because they are worth trying. So this is what I received this month.

+Dear Clark Volumizing Hair Tonic
This is for thin, flat, or tired hair that could use a boost. It's supposed to bounce, lift, and shine. I get really excited when I receive hair products, since I'm in the midst of getting my hair to grow healthy and fast. I haven't yet used it because I am currently trying other solutions and I do not want to overwhelm my hair (not even sure if thats a thing).

+derma e Evenly Radiant Brightening Day Creme
This is supposed to help with dull complexion and uneven skin tone for much smother and luminous skin. I currently do not have any issues with my skin, and I am scared of trying anything that might irritate it and cause some form of breakout. So if anyone has used this, I'd love to know how it works for you. Meanwhile, this will sit in the makeup cabinet.

+Laura Geller Beauty Baked Blush-n-Brighten
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this. This was the first thing I noticed when I opened my box and tried it that same day. As I said earlier, I am trying to experiment with products, so whenever I get makeup I just swoon and get antsy to apply as soon as possible. I never cared for blush and it wasn't part of my routine, but now I wear it everyday. What I love most is that this one in particular gives a healthy natural looking flush. Somehow this ties my makeup all together and I have noticed a huge difference when I wear it. So for any make-up/blush lovers, I definitely recommend this.

+Supergoop! Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Cream
This is for the undereye area showing signs of aging or lack of sleep. I have yet to try this and do plan on it because I do have bags underneath my eye...it's those addition 20 minutes of sleeping I choose.

+Whish Three Whishes Body Butter
I love lotion and always carry some with me. This one smells wonderful and gives a smooth rich feeling. I do not really have rough or dry skin, so I honestly just use it for the smell.

If you like all of this and love receiving cute packages in the mail as much as I do, you can subscribe to Birchbox here.

Currently

I've been very absent lately due to school, work, and family events. There has been so much going on that ever since October hit, that I completely lost track of what day it was. So I just wanted to take a breather and enjoy things that I am currently doing. I got this little idea from other bloggers and thought it was a neat idea.
Reading: Thanks to school, I have so many books and short stories occupying my time. But I am making room for Little Women and Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl. After watching the movie I really wanted to read the book to see how much more went into it (I'm trying not to add any spoilers). I'm very excited because this is different than what I normally read and it adds a different vibe to my collection. Nonetheless, the film persuaded me enough to know it will be a great story.

Listening: I must admit that I have fallen short on the new tunes. I keep going back to my favorite artists instead of keeping an ear out. So If there is anything you would recommend, please do so! Kassandra put an amazing playing over at The Desert Poppy, titled Songs for Sweater Weather that fits perfectly with my taste.

Looking forward to: There are so many things I love about October. Last week I celebrated my mom's birthday. On Wednesday, I TURN TWENTY-FUN! Although I will have school for the most part, there is one thing I am determined to do and that is purchase/drink my first alcoholic beverage at Disneyland...California Adventures! Then the following week, Allen had requested a vacation week from his job, so we are definitely going to go out on mini getaways. And lastly, Halloween. From decorations to dressing up, I am too excited.

Reminding myself: To take a breather and appreciate my surroundings. I have been so caught up, and having that overwhelming feeling lately that I miss the good stuff around me. I have horrible time management skills, that I forget to leave some me time in this busy schedule. So I am planning my days out more accordingly and knocking out homework assignments at school so by the time I get home, I can dedicate that time to Allen, Tulip, and myself.

Working On: Catching up on my letters (Sorry Cam). I have bought so much stationary that I just want to decorate the heck out of my letters that I don't realize how much time has gone by. Rest assure, it will get to you dear. Also, I love making my nephews, sisters, and parents goody-baskets for my favorite Holidays (Valentine's Day, Halloween, and Christmas). I have bought everything I need to fill them in, now it's time for the decorating!

Drinking: I am a hugeeeee tea lover and am only five stores away from Teavana. So I am getting into this fall full of holiday season through my teas. I recently purchased their Pumpkin Spice Brulee Oolong Tea and Spice Apple Cider Rooibos Tea! Very delicious, highly recommended.

Wearing: Lots of hats, denim jackets, and dresses! I recently went on a shopping a spree (Happy early birthday, yay!) and bought so many items. But the main thing was hats and dresses. Dresses is always a must for me but I am falling in love with baby doll dresses all over again. I also ended up bringing 3 new hats home and I love the way they dress my outfits and tie them together. I also purchased joggers and sweat pants for my bummy days at school (the ones you can tell I stayed up all night doing homework) and I must admit I like them a lot more than I thought I would.

Writing: I do not want to lose the readers I have made. So I have written some draft ideas down that I am looking forward to writing. Among those ideas are: My birthday adventures, how to dress outfits up and down (with a few little touches), Allen & Alma Mini Getaway, and Halloween basket tricks...and treats to pull off!

Thank you for still reading, and I hope you are having a lovely weekend!