Routine Change

So as I woke up this morning, I came to a conclusion.  I don't know that my current routine is working for me.  I'm not talking about the wonderful people in my life, or the things I do with my time, but rather how I spend my time.  I feel like if I woke up early in the day and had a more relaxed morning instead of the hectic ones that I currently have, life would generally run in a much smoother fashion.  I've never been a morning person, but I would love to work on making myself more of one.  I definitely think it could improve my mood in the morning and I just feel like it might be good to give a try.

This is my endeavor for the rest of the summer...to become a morning person (and of course get my life organized or close to it). By the end of the summer, I want to be closer to living a normal life for a 25-year old woman.  I feel like right now, I am not, but I would love to change this..so that is my mission.

Nostalgia of Summers Past

Do you ever wake up and think, "Oh my god, what happened to me?"  From time to time, I think that, but this is an occurrence saved solely for the summer.  I think of what my summers used to be when I was younger and it was amazing.  I used to wake up and play outside, whether it be from rope swings hanging from trees at the top of my grandparents' hill or just going to the local swim club.  Life was good.

This whole sense of nostalgia was brought on by a couple of pictures of me feeding a horse at Linvilla Orchards and my old Shark Watch and swimmer's badge to use the high dive at the swim club.  These few choice items summed up years and years of happiness and fun under the summer sun.

Not only was I lucky enough to have a great day-to-day life during the summer, but I was also lucky enough to go on vacation to the Outer Banks in north Carolina for a week or two each summer. 

Now, each weekend, I struggle to get to the pool for an hour or two in the late afternoon after work. Life is very different, but I feel like soon, it will have to pay off. I love my life now and am incredibly happy with it.  The only pitfall I seem to be able to find is my lack of free time during the daylight hours.  Hopefully soon, I'll be getting a bit of that too. Happy Summer.  

Craigslist Mogul

Well, the title pretty much says it all today.  I have officially sold something on Craig's List and it feels extremely gratifying.  I recently was given a new bedroom set and was daunted with the task of deciding what to do with the old one.  Simple.  Sell it.  Get rid of something you don't need and get some money in the process.  I didn't even want the money at first, I just wanted to give my old bedroom set a loving home.  (My mom had bought it for me while I was in high school, so I just wanted to turn the money over to her since she was the original purchaser.)

The end result is that my old bedroom set has new owner as of tomorrow in all of its teenage-girl glory.  It's white wicker....it has two possible homes - a beach house or a teenage girl's room.  I'm glad it found its destiny.  Even better yet, when I told my mom I was giving the money back to her, she insisted on giving me half of it.  So now I can attempt to get things back to normal and I have some extra money this month.  Not too bad.

I'll admit, I'll miss the bedroom set, but, the new one I have makes it much easier to say goodbye.  Once life is back to normal, you can see the new digs. Til then, say goodbye to the old. (Also, those pictures where you attempt to sell your furniture and make it seem as impersonal as possible are incredibly depressing.  Wouldn't you agree?)

Girl Down

So just hours after I posted that last picture of my freshly manicured feet, I may or may not have sprained my ankle.  (Spoiler alert: I may HAVE.)  So, my hot pink toes had a cankle to accompany them.  I may sound like a wuss, but an ankle sprain hurts apparently.  Who would have thought?  I tried toughing it out, but then to be safe, went to a doctor and had some x-rays done.  It was a sprain and I am now the proud owner of a air cast and a new gel ice pack.

Otherwise, life has been full of small victories.  I have officially cleaned out and organized my office area.  I have a desk and bookcase that are all in order and properly decorated.  It's a good feeling.  I even was able to include a touch of decor and personal style.  Pictures will follow at a later date.  Now to tackle the rest of my life.  I think the goal may be to complete the bedroom followed by the closet.   I think I have a sickness though. No one should have this many clothes (and still always think he/she needs more).  Pictures of my life once it's assembled will occur and you will be shocked it's someplace I inhabit.

Positive Outlook

Throughout the past year, a lot of things have just been rough to put it simply.  I feel like I'm constantly struggling to balance work and personal life, and struggling with time management at large.  Suddenly, I am beginning to feel more optimistic about life, however.  I am determined to get my room painted, master the art of gardening, lay on the beach and at large..enjoy the summer ahead of me.  I'm not sure why this sudden feeling of resolve has come over me, but I think it's definitely for the better. It may have something to do with my new haircut and the fact that I did a little at-home pedicure this morning.  Little things like that make life more tolerable. 

All that considered, I really think I am getting control of my life.  It's only by a modest amount, but I'm getting ahead on all of my bills and barring my student loan debt, I should be in the clear by the end of the year if not sooner. I'm also seriously streamlining my life.  I will always have an abundance of pretty things and clothes because as materialistic as it may be, I just enjoy life more that way.  This is what interests me.  Fashion, collectibles, jewelry.  I will always be a consumer.  I still am giving away huge amounts to Purple Heart, however, and also selling some things at a garage sale. I'm just attempting to buy more carefully now.  I'm much more critical of things before I make a purchase now. Just because something is a good deal, doesn't mean I need to have it.  

Dr. Scholl's For Her Ball of Foot Cushions Review

The review: This is a great product.  As a girl who frequently wears heels, I loved seeing that I got to try out this product.  And they worked so well! I wear heels all the time and sometimes, it's a bit hard on my feet.  After slipping these into my shoes, they felt great though!  It made my shoes so much more comfortable.  I'm definitely going to grab a few more sets of these for my other shoes too.  


The website: http://www.drscholls.com/drscholls/products/ForHerBallofFootCushions.jspa


Product Info:  

Dr. Scholl's^® For HerBall of Foot Cushions

Created uniquely for women's shoes, the slim design of Dr. Scholl's^®For Her Ball of Foot Cushions prevents your feet from sliding forward, so you avoid “toe scrunch”. Plus, they fit comfortably and discreetly in both open- and closed-toe shoes.

Andddd if you go to their website, there's even a $2 coupon for you!


Also worth mentioning is that I was lucky enough to receive this product complimentary to test through Influenster's VoxBox program!

Sally Hansen Salon Effects

The Review: This is a great product if you don't have the time or funds to go to the salon! This give s you effects like you were just at the salon, but for a fraction of the price! Not only that, but this product provides a variety of styles even more impressive than if you went to a salon.  Some of the patterns/designs offered are simply awesome! 


The website: http://www.sallyhansen.com/


The Product Info: 

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips

Don't Get Stuck With a Sticker!

Nothing feels or wears like real nail polish. Now Sally makes it easy to get Salon Effects anytime, any place using real nail polish – with no dry time! Don’t settle for plastic imitations that peel off. We’re the real thing. Just peel, apply & file! Learn more at www.sallyhansen.com

• No dry time

• Lasts up to 10 days
• Removes easily with nail polish remover

• 40 must-have styles

Where to Buy

Available at chain drug stores, food stores and mass merchandisers nationally.

Suggested Retail Price: $9.99

Also worth Mentioning: I was lucky enough to receive this product complimentary to test through Influenster's VoxBox program!

Sheer Cover Duo Concealer

The review: This is a fabulous concealer duo that I recently got to try out! I am not one of the lucky ones who was blessed with a great complexion, but with a little help from Sheer Cover Duo Concealer, no one else has to see that now.  This product provides great coverage and is super light-weight and does not have any of that caked on feeling you sometimes get with make-up.  This provides a lightweight, clean feeling coverage and minimizes most skin imperfections! I love it!


website: http://www.sheercover.com


Also worth mentioning is that I was lucky enough to receive this product complimentary to test through Influenster's VoxBox Program! 

Bath & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist

The review:  I absolutely love this product! I was lucky enough to get the Bath and Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist in Japanese Cherry Blossom, which happens to be one pf my favorite fragrances. I love how it is a light airy fragrance that is noticeable, while not being overpowering.  I travel around a lot for work, so I keep mine in my handbag or briefcase so I can always just give myself a few extra sprays to freshen up on the go.  


The website:  http://www.bathandbodyworks.com


Product Info: 

Bath and Body Works Fragrance Mist

NEW Fine Fragrance Mist Collection!

Fine fragrance in a mist as light as air. Discover a better, more delicate fragrance experience in over 20 Signature fragrances. It’s love at first mist! Exclusively at Bath & Body Works.

The Fine Fragrance Mist Collection:        
-          Be Enchanted™
-          White Citrus
-          Cherry Blossom
-          Coconut Lime Breeze
-          Into The Wild™
-          Dark Kiss™
-          Black Amethyst™
-          Sensual Amber™
-          Midnight Pomegranate®
-          Carried Away™
-          Forever Sunshine™
-          Secret Wonderland™
-          Black Raspberry Vanilla
-          Pink Chiffon
-          Paris Amour
-          Twilight Woods™
-          Sweet Pea®
-          Moonlight Path®
-          Japanese Cherry Blossom
-          Country Chic™
-          Warm Vanilla Sugar®
-          Sea Island Cotton®

Where to Buy:

You can find Bath and Body Works products at a registered retail store near you!

Suggest retail price of the Fine Fragrance Mists:  $14.00 


Also to be noted: I was lucky enough to receive this product complimentary to test through Influenster's VoXVob program!