Suz & Steve's first LSU game + KK's Golden Birthday

This past weekend was an eventful one. First of all it was LSU homecoming so naturally Suz and Steve made plans far in advance to come out for the weekend. The weekend was a complete success and everyone had so much fun. The first night, when my parents, Sam's parents and Sarah's parents arrived in Baton Rouge, we went to Sullivans for a huge dinner all together. It was absolutely insane how much food there was. It was so delicious- I can always count on a solid meal when the parents come in to town! Also, I may or may not have become best friends with Sam's dad while my dad also became Mr. Yelnick's side kick the whole weekend. Between acting like 5-year-old boys and bothering all the girls to lugging heavy coolers across the parade grounds, Steve-O and Jack Yelnick truly bonded. We made friends with this amazing tailgate which had the BEST music (Garth Brooks, Guns & Roses, Tim McGraw, ACDC, The Beatles- which Suz loved and so on) and they were the sweetest people. We spent practically our whole day there. All of the homecoming events were so much fun and I am so glad my parents were able to make it out! 

In addition to homecoming weekend, it was my sister, Katie's golden birthday! She turned 26 on Saturday and since I couldn't be with her, I made a video with all her friends saying happy birthday. Of course by the time I needed to post it I forgot to put my portion in and I was in bed already, so my part makes me look like I'm 10-years-old. Regardless, she loved it and I loved putting it together. Check it out!

Monday Morning Inspiration- My Talented Friends

There aren't many things in the world that feel better than catching up with old friends back home... Especially when you find out they are being all that they can be and accomplishing so much. I am starting off my week feeling especially motivated, inspired, and blessed to have such amazing and talented people surrounding me.

My best friend Taylor, ran her second half marathon this weekend in Denver. She ran her first this past summer with her Mom and trained for weeks on end. The marathon she just completed she did by herself, and somehow found time to train in the middle of Rush Week at CU Boulder and school work. I am so proud of her and can't believe someone can actually run for 13.1 miles... I feel sick just thinking about it. Anyways, I am so proud of you Tay, you all- star runner, you!

My other best friend, Abbey, spent her weekend learning jazz choreography for her dance team CU Express. The dance she learned will be competed at the Universal Dance Association College Dance Team Nationals. It was so great hearing how much she loved learning from the choreographer and how excited she is to move forward with the routine. There is nothing I love more than hearing Abbey talk about her love of dance because I miss dancing with her more than anything. So proud of you Abs, can't wait to watch you shine like always. Sidebar... You will be 20 years old in one week... that is insane.

Last but not least my good friend, Chanel, spent her weekend teaching for Intrigue Dance Convention in Florida. At first, Chanel assisted Jill Marie Casey Genck (who is absolutely amazing) but this year Chanel is teaching her own class. I am amazed by the endless things this girl is accomplishing, and look up to her in so many ways. Can't wait to see where you go next Nel!

Beyonce- Conquering All Through The Web

My favorite artist, Beyonce Knowles, is known for many things including successfully producing music, directing and creating world-renown tours, giving generously to charities, and much more. Some of Beyonce's success and her growing fan-base could be attributed to her empowering online presence. Click here to see the official Beyonce website. Beyonce's website is a domain to all information pertaining to Beyonce, linking to her Facebook pages, Tumblr blog, and Instagram account. I spent an hour alone in the video diary section of her tumblr, watching short videos created during her Mrs. Carter Tour. This website does an amazing job of giving fans a unique, inside look into what Beyonce is up to, what she is promoting, what contests she is having, what charities she is raising money for, and of course, all information concerning her world wide tour. Her website is extremely appealing visually using clean-cut lines and crystal-clear images. Also, you are able to look back at all her past albums, listen, and buy tracks when clicking on the music tab. The tabs labeled "vault" and "beyhive blog" are my favorites among all of the options on the website. The vault brings you to all the photos and videos of Beyonce's recent world tour.

The behive blog is a direct blog curated by Beyonce of what she is "doing, wearing, loving, hearing, and reading." I think it is pretty amazing that fans can interact with Beyonce on a blog basis like this and see what she is up to on a more personal level. Beyonce even posts about her fans in her blog and shares pictures, projects, paintings, and videos that her fans have made for her.  The only suggestion I would have for this already successfully set up website, is a place for feedback from visitors. I wouldn't want to see feedback everywhere on the website, because that would take away from the style and appeal. But I do think it would be interesting for there to be a specific platform on the website for only fans to interact and talk about all things Beyonce. I think this factor could add to her already massive fan-base. I think this website does a great job of promoting Beyonce in the digital space using several links to outer social media platforms, and giving the viewers plenty of places to go to receive different information concerning Beyonce.

Later Gator!

Day games are exhausting to say the least, but are definitely worth it! The Florida game was such a great game, and although I was close to passing out from dehydration, it was a game to remember. Geaux Tigers! Check out this awesome article from a gator fan about his experience in Death Valley.

Happiness is the Holiday M.A.C. Line...

Today started off on a very positive note. Why? Because the little things in life like the emails from M.A.C. about their new products really make me happy. Check out the new winter colors they have... I LOVE the plum... especially the nail polish. Check out nordstrom.com or the M.A.C. website for more colors in each product!

fluidline, divine night, $17

mineralize eye shadow, divine night, $23

cremesheen glass, divine night, $22

lipstick, divine night, $16.50

nail lacquer, divine night, $17.50

Monday Morning Inspiration

Have an amazing Monday!

It's Pumpkin Season Y'all...

Compass- Lady A

Lady A has always been a favorite of mine. Check out their new single Compass.

Quite Possible The Cutest Thing In The World- Sweet Lorraine

Those who know me well know how much I truly love hanging out and talking with the older folk. I attach to my friends' grandparents way too easily and could talk to them all day... They usually have to pull me away from them. I find their experiences so interesting and inspiring because of how different times were when they grew up. This video had me crying within the first minute because of how quickly I fell in love with this sweet man. The love between him and his wife is so inspiring and just perfect. Watch this video, you won't regret it. And then buy the song sweet lorraine on iTunes! 

Go Sulfate-Free!

Having naturally curly hair can be a serious pain. Especially with this Baton Rouge humidity that I have been trying to get accustomed to. A few years ago I got a Brazilian Blowout which is a process where your hair is completely cleaned of all of its oils, then coated with proteins to help your hair, then the proteins are sealed into your hair by styling with a flat iron. The process cuts styling time in half and reduces frizz in hair. It was the best thing I could've done for my hair! The only bad part is that the treatment only lasts for about 3-4 months depending on how well you take care of it. Getting back to my main point, after the salon had finished the treatment, they told me to take care of my hair with the treatment, I must use sulfate-free shampoo or I can buy the Brazilian Blowout products. The Brazilian Blowout shampoo and conditioner were 45$ each so I said no to that option, and went sulfate free. Sulfate free is now becoming a trend among hair products and for good reason! Sulfate is basically a chemical detergent that is found in almost all shampoos (unless stated otherwise) that dries out your hair. Once I stopped using sulfate shampoos and conditioners my hair was immediately healthier. It grew faster and had less frizz, even after my treatment was gone. If you haven't switched over yet, you must do so now! There are so many sulfate-free shampoos these days that vary in price; I am sure you will find one you love, and I guarantee you will love the results. The shampoo I use that I love is Moroccan Oil sulfate free shampoo for damaged hair and J Hollywood intensive masque conditioner. Good luck in finding the perfect shampoo and conditioner for your hair! :) Read more info here

Monday Morning Inspiration

 Have a beautiful week everyone! Remember to embrace the little things...

Fall Nail Color

 

For fall, I wanted to paint my nails a darker color but wanted the color of my nails to still still stand out like they do in the Summer. Yesterday I got my nails shellac'd navy blue like this picture with an accent gold ring finger on each hand. I never thought I would love a dark nail polish color so much, but I can't stop looking at my hands! I am not much of a risk taker when it comes to nail polish and usually go for the classic nude, light pink or red. I made myself try this new color and am so happy I did! Go get your nails painted a fun color for fall and don't hold back! Here are some other colors I am debating for my next appointment:

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Lorde

If Florence & the Machine made a record baby with Ellie Goulding this would be it. Check out Lorde's album Pure Heroine, it is AHHHHmazing.

Lulu & Nike- My Fashion Reality

I would really like to say that I am one of those people that wakes up every day for class and puts together the most perfect outfit... But the obvious truth is, i'm not. Unless it is a day where I have afternoon classes only, I will usually be seen decked out from head to toe in nike and lulu lemon. I can't remember when my lulu lemon obsession started, but it is safe to say it is one that is not healthy for my bank account. I reason with myself every time I am in a lulu store that I will wear whatever I am contemplating all the time... that between dance and pure barre it is a no-brainer. Sure it is a no-brainer until I leave the store with two pairs of leggings and zero money in my bank account. Oh good Sammy! Another week of living off of mini wheats and fiber one bars because of my impulse buy at lulu. Totally rational decision. I can honestly say I have never left a lulu store empty-handed. No, I am not proud of it. In addition, to my lulu addiction, just like any other girl I can't help but want a pair of nike frees in every color. Every day I wear a pair of nike frees. Everyone wears them these days but that doesn't matter to me because they are the most comfortable shoes EVER. I mean that. So yes I spend too much money on nike and lulu but at the end of the day, they are great products that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Check out my favorites below!

nike, nike free TR III women's training shoe, $95 (check out the fun laces!)

nike, running shorts, $28

nike, dual fusion run shoe, $80

lululemon, can't stop running pant, $108

lululemon, bitty-bracer, $68

lululemon, C.Y.B. tank, $64

Gemstones

I can't get enough of the gemstone jewelry that is everywhere right now. It seems like every boutique I go into recently has gemstone jewelry, and every time I see the gemstone necklaces, rings, bracelets or whatever else they have, I spend way too much time trying it all on. I have officially fallen in love with all things gemstone. Here are some of my favorites. I love these pieces because they are settle enough to wear for a casual day, but can also be dressed up night. So pretty... enjoy! I found all of these on etsy:

Diamonds, Denim, & Plaid, Oh My!

Diamonds, denim, button downs and vests. Seriously, these four things all wrapped in one is everything. Besides having my four favorite things, this look is a favorite of mine because it is comfortable, easy to put together and is above all LAYERED. I love layers because I feel as though I am always either too hot and too cold and I hate being restricted by just one piece of clothing. This option gives you several layers for the changing fall weather. Here are a few options that you can check out to make this look your own:

Pumpkin Decorating: New & Improved

To embrace the great month of October, you can bet on the fact that I will be gettin' crafty. I have acknowledged that I have this problem where especially around holidays, I uncontrollably pin and get so excited and want to take on every project on pinterest. So this year I am putting my foot down and making myself actually complete some of these adorable DIY's on pinterest. These pumpkins are the first project I am taking on, because it looks pretty simple. I am in love with this idea because of the simplicity and also the pumpkins will last so much longer than if I carved them! Now just give me an adorable house on Highland and I'll be set.

Team Blake, AHS, & PLL

It is that wonderful time of year again where everyone stops what they are doing and becomes wildly obsessed with the new season of their favorite show. My whole life, I have never been able to watch TV series live because I was always at dance, and nothing has changed since then. So I am the dedicated DVR watcher that catches up on Sundays for hours on end. Now that things are moving, I have to say a few things. First off, The Voice is everything. Yes it is a cheesy singing show. Yes I mostly watch it for Blake Shelton. But don't judge until you've watched! It is amazing, and I am blown away every time I watch at how much talent there is in this world. As you may have guessed I am Team Blake, and have yet to narrow down to a favorite contestant yet. I'll make that decision soon! Second, American Horror Story. I mean.. there are no words. None. I mean I truly don't know what to say. Amazing, terrifying, twisted, sick, disturbing, entertaining, and every thing else is thrown in their too.  If you can't handle scary movies, I suggest you veer away from this one. It airs on Wednesday nights at 9, perfect timing to start becoming paranoid about Kathy Bates coming to find you in the middle of the night (You have to watch to understand). This season is called "coven" and is based around witchcraft. Watch it, love it, it is absolutely brillian and terrifying all wrapped in one. Specifically, Jessica Lange is brillllllliant in AHS.
While these series are just starting up, PLL is ending its fourth season in a few weeks. I have been trying to catch up online in time to watch the season finale but don't know if I will make it. At this point, I am just frustrated and want to know who the hell A is. Stop beating around the bush ABC family! You are driving everyone nuts. But seriously, I am really excited for the finale... mostly because I have a girl crush on Shay Mitchell. She is perfect.
Anyways...I tell myself that everyone acts this crazy about their TV and that my roommate and I aren't the only ones. If we are, yall are missing out! For sure check out American Horror Story next week if you can!

Boyce Avenue: Roar

I have to admit, I latched on to Katy Perry's new single Roar way too easily. It is super catchy, and if you've seen the music video, you will agree with me that Katy Perry can be considered a jungle princess. Anyways... I have always loved boyce avenue and believe they have the best covers, but this one blew me away. Watch. Listen. Download. Listen a few more thousand times...You're welcome.

Happy Fall Y'all!

Since moving to Baton Rouge for school, I have had to make some serious adjustments as far as the weather goes. I am talking doing laundry twice as much as usual because I change clothes three times a day because everytime I step outside, I am drenched in sweat. Or buying an "industrial strength" umbrella (yes, they exist) because my normal umbrella flipped inside out while walking to my car during a rainstorm. I must admit, I love the warm weather and sunshine, but the humidity kills me... and now that it is October, I sure am missing those few cold days I constantly complained about back home in Colorado. So although it doesn't feel like fall yet in Baton Rouge, I still consider it to be fall and that makes me so happy. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving, I love everything pumpkin (im the stereotypical girl that counts down the days til Starbucks has their pumpkin spice latte), I could live off of turkey, cranberries, and stuffing, It's my sister's birthday, my dog's birthday, and I'll be going to see Connor in a few weeks. So many things to look forward to! Meanwhile, I'll be praying for some cooperation from the Louisiana weather so that I can finally break out my favorite steve madden boots and cardigans that have been collecting dust in my closet. Here's to hopeful thinking, right? Happy Fall Y'all!

Best of the Best: Mascara

This is my current mascara- Buxom by Bare Essentials. I love it mostly because it gives me volume and length without clump. The brush is amazing. $19

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I use this mascara when I am doing a smoky eye or night-time eyeshadow. It is YSL mascara and is best used for extra volume. I unfortunately have such short eyelashes that I liked the lengthening factor of buxom more, but regardless, this is a great mascara for a dramatic affect. $30

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The covergirl clump crusher is the perfect mascara for length without the clumping (hence the name). It is a great everyday mascara, and a bonus is the price! Only $6.99!

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This is mac's mascara that is a two in one. It is called "haute & naughty" and has two brush options. To get a natural, lengthened look, twist the the pink knob. For a volume, twist the purple and pink knob together. This is a great choice! $21