tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8482696507806412212024-03-05T01:31:13.683-08:00Med School BeautyNikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-72177777442786133922014-11-20T15:08:00.001-08:002014-11-20T15:10:04.489-08:00Cozy Winter Essentials ♥<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I've ranted about a thousand times before, my life is incredibly stressful lately. Not that others don't have stressful lives! I've just been crazy overwhelmed and have barely had time to myself. It's work, study, sleep, repeat. That's just the way it goes when you're in this crazy (but rewarding!) profession. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So one of the things that keeps me going is indulging in some cozy, comforting rituals. Here are some of the things I find most comforting this time of the year. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Bath & Body Works Candles -- <i>Marshmallow Fireside is uber scrumptious! </i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cyravelasquez.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_3637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cyravelasquez.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_3637.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Bath & Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Body Butter</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://imbbpullzone.laedukreationpvt.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Bath-Body-Works-Warm-Vanilla-Sugar-Intense-Moisture-Body-Butter-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://imbbpullzone.laedukreationpvt.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Bath-Body-Works-Warm-Vanilla-Sugar-Intense-Moisture-Body-Butter-1.jpg" height="462" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Nivea A Kiss of Milk & Honey Lip Balm</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXa_DuMqAhXBoM7ac5CRaHtdF576aG8LTVpus77-RgedqNXm59cS_PRkLK9CeRqtq-EeSaqivXK4659Ya5cvCI999GK6ZfkkdgBrrQnKR_B2Psofac7B2vwqEX8pMR1P43QotLkpy31T0/s1600/IMG_0358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXa_DuMqAhXBoM7ac5CRaHtdF576aG8LTVpus77-RgedqNXm59cS_PRkLK9CeRqtq-EeSaqivXK4659Ya5cvCI999GK6ZfkkdgBrrQnKR_B2Psofac7B2vwqEX8pMR1P43QotLkpy31T0/s1600/IMG_0358.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Bath & Body Works Cashmere Glow scent</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.peachesandblush.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Bath-Body-Works-Chasmere-Glow-Set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.peachesandblush.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Bath-Body-Works-Chasmere-Glow-Set.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Philosphy Shampoo, Shower Gel, & Bubble Bath</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBZIFP9FRdrUSZPWoSesl6E_8slRZ4sgG0NKvz3tkwP7FsO2bx6zC7f3JrtXe_Wa5DEHFIKa2K6CTZIjy3ncDSKnHAogZ0GEyqMFyvtFQq8vx7XycDRpFkI9osFwNHEwbVX_taExm0bc/s1600/Philosophy+Snow+Angel+Shampoo%2C+Shower+Gel+and+Bubble+Bath+Review+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBZIFP9FRdrUSZPWoSesl6E_8slRZ4sgG0NKvz3tkwP7FsO2bx6zC7f3JrtXe_Wa5DEHFIKa2K6CTZIjy3ncDSKnHAogZ0GEyqMFyvtFQq8vx7XycDRpFkI9osFwNHEwbVX_taExm0bc/s1600/Philosophy+Snow+Angel+Shampoo%2C+Shower+Gel+and+Bubble+Bath+Review+001.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Hot Chocolate! </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/18470246/tumblr_lv17bzJdVx1qcr5izo1_1280_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/18470246/tumblr_lv17bzJdVx1qcr5izo1_1280_large.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Hot herbal or green tea</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://rhodeygirltests.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/IMG_4979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://rhodeygirltests.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/IMG_4979.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Starbucks holiday drinks -- <i>especially Gingerbread Lattes!</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.washingtonian.com/blogs/wellbeing/images/2012-12-3-Starbucks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.washingtonian.com/blogs/wellbeing/images/2012-12-3-Starbucks.jpg" height="560" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Snuggly oversized wool sweaters</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cdn.pazoo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/tumblr_ma4b3qpjWJ1rto6v3o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.pazoo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/tumblr_ma4b3qpjWJ1rto6v3o1_500.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Fuzzy cozy woolen scarves</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cdn-s3-1.wanelo.com/product/image/1781623/original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn-s3-1.wanelo.com/product/image/1781623/original.jpg" height="570" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Holiday songs! -- <i>thank you for the Pandora Christmas station!</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://northshoreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Christmas_sheet_music_with_bells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://northshoreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Christmas_sheet_music_with_bells.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Christmas decorations -- <i>and Pinterest surfing for ideas</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/kkyr.com/files/2012/12/xmas-tree-donnierayjones-Flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/kkyr.com/files/2012/12/xmas-tree-donnierayjones-Flickr.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Holiday cooking and baking -- <i>especially adorable gingerbread men cookies!</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lifeyourway.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/freezing-headstart-holiday-baking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lifeyourway.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/freezing-headstart-holiday-baking.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Wearing snuggly socks while relaxing and binge watching Netflix and football games with the family :)</b><a href="http://davidkanigan.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/cozy-socks.jpg?w=600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://davidkanigan.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/cozy-socks.jpg?w=600" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-65880154955802209692014-11-18T21:14:00.002-08:002014-11-18T21:14:52.159-08:00Rant of the Month<div class="MsoNormal">
The one thing I hate more than anything about medical school
is feeling unsure about everything. For example, I’m currently busting my ass
off in my medicine rotation but always leave at the end of the day feeling
dissatisfied and feeling like my best isn’t good enough. Bottom line, I’m not
sure if busting my ass and working the hardest I can is going to earn me the
top grade. I’m a pretty good, enthusiastic student but I still lack a lot in
terms of my assessment/plan synthesis and oral presentations. I know it’s just
school and I’m still learning, but being “pretty good, but not the best” won’t
earn you top grades which is what really matters. And paired with my piss-poor
Step 1 score, I’m scared that I won’t end up being a resident at my dream
hospital, UPMC. I’m really scared that match day is going to come in 1 ½ years
and I’m going to find out that I matched in my Top 3<sup>rd</sup> or 4<sup>th</sup>
choice. I’m fighting so damn hard to reverse my Step 1 score and kick ass at my
rotations, but it really sucks when my best isn’t good enough. And the worst
part is that I’m dragging myself down day by day by day, but I don’t know what
opinion my attending has of me. Maybe she hates me, maybe she thinks I’m a
rockstar but I won’t know until my grade is full and final. I got above average
on my mid-rotation feedback form, but I don’t know if I’ve shown myself to be
good enough to get bumped up to Outstanding. I guess I will just have to come
in terms with being above average and try not to drag myself down day by day
for it. I can’t change who I am or my skillset. I can only work to keep pushing
through and kicking ass the best I can. I hope that lands me the top grade, but
if it doesn’t at least I gave it a good fight :) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh and not to mention, I got a fricken $45 ticket for
parking at my own parking lot <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">K</span></span>
I parked at the meters since all the permit-only spots were taken and therefore
got a bunch of tickets. I appealed and I hope they accept it, but I’m really
scared that they’ll reject it and I’m going to have to shell out $45. That’s
going to be terrible! But hey, happy-go-lucky attitudes here. I have a good
fighting chance and even if they get rejected, it’s only $45 and I know never
to repeat that mistake again. <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway rant over. Hopefully going to get back to beauty
blogging soon! <o:p></o:p></div>
Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-81650672549331625022014-11-13T19:34:00.000-08:002014-11-13T19:34:27.981-08:00Fall/Winter Skincare Routine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i-smileclinics.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Fotolia_12066087_L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i-smileclinics.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Fotolia_12066087_L.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Within the past few months I've completely changed around my skincare routine. It's not as aggressive as it used to be, but my skin is much more clearer than it used to be. I pretty much just wash my face in the morning, put on a BB cream (finally invested in one!!!), put some makeup on and at the end of the day, I just use makeup wipes to remove my makeup and go to bed. I haven't been moisturizing my skin at night, but that my change now that winter is coming up.<br />
<br />
I've also changed most of the products I've been using. With so many new skincare products on the market, I figured it was time for a change. Here they are below!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3DqMWv7r-2gLOXrQ3k68AyecrjLGt7sWXixPU1tsqzDNdXnBktNF1kaNsuLDbsunUAxAezmLmIMfPifZeaCSZKhh4MvI3I5xGTZXzcJYLtv0Vho95FUHfjgQjwY92YABseiID16JJoM/s1600/IMG_7587+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3DqMWv7r-2gLOXrQ3k68AyecrjLGt7sWXixPU1tsqzDNdXnBktNF1kaNsuLDbsunUAxAezmLmIMfPifZeaCSZKhh4MvI3I5xGTZXzcJYLtv0Vho95FUHfjgQjwY92YABseiID16JJoM/s1600/IMG_7587+copy.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.beautezine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Tarte-BB-6258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.beautezine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Tarte-BB-6258.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://c3.soap.com/images/products/p/aun/aun-960_1z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://c3.soap.com/images/products/p/aun/aun-960_1z.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
That's it! These three products are all I have been using for the past one to two months and my skin has never been better! I'm not sure if it's because of the green tea scrub, if it's the fact that I don't use dirty makeup brushes anymore (thanks to my finger-application BB cream), or if I stopped using a comedogenic product...? I'm really not certain, but whatever it is about this routine, I'm going to be sticking to it for a while! The best part is that it's so quick and easy in the morning and takes me under five minutes to do.<br />
<br />
Now that winter is coming up, I may add a few more moisturizing products to my regime. My skin is normally pretty okay in terms of hydration, but in the winter it just completely goes out of whack and cracks because of the cold weather. Here are some of the moisturizing products in my routine for extra hydration and supple skin:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBQNPiTN31S38MqFvwYChwfElUEMzr2yxi0qTXH7S_YdnlTaGCXmq2RutbtDhaDrW_tZ0VVaug4jrLo1oivBv5Z6megLp2RxepDrUrUcAQguwSVHBLaXT3UKyME23v7_jsBqzR3M_-3AM/s1600/aveenosmartessentialsdailynourishingmoisturizer1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBQNPiTN31S38MqFvwYChwfElUEMzr2yxi0qTXH7S_YdnlTaGCXmq2RutbtDhaDrW_tZ0VVaug4jrLo1oivBv5Z6megLp2RxepDrUrUcAQguwSVHBLaXT3UKyME23v7_jsBqzR3M_-3AM/s1600/aveenosmartessentialsdailynourishingmoisturizer1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBjQrEKAlaKZyKR7enbOWpaWgU0kYazzXiBaarsVQWV3JNrOKSY9d5UCU78rSr9E1bNV66VkHRoRJxItSpXVHLvGr9qj8HRIV_jNJCt14M9Wz3YHAVAHIh_uVDzcFLNg1PPrH0PVvN6Dw/s1600/DSC02461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBjQrEKAlaKZyKR7enbOWpaWgU0kYazzXiBaarsVQWV3JNrOKSY9d5UCU78rSr9E1bNV66VkHRoRJxItSpXVHLvGr9qj8HRIV_jNJCt14M9Wz3YHAVAHIh_uVDzcFLNg1PPrH0PVvN6Dw/s1600/DSC02461.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tEJFPYXMKzer7MlNM3JVR1st2lAaxkT9_8E7dFnQQ2xPra11M7pVvSh9WpchFU2MlBI1B9pAaUjZKZ7IUacPQxuVhUjJIRDuRn0byi5J__NB4X8x3t1lchUFSANJdW1SAjNQo5Ev74k/s1600/Body+Butter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tEJFPYXMKzer7MlNM3JVR1st2lAaxkT9_8E7dFnQQ2xPra11M7pVvSh9WpchFU2MlBI1B9pAaUjZKZ7IUacPQxuVhUjJIRDuRn0byi5J__NB4X8x3t1lchUFSANJdW1SAjNQo5Ev74k/s1600/Body+Butter.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-12338334013063038712014-11-02T18:00:00.000-08:002014-11-02T18:00:09.043-08:00NOTW: Holiday Cheer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZILbfFKCS7cQnsWtISrhfylHAFeeyp4ZsK-KbRF-6q4XzB9uMDZrdiE29fZQquw5chFyI4EYhjqv0HhnW9np70feZep_mbUS9vpPj3sHd4Md0n7iwYLm0F1Jcerj8gPy32D-zEFOTGwE/s1600/IMG_3091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZILbfFKCS7cQnsWtISrhfylHAFeeyp4ZsK-KbRF-6q4XzB9uMDZrdiE29fZQquw5chFyI4EYhjqv0HhnW9np70feZep_mbUS9vpPj3sHd4Md0n7iwYLm0F1Jcerj8gPy32D-zEFOTGwE/s1600/IMG_3091.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
November is here, which means it's time to say goodbye to the fall season :( although winter doesn't officially begin until late December, once this month hits and Christmas stuff is in stock, I declare it's winter/holiday season in my book! Since I was in a festive mood this weekend (thanks to the red Starbucks cups and chilly weather), I decided to put on a festive nail color for the week! <b>Revlon Nail Enamel in Saucy </b>is a beautiful classic red nailpolish with fine gold glitter. It's one of my favorite nailpolishes for the holiday season because it's the perfect sparkly Christmas red, but it doesn't go overboard with the glitter. The sparkle is very fine, but still visible. It almost gives your nails a tinfoil-like appearance. Absolutely beautiful! I love the Revlon Nail Enamels, although I wish they lasted longer without chipping :( But this is definitely a unique nail color and I haven't really found an Essie or OPI dupe. The ones I have seen are more orangey and look more summery than wintery. I'll be rocking this gorgeous shade all week and getting pumped for the start of holiday season! :) </div>
Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-52366850568615412632014-11-01T18:00:00.000-07:002014-11-01T21:54:42.090-07:00Hello, November!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMnwb6GauWcV3_T3dUPt_CQf-pvVIJF3hwentcT6zmIr0zlsZs3l991HOSn54GH0QQZBkKBDzzN6p1UnigKfHPh120nstM5_lwkzKrqeQjSYFcJlOaFCKEl-dVxndorEmZ9wfF_l8jgs/s1600/IMG_3086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMnwb6GauWcV3_T3dUPt_CQf-pvVIJF3hwentcT6zmIr0zlsZs3l991HOSn54GH0QQZBkKBDzzN6p1UnigKfHPh120nstM5_lwkzKrqeQjSYFcJlOaFCKEl-dVxndorEmZ9wfF_l8jgs/s1600/IMG_3086.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's finally November, meaning that Halloween is past us and it's time to look forward to Thanksgiving and my favorite holiday, Christmas! :) The weather outside was super chilly this afternoon and it's the first time I've felt like it was officially fall-winter weather. Hot chocolate weather, my favorite! <3 I was also mildly surprised, yet happy, to see the return of red Starbucks cups...this early! Once the Starbucks red cups come out, it's officially holiday season in my book. I, of course, went in to treat myself to one last Pumpkin Spice Latte before winter/holiday time officially kicks in and saw that they've brought back holiday drinks. Mmmm Gingerbread Lattes! I don't believe I saw their newest drink, Chestnut Praline Latte, but I'm super mega excited to try it when it finally hits stores!<br />
So I worked in the morning from about 6am-2pm, and was let out early by my resident (love her!). I was planning on studying, but instead I decided to take the day off, visit my family, and just relax. It's been a rough week! I love inpatient medicine and surprisingly don't tire after 16 hours days, but it is mentally taxing and time-consuming, and I don't really get a lot of "me time" during the week most days. So it was really nice having an afternoon off to just relax my brain. I decided to paint my nails in a holiday red shade to celebrate the turning of the seasons. Okay I know it's officially still fall, but it feels like winter since every store I go into screams Christmas! I'm not complaining though. I absolutely love this time of year. It's a time full of cheer, comfort, warm drinks, and cozy sweaters :) I do hope I have enough free time these next two months to enjoy the season! It's going to be damn hard with medicine, but I'll try to make some time for holiday cheer at least.<br />
Well anyway, time for bed. Lonnnng study day ahead tomorrow :(Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-59601797159307912812014-11-01T14:55:00.001-07:002014-11-01T14:55:42.822-07:00Struggles of Binge Eating Disorder - #1<span style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">"We all overeat from time to time—taking an extra helping at Thanksgiving dinner or having dessert when you're already full. But for binge eaters, overeating is regular and uncontrollable. You use food to cope with stress and other negative emotions, even though afterwards you feel even worse"</span><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
Just read this article on binge eating disorder and I must say, I've never felt more closer to the truth about my condition. The truth is that mental disorders are very common in my family history. My grandmother and mother both struggled with mental issues and it has literally consumed both of their lives at times. I like to think we all have mental issues, some have it mild and others severe, but we all have something mentally wrong with us. For me, I've struggled for countless years with binge eating disorder. It's something I've been ashamed to admit, and even my family doesn't know I have an issue with eating. They think my weight gain is related to my thyroid condition, which is contributory but definitely not the main cause of my weight gain. I guess the biggest reason I've been afraid to name myself as having binge eating disorder is because it doesn't really seem like a real diagnosis. I imagine a lot of people see it as "oh that girl's just fat because she eats a lot". No, it's more than that. If I just had problems with eating a lot, then I would be okay eating lots of carrots, celery, salads, etc. But no, I have a big time issue with binge eating disorder, or as I like to call it stress-induced eating disorder. I cannot control myself around greasy, salty, junk food every single time <b>I get so incredibly stressed most days and it's gotten to the point now where I physically and mentally </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">cannot stop or rationalize with myself to not go out and buy greasy fried food, no matter how full I am. </i>It's become my primary coping mechanism of dealing with all this stress. It's not healthy and something I'm very, very ashamed of. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The definition from the site above describes my eating patterns perfectly. My overeating behavior is a daily problem. It's <i>very</i> uncontrollable for me, to the point where it has lapsed me into a deep hole of depression and despair because I just cannot stop myself from getting in that McDonald's drive-thru line most nights. I use food to cope with the bucket loads of stress in my life - from school, family, friends, life, my looks, everything. Everything in my life is stressful and has at times driven me into a state of depression. And yes, after each binging episode I feel guilty, fat, bloated, and horrible. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's really hard to see people who can just fix their bad eating habits at the drop of the hat and lose 100s of pounds within a few months. I can't do that. Everytime I make a diet plan, it fails miserably. Because most of the time, I allow myself to have that one cheat day that becomes a week of cheat days and pretty soon, a month of cheat days. Again, my chronically stressful life plays a hugeee role in this and perpetuates my eating disorder even more. My biggest problem with eating has been that I will have a great morning and afternoon, but then I will binge uncontrollably at night because I get incredibly stressed, overwhelmed, and overworked towards the end of the day. Leading to a binge eating of nearly 2000+ calories due to consumption of burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries drenched in mayonnaise, fried Asian food, noodles, fried chicken, biscuits...you name it. And the end result? Me gaining 10-20 pounds within the span of a few months. It's very embarrassing and it's gotten to the point where it's taking a huge toll on my mental and physical health. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm honestly sick and tired of being a closet eater and I really want to fix that. I know I've sang this same tune for the past what, 5-10 years. My eating has really become a problem in the past 4 or so years, and I've failed to acknowledge it and tackle my eating disorder at it's core. Instead of switching to a diet of grains and protein and blah blah, I need to attack my problem at the core and <b>dissociate thoughts of eating junk food with stress</b>. I need to make sure I snack frequently and avoid large lapses of time between meals, because that will only lead to more hunger pangs and subsequent binges. Second, I need to make sure I listen to my stomach and only eat if I'm hungry. Third, I need to find better ways to cope with stress than binge eating. I need to reduce my stress, meaning less procrastination, more results, being positive and optimistic. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I know it's going to be a tough road and I'm willing to seek therapy. I'm planning on reading the binge eating disorder article to get more tips on how to fix my problem and eventually lose all the weight I've gained. Right now, my focus is more on stopping my binging habits and adopting healthier eating habits because I hate how much I've let food take over my life. I hate being the girl with a shitty diet when all my friends have healthy eating habits. I don't want to be the adult with heart problems at the age of 40. I refuse to be a single, fat lady for the rest of my life. I want to be happy, healthy, and skinny. It's high time and I deserve at least that. I can fight this binge eating disorder because I will not let it take over my life.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm on Week 2 of lifestyle modifications. Expect more updates in future post. </div>
Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-68423106428004923222014-10-29T18:03:00.000-07:002014-10-29T18:03:00.220-07:00Fall Nailpolish Picks<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Zoya PixieDust in Sunshine</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://polishmeplease.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/sunshine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://polishmeplease.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/sunshine.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Revlon Nailpolish in Iconic</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQNOaSA-sK1GKj_S_49CP34hp-mWt4lk0QVKg8_pgBRQD7Hk-F3zpap_x-2SkuErsMgiKt3Lo3ceTAcrT44ktSNSoIa7Olow-mtNPkCAij_MtN1GfzCWL_RdU_l2xgLTa9MZWDYphR4Vd/s1600/Revlon+Iconic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQNOaSA-sK1GKj_S_49CP34hp-mWt4lk0QVKg8_pgBRQD7Hk-F3zpap_x-2SkuErsMgiKt3Lo3ceTAcrT44ktSNSoIa7Olow-mtNPkCAij_MtN1GfzCWL_RdU_l2xgLTa9MZWDYphR4Vd/s1600/Revlon+Iconic+1.jpg" height="590" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Revlon Nailpolish in Saucy</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/68/53/44/6853445d4bbaa6e118e6de6167a9ad17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/68/53/44/6853445d4bbaa6e118e6de6167a9ad17.jpg" height="444" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Essie Shearling Darling</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CWq6EMqkIbsp8C4PzAvU2g5vsyY9Wzlv-anZ4SSSlH-1zyO7AQ6cDjGxIFQ1op6X6kdzA_lwc_lkEzPGjVqgurUkpu0QNtg7GnxtjfheGqV76LQdQpSq8GI3EnY_99Di8SDmSm5o6lnV/s1600/Essie-Shearling+Darling_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CWq6EMqkIbsp8C4PzAvU2g5vsyY9Wzlv-anZ4SSSlH-1zyO7AQ6cDjGxIFQ1op6X6kdzA_lwc_lkEzPGjVqgurUkpu0QNtg7GnxtjfheGqV76LQdQpSq8GI3EnY_99Di8SDmSm5o6lnV/s1600/Essie-Shearling+Darling_1.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Essie Bahama Mama</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGf3xnMHe0LzX_oOwmCBgDhUeSA7yYBWtMKTt8yr2Jeop7EXDND9CYDWGCV5i4oSIMCkVPsg2sJfnxdBCdUWqW7iTSR7ixBgY3qyS_z7kK1oAdRAKeZt8lctARdvHWgb8s3jlcZimIg/s1600/IMAG3912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGf3xnMHe0LzX_oOwmCBgDhUeSA7yYBWtMKTt8yr2Jeop7EXDND9CYDWGCV5i4oSIMCkVPsg2sJfnxdBCdUWqW7iTSR7ixBgY3qyS_z7kK1oAdRAKeZt8lctARdvHWgb8s3jlcZimIg/s1600/IMAG3912.jpg" height="640" width="574" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>OPI Every Month is Oktoberfest</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47bML5FXQ01bJOwPJGWfylxOZWJY6vcJ92nAUYEVgp9qAo0vpGv0cpFFo7tp9gevvFocdwGD3H5tk4s1MQwMsWxJPfgUT9OJarVj07g1FiEqNqO2BLRrO0nK4ZNNJMdDWWd9rrCbbFsk/s1600/SDC10445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47bML5FXQ01bJOwPJGWfylxOZWJY6vcJ92nAUYEVgp9qAo0vpGv0cpFFo7tp9gevvFocdwGD3H5tk4s1MQwMsWxJPfgUT9OJarVj07g1FiEqNqO2BLRrO0nK4ZNNJMdDWWd9rrCbbFsk/s1600/SDC10445.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Revlon Nailpolish in Autumn Spice</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HA0KyJW7xsWYpKLLdbllv8XrDIPojSVCpsige-Y5NL3y35z7EC5DegjwjJGk3MYzgoh-5AOPh2yI0EQylQOcql_PVtDtQg-TiCcdU4O5IT3zPYVKsoQGKUKseR9DtYFVqk4-xucW3i8/s1600/autumnspice2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HA0KyJW7xsWYpKLLdbllv8XrDIPojSVCpsige-Y5NL3y35z7EC5DegjwjJGk3MYzgoh-5AOPh2yI0EQylQOcql_PVtDtQg-TiCcdU4O5IT3zPYVKsoQGKUKseR9DtYFVqk4-xucW3i8/s1600/autumnspice2.jpg" height="558" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-80560786319985415712014-10-28T16:06:00.000-07:002014-10-28T16:06:00.469-07:00I ♥ Fall Tag!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://danspapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/LeavesTurning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://danspapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/LeavesTurning.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">1. Favorite Fall lip product?</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Don't think I can restrict myself to one so I'm gonna talk about three of my favorites that I have been rotating between this season! First would have to be Clinique Fuller Fig, which is a gorgeous MLBB red-brown shade that looks absolutely beautiful this season. Only downside is that it has a funky taste and smell and you gotta reapply every hour or so. I also love berry shades this time of the year and my favorite is Revlon Lip Butter in Sugar Plum. Current favorite lipgloss of the season would have to be NYX Butter Gloss in Tiramisu. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><span style="background-color: white;"><br style="color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"> 2. Favorite Fall Nail Polish?</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">I have sooo many nail polishes that I like to switch it up and wear a different shade each week. The two colors I always come back to each fall include a crimson red and a dark, rich purple. I looooove these colors for the fall, they're so rich and just screeeeam fall. My current fave fall polish picks are Essie Shearling Darling and OPI Every Month is Oktoberfest. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"> 3. Favorite Starbucks Fall Drink?</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Hands down, Pumpkin Spice Latte. So crisp, warm, toasty, and comforting! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><span style="background-color: white;"><br style="color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"> 4. Favorite Fall Candle? </span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Oh gosh this is such a hard one. I always make it a point to buy different fall candle scents each year. This is the first year I bought BBW Leaves candle and I'm absolutely in LOVE. I can definitely see why there is a cult following around these candles. Even my hard-to-please mom is obsessed with it! It just screeeeams fall and every time I light it, I instantly feel so relaxed and in the perfect "fall" mood. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><span style="background-color: white;"><br style="color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">5. Favorite Fall Scarf or accessory</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Scarves are definitely my favorite accessory for the fall. Cardigan + scarf + boots = most cozy fall outfit ever! </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><span style="background-color: white;"><br style="color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"> 6. Haunted house, haunted hay ride, or haunted corn maze? </span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Nonnneee of those! I'm a huge scaredy cat so nothing scary is the best! :) </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><span style="background-color: white;"><br style="color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">7. Favorite Halloween movie?</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">I think Coraline would have to be one of my favorite Halloween movies of all time. It's soooo creepy even though its just a cartoon movie. Every time I watch it, I always get the creepies! </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"> 8. Favorite candy to eat on Halloween?</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Kit Kats, Snickers, and Milky Ways! </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><span style="background-color: white;"><br style="color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"> 9. What are you dressing up as for Halloween?! </span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Unfortunately, I won't be celebrating this year! :( I'll be on one of the hardest and most demanding rotations during Halloween this year so I'll either be waking up early to study the next day or will have to be in the hospital by 6am. At most, I'll watch Halloween movies alongside a frozen pizza :) </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">10. What is your Favorite thing about Fall?</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">The cool weather, football season, warm and cozy coffee shops, leaves changing and fall foliage, fall candles, and of course...Thanksgiving!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span></div>
Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-74862724502143071692014-10-27T08:00:00.000-07:002014-10-27T08:00:04.728-07:00Holiday Cravings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://demandware.edgesuite.net/sits_pod15/dw/image/v2/AAPA_PRD/on/demandware.static/Sites-burtsbees-Site/Sites-burtsbees-master-catalog/default/v1413314581263/images/large/Bit_of_Burts_Beeswax_Holiday14.jpg?sw=380&sh=380&sm=fit" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Ulta/2279525" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Ulta/2279525" height="320" width="80" /></a><a href="http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Ulta/2277073" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Ulta/2277073" height="320" width="155" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.sephora.com/productimages/sku/s1649334-main-hero-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.sephora.com/productimages/sku/s1649334-main-hero-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sephora.com/productimages/sku/s1649334-main-hero-300.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.sephora.com/productimages/sku/s1633981-main-hero-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sephora.com/productimages/sku/s1633981-main-hero-300.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/graphics/product_images/pBBW1-19562744v850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/graphics/product_images/pBBW1-19562744v850.jpg" height="400" width="380" /></a><a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/graphics/product_images/pBBW1-19562738v275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/graphics/product_images/pBBW1-19562738v275.jpg" height="640" width="417" /></a><a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/graphics/product_images/pBBW1-19562736enh-z8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/graphics/product_images/pBBW1-19562736enh-z8.jpg" height="640" width="420" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=120249057" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=120249057" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-35604989717184772562014-10-26T16:05:00.002-07:002014-10-26T16:10:02.007-07:00End of the Year Wishes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/7/6002/6208032402_478dc21994_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/7/6002/6208032402_478dc21994_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As the year comes to a close, here are some things I hope to achieve before 2014 officially comes to a close.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Get back to original weight (~160 lbs)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Complete sewing project</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finish photo album</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Update blog once a week</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finish resume </div>
Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-57911753693254261672014-10-25T16:29:00.001-07:002014-10-25T16:30:32.631-07:00Current Fall Beauty Favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.samsbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/makeup-counter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.samsbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/makeup-counter.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been a while since I've updated this blog! Two months to be exact. Things have been really hectic recently and I've been so busy with rotations. I was on an especially difficult rotation the last two months since it was a mix of medicine + pediatrics, so the final exam was absolutely brutal. Really had high hopes for getting a High Pass, but don't think that's going to the likely since I totally bombed the practical portion of the exam. Anyway, don't want to dwell too hard on the past. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past week has been Geriatrics week, which was pretty much a highly-needed relaxation week. We had classes from 8-5 most days but it was nice to be able to come home, relax, and not have to study. Especially since I have very important and demanding rotations from November all the way through April. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course I used this week to SHOP! I haven't been able to go shopping for anything more than groceries since I've had no time. Haven't event kept up with my favorite beauty blogs and Youtube channels. Pretty much just been a study robot, hah. So this week was great! I got caught up on blogs, Youtube channels, new beauty products, all the holiday stuff coming out, etc. Of course I popped in to my favorite stores like Ulta, Target, Walmart and stocked up on beauty stuff and splurged on some unnecessary stuffs (haul posts coming soon!). I've also been focusing on making some lifestyle changes this week, but more on that later since the true test of these lifestyle changes I'm making will be in the upcoming weeks when life gets hectic again. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyway, even though I've been working my ass off, I have been trying my best to make time for beauty in the morning. I've been horrendous when it comes to fashion, but when it comes to neck-up beauty, I've been doing pretty damn well! Here are the makeup products I've been using recently. Quite a bunch of new products!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>L'Oreal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.beautystat.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/lumis1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.beautystat.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/lumis1.jpg" height="590" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://robinlcole.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/too-faced-natural-eye-palette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://robinlcole.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/too-faced-natural-eye-palette.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Milani Baked Blush in Berry Smoothie</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQa_BVzb6X8BO1DAk21fchch5CnVDhVdrl_hTQxTCwMIRhP9txP-Rt92JR1NXXPQ0Ddz9UynSfJHEPUZBjd2jnGNQTb7Y5efFL8w0_kmzjZLZg9vmxLPfSxxtSevHVnOeM6Yikh7vfAZrb/s1600/IMG_1421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQa_BVzb6X8BO1DAk21fchch5CnVDhVdrl_hTQxTCwMIRhP9txP-Rt92JR1NXXPQ0Ddz9UynSfJHEPUZBjd2jnGNQTb7Y5efFL8w0_kmzjZLZg9vmxLPfSxxtSevHVnOeM6Yikh7vfAZrb/s1600/IMG_1421.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>NARS Blush in Deep Throat </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thebeautyarchive.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/dsc_0155_mini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thebeautyarchive.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/dsc_0155_mini.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Clinique Chubby Lip Balm in Fuller Fig</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://themakeuptrain.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/ff-stick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://themakeuptrain.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/ff-stick.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>NYX Butter Gloss in Tiramisu</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--n-RviwXyYQ/UZGF_-h26iI/AAAAAAAANO8/98K3pCEdg58/s1600/100_1896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--n-RviwXyYQ/UZGF_-h26iI/AAAAAAAANO8/98K3pCEdg58/s1600/100_1896.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Essie Nail Polish in Shearling Darling</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CWq6EMqkIbsp8C4PzAvU2g5vsyY9Wzlv-anZ4SSSlH-1zyO7AQ6cDjGxIFQ1op6X6kdzA_lwc_lkEzPGjVqgurUkpu0QNtg7GnxtjfheGqV76LQdQpSq8GI3EnY_99Di8SDmSm5o6lnV/s1600/Essie-Shearling+Darling_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CWq6EMqkIbsp8C4PzAvU2g5vsyY9Wzlv-anZ4SSSlH-1zyO7AQ6cDjGxIFQ1op6X6kdzA_lwc_lkEzPGjVqgurUkpu0QNtg7GnxtjfheGqV76LQdQpSq8GI3EnY_99Di8SDmSm5o6lnV/s1600/Essie-Shearling+Darling_1.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>L'Oreal Nail Polish in Sweet Nothings</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPdExcVLCyGKaOXmFPQF23n4yE7sdVWNrIcQ9jJlBBKwQTU8YaCLsGTFepdp5qlcMblkdAoDCJMRAaLY5TQbiIGRmHagoNJ1gK4Ag96O2PH5EXqsDfhAZSuqmOePq_eliw8sW_YrWKQkC/s1600/L'OrealSweetNothings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPdExcVLCyGKaOXmFPQF23n4yE7sdVWNrIcQ9jJlBBKwQTU8YaCLsGTFepdp5qlcMblkdAoDCJMRAaLY5TQbiIGRmHagoNJ1gK4Ag96O2PH5EXqsDfhAZSuqmOePq_eliw8sW_YrWKQkC/s1600/L'OrealSweetNothings.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Revlon Parfumerie Nail Polish in Autumn Spice</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ommorphia.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/revlon-autumn-spice-swatch-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ommorphia.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/revlon-autumn-spice-swatch-3.jpg" height="508" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-57109022738258430892014-08-23T18:57:00.004-07:002014-08-23T18:57:39.834-07:00Summer Favorites & Essentials<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.timakraus.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/redlips-summer-beach-makeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.timakraus.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/redlips-summer-beach-makeup.jpg" height="442" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Summer is halting to a close and instead of doing a blogpost on August Favorites, I decided I'd instead make a summer favorites post, similar to what I had done <a href="http://medschoolbeauty.blogspot.com/2014/06/spring-beauty-fashion-food-favorites.html">towards the end of spring</a>. Once the end of August hits, it's officially fall time for me! So long summer, I definitely will not be missing you :)<br />
<br />
Here are some of my favorites for the summertime, all the way from fashion to beauty to food to everything in between! I organized it a little differently than my Spring favorites, so I now I have something from each category represented :)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Favorite Body Wash: Bath & Body Works Bali Mango Shower Gel</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-flP6iHkBbaQ/UJO_ezIHGNI/AAAAAAAAAsI/0fHQpA8_BDY/s1600/BBW+bodylotion+BALI+mango+145ribu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-flP6iHkBbaQ/UJO_ezIHGNI/AAAAAAAAAsI/0fHQpA8_BDY/s1600/BBW+bodylotion+BALI+mango+145ribu.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Favorite Hair Product: Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://skinndbeauty.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/img_0454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://skinndbeauty.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/img_0454.jpg" height="550" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Favorite Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.musingsofamuse.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/urban-decay-naked3-palette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.musingsofamuse.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/urban-decay-naked3-palette.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Favorite Mascara: Maybelline Volum'Express Pumped Up Colossal Mascara </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.musingsofamuse.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Maybelline-Volum-Express-Pumped-Up-Colossal-Mascara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.musingsofamuse.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Maybelline-Volum-Express-Pumped-Up-Colossal-Mascara.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Favorite Blush #1: Clinique Cheek Pop Blush in Berry Pop</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpRF1dSGBrRQ_h3_m9-9fwtcxdujEM2ib6QQciheNNjc4F8O0FdVwZNqCfKblHZPPdAGIeRBUCJriSKRsfrizHGk2bZ39YYlVYkRBzG0xKwQp-U1kGa4l1KgYlRpv2kay1k_68w2eW0B0/s1600/CliniqueCheekPop1-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpRF1dSGBrRQ_h3_m9-9fwtcxdujEM2ib6QQciheNNjc4F8O0FdVwZNqCfKblHZPPdAGIeRBUCJriSKRsfrizHGk2bZ39YYlVYkRBzG0xKwQp-U1kGa4l1KgYlRpv2kay1k_68w2eW0B0/s1600/CliniqueCheekPop1-3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Favorite Blush #2: Milani Baked Blush in Rose D'Oro</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWad6jpbUPVTFceZUfuG5znKmA0vjXBduqrBZEZhJmocjQLKEVGItleUE_9d8W2ysUxHBHHcXbflZFkBpL1GT4IM67eVXzDDjDW2mdOg66v-n1XRMA-tXsIgoWHHzQOhbJok1BOWnSY9H/s1600/Milani+baked+blush+Rose+D'Oro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWad6jpbUPVTFceZUfuG5znKmA0vjXBduqrBZEZhJmocjQLKEVGItleUE_9d8W2ysUxHBHHcXbflZFkBpL1GT4IM67eVXzDDjDW2mdOg66v-n1XRMA-tXsIgoWHHzQOhbJok1BOWnSY9H/s1600/Milani+baked+blush+Rose+D%27Oro.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Favorite Lipstick: Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Sweet Tart</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQ1Xlu8yHNnENEk5kcpeJEeGot5VbCttjtz9f3UHLwqWGhU4mgUJsJF_jXjG7L8JBd7qTHLS53iF7hOsKamY4G_BpoRmxz2YieU54wBHnvQdf1t8pxzv56Q8qrynOleqlXK46mUbot1E/s1600/revlon-colorburst-lip-butter-sweet-tart-review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQ1Xlu8yHNnENEk5kcpeJEeGot5VbCttjtz9f3UHLwqWGhU4mgUJsJF_jXjG7L8JBd7qTHLS53iF7hOsKamY4G_BpoRmxz2YieU54wBHnvQdf1t8pxzv56Q8qrynOleqlXK46mUbot1E/s1600/revlon-colorburst-lip-butter-sweet-tart-review.jpg" height="438" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Favorite Lip Balms: Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Quartz and Rose Rush</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://theposhpursuit.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/dsc_0723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://theposhpursuit.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/dsc_0723.jpg" height="504" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.musingsofamuse.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Maybelline-Rose-Rush-Baby-Lips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.musingsofamuse.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Maybelline-Rose-Rush-Baby-Lips.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b>Favorite Lipgloss #1: Revlon Colorburst Lip Gloss in Pango Peach</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVi3S9V3wxLYunmKSIii-JRJ3bxZdMLEm-_9kriQN0l07cVF9RkqngG16AvDmvBwR1JszN50t9vViIk1ziMvmckIdWnGQ-WNwIp-IvvioNX9wTW3Xg_L0EtQgw8y3-WDUkiwShqlR9cG_/s1600/IMG_4248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVi3S9V3wxLYunmKSIii-JRJ3bxZdMLEm-_9kriQN0l07cVF9RkqngG16AvDmvBwR1JszN50t9vViIk1ziMvmckIdWnGQ-WNwIp-IvvioNX9wTW3Xg_L0EtQgw8y3-WDUkiwShqlR9cG_/s1600/IMG_4248.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Favorite Lipgloss #2: Benefit Ultra Plush Lip Gloss in Hoola</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOl4qedx6O9W5Ge3l0By18nQIvEBJXUSScyuNmxwRR5m9o9NzfGoBsJTqQdVoUTIfJ7wvkCHaY_T0e502Ay7NRVoC4GjlEuDVFmBwZgHv3_MMhkLze6St4Y5YYF23PQKuUTrR8zrsCXwpM/s1600/IMG_1250%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOl4qedx6O9W5Ge3l0By18nQIvEBJXUSScyuNmxwRR5m9o9NzfGoBsJTqQdVoUTIfJ7wvkCHaY_T0e502Ay7NRVoC4GjlEuDVFmBwZgHv3_MMhkLze6St4Y5YYF23PQKuUTrR8zrsCXwpM/s1600/IMG_1250%5B1%5D.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Favorite Lipgloss #3: Maybelline Color Elixir in Rose Redefined</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://imbbpullzone.laedukreationpvt.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Maybelline+Color+Elixir+Lip+Color+Rose+Redefined+Review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://imbbpullzone.laedukreationpvt.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Maybelline+Color+Elixir+Lip+Color+Rose+Redefined+Review.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Favorite Nailpolish: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nailpolish in Speedy Sunburst</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvX6wj0ekVqInx__8vEf25tOGcvqP3EFZgLDkPhb4uYxcq82XMcddr8sp6T_RatVT6qUeztDsJCyzutJSASIDwLCUEZNH6Oru_AVJw-Ck6qRxZVKcyGS0YP437yOLWoNcxasL4q5y4qc4Q/s1600/sallyhansen_speedysunburst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvX6wj0ekVqInx__8vEf25tOGcvqP3EFZgLDkPhb4uYxcq82XMcddr8sp6T_RatVT6qUeztDsJCyzutJSASIDwLCUEZNH6Oru_AVJw-Ck6qRxZVKcyGS0YP437yOLWoNcxasL4q5y4qc4Q/s1600/sallyhansen_speedysunburst.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Favorite Fashion Item: Maxi Skirts</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.myfashioncents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Screen-Shot-2013-05-29-at-12.50.38-PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.myfashioncents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Screen-Shot-2013-05-29-at-12.50.38-PM.png" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Favorite Accessory: The Sak Crossbody Bag</b><br />
<b>Favorite Jewelry Piece: Target coral dangle earrings</b><br />
<b>Favorite Food Item: Smores!</b><br />
<b>Favorite Drink: Gloria Jean's coffee</b><br />
<b>Favorite Memory: Trip to NYC and DC!</b><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-53280180220015577712014-08-21T13:24:00.002-07:002014-08-23T18:41:39.864-07:00Stress Relief 101<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://wallpapers55.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/flower-tea-cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://wallpapers55.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/flower-tea-cup.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's no secret that over the past year, I've been battling with chronic stress and a self-managed panic disorder. Unfortunately, being submerged 24/7 in a stress-loaded medical school environment takes its tolls and constantly piles on mounds of worry, fear, and thoughts of self-undermining. Some students are able to handle it magnificently and not let it affect their lives too much, while other students (like myself) are constantly pressed down by it and struggle to stay positive and keep afloat in such a fast-paced, competitive environment. <br />
<br />
So this fall, which marks the beginning of my third year of medical school, I'm really going to work hard to <i>try</i> and fight the stress. I understand, though, that it's SO much easier said than done. In fact, I recall posting something similar right before boards studying time began, and I did a complete botch job at it. Thinking back to March-May of this year really triggers some PTSD-like nightmares in my head due to all the stress I had let accrue and simmer, which eventually led me to perform horribly on my board exams. It was by far one of my biggest struggles in life and I'm still affected daily by it. Thankfully, third year is sort of like a redemption for students who got low scores on boards. Clerkship grades have a huge say in residency applications, and since my core rotation marathon is about to begin in a few days time, I thought it would be appropriate to use these few days before my next rotation begins to establish a plan for those days where I'm feeling especially weighed down by stress.<br />
<br />
I believe fall is a great time to start fresh. In fact, when I think of fall, I think of starting anew. It's a fresh new season, fresh new school year, and a fresh new opportunity for me to excel. Fall is also my favorite season and the most calming time of year for me and so it's much easier for me to be happy and optimistic. So I've done some research on tips to reduce stress. Now, not all the stress-relieving tips work and are feasible for me so I've narrowed it down to the stress-relieving activities that I think will work the best for me. Of course, as I've said, it's a lot easier said than done but I'm motivated to try and work extra hard to minimize the stress in my life. Stress completely wreaks havoc on my body. I tend to break out a lot more, I gain weight (as evidenced by my 10 pound weight gain in the past two years), I eat terribly, I feel exhausted, and just hate the way I live when I get stressed. Therefore, I really want to try and prevent stress from piling on for the next year. Third year can definitely become stressful as I've learned from the few rotations I've been on so far. It's a full 8-12 hour day followed by studying at nights, which can take a toll if you don't plan out enough breaks and non-medical activities.<br />
<br />
So enough rambling, here are some tips I've listed and hoping I can fall back on when I'm feeling down on myself.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>in the morning</b><br />
-try to wake up at least two hours ahead of heading out the door<br />
-start each morning with a soothing, hot cup of green tea<br />
-progressive relaxation<br />
-<a href="http://healthinpics.blogspot.com/2012/12/yoga-routine-in-morning.html">morning yoga</a> whilst deep breathing<br />
-browse through daily planner<br />
-reserve at least an hour for getting ready and preparing meals for the day<br />
<br />
<b>throughout the day</b><br />
-eat small, nutritious meals frequently<br />
-try to check things off planner list<br />
<br />
<b>in the evening</b><br />
-light a soothing candle<br />
-take a hot shower<br />
-listen to soft, classical or piano music<br />
-drink herbal tea and read something non-medical<br />
-finish a craft project<br />
-clean and organize<br />
-explore and study in a new location<br />
-finish all items on daily planner<br />
-plan out next day's meals<br />
-sleep!<br />
<br />
<b>on the weekends</b><br />
-go for a nature walk on early weekend mornings<br />
-attend a sermon or watch an online sermon on weekend mornings<br />
-explore and study in a new location<br />
-take a mini road trip<br />
-participate in local events or community service efforts<br />
-spa night<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-54505899005986960792014-08-20T21:24:00.004-07:002014-08-20T21:24:57.551-07:00I ♥ Summer Tag!<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">I've been on a kick with these tags lately, so here's another one! Less beauty related, more random bits and bob type of questions. :) Plus I was bored and lazy sitting in bed, wanting to update my blog after my crazy long vacation last week, so here's a nice relaxed post! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><b>1. Favorite bronzer for summer?</b></span><br />
I don't really wear bronzers since I'm already so tan (and get tanner with the summer)! The only bronzer-esque product I do use on a more regular basis is my Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Park Ave Princess, which I use more as a highlight or a natural-hued blush.<br />
<b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">2. You're relaxing in a hammock, on a tropical island. What are you sipping on?</span></b><br />
Probably an iced coffee! I'm not a huge fan of sugary drinks, so my answer would either have to be an ice cold cup of water or some form of iced coffee drink. I really like the Iced Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks, so I try to get that every once in a while. I also just like plain old iced coffee from a coffee shop when I'm treating myself to a drink. I don't really like making iced coffees at home, although I have been quite obsessed with the International Delight ready-made iced coffee drinks!<br />
<b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">3. Favorite summer lip product?</span></b><br />
Anything glossy! I love wearing sheer lip glosses during the summertime because they're so easy to pop on and are quite low maintenance. One of my favorite lipgloss brand for the summertime are The Body Shop glosses that smell like fruit, which makes them a fun, yummy summertime makeup product especially because they're so juicy and give the most flattering natural wash of pink-red to your lips. I also really like the Benefit Ultra Plush glosses because they're so glossy, but lightweight and smell faintly like peaches. My favorite color from this line would definitely have to be Hoola, a gorgeous and versatile bronzey-nude shade that looks absolutely amazing on its own or paired with a heavy eye look.<br />
<b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">4. Pool or Beach?</span></b><br />
Probably the beach because it feels so nice and calming to put your feet in the warm sand and stare out into the ocean. The ocean sounds are so incredibly calming too, especially early mornings and late evenings when it's quiet and calm on the beach! I also really like strolling along the boardwalk and taking a peak at all the wonderful shops along the way.<br />
<b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">5. Summer = crazy hair! What's your must-have styling product?</span></b><br />
The only thing that seems to tame my frizzy mess of hair is the Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum. It combats frizz amazingly well, but with the downside that it tends to weigh down your hair due to the rich oils in the product. I don't use it nearly as much as I should, but when I need something that will calm down my frizz effectively, I definitely reach the most for this product!<br />
<b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">6. Sun bathing or fake tan?</span></b><br />
Neither :) Natural tan, bitches! If anything, I try to avoid the sun at all costs to avoid getting darker, haha.<br />
<b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">7. Favorite summer nail polish?</span></b><br />
I love neon nail polishes during the summertime, so I rotate between bright oranges, pinks, purples, even yellows! My favorite one (since my fave color is pink) is the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nailpolish in Speedy Sunburst, a beautiful hot neon pink polish. Perfect, perfect, perfect color for the summertime and looks stunning with a tan on both fingernails and toenails!<br />
<b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">8. Any summer traditions?</span></b><br />
Hmm no real major traditions, but my family always takes a road trip during the summer. This year, we went to Washington DC over Memorial Day weekend. We also try to go to our favorite local summer spots, like Moraine State Park, Oglebay, and Stonewall Resort in WV. Me and my brother also try to make as many indoor s'mores as possible over our little gas stove at home! Summer traditions for me are all about spending lots and lots of quality time with the family :)<br />
<b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">9. Favorite summer scent?</span></b><br />
I like fruity scents during the summer, especially mango, watermelon, and strawberry. I don't tend to burn many candles during the summer, but strawberry candles seem to be my favorite. I detest coconut scents however, so anything coconut or "island" scented is definitely not my cup of tea. As far as body spray scents, I gravitate towards my fruity PINK body sprays. At the moment I'm using one called "Sweet & Flirty", which is a mix of sugar berry and pink grapefruit. Smells aaamazing and fruity, perfect for the summertime!<br />
<b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">10. Favorite BBQ food?</span></b><br />
I would have to say some form of marinated chicken or my favorite picknicky-BBQ food....POTATO SALAD! I'm not a huge burger person, but I love marinated chicken breasts such as the one my dad often makes during the summertime. Also, I gotta eat potato salad at least once during the summertime or else it's a fail of a summer for me!<br />
<b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">11. What's your favorite summer-proof product?</span></b><br />
Hmm not quite sure about this one....I would have to say deodorant since it combats any sweatiness or smelliness I may develop throughout the day, haha. I sweat A LOT during the summer, so deodorant is an absolute must for me! Also, eyeshadow primers are a godsend for the summer since they help my shadow stick on all day no matter how much I sweat.<br />
<b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">12. Any summer vacation plans this year? No plans?</span></b><br />
No huge summer vacation plans were made this year. However, I had an absolute BLAST with my parents in Washington DC in May this year and then having a mini-reunion with my undergrad friends in Washington DC last week! I also got to spend a few days exploring NYC with my mom last week, which were absolutely wonderful. So although I didn't get to go any crazy fancy places, I got to spend a lot of quality time with close friends and family, which I'm incredibly thankful for :)Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-25578416543480110502014-08-10T21:34:00.004-07:002014-08-30T08:28:29.921-07:00Recipe Box ♥Condensing my Pinterest recipe posts into one, simple, easy list. :)<br />
Hope to have all of these tried and tested by the end of the year!<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Breakfast</u></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Andouille cajun potatoes</li>
<li>Baked cheddar and eggs</li>
<li>Banana bread protein muffins</li>
<li>Chocolate chip protein pancakes</li>
<li>Crustless quiche</li>
<li>Egg white, tomato, and mozzarella on wheat bread</li>
<li>Hash brown egg white nests</li>
<li>Mini bacon and potato frittatas</li>
<li>Parmesan roasted potatoes</li>
<li>Roasted rosemary potatoes</li>
<li>Sea salt and vinegar potatoes with goat cheese and chives</li>
<li>Sunny side-up egg with spinach breakfast sandwich</li>
<li>Toast with peanut butter and strawberries</li>
<li>Toast with plain greek yogurt and blueberries</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Lunch</u></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Avocado egg salad sandwich</li>
<li>Avocado and spinach grilled cheese sandwich </li>
<li>BBQ Chicken salad</li>
<li>Chicken and broccoli stromboli</li>
<li>Chicken caesar wrap</li>
<li>Chicken parmesan wrap</li>
<li>Chicken pesto on a baguette</li>
<li>Crunch lover's chopped chicken salad</li>
<li>Egg white and spinach feta wrap</li>
<li>Ham sandwich with Laughing Cow spreadable cheese</li>
<li>Margherita (tomato and mozzarella) sandwich</li>
<li>Mini pizza bagels</li>
<li>Peanut butter and banana sandwich</li>
<li>Pizza chicken burger</li>
<li>String cheese bites</li>
<li>Turkey lettuce wraps</li>
<li>Veggie cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches</li>
<li>Zucchini parmesan crusted chicken nuggets</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Dinner</u></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Baked breaded tofu</li>
<li>Baked ravioli</li>
<li>Broccoli pesto pasta</li>
<li>Cauliflower crust grilled chicken and three cheese pizza</li>
<li>Cheesy smoked sausage and pasta skillet</li>
<li>Cheesy veggie pasta bake</li>
<li>Cheesy zucchini rice</li>
<li>Chicken alfredo lasagna roll-ups</li>
<li>Chicken and spinach pasta bake</li>
<li>Chicken broccoli alfredo stuffed shells</li>
<li>Chicken enchiladas</li>
<li>Chicken florentine pasta</li>
<li>Chicken fried brown rice</li>
<li>Chicken lasagna with roasted red pepper sauce</li>
<li>Chicken roll-a-tini</li>
<li>Chicken vegetable soup</li>
<li>Creamy pesto three cheese tortellini with chicken </li>
<li>Creamy spinach tomato tortellini</li>
<li>Crock pot cashew chicken</li>
<li>Four cheese white pizza </li>
<li>Garlic herb marinated chicken</li>
<li>Garlic parmesan chicken lasagna bake</li>
<li>Garlic pesto chicken with tomato cream penne</li>
<li>Greek yogurt mashed potatoes</li>
<li>Grilled fennel sausage pizza </li>
<li>Honey lime chicken</li>
<li>Lemon chicken parmesan</li>
<li>Kung pao chicken</li>
<li>Oven-made chicken fajitas </li>
<li>Oven chicken tacos</li>
<li>Pad see ew </li>
<li>Panda express chow mein </li>
<li>Pasta al limone</li>
<li>Pesto chicken lasagna </li>
<li>Pesto and mozzarella stuffed chicken </li>
<li>Skinny mexican pizza</li>
<li>Soba noodles with peanut dressing</li>
<li>Southwestern chicken wraps</li>
<li>Spinach and tomato ranch pizza</li>
<li>Tomato and chicken pizza</li>
<li>White cheese and chicken lasagna</li>
<li>Zucchini bake with feta and thyme</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Desserts</u></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Banana chocolate chip muffins</li>
<li>Banana nut muffins</li>
<li>Blueberry muffins</li>
<li>Brownie s'mores</li>
<li>Buttermilk pancakes with maple frosting</li>
<li>Caramel apple cheesecake cookie bars</li>
<li><strike>Caramel pretzel chocolate chip cookies</strike></li>
<li>Chocolate chip cookie dough cupcakes</li>
<li>Chocolate chip pudding cookies</li>
<li>Chocolate peanut butter mug cake</li>
<li>Coffee cake</li>
<li>Cupcakes with cream cheese cookie dough frosting</li>
<li>Kit kat and caramel cupcakes</li>
<li>Mini pies</li>
<li>Mint white hot chocolate</li>
<li>Molten chocolate cake</li>
<li>Peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dough cheesecake bars</li>
<li>Red velvet brownies with white chocolate buttercream frosting</li>
<li>Red velvet cupcakes with white chocolate mousse</li>
<li>S'mores cheesecake bars</li>
<li>Strawberry chocolate chip muffins</li>
<li>Strawberry heart mini cheesecake bites</li>
<li>Vanilla cupcakes with strawberry buttercream</li>
<li>Whole wheat blueberry muffins </li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><u>Sinful Eating/Potlucks</u></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Baked spaghetti in garlic bread</li>
<li>Baked tater tot dip</li>
<li>Cheesy bacon potato bites</li>
<li>Cheesy hash brown casserole</li>
<li>Cheesy mashed potato pancakes</li>
<li>Cheesy potato soup</li>
<li>Cheesy stuffed garlic butter crescents</li>
<li>Crescent pepperoni roll-ups</li>
<li>Crockpot ranch potatoes</li>
<li>French toast roll-ups</li>
<li>Mac and cheese bites</li>
<li>Mac and cheese pizza</li>
<li>New York style white pizza</li>
<li>Pepperoni pizza lasagna rolls</li>
<li>Pizza nachos</li>
<li>Queso blanco dip</li>
<li>Spicy chicken ranch dip</li>
</ul>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-34661394564296643402014-08-06T23:14:00.000-07:002014-08-08T21:46:02.463-07:00Lip Product Addict Tag!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.beautezine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/NARS-Lipsticks-10094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.beautezine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/NARS-Lipsticks-10094.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's no secret that I love lip products. Sooo as I was reorganizing my makeup drawer, especially my favorit<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">e lippie containers, I got inspired to do this tag! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">1. What is your favorite balm or treatment?</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I'd divide this question into regular lip balms and tinted lip balms. As far as regular lip balms, my favorite one would have to be Nivea A Kiss of Milk & Honey. I discovered these last year and have been using them like crazy during the winter. They're super affordable, smell yummy, and are small enough to be stowed away in a book bag or purse.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As far as tinted lip balms go, I'm loving the CoverGirl Smoochies. I love how they are sheer, but you can build on the product for more a more opaque color. Also, these smell like cherries and are very, very affordable! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">2. What is your favorite eye catching red?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't have very many red lip products, since I'm quite shy about wearing bold, bright lip colors. However, when I go to a fancy or formal event, my go to red shade is Tarte LipSurgence Matte Lip Tint in Fiery. It's a bright, cherry red so it's definitely eye catching! I know it's not a classic red lipstick, but I love this product because it lasts an incredibly long time even through eating and drinking and feels super light on the lips. And plus for some reason, I think matte reds are more attractive than shiny, red lips. If I want something darker, I'll reach for my Revlon Lip Butter in Red Velvet or my Revlon Colorburst Lip Gloss in Boudreaux</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;" /></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">3. The best luxury and drugstore product?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Most of my lip products are from the drugstore because I feel like you can very easily find good quality glosses and lipsticks at the drugstore. Plus, they're always coming out with new collections so it's very easy to hoard up on them! For luxury lip products, I would say Chanel lipsticks because they look soooo regal and beautiful, but it would be unfair because I don't actually own any (about to change that this winter though!). Therefore, my favorite luxury lip brand as of now would have to be the Benefit Ultra Plush Glosses. Now, for being a higher-end product, they're still quite affordable at $16 a pop, but the reason I'm putting them here is because they're a little pricey for how sheer they are. I buy them because I'm in LOVE with the ease of application, taste/smell, shine, and hydration these glosses provide that is unparalleled in my opinion. These are by the far the smoothest and most pleasant smelling lip glosses I have ever used (they smell like peaches!!) and will continue to buy these because of that. Again, they're very very sheer and not very buildable, but that's just another reason I love them since I tend to wear more sheer lip products and love wearing these on casual days. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For drugstore, I'd have to divide this question up into favorite gloss and lipstick line from the drugstore. For glosses, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For drugstore lipstick, I would have to say my favorite are the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters. Holy moly, I absolutely HATED lipsticks before I used this product, but these changed my life forever. First off, they're a hybrid of true lipsticks and tinted lip balms, so they're very very moisturizing and creamy but still have amazing color payoff. By far the best part about these lipsticks is that you can build up the color as much as you want. I like to wear mine sheer, so I only apply a few coats, but you can slather it on if you want a more intense look. Plus, I LOVE the color selection and own 6-7 of these babies, by far the product I own the most colors in! My favorite MLBB of all time is Pink Truffle from this line, which is been my favorite, holy-grail, most loved lip product <i>of all time!!!!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;" /></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">4. Best MAC lipstick?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Again, I shamefully don't own any! I'm about to change that this fall and get my very first MAC lipstick.....Cosmo!!! After a ton of research I think I finally found a good MLBB shade and so decided to make this one my very first lippie from Mac. I hear amazing things, so I'm quite excited to try this formula <i>finally!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;" /></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">5. Most disappointing lip product?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I'd have to say the Clinique Chubby Sticks have been by far the most disappointing products ever. It's sad because I really really love the color selection, but the product itself isn't very hydrating. It applies nicely but it dries off to a rough finish, leaving my lips feeling kinda yucky. Plus, it smells like play-dough and weird. Really sad because the color Fuller Fig was my very first MLBB purchase and I loved it, but the product itself had a terrible formula.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;" /></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">6. Lip Liner: Yes or No?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nope, makes me look weird! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;" /></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">7. Favorite gloss?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This is an incredibly hard question because I love love love glosses and have quite a few favorite lines. It's a very close tie between the NYX Butter Glosses and bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie glosses, but I would have to go with the NYX Butter Glosses because they're cheaper (only $5 each!), but still amazing glosses. My favorite shades in this line are Apple Strudel and Angel Food Cake. They're also sheer, but definitely more pigmented than the Benefit glosses I mentioned above. One of the good things about this gloss is that you can pile on the product for more coverage without looking like a goopy mess. They leave my lips feeling very smooth and shiny, and feel super super super light on my lips, JUST like butter! Plus, they smell like vanilla cupcakes....nom! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Honorable mention goes out to the bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lip Glosses for having an amazing long-wearing formula without being overly sticky, smelling yummy, having a great color selection, and being super shiny and smooth! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">8. ..Something else?!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Some other products I love that I didn't mention:</span></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Maybelline Baby Lips</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Maybelline Color Elixirs</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">NYX Mega Shine Lip Glosses</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Glosses</span></span></li>
</ul>
Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-40888252429269839272014-08-05T11:17:00.001-07:002014-08-30T08:26:52.826-07:00$100 Fall Makeup Challenge <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i436/vanity-fashionista/IMG_3569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i436/vanity-fashionista/IMG_3569.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
So this is a little challenge I created for myself to make sure I don't overbuy anything. And with my previous post regarding my credit card overuse, I figured this would be a good time to finalize my fall makeup purchases and make sure I won't go over board.<br />
<br />
As you can tell, I love planning out what I buy rather than just blindly going out to stores. I find online shopping quite fun and its something I can do in my pajamas on my lazy days. For me, online shopping and even window shopping is how I destress. Plus, if you plan out your purchases, you definitely tend to spend less.<br />
<br />
<b>MAC</b><br />
Cosmo Lipstick -- $16<br />
<br />
<b>SEPHORA</b><br />
Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette -- $36<br />
<br />
<b>ULTA</b><br />
Essie Nail Polish in Fishnet Stockings -- $8.50<br />
L'Oreal Glossy Balm in Lovely Mocha -- $7.99<br />
NYX Butter Gloss in Tiramisu -- $4.99<br />
Revlon Parfumerie Nail Polish in Autumn Spice -- $6.49<br />
<br />
<b>DRUGSTORE</b><br />
ELF Long Lustrous Eyeshadow in Toast -- $3.04<br />
L'Oreal Le Gloss in Red Ravishing -- $2.98 (<i>sale!</i>)<br />
L'Oreal Nail Polish in Sweet Nothings -- $2.48 (<i>sale!</i>)<br />
<br />
<b>COUPONS</b><br />
Ulta weekly coupon -$3.50<br />
<br />
<b>TOTAL</b><br />
= $84.97!<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(woooo under my limit!!)</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-59994672402406639772014-08-05T11:10:00.002-07:002014-08-06T13:24:07.874-07:00Handling Finances<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.helpfulhealthtips.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Money-saving-beauty-tips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.helpfulhealthtips.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Money-saving-beauty-tips.jpg" height="508" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was putting in a Sephora order this afternoon (since they're doing the 3X points for VIB members plus have a free lip product VIB gift out) and to my surprise, my order wouldn't go through. Never did I think that it was because my credit card bill for the month had been up to $545. That might not seem like a lot, but I live on my own and only support myself. And I had just paid $474 on July 7th. So, that means I've managed to spend that much money in a month.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's outrageous to be honest, and I have no excuse for spending that much money in a month. Looking at my expenses history, it's mainly been food and grocery store trips. July was full of fast food, which piles up the credit card bill really easily. But it's weird because towards the end of the month, I had been making numerous grocery store trips a week and spending $50+ each time. I'm not saying it's bad to go stockpile your fridge, but to make healthy grocery choices and still be like 50 pounds overweight is crazy to me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I always say I'm going to watch my expenditure, but I always trail off on that promise after week one. Life just comes along and there goes that resolution. But, since I'm less busy that usual this month, I really want to work on fixing my finances. Here are some tips I thought up to save more money this month:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Daily credit card balance emails</li>
<li>Limit myself to $100 worth of makeup per season</li>
<li>Limit myself to $100 worth of clothes, candles, accessories, home stuff, etc. per season</li>
<li>Limit to $100 per month on groceries</li>
</ul>
<div>
So not a whole bunch, but these would be good to start off with and see how they go. </div>
<div>
Will update on my progress! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-47280622416070068492014-07-31T21:31:00.000-07:002014-07-31T19:58:21.976-07:00July Favorites! <div style="text-align: left;">
Here are my most used products for the month of July. Woo, almost done with summer! :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Wet n' Wild 8-Pan Coloricon Palette in Walking the Red Carpet</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.musingsofamuse.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/New-Wet-n-Wild-8-Pan-Coloricon-Eyeshadow-Palettes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.musingsofamuse.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/New-Wet-n-Wild-8-Pan-Coloricon-Eyeshadow-Palettes2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I purchased this limited-edition W&W palette sometime around May, but I haven't gotten around to using it a lot until this month. I used the 'Eyelid' and 'Crease' shades in the first column last month, but I didn't like it too much because it made my eyes look tired and dull. This month, though, I've been experimenting with the second column a lot more. I've especially liked using the 'Crease' shade in the second column all over my eyelid during the daytime. It looks so gorgeous as a shimmery, yet natural daytime eyeshadow color! Makes me look much more awake and it looks stunning when worn alone all over the eyelid. No smokey crease color needed. I hope W&W releases more natural-colored eyeshadows in the future! Amazing drugstore eyeshadow palette for only a few dollars, what's more to ask for. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Maybelline Volum' Express Pumped Up Colossal Mascara</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrBaNhlflguABaYBLjLRXI2mTdedCPSpioK9Xa6u2i-LTu-XmNEvCnmbHKuv6dZbQXxU9y8NYIsQTKNgLJC9r2ccsk_h1t9oviBXr6vhoZBxmw-N5rtJKknSJ6VealV5cWATTWLuvRa7h/s1600/Maybelline+mascara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrBaNhlflguABaYBLjLRXI2mTdedCPSpioK9Xa6u2i-LTu-XmNEvCnmbHKuv6dZbQXxU9y8NYIsQTKNgLJC9r2ccsk_h1t9oviBXr6vhoZBxmw-N5rtJKknSJ6VealV5cWATTWLuvRa7h/s1600/Maybelline+mascara.jpg" height="394" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My new favorite mascara of the year. I normally don't like Maybelline mascaras because they tend to clump really really easily. I've tried the Great Lash and the Rocket Volume in the past with little success. Therefore, I was initially skeptical to try this mascara, but I decided to give it a shot after seeing the fat-bristled brush and a lot of Youtube gurus rave about this product. In a nutshell, I LOVE LOVE LOVE this mascara. It barely clumps, separates my lashes beautifully, lasts all day, doesn't flake, volumizes without over-lenghtening my lashes, and comes in a pretty eye catching hot pink tube. Love love love. In fact, I love this mascara so much I've been wearing it alone most days with just foundation, without any eyeshadow, blush, or even lipstick. I love how when I'm in a rush, I can just swipe on a few coats of this mascara and I look awake and polished. Truly an express product.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Physician's Formula Happy Booster Blush in Natural</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.vampyvarnish.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Physicians-Formula-Happy-Booster-Blush-Natural.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.vampyvarnish.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Physicians-Formula-Happy-Booster-Blush-Natural.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've probably mentioned this in a past favorites post, but I've been using this blush literally everyday this month. Alongside the Maybelline Pumped Up Volume mascara, this does a great job at making me look awake and polished within minutes. It doubles as a highlighter and a blush without being too frosty and it's great for when I'm in a rush and want a no-brainer face product to give me a nice, healthy glow. Doesn't require much blending and it's sheer enough that you can't overdose on it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Quartz</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://theposhpursuit.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/dsc_0723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://theposhpursuit.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/dsc_0723.jpg" height="504" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I absolutely love the new Maybelline Crystal Collection!! For years, I've wanted a sheer Baby Lips collection because most of the other Baby Lips collections are super opaque and look terrible on me. I don't really like opaque tinted lip balms, which is what most of the Baby Lips are. I struggled to find a shade that works for me, until this collection came out. I love every single color! I like Pink Quartz especially because it's truly a MLBB color and it's sheer enough that I can swipe it on without a mirror and look great. Again, great for days where I'm just running errands and don't want too much makeup on or when I'm in a rush and need a quick no-brainer lip product. And they're so hydrating and smooth, and the tube is gorgeous and sparkly. I hope I can pick up a few more shades in this collection this coming fall because these are going to be my favorite lip balms for this cold weather season, hands down! The berry and mauve shades are going to look especially beauty for fall time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Pango Peach</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVi3S9V3wxLYunmKSIii-JRJ3bxZdMLEm-_9kriQN0l07cVF9RkqngG16AvDmvBwR1JszN50t9vViIk1ziMvmckIdWnGQ-WNwIp-IvvioNX9wTW3Xg_L0EtQgw8y3-WDUkiwShqlR9cG_/s1600/IMG_4248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVi3S9V3wxLYunmKSIii-JRJ3bxZdMLEm-_9kriQN0l07cVF9RkqngG16AvDmvBwR1JszN50t9vViIk1ziMvmckIdWnGQ-WNwIp-IvvioNX9wTW3Xg_L0EtQgw8y3-WDUkiwShqlR9cG_/s1600/IMG_4248.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This lipgloss looks so fricken pretty in the tube, I couldn't not mention this in my favorites! It's a really pretty melon-peachy-coral color that is <i>perfect</i> for the summertime. I've been wearing this gloss a ton this month, mainly around the house because this gloss does tend to wear down pretty quickly and needs to be reapplied fairly often. But, it's super shimmery so it looks great when worn outdoors in the sunlight which is how I'm hoping to wear it for the rest of the summer. But it's a really breathtaking, unique lipgloss color and I don't have anything like it in my collection. Great gloss for the fall and even goes with heavier eye makeup, since it is a nudey lip color. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nailpolish in Speedy Sunburst </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvX6wj0ekVqInx__8vEf25tOGcvqP3EFZgLDkPhb4uYxcq82XMcddr8sp6T_RatVT6qUeztDsJCyzutJSASIDwLCUEZNH6Oru_AVJw-Ck6qRxZVKcyGS0YP437yOLWoNcxasL4q5y4qc4Q/s1600/sallyhansen_speedysunburst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvX6wj0ekVqInx__8vEf25tOGcvqP3EFZgLDkPhb4uYxcq82XMcddr8sp6T_RatVT6qUeztDsJCyzutJSASIDwLCUEZNH6Oru_AVJw-Ck6qRxZVKcyGS0YP437yOLWoNcxasL4q5y4qc4Q/s1600/sallyhansen_speedysunburst.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hands down my favorite nail polish this summer. I love neon colors for the summer and since pink is my favorite color, this is of course my favorite nail color this season. In fact, it's been on my hands or toes most of this summer and I'll probably be reapplying it next time I do my nails. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri also happens to be one of my favorite nail polish lines because it's affordable, has a great color selection, and has a really nice applicator brush. Plus, it dries in a jiffy and doesn't chip for a while. Don't know how much more I can gush about this nail polish color!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>S'mores!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://thecupcakecure.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/smores_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://thecupcakecure.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/smores_lg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Favorite summertime treat! My brother and I have been loving eating smores for dessert once every few weeks. We finally figured out how to make the perfect indoor smores and have been obsessed! I forgot how wonderful summertime smores taste and smell, ahh! Hoping to carry on this tradition to fall time, maybe even on an outdoor fire pit! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Evol Sausage, Egg, & Smoked Gouda Breakfast Burrito</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img1.targetimg1.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/15/33/15331678_201403261441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img1.targetimg1.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/15/33/15331678_201403261441.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not gonna lie, on most mornings I barely have time to put on makeup, let alone make a proper breakfast. I always struggle to find grab n' go breakfast options, because most of them are sweet and I'm definitely a savory breakfast kind of girl. I've always hated cereals, yogurts, granolas, or anything sweet in the morning because they make me kinda feel sick. The sweetest thing I can scarf down in the morning is a banana. But when I went to Target a few weeks ago, I found these on sale and grabbed a few to try. And I am IN LOVE. First off, these burritos taste so fricken' delicious and hearty! Definitely my kind of breakfast. Second, it takes only 2 minutes to heat up in the microwave. Third, it's actually <i>good for you and keeps you full for hours and hours!!!</i> Not many things I can say that about. It's packed with protein, only has 35g carbs, and only 300mg of sodium!!!! The last factoid there is the reason why I love these babies. It's so hard to find frozen meal options that aren't saturated with salt and other nasty preservatives. They're on sale at Target for $1.66 until the beginning of August, so I stocked up on a bunch for rushed mornings where I have to grab n' go my food. I wish they made other flavors, but for now I'm going to stockpiling these in my freezer like crazy. </div>
<ul>
</ul>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 4614px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 4614px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-23127788185515575972014-07-30T20:00:00.004-07:002014-07-30T20:00:30.609-07:00Fall 2014 Candle Loves ♥ <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.musingsofamuse.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Bath-Body-Works-Fall-2013-Test-Candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.musingsofamuse.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Bath-Body-Works-Fall-2013-Test-Candles.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Bath & Body Works fall preview is here! Since I find candles to be one of the most soothing things in the world, I couldn't help but do a little online window shopping. Now I'm being good and not buying them ahead of time like I <i>really really realllyyyy</i> want to. For one, they don't have the 2 for $22 deal on these yet and I also have some summer candles to burn before September.<br />
<br />
Now the good news is that I actually need some fall candles this year! I believe I burned most if not all of my fall candles last year, so I have absolutely none to burn this season. That means that I can splurge a bit on fall candles and still justify my crazy expensive candle purchases. But that's just how much I love burning candles, <b>especially in the fall</b>. Candles to me are a fall-winter thing so I go through literally a candle every 2-3 weeks from September-February. In fact, I barely burn candles in the spring and summer because I don't really like floral/fruity candle scents and also because I don't feel the need to be cozy in the summer time. I pretty much burn through all fall-winter candles I purchase, so I always think it's a good investment especially if it makes me happy :) Plus, I love to try new candle scents and always LOVE fall and winter scents (mmm cinnamon!). And believe me, this fall will be so crazy busy I'm going to be burning candles like crazy while studying for medicine shelf exams. </div>
<br />
BBW has a lot of amazing collections out this fall, but there are a select few candles that caught my eye and that I will most likely purchase this fall. Probably September since they tend to have the 2 for $22 deal around late August/early September, which is the start of fall in my book. I really hope they don't release more scent collections because I already have my eye on five candles I will most likely purchase and don't need more to add to the temptation. Here's the five I narrowed it down to (...for now):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/graphics/product_images/pBBW1-19118814v275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/graphics/product_images/pBBW1-19118814v275.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a><a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/graphics/product_images/pBBW1-19118811v850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/graphics/product_images/pBBW1-19118811v850.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/graphics/product_images/pBBW1-19118809enh-z8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/graphics/product_images/pBBW1-19118809enh-z8.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a><a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/graphics/product_images/pBBW1-19118873v850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/graphics/product_images/pBBW1-19118873v850.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhQtJYKAU4AgEK3NsUuDZbu6x_M6N7NRTePzUS5ETTHcXetuhW_wR7AtS_Ir1ukTvbVlZ3XSv_ON3felGAAbue7kiCI_s5L9mF94E70Q6sVqwDnu6cq0Hp3Y1TDs94afkVyJgKYNuoOjAe4koz0TZ5LrrY9XRPsu9x2GuZqCbeqj7Sw5fdcvsuc7wdyn670=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/graphics/product_images/pBBW1-19118816v850.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
By far, I'm most excited for <b>Pumpkin Cupcake </b>and <b>Pumpkin Sugared Doughnut</b>. OH MY GOSH. I love bakery-scented candles, especially on days where I'm feeling like doing some housekeeping, cleaning, organizing, or baking. I love cupcakes and doughnuts, so these two candles are perfect. Plus, they're raved about like crazy and I missed out on Cinnamon Sugared Doughnut last year, so I'm excited to finally get my hands on these sweet candles this year. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As popular as <b>Leaves</b> is, I've never even smelled it in the store. However, literally every review I've read has raved about this candle like crazy, I don't think I've seen one negative review to date. Therefore, I thought I'd cave in and give this candle a shot. I hear it's fall in a candle, which sounds pretty promising. I love fall, this candle looks/smells/sounds like fall, so it should be a winner. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yankee Candle released a candle called <b>Vanilla Chai</b> last year, so this one caught my eye while I was browsing the BBW site. I went through a large tumbler of the YC Vanilla Chai in about a month. Yes, that's how much I loved that scent. I'm hoping this one smells similar to the YC version. It's such a unique, but perfect scent for the fall time! Warm, cozy chai with cinnamon...ahhh reminds me of a fall afternoon at Starbucks. I love Starbucks in the fall, so no wonder I love this scent so much.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lastly, I've always really wanted to try <b>Marshmallow Fireside</b>. Not gonna lie, mainly because of the name. I hear it's a sweet, but smoky scent and another great fall candle scent. I think this candle would be great for wintertime too, but I'm pretty sure this is released as a fall scent only if I'm not mistaken. I'm always up for trying new scents and this one would be a great one to cross off my list this fall!</div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 227px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1040px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 227px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1040px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 227px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1681px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 227px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1681px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bathandbodyworks.com%2Fgraphics%2Fproduct_images%2FpBBW1-19118816v850.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhQtJYKAU4AgEK3NsUuDZbu6x_M6N7NRTePzUS5ETTHcXetuhW_wR7AtS_Ir1ukTvbVlZ3XSv_ON3felGAAbue7kiCI_s5L9mF94E70Q6sVqwDnu6cq0Hp3Y1TDs94afkVyJgKYNuoOjAe4koz0TZ5LrrY9XRPsu9x2GuZqCbeqj7Sw5fdcvsuc7wdyn670=" -->Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-40593275335658638582014-07-29T19:21:00.001-07:002014-07-29T19:21:13.268-07:00Fall Dreaming ♥<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://danielfaro.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/img_0034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://danielfaro.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/img_0034.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The weather here has been quite cooler lately and as a result, I've been dreeeeaaaming about fall! As you know, fall is seriously my favorite time of the year. In fact, I'm even looking forward to the end of my research month (aka beginning of my crazy back-to-back core clerkships) because that means FALL WILL BE HEREEE. Ahh, just one more month I cannot wait. My friend and I are making a fall bucket list this weekend and I'm so incredibly excited.<br />
<br />
I spent the last two days mega cleaning my apartment <span style="font-size: x-small;">(blog post will be up soon once I take out all the trash, organize some more stuff, do laundry, etc)</span> and it's actually been quite refreshing. Our kitchen was so incredibly dirty since it hadn't gotten a good clean in over 2 years :x oopsies. But it's sparkling now and I'm really hoping to take the first day of the month to maintenance-clean the apartment. I also finally cleaned out all the trash in my closet and threw away a lot of stuff I'd be hanging on to that I never used. Needless to say, I'm loving my new, cleaner, more-organized room.<br />
<br />
In the fall spirit, I created a new YouTube fall playlist! SO excited, much more than I was for my spring playlist. Here's to the beginning of a wonderful, new, cozy season :) ....well just a month in advance :X<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLuMoy01UgtIAaAUQuzQaA98roPx3WVlSh" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-48264183879187356082014-07-28T13:31:00.002-07:002014-07-28T13:31:30.148-07:00August RecipesNew recipes to try this month!<br />
Leggo :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img4-3.myrecipes.timeinc.net/i/recipes/ck/13/09/strawberry-cream-cheese-waffle-sandwiches-ck-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1qsR3VcGTw7ks5btuWBDjSGXAPkAZboeJNhdoDHn4FA70n9DGIDSnMq46-C1SlGi8EDZJUijT_Hd9j8FKoWWkoq7qNciFomf_lqPmlKYvUtbGVDnHGcl3DeyVPoz_23_r7KQs8RKxYO7/s1600/Low-Fat-Whole-Wheat-Pancakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1qsR3VcGTw7ks5btuWBDjSGXAPkAZboeJNhdoDHn4FA70n9DGIDSnMq46-C1SlGi8EDZJUijT_Hd9j8FKoWWkoq7qNciFomf_lqPmlKYvUtbGVDnHGcl3DeyVPoz_23_r7KQs8RKxYO7/s1600/Low-Fat-Whole-Wheat-Pancakes.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">BREAKFAST</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Bob's Red Mill 7-Grain Pancakes</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhho8wketi3q49pxPLbtbyvZJ7gy_e3l8BA4bv4Y0xOkSfZMUV_ZDwwwSkfIPXgq1WbMprY2M7R06PKapfV-HLXdhOBcmy5ARSih4r9UCFNw6NyJJYdfd_DXteVjnTli1ybbvofSsHrt3PM/s1600/Sausage,-potatoes,-peppers-and-zucchini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhho8wketi3q49pxPLbtbyvZJ7gy_e3l8BA4bv4Y0xOkSfZMUV_ZDwwwSkfIPXgq1WbMprY2M7R06PKapfV-HLXdhOBcmy5ARSih4r9UCFNw6NyJJYdfd_DXteVjnTli1ybbvofSsHrt3PM/s1600/Sausage,-potatoes,-peppers-and-zucchini.jpg" height="434" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Breakfast casserole -- chicken sausage, potatoes, onions, peppers, and cheese </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://suzyhomebaker.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/img_5470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://suzyhomebaker.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/img_5470.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Strawberry cream cheese waffle sandwiches</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">LUNCH</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://newyork.seriouseats.com/images/20091117-hamandcheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://newyork.seriouseats.com/images/20091117-hamandcheese.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Ham & cheese with mayonnaise on a wheat baguette</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://i2.wp.com/joyfulhomemaking.com/wp-content/uploads/203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.wp.com/joyfulhomemaking.com/wp-content/uploads/203.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tomato & mozzerella sandwiches</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">DINNER</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.laurenslatest.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_0543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.laurenslatest.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_0543.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicken broccoli pesto pasta</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.julieseatsandtreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Creamy-Vodka-Meatball-Pasta-e1370747611151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.julieseatsandtreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Creamy-Vodka-Meatball-Pasta-e1370747611151.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Creamy vodka pasta with meatballs </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;">
<a href="https://warosu.org/data/ck/img/0053/43/1396998785633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://warosu.org/data/ck/img/0053/43/1396998785633.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicken fried rice</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://marocmama.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Lemongrass-Basil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://marocmama.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Lemongrass-Basil.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tofu with Saffron Road lemongrass & basil simmer sauce</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">SINFUL EATING</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISO34Fc0duBfnE-qi_wp0dAwe3Q4MtluYSvP7tB4iOrRMK4irXB6jBsN9JUhdnaqrO8GN-dswQDb7Qiw0mNV9QOdli0I1knK7H6YWjFxRRSYgvpKOLHBSkj10Lwvic_upj8pOQnb6460/s1600/Hash+Brown+Casserole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISO34Fc0duBfnE-qi_wp0dAwe3Q4MtluYSvP7tB4iOrRMK4irXB6jBsN9JUhdnaqrO8GN-dswQDb7Qiw0mNV9QOdli0I1knK7H6YWjFxRRSYgvpKOLHBSkj10Lwvic_upj8pOQnb6460/s1600/Hash+Brown+Casserole.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Hash brown casserole</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://cdn.asweetpeachef.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/banana-nut-muffins.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.asweetpeachef.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/banana-nut-muffins.png" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Banana nut muffins</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://www.cestlavegan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/TJs-Pumpkin-Bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cestlavegan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/TJs-Pumpkin-Bread.jpg" height="530" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Trader Joe's pumpkin bread mix</span></div>
Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-60305066100519715232014-07-26T12:26:00.001-07:002014-08-05T11:17:46.605-07:00My 2-Minute Makeup Look<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFiVjQYmR4kh0gbLp_gXPUJervDeunEG87ztnccA10DPr8xWjzgrrgpizrX86VDC5NnCMIbD0gr31kw9btZOJ0cH3POMO0hD8IMu_VsSiuAyCIS8yJ_77P-GxN0zKez-FJmpj5m0UJGU/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFiVjQYmR4kh0gbLp_gXPUJervDeunEG87ztnccA10DPr8xWjzgrrgpizrX86VDC5NnCMIbD0gr31kw9btZOJ0cH3POMO0hD8IMu_VsSiuAyCIS8yJ_77P-GxN0zKez-FJmpj5m0UJGU/s1600/photo.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Good news: I'm done with Ob/Gyn!!!! Thank God! It was a very rough month. I had to fake interest like crazy and it was incredibly hard dealing with bitchy residents and getting on their good side. Didn't even get to deliver a baby or the placenta. Got to do some cool stuff with C-sections and watch babies come out though. But still, I feel like it was really hard to be proactive, like they're always wanting us to do. Ugh whatever though, it's over. I'm kind of scared about my evaluations, but hopefully I can still maybe muster a High Pass? *Fingers crossed*. Should have my expectations as low as possible though, just in case my evals and grades were lower than I had thought. Argh, I hate the guessing game of clerkship grades. The good thing is that no matter how bummed I am about my Ob/Gyn performance, it won't matter too much because I'm not planning on going into the field and now I have a better idea on how to boost my performance in clerkships. It's a little easier to be proactive in medicine rather than surgery, so looking forward to beasting my medicine-based rotations. In fact, I'm planning on studying medicine during my research month in August so I can be prepared to wow them with my clinical knowledge :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But anyway. Just as I had expected, I barely have had any time this past month to get ready in the morning. Usually, it's a successful morning if I remember to pack a sandwich for lunch. However, since I had been on outpatient medicine last week, I figured it would be unprofessional if I went in looking like I just woke up. For the surgical part of Ob/Gyn, I was able to throw on a eyeshadow on most days and sometimes even do a full-face makeup. But for some reason during my last week in outpatient medicine, I slept right up until 30-45 minutes before I had to leave, so it was a challenge to put on makeup with only a few minutes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So instead of attempting to do a full-face makeup everyday, I chose to focus only on the parts that take twenty seconds to put on, but make a big impact. For me that means mascara and a blush. As much as I love eyeshadows, I knew I wouldn't have time to put any on since that requires longer (gotta put under eye concealer, primer, eyeshadow, blend, blah blah...TIME CONSUMING!). I know I look a lot more zombie-ish without concealer under my eyes, but it takes me quite a while to put it on properly...much more time than I have in the morning. So, I think it's better to have dark circles under my eyes rather than have patchy concealer put on or put too much concealer on and look like a cakey mess. To each their own though. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The part of the look that makes the biggest difference is the blush. I bought this one back in March and have been in love since. I love it's packaging (obviously), but I've been especially loving it recently since it's such a multi-tasking product. It's a blush, but because it's so shimmery it doubles as a highlighter. It is quite shimmery, but not so shimmery that you're going to look like a disco ball and can't wear it to work. Plus, it's not super opaque, so if you put on a little bit extra, it's not going to be a mess and can easily be blended out to be as sheer as you want. Shimmery blushes are the best for when you're in a rush or can't pack too many face products because they have this multi-task perfectly as a blush + highlighter and make you look incredibly awake and fresh faced. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.vampyvarnish.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Physicians-Formula-Happy-Booster-Blush-Natural.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.vampyvarnish.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Physicians-Formula-Happy-Booster-Blush-Natural.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Second, I put on a few coats of mascara, which perks up my eyes. I'm absolutely in LOVE with the new Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal mascara, and have been using it like crazy. Again, the packaging is adorbs but I love the fact that it doesn't clump at all, even when I rack on three or four coats. That's the biggest complaint I have from most mascaras I've used, but this one hasn't clumped on me even once yet (knock on wood!). Maybe because it's waterproof? Plus, it makes my lashes look so much fuller without over-lengthening them. No flaking either! Since it's so low maintenance but has amazing results, it's been my go-to mascara this month and I cannot leave the house without putting on a coat of it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So that's it, that's my 2-minute makeup look! It's basically just my usual foundation routine + blush + mascara. Choosing the correct blush and mascara is important because you want a multi-tasking, shimmery blush paired with a fuss-free mascara so you can dab them on and head out the door in a jiffy. Of course, it's not as glamorous as a full face makeup look would be (especially with the uncovered dark circles), but when you're pressed for time and can only put on a few products, I think these few will make you look much more awake, refreshed, confident, and ready for a full day of work while taking only a few minutes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>Products</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>St. Ives Even & Bright Pink Lemon and Mandarin Orange Scrub</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Moisturizer SPF 30</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum</i> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(best used on damp hair; really makes my dry hair alive, smooth, and frizz-free. went for a week without using this product and my hair was a giant mess.)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>bareMinerals Matte Foundation in Golden Tan</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Milani Secret Cover Concealer Stick in Medium</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>bareMinerals Mineral Veil</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>CoverGirl Volum' Express Pumped Up Colossal Mascara</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Physician's Formula Happy Booster Blush in Natural </i></div>
Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-56990961355965521762014-07-20T21:14:00.005-07:002014-07-20T21:14:46.787-07:00New Milani Goodies! ♥<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Milani Secret Cover Concealer in Medium</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://dpegb9ebondhq.cloudfront.net/product_photos/4440089/IMG_1624_original.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://dpegb9ebondhq.cloudfront.net/product_photos/4440089/IMG_1624_original.JPG" height="486" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit = www.storenvy.com</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Milani Baked Blush in Rose D'Oro</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEb_GuYGeaedF5JgHPPF-wHBmf5xC2vS8xGT53dx9aIS5lCy9Sz551-GBuMGs8_0U_q5Wl0VEvEbhSDyoWMHYLysQUcKoJFo617HmTxpJS-lIu_zBHVn9ZU5Q-R8FQQWMKPefgisSGxYA/s1600/milanibakeblush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEb_GuYGeaedF5JgHPPF-wHBmf5xC2vS8xGT53dx9aIS5lCy9Sz551-GBuMGs8_0U_q5Wl0VEvEbhSDyoWMHYLysQUcKoJFo617HmTxpJS-lIu_zBHVn9ZU5Q-R8FQQWMKPefgisSGxYA/s1600/milanibakeblush.jpg" height="468" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit = www.sarahassansblog.com</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Milani Baked Blush in Red Vino</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.musingsofamuse.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Milani-Baked-Blush-Red-Vino-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.musingsofamuse.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Milani-Baked-Blush-Red-Vino-003.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit = www.musingsofamuse.com</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Milani Baked Eyeshadow in The Intermix</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAg9BypikjqTJUhzmSkv3OGIZvYXHDQGlknLiLQiJbAkS0KRYutdAl8wA0CfxGSlklunqWve7glLj_wImjg_X9Ml_Z-7_SlDrMG3XvWcGeJCrNi3N6s4nFVPz37AMMsxWaQDX353PWzVI/s1600/DSCN0836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAg9BypikjqTJUhzmSkv3OGIZvYXHDQGlknLiLQiJbAkS0KRYutdAl8wA0CfxGSlklunqWve7glLj_wImjg_X9Ml_Z-7_SlDrMG3XvWcGeJCrNi3N6s4nFVPz37AMMsxWaQDX353PWzVI/s1600/DSCN0836.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit = www.vsmakeupsecrets.blogspot.com</span></i></div>
</div>
<div>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848269650780641221.post-80924212596659983112014-07-12T19:53:00.004-07:002014-07-12T20:07:54.609-07:00NOTW: Watermelon Pink Glitter <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcfXqhymWNF3ZoudXxH0OgNjL0Amwj3g3ynm9hbOUViB2m4NoopmSuU7FKaXhynISTaBQbicziud8uUi-NRpXV8lfQpPNXqew6-Ey_RJukQ5sd8Tym9v4oYE5EtVzvc1HqxQ3M7nUinU/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcfXqhymWNF3ZoudXxH0OgNjL0Amwj3g3ynm9hbOUViB2m4NoopmSuU7FKaXhynISTaBQbicziud8uUi-NRpXV8lfQpPNXqew6-Ey_RJukQ5sd8Tym9v4oYE5EtVzvc1HqxQ3M7nUinU/s1600/photo.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nailpolish in Speedy Sunburst</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquer in Punk Rock Pink</div>
<br />
<br />
Ain't nothin' like rediscovering old nail polish faves! I recently re-organized my nail polish box and was sooo happy to dig out this really pretty hot pink watermelon shade, which is literally <i>screeeeammms </i>summer. I remember it being one of my absolute favorite summer polishes a few years ago. So very glad I found it again!<br />
<br />
I decided to pair it this week with a shimmery gold topcoat and I love love love the texture and sparkle it adds. It makes the polish pop so much more and jazzes it up so it's not just another boring, flat pink nail polish. Just makes it much more summery, girly, bright, sparkly, and fun! It actually reminds me of the Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss in Strawberry, since the color and sparkle is so similar. Hot pink/neon pink shades look amazing on tanned summer skin and are perfect for this time of the year! Also would look amazing on the toes (new nail polish idea?!?!).<br />
<br />
Overall <b>loving </b>this combo and will probably be wearing this quite a lot until the end of the summer! Yay for neons!!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04818850651020283622noreply@blogger.com0