I ♥ Fall Tag!

1. Favorite Fall lip product?

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. 


2. Favorite Fall Nail Polish?

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. 


3. Favorite Starbucks Fall Drink?

Hands down, Pumpkin Spice Latte. So crisp, warm, toasty, and comforting! 


4. Favorite Fall Candle?


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. 

5. Favorite Fall Scarf or accessory

Scarves are definitely my favorite accessory for the fall. Cardigan + scarf + boots = most cozy fall outfit ever! 


6. Haunted house, haunted hay ride, or haunted corn maze?


Nonnneee of those! I'm a huge scaredy cat so nothing scary is the best! :) 

7. Favorite Halloween movie?

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! 


8. Favorite candy to eat on Halloween?

Kit Kats, Snickers, and Milky Ways! 


9. What are you dressing up as for Halloween?!


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 :) 

10. What is your Favorite thing about Fall?

The cool weather, football season, warm and cozy coffee shops, leaves changing and fall foliage, fall candles, and of course...Thanksgiving!

Holiday Cravings

End of the Year Wishes

As the year comes to a close, here are some things I hope to achieve before 2014 officially comes to a close.

Get back to original weight (~160 lbs)

Complete sewing project

Finish photo album

Update blog once a week

Finish resume 

Current Fall Beauty Favorites

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. 

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. 

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. 

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!

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup

Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette

Milani Baked Blush in Berry Smoothie

NARS Blush in Deep Throat 

Clinique Chubby Lip Balm in Fuller Fig

NYX Butter Gloss in Tiramisu

Essie Nail Polish in Shearling Darling

L'Oreal Nail Polish in Sweet Nothings

Revlon Parfumerie Nail Polish in Autumn Spice

Summer Favorites & Essentials

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 towards the end of spring. Once the end of August hits, it's officially fall time for me! So long summer, I definitely will not be missing you :)

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 :)

Favorite Body Wash: Bath & Body Works Bali Mango Shower Gel

Favorite Hair Product: Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum

Favorite Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

Favorite Mascara: Maybelline Volum'Express Pumped Up Colossal Mascara 

Favorite Blush #1: Clinique Cheek Pop Blush in Berry Pop

Favorite Blush #2: Milani Baked Blush in Rose D'Oro

Favorite Lipstick: Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Sweet Tart

Favorite Lip Balms: Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Quartz and Rose Rush

Favorite Lipgloss #1: Revlon Colorburst Lip Gloss in Pango Peach

Favorite Lipgloss #2: Benefit Ultra Plush Lip Gloss in Hoola

Favorite Lipgloss #3: Maybelline Color Elixir in Rose Redefined

Favorite Nailpolish: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nailpolish in Speedy Sunburst

Favorite Fashion Item: Maxi Skirts

Favorite Accessory: The Sak Crossbody Bag
Favorite Jewelry Piece: Target coral dangle earrings
Favorite Food Item: Smores!
Favorite Drink: Gloria Jean's coffee
Favorite Memory: Trip to NYC and DC!

Stress Relief 101

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.

So this fall, which marks the beginning of my third year of medical school, I'm really going to work hard to try 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.

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.

So enough rambling, here are some tips I've listed and hoping I can fall back on when I'm feeling down on myself.

in the morning
-try to wake up at least two hours ahead of heading out the door
-start each morning with a soothing, hot cup of green tea
-progressive relaxation
-morning yoga whilst deep breathing
-browse through daily planner
-reserve at least an hour for getting ready and preparing meals for the day

throughout the day
-eat small, nutritious meals frequently
-try to check things off planner list

in the evening
-light a soothing candle
-take a hot shower
-listen to soft, classical or piano music
-drink herbal tea and read something non-medical
-finish a craft project
-clean and organize
-explore and study in a new location
-finish all items on daily planner
-plan out next day's meals
-sleep!

on the weekends
-go for a nature walk on early weekend mornings
-attend a sermon or watch an online sermon on weekend mornings
-explore and study in a new location
-take a mini road trip
-participate in local events or community service efforts
-spa night

I ♥ Summer Tag!

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! 

1. Favorite bronzer for summer?
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.

2. You're relaxing in a hammock, on a tropical island. What are you sipping on?
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!

3. Favorite summer lip product?
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.

4. Pool or Beach?
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.

5. Summer = crazy hair! What's your must-have styling product?
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!

6. Sun bathing or fake tan?
Neither :) Natural tan, bitches! If anything, I try to avoid the sun at all costs to avoid getting darker, haha.

7. Favorite summer nail polish?
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!

8. Any summer traditions?
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 :)

9. Favorite summer scent?
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!

10. Favorite BBQ food?
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!

11. What's your favorite summer-proof product?
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.

12. Any summer vacation plans this year? No plans?
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 :)