Lifestyle Archives - Page 12 of 17 - Twenty Something Plus

December 10, 2014

Yay! It’s my birthday!

Today is my birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

I really wanted a party headband (think Ban.do).

Knowing that they have them online at Urban Outfitters, I figured I could go to the store and pick one up.

I was wrong.

Don’t assume.
Ever.
Talk about disappointment…

So, I improvised + made one myself!

What are my plans?

To party like it’s my birthday!

Not really, but whatever I do, I’ll make sure to share it on Insta.
Even if it’s just hanging out on my couch + watching Netflix…

Yay!

P.S. Even though it’s my birthday, here’s a little something for you…

In addition to the camera giveaway (which ends this week, so if you haven’t entered yet, what are you waiting for?), I am also participating in a holiday giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

+This is open National & International. International winner will receive PayPal Payout only. National winner will have a choice of Sephora, Nordstrom, or PayPal payout.

+Sweepstake starts today (12/10/2014) and will end December 19 2014, 11:59PM.

+Winner will be randomly picked, via Rafflecopter.

+Winner will be emailed from vivienne@joliepagaille.com, in which he/she will have 48 hours to claim the prize; otherwise, it will be forfeited to the 2nd runner-up.

+This prize is sponsored by Vivienne of Jolie Pagaille, Christine of Simply Stine, me, Kristina of The Feminine Files, Megan of Polished Portland, Chelsea of Chelsea Go Brightly, and Ghia of Beauty Blogger Goddess.

December 8, 2014

30 Before 30

In two days I turn 28.

28.

Not 22.

But 28.

That means I have two more years until I’m 30.

NBD. Right?

Wrong!

Thirty is NOT the new twenty.
Your twenties matter.

But instead of spiraling into yet another quarter-life crisis, I made a list of 30 things I want to do within the next couple of years, to make the most of what’s left of my twenties!

My 30 before 30…

1. Finish enough of the VT brewery tour to send in for a prize

2. Get a second tattoo

3. Decide if I really want my tragus pierced or not

4. Go back to school (Masters in Journalism maybe?)

5. Run a 5K with friends (A fun one)

6. Plan a Twenty Something Plus event

7. Learn Photoshop

8. Visit Europe again

9. NYE in NYC

10. Shop at the Birchbox store in Soho

11. Find work in Social Media

12. Attend NYFW

13. Hit up the Sprinkles ATM

14. Create a Twenty Something Plus photo challenge

15. Watch fireworks on Niagara Falls

16. Undergo a Twenty Something Plus redesign

17. Be a model for something

18. Go Rollerskating with my sisters

19. Collaborate on something major

20. Fancy restaurant dinner date with the Manfriend (So, not Buffalo Wild Wings, sorry Andrew)

21. Present at Alt Summit (I would be happy just to go again, but I figure dream big!)

22. Invest in a quality large mirror (and then take a #selfie)

23. Move to the city

24. Update my wardrobe to match my style (Read: PURGE)

25. Go to a blow out bar

26. Go on a cruise

27. Down size (See number 24)

28. Get a photo feature in a magazine

29. Write a book (Or write an article that goes to print)

30. Seriously consider freelance

The 22 parody 32 is much more fitting, but sometimes the internet doesn’t like to share…

What’s on your “to do” list?

December 5, 2014

What’s In My Camera Bag? Camera Giveaway!

A good structure bag is timeless. Make it a beautiful kelly green and you’ve got a fun classic!
It almost goes without saying, that I am OBSESSED with my camera bag.

And so many compartments! It doubles as a diaper bag and even comes with a diaper pad.
I don’t have kids, but I use it whenever I watch my niece.

Other than my camera, it can hold A LOT!

Now, I’m no professional photographer, I use a Cannon EOS Rebel S1L because even though it’s a DSLR it’s small so it’s perfect for me when I out and about. The only other camera that I considered investing in was the Cannon EOS Rebel T5.

Speaking of…

I’ve teamed up with some FABULOUS bloggers to giveaway a Canon EOS Rebel T5 and two lenses!

Check out the 15 other ladies joining me on this giveaway by clicking on their image below.

So what are you waiting for? It’s your chance to make some photo magic with your family this holiday season. The giveaway will run from December 5th to the 19th and it is open to US and Canada only. All entries will be validated and if there are any issues with your entry all will be voided. So you’d better not lie, because we’re going to be like Santa and check it all twice.

Good luck + Happy Holidays!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada residents only. This blog and any participating blogs did not receive compensation for the published material in this post. No purchase required to enter this giveaway and there is a limit of one entrant per household. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning are determined by the number of valid entries received. Entries will be verified. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and will be emailed via the email address used to enter the contest. New winner(s) will be chosen if original winner(s) has not responded within 48 hours of email notification. This giveaway is not administered, sponsored, endorsed by, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or other social media outlet. Disclaimer is posted in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

December 1, 2014

My Winter Essentials

Happy December!

Now that the temps have dropped enough for the snow to stick, my denial that winter is right around the corner is pointless.

And while I may not be ready emotionally, I have prepped myself with some winter essentials.

Aside from the obvious coffee thermos, snow boots and Zara blanket scarf, here are my necessities:

1. I love Vermont’s Original Bag Balm because, one, I’m a proud Vermonter, and two, my lips get really disgustingly chapped, and it works. Yes, I know the original use for it. No, IDGAF.

2. My skin literally drinks lotion when it’s cold. I’ve tried so many different brands and types, but my current favorite is the Intensive Care Advanced Repair by Vaseline. I got it for free from Influenster, and am so glad I did. I am dreading when it runs out, but it’s gotten me through most of November, which is a pretty major first for me.

3. My hands are another story. I don’t want to carry around a full sized bottle of lotion for mis manos, but a hand cream the smells good + is über luxe? Now we’re talking!

4. All the prep in the world doesn’t exactly help with winter and it’s seasonal effects. But this Yankee Candle in Balsam & Cedar does…it smells like Christmas! And I’d suffer all the snow for a white Christmas.

Anyone up for building a snowman?

No?

Yeah, me neither.

+ Fun fact: December is my birth month.

November 28, 2014

Random, but This or That?

I almost never post twice in one day, but when one of your favorite beauty bloggers tags you for a ‘This or That’ post, you do it. Thanks, Kristina!

How This or That works:
1. State who tagged you (provide link) Answer all the questions.

2. Select one ‘This or That’ question for all your readers to answer.

3. Tag 4 others to answer ALL of the “this or that” questions on their blogs (provide links)… They say you really get to know people when they’re put in tight situations. Today’s “This or That” is going to do just that!”

Any other fellow bloggers that want to are more than welcome to consider themselves tagged!

Not a blogger + not tagged?
It’s OK, you can still comment! And I’d be interested to know your answer for number 29!

I tag Broke College Beauty, Coming Up Roses, Collective Beauty, and The Skinny on Beauty.
No pressure…Just for fun and only if you want to…

This or That Questions:

Beauty

1. Blush or Bronzer?
Blush. I even use bronzer as blush.

2. Eyeliner or Mascara?
Mascara. Lots and lots of lash!

3. Foundation or Concealer?
Foundation.

4. Lipgloss or Lipstick?
Lipstick.

5. Neutral or Color Shadow?
Neutral. Naked, if you will…

6. Sponges or Brushes?
Brushes.

Nails

7. OPI or China Glaze?
OPI.

8. Acrylic or Natural?
Natural.

9. Long or Short?
Short. Even when I do get acrylics, I ask to have them cut down as short as they possibly can.

10. Brights, Darks, or Neutrals?
Darks.

Body

11. Perfumes or Mists?
Perfumes.

12. Lotion or Body Butter?
Lotion.

13. Body Wash or Soap?
Body Wash.

14. Wax or Shave?
Shave. Except for my eyebrows and even that’s only occasionally…

Fashion

15. Jeans or Joggers?
Now, don’t get me wrong, I LOVE jeans.

BUT, sweatpants that you can dress up without looking a hot mess?!

Joggers.

16. Skirts or Dresses?
Dresses. Love skirts, but dresses can be worn as a skirt, a shirt, or a dress…

17. Stripes or Checkers?
Stripes.

18. Flip Flops or Sandals?
Sandals.

19. Boots or Stilettos?
Stilettos. The make my calves look hot. And my ass. And they could double as a weapon…

Hair

20. Curly or Straight?
Straight. Because it’s longer…

21. Long or Short?
Long. Fake hair don’t care!

22. Bun or Ponytail?
Bun. Messy or top knot? Yes.

23. Light or Dark?
Light. Blondes have more fun!

24. Hair Spray or Gel?
Gel.

Random

25. Rain or Shine?
Shine. I have so many more options for shoes when it’s sunny!

26. Summer or Winter?
Summer. For the same reason as above and the beach.

27. Autumn or Spring?
Autumn, but only for my birthday and foliage.

28. Chocolate or Vanilla?
Vanilla. Fun fact: I don’t like chocolate, maybe a Kit Kat bar once in a while, but ice cream or cake, no thanks!

29. Fashion or Beauty?
Fashion.

No, beauty…

No, fashion…

I. Can’t. Even.

30. Leather or Sequins?
Sequins. I like to SPARKLE!

Can’t wait to read everyone else’s answers!

November 28, 2014

Shop Small Business Saturday

One thing that living in Vermont has taught me is to support both local and small businesses.

While that doesn’t mean that I will be skipping out on Black Friday, judge if you must…what it does mean is that I will also be supporting Small Business Saturday.

Post by The Bannerie.

Don’t know where to shop?

Here are five of my favorite:

A Golden Garden

The Bannerie

The Confetti Bar

Crown and Glory

Ellebee206

AND because this is the season of giving, here are five more:

Hello Tosha

IWEARTHEHEADRESS

May Designs

Paper Jam Press

Until Next Time Notes

And there are so many more!

Can’t make up your mind? Check out Brickyard Buffalo or search Etsy! Just trust me…

+ A lot of online shops will be having Small Business Saturday and/or Cyber Monday sales!

November 24, 2014

DIY Inspiration Board

I didn’t have any major plans this weekend, the only thing I knew I wanted to do was spend some time reevaluating my goals. But, when I sat down to do actually do that, I couldn’t.

It was just too much.

It’s not that I don’t know what I want, or that I can’t see the big picture…

A list was just…boring.

So, I spent the weekend making a Pinterest board. Well, an inspiration board.

I printed images from Pinterest, prints that I plan to buy, inspirational images, motivational quotes, and tacked them to a giant cork board. This way as my dreams change and my goals are met, I change switch up what’s on my board.

I also added the Bannerie banner that I got in my Monarch Workshop goodie bag. Come on, YOU GOT THIS…fitting, right? How could I not?!

Happy Monday!

November 20, 2014

Cosmo’s Fun Fearless Life

Every now and then there are moments when you just know that you are exactly where you are supposed to be.

For me, being at Cosmo’s Fun Fearless Life in NYC was one of those moments.

At first, I wasn’t so sure…

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy buff shirtless guys, but I wasn’t sure exactly what I had gotten myself into. Leave it to Cosmo to start of with a bang(ing bunch of hotties)!

But as Cosmo’s Editor in Chief Joanna Coles, took the stage, it was made abundantly clear that I needed to be sitting exactly where I was.

And while there was truly something for everyone, I left feeling like that I had permission to dream BIG and the tools to go out and make those dreams a reality.

From the speaker + panels, to the networking sessions. To learning that my twenties matter, how to channel my inner mentor…

Even the cocktail party in Hearst Tower.

Every second.

All of it.

Not mention the amazing swag from Maybelline + Express!

And the Origami Owl necklace I got to make at the VIP cocktail party.

I truly can have the fun fearless life that I want. And so can you! All you need is “attitude and drive”.

My next stop? New York…

More on Cosmo’s Fun Fearless Life Weekend:

+ 10 Reasons to Attend

+ What to Wear

+ 11 Highlights

+ 12 Inspiring Quotes

+ 19 Stunning Street Style Looks

November 17, 2014

5 Products I’m Thankful For

It’s mid-November and although I still have yet to see snow, I can feel that the holiday season is fast approaching.

Things have had their ups and downs for me so far this year, and I am thankful for all of it. That being said, I’ve found five products I’m thankful for as well…

1. I own and love the Urban Decay Naked eyeshadow palette. When I hit pan, I died a little on the inside. Then I was gifted the Maybelline Nudes palette and not only do I actually like it more, it costs less, so no more dying.

2. Sens’eyes was recommended by Stephanie. Most makeup removers contain oil, and even some of the ones that claim to be oil-free, leave your face oily. This doesn’t. It’s perfect for those times you get mascara on your eyelid when putting on your face. Try applying your mascara first. When I don’t forget to, it works like a charm!

No more having to start all over. Say what?!

3. Despite what you may think, I’m actually pretty low maintenance. Or rather, my skincare routine is pretty weak. Well, was. I invested in the Clarisonic Mia and I was able to step up my game with out have to add extra work.

Hard work may pay off, but unnecessary extra work is just dumb.

4. I’m all for No Shave November. However, I don’t want to participate. So, yeah…‘Fuzz’ Off works and doesn’t smell as strong as other similar products. I’d wax, but I’m not a masochist.

5. A wallet isn’t a beauty product.

Nor is it something that most people are really thankful for.

But this wallet is special and I am VERY thankful for it.

I don’t know about you, but I’ll admit when it comes to my phone I am always on it. When the battery low alert goes off, I have to resist the urge to drop everything and find an outlet. Sometimes that’s not an option. Dislike.

Problem solved!

There’s a whole lot more out there to be thankful for, read these blog posts for other products!

You’ll thank me later.

Sammi from College Beauty Buff
Chelsea from Chelsea Go Brightly
Lisa from Subscription Therapy
Julie from Collective Beauty
Kristina from The Feminine Files
Vivienne from Jolie Pagaille
Cheryl from Skinny On Beauty
Angela from Your Beauty Whisperer

November 7, 2014

Decor Pieces

Despite what one might think, my place isn’t very decorated.

I have, however, tried to give it more of a homey touch by adding some decor pieces that I feel could work in just about any space, generally speaking, of course…

1. A collection of some sort. I’m not big on history or geography, but I like to travel + globes are pretty neat.