I. Can’t. Even…

During Joe Zee‘s keynote interview with Catt Sadler at Simply Stylist New York, he said something that really resonated me…

Simply Stylist New York | Joe Zee with Catt Sadler

Basically, he said that if your job makes you angry, you shouldn’t be doing it. He clenched his fist when he said it. And don’t ask me why, but that was the eye opening, soul shaking push that I needed.

At times my job can make me so angry!

I. Can’t. Even.

So I quit. (And by quit, I mean, gave like a month’s notice.)

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate my job.

I’m not a huge fan of the 4AM duty calls or the constant fire alarms, because someone burnt popcorn for the thousandth time…

But, really what it all boils down to is that it doesn’t make me happy.

Work happy.

I want to love what I do.

Don’t you?

xx Bet

Sagittarius Nail Wraps

I think it’s pretty safe to say that I was more excited for Scratch to release their Zodiac Collection sagittarius nail wraps, than I was for my actual birthday.

Scratch Zodiac Collection | Sagittarius

The Zodiac Collection nail wrap sets include a set of custom nail wraps designed by Katie E. Lehman, comes in a custom sleeve complete with horoscope AND the cutest matching midi ring!

Zodiac Nail Wraps

Zodiac Midi Ring

I am not exactly the most creative when it comes to nail art, but thanks to Scratch, I don’t really have to be…

Sagittarius Nail Wraps

Scratch also has a monthly mani box, and each month they feature a different (and super cool) artist. Plus, you get a fun surprise based on that month’s artist.

A ‘little birdie’ told me that they’ve got some “seriously amazing plans” for 2015!

#squee

xx Bet

Bloggers Holiday Wish Lists

All I want for Christmas is…

EVERYTHING!

Wish List

 

No, but seriously, with so much great stuff out there it can be kind of hard to decide what to put on your holiday wish list.

While there are a lot of things that I would like to make mine, I am asking Santa for a few (OK ten) blogger faves to put under my tree this year…

Can you tell that I’m just a little obsessed with makeup sets and the color gold much?

The tree isn’t the only thing I’ve been thinking about.
By the chimney there’s something that needs to be filled.
And in case you’re stumped for stocking stuffers, here’s a few ideas to hint to the fam…

xx Bet

 

 

 

+ Everything is clickable so click away!

+Need more ideas? Check out these Bloggers Holiday Wish Lists as well!

Sammi from College Beauty Buff

Lisa from Subscription Therapy

Vivienne from Jolie Pagaille

Bet in the City

To celebrate my birthday, the manfriend and I went to the city.

NYC obv.

Even though it was super rainy, I had an amazing time and was even able to cross a few things off of my 30 before 30 list.

Warning: As always, I took a crap ton of photos + I’m going to over-share…

Columbia Journalism School | Info Session

Our visit started with a 10AM Info Session at Columbia Journalism School. 4. Go back to school (Masters in Journalism maybe?)

Birchbox SohoBirchbox Soho | BYOB Birchbox Soho

Then shopping which unfortunately consisted of mostly window shopping (such a tease!), but I did get to build my own box at the Birchbox store in Soho. I didn’t get my nails done, but maybe next time… 10. Shop at the Birchbox store in Soho

Sprinkles Cupcake ATM Sprinkles Cupcake ATM Sprinkles Cupcakes

After dinner we enjoyed cupcakes from Sprinkles. Mine was strawberry and his was chocolate marshmallow. 13. Hit up the Sprinkles ATM

Radio City Music HallChristmas SpectacularThe Rockettes

The real reason for the trip was to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, thanks to Groupon.

Since it was all for my birthday, I had to have champagne.

In a novelty cup.

With a light up swizzle stick.

Bet + the manfriend

We had tickets for the 10PM show…

It was a VERY long day. But SO worth it!

 

Heels were a bad idea.

xx Bet

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!

IMG_0745 IMG_0749

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!

xx The Birthday Girl

 

 

 

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!

Holiday Giveaway Collaboration

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.

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!

30 Before 30

 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?

xx Bet

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.

Kelly Moore + ABM Kelly Moore + ABM

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.

Canon EOS Rebel SL1

Other than my camera, it can hold A LOT!

Contents

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.

Image Map

 

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!

 

xx Bet

 

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. 

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.

 

Don’t know where to shop?

Here are five of my favorite:

A Golden Garden

A Golden Garden

 

The Bannerie

The Bannerie

 

The Confetti Bar

The Confetti Bar

 

Crown and Glory

Crown and Glory

 

Ellebee206

Ellebee206

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

Hello Tosha

Hello Tosha

 

IWEARTHEHEADRESS

iweartheheadress

 

May Designs

May Designs

 

Paper Jam Press

Paper Jam Press

 

Until Next Time Notes

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!

xx Bet

 

 

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.

DIY 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?!

You Got This Banner

IMG_0076 IMG_0078

The Confetti Bar | Custom Twenty Something Plus Confetti

IMG_0079 IMG_0080

Happy Monday!

xx Bet

 

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…

Cosmo's Fun Fearless Life | Cosmo Guys

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.

Cosmo's Fun Fearless Life | Joanna Coles

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…

Cosmo's Fun Fearless Life | Panel

Cosmo's Fun Fearless Life | Panel

Hannah Bronfman

Even the cocktail party in Hearst Tower.

Cosmo's Fun Fearless Life | Hearst TowerCosmo's Fun Fearless Life | Chambord

Cosmo's Fun Fearless Life

Every second.

Cosmo's Fun Fearless Life | #girlboss

bethany is a #girlboss!

All of it.

Cosmo's Fun Fearless Life | Maybelline

Not mention the amazing swag from Maybelline + Express!

Swag

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