lifestyle Archives - Page 11 of 15 - Twenty Something Plus

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.

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.

2. Something alive. Plants that don’t die easily are ideal.

3. An artistic personal touch. Photo magnets via PicStick.

4. Fancy expensive looking things. Found at Wal-Mart.

5. Trendy touches. How doesn’t have the Domino book on their coffee table?

+ Use the code PLUS25 for a 25% discount!

This post was sponsored by PicStick.

November 5, 2014

Birchbox Book Club

Since bascially forever ago, Birchbox has been my go to subscription service.

But a little more recently, Birchbox has also been my source for good reads.

Yes, you read that right.

This past summer Birchbox started the Birchbox Book Club and it’s been providing me with my what to read next ever since!

The October book was Gone Girl, and thanks to the monthly giveaway that Birchbox hosts on Twitter, I was able to score The Complete Gillian Flynn collection!

I haven’t started reading Gone Girl just yet, but now that I have new reading glasses, I will be very soon! I purposely did not watch the movie adaptation, because I didn’t want to spoil the book.

The fact that there’s two additional books to cozy up with, makes me wonder if it means that there will be two more movies…

Have you seen Gone Girl or read the book? Both? Tell me what you thought.
(Please no spoiler alerts!)

+ This month’s book? Yes, Please!

November 3, 2014

New Glasses

Happy NEWvember!

So, I got new glasses and I couldn’t be more excited or more in love with them.

After seeing and learning about Warby Parker on Instagram (because that’s now where I learn about pretty much everything), I wanted to give the home trial a try and figure out which pair would be perfect for me. I found two pairs that I knew I’d like and a few others that I thought could work. When one of the two pairs I knew I wanted wasn’t available to try, I took the plunge and went ahead just buying those two pairs of glasses and I am SO glad that I did!

Even if they are just for reading…

I had been on the hunt for clear glasses since before clear glasses were cool. The Coley in crystal are not only perfect but they sort of taper in and fit my face in a way that I finder kind of flattering and didn’t think was possible.

The Kimball, are just plain fun, and I think I’m fun, so of course I HAD to have them.

I figured you could all use a break from my face so no selfies this post, but if you want to see either of these on me, check out my Instagram!

October 20, 2014

Natural’s Not For Everyone

I’m back on the creamy crack.

That’s right. After almost three years of being natural and shaving my head, I couldn’t do it anymore.

Living in Vermont with ethnic hair isn’t easy. No matter how you choose to wear your hair, you have to resort to DIY.

One of the perks of being a naturalista is the versatility. I finally was able to flat iron my hair again, and it took FOREVER. Literally over eight hours. Um, nope…Not for me.

I can’t even. And I’m OK with that. Natural hair isn’t for everyone.

Are you team natural or team relaxed? Tell me why, I’m curious!