LIEBSTER AWARD!!

Hey Guys! I was so honored to be nominated for a Liebster award! So, to my understanding, I state 11 facts about me, answer 11 questions from my nominator, and ask 11 questions to the blogs I nominate. So lets jump in! I will have links and blogs to check out and a big Thank You to my nominator all listed at the end <3 

11 Facts About Me:

1) I am 21 years old

2) I am a communications student and absolutely LOVE it

3) A dream job for me would be to work for Twitter or write columns for a website or magazine

4) I would love to dabble in hosting and broadcasting at some point in my life

5) I want a dog so bad!! Once I have a home of my own with a yard and everything I hope to get a Pug with crazy eyes and a German Shepard 

6 )I have two kittens…well, they’re actually cats…and I love them to pieces!! I named them Morrison and Presley after Van Morrison and Elvis Presley

7 )I am a Disney freak! This past year I purchased my first Disneyland season pass and if it were up to me, I would go all 365 days of the year!

8) I am literally afraid of everything. Like, literally, everything. 

9) I don’t think I’m very “fashionable”, I just wear what I like and hope I don’t look crazy!! 

10) I compulsively buy hats, all kinds of hats. And very seldom do I ever even wear a hat.

11) I’m totally and completely obsessed with Saturday Night Live. It’s seriously the best show ever. 

11 Questions From Ashley

1) Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging because I had a huge passion for cosmetics and make up and followed so many YouTube channels. I knew that I ultimately wanted to make videos, but thought that blogging would be a great place to start. It became very addictive once people started following my blog and it made me want to write more and more, so I started a “daily” blog. I felt that if I was going to spend tons of money on beauty stuff, I might as well do something productive about it and write reviews to help others out!

2) What is your fav beauty product?

I’m taking this as a “I can’t leave the house without…” because Ashley specified “If you could only pick one”. My favorite beauty product is bronzer! I love that it shapes the face, gives color, and can help match foundation to your skin if your shade is too light. Bronzer is a MUST for me. I can go out without mascara or blush or lipstick, but bronzer is a HUGE must. 

3) What do you wear to feel most confident?

Skinny Jeans! I think Skinny Jeans that fit well with a flowey loose top is such a flattering look for my body type. I also think it can be paired with boots or heels or gladiators and just look classic and put together. 

4) what is your favorites app on your phone?

Twitter! I am a twitter FIEND and I really don’t like using it on my computer so my phone is the perfect option.

5) who is the person in your life that inspires you most?

Aside from family and friends who inspire and encourage me, I’m going to take a bit of a different approach to this question. I want to give credit where credit is due and say that a big inspiration in my life is Tanya Burr and Tyler Oakley (YouTubers). They have both built empires just by releasing content onto YouTube. They don’t get any help, as in, they don’t have producers or anyone writing the a script or giving them something to talk about. Tanya Burr has created a cosmetic line and Tyler Oakley has the coolest opportunities to broadcast and host which is something I would love to do someday. I think that established YouTubers deserve so much more credit than they are given 

6) If you have a day job, what do you do, and is it a life’s passion?

I do have a day job, I am a nanny. It’s not a “life passion” as in, I plan on being a Nanny forever. But, I do LOVE kids (especially the ones I have the pleasure of watching) and hope to be a mom someday so in that way I guess it is sort of like a passion.

7) If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

There are a bunch of places I want to (and really hope to) live in my life! After college, I hope to live in Los Angeles. I would also like to live in Seattle or Portland at some point in my life. I would also like to live in Maui and London for a year or two each. I’m not sure where I will find myself in my life, but I do expect great things! The future is so exciting and I cannot wait to see what it has in store for me. 

8) What would be your choice for a Last Meal?

Hmmm, that is a tough question! If I could have ANY last meal in the world, I would chose a dinner from my favorite place called Star Noodle, located in Maui. I would chow down on some Chow Funn noodle, Garlic Noodle, and their “Star Screams” for dessert. Washed down with a delicious hand crafted Sake cocktail, too!

9) If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Absolutely, 100%, I would chose John Lennon. My dad has always listened to The Beatles and I grew up listening to their music and still obsess over them. I like to think I know more about The Beatles than most people my age. John Lennon is a legend and always will be. He stood for peace and was a huge women’s rights activist. He just seemed so chill and sarcastic and I would love to hang out with him if he were still alive. 

10) If you could add any one piece to your wardrobe what would it be?

As of recently, I am totally obsessed with LouBoutons. I want to get a pair as a Graduation Gift to myself once I graduate so I can walk the stage in them. I think they are so classic and elegant and would be a piece that could last a lifetime.

11) Who is your celebrity Crush?

Where should I start?! My number one I think would have to be Jason Sudeikis, he just seems like husband material, he is so funny and I personally think he is totally handsome! I also am in love with Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson…biggggg surprise there. Zac Efron, Johnny Depp, and did I mention Harry Styles??

11 Questions For Nominations

1) Why did you start blogging?

2) Where is your dream vacation?

3) What is a beauty item in your collection you could not live without?

4) Any big and exciting plans in the near future?

5) Who is your fashion inspiration?

6) Which Hollywood star would you marry?

7) If you could act in any television show, which would you chose?

8) What is your favorite song at the moment?

9) What is your favorite food in the WHOLE world?

10) If you could play any instrument perfectly, which would you chose?

11) What is your dream job? 

So, ideally, somebody is supposed to be able to nominate 11 small blogs for a Liebster award, but I'm so ashamed to say that I really do not keep up with 11 small blogs! I think that it's really important to support bloggers and people that don't get free stuff for trial are the ones giving you 100% honest opinions because they are purchasing everything themselves. I will mention the blogs I want to nominate and why I love them!

First off, I want to nominate my best friend, Tiffany. Now, hear me out. I am not just nominating her because she is my best friend, but seriously, this girl has a way with words! She talks about beauty, travel, inspiring quotes, book reviews, and just life in general. I love catching up on her blog and seeing what she is up to and what she's been reading and all her thoughts. You get a total laid back vibe from reading her blog, and I LOVE it. 

http://tcricket.wordpress.com

Next, I want to nominate my blog buddy Charlene. She has been nominated before, and it comes as no surprise. This girl makes you want to be her. Seriously. Her life is SO cool, and she is kind of what I consider a "pen pal", kinda dorky right? She has such a bright and positive attitude that shines through her blogging and she is always up to something exciting and adventurous. She is the first person I really started following on wordpress religiously and I think she rocks. 

http://theadventuresofcharbar.wordpress.com

A HUGE thank you to Ashley, who nominated me for this Liebster award. I am so honored that you follow my blog and like the content. You guys should TOTALLY check her out, her blog rocks and she is always putting up really fun things to read. I love her crisp lay out and original posts. Thanks again! 

http://www.beautyandthereads.com

Nanny Style MOTD&essentials and OOTD

I have a whole post ready to be written with pictures and the whole nine yards BUT I wanted to be sure to get a post up today and knew I wouldn't have time for a proper full review. 

In addition to being a student, I am also a nanny. I personally think I have the greatest job in the world because I love children so much. Sometimes I work early in the morning and simply don't have enough time or energy to get ready. Sometime I work incredibly long hours and don't find it necessary to have a full face of make up because there is no one I'm trying to impress. Nonetheless, I'm a female, and females like to be put together, regardless of how pointless it is to look good for no one.  

I have four face essentials that I put on almost every morning (or throw in my purse to hopefully get the chance to put on during baby's nap time) 

I always carry a BB Cream (right now I'm using Tarte's) because it is moisturizing and offers some coverage while also providing sun protection, which is great at the pool, swim lessons, or the park. 

I always fill in my brows with a Brow Powder (Milani) or a brow pencil. Brows shape the face and are much more important than you may think. It's important to fill those babies in!

Bronzer is a staple, I must always wear bronzer. I chose bronzer over blush because it sets some of my bb cream and gives my whole face a healthy glow. I apply it with a large brush so it covers a lot of my face, not just as a contour. 

Mascara cannot be skipped because without it, I would look tired and unfinished. Mascara is a great finishing step because it really does make a huge difference. It opens up the eyes to make you look more awake and energized. 

I wash my hair the night before and let it dry naturally. A V-neck is absolutely perfect because it is functional for carrying babies but is still airy enough for playing outside in the summer, this one is from J Crew. Comfy jeans, like these boyfriend fit ones from Lucky, are great for running errands and squatting down low to talk to a small child. Trust me, I've ripped more pairs to tight jeans than you could ever imagine. A watch is also great, mine is from Ripcurl, because then you don't need to fish your phone out to check the time every second. When I'm holding hands with an active three year old and carrying a baby, I simply don't have an extra hand to check my phone. I also love this one because it is water proof so when we go swimming I can wear it in the pool. Not to mention, this watch is absolutely gorgeous (thanks Dad, it is a wonderful gift) 

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Thursday! I have a few fun reviews coming up soon, so keep your eyes peeled. 

Favorite Nars products & MOTD (make-up of the day)

Today while getting ready and putting my face on, I realized that many of my everyday products are from my absolute favorite make-up brand, Nars.

Nars is a high end make-up line that has fantastically pigmented products that are very high quality. Anytime I walk into Sephora, the Nars counter is the first place I stop.

Many Nars products have cult followings. I'm sure most of you have heard of their blush "Orgasm" or their "Laguna Bronzer" or maybe ever their eyeshadow single in "Ashes to Ashes". An anyone who is a Kim Kardashian fan (which I'll admit, I most definitely am not), would know that she wears the Nars lipgloss in Turkish Delight when she wants to wear a nude lip look.

I obviously have not tried every product that Nars has to offer (but I hope to one day!), but I have tried many of their products and have definitely come up with a list of favorites. Through this process, I also have compiled a hand full of products that I do not think are that great, and some that are certainly not worth the hype. 

Favorites:

• Nars Sheer Glow Foundation (i'm shade Punjab). I especially love this foundation in the winter. I love to wear glowing skin all year round and the thicker consistency of this highly radiant foundation is perfect for winter time. 
• Nars Powder Eyeshadows. I have several of these in duos and trios, my favorite was from their Spring 2012 collection (I'm almost sure) called "Ramatuelle", which is a trio that includes a Silver, Icy Peach, and Apricot color. It looks stunning with black eyeliner, and the apricot shade is especially flattering in the crease. I also love the Trio in "Cap Ferrat" which is an assortment of bluish-green tones, which are fun to play with for a more colorful look. My favorite duo is "Cordura", which has a shimmering warm rich brown and a shimmering sooty dark brown. Anytime I go out and want to do a dark brown smokey eye, I always use this duo. 
• Nars "Laguna" Bronzer. Yes. Yes. Yes. this is DEFINITELY worth the hype. I have used this every single day since I bought it (as you can tell from the above picture, this product has gotten much love). I use it every day to warm up my face. It is not great for achieving a sharp contour, so if I am going to contour, I use a different product and dust "Laguna" over it. I am a bronzer freak, and I will continue to repurchase this one and will keep one in my collection forever. 
• Nars Cream Blush in "Penny Lane". I don't see nearly enough hype on the internet for this product. I use it if I want a neutral cheek look or if I am getting ready in a rush and don't have time to contour. This cream blush looks gorgeous placed in between the cheek bone and where one would usually apply blush. It also has a wonderful consistency, it is not sticky and it looks very radiant on the cheek. It's a very, very, soft peach color. 
• Nars Powder Blushes. I have many favorites of these, they just seem to be the best formula for blush on the Market. "Lovejoy" is my favorite winter shade, it is a shimmering bronzed rose shade and it looks amazing with a plum or deep red lip. I don't know how I survived the winter before I had this blush. "Gaiety" is another favorite, which is a bright candy pink color. I like this because it is very wearable and many people could get away with wearing this shade. Bright pinks like this look great in the summer with a tan and bronzed complexion. Also, this blush is perfect for a soft look, or to build up for a brighter pink. Plus, who doesn't love the sound of "bright candy pink"??
• Nars Pressed Powder (I wear the shade "Beach"). This is simply the best setting powder I have ever used. It makes my face look so flawless and keeps oil at bay. 

UnFavorites:

• (brace yourself) Nars Pressed Blush in "Orgasm". I know right? "Orgasm" is described as a peachy pink with golden shimmer. Everyone loves this blush and I don't like it. It's not even like "it isn't worth the hype" (which it isn't), I just simply do not like the color. The formula is fine, as with all Nars blushes, it's just the color is not great and I cannot get it to work on me, not with a tan, not pale. Just not at all. I would return this if I was able to and pick up a different blush in a second. I just simply do not like it. 
• Nars Eyeshadow Duo in "Kalahari". I like these shades and I use this palette often, I am just disappointed that the colors do not have more of a contrast with each other. Swatched, they look great, but on the lid they look like the same color. 
• Nars Multiple in "Maldives". This is a shimmering pink champagne multiple. A multiple implies that you can use it on your cheeks, as highlight, lip stick, eyeshadow, pretty much anything. I would only wear this as a highlight, and even as that I do not think it is very good, and certainly not for $40. I would say skip the multiples and buy yourself a nice Nars blush or bronzer instead. There are plenty of better highlight/multiple products out there. This just did not do it for me. 

Thank you so much for reading, and I hope this was helpful! It's always a hugh bummer picking up products that are expensive and high end and being less than enthused with the results you get from them. Also, just because a cosmetic brand is your favorite, does not mean that everything they make is great. And just because a bunch of people love a certain product and it basically has a cult following, doesn't mean that the product is the best. There are always other options that should be considered before making a purchase.