Week 10 Bumpdate
Jul 25, 2018
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Jul 25, 2018
Week 10 Bumpdate
We Told Our Parents
We Told Our Parents
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WE DID IT!!!
I never felt more nervous in my entire life to tell my parents and Tanner's parents the big news. It's been a week and I think some breathing time was definitely needed in order to write this post with a clear mind. Here's the story:
It was a Wednesday after work and Tanner and I went to my house to wait for my mom to come home from work. I texted her to let her know we were both coming over because we usually don't spend Wednesday evenings at my house. Once my mom got home from work, I asked my sisters to go in their bedroom to watch TV, as soon as Tanner and I sat down, I told my mom and dad that I had to tell them something and my mom said "I already know what your are going to to say". I said "I'm pregnant" and she said "I knew it" and then what I thought was going to happen was a yelling match actually turned into a very civil and informative conversation. My mom and dad said "everything will work out" over and over again and my mom even said she already loved this sweet baby. There was a lot more said and to be honest it's a bit blurry because my adrenaline was at an all time high. My mom and dad basically told Tanner and myself that we need to keep focusing on our relationship with each other now and especially once the baby comes and we NEED to find a place of our own to live because they think it's very important that we grow our family as one unit and not have any outside perspectives influencing it like family members. My parents were very understanding and very informative about everything. They said they would be here for us and the baby and they hugged us and told us they loved us. It was nothing like I expected and it went so well. My mom had me at 17 so she knows how it feels to tell parents big news like this and how hard it is so her thoughts, words and understanding was needed in this situation.
From My house we left to go tell Tanner's parents the news, we were a bit nervous but still reeling from telling my parents that we almost felt numb. Telling Tanner's parent's was so much easier, he obviously took the reigns on telling them and they immediately got smiles on their faces. They said "we can't say we aren't excited" and they hugged us and told us they loved us. Tanner's mom mentioned us getting married before the baby comes but we just can't yet because of health insurance. My dad has amazing health insurance and I want to have the best coverage possible during the pregnancy.
Finally we went and told my grandparents and great grandma. I was just beyond spent by this point so telling them didn't seem like a big deal. Of course I was nervous but I just told them. My grandpa had the worst reaction of anyone we'd told, he yelled "what!" and then sat back in his recliner and didn't say a word while my grandma and Gmom asked Tanner and myself questions. He finally got up and was crying and came over and hugged and said he loved me and no matter what everything is going to be okay. It was honestly one of the most emotional things I'd ever experienced because I have never seen my grandpa like that. They were all happy for me and Tanner too and they said they would help out in any way possible.
Overall it went way different than I expected. Tanner and I had built up quite an army in our heads to defend ourselves against the yelling and disappointment from our parents but we really didn't need that army and to be honest. We were given love and support and everything someone in our situation would want. For the first few days we were definitely in a little bit of a daze over the experience, we kept telling each other "this is weird" but as the days have gone on, it's been a little more normal. Telling everyone was such a huge relief and a weight lifted off our shoulders. We are able to breathe and enjoy this experience a little more. We still have so much to work out and I really never thought I would be in a situation where it wasn't a super "exciting" thing to tell my parents they are going to be grandparents but it worked out in the end and Tanner and I are so beyond grateful for all the love and support.
It was a Wednesday after work and Tanner and I went to my house to wait for my mom to come home from work. I texted her to let her know we were both coming over because we usually don't spend Wednesday evenings at my house. Once my mom got home from work, I asked my sisters to go in their bedroom to watch TV, as soon as Tanner and I sat down, I told my mom and dad that I had to tell them something and my mom said "I already know what your are going to to say". I said "I'm pregnant" and she said "I knew it" and then what I thought was going to happen was a yelling match actually turned into a very civil and informative conversation. My mom and dad said "everything will work out" over and over again and my mom even said she already loved this sweet baby. There was a lot more said and to be honest it's a bit blurry because my adrenaline was at an all time high. My mom and dad basically told Tanner and myself that we need to keep focusing on our relationship with each other now and especially once the baby comes and we NEED to find a place of our own to live because they think it's very important that we grow our family as one unit and not have any outside perspectives influencing it like family members. My parents were very understanding and very informative about everything. They said they would be here for us and the baby and they hugged us and told us they loved us. It was nothing like I expected and it went so well. My mom had me at 17 so she knows how it feels to tell parents big news like this and how hard it is so her thoughts, words and understanding was needed in this situation.
From My house we left to go tell Tanner's parents the news, we were a bit nervous but still reeling from telling my parents that we almost felt numb. Telling Tanner's parent's was so much easier, he obviously took the reigns on telling them and they immediately got smiles on their faces. They said "we can't say we aren't excited" and they hugged us and told us they loved us. Tanner's mom mentioned us getting married before the baby comes but we just can't yet because of health insurance. My dad has amazing health insurance and I want to have the best coverage possible during the pregnancy.
Finally we went and told my grandparents and great grandma. I was just beyond spent by this point so telling them didn't seem like a big deal. Of course I was nervous but I just told them. My grandpa had the worst reaction of anyone we'd told, he yelled "what!" and then sat back in his recliner and didn't say a word while my grandma and Gmom asked Tanner and myself questions. He finally got up and was crying and came over and hugged and said he loved me and no matter what everything is going to be okay. It was honestly one of the most emotional things I'd ever experienced because I have never seen my grandpa like that. They were all happy for me and Tanner too and they said they would help out in any way possible.
Overall it went way different than I expected. Tanner and I had built up quite an army in our heads to defend ourselves against the yelling and disappointment from our parents but we really didn't need that army and to be honest. We were given love and support and everything someone in our situation would want. For the first few days we were definitely in a little bit of a daze over the experience, we kept telling each other "this is weird" but as the days have gone on, it's been a little more normal. Telling everyone was such a huge relief and a weight lifted off our shoulders. We are able to breathe and enjoy this experience a little more. We still have so much to work out and I really never thought I would be in a situation where it wasn't a super "exciting" thing to tell my parents they are going to be grandparents but it worked out in the end and Tanner and I are so beyond grateful for all the love and support.
Jul 17, 2018
Week 9 Bumpdate/First Doctor's Appointment
Week 9 Bumpdate/First Doctor's Appointment
Jul 17, 2018
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The amount of emotions I have running through my head all day long is insane, one minute I feel like nothing else matters in the world other than our sweet little baby but then the next minute I am having a slight panic attack thinking about talking to my parents about the baby. At the end of the day though I keep coming back to the same thought that everything is going to be okay. It has to be and I have total faith that it will be. I am going into this new chapter of my life knowing that Tanner and I love each other with everything we have, we are both hardworking and willing to do whatever it is we need to do to make this little family we're building work and succeed, even if no one else thinks we can.
Tanner wasn't able to go with me today because we both still work together and there would have been no way he could have faked an excuse to leave work at the same time. I am one day away from 9 weeks so I thought I should just combine the two posts. Overall I am still feeling good, no morning sickness, only fatigue and breast tenderness which I guess is totally normal and the doctor said I should consider myself lucky that those are the only real side effects. My only cravings have been cookies, I just want to eat 10 cookies a day and Tanner calls me and baby his "cookie monsters" right now because of how much I want them, although I think he's enjoying it a little himself because every time I get a cookie somewhere, he gets one too. Tanner and I are just so overwhelmed with love and excitement and nervousness for our little one and we can't wait for this whole journey into parenthood.
Here's to week 9 with our little wild strawberry baby!
Jul 10, 2018
Week 8 Bumpdate
Week 8 Bumpdate
Jul 10, 2018
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Well I am officially in my 8th week of being pregnant (according to the calculator online) and I feel pretty good actually! Tanner and found out when I around 5 1/2 weeks pregnant and I haven't quite figured out how I want to document this journey, but I figured blogging about it is a fun way to get all of my scattered thoughts down. We still have yet to tell our parents and family members, and we are planning to wait to tell them until after my first doctors appointment which is next week. We are so incredibly nervous because of the whole not being married thing and not living together already thing, basically we have SO much to figure out in these next 6 months. On the other hand though we are just desperate to tell everyone for a few reasons, for one, we just want to get it over with, to get the "family discussions" over with so everyone can move forward with us in this next chapter of our lives. Two, it's actually been harder than we thought with the whole not being able to drink because we get invited to go out and I am expected to get a drink at dinner or drink by the pool but I can't. Just this past weekend we took my cousin out from New Jersey to go drinking in Downtown Redlands and I had to pretend to use the restroom while Tanner distracted her from looking towards the bar while I told the bartender to hold the vodka on the vodka and sprite because I'm expecting. The waitress was super sweet about it and it was also kind of an exciting moment because she was the very first person I've told besides Tanner since finding out we're expecting. The third reason is because Tanner and I are actually getting pretty excited about it and we want to be able to talk about it freely and start to feel like we aren't complete failures.
As far as health goes, I feel like I am doing great because I don't have a bit of morning sickness and to me that is a HUGE win! I am totally and completely exhausted 24/7 though, I mean I can hardly keep my eyes open through the Bachelor on Monday nights, Tanner usually has to fill me in on who got booted off because I just can't make it. I have also experienced my first bit of heartburn which is weird but I'm dealing with it. The whole bathroom situation...well without getting too "graphic" I've been needing to pee way more and I definitely feel this weird pressure after I pee like I have to pee more but nothing comes out. I've also been having a little bit of trouble going "potty" which I've read is pretty normal or to be expected, I've just been trying to eat more fibrous foods and it's been helping enough. oh and my biggest health or body change is my boobs!!!! The soreness is so real and they are looking quite robust lately which I know that means bigger boobs are here to stay. As far as mental health goes, I am doing okay, my moods were pretty crazy in the beginning and I would get upset over basically nothing but the mood swings are subsiding a little now and Tanner is over the moon about it!
Our little one is growing everyday and I am so anxious to get to the doctor's to make sure everything is okay, Tanner has been the best, most doting father to be already and we are still in the very early stages so I have a lot of hope for the next several months. The things I'm most excited for next are finding out the gender and starting to buy some super cute baby clothes. The thing I'm not looking forward to, gaining weight, but I know it's for my tiny human so I'm willing to sacrifice my figure for him or her.
May 16, 2018
I'm Freaking Engaged!
I'm Freaking Engaged!
May 16, 2018
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I feel like I have no
words as I write this post....I’M FREAKING ENGAGED!!! I get to marry my best
friend and I cannot contain my excitement about it. It happened on May 5, 2018,
Cinco de Mayo (which means absolutely nothing to us LOL). We were on a friends
camping trip in Yosemite for the weekend and I had absolutely no idea that he
was going to ask me to be his wife. We had just gotten back from a day in the
meadow looking at El Capitan and when we got back (with only half the group),
Tanner asked me if I wanted to go for a walk by the river and obviously I did!
I love water! We were walking down there just talking and holding hands and
when we got to a cute little spot by the water, I was messing around in my
Hunter boots splashing around in the water and I turned around and asked him
for my surprise when we got back to the tent because all day he had been
taunting me that he had a surprise for me and I thought about it in that moment
and when I turned around from splashing in the water, he was standing there
with a little box in his hand. I swear my stomach immediately dropped! I know I
wrote this earlier but I had no idea that he was going to give me a ring, I
thought for sure he made me a custom coffee mug because I have such an
obsession with them but NOPE! He opened the box and in there was the most
beautiful dainty rose gold engagement ring with a diamond cluster. He told me
that he loved me and said he wanted to ask me somewhere pretty and he wanted it
to be on his terms and not on anyone else’s. He asked me to be his wife and
that was it, I said 1000 times yes and we kissed and I was freaking out. I am
going to be honest, it was a pretty big blur because I was just so excited and
happy and overwhelmed with love. It was an amazing moment, we took a few
selfies and hung around the water for a little longer before going back to the
camp site.
We didn’t tell his
friends until the next evening but it ended up being perfect because we kind of
got to keep it a little secret between us for a night and that’s so us when it
comes to our relationship, we like to relish in our own excitement and keep
things to ourselves.
The biggest issue with
the whole thing (if issue is even a word) but he did not talk to my parents
about it before he asked me to marry him. My parents are not traditional, but I
know my mom and she is pretty hard on me when it comes to growing up and being
responsible, so I knew it was going to be a battle when we got home and it HAS
been! I am so happy about this whole thing and I wouldn’t change it for the
world because I love everything about Tanner, but I just wish my own mom could
be happier for me from the beginning. It’s still pretty fresh and I don’t want
to say too much that I will regret later but I am hoping that she can
eventually be happy for Tanner and I. He is the most amazing person I know and
it will all get better once Tanner has a chance to talk to my parents.
We are planning on
keeping the engagement on the longer side, maybe 1-2 years. We have some things
to figure out, I have to figure out which school I am going to go to and he has
to figure out his career choice, we aren’t going to make those stipulations of
planning the marriage but it would be nice to have a little stability when we
enter into a marriage together.
I cannot say enough
things about how amazing Tanner is. He has the kindest heart, the biggest heart
and the most selfless heart. He is there for anyone when they need him and he
has been the most loyal friend, brother, son and grandson and when I hear his
family talk about him, I can’t help but to get super giddy inside that he’s
mine and I get to be his wife. And can I just say...that beard (so hot!!) He’s
my best friend in the entire world, I know him in the most unbiased way and I
love him without bias as well. I cannot thank God enough for not only bringing
he and I together but for how he brought us together, He let us get to know
each other without judgement or hesitation or the need to impress each other,
He truly let us get to know one another’s souls, our strengths and weaknesses,
the way we handle stress and tough situations, the way we interact with people
and most importantly the way we work together.
I can’t stop saying
“Tanner is going to be my husband” in my head and I can’t stop looking at my
left ring finger and just thinking that the love of my life gave that to me
because he chooses me!
So here’s to a new
chapter in mine and Tanner’s love story.
I am now a FIANCÉ and a future McIlrath!
Feb 3, 2018
Nobody Likes You When You're 23
Nobody Likes You When You're 23
Feb 3, 2018
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Well...it happened. I turned another year older on Saturday. I am 23 years old now and I can hardly believe it! I feel like I just turned 16 last year. I am not very good with time and things changing and moving forward, I am always excited about the future but at the same time it gives me major anxiety.
My birthday was a little different this year than any other year in the past, this was the FIRST birthday in 23 years that I have not seen my mom or dad or grandparents on my actual birthday. My boyfriend planned a weekend in Big Bear with his siblings and cousin and my best friend and it was one of the best weekends I've had in a very long time! We hung out, drank lots of beer, played a little pool at my favorite bar in the village and danced around the cabin while taking shots of Captain Morgan and Jameson. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday weekend, spent with my people.
So hear's to another year older, hopefully another year wiser and another year of being completely blessed with the best family and friend's a girl could ask for!
And hopefully Blink 182 got it all wrong when they said "nobody likes you when you're 23"
spotify:track:5JZcX7TTLx4l0xFIXJ3DBt
My birthday was a little different this year than any other year in the past, this was the FIRST birthday in 23 years that I have not seen my mom or dad or grandparents on my actual birthday. My boyfriend planned a weekend in Big Bear with his siblings and cousin and my best friend and it was one of the best weekends I've had in a very long time! We hung out, drank lots of beer, played a little pool at my favorite bar in the village and danced around the cabin while taking shots of Captain Morgan and Jameson. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday weekend, spent with my people.
So hear's to another year older, hopefully another year wiser and another year of being completely blessed with the best family and friend's a girl could ask for!
And hopefully Blink 182 got it all wrong when they said "nobody likes you when you're 23"
spotify:track:5JZcX7TTLx4l0xFIXJ3DBt
Jan 10, 2018
Month Two
Month Two
Jan 10, 2018
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P.S. This relationship is "big" meaning I realize I am going to be with this person for a long time, he might even be "my person" but I have been in two other pretty "big" relationships, one in high school and then one that ended not too long ago after 2 years. I've also dated a few guys in between those on a much more casual level but I have never spent a holiday with one of them! No Christmas's, no Thanksgiving's, no holidays...EVER! This Christmas Eve was the first time I have ever spent a holiday with a boyfriend's family and it was so much fun! I got to experience someone else's traditions and I feel like the fact that I WANTED to spend it with him and his family is something to be said about how I feel completely different about this guy. I am afraid to say too much yet because I don't want to jinx anything but I really feel like this could be it. I even surprised myself when I agreed to spend the holiday with him, the old me would say "sorry bud, you can spend it with your family and I'll spend it with mine". I think I'm in love...actually I KNOW I'm in love!
Jan 1, 2018
See Yaaa 2017!
See Yaaa 2017!
Jan 1, 2018
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Hands down this has been one of the weirdest years I've had in a long time. The year started out crazy with my ex boyfriend moving 5 minutes away from me (we were a commuter couple before he moved). That was such a whirlwind because I am a pretty independent person and having someone that I had been dating for a year and would only see on the weekends suddenly become a part of my everyday life was a huge adjustment. Anyone that knows me, knows that I LOVE LOVE LOVE birthday's and this past year's birthday was a blur, I don't even know what I did to be honest. The summer went by so fast, I don't think I went to the beach once...and I live in Southern California!! Before I knew it, I was having relationship problems, I realized I needed to make a change in my health so I started eating right and exercising and my life changed drastically in that way but I realized that my relationships were not right and I needed to change some things. Before I could even blink I was on my most favorite family vacation ever, spending the week at Twin Lakes with my family was just what I needed for clarity and peace of mind. I got home from that trip, became single...then not single again because I started a new relationship with a very very unexpected person. Halloween rolled around which ended up being a super fun time of the year for me, I went to San Diego with some friends and did my annual trick or treating with my sisters. Thanksgiving was a blimp in time and Christmas came around before I could take my next breath!
Now I am sitting here at my desk at work because my department has to work the week between Christmas and New Year's (yup...only my department, the rest of the company has off for the holiday...just my luck) and I am just reflecting on the year I've had, the changes I wanted to make and made, the things that came out of nowhere and some resolutions I still need to roll over from 2017 to 2018.
Let's see what 2018 has to offer!!!
Now I am sitting here at my desk at work because my department has to work the week between Christmas and New Year's (yup...only my department, the rest of the company has off for the holiday...just my luck) and I am just reflecting on the year I've had, the changes I wanted to make and made, the things that came out of nowhere and some resolutions I still need to roll over from 2017 to 2018.
Let's see what 2018 has to offer!!!
Nov 9, 2017
Relationship Status
Relationship Status
Nov 9, 2017
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New New New! So many changes in my life, all good ones and I am so happy to be on this journey called life, of course it's a little nerve wracking to be dating someone new again. The "honeymoon" part of a new relationship is always fun and exciting but I will definitely say getting comfortable with someone is always a nice goal to have and somewhere I can't wait to be with this person. He and I have known each other for some time now and we've spent A LOT of time together but I think that's the beauty of our relationship, he and I just know each other, on a very unbiased level because we were in no way looking to date each other while we were getting to know each other. Something in our heads and our hearts just changed one day, we can't pinpoint a time, but I can easily say I am incredibly happy it has.
My relationship is going to remain very illusive and vague for a while (no pictures posted of us and no social media will be involved for some time) because of the situation we're in...no he's not married or hiding from the law or anything crazy like that, he and I just both feel like keeping it a secret is the best way to grow and preserve our relationship.
There are so many wonderful things I can say about him, he is very thoughtful and kind, and he's nothing I imagined for myself but I quickly came to realize he is everything I need, and I am finding out everyday, he is everything I want in a relationship.
Oct 20, 2017
Changes
Changes
Oct 20, 2017
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Well I think it’s safe to say that a lot has changed since I’ve last posted anything on here. I think the biggest life change has been my relationship status...but then again not so much because my relationship status changed again (it’ll make sense later). A couple of months ago I went through a pretty big breakup, I had been dating someone for two years and it just wasn’t working on my end anymore and I couldn’t keep going on just for the sake of not wanting to be alone or not wanting to hurt him, so I took the plunge and made a change in my life! It was definitely the hardest thing I have ever had to do relationship wise and that’s because he was/is such an awesome guy, he did nothing wrong, he didn’t cheat or lie, he never abused me...nothing of the sort. My family loved him and I did too, I just came to realize I was not in love with him anymore. I took on a very maternal role in the relationship with him, and that’s not all his fault, I probably created some of that and he was almost two full years younger than me, but at the end of the day, I realized I do not want to be a mother to my significant other, I want us to be equals, I want us to both bring something to the table that will help each other grow and learn.
P.S. I love snapchat filters!!
Making the decision to do this was not easy AT ALL!!! I was wrestling around with the idea that I was unhappy for months and months, I thought maybe it was my own funk that I was in, so I made a change, I got healthy and lost fifty pounds and that was a great change in my life but I realized that just because I fixed myself, didn’t mean my relationship was magically fixed. I quickly came to realize I was not going to fix it and I needed to get out.
I am going to be completely honest, I was so checked out by the end, there was nothing he could do right in my eyes and I was just plain unhappy, I stayed though because I was afraid of the unknown, for a year I thought I was going to marry this person and then something in me realized it would never work. I hardly talked to him by the end and I wanted no physical contact with him either. The real kicker to this whole thing though, is the fact that I found myself thinking about other guys, one guy in particular, and I knew in my heart that because I was thinking about another man, I could not keep it going, I coundn’t stay in a relationship that wasn’t right for his sake and for mine. I ended it after a family vacation that he went on. It was so hard to hurt someone like that and I never wish that upon anyone (well maybe a couple of people LOL) but I can say that at the end of that night and after all the tears, I felt relief because I knew I wasn’t cheating myself or him from finding the “right person”.
Since the breakup I have been so happy and I have been living life the way I want. I would like to say I am taking time for myself to grow and learn and reflect but I am fairly committed to a guy already, and no I NEVER cheated with him or anything like that but we did quickly share our feelings for each other after the breakup. But it’s been so so good, I will save my new relationship happenings for another post but it’s all smiles and heart eyes on my end :)
Aug 21, 2017
July Reads
July Reads
Aug 21, 2017
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I really pushed myself to read this book because the movie came out this past weekend. the book was very good, it was a tough read in the sense that some of the stories about Jeannette Wall's life were sort of unbelievable because of how sad they were. Reading this book definitely made me very grateful for my sweet family. I think the biggest thing I took away from this book, is that alcohol messes up lives and not just the life of the alcoholic but all of the people surrounded by the alcoholism.
Fabian and I finally went on a date night too! It was just the two of us...no sisters or friends or parents tagging along for the fun. We went to Olive Garden for dinner which was super yummy but it's always hard to stay on track with healthy eating when you are surrounded by pasta and cheese! I did my best though. We went to see The Glass Castle in the theaters and I really liked it! I mean it's hard for me to not like something if it includes Woody Harrelson. It was definitely different from the book but not in a bad way...just little more choppy.
Overall I think the book is worth a read and the movie is worth the watch at home. Rent it on Redbox or on demand, don't spend $40 to see it in the cinema!
Fabian and I finally went on a date night too! It was just the two of us...no sisters or friends or parents tagging along for the fun. We went to Olive Garden for dinner which was super yummy but it's always hard to stay on track with healthy eating when you are surrounded by pasta and cheese! I did my best though. We went to see The Glass Castle in the theaters and I really liked it! I mean it's hard for me to not like something if it includes Woody Harrelson. It was definitely different from the book but not in a bad way...just little more choppy.
Overall I think the book is worth a read and the movie is worth the watch at home. Rent it on Redbox or on demand, don't spend $40 to see it in the cinema!
Aug 14, 2017
We Came. We Saw. We Contoured. - BeautyCon 2017
We Came. We Saw. We Contoured. - BeautyCon 2017
Aug 14, 2017
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I can't believe I am actually typing this post up but YES! I went to BeautyCon 2017 in Los Angeles!!! This was my first year attending and I took my best friend for her birthday. We had no idea what to expect from the event so we went early and we went with open minds and it turned out to be such a successful day. The Los Angeles Convention Center was easy to get to and with only one missed turn (which is surprising in LA, because I usually average about 5 missed turns a trip) we got there no problem!
We are about an hour and a half away from LA so we left around 8AM to give us plenty of time to get there because we had general admission tickets (there are 3 types of tickets to choose from and they vary in price and what time they allow people to go into the convention center) and the time frame for general admission was 12-5PM. We were in a line outside by 10AM and it was already getting pretty warm, the line wasn't super long, which was great but we realized we were going to be standing in the heat for 2 hours before they would let us in...but NO! The organizers of BeautyCon are amazing because only about 10 minutes after we got in the outside line, they started letting people though the security bag check and we went through the lobby of the convention center into another roped off line area, but this was in an air conditioned, carpeted area and it was perfect! They must know makeup lovers can't just stand in the sun for hours because it will melt right off our faces. We sat in line for a bit, grabbed a coffee at the stand right near the line and talked and waited...and of course people watched because that is one of the best parts of events like this.
They have water stations around the whole convention and an outdoor area with food trucks and drinks. We didn't spend much time eating or drinking because there were so many more important things like eye shadow and highlighter but the options were there and that was nice.
Even with all the free merchandise we still ending up spending some $$, but that's okay because luckily we planned for it and I will say, most of the things are sold at a discount and they take credit/debit and cash too (some places only took cards).
By the end of the day our feet felt like they were about to fall off and we walked about 7 miles according to my apple watch but it was all so worth it! We also got a bunch of free bags for groceries now...WooHoo!
The day was filled with free merchandise, YouTube star meetups, and so much fun! It couldn't have gone better for 2 BeautyCon virgins and we will definitely we back when it hits LA again!
We got to go in about 30 minutes early and it was magical just stepping through those doors. It was so bright and colorful and just the feeling of seeing all of these makeup booths would make any girl giddy.
Even with all the free merchandise we still ending up spending some $$, but that's okay because luckily we planned for it and I will say, most of the things are sold at a discount and they take credit/debit and cash too (some places only took cards).
By the end of the day our feet felt like they were about to fall off and we walked about 7 miles according to my apple watch but it was all so worth it! We also got a bunch of free bags for groceries now...WooHoo!
JoJo from the Bachelorette!
Makeup by Shayla...she's gorgeous in person!
Karen Gonzales (Iluvsarahii) slayed with the model's brows
I didn't get to meet Patrick Starr in person but she was so cute from afar!
Aug 1, 2017
New Luxury Makeup in my Vanity
New Luxury Makeup in my Vanity
Aug 1, 2017
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I love makeup, but I especially love luxury makeup. There is something so exhilarating about purchasing a beautiful piece of makeup, I don't know if it's the packaging or the way the product applies, but whatever it is, the products listed below are worth the $$$ out of my bank account...in my opinion!
It took me a while to get on the Kylie Cosmetics train. I got a liquid lip from a friend at Christmas and loved it, even though it was a little dry, the color pay off was great but other than that, I had no desire to purchase anything from her site...until I saw this beauty. It's from her Summer 2017 collection and it's so much fun! I've used it a bunch and I love the fact that there are so many everyday colors in the palette but there are also fun "vacation" colors as well. The pigmentation is great, there's a little bit of fall out with the glitters and there is some kick up, but it's easy to work with and so much fun.
This Becca Amethyst Highlighter highlighter is something I purchased that was a little out of my comfort zone but I just couldn't pass it up because of how pretty it was, the lilac, purple tones in it are so cool to use when doing a more playful look, it's not the most blinding highlight I have ever used but that's perfectly fine with me because to be honest, I am not that big of a "blinding" highlight fan. They just tend to show the imperfections of the skin too much and I like to keep my base just a little more toned down and play up my eyes more. Becca definitely knows how to do highlighters though...and I mean com'on, can we all admire the packaging for a minute??
The Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray is perfection! It makes my makeup last forever and it helps to keep my shine at bay. I'm not super oily but I like having a matte base as opposed to a dewy base. There are couple of downfalls to the spray, one being the smell of it...I can hardly stand the smell when I am misting this on my face, but luckily the scent does not last and I quickly forget about it. Another thing I am not crazy about this spray is the way it can make my face feel if I spray too much. From my personal experience, being heavy handed with this spray doesn't have good endings, my face ends up feeling a little tight and uncomfortable, so I usually just spritz my face a couple of times and leave it at that. It also saves me money because I am using less of the product...score!
Oh Buxom Lip Glosses....you are my absolute dream! No but really...they are a dream to wear. I love the color range, I love the formula, I love the fact that they make your lips just a little tingly to plump them up a bit , I love the packaging and how they keep it simple and give you a lot of product...I could go on an on about my love for these guys! I do not have a single negative thing to say about them!
I don't know if it's the packaging or the product I love more! The Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Finish Skin Perfecting Micro-Powder is simply amazing! It goes on like a dream, especially around my under eye area and around my nose area, it just makes my skin look so smooth. The only downside to this product is the shade availability...there's basically no availability. I have the shade medium because that is generally my shade range, and it's a little too light for me to use all over my face in the summer months when I am more tan, I am not sure how it's going to work in the winter when I am not as dark but I'm sure it will look fantastic when I set my foundation.
Jul 12, 2017
Motivation
Motivation
Jul 12, 2017
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I'm going on my 7th week with some CRAZY motivation! I don't know how that fire got lit under my butt, but it did and I am feeling great about it. For me, my motivation has to do with my health, I am trying to make myself a priority and I am realizing that I need to be healthy in order to be my best self for other people. It's all cliche...I know...but it's also very very true! All of these crazy "fit" people and social media fitness gurus are on to something, and even though their Instagram posts, showing off their rock hard abs and muscles can get super overwhelming and I'm just going to say it...annoying, they really know what they are doing (for the most part).
I have a crazy fitness journey ahead of me and I am no where near my goal at all but I am pretty happy that I am at least on my way and seeing results is only motivating me more. I know it's pretty early into the journey so losing weight and seeing my body change is going to happen at a quicker pace than it might down the road, I am sure I will hit road blocks and I might even slip and have a fry or two but my goal is to just keep going.
On top of trying to lose weight and be my best self I have not been to the doctor's since I was in high school (four years ago) and I have not been to the dentist in about two years (I know...ewww) because I have major anxiety about both (that's for another blog post) but I have finally decided suck it up and go because not only do I want to look better and feel better physically but I want to feel better on the inside as well and that starts with doctors!
It's all small steps and I am working on my all around self. I want to be fitter, happier and healthier!
Wish me luck! ;)
Apr 30, 2017
Young Blood
Young Blood
Apr 30, 2017
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I have a very bad habit...it's more like a character flaw but I just want time to speed up and I want to know what my future holds. I want to know what school I am going to, who I am going to marry, when and if I am going to have children, where I am going to settle down, who my friends are going to be into adulthood. These are all questions that swirl around in my mind daily, and it doesn't help when you're at the age where people are starting to graduate from college or get engaged, married, or even starting a family! I will be the first one to say that I love social media but sometimes I feel like it hinders my ability to think clearly and think logically, seeing people around me advancing in life in so many amazing ways only makes me more insecure about my life, and I even let it affect my happiness sometimes!
A few weeks ago my friend, Fabian and I went to dinner and the topic came up about feeling "stuck" in life, I discovered that it's not just me, that my friend who has a degree and in my opinion is advancing in life perfectly, feels the exact same way I do sometimes, and it got me thinking. I think at my age and everyone in my age group probably feels the exact same way at one point or another, we all want the best for ourselves and at times, it seems like it's never going to happen (I do it all the time), but I think the important thing to remember is that it is going to happen, not overnight and not without work, but it is, and it will happen when God wants it to happen.
I know, I know...blah blah blah...I sound like every other teen or person in their early 20's, but I think making light of the subject doesn't help either, I realize at the end of the day it's all going to be okay and tomorrow is always a new day for new opportunities, but this post is for those moments when it seems like tomorrow is never going to come and you think you're going to live at home forever or be stuck in the same town or job.
For myself, I think the most important thing I can do is LIVE! Live life to the fullest, have fun, try not to stress about every little thing, and give more of my trust to God, he knows what he's doing and just because I may not be married with a child living in a cute apartment right now, doesn't mean that's not in the cards for me someday...or He might have something bigger planned.
A few weeks ago my friend, Fabian and I went to dinner and the topic came up about feeling "stuck" in life, I discovered that it's not just me, that my friend who has a degree and in my opinion is advancing in life perfectly, feels the exact same way I do sometimes, and it got me thinking. I think at my age and everyone in my age group probably feels the exact same way at one point or another, we all want the best for ourselves and at times, it seems like it's never going to happen (I do it all the time), but I think the important thing to remember is that it is going to happen, not overnight and not without work, but it is, and it will happen when God wants it to happen.
I know, I know...blah blah blah...I sound like every other teen or person in their early 20's, but I think making light of the subject doesn't help either, I realize at the end of the day it's all going to be okay and tomorrow is always a new day for new opportunities, but this post is for those moments when it seems like tomorrow is never going to come and you think you're going to live at home forever or be stuck in the same town or job.
For myself, I think the most important thing I can do is LIVE! Live life to the fullest, have fun, try not to stress about every little thing, and give more of my trust to God, he knows what he's doing and just because I may not be married with a child living in a cute apartment right now, doesn't mean that's not in the cards for me someday...or He might have something bigger planned.
This song (the reason for the title) and the paragraph (my friend sent me) help me feel better on those "hard days"
Apr 8, 2017
March Reads
March Reads
Apr 8, 2017
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I read a total of 1 book in the month of March, it's a little below my goal of 2 books a month for 2017...but hey, life is busy! I don't really have much to say about the book I read, it was a little bit different and a very interesting read, I don't know whether to be disturbed by it or facsinated by it. It's a quick read though, because it keeps you wanting to know more. I will say, the ending was a little flat for me. Overall I think I would give this a 5 out of 10.
P.S. I read a paperback book this month...it wasn't on my iPad! I felt like I was living in ancient times ;)
Apr 3, 2017
Weekend Getaway
Weekend Getaway
Apr 3, 2017
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It's crazy to think that it's already been a week since Fabian and I braved the adventure of traveling over 1000 miles in one weekend, but we did it, and we did it successfully! (minus a few hours of sleep)
I could take or leave Page, AZ but the things to do around there are worth the stay! Fabian and I drove 10 hours on Friday night after work. It was a very long and dark drive but we made it, got about 3 hours of sleep and then we were up again for a fun day filled of hikes and sight seeing. Horseshoe Bend was one of the prettiest places I have ever been to, it was so pretty in fact that we went back 2 times because we couldn't get enough. The lower Antelope Canyon was also mind blowing. And luckily we were able to see it! We had a scare because due to my poor planning, I did not know that we couldn't see it without making a reservation online, but luckily we went through Ken's Tours and they had openings! We definitely got lucky! We also went on a few hikes in Utah and the sights were just magical. The rain kept chasing us all day long but luckily it only got us a little on one of our last hikes. Walking over 8 miles on 3 hours of sleep was rough towards the end but so worth it...I mean we're only young once, right?
Because we did not get to see all the pretty sights driving in to Page on Friday night, the drive back on Sunday was extra fun, We played music, ate yummy snacks and switched off driving. I also took Fabian to Cafe Rio in St. George on our way home because I feel like it's illegal to drive through there and not stop for some cilantro lime rice....yummmy!
Once we hit Las Vegas we decided we needed a driving break and walked around Bass Pro Shops for an hour or so...it was fun but it might have been a mistake because the Sunday traffic coming home from Vegas was BRUTAL...all in all, it took us about 12 hours to get home on Sunday! Even though it was A LOT of driving, and we lost some precious hours of sleep, I would do it all over again!
I swear I am even having withdrawals, as I am writing this at my desk, I am also texting Fabian because we are trying to work out our next weekend getaway.
I could take or leave Page, AZ but the things to do around there are worth the stay! Fabian and I drove 10 hours on Friday night after work. It was a very long and dark drive but we made it, got about 3 hours of sleep and then we were up again for a fun day filled of hikes and sight seeing. Horseshoe Bend was one of the prettiest places I have ever been to, it was so pretty in fact that we went back 2 times because we couldn't get enough. The lower Antelope Canyon was also mind blowing. And luckily we were able to see it! We had a scare because due to my poor planning, I did not know that we couldn't see it without making a reservation online, but luckily we went through Ken's Tours and they had openings! We definitely got lucky! We also went on a few hikes in Utah and the sights were just magical. The rain kept chasing us all day long but luckily it only got us a little on one of our last hikes. Walking over 8 miles on 3 hours of sleep was rough towards the end but so worth it...I mean we're only young once, right?
Because we did not get to see all the pretty sights driving in to Page on Friday night, the drive back on Sunday was extra fun, We played music, ate yummy snacks and switched off driving. I also took Fabian to Cafe Rio in St. George on our way home because I feel like it's illegal to drive through there and not stop for some cilantro lime rice....yummmy!
Once we hit Las Vegas we decided we needed a driving break and walked around Bass Pro Shops for an hour or so...it was fun but it might have been a mistake because the Sunday traffic coming home from Vegas was BRUTAL...all in all, it took us about 12 hours to get home on Sunday! Even though it was A LOT of driving, and we lost some precious hours of sleep, I would do it all over again!
I swear I am even having withdrawals, as I am writing this at my desk, I am also texting Fabian because we are trying to work out our next weekend getaway.
All the blogs I read prior to going said to go in the morning before it gets too crowded and that was the best tip I could give anyone, there were barely any people and it was so peaceful! Fabian and I went back at sunset and it was like we were at the mall it was so crowded...go in the morning to take pictures...you will be much happier!
Taking it all in
Taking this picture was so difficult...Fabian and his sensitive eyes!
Selfie sticks are for kissing pics ;)
It's a heart
The rain was coming for us!
low quality pic...high quality guy
woman in the wind
This is what the canyon looks like from the top! Crazy that we were in those cracks
This place was so quaint!
Gotta end the trip with a bang
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