Sunday, March 23, 2014

Spring Fever!










Dress- Kohls
Jean Jacket- Love Culture 
Boots- Kohls
Star Clip- Target

It has finally stopped snowing here and is finally beginning to look like Spring! I think it actually hit 70 degrees today, which is such a shock from all the rain and snow that we've had lately. Today I packed up all of my knit sweaters, mittens and other winter clothing into boxes and swapped them for all of my shorts, sun dresses and tank tops, since it's officially Spring. Here is one outfit I decided to throw together for a day out with my mom. We went shopping, drank Starbucks and got massages. 


What about Spring are you most excited for? I'm definitely excited for the warm weather and fashion. Hello pastels and crop tops!

Note: I took these photos a few days before I dyed my hair, incase you're wondering where the red went :p

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

DIY Heart Collage



I'm always looking for new ways to decorate my room and personalize it to make it mine! When I went off to college and had to stay in the dorms it was difficult. There were all these rules and regulations I had to abide by, so I had to get creative with the ways I decorated my room.  I ended up incorporating pictures of family and friends into a heart collage, which I displayed on the blank wall above my desk. It's been comforting to look at when I start to feel homesick. So today I thought I'd share with y'all this quick and simple DIY that you can make for your dorm or bedroom.

Also, I'm moving out of my dorm in May, so before I leave I wanted to do a room tour. Look forward to that post in a couple of weeks!

Materials Needed:

41 horizontal photos 

Command strips- they allow photos to stick to the wall without ruining the wall or leaving a mark

Steps:

1.) Lay the photos out on the floor in the shape of a heart before hanging them on the wall so that you can fix and perfect it. To make it easier to construct and more straightly aligned, place the photos down one row at a time. Here is a diagram to help!


**I'd recommend using all horizontal photos if you can because it makes it easier to layout. I used a mixture of vertical and horizontal photos and had a hard time lining up the photos to create a heart. It's still possible to create a heart with vertical and horizontal photos, but it's a lot more time consuming.

2.) Once you've arranged the photos to your liking, snap a photo with your phone or camera. You'll be able to refer back to the photo to make sure you're sticking the photos on the wall in the right arrangement. 

3.) Decide where you want the bottom of the collage to start. This is important as you need to make sure that there is enough space on the wall for your collage. Then add a command strip to the back and stick it on the wall. Continue doing this to each picture until you've completed your heart.





I'd love to see your version of this DIY! Tweet, Facebook or Instagram me a photo of yours! And let me know what other DIY posts you'd like to see.

Monday, March 17, 2014

Liebster Award


I've hit my first milestone in blogging. I've only been blogging for two and a half months and have already been nominated for the Liebster Award. What?! Crazy right?! I feel so honored to have been chosen and I am  excited about the opportunity. Basically the Liebster Award can be given to any blog with under 200 followers. This is a great way to welcome new bloggers into the blogging world and help promote them. I have been nominated 4 times and decided I needed to get on this post as I've been procrastinating. (So grab some popcorn and get comfortable because this post is going to be a tad bit long.) Thanks to the lovely ladies who have nominated me. You girls are amazing. Everyone should check out their channels and let them know that I sent you there! :) 


Here are the rules: 
1. Provide a link back to the blogger who nominated you
2. Post 11 random facts about you
3. Answer 11 random questions set by the blogger who nominated you
4.  Nominate 11 bloggers with under 200 followers for the award (excluding who nominated you)
5. Let the nominees know that you have nominated them

*hmmm... I don't know why 11 seems to be the magic number! haha!

My 11 Facts:
1. I'm a perfectionist
2. I love Pandas
3.  I did gymnastics for 8 years and got to level 9
4. I'm a freshman in college and I am majoring in Journalism
5. I'm a Christian
6. I'm 5ft. 4
7. I hate wearing shoes and if I could walk everywhere barefoot, I would.
8. I work as a gymnastics/cheer coach
9. I feel naked if my nails aren't polished.
10. I love coffee mugs and want to start collecting them
11. Everything I wear never has pockets so I never have a place to put my phone.

*Some don't have 11 questions because they repeated, so I just answered them once.

These are my answers to the questions given by Fashion Freedom:



1. Why do you blog?
I have a passion for writing so I use blogging as a platform to express myself and to do what I love. I've been reading blogs for years now and have been inspired by so many girls. I want to be able to inspire others like they have inspired me. 

2. If you could be anyone, who would you be?
I'd want to be myself, but a more confident and outgoing version of myself. There are people who I admire however, such as Lauren Conrad and her amazing fashion sense. I also admire anyone who has their own talk show such a Oprah and Ellen because that is my dream job that I hope to have someday. 

3. Where is your dream place to?
Do I have to choose just one? First of all I've never been out of the United States so there are many different countries I'd love to visit. Of coarse Paris is on my list. It seems so magical and is a place I hope to visit with my future husband someday. Maybe even honeymoon there. I'd also love to visit Spain. My plan actually, is to study abroad there my junior year of college. I feel that it's a place filled with culture and it would be great to experience that since I am studying spanish and hope to become fluent someday. Another place I've always wanted to visit is England. First off there accent. I love english accents. And they are big on tea. I love tea! Plus, I know a couple people from England that make it sound so lovely.



<photos from weheartit.com>

4. What is your favorite color?
My favorite color changes often because there are just too many wonderful colors to just choose one. Right now, however, I'm loving purple. Royal purple. Lilac Purple. Any shade of purple. Purple is such a lovely color! My room is actually purple. I usually go back and forth between purple and blue, but I feel that purple is more girly.



<photos from weheartit.com>
5. What types of blogs do you follow?
The main blogs I like to read are lifestyle blogs because I get to hear about fun and interesting things people are doing in their lives and it's like getting a sneak peak into someones personal journal. I also enjoy fashion blogs because it helps inspire me on what outfits to wear with my own wardrobe. I basically read blogs about topics that interest me, which includes: fitness, health, DIY, Home decor, photography and beauty. Some of my favorite blogs include: Zoella, Sprinkle of Glitter and Sofias Journal.

6. Describe yourself with two words.
             Dreamer. Writer.

7. What is your favorite post that you have blogged and why?
My favorite post has been my DIY Phone Case post because DIY's are some of my favorite posts to read. I'm also really proud of the pictures and worked really hard on the post. I also got  lot of sweet comments and great feedback from everyone!

8. Do you prefer mobile or computer blogging?
I prefer computer blogging. I've actually never tried mobile blogging, but I feel that it would be more difficult to navigate around and use. I do like that there is an option however, incase I won't have access to a computer.

9. Are you a Facebooker or an Instagrammer?
I find Instagram to be more amusing as I tend to spend hours on there scrolling through pretty pictures that have been over edited and plastered with filters. It's a lot easier to use to keep people updated on my blog because I'm constantly using my iphone as a camera. So i suppose I am an instagrammer. Sometimes I can't stand Facebook because people post about every little detail of their day. "Made pancakes this morning," "Woah, its snowing," "So much homework to do today," *Yawn* I do enjoy when people post funny or clever posts though! 

10. What is your full name?
Although I'm putting a lot of my life out there for the public to read, I don't feel comfortable giving away my entire name. I will tell you my first and middle name however: Miranda Paige




These are my answers to the questions given by the gorgeous ladies at One day in my heels:

1. Favorite fashion brand?
Gosh there are so many. I'm not a big brand girl as I buy most of my clothes from thrift stores. I do really like the Jennifer Lopez collection from Kohls though!

2. The most expensive beauty product that you bought but you were disappointed? Why?
When I first started to really get into makeup, I wanted to go all out and buy primers, highlighters and bronzers, even though I had no idea which to buy or how to use them. My mom took me to Mac for the first time and I was awe struck by all the makeup. There were so many products in so many colors; it was intimidating. I ended up buying a really dark and shimmery bronzer for about $30 because I wanted to contour my face like all the girls did in the beauty videos I'd watch on Youtube. Long story short... it was the wrong color for my skin tone and a big waist of money. On the bright side, it actually makes a beautiful eye shadow color, so it didn't completely go to waste. 

3.What's the cheapest beauty item you bought and you really liked?
The cheapest beauty item I ever bought was a 30 color eye shadow palette from E.L.F. for $5. The colors are very neutral and great for everyday wear. They are also so pigmented and great quality for such a cheap price. I've tried other E.L.F. products as well, that I've loved. So if your looking for good quality makeup that is cheap, definitely look into E.L.F. The price ranges from $1-$10 and can be bought at any drugstore. 

4. If money didn't exist and you can buy anything, what would you buy first and why?
I'd buy a car. Since I live in a college town, not having a car isn't an issue right now because I can just bike everywhere. I'm also saving up money to pay off college so I don't want to spend a lot of money. If I could afford one right now, I'd buy it in a heart beat. It'd be nice to have one so I could drive up to visit my boyfriend on the weekends at his university, instead of having to take the bus. 


<photo from weheartit.com>

5. Online shopping or actual store shopping?
Store shopping for sure! I always see really cute clothes, but then I end up trying it on and decide that I don't like how it looks on me. I also like to try on clothes to make sure I have the size that'll fit me properly. With online shopping I can't do either of these things and I don't want to end up buying a bunch of clothes that end up not fitting. 

6. Since you've been blogging, what has been the best blogging experience for you?
All of the positive feedback has been so amazing. Everyone has been so supportive and I have felt very welcomed into the blogging world. I've also gotten to meet some pretty cool bloggers and it has been fun to interact with everyone. 

7. What languages do you speak and which ones do you want to learn?
I only speak English, but I hope to become fluent in spanish someday. I am even thinking about studying abroad fro a semester in Spain to help sharpen my spanish skills. I've taken spanish classes up to level 201. 

8. Who is your celebrity style icon and why?
Lauren Conrad. Her style is cute yet so effortless. I'm always taking inspiration from her style.


<photo from weheartit.com>

9. What dream can you remember the most (good or bad)?
I can't really think of a certain dream, but when I was in gymnastics, I use to always have dreams of me tumbling. Sometimes before competitions, they'd turn into nightmares and I'd try so hard to do a skill, but it wouldn't work and I'd end up failing. I wouldn't even be able to do a simple Cartwheel. It was kind of like those dreams where you're trying to run from someone, but you can't. 

10. Favorite tv show, if you have one and why?
There are a few that are currently on my Netflix list: Psych, Super Natural, Full House, Friends, How I Met Your Mother & Scrubs. 

11. If you could be any beauty product what would you be?
Ooh, interesting question! I'd be lipstick because I love to show off. And I feel that people notice when someone is wearing lipstick, especially when it's a bold color like purple or red. 


<photo from weheartit.com>

These are my answers to the questions given by ladies at I write about you:

1. What is your favorite season? Why?
My favorite season is summer because I love the warmth. Plus I love the summer style of cute shorts, tank tops, sun glasses and floppy hats. I jut feel so much happier when it's sunny out. Plus there is so much to do in the summer like sipping on smoothies, swimming, laying in the grass, bonfires or having a picnic.





                                                                                            <photos from weheartit.com>

2. If you had all the money in the world, what would you buy?
If I had an unlimited amount of money, I'd probably splurge on higher end makeup and designer brand clothes because I could. I'd also pay off all my college and buy a house. 

3. What is one makeup product you don't leave home without?
Mascara. I feel like mascara really makes eyelashes and eyes in general pop, so I always make sure to bring it with me in case I need to reapply. My second choice would be chapstick. I hate chapped lips so I try to never leave home without it. 

4. Do you prefer baking or cooking? What's your favorite dish to bake/cook?
I prefer baking. I like to bake cookies and cupcakes.


  <photos from weheartit.com>

5. Best day of your life thus far?
One of my biggest accomplishments so far has been graduating high school. Reaching that goal was one of the best days of my life so far because I worked hard and accomplished something that I'd been working four years for.

                                                                                   

6. What do you always have to have in your purse?
I usually carry my wallet, Chap stick, lotion, hand sanitizer, gum and cell phone. I hate carrying around a ton of stuff so my pure is pretty small. 

7. What is your favorite weekend activity?
I enjoy going on morning runs. I also enjoy relaxing and watching Netflix with my boyfriend.

8. What accessory can you never leave your home without?
I can never leave home without my purse because it has my money, makeup and anything else I could possibly need.

These are my answers to the questions given by ladies at Rainy day cupcake:

1. What can we expect from your blog?
You can expect lifestyle posts, beauty reviews/ hauls, outfit of the days, DIY's and anything random I feel like ranting or telling y'all about. 

2. Favorite food? 
I like mexican food. I also love all the foods that there are during Thanksgiving like cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed/ sweet potatoes and turkey. 

3. What's your favorite song right now?
There have been so many good songs lately. One really fun song that my boyfriend showed me that I've taken a liking to is: I Believe In A Thing called Love by The Darkness.

4. Best girl's night treat?
If I'm hanging out with my girlfriends we usually treat ourselves to some frozen yogurt. There are so many flavors and topping to choose from, plus it is freakin delicious! I usually get cake batter with cookie dough and blackberries! 

    <photo from weheartit.com>

5.What's your all-time favorite movie?
Ahhh, It's so hard to choose just one! I love all the oldies like The Breakfast Club, Grease and Breakfast at Tiffany's. 

6. Cat or Dog?
Definitely doggies! And cute puppies! I didn't really grow up around cats so I'm  a bit timid around them. I've began to warm up to them though.

My Chihuahua, Misty

7. Favorite quote?


8. Favorite Youtube personality?
I'm obsessed with Youtube so I don't think I could narrow it down to just one! I watch ZoellaNikki Phillippi, LaurDIYMissglamorazziBubzbeauty, and AndreasChoice.

9. What's your favorite thing about blogging?
My favorite thing about blogging is having a place to organize my thoughts that I can share with everyone. I love to write and hope to become a writer someday, so this is the perfect hobby for me. 

Here are my blog Nominees for the Liebster Award: *Drum Roll Please*

                                         ♥loveyournailsxo
                                         ♥lifeofannas 
                                         ♥realisebeauty
                                         ♥sartorialwackoe
                                         ♥thatquirkypanda
                                         ♥honeybelleworld
                                         ♥CuriouserandCuriouser
                                         ♥vogueofglam
                                         ♥koeyleow
                                         ♥thrifterscloset
                                         ♥xofancy

Questions:

1.)Why did you start your blog?

2.)What beauty product can you not live without?

3.)What is your favorite Disney Movie?

4.)What is something you hope to achieve in the next five to ten years?

5.)Which song are you addicted to at the moment?

6.)Who inspires you?

7.)What is your most prized possession?

8.)What is your favorite post that you've written?

9.)What's your biggest fear?

10.)What's your lifetime ambition?

11.)What is the best/ worst aspect of blogging?


Monday, March 10, 2014

My 19th Birthday + New hair

I'm an aquarius as my birthday was on March 1st! I'm sad to say I only have one more year of being in my teens. It's bittersweet as I'm ready to go out and embrace the world, yet apart of me is still clinging on to my younger self as I want to stay young forever and never grow up. It's crazy to think that nineteen years of my life have already passed. Where does the time go? Soon I'll be 20, then 21, then 22, then.... I don't even want to think about that. I'm going to enjoy being 19 while it lasts.

I had a very relaxing birthday as I went home to visit my parents. I had just gotten over a horrid week long cold and was still trying to recover so I took an easy. I've been wanting to do something different with my hair for awhile so my mom took me to her friends salon to get my hair done for my birthday. Getting my hair done has been a process that's been going on for the past month. My hair is finally finished as it's dyed black with redish pink tips. (My normal color is dark brown.)


For my birthday my boyfriend treated me to dinner and a movie. We ate at Famous Daves, which is a BBQ restaurant. I got half a slab of ribs and my boyfriend got barbecue brisket. They have all these delicious sauces to go along with the meal, such as the devils spit, which was so spicy and delicious. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it. 


Then we went to see The Lego Movie. I really wanted to see it because it had a lot of big name actors voicing in it. It ended up being really cute and I'd definitely recommend that everyone watches it. There was an annoying song in the movie though, that is still stuck in my head. "Everything is awesome! Everything is cool when you're apart of a team!" UHGGG!


My boyfriend gave me these really cute boots for my birthday. I'm usually really picky with shoes, but he picked out the perfect pair! He knows me so well! My parents also bought me tickets to the upcoming Styx concert! They're songs are really fun and I'm so excited for the concert, especially since this is going to technically be my "first" concert. I'm not sure what to expect. 


Earlier in the week, before my birthday, I dropped my phone. The whole thing shattered. The phone was not dead though, so I didn't lose all of my photos, music and information. The phone was however useless and I went without a phone for a whole week. You never realize how important and useful your phone is until you don't have one. When I dropped my phone the screen had unplugged so I couldn't use it. The phone still made sounds though as I could take pictures and activate Siri. I just couldn't see anything. 


 I was going to get a new phone for my birthday anyways so it worked out. I ended up upgrading from the iphone 4s to the iphone 5s. I wanted to stay with the same type of phone because I didn't feel like learning how to use a new phone. I'm not very tech savvy. I chose the white 5s with the silver back and my home button is pink! The screen and the phone is also a bit bigger than the 4s.

























I ended up having a great birthday and I'm so thankful that I was able to spend it with my family since I don't get to see them very often!