Carrie On

Stumbled upon this gem of an interview with Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher for OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). Made me love her and their marriage more than I already did. Enjoy!

keep on dreamin'...

...even if it breaks your heart.

and sometimes, friends, it will.

I know someone who's a very, very good dreamer. Excellent even. Me, I'm not so great at it.

Don't misunderstand me-- I have very clear ambitions and desires in life, but I'm an extremely logical person through and through.

One thing that I wanted to say today was that I hope those of you out there who do dream well... don't ever stop. Not for anything in the whole wide world. It's a gift that not just anyone can have; so, don't take it for granted. And remember, that just because one dream might not work out the way you planned, does't mean something much better isn't waiting. 

 I always try to have faith, but dreaming is sometimes hard for me. I'm trying, though. I love the above quote and believe it to be true. God knows what my future holds, and His ways are better than my ways. 

I also believe the next quote to be 110% true.

I believe that everyone comes into your life for a reason. Some are forever, and some are just for a season, but that doesn't mean they change your life any less. Today, I'm incredibly grateful for both.

your love is my drug

I figured since my last post was about all the things I love, but can't afford... this one should highlight all the things I do love that are available at any corner drugstore or wally world:

First on my list has to be Crest 3D mouthwash. It's significantly cheaper than the white strips (which, by the way, I sill buy), but it more than gets the job done. So much so that when I came home after graduation, my aunt stopped me to ask what I used to whiten my teeth :)

I've tried other mouthwashes that claim superior results (Rembrandt Deeply white and even hydrogen peroxide), but honestly they didn't work and didn't taste great either. This one is affordable, from a trusted brand, and really works. (can you tell I'm a firm believer?)

Keeping in the same area of the body/face is my next recommendation- Dr. Pepper chapstick. Legit, it's lipstick for those of us that refuse to believe we're in the age bracket that now uses lip liner. It gives you color while going on just like the Lipsmackers chapstick we all had as kids.

This is my absolute favorite chapstick-- Carmex Moisture Plus. It's a classic product that's been around forever, but with a newer, younger spin. This is for when you want some shine (look like you're put together) without a specific color (for example if you have a smokey or dramatic eye or frankly don't care about putting on lipstick). Perfect for Nike shorts and T-shirts or the office.

Moving on to hair (yes, I use drugstore products on my dyed and processed hair {pause for gasp})-- whenever people ask how I could possibly manage all my hair (which, side note, I try to assume is a compliment) they're always shocked when I say I just use Herbal Essences Leave In Conditioner then diffuse it. 

I used to use the above product, but lately can't find it in drugstores; so I've used this minor change up below.

They're technically different products, but in my humble opinion work about the same. A few (okay, meredith I can hear you saying "a few?!"... a lot of) pumps of this scrunched into wet hair and it leaves your hair soft, bouncy, yet stable (aka my curls aren't so soft that they fall by the end of the day- which might just be my hair.. not a clue).

Next, any Neutrogena face wash, but particularly the Ultra Gentle kind (side note: the blog I'm redirecting you too is super nifty for finding more of these drugstore gems). I have super sensitive skin, and this stuff gets my make up off without drying my face out. I once read that Jennifer Anniston uses the original orange bar of Neutrogena soap to wash her face. I sincerely doubt that's still true, but regardless it's my shameless promo. Good enough for her, good enough for me.

Last, but not least, my newest find-Equate nail polish remover pads. Anyone who knows me knows I'm beyond obsessed with nail polish, which means I paint my nails roughly once a week. Ergo, I go through a lot of nail polish remover. My aunt and my sister (who saw them featured on Kathie Lee and Hoda--another shameless promo for the products I use) showed me these little gems, and I may never go back. They're so stinking easy and convenient for traveling etc. Cutex also has a brand of similar product just a little FYI in case you can't find these.

There you have it; my drugstore finds (or as I like to think... a way for me to attempt to be glamorous like all the celebrities I love on a commoner's budget).

i want the world; i want the whole world...

okay.. but really--my happy place is sephora and my newfound love of online shopping.

Here's what I'm currently lusting after in my subtle attempt to be glamorous:

Essie "wicked" nail polish

NARS nail polish in "Versailles"

Tibi hot pink skirt

the entire outfit from polyvore

sequined mini from net-a-porter

loafers from anywhere (I just bought a new pair to wear to work)

Emily Manyard's hot pink YSL lip gloss as seen on Bachelorette

her sequined dress from episode 9

platinum blond hair like these lovely ladies featured.

there ya have it folks. what I'd buy this week if I didn't have a budget or care to eat ever again.

Do more of what makes you HAPPY

For me, this is writing. Which is probably one reason I haven't felt like myself lately. I love to write. I Love to research, learn and keep filling my mind and soul with new and interesting things. I love to be the resident expert on things (examples: nail polish, celeb gossip, freaky mysterious tragedies etc).

This summer has been a whirlwind to say the least, but I'm trying to keep moving and get back to my true self. I'm starting to realize that writing, in some form or fashion, will always help me sort through my thoughts. Though this summer has been full of lessons and growth, it hasn't been an easy ride. I'm trying to take my own advice and remember that hard times mean that God has placed me on His anvil to work on me; it might not be fun or easy, but it means He thinks I'm worth working on.

I've always loved butterflies (even though my loving roomsiepoo detests them), and they've always represented a fresh start for me. 

Love this quote, and I'm trying to keep it on the forefront of my mind... along with these little gems...

Couldn't have said it better myself. I might be going through a rough patch, but I know that in the end, it's going to be a learning experience and I need to just keep on smiling... because I do lead a very blessed life. the more I remember this, the better.

'til next time (which will be sooner than last time)