Soundtrack from your dreams

Luxury- Jon Bellion, Audra Mae

Campfire- Satellite Stories

Congo- Bear Mountain

Kisser- Step Rockets

Move- Mausi

Clinique 3- Step Review

I have been using Clinique's 3-step products for half a year now and I love them! I started off with just the cleanser and the moisturizer, and then this summer I added in the exfoliate.

I can not say enough good things able the Facial Soap. It is so soft on the skin yet very cleansing. It does not irritate or make the skin red. I had suffered from off and on acne for the best couple years, just a few spots here and there nothing too our of the ordinary, but the cleaning soap has cleared that all up. I can tell the cleanser really clears out the pores without stripping the skin too harshly.

The next step is exfoliate. Like I mentioned I did not do this step until this summer but it has come in very handy. I use the Clarifying Lotion 3. This "lotion" is actually a liquid that clears away all dirt,  makeup, and excess oil. It seriously works so well to get all the junk from the day off your face. The direction are to use it twice a day, which I did over the summer, but as the weather changes I find I don't really need to use it as much. So now I just use it a couple times a week when I really went to clear off oil and makeup.

The last in the 3-step products is the Dramatically Different Moisturizer Gel. Ok I have tried many moisturizer over the years and this one by far is in my top five. It is so light yet so hydrating, all while being oil free. I use this in the morning and night. It is a great base for makeup and it leaves my skin perfect after working its magic over night.

I highly recommend all these products. They have done wonders for my skin without really harsh chemicals. I have noticed such a difference and won't be using anything but Clinique for a while.

Autumn&Winter Essentials

I went to the dentist today... so naturally I thought I needed a reward, which came in the form of shopping. I decided to do my damage at a local Target that just opened up. I had a few things on my list, but I was very happily surprised with the full selection of cute clothes and accessories for the cooler months.

I picked up these boots with a heel. They are so cute! I realized that I still want to enjoy my time going out in the city in winter and the first step to make that happen is warm and cute feet. I am already obsessed with these shoes. They can be worn in so many ways... skinny jeans, tights, leggings, really whatever! They are easy to take from day to night and will keep your feet covered and off the cold ground.

Today was the first morning I went to my car and had a real struggle touching the freezing steering wheel. I didn't want to bring out my big, heavy duty mittens yet but I did need something to cover my hands from the cold. I found these little fingerless mittens today and they are just what I was looking for! The insides are lined with fleece so they are extra soft and warm. And of course the pattern is adorable.

I tend to be naturally cold as it is, so when the temp really drops I know I have to be prepared. I don't always want to have a hat on outside because who wants constant hat hair? So these headbands that just cover your ears are brilliant. They really keep your ears warm without totally messing up your hair. Also they just look super cute on and this one is extra soft. 

Autumnal colored tights were on the top of my shopping list and these were exactly what I was looking for! First off I love that they are opaque. They are also so nice and soft and fit exactly right. I couldn't have ask for a better color. 

Another thing that was on my list was a lipstick I could just dab on quick in the morning without a full face of makeup... something natural. This Covergirl lip stick is a very natural looking pink that just highlights the natural color of your lips. I love it already! (color 397)

Recently I went to Florida and left my sunglasses there. I knew I needed a cheap pair so I wouldn't cringe every time I scratched them but of course I still wanted them to be cute. I love this shape of these for my small face. 

Lastly I picked up a nice winter coat. It can be hard to find a warm coat that is function for the winter that isn't horrid looking. I am smitten with this coat! I love love love the colors and the shape of it. But my favorite part is the hood! Oh praise the lord I love hoods. The best part is that when the hood is off it doesn't just flop down on your back but instead it become a high necked coat that keeps you extra warm.

happy fall xx. 

Sample review on Vance Joy

Vance Joy:

You know those songs you love because they find the words you can’t. The songs that read your mind and your heart at the same time, and it becomes nearly impossible not to instantly be attached to them. Well, Vance Joy has the artistic ability to quench your musical palette with a song not only because it speaks to you but he makes you want to experience the words he sings. I can guarantee he made every young lady in the audience that summer night want to look like Michelle Pfeiffer, even though most of us don’t remember who is she. 

Vance Joy recently came to Boston, and played a free show put on by Radio 92.9, Boston’s Alternative station. Copely square was transformed into a rockin’ music venue where the vibes were good, the music was free, and the artists delivered. The music brought to this New England city by a man from Australia is that of rich lyrical thought and a sound that filled an entire park with happy ears and feels. 

Made famous by his “Riptide,” Vance, was able to capture the audience from the start. He played for over an hour all songs from his album Dream Your Life Away such as “Mess Is Mine,” “ Georgia,”  and “From Afar.” If you asks he his song “ Georgia” made love songs seem cool again. Vance has a five-year record deal with Atlantic Records that is sure to make something more of him than just a one-hit-wonder, or at least I am truly hoping. 

All I have to say is…thanks Vance, as if I already didn't want to quit my job “and head to New York City.” 

A Shout Out To Beautiful Things Around The Beautiful World

Music's power

Music has been an important part in developing human culture since music was first
created. It is an element that is known in all society and drives many religious celebrations.
Music has the power to expand the mind and possibles in the human spirit. It has been
researched and discovered how music can be a medium of communication between people
from all different backgrounds. It is a language that allows all people to be on the same level of
society. This language is created from feelings that transfer into tone, melody, and rhythm.
Everyone has their personal structure on how they interoperate this musical language but it is
that interruption that creates the communication. These interaction become culturally embedded
into the time they are received and how they are responded to. How people respond to the
music is something deeply rooted in that person and is known to be at least partly due to
genetics. It is the most natural language humans use.

Music is constantly changing, just like fashion, slang, politics, the economy, and different
fads. Usually these changes are connected in some way. Music depicts the time it is created in.
The lyrics show what is important and relevant while the melody gives a look into the overall
feeling. Plato said that the purpose of the arts was to helps shape emotions, and to instill
passion. 

It has been shown in research that music has developed from natural sounds in the
environment that humans began to recreate. Sounds and rhythms patterns were first repeated
in very simple ways. Many animals in the world have been observed creating music or
something sort of sound with a rhythm. Birds are probably the most well known for their musical
talents. Monkeys have also been known to beat on hollow logs to create a call and response
sequence. If it is believed that music is defined by intentional emotional manipulation produced
with vocal or instrumental sounds then music emerged between 60,000 and 30,000 years ago.

Release

Release.
I believe since music is so filled with emotions, listening to songs aids in tension release.
When the song just feels good... you know... it almost feels like your muscles are relaxing, as if you just had the as tight as possible and then let go. After a long day there is nothing better than getting home and turning up some music and releasing all the negativity the might have been placed in your body today. Here are some songs to turned way up and dance around too.

Flashed Junk Mind- Milky Chance

Wildfire- John Mayer

Elevate- St. Lucia 

Submarines- The Lumineers 

Let Go- RAC, Kele, MNDR 

Facing the Fall

Recently I had a bit of a shopping trip to the mall to two of my all-time favorite stores. It was my birthday a few weeks ago and my very wonderful brother got me two gift cards to these stores… so I had to go and do some damage. 

The first store I went to was The Body Shop. I have been doing some research on a few products I have been really interested in. The one that has rally been at the top of my list was the Camomile Cleansing Butter. I always feel that my cleanser never really does the job of getting all my makeup, dirt, and oil off my face from a full day. The only way I know everything is off is when I wash my face with a cleanser and exfoliate which isn't always the best idea for my skin. So I had been looking for something more gentle that will get everything off my face at the end of the day. The Camomile Cleaning Butter does just that! And it smells AMAZING. It has such a nice calming smell that I can't get enough off. The way it works is you just cover your finger tips with the butter and then rub it over your face for about 30 seconds. Then you take a wet, warm cloth, and remove the butter, and POOF makeup is totally gone! You are left with a lovely smelling face that is not dried out from harsh chemicals, but still feels like skin should.     

Another product I picked up was Coconut Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer. I have to be honest I am never one to really wash my hands excessively or use any antibacterial hand sanitizer. I have always thought those product were not a good idea because it only makes germs stronger. However... I think now that I am in contact with many more people due to my job and will be traveling more soon it can be important in certain situations to have a little extra clean. That being said... there was also a sale that had these antibacterial hand sanitizer at $2.00. I decided on the coconut option because the sweetness balances out the harsh smell of the germ killing chemicals. I am really happy with this product. The size is perfect but at the same time a I can tell the bottle will last me a good amount of time. 

The next product I picked up and had been looking for the perfect one, is a travel size hand lotion. It is that time of year that it is getting colder and my hands tend to become very dry and I truly HATE that feeling. Dry hands just distracts me until I settle it. So when I found this little travel sized hand lotion on sale I knew I had to grab it. I picked the pink grapefruit sent and I love it! And so does my man ;) But the lotion itself is extremely hydrating and just what I need for the winter. A little goes a long way. It does not leave your hands sticky or oily but just nicely moist. 

Another product I have looking to get is a moisturizer that is rich with vitiams, again just a little extra boost for these cooler months that dry me out. I can tend to have sentive skin so it is important that my skin products won't cause any problems. With that being said I love to get a test of a product before I buy a big full tub of it. So again with the sale... it was just perfect timing, because one of the sale products was a little tub of the Vitamin E Moisture Cream. It is a fairly light cream that does add an little extra something to my daily moisturizer. I use the product where I have my most dry skin, under my eyes and forehead. I really like it under my eyes where it really adds moisture and takes away any dullness. 

Ok there seems to be a massive trend in what I picked up from The Body Shop... this next product is another one that adds moisture to dry areas due to the change into colder months... this time it's my lips. I picked up the tub on lip balm in honey. I don't really lip to have things are my lips that are too flavored because it seems like I am always about to eat something. The honey smell is so nice, very light but sugary, and the balm itself is hydrating. 

Stay tuned for what I picked up from the next store :) 

Mid Week Music

Today the music I have selected is inspired by the power music can have to lift you out of a hard day or unpleasant mood. Today I will use that power of music to my advantage and soak it all in. I hope you will do the same. Share any songs that always lift you up. 

Enjoy xx

Ain't Too Proud to Beg- The Temptations 

The Weight- The Band 

For What It's Worth- Buffalo Springfield 

My Girl- The Temptations 

The Young Rascals - Groovin' 

Wonderful World- Sam Cooke

A Chord of Life

I am so thankful that with my current job I am able to experience many concerts that I otherwise would not be able to do. I have a deep love for music ( like most people) and I truly enjoy exploring and sharing my findings of songs or artist that really inject passion and life into a listener. While at school I studied a lot of music, which molded my taste into one that appreciates a wide variety. As long as the song makes me feel I tend to enjoy it. Here are some of my recent favorite songs that I hope strike a chord ( pun intended) in you too.

The Valley- The Oh Hellos

Iron Sky- Paolo Nutlnl 

Awake- Tycho ( full album) 

Every Other Freckle: alt-J 

State I'm In- Needtobreathe 

From Home to Home- A Story From Dublin

Cars speeding by brought me back to where I was, in the middle of Dublin. Quickly moving along the streets, following the group of students that had transformed into photographers. My eyes were guided by our leader Fionán to be set on the unique character of my surroundings. Purple screws in the doors, surprising abstract architecture, vibrant orange growing out of the dull sidewalk, and contrasting ideas, were all the subjects I focused on.

The day was warmed by the sun, the streets were glistening with the permanent cover of the rain. Excitement was dispersed into the air from each student learning to see things in a brand new way. We passed a fenced in black-top area with broken soccer nets, where graffiti covered the walls on either side. Cigarette remains, bottles, and glass lay along the street. We turned onto the main street in the village, called Meath Street, it was alive.  Meath Street is full of character, that depicts a timeline formed around struggle. Everything from meat, to fruit, dresses, wigs, and postcards, could be found right here. What you couldn’t find on the street, could be found around the corner or a back alley. The village displayed Christmas tree dedicated to those who have died due to drugs and violence in the area.

While searching for details through a lens, I saw a man is a vibrant blue jacket, who had interacted with the group previously, was standing at his local produce store setting up his oranges. I stopped to say hello to him. His charisma was an instant magnet, he just made me smile. I was photographing his profile, totally engulfed in his blue eyes, when he asked me where I was from. I told him the Boston area. Immediately he stepped back as if  a burst of joy moved him. He explained how that is where his father was from. I was filled with emotion from his reaction of recognition to my home. I could tell the city means a lot to him in making up his being.

This is why I have come to Dublin, for the connection; my great grandmother who shares this mans hometown and my home town that is shared with the man’s father. This man brought that connection to life in full force and fulfilled my one wish I had coming to Dublin. I wanted to sense a connection to my ancestors from experience there homeland. I wanted to have real experience of the bond between Ireland and Boston that have I heard of all my life.   He felt like a familiar old friend right away, I knew he felt the same way. He asked to take a picture with me.

Dublin Is Up For Interpretation

Dublin is unconditional
Dublin is a clever Grandmother with an authentic sense of humor
Dublin is a call and response
Dublin is a decoded language
Dublin is a spark

Dublin is carrying around a secret only heaven knows
Dublin is the wheels not the track
Dublin is constantly wandering off on an endless adventure
Dublin is leaving the past right where it is with more heart than before

Dublin is an endless leather bound book hidden in the back of a small library in an even smaller cafe
Dublin is sun on a string begin dipping down
Dublin is where I learned to not take things too seriously, where I and the people refused to settle for plan B, where the people march on

Dublin is awareness from the inside out
Dublin is where I have had my sights set

Healing Summer Hair

After my holiday and spending way too many hours in the pool and the sun, I have come to realize I need to be taking better care of my hair. I had a look around my bathroom to see what products I had that would help dry, damaged hair come back to life. After trying a few things I came across, I have settled on a shampoo and conditioner, a spray oil, a sort of hair lotion, and occansilay a mousse. 

This combination of products has really been helping to heal my hair from being dried out from the pool or sun. I never really use heat on my hair so damage control is only really needed after the summer. 

Here are my during shower hair products: Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo and Conditioner.

I really love both of these products. Not only are they massive, which is great because I have a lot of hair which equal a lot of conditioner, but they leave your hair so soft and hydrated, with a nice smell too. 

Here are my after shower products: I have come to adore these three products. I use the Desert Essence Coconut Shine & Refine Hair Lotion everyday. I will use the OGX Coconut Water a couple times a week if I feel like I need some extra shine. And I only really use the OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Voluminous Mousse every once in a while when I need a lift or I am going for a night out. 

The Desert Essence Coconut Shine & Refine Hair Lotion has become my everything. It is exactly what it say, a hair lotion. It smells absolutely amazing, like I would imagine Hawaii smells like it. I put it in the bottom third of my hair after I shower and it instantly softens my hair and repairs damaged ends. Another bonus to this product is that when you get into the shower the next day your hair is still soft and manageable in the shower. 

The weightless hydration Coconut Water from OGX is a product I use for extra hydration. It also smells like Hawaii and does not leave your hair full of unwanted oil. It is a light product that I just do a couple pumps on to the middle to bottom parts of my hair. I tend to get oily hair need my scalp so I make sure I don't spray any up there. 

This last product, the Morocan Oil Mousse from OGX has been an great addition to my hair routine. Like I mentioned I only really use this product for a special occasion but when I do I love it! It does not make sure hair stiff ( as long as you don't use too much). It smells like a light, beautiful perfume  that is great to keep yourself smelling good all night. And it is great for your hair! While it is giving hair life the oils are also hydrating and repairing. I can tell a big difference when I wash it out the next day and my hair is so soft and smooth. 

Sunday Sounds: En Automne 

What You're Thinking ( feat. Josh Pyke): Passenger 

Left Hand Free: alt- J 

Take Me To Church: Hozier

Human Contact: Catey Shaw

My Number: Foals

Gold (Flume Re-Work): Chet Faker

Lemonade: Sophie 

A Week Away

For the end of summer I spent the week adventuring, decompressing, and laughing, in Vermont. Vermont is my favorite place to escape, it has been for many years. I can't even count how many times I have been but about 3-4 times a year for 20 years, that is a right long time. I have some of the best memories growing up in Vermont and have also been blessed with meeting life long friends there. But for this past week I decided to not bring any friends and just spend some time with my mom and brother relaxing, and we did just that. At first it was strange not having friends around but I quickly adjusts. I really took this time to do all the things I love to do in Vermont. Everything from hiking to the tops of mountains, to doing yoga on stand up paddles boards, to eating a whole box of the best blueberries of my life ( seriously I still can't believe how good they were!), made it an remarkable week. The weather was perfect for us the whole time, sunny with a high of 75, and chilly at night, perfect for board games and sleeping. The sweet clean air is just what a body needs to instantly relax. I really enjoyed spending some times outdoors. Since starting to work my outside time has become very minimal. I tried to spend every minute I could outside, and I believe I accomplished that. We spend many hours at the pool or a lake in the mountains, just enjoying to grace of nature has to offer. It was a time I really took connect to the little things I remembered made me so blissful in Vermont: the dazzling green grass, the water as lucid as the sky, the perfume of freshly cut sugary grass, the reinvigorating coolness of the snow melted river, fresh pine trees- light a candle was always light, the stars.. oh the stars, what makes me exist the most.