Turning 25

Saturday was my 25th birthday, so I thought I would share a few photos.

We started off the birthday week by purchasing a house! We were extremely lucky, and we were able to pick out all the materials that we wanted, without having to pay the larger earnest money amount since they had already chosen which style of house was going on that plot of land. They were going to be choosing the materials on Monday, so we had one day to choose! Ah! Talk about a stressful weekend! This is a picture of the land the house will be on, and a picture of all the materials we chose to go inside the house. Very exciting! 

Waiting for the Red Poppy Festival Parade to start!

It wouldn't be Texas without horses.

Some car show humor.

Of course, you have to go find some red poppies!

I finally have a desk! Yay!

I have lately been obsessed with an app on my iPhone. It is called FeaturePoints and it is really awesome! You download this app on your phone, and it gives you points for downloading and trying out new apps for free. You check out the app for a minute, and then you can simply delete the app from your phone. You can redeem your points for a gift card to amazon, paypal, and all kinds of other things! It's an easy way to make some extra money. I definitely plan on using this during the summer to help get some extra money for Christmas! 

The cool thing is that if you enter the code down below, you will get 50 points to get you started! 

Referral Code: ZXZT86

Referral Link: http://featu.re/ZXZT86

Until next time!

Resilience

According to Marrian-Webster Dictionary, Resilience means:

: the ability to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad happens

: the ability of something to return to its original shape after it has been pulled, stretched, pressed, bent, etc.

I am a born and raised Oklahoman. I grew up in a suburb of Oklahoma City, called Moore.

On April 19th, 1995, Timothy McVeigh drove up to the Alfred P. Murrah Building in a Ryder truck, parked it in front of the building, and watched as his truck bomb blew up an entire side of the building. 168 people perished due to one man's decision that he did not like the federal government. 

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However, I don't think he expected what happened next. 

People praying by the survivor tree a year after the bombing. Photo taken by my mom. 

Oklahomans banded together. Neighbors helped neighbors. Instead of being angry at him, people who lost their children, their parents, their grandparents, their loved ones forgave him. 

And what do you know, Oklahoma City rose from the ashes and became a stronger, resilient place. The city boomed. I watched as my suburb went from a sleepy town to a city full of shopping and entertainment and a population of 50,000 people. 

And then I watched as a tornado destroyed my hometown in 1999. 

And I watched again as my city rebuilt and grew even stronger. Once again, neighbors showed up out of nowhere and helped find survivors. They helped neighbors look through their things. People helped anyway they could. 

And I watched again as another tornado destroyed my hometown in 2013.

And I watched again as my neighbors and I worked together to help people rebuilt, and we grew stronger once again. 

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My hometown has shown me how to be resilient. Bad things happen everywhere, but you can learn from the situation, or you can be angry about the situation and not grow.  Oklahoma City is a true definition of the saying, "Fall down seven times, stand up eight."

Today, we remember the 168 victims of the Oklahoma City Bombing. We will never forget.

Top 3 Blushes

For a long time, I avoided blush like the plague. Anytime I put blush on, I became a circus clown. Let's just say it was not a cute look. However, after watching some great beauty YouTubers, I learned a few tips on how to apply blush, such as: 
1. Use a light hand
2. Don't put a crazy amount of product on your brush, you can always add more if it wasn't enough
3. Where to put blush on your face

Now that I have learned these invaluable tips, here are the three blushes that I use constantly:

1. NYX Powder Blush in Dusty Rose

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I received this blush in an Ipsy bag in 2013, and I have adored it ever since. The color looks great with my skin tone, and it is a fabulously made product. After receiving this product, I have since branched out and bought 3 other blushes in the NYX line. These blushers are perfect for an everyday look. 

2. Tarte Amazonion Clay Blush in Fearless

 I have discussed this blush on this blog before, and all I can say is that I use it all the time, and it is a fabulous blush. I look forward to adding more to my collection soon. 

3. e.l.f. Studio Blush in Tickled Pink

I really enjoy e.l.f.'s products. There are some products that are duds, but they have a lot of products that are really good for the price that you pay. I bought this blush for $3, and I constantly return to it. I love the color payoff of this blush, and it looks great day to day. Definitely an item on my repurchase list, when I finally do run out. 

Upcoming projects

Hi guys! 

So I wanted to let you all know about some of my upcoming projects I am working on for my blog! Let me know if you want to see any other type of posts down in the comments!

1. Desk Organization
My parents are buying me a desk for my birthday! I haven't had a true desk since I was a Junior in college, so I'm really excited to finally have a place to grade papers, complete blog projects, and to have a small space that is 100% my own! I won't be purchasing the desk until my actual birthday, but I have been stocking up on cute things I want for my desk, so be prepared! I looove desk organization videos and blog posts... organization = life! 

2. 10 Spring Outfit Ideas
I am currently working on going through my closet and reworking pieces I already have to create 10 new springtime outfits. I love shopping your own wardrobe and seeing what you have hidden in the back of the closet, and mixing up pieces I normally don't wear together! 

3. Work OOTD
I'm planning on snapping a picture of every outfit I wear next week, so I can show you all what I normally wear to work, and how I style my professional attire! 

4.  Festival vlog:
My city is having a music festival on my birthday, so if you want to read about what a festival is like in TX, then you will just have to hang on tight! I'm planning on completing my very first vlog on this day! Ah!


State Testing Countdown: two school days (gulp!) I will be so happy when testing is over, because then we can stop doing packets and start learning again!! Here's a secret... teachers hate testing... they probably hate it even more than the kids! So many anxiety dreams! So many mistakes that could be made! Ahhhh!

Okay, I'll stop being weird now. If you're still reading, you are the best in the entire world. Seriously. 

Sephora + Target Birthday Wish List

Hi Guys!

My air conditioner is out currently, and it was 90 degrees F today (and it's only April...), so I thought I would write a quick post showing you what is on my current Sephora and Target wish lists. Are there any other products you think I should have included on my wish list? What are some of your wish list items? 

xxxx, Christie

The Happiness Project

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I have started reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. The basic idea behind this story is this: Gretchen wants to find happiness in different aspects of her life, in order to appreciate her life more.

Lately, I have been feeling unhappy. Not depressed, just unhappy. This may sound really selfish, but I said I would always be truthful here, so here I go: I have not been appreciating the things right in front of me. I live in a great house, I have an amazing husband, I have a fantastic job that is my passion, yet my life still felt incomplete. I would see friends post pictures on Facebook or Instagram of their amazing vacations, or new cars that they bought. I watch these YouTubers with these huge Sephora hauls, and here I am, on April 11th, with $32 to make it to Wednesday.

To some, $32 is a lot of money. To others, they are probably wondering how we are going to make it.

I've lived on way worse. I honestly spent most of yesterday crying because of how "broke" we are. We recently had to spend all but one dollar of our savings account because Neill's car was in the shop. I assumed that once we graduated college, and had careers, we wouldn't have to live paycheck to paycheck anymore. We would be able to save money for vacations, for a house, for a new car. Yet it feels like every time we have some money saved up, something comes up, and we have to be responsible.


I want to make it very clear that I realize how ridiculous I sound. There are people who have it way worse than me. I am aware of that. I donate time and money to charities every year.

What I am saying is I am not appreciating the present, and making the best of my current life. I keep thinking about "In the future" or "Next year". What about today?


So I have started reading this book, and I am feeling motivated to appreciate today.

Here's a list of things that happened that I enjoyed, or appreciated.
1. Neill went to a job fair and had a really promising interview. I'm appreciative that his is wanting to use his college degree to do something that he loves.
2. We went and drove around the current city I work in (and the city he had the interview in) looking at the schools he interviewed for. I enjoyed getting to spend time with my husband, and planning our future together.
3. I went for a walk around the neighborhood today. I appreciated the beautiful flowers and horses that were in a nearby field.
4. I appreciated that my husband cooked dinner for me tonight.


I will update on the book and let you all know what sections I think are applicable to my life.

The Liebster Award

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I have been nominated for the the Leibster award! The Leibster award is for blogs that have under 200 followers, and it's designed to help get the word out about a lot of great blogs! I'd like to thank two great gals for the nomination: Frances at Royally Rouge, and Pinkie at Pinkie Prim! If you don't read their blogs, or follow them on Bloglovin', you definitely should! I love reading their posts, they are both awesome girls! 

Here are the rules for the Leibster award:

1. Thank the person that nominated you and leave a link to their blog.
2. Answer the 11 questions set by the person that nominated you.
3. Nominate 11 small blogs that you love to read, they must have under 200 followers (e.g. on Bloglovin' ) and then link their blog.
4. Set 11 questions for your nominees to answer.
5. Let the nominees know that they've been nominated for the award. (via comments or social media.)

Let's get to the questions! First up, questions from Frances!

1. What colour do you think describes you and why? I think the color sky blue would describe me- full of hope, promise, and joy! I love when the sky is such a beautiful blue shade, it makes me feel so hopeful of what a beautiful day it will be. 

2. If you were an animal what would you be? I would totally be a large cat of some kind (lion, panther, tiger). I think it would be so awesome to roam around the land and run quickly! They are all such beautiful and powerful creatures. 

3.What's your favourite social media website? (YouTube and Netflix don't count) My current guilty pleasure is Periscope. 

4. List 3 hobbies? Reading, playing with my cat, going hiking

5. What's your fave TV Show/ Series? Friends!

6. Fave types of YouTube video to watch? I really enjoy Things I Regret Buying and Empties videos for some reason! 

7.Hair and eye colour? (Is your hair dyed or not?) Naturally dark brown hair, I currently have some blonde highlights that are fading, and brown eyes. 

8. Biggest fear? Death

9. Greatest achievement? Graduating from college and becoming 100% independent.

10. 3 words that describe you? Patient, caring, forgiving

11. If you could recommend a book for someone to read, what would it be and why? I would recommend Eleanor and Park because it's just a good read. 

Now, Pinkie's questions!

1. How many times have you been abroad & which holiday was your favorite? I'm such an American! I've never been aboard before, but I'm hoping to do so before I turn 27! (That gives me two years!) However, My favorite vacation (right, vacation and holiday are the same thing- like a trip?) is a toss up between Chicago and Myrtle Beach, SC. 

2. What are your 3 favourite makeup products? I won't leave the house without foundation, lipgloss/stick/balm, and mascara.

3. What is your favourite clothing shop? Tie between Zara & H&M

4. Do you have any pets? I have a cat named Matilda! 

5. Which breed of dogs is your favorite? I grew up with a miniature dachshund, and it was so cute! 

6. When did you start blogging & what do you like/dislike about it? I've tried my hand at blogging many times over the course of my life, but this time I am so proud that I have kept sticking with it. I think at first I just didn't have enough ideas to keep a blog going. I actually started this blog in November, but I  started really using it in March. 

7. What makeup products do you use on an everyday basis?^^^ see above! 

8. Do you prefer the countryside or city? Suburb, I need a blend of both worlds.

9. What is your favourite type & brand of chocolate? I love Dove Milk Chocolates!

10. What's your favourite TV programme? Oh, I would have to say I like watching The Walking Dead and Pretty Little Liars on TV in real time. I also tend to keep up with The Bachelor. 

11. Who is your celebrity crush? Adam Levine, Ryan Gosling

Here are my 11 questions:

1. How many times have you moved in your lifetime?
2. What was the last book you read? Did you enjoy it?
3. What is your dream career?
4. Do you prefer cats or dogs?
5. Who is your favorite YouTuber? 
6. What is your favorite memory from childhood?
7. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
8. What is your favorite makeup product to purchase?
9. What is a staple piece in your wardrobe?
10. What is your favorite app?
11. What are your hobbies? 

Here are the 11 bloggers I nominate: 

Lauren

Samantha

Megan

Danielle

Emm

Sarah

Bee

Krista

Katie

Georgia

Louise

April Wishlist

found on tumblr | bluebonnets in tx

April is my favorite month of the entire year- My birthday is in this month (bonus, it's my golden birthday!), the bluebonnets have sprung, and the sun is always shining! 

This April, I have a few things that I would really like to do. I don't know if I will be able to do all of the things on this list, but if I ended up doing a few, I would be satisfied!


1. Go kayaking
Neill and I love to go kayaking in Austin when the weather is nice. It is so beautiful, and you really feel connected with nature, plus it's a great arm workout! I really look forward to going kayaking again now that it has been consistently 80 degrees.

2. Take a weekend or day trip
Ideally, I really would love to go to Denver, CO for a weekend, but I know I'm not being realistic. It would be nice to go to DFW or Houston for one weekend though, ad just see some new sights. 

3. Go to the library

I am completing a reading challenge this year: read 12 books in 12 months. So far, I have read 6 books, and it is only April! I try to alternate between reading a book on iBooks/Kindle App and a physical paper copy. I just finished Wonder by R.J. Palacio. I also try to read some adult fiction as well as young adult/children's novels, since I am a teacher and my students regularly ask for book suggestions. 

4. Get a pedicure
It's sandal weather, and my feet have been shoved in closed toed shoes for too many months. They need some TLC so they can be spring and summer ready. 

5. Buy a desk at IKEA.

I would really like to have my own personal desk so I could have a space that is all my own. I think it is important to have an independent space, and to have a space that gives you inspiration. I've been eying the alex 5 drawers and a table top (like most youtube beauty gurus have for their makeup station). I just can't help it, I love IKEA.  

6. Start the journey to health.

One of my goals that I have been slacking on is getting healthier. I want my BMI to be back in the healthy range, and I would really like to kick start that this month. I am planning on exercising more often, eating healthier, and signing up for the rec center to take spin classes or zumba or whatever else I might be feeling. 

Everyday Makeup Look

Hi lovelies! 

I thought I would quickly share with you my everyday makeup products for the work day! I usually only spend about 5 to 10 minutes in the morning putting on makeup, so here are the products I typically use!

Tarte Amazonion Clay Blush in Fearless

YSL Volume Effect Faux Cils in Black*

Revlon Colorstay Foundation in Buff

Milani Color Statement Moisture Matte Lipstick in Matte Naked

Milani Easy Brow Mechanical Pencil in Dark Brown

Milani Gel Powder Eyeshadow in Bella White

Revlon Highlighting Palette in Peach Glow

Are there any makeup products that you use on a daily basis? 

Products with an asterisk were sent to me for free in order to review. All other products were purchased by me. 

The Netflix Tag

I saw that Pinkie Prim did this tag, and I thought it was the perfect tag to complete because, let's face it, who doesn't love Netflix? I cancelled our cable last week and now we only have Netflix and Sling TV (because I still need to watch The Walking Dead, Pretty Little Liars, and anything on HGTV.) 

Let's hop on to the Netflix Tag! 


1) What are your favourite series to watch on Netflix?
Skins (The British version, the American version stunk to high heaven.), Gilmore Girls, Pretty Little Liars, Friends, 30 Days, Parenthood.

2) What are you currently watching on Netflix?
Friends (duh, I love this show. Monica + Chandler = everything.) If I get tired of Friends, I will watch a documentary or one of those murder mystery shows. 

3) If you could have any series; old or new, put on Netflix, what would it be?
I wish they would put Seinfeld on Netflix... I love that show. 

4) What is your one peeve about Netflix?
I wish they would put up newer seasons of shows quicker than they do. 

5. What are your essentials for a perfect night in?
A cozy blanket, popcorn, a Moscato, and nail polish (so I can paint my nails while I binge watch 6 episodes in one sitting.)

6. Recommend One Series or Film for Someone else.
I recommend Talhotblond, because it is really interesting to see how people portray themselves online, and how it goes from a love triangle to a murder, and I love a good documentary. 

Friday Five: Favorite Hair Products

Happy Friday!



Here are my five favorite hair products as of lately:

OGX Biotin & Collagen Root Boost Spray: In December, I got a haircut that was extremely short, and I absolutely hated it. I have been spraying the product in my hair after I wash my hair, and my hair has grown back so quickly! I am so happy with this product and how it transformed my hair from horrible to manageable. 

Batiste Dry Shampoo: I love this stuff. I have many different kinds of Batiste. I am one of those girls that only washes her hair three times a week, and in between washes, I use this product religiously. This product is able to refresh hair and make it look like it has instant volume. My two favorite formulas are the Wild and Blush scents. 

Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray: Hands down, this is my holy grail hair product. I spray this product in my hair before I use any heat on my hair in order to help protect it. I have used this product probably since I was in high school (I'm so 3008, you're so 2000 and late.. a little Black Eyed Peas reference? If you can't tell, I graduated in 2008.)

Aussie Shampoo and Conditioner: Once again, my holy grail hair products, I have once again been using this product since high school. Love the way it smells, love how well it cleans my hair. It's basically perfect.

It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin: This product really is a miracle. It leaves my hair feeling soft, looking healthy, and smelling great. Plus, it has keratin in it, which is great for your hair. The only downfall to this product is the price tag, but it is totally worth it! I just spray it in my hair before I blow-dry it.

Get to know me TAG!

Hello, lovelies!

Today, I thought it might be nice if I completed a 25 question get to know me tag, in case you want to know about me a little bit more, so this blog can be more personal! Let's get started:

25 Questions

1. What is your middle name?: Michelle. 

2. What was favorite subject at school?: In high school, my favorite subject was U.S. History. Now, as a teacher, I love math! I love coming up with creative ways to teach different math concepts. 

3. What is your favorite drink?: At Christmas, I cut out all soda, and I have only slipped up 3 times ever since. I love drinking water, vanilla lattes (hot or iced), and a variety of teas (hot or iced). :)

4. What is your favorite song at the moment?: I have been listening to All Time Lows upcoming album Future Hearts on iTunes radio, and I am obsessed with the entire album. I've also been listening to Model Mouse's Strangers to Ourselves album. I couldn't choose just one song. 

5. What is your favorite food?: Current food obsessions: gummy fruit snacks, strawberries and bananas, chips, tortillas and queso. 

6. What is the last thing you bought?: I bought some new clothes at Old Navy the other day, because it has already been so hot and I had to find some more longer dresses that are appropriate for work. (My job is very strict on dress code- dresses and skirts can only be 2 inches above the knee. It is so hard to find long enough dresses since I am 5'9".)

7. Favorite book of all time?: I love to read books, I am currently doing a yearlong challenge to read one book each month. I have to say my all time favorite books would have to be: Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane, and Attachments by Rainbow Rowell.

8. Favorite Color?: I like both pink and purple, very springy colors. 

9. Do you have any pets?: Yes! I have a one year old cat named Matilda, and I love her to pieces. She is my fur child. 

Matilda being adorable; July 2014

10. Favorite Perfume?: I'm not very big on perfume, but I do enjoy Coach's Poppy scent. 

11. Favorite Holiday?: I must admit, I don't have a standout holiday that is my favorite. For a long time, I did not enjoy Christmas because it brought back too many sad memories (my father has been very ill during the Christmas season more than once.) However, now that I live in my own house, I enjoy decorating the house for the holiday season, and buying gifts for others. So I would have to say Christmas is my favorite holiday. As a child, Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday. 

12. Are you married?: Yes! My husband, Neill, and I got married in August 2014. We met in college and started dating in November 2010. 

13. Have you ever been out of the country, if so how many times?: I have not. Bucket list item, though! Hopefully in the next year or two! 

14. Do you speak any other language?: No! I studied Latin for 2 years in high school and for one year in college. My husband and I actually met in Latin class. But I don't speak it (let's be honest... the only person that does is the Pope! ;))

15. How many siblings do you have?: I have one brother that is 10 years older than me. 

16. What is your favorite shop?: Target for general things, Zara and H&M for clothing, IKEA for home goods. 

17. Favorite restaurant?: Favorite Austin, TX restaurants: Cover 3, Moonshine, Gourdough's (a food truck.. it counts), and Hopdoddy. 

18. When was the last time you cried?: Probably watching a sappy video someone shared on Facebook a week or two ago. 

19. Favorite Blog?: I have a few: Career Girl Daily , Em Talks, and Helene in Between

20. Favorite Movie?: I will always be obsessed with Mean Girls and Love Actually. Other good movies: Gone Girl, Harry Potter Series, Divergent Series. 

21. Favorite TV shows?: I am currently working on watching every episode of Friends- I am on season 6! Other favorites: Fixer Upper, The Walking Dead, Pretty Little Liars, Dance Moms, Orange is the New Black, Bob's Burgers, Gilmore Girls. 

22. PC or Mac?: Mac. We love Mac so much, we have four Macbook Pros in our house of two people. Neill and I both received a laptop for work, and then we each have our personal ones from college. 

23. What phone do you have?: I have an iPhone 6. 

24. How tall are you?: 5’9″

25. Can you cook?: I am capable of cooking. It is not the most delicious thing you will ever taste, but it is edible. It definitely isn't worth instagramming. 

Thanks for reading! Hopefully this helps you get to know me a bit better! 

Getting through a tough week.

It's been a rough few weeks. 

My hometown was hit by a tornado. (All of my friends and family are okay.)

Standardized testing stress. 

The spring on our automatic garage door broke, and our air conditioner broke, and it has already been 85-90 degrees outside. 


I promise I will have a few new posts this weekend. 

Current Beauty Favorites: March

Hello guys! 

It has been such a crazy week for me! Between getting ready for the STAAR test, my hometown being hit by a tornado (more about that later), and our automatic garage door breaking, and a ton of meetings at work, I just feel so overwhelmed. 

I thought I would share with you all some new products that I have been testing out and loving! 

First, let's start of with this great blush. 

The Tarte Amazonion Clay 12-Hour Blush in Fearless:

image: sephora.com

This blush just screams spring. I hate waking up at 5:30 in the morning. Putting this blush puts me in a good mood. It just brings the color to my cheeks and it just makes me look awake and springy. It applies flawlessly, and I just love this color for my skin tone. Warning: apply with a light hand, the color applies very easily. 

Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray:

image: walmart.com

This product smells like the beach, and living in Central Texas, this makes me happy. I have pretty short hair, so anytime I curl it or attempt "waves" I end up looking like Shirley Temple. This product allows for me to have cute beachy hair without looking ridiculous. 

e.l.f. Cosmetics Blush & Bronzing Powder, Blushed/Bronzed St. Lucia

image: elf.com

Everyone under the sun has said that this is a dupe for NARS Orgasm and Laguna (i disagree that the blushes are dupes for one another, but they are similar). This is a really great alternative if you want to get your hands on trying out bronzer. I have always shyed away from braziers, because i felt like I would look very dirty wearing one. However, I found a really great brush (it was in a benefit blush box) and once i blend out the bronzer, it actually looks good! I am very pleased with this product. 

EOS Lip Balm 

I have so many of these, it is ridiculous. I am currently using Summer Fruit the most, however I also have Sweet Mint at my desk at work, and I love both of those flavors equally. (Sweet mint is the blue one, and Summer Fruit is the red one.) These are so fun to apply, they smell great, and they feel great on the lips. I don't like using these when I am sick however, I feel like i need a ton of moisture when I am ill. These are great for everyday, though!

What are your current favorite products? Let me know down below!