October Favorites 2016

October Favorites 2016

Monthly Planner from Japan
This planner is an adorable monthly planner that I picked up while I was in Japan. It is super easy to quickly jot down things and its smaller than my Erin Condren. I still prefer my EC for everyday lists and more detailed stuff - but for quick notes and post-its this monthly is doing its job nicely.

NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick
I have a couple other colors of this - but recently I picked up two new colors: Vintage and Tea & Cookies. Vintage has been my fall love for almost the whole month of October, while tea and cookies are an awesome pinky nude that is perfect for all those work things I've been doing. I love the formula on both and the formula is super comfy. They wear down a little weird though and definitely give you a lipstick ring around your mouth. But for me, who sits in an office all day. No biggie.

Maybelline Matte Lipstick - Touch of Spice (660)
I wore this lipstick last fall and picked it right back up again this fall. I love it. It's gorgeous on - if you've seen a recent selfie of me, this is probably what's been on my lips.

Eyeshadow Palette
So I go through this phase of wearing one pot cream eyeshadows all over the lid and then I switch it up and decide to go back to using a regular eyeshadow palette and doing a halo eye is almost every shade imaginable. Right now I'm on the halo eye trend and have been diving back into the staple Urban Decay Naked 1 palette and the Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons palette. I love them for both everyday and going out looks, although I 

Biore Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips
Because I've been obsessing over skincare and my nose has been a sticking point despite my best efforts. These nose strips are the best damn things for cleaning your nose pores. You just wash your face and while your nose is still wet you slap this thing onto your nose and wait like 15 mins. I wait until mine has hardened and pull it off. I've seen a definite improvement since I started using these.


Palladio Liquid Liner in Black Shimmer
I went back and forth between the Physicians Formula Eye Booster in Ultra Black and this liner for the past few months. I always seem to find myself defaulting back to this Palladio liquid liner. This liner is super black and it's got a thick felt tip. The only thing that irritates me is that the bottles ALWAYS seem to shear at the neck before you even get a chance to finish the product.

Nerdy Stuff:

Secret Hitler
Before you go off and judge me - this is a board game that is kind of like 'Werewolf' or 'Do You Worship Cthulhu?' Basically you are split into two teams 'Fascists' and 'Liberals' - the goal for the game is to pass the right amount of policies for whichever team you are on. It's a deceit party game and the liberals don't know who the other liberals are nor do they know who the fascists are. The fascists however, know who Hitler is and who the other fascists are and work to pass fascists policies and elect Hitler into power. 

A photo posted by Jenn (@wenchqueen) on Oct 9, 2016 at 6:46pm PDT

Halo 5: Guardians
This is the video game I find myself playing more and more of. I picked up Overwatch and have been playing it a bit - but it got kind of boring and I had never played the multiplayer for Halo 5. To be quite honest I am pretty terrible at this game - some days I'll be playing super awesome and others I'll be playing like poo. Either way - I still enjoy myself and its a nice time-waster when I'm waiting around for time to pass. It also brings me back to when I played a LOT of Halo with some good people.

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The Future of #bdibNA

The Future of #bdibNA

I've been dreading writing this post for a few weeks now. But I've come to a few realizations that bum me out but have to be said. 

The #bdibNA chat every Friday is cancelled indefinitely.

I mean you all probably knew that already - but I just cannot keep up with the chat and some personal things going on in my life as well. If you haven't noticed, I've taken quite an extended break from blogging and hosting the chat, I'm hoping to revamp the blog shortly and pick it back up again. If I do return to regular blogging and feel like I can make time for the #bdibNA chat, I will definitely pick it back up again. But until then - I'm going to have to shut it all down and spend some more time focusing on myself. 

If you'd love to take over or get a good solid round of guest hosts going to keep the chat alive - toss me a DM and I'll consider the option.

Thanks for understanding ya'll. Much love.

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TableTop Tuesday

Tabletop Tuesday

On a Wednesday - don't judge.

Recently my friends and I have been playing more and more tabletop games during my taco Tuesdays. We've gone from just playing the basic Cards Against Humanity and we've graduated onto more complex games like Elder Signs and Munchkins. But seriously - these are some favorites we've been playing recently.

BANG!
A Wild-West themed card game we picked up on sale at Target - this game has an INSANE amount of rules. But it's really simple to follow once you start playing. We usually have an average of 6 players, and the rules change based on the amount of players you've got. Basically - everyone's given a role and an objective to play towards and you play to achieve that objective. The objective is different for each role (Sheriff, Deputy, Outlaw, Renegade) and you've gotta figure out who's role is what and work together to achieve your objective. Its super fun, and every time we play we enjoy the hell out of it! Also, it's fun to shoot your friends.

Munchkin
We have expansions for this, but just the base game is enough for a party of 6 to play and yell at each other for an hour or so. Another card-based game it's basically a board game RPG where you create a character using race and class cards, and then equip items and defeat monsters. Best part about munchkins, you can "help" either the person attacking a monster or the monster itself. The gameplay has a pretty simple structure and is quick to pick up, although the more finite rules have us scouring the rule book and finally just asking the owner of the game their opinion (as per the rules, they have final say).

Joking Hazard
This one is new to both our collection and the world. The game is basically cards against humanity in picture form. Same "card czar" gameplay and basically you make 3 panel cartoon strips. Whoever the card czar thinks is the funniest/best -  wins the round. You can play to whatever you want and it's fun. Its pretty easy for anyone to pick up and play and is perfect for those who are politically incorrect and aren't seasoned more complicated tabletop games.

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September Erin Condren Planner Spreads

September Erin Condren Planner Spreads

This month I decided to switch to my vertical planner and give it a try for a bit. 

So far I'm really enjoying it!

Papered Kiss: Vineyard Sparkle

Little Miss Paperie: September Kit

Papered Kiss: Peacock

Papered Kiss: Blush Noir

Shops:

Little Miss Paperie

Papered Kiss

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Planner Haul: Erin Condren, Scribble Prints Co, Hello Paper Cat, Planner Penny, Trippin Stitches

Planner Haul!

So - I've been hoarding a few planner items that I've ordered from Erin Condren, Scribble Prints Co, Hello Paper Cat, Planner Penny, and Trippin Stitches.  Please note - I didn't buy this stuff all at once. It's a haul that encompasses a few months of buying and hoarding.

Erin condren had her buy one get one planner cover sale - and of course I just HAD to indulge myself. I did buy 4 - but one is already on my planner because skulls and Halloween. The first one is the Cactus cover, the second is the Watercolor Floral, third being the Blossom cover. The fourth one I got is Sugar Skull cover - here it is on my planner:

I found Trippin Stitches through a facebook group - and her covers are so freakin cute. I had a coupon code and decided to pick up these two. It was end of summer and I couldn't help myself. I love the scales, the colors, and the beachy-ness of it all. 

I snagged this Witch Ultimate Kit during the preorder phase from Scribble Prints Co. I went a little nuts with the Halloween kits for October. This has def got to be one of my favorite kits though - and it's my first step into glossy territory because I've always been a matte girl myself. We'll see how October goes and I'll def be using this kit A LOT.

These adorable magnetic bookmarks and personal sized dashboards are from Hello Paper Cat. Just a little unknown fact about me: I'm a big 'ol nerd. No, seriously you didn't know? Anyway, I saw the Sailor Moon compact magnet somewhere on her Instagram and ended up perusing the website and buying more stuff that I probably didn't need. The magnets I bought are the Sailor Moon Compact, D.Va from Overwatch, Lon Lon Ranch Milk (from Zelda), Steven Universe, and a cute little alpaca. 

Then I had to pick up some personal sized dashboards with D.Va and Steven because I've got a small personal sized recollections that's just dying to be used next year.

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First Day of Autumn

First Day of Autumn

Today is the first official day of Autumn - and Pumpkin spice everything is already in full effect. Also with the first day of autumn means HALLOWEEN. Because really, as soon as it turned September I was already thinking about it.

Things I'm totally looking forward to:

• Halloween (duh!)
• Berry lipsticks
• Being able to wear a sweater and not sweat to death.
• Boots (all the boots!)
• The baking I'm about to do
• Thanksgiving (that still counts as autumn, right?)
• Cute plaid
• Hot chocolate
• Fuzzy blankets and warm cuddles

Honestly though, it doesn't even start to feel even remotely like fall until like November here. I'll probably still be wearing tank tops in December. (Winter, whats that?) But here I am, snuggled under a blanket with my puppy, sipping some hot chocolate, planning which purple metallic lip I want to wear tomorrow. It's the little things everyone - the little things.

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Hello Wench - A Life Update

Let's sit down for some coffee - shall we?

The past few months have been an absolute roller coaster for me - and I am exhausted. Travelling to Japan was one of the absolute best experiences in my entire life. It will be a moment I will always cherish and I look upon those two weeks with such fondness I don't even know how to explain it. I have so many blog posts planned around this trip - but I also have 800+ photos to sort through and edit. Don't worry, it's coming. Posts will also resume back on the regular schedule of twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday.

In case you DON'T know who I am, I'm the ONLY official regular host of the Friday night #bdibNA chat. Which is seriously difficult to host on Friday because well, it's Friday. But chats will start coming back in regular rotation once I get back on my schedule. I really didn't realize it was going to take almost a month to get back into the swing of things. Which is probably an error on my part.

Other than that I am honestly making an effort into being the best version of myself possible and making strides in being more confident than ever. Thanks for spending some time with me!

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#ManiMonday 8/8/2016

#ManiMonday 8/8/2016

For this #ManiMonday I've decided to show you the mani I've got while I'm away in Japan. While I'm out of the country I chose a super muted blue/grey Essie polish and an awesome sparkly accent nail. I didn't want to do anything crazy for my vacation so that my nails would look polished and wouldn't stand out too much. Chris helped pick out the color and specifically requested 'pastels/muted colors'.

I'm excited to be out of country and enjoying myself!

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5 Tips for a Successful Vacation

5 Tips for a Successful Vacation

I'm terrible at disconnecting and stepping away from work when I'm supposed to be 'On Vacation'. I'm getting better as I get older - but here are a few tips from a seriously Type A personality to help you LET GO and ENJOY your vacation.

Don't Over-Plan it:

This is my problem - I have a tendency to wayyyyy over plan things. Leave yourself enough wiggle room that if something fun & spontaneous happens you can do it - but also leave yourself room just in case something doesn't go exactly to plan. There's no point in being stressed out over little things when you are supposed to be on vacation!

Don't Under-Plan it:

Okay - contrary to what I said above, at least plan SOMETHING. Having a rough daily plan helps your day have a purpose. I mean even lazy vacation days have a simple daily plan!

Don't Be Afraid to do Things Spontaneously:

Yes, it may throw you off schedule. Yes, it may not be what you wanted to do. But guess what - life happens! Don't let potentially awesome experiences pass you by!

Step Away from Work:

No seriously - unsync your work email, and log out of all work accounts. Tell your boss and coworkers you'll be unavailable and you won't have access to a computer and phone service will be limited. It may be a lie - but my boss has a tendency to pester me while I'm on vacation/sick and I always feel some sense of duty to find a way to make it happen. Don't forget the word 'No' exists.

Don't Bring your Emotional Baggage at Home with You:

You are specifically on vacation to get away  from the everyday stressors and baggage that you carry with you. You can be the best and happiest version of yourself when on vacation - so do it! 

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July Erin Condren Planner Spreads

July EC Spreads

The month of July was a tumultuous one for me. A LOT of things needed to get done in the month of July to prep for my two week vacation! It's been a bit of a hectic one - as you can see. But the last week a lot of things evened out and although I'm super crazy at work, it's not too terrible but I am DEFINITELY ready for this vacation.

All of the weekly kits are from LittleMissPaperie and the cute Japan countdown stickers are ones I specifically requested from KPL Plans. She now has them on her etsy store so you can buy them too!

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Planner Sticker Organization

Planner Sticker Organization

I've reached the point of no return - it's time to try mini binders from Target to try and organize my sticker collection. (the ball is still out on how to organize my continually growing washi collection) For this project I did the only thing I could do: Drive to target and spend more $$.

July Favorites 2016

July Favorites 2016

This past month has been a month where I've completely been obsessed with skincare. I've been trying new body lotions and face creams all month. I've got a few other random faves too!

Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Lotion

My skin has been so damn dry and this heat is doing nothing to help it. I've just been using this on the super super dry parts of my face and I used it while my legs were peeling from being burnt. Its definitely been helping! 

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer for Fair to Medium Skintones
Once my legs and ears and whatever was done peeling I started using this on the rest of my body to help me keep SOME of the color I got while I was on vacation. It doesn't smell bad and honestly its one of the only moisturizers I've actually liked to spread all over my body. I seriously hate feeling like a slip & slide because of some of these lotions.

Garnier Micellar Water

This stuff seems to work magic to take your makeup off at the end of the day - and it doesn't burn your eyes!

Que Bella Moisturizing Eye Gel Masks
These are amazing little moisturizing masks for right under your eyes - and I love them. I put mine in the fridge and let them get cold (in the wrapper of course) and then I pop them on and they feel so refreshing and lovely.

Essie Nail Polish in Mint Candy Apple

I don't know what it is about this color but I love it when I've got a bit of a tan going on. Its definitely one of my summer 'go-to' colors.

Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Night Recovery Cream

This night cream smells good, works amazing, and isn't super greasy. I mean, ticks off all the boxes in my book.

Milani Brilliant Shine Lip Gloss in Mauve Fetish
I've been reaching for a more neutral lip this summer - and this has just the right amount of gloss to color. Its not overly fragrant and looks great for summer looks.

Pokemon Go!
I'm a nerd - and I love pokemon. I've gotten up and around much more since I got this app. Also I enjoy naming my pokemon silly things. I've also written an entire post about Pokemon Go - if you are interested!

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Mani Monday 7/25/2016

Mani Monday 7/25/2016

Once again I went with a bright color - this time a coral-y orange! I added a little bit of length, but kept the rounded edges. I find that I really like the rounded look more and this is going to be one of the last manicures before I leave for Japan! I'm definitely going to need color suggestions for while I'm gone. I'm thinking more pastel/neutral colors? Leave me suggestions!

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Review: Milani Amore Metallic Lipsticks

Milani Amore Metallic Liquid Lipsticks

I FINALLY GOT MY HANDS ON THESE DAMN LIQUID LIPS. I've been hunting and searching everywhere for these since I first saw them 2 months ago. I have a friend who works at a local drugstore and he messaged me when they got them in stock. He picked 'em up for me and I've been in love ever since. Let me give you the low-down.

There's 8 tubes of this glorious stuff - I managed to get my hands on 7 of 'em. (I couldn't get my hands on color 01 Beige, last one in the store was open) It retails for $7.99 at my local CVS (although on Milani's website it says $8.99 ) and you get 0.17oz in a tube. Milani claims that they're pigmented, long wearing, and dry matte. 

This stuff honestly reminds me of Milani's Amore Matte liquid lippies. Milani killed it with that formula - and they definitely killed it again. Their claims weren't wrong either - this lippie lasted through a yoghurt breakfast, a sandwich lunch, and pasta dinner without having to reapply. Almost all of the colors are one swipe pigmentation - a couple of the colors are a little streaky but nothing too terrible. I really love all of the colors it's kind of ridiculous.

The 8 colors they come in are: 01 Beige (not pictured), 02 Matterialistic, 03 Matte About You, 04 Cinematic Kiss, 05 Dramatic Kiss, 06 Mattely in Love, 07 Automatic Touch, 08 Raving Matte. My favorites and most worn are definitely 06 and 04. I'll be delving into 07 & 08 this fall with a sprinkling of 02. 05 is streaky AF - but nothing a couple coats won't fix.

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Pokemon Go! for those who don't know

Pokemon Go!

For those who want to play but don't quite understand.

So... Pokemon has been trying to get gamers up and around other gamers for like, forever. And I'll be damned if they didn't finally get it done. I've been on more walks these past few weeks then I have in a very long time. I get pretty bored on walks normally so playing the game is like a fun scavenger hunt that counts your steps and gives you rewards!

Mani Monday 7/11/2016

Mani Monday 7/11/2016

This mani monday I went in the complete opposite direction - I went short, round, and hot ass pink. I realized after trying to work with those long nails that they really weren't for me - I could barely type and I kept jamming them into stuff (painful!).

Pinkie Pie makes another appearance and next mani monday we'll have different colored nails in probably the same shape. 

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Mani Monday 6-20-2016

Mani Monday 6-20-2016

A couple weeks ago I decided it was time to get my nails back! I'm a horrid nail biter and I wanted to start growing my natural nail out - I can only seem to hold off gnawing my nails off by getting acrylics. So I did! And I went with an almond shape instead of the a square shape and chose a super pretty periwinkle color.

Please excuse the growth this is almost a week after they were done!

I'm super in love with this length and the color - I just need color recommendations for the next time!

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