May Instagram Round-Up

May Instagram Round-Up

I love seeing these posts pop up every once in awhile - esp for people who post to Instagram a lot more than I do! But May seemed to be a month where a lot of exciting stuff happened so I guess I instagrammed a little more than I thought I did! Most of these pictures are of my fiance or my dog - because this is my little lion pride and they are the central focus in my life. I also spent quite a few days at the beach this month and therefore have a few (pretty awesome) beach pictures. Three of these are actually screenshots from the videos that I took so you should totally watch the videos on my instagram. I promise most of them are funny (and of the dog jumping in the pool).

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Twitter & Bloglovin & Facebook & Instagram & Tumblr

OOTD: Comfy Summer Romper

OOTD: Comfy Summer Romper

Okay ladies and gents - its finally summer time! So you know what that means - rompers and shorts and super fun OOTDs! I'm excited to show you my first (I have a collection of like 5) rompers for the summer. Rompers are super cute, easy to wear and style, and cool (literally) outfits to gear up for summer in.

I particularly like rompers because it makes a statement without really having to think about it. + this one is a pair of shorts, perfect for this hot Florida weather.

Florida Lifestyle: Paddlesports

Florida Lifestyle: Paddleboarding & Kayaking on the Gulf of Mexico

This past Memorial Day weekend I spend the weekend doing things I never would've thought I've done. Both Chris and I managed to attempt a new paddlesport! It was a big feat for both of us because I had never paddleboarded before and he had never been in a kayak before.

The ocean was very calm and was great for first timers like us. Paddleboarding was so easy to pick up and was SO much fun! Standing on the board in the water is a lot harder than it looks, but it is still fun. I spent most of my time sitting on the board and paddling around. Chris got a chance to finally try kayaking - and he loved it! Chris isn't the most comfortable in the water, and its been nice to see him open up to try more things and kayaking was the thing that stepped him out of his comfort zone the most.

Overall, it was a fun experience and we've talked about doing this again! We've even talked about possibly purchasing some equipment of our own in the future.

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No Makeup Challenge

No Makeup Challenge

So for my 100th post I decided I was going to challenge myself a little bit - and I decided to do the no makeup challenge! I didn't wear makeup for an entire 6 days (I went out yesterday with friends on a double date, so yes I wore makeup).

I took pictures almost everyday while I was completing this challenge. (okay so I forgot some days, my bad!) But I thought I'd let you guys know how it went, how I felt, and if any comments were made.

First things first: Walking into this I completely expected my office manger to say something about me not wearing makeup all week. She did - and I'll tell you more about it below.

To the left is the first day - and let me tell you, it was weird. I usually go to work with no makeup on, but that day I went the WHOLE day without makeup on. I didn't even have any moisturizer on - it was just me and my bare skin. It was a tad bit uncomfortable because I felt like everyone could see my lack of eyebrows and lashes but pressed forward - hoping that as the second day approached it wouldn't be too bad.

The second day came and went with very little comment from anyone - except my office manager. Who wondered "Why no makeup? Not even lipstick? You look so tired without it." Which I've heard before so I actually expected.

Photo Editor Archive

Photo Editor Archive

At present this is a working list of photo/video editing links and apps that I have collected from both personal use and recommendations from others. Not a single app or website is sponsored in this post. This post is meant as a helpful blogging archive of photo/video editors for other bloggers.

If you have a photo/video editor you'd like to see added to this list - please contact me.

In-Browser photo editors: (all free)

PicMonkey

http://www.picmonkey.com/

PicMonkey is the main editor that I use if I'm not using Photoshop. Its fast, free, and easy to get acclimated too. The basic features are all I really need - but the Royale upgrades look nice. I specifically like that I can edit the collage layouts to look however I want.

iPiccy 

http://ipiccy.com/

Canva

https://www.canva.com/

Fotor

http://www.fotor.com/

Pixlr

http://apps.pixlr.com/editor/

Pixlr is an in browser GIMP.

Photo Editing apps:

VSCO Cam

iPhone - Android

Photo Grid

iPhone - Android

PicGrid

iPhone - Android

All links direct to the proper store for whichever device you are using.

Video Editing apps:

Video Editor

Android

Have anything to add to the list? Contact me!

Twitter & Bloglovin & Facebook & Instagram & Tumblr

Regal Beagle Stitchery*

Regal Beagle Stitchery*

Okay so first things first: This is a small business that my BFFs Mom and sister run via etsy. They've been making me things for Christmas, my birthday, etc. for like over a year now. So I kinda already own quite a few of the bags they make - and have coincidentally included a bag that they specially made me for my birthday in a monthly favorite before. (unintentionally - I just really liked my present!)

My friends Mom has now recently retired and decided that she wants to start making bags as a little more than a hobby. I love the bag I received as a birthday present and when she asked me if I wanted to write about her little business I was more than happy to say yes! (cough and she made me a new bag thats awesome sooooooooooooo)

Fun Questions Tag

The Fun Questions Tag

I'm doing something brand new on Friday so in preparation for Friday's post I've decided to keep today's post pretty simple. It's nothing too deep or heart wrenching just something new that my fiance has been poking and prodding me to do to step out of my comfort zone.

Either way - I was poking around the internet looking for a fun little tag to do and I stumbled upon 'The Fun Questions Tag'. Well if that practically doesn't describe what I was looking for I don't know what would. 

1. When is your birthday?

January 29th! I was born on Super Bowl Sunday. For those of you who don't know what it is: Its when us Americans watch 2 teams of very large men in lots of padding tackle each other for a ball. Yay sports! Do the thing win the points!

2. What are 3 of your favorite colors?

Plum, Maroon, and black. Does black count as a color?

3. What are your 3 favorite quotes?

"I am not afraid; I was born to do this." - Joan of Arc

"No one is going to hand me success. I must go out and get it myself. That's why I'm here. To dominate. To conquer. Both the world, and myself." - Unknown

“I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.” ― Marilyn Monroe

4. Are you addicted to Youtube?

Absolutely. I don't even have cable I just watch youtube and Netflix now.

5. What are 3 of your favorite shows on TV or YouTube or both?

Recently I've been addicted to Ghost Whisperer and Venture Brothers (just finished all seasons) on Netflix. I also love Scooby Doo. As for YouTube I really like to watch Grav3YardGirl, Seananners & DashieXP, and JennaMarbles. Wait, thats 4. Eh... Oh well!

6. What are 3 qualities you like in a best friend?

Uhm... For their name to be Christina, for them to be my FFB, and for them to always be there for me, judge me, and be honest to god truthful with me. (girl you best be reading this, SHOUTOUT!)

7. Do you like your name?

Sure?

8. If you have the choice to pick your own name, what will it be?

Ahhaha! You always have this choice on the internet. I was called Quinn for a very long time online, and sometimes I still am. 

9. What is your fantasy dream?

I would love to be able to travel for the rest of my life and see everything I possibly can.

10. Do you wear makeup?

Oh yes - almost everyday unless I'm giving my face and skin a rest.

February Favorites and Empties

February Favorites and Empties

I'm finally feeling back to normal! Well, sort've. I've still got a nasty cough and am exhausted around 2pm everyday - but I'm gonna power through! I missed an entire week of work and spent more time laying in bed and feeling terrible than I have in a very long time.

February is a short month - but I've got a couple favorites, an empty, and a new product to tell you about!

Favorites:
I've been having a very nude february and I've been obsessing over nude and neutral colors on both my eyes and lips. 

My first Beauty favorite has to be another Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain in 05 Honey Love. I've raved about these lip stains before and I still own them in 3 other shades. They are easy to pop into my makeup bag or my purse and are perfect for chapped lips.

I've also been loving the Milani lipstick in shade 43 Pretty neutral paired with their Color Statement Lipliner in shade 03 Nude. Its a really pretty color and I've been wearing it to work a lot and its an easy color to match with anything. The formulation is creamy and pigmented and I think is going to be a good neutral staple for spring.

Since I've been sick for what feels like half of the month of February so simplicity in my makeup was definitely something I was going for. This NYX shadow stick in Flushed is so simple but so very pretty. I just pop it directly onto my eyelids and finish the look off with some eyeliner and that's been the look I've been working with for most of this month.

I bought a new blush at the end of January after hearing rave reviews about it. It is seriously one of the most pigmented $1 blushes I have ever bought. I absolutely love it. Its the perfect pinky shade and I only have to use a little bit. I made the mistake of putting wayyyy too much on my brush the first time and ended up looking like a marionette doll.