What's In My Everyday Bag

What's In My Everyday Bag

The last time I did one of these, it was with my school bag/purse that was jammed full of school supplies. This time, it's my actual purse. And at the time of writing this, I have only a general idea of what the hell is currently residing in there.

First things first,  my purse is a hot pink coach tote bag with only one main compartment, two smaller slots for phones/pens/small stuff, and one zip pocket in the back.

Let's go on an adventure together -

Blogging Advice

Blogging Advice

Tomorrow starts an installment of a new monthly series here on Hello Wench. 

(Basically a series on all the crap I wish I knew when I started blogging)

+ some tips for seasoned bloggers

It aims to be helpful to other bloggers/people looking to put themselves on a schedule and to keep themselves a little more organized. I've only been at this for a year, but I feel like I've learned so much and I want to share that wealth of knowledge with you! 

Directory:

Organization

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How To Wear a Leopard Dress to Work

How To Wear A Leopard Dress to Work

Wearing prints in the workplace can be one of the most difficult things - and leopard print is no exception to this fact. Recently I picked up this super cute Leopard print dress from Target for $25 and really wanted to wear it to work. So I did what every other 25 year old would do - I sat down at my computer and googled "Can I wear leopard print to work?" Now this may vary by office or building, but my office is pretty casual when it comes to a dress code. Other offices in the building have a pretty strict dress code, but since we don't meet clients face-to-face its not really necessary when we will be sitting on a computer all day making calls.

Either way, to the left is the dress that I wore. Its a super cute blousey  dress that I bought with a friend on a recent Basic Bitch Sunday trip.

Its sleeveless, has a keyhole front, is short, and has a defined waist. To make this work appropriate I accessorized with a few simple items that I already had in my closet: a black belt, cardigan, flats, cute hair bow.

The thin black belt was a staple for me. It was leather and had a tarnished bronze-gold buckle and went perfectly with the dress. I decided to wear it under the cardigan just in case I went out after work.

Black cardigan - how can you go wrong? This one had short sleeves (because it's hot) but was light and comfortable enough to wear all day.

I paired the outfit with Simply Vera Tuxedo Flats in black. I love these shoes and they have a giant black bow on them. They bring a little femininity into an outfit while keeping it comfortable. I also would of worn a pair of black gladiator sandals or some thick black strap wedges if going a little more casual or bringing the dress to a more nighttime look.

Blogging Through A Funk

Blogging Through A Funk

Alright, I'm gonna just come out and say it - I'm in a funk. I feel completely uninspired as of late. Last month in a whirlwind of ideas I had the entire month planned - but this month I have nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch.

So when posting day rolled around for me I was worried - albeit terrified that I wouldn't get anything up. I asked my friends what I should write about and while their ideas were good it just didn't feel original, and it definitely didn't feel like me. So I did what any other blogger would do - binge watch an entire season of a TV show in 2 days. What?! Don't judge. After that I opened up a blog post and just started writing. I don't have any ideas - but I literally am just writing what I'm feeling. I'm not writing this one for comments, or usefulness, or so that people will actually visit. 

I realize I'm writing this post for me. These moments make me realize that I'm human - and that I am allowed to make mistakes. I'm not perfect - but being a perfectionist is part of who I am. I do not only expect to be able to do everything - I expect to be good at it.

I know this is an impossible task and literally sets myself up for disaster. I know this. And yet I still can't help myself. This is an aspect of my personality that I will probably work on for the rest of my life. But until then - I'm going to enjoy putting myself out there and doing the absolute best that I can. I'm going to enjoy my life and the experiences in it - and I will attempt to not beat myself up if it doesn't go perfectly.

And that, will probably be the hardest part.

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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.

Spring Retreat: Naples, FL

Spring Retreat: Naples, FL

So I pretty much have a theme this week: document everything that happened last week! On May 1st, 2015 (exactly a week ago today) I graduated Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering. There were only 15 other graduates in my field with my degree, and only 1 other female. I also pretty much live-tweeted the whole ceremony, so scroll back on my twitter to see those tweets and some pictures. (yes, pictures)

Quick & Easy: Simple Spring Makeup

Quick & Easy: Simple Spring Makeup

My face does not always look like how it does on the days I post a #FOTD or #OOTD. My face likes to make demons, my skin gets a little red, and a lot of the time I'm wearing my glasses. My everyday routine usually includes grabbing the makeup I want to wear from my bathroom and tossing it into my makeup bag, so I can hopefully put it on at my desk at work.

Since it's Spring and the weather is hopefully warming up where you're at, I'm going to show you my Spring every day #FOTD. Messy office desk, crappy lighting, and all.

Spring 2015 WalMart BeautyBox

Spring Walmart BeautyBox

The first day of spring was last week - and the official change in season means that all the dark shades of winter get replaced with the light and colorful shades of spring! It also means that its time for a new Walmart BeautyBox!

 I was pretty excited when I opened this box because I was really happy with almost all the items that were in the last one. I also usually end up using the coupons that come in the boxes, and there were a few items I wanted to try out but was holding out on because I didn't want to pay full price.

Hello Wench in 60 seconds

Hello Wench in 60 seconds!

Alright so I got a little over ambitious and its over 60 seconds. Whoops!

So anyway, after some poking and prodding from my Fiance I finally caved and made this vlog type thing where I literally dragged you through my life and some of the things I do everyday. I'm sorry its not better quality but I just filmed it on my phone!

If you like these vlog things & would like to see more of my face and hear more of my ridiculousness let me know. You guys are awesome and thank you for giving me this opportunity to share a bit of my life with you!

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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.

Sick Blog pt. 2

Sick Blog pt. 2

So yeah - I'm still sick. I haven't had the energy or the motivation to really do anything. I've spent the past 5 days sleeping and laying around my house. The only time I left was Monday to go to the doctors to actually find out whats wrong with me, and today when I attempted to go to work.

Lets just skim through the weekend:

I slept. 

No seriously thats it, I went to my Grandparents house and slept and watched movies (mainly westerns) all weekend. I left to pick Chris up from the airport - and then came home and went back to bed. After I slept for a bit again, ate some dinner, and drove our butts home.

I felt like absolute poo by the end of the night and just decided it was time to see a doctor - I had been sick for an entire week and had run a fever of 101 on both Saturday and Sunday. It was time to go. I made an appointment for Monday morning at 11am - that way I could go to work and not worry about being too late.

Top left: Elder Signs board game Chris & I played
Bottom left: Buster being overprotective of his Momma
Right: Me tornado'd in my blankie in our living room chair

Of course there was an event going on at the school, and I had to hunt for parking for 20 minutes. Which of course made me late for my appointment - so I missed my doc appointment and had to get squeezed in at 11:40am. Either way, I got squeezed in and met with the doctor. I told her all my symptoms: dry coughing, what was a stuffy nosed turned into a dry gross one, chills, fever, fatigue, generally just feeling weak and unwell. She listened to my lungs and told me she'd get me some medicine so I could get some sleep. She also told me that she was giving me some antibiotics so that we could make sure that I didn't having walking pneumonia, and that I should go home and take at least a day or two off so that I could get better.

Ya girl may have walking pneumonia?! Like... What?! I didn't think it would be that terrible. The worst is when I had to call my boss and let him know how sick I really was, and you could tell in his voice that he was like "Oh shit, shes really sick!" and not just saying I was sick so I could get out of a Monday.

Left: Me today - feeling better! But still not 100%
Top right: Buster and I on the chair in our living room.
Bottom right: Nene and Buster laying on me Friday night.

As you can see from most of the pictures - the dogs have been a constant since I got sick. Buster has been such a good dog since I started to feel unwell. He's taken up being a bit of an overprotective watchdog since then, and will wake me up by licking my face if he thinks I've been sleeping too long (during the day). Its cute but also very annoying if I've only been asleep an hour and am exhausted. My Grandma thinks its cute because it's like he's watching out for me just like I watch out for him. She knows he's a Mommas boy (sorry Dad!).

Either way - getting knocked on our ass like this for what I thought was a little cold is no joke. I'll probably still be out of the loop for another day! 

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Impromptu OOTD

Impromptu OOTD

So, I had absolutely no idea what I was going to talk about today. Which really shouldn't be all that surprising because I usually never have anything really planned ahead of time. So when my friend and coworker asked to go outside to take some photos with him for his instagram the idea for this post popped into my head! A nice, comfortable, everyday, impromptu OOTD! I feel like I'm always showing you things that are complete and  perfect and lets be honest - thats not everyday.

So - lets get started!

The sweater is an Anna (reject) sweater that my Grandma picked up for me in the DOLLAR store. Yes, the dollar store. She was on vacation and she came home with this sweater in this pretty green color and a plum purple color. I have been loving the green one more than the purple one.

The pants jeggings are from Sams club - which is a wholesaler and I'm pretty sure these were around $15. They are comfy, have an elastic waistband, and fit perfectly inside boots. Criteria - met.

The boots are some ~2-3 year old riding boots that were picked up on sale from Bealls for like $30. Simple, and broken in!

The scarf is an oldie but a goodie from New York & Co. over 5 years ago!

Sunglasses are the only recent purchase actually - they were $15 from Target.

The makeup under this look is just as simple:

Winged liner using Palladio liquid liner in black, brows by elf eyebrow kit in medium, and a simple nude lip using a Jordana moisturizing lip balm in honey love.

Annnnnd, thats it. Simple, comfy, me.

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Sick blog

Sick blog

Ugh, I knew I was starting to feel a little off on valentines day, but "feeling a little off" has turned into a full blown cold! I feel absolutely awful - and my life chugs on whether I'm ready for it to or not!

This cold started Valentines Day, but I didn't really think anything of it because I had stayed the night at my Mom's house and my parents smoke. So feeling a little off around chain smokers really isn't something out of the norm. It wasn't really anything, just a few more sneezes than usual and a couple coughs here and there. I didn't think anything of it... until Sunday.

On Sunday Chris was slated to leave at some ungodly hour in the morning (6am) and there was set to be a blizzard at his destination. So he set these ridiculous alarms to go off at 3am, 4am, and 5am so he could check whether his flight had been cancelled for not. Good idea in theory - until the alarms wake both of you up and you have an absolutely terrible nights sleep, AND it was cold as hell outside! Either way, after dropping him off at the airport for his not cancelled flight I went back to bed - and woke up feeling worse than before.

OOTD: Casual Work Dress

OOTD: Casual Work Dress

Lets cut right to the chase, some people don't always have seriously formal business offices. My office is probably the most casual of them all - we can show up in jeans and a t-shirt. (Perks of being an online based business) But my lovely office manager always seems to make comments to me (and only me) about how I dress in the workplace. I think she likes to believe that shes looking out for me, but commenting on my weight or how large my breasts look is very inappropriate. But no one says anything to her about her constant track suit/capri style.

Either way, I've had to develop a seriously conservative wardrobe with her prying eyes around. Considering even a v-neck tee shows "just a little too much". Busty girl problems, am I right? This OOTD is office manager approved for the shoe choice, no cleavage, and dress length. Its seriously /boring/ but can jazzed up with just a few cute accessories.

Work OOTD by xwenchqueen

Yeah, its another Polyvore. I wanted to snap a picture of todays outfit (which is ridiculously similar except for the amazingly cute cat bag) but by the time I had gotten home from work the sun had set and the lighting in my house is terrible. Either way, the dress I had on was a comfortable but appropriate 3/4 roll-up sleeve t-shirt dress with a string tie in the center to give it some shape. I wore Black flats with a large black bow on them, and accessorized with a chunky necklace from Target, some simple sunglasses and a cute hair bow to go with my messy topknot. I kept the makeup super simple with just a small wing for my eyeliner and a nude color Milani lipstick.

This outfit and many more like it have started becoming my go-to for work. What are your go-to outfits for school or work? Does your job/school have a strict dress code? Let me know in the comments!

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January Hits & Misses

January Hits & Misses

Always a little late on the hits & misses train. 

But oh well! These were my January Hits & Misses!

Hits:

I have been in love with these lipsticks this month! I find myself wearing one or the other - and pretty much nothing else! The first one is an elf Matte Lip Color in Rich Red. It definitely is matte, doesn't dry my lips, and has a good staying power! I put it on in the morning and only need a few touch ups during the day. (usually after I eat, but thats not really surprising)
The second lipstick was my after Christmas splurge - I have wanted this Lipstick for months and I finally caved after I got some gift cards for Ulta. In case you don't know what this little tube of jesus is - its the Too Faced Melted Liquid Lipstick in Melted Berry. And, I, Love It. It smells so good, it applies liquid and dries matte, and has amazing staying power. Also the color - to die for. I love this shade of berry. Did I tell you I had been lusting after it for months?

New Recipe: Easy Roast Chicken (Update)

New Recipe: Easy Roast Chicken (Update)

Hey guys! Remember that recipe I posted approx. 2 weeks ago? Ya know, This one.

See I'm glad you remembered! But I actually cooked it this past weekend, and I wanted to give you guys an update on the end results!

Yes, I did actually cook this.

The prep overall was pretty easy - unfreeze chicken boobies (because I didn't want to cook a whole chicken) - preheat oven - toss together the sauce - put in oven for 50mins. Done.

So this the the prepped result:

Lets note some changes I made to the recipe: For onesies I doubled the marinade. I also used bone in chicken breasts. This type of chicken is preferred in my house so it was a simple decision. I also used a lot of green onion. I prefer it, I cook with it a lot, and it gave the chicken more green color because my local grocery had no fresh parsley. (it was late by the time I got there) Otherwise, the recipe was literally the same.

-- approx 50 mins later --

Ta daaaaa! *ding*

It looked absolutely delicious - and trust me, it was. The chicken was cooked perfectly and was moist but so very tender at the same time. 
The skin and the marinade gave the chicken and delicious flavoring and it wasn't too much or too little. It was just the right amount for the monster sized chicken breasts that I had purchased. (literally this was the only one there and they was ridiculously big)

As a side dish I ended up making yellow rice. Originally I was going to make mac and cheese, but yellow rice was much simpler and I could leave it cook during the last 20mins while I was prepping the table and getting everything ready for dinner.

Things I would do differently:
Next time I would like to actually try the parsley on the chicken - I'll just have to go to the store earlier in the day before the parsley all gets bought! I also would like to try this with the chicken marinating overnight and then cooking it the next day. While the skin and everything touching the marinade tasted good - the chicken itself hadn't soaked up much flavor. So it still tasted like regular old white chicken meat.

Overall I would count this recipe a success. The boys seriously enjoyed it and so did I. I will definitely be making this again - probably in the near future!

Did you guys try this recipe? Or were you waiting to see how it came out for me?
Check out the recipe right here on the blog. Let me know if you try it out and how it goes!

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I don't know about you - but I'm feelin' 25

I don't know about you - but I'm feelin 25!

Yesterday, the 29th of January in the year 2015 - I turned 25.

(and I will never ever be older than 25, I don't care what year it is or what Facebook says)

And I did it wearing a Hello Kitty onesie and playing a video game.

Not much has changed since I was 15.

This birthday felt different though - much more adult-like? I suppose? I had to work from 9 - 5:30, and Chris didn't get off of work until 7:30pm. I don't know, it was my birthday but didn't feel like it. Probably because I did end up having to work for so long, and I had homework to complete that night.

What's in My Bag Tag - Final Semester Edition

What's in my Bag - Final Semester

Its FINALLY my final semester at University - and I am SO excited for graduation. I've already applied for graduation and I'll be so happy when I finally get to walk the stage. I remember when I started college it was like freshman year in high school all over again - I had 4 classes and I carried everything with me. But again just like high school - my bag has thinned out to only the most necessary items. I don't even need to make my laptop to school anymore because I've got my iPad!

Life is crazy sometimes...

Lifes course can change in one moment

So this isn't going to be a happy-go-lucky feel good post. I had a "What's in my school bag - last semester" queued up - but I felt like this was a much more important topic to post about. You'll get the other post on Tuesday though - no worries.

So yesterday (and yes Alex - if you're reading, I'm talking about this) my friend and A.O.E. (Axis of Evil) sister had her biological sister get into a car accident. Around 2pm my time I get a call and its her saying "----- got into an accident. I... don't know what to do...?"

The thing is - what do you tell someone in that instance? I feel so terrible for the person who had to call my Mom and tell her that I had been hit by a car. It also brings everything - mortality especially - into a serious focus. I've driven/rode across that road so many times in my life - and its all gone by without consequence.

The headlines were the worst of everything - One Dead, Three injured in Alligator Alley Crash

Yeah - someone died in this accident. And she was probably doing nothing but coming home from a good vacation at the beach. In the process - she changed the lives of three individuals forever. Two of whom may never have the same mobility they had before the crash. 

My point is - cherish each moment you have. When I got home I hugged my pup a little tighter, and when I picked Chris up I kissed him for a few seconds longer. When we got home - we cuddled on the couch for a little bit longer than usual. After chatting about it with him we realized that everything can be gone in a moment, and that while we are glad it wasn't us, it could've easily been.

So when you go home today - whether you're alone or with someone else - hug them a little bit longer before you sleep. Tell them you love them just one more time. Even if you're hugging your cat/dog/pet/fish tank. I know I did.

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The rest is under a cut because an image of the accident is attached. If you don't want to see, thats okay.