Reflections 2014: My Year in Review

Hello Everyone!


Can you believe that 2014 is almost over?! I know it may sound cliche, but this year went by fast! If you're familiar with my blog, you may remember I wrote a post like this last year. I figured this would be a good way to end the year.

2014 was pretty good year. It had it's highs and a few lows, but a decent year nonetheless. I have to admit November and December were stressful because of the holidays, personal stress and being sick with this cold, but I can't complain too much. Even though I have year round allergy/sinus problems and this pesky cold, my health has been good this year.

As someone who has struggled and I still sometimes struggle with depression, I have been happier this year. I've just learned not to let people and things get to me as much as I used too. I still stress and worry over things at times (I'm still working at the not worrying part), but not nearly as I did in the past. I know that may come to you as a shock that I have dealt/deal with depression since I usually write my inspirational posts. Depression isn't always about having negative thoughts, feeling sad all of the time, and self loathing etc. I find channeling negative feelings into something positive isn't only helping myself, but I may help someone who is reading this also. Feeling sad is never fun, but you can be happy. Never lose sight of you being happy again. Stay tuned next year because I plan on writing a few depression awareness posts alongside my inspirational posts. I've always believed that we as a society should help not hurt each other. I guess the only thing that had a profound affect on me this year was the death of my father in February. Some of you may remember the post I wrote about my dad's death and I took a hiatus from my blog for a few weeks. Thanks again to my mom, my two best friends, all my blogger friends who showed me so much kindness through that difficult time. I appreciated that so much!

I did accomplish some of my lifestyle changes such as getting more rest, and eating more fruit. It's weird because I'm always eating vegetables, but I was never really big on eating fruit until now lol.  Lately I've been on a grapefruit kick, and no I don't sprinkle any sugar on top. It's usually sweet enough for me!

Another thing I want to reflect on is something a lady said to me. This was around Mother's Day and she was talking about her kids and long story short, I told her I hope she has a Happy Mother's Day. She said thank you, but asked me what am I waiting on to have children and that I'm pushing 30...I felt that was kind of rude yet really funny because I was thinking at the time when did 28 become to old to have children lol? It's like her mindset was from the 1950's and she is only around 50ish herself. Now of course I want to have a husband and children someday, but that day isn't right now. When it's my time then all those things will come. Honestly, I want to wait until my early to mid 30's to have children because I would like to be more established. Like I mentioned in my other reflective post I can't just rush my life, and definitely not for other people standards. I feel like this all the things I want to experience, I look forward to having in the future. 29 is my last year in my 20's and I'm going to make the most of it!

As for grad school, I'm still undecided, but lately it's been heavily on my mind. I love to help people and I really think I would make a good counselor.   I have a B.A. in Psychology and I found most of the classes I took as an undergrad very interesting especially the counseling courses. So for those of you who were wondering about that, I'm still thinking about it...A LOT!

Like I mentioned earlier, 2014 was a pretty good year, and I look forward to what 2015 brings!

I didn't forget about the positivity jar I started at the beginning of the year. I didn't get a chance to take a picture, but I should have that included in my new years post.

May you all have a wonderful and safe HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

My 29th Birthday and Christmas Events and Gifts

Hello Everyone !

 

 

Disclaimer:

 My apologies for the missing pictures. My pictures were accidentally deleted off my blog. Please Refer to my Instagram account miss_pilar to view the pictures (or some of the pictures) that were deleted.  

 

 

I hope everyone had a nice Christmas on Thursday (for those that celebrate) well Christmas was my 29th birthday. Let me write a little recap of things this past week. All this week I've been bed ridden with a terrible cold which kind of put a damper on my mood along with some holiday and personal stress. Usually I try to keep a positive mindset, but it all became too much and I started to become really unhappy and I guess you can even say depressed. Even though I write inspirational posts, I'm only human, I have my bad days too. One thing that really touched my heart is that my friend Ashley @ashleysuemakeup was kind enough to send me a birthday shout out in her holiday post earlier this week. Like I told her, it's so good to know that kind and caring people still exist in this world. That one nice comment truly meant a lot to me because I was already feeling kind of down this week and that bought a smile to my face. That meant a lot to me! So once again Ashley I thank you for that! I also thank all of you wished me a happy birthday! 

Here's a quick timeline

December 23...

- Still sick, but I attempted to make my Mom's homemade Lasagna for Christmas Dinner. I just made it in the crock instead of the oven. I cooked dinner because my mom is also sick and honestly I was tired of bed rest and it wasn't to complicated to prepare, I just felt tired afterwards lol 
*let me know if you want me to write a step by step Recipe for Crockpot Lasagna and I'll put it down for a future post

 

Crock Pot Lasagna 

 

Extra Layer of Cheese on top. I forgot to take a picture before I cut a small piece of lasagna lol.

December 24th, Christmas Eve:

- Spent most of day in bed and watched my favorite movie A Christmas Story later that night.

 

Don't I look excited for my birthday and Christmas lol? I spend Christmas Eve snuggled in my blanket.

December 25th: Birthday/Christmas

-  My day was pretty good. I opened all my gifts and I spent the day practically in bed...again lol. I talked to my best friend on the phone for a while. My day wasn't too eventful, but I felt blessed to see and celebrate another year. Maybe I'll do something for my birthday once I start to feel better. Once again I want to thank everyone that showed me love on my birthday on social media! I appreciate it!

 

My No Makeup Birthday Selfie lol

 

My Birthday Gifts

 

 

I love my Mom!! She gave me this Michael Kors Tote and Wallet. 

 

My bestie up north sent these amazing smelling Bath and Body Works candles to me for my birthday! 

 

Christmas Gifts!!

 

I love this candle! I just wish B&BW would make the throw stronger!

 

Birthday/Christmas Dinner

My first homemade Crock Pot Lasagna

 

The croissants came from Bilo. I wanted to make a small salad that included Cucumbers, but Bilo didn't have any Cucumbers!! Seriously how does a grocery store not have Cucumbers! I was rather annoyed by that lol!

December 27th: Spending time with my bestie

 

Since I didn't see my bestie on my birthday he came by tonight to bring my gift. I got a clarisonic MIA! I'm so happy because I've wanted one of these for the longest time! He's so sweet and
awesome to buy this for me!!💙💙

How was your Christmas?


Happy Holidays!

My Beauty Favorites 2014

Hello Everyone!

 

 

Disclaimer:

 My apologies for the missing pictures. My pictures were accidentally deleted off my blog. Please Refer to my Instagram account miss_pilar to view the pictures (or some of the pictures) that were deleted.  

 

 

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I will have my birthday post up soon, but today I want to focus on my favorite beauty products for 2014. I'm so proud of myself for getting this post up on time. I actually finished this post earlier this month to make sure I got it posted on time. I usually don't do a whole lot of monthly favorites since some of my favorites are the same or I just forget about them in general lol. However, I didn't want to let the year go out without writing my favorite beauty products for the year. This is just a list of products that I discussed throughout this year in past posts.

Lip Products

MAC, NYX Butter Lipstick, Avon Ultra Color Lipstick, NYX Butter Gloss, MAC Prep+Prime, NYX Lip Pencil, and Avon Glimmerstick Lip Liner

 

 

Mac, by far is my favorite brand, but I also use these other brands because they're such good quality. Avon and NYX products are also good quality and come in a variety of shades. All these brands have been a major staple in my makeup routine this year.

*These aren't necessarily my favorite colors I just listed them for display purposes

Eye Products

Urban Decay Naked, Naked 2, and Naked 3 Palettes, Lorac Pro Palette, and BH Cosmetics

 

Honestly I couldn't chose between the three Naked palettes because I love them all. I won't dwell to much on these palettes since I wrote reviews and showed FOTD's with each palette. If you love neutral and rose colors (Naked 3), these are definitely the palettes to have.

Mac Paint Pot in Painterly, NYX Eyeshadow Pencil in Milk, and NYX Eyeshadow Base in White

 

 

I see why so many people rave about these eyeshadow bases. Paint Pot is so worth the hype it receives as base because it makes your eyeshadow blend well. It also makes your eye makeup look flawless. Milk (pencil) and (White) also helps create gorgeous eye makeup  looks. I mentioned this before...you only have to use a small amount of each to make your eyeshadow pop. Also, if you have a eyeshadow that doesn't show well try one of these two as bases to give your eyeshadow life. I really like how all three can also be worn alone as eyeshadow.

Face

Fashion Fair Fast Finish Foundation Stick

 

This is more of a Holy Grail product for me since for both my foundation and concealer. I think this runs about $28, and it only takes a small amount of this foundation for full coverage.


Victoria's Secret Bronzer (Goddess)

 

I started using this over the Summer and I've loved it ever since. The bronzer isn't too shimmery and I like how I can wear it during the whole year. It really reminds me of a nice lightweight powder. 


Skin Products and Removers

Ponds Towelettes, BH Cosmetics Eye and Lip Makeup Remover, and Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser 

 

I like to buy the travel size packs of Ponds towelettes rather than the large pack because the smaller packs don't dry out as often.

 

You have to have good products to remove your makeup right?! Well, I think I've found mine. These go hand in hand because I use the wipes to remove my makeup and the eye and lip remover before washing my face.


Cetaphil Sensitive Face Cleasner

 

After I use the towelettes, eye and lip remover, I use Cetaphil Cleanser to wash my face. If you read my blog on a regular basis, you already know how much I love to use Cetaphil products for my skin regimens. 


Nail Polish

Pure Ice Nail Polish

 

I recently discovered this brand of polish this year and it's great quality! These polishes come in a variety of colors (including glitter). My manicures usually last about 6 days without any chipping or retouching, pretty impressive! 


There you have it, my list of favorites beauty products for 2014! What are some of your favorites products for the year? Also, if you do favorite beauty products for the year, leave your blog link so I can check it out!


Happy Holidays! 

Evian Facial Spray Review

Hello Everyone!

 

Disclaimer:

 My apologies for the missing pictures. My pictures were accidentally deleted off my blog. Please Refer to my Instagram account miss_pilar to view the pictures (or some of the pictures) that were deleted.  

 

 

 

Disclaimer: I was selected by Brandbacker to write a review for Evian Facial Spray. All opinions are 100 % my own.

 

About the Product

From the French Alps, Evian natural mineral water has a balanced mineral composition and a neutral pH suiting all skin types.

Claims

- Wakes up your skin and senses

* When Used daily, Evian Facial Spray

- Increases your skin hydration

- Helps to fix make-up 

- Offers you constant freshness and purity. 


My Thoughts

Since skin care is very important to me, I found this spray rejuvenating and it definitely woke my skin up when I used it on my face. I did notice that my face did feel more hydrated since I started using the spray. The hydrating factor is definitely a plus since the weather is getting colder and this spray appears to helps prevent dry skin. In the pamphlet I showed above, it mentioned that you could apply this facial spray on top of mineral powder. So of course I tested it out on top of my makeup. The spray gave my makeup a refreshed look and my makeup didn't feel sticky after usage. I like that this facial spray can be used for multiple purposes. Since I've been sick, this spray keeps my face refreshed and gives my skin life lol. I know some reviews I read just consider this water in a can, but I can see the benefits of usage. I never used a facial spray before now, but I would repurchase this Evian Facial Spray. 

 

Here's a no makeup selfie I took. I thought this would be perfect to show since I'm still sick and my skin looks lively because of this Evian Facial Spray.

For more information about Evian Facial Spray visit their website at http://www.evianspray.com



Happy Holidays and thanks for stopping by my blog!

The Winter Tag

Hello Everyone! 


Happy Winter! Since I'm still bed ridden with a cold lol I decided to do the Winter Tag on my phone. How gorgeous is that picture? This one of the reasons why I want to visit New Year during the holidays because the decorations are beautiful!


- What's 3 things you like to do during winter?
  1. Crochet new projects
  2. Make homemade soups
  3. Curl up in a blanket and watch tv or read a good book.

- Do you like the snow?
Yes. It looks so beautiful.

- Does it even snow where you live?
Sometimes, but not a whole lot.

- What's the best part about winter time?
The scenery and I can wear some cute Winter accessories.

- Is winter your favorite season?
Not at all lol. My favorite season is Spring.

- Does your family celebrate Christmas?
Yes, I am a Christian.

- Do you get a lot of presents?
I think I get enough and I feel blessed and grateful for the things I receive.

- Do you help put up and decorate the Christmas tree?
Yes, tree decorating is always fun!

- Do you have a stocking?
Yes, I made a crochet stocking last year.

- Do you like the cold winter weather?
Absolutely NOT! Since I live in the South the weather isn't too cold, but when it does get really cold I don't like it, and I usually get a cold that takes forever to get over lol. Hence the reason I'm on bed rest right now.

- Do you build snowmen?
The last time. I built a snowman I was in the 8th grade.

- How many blankets do you sleep with in winter?
I usually have at least one or two of my crochet blankets on the bed. It just depends how cold I get.

Would you rather:

- Wear gloves with no hat or a hat with no gloves?
Gloves with no hat. My hands stay cold.

- Go sledding or ice skating?
I've never done either, but I would love to go sledding it looks like so much fun!

- Your toes go numb or your fingers?
My fingers, this is why I always wear gloves lol

- Drink hot chocolate or apple cider?
Hot chocolate!


Happy Holidays!

MAC and Yankee Candle Pre-Birthday Haul

Hello Everyone!

 

 

Disclaimer:

 My apologies for the missing pictures. My pictures were accidentally deleted off my blog. Please Refer to my Instagram account miss_pilar to view the pictures (or some of the pictures) that were deleted.  

 

 

Since my birthday is in a few days, I decided to treat myself to a pre birthday haul. Side note is it me or does it seem like everyone is sick? I know so many people that have colds right now including myself. I've been under the weather the last few days. (I feel so terrible! lol) Hopefully with bed rest I'll feel better in time for my birthday and Christmas.

 

 

MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre 

 

KEEPSAKES/RED LIP BAG

 

Keepsakes: Viva  Glamorous Bag

 

From left to right: Viva Glam Rihanna 1, Viva Glam Rihanna 2, Ruby Woo, Ruby Woo Lipglass, and Heroine

 

 

Ruby Woo Lip Pencil

 

Yankee Candle Christmas Cookie. Omgosh they smell so good!

Did you purchase anything from the MAC holiday collection? Do you like Yankee Candle?


Happy Holidays and thanks for stopping by my blog!

Reflections of a 28 Year Old Woman

Hello Everyone!

Here we are, exactly one week until Christmas and my birthday!!! Yes that's right, my birthday is on Christmas Day for those who didn't know or new to my blog. For my blogger friends and others who follow my blog, may remember I did a post like this last year a week before my birthday. 

Even though I try to embrace my age as I get older, I still can't believe I'm going to be 29 year's old next week, God willing. I guess I wrote that statement because I'm about to enter the last year in my 20's lol. I read an article on the internet a few months ago that 28 is supposed be your best year in your 20's. Well I feel like that 28 has been good year, even though I feel everyday at any age is a blessing within itself. I know many people make a list of things they want to do or accomplish before they turn a certain age a.k.a. the infamous bucket list, but I learned a long time ago...some things you can't control. Two other lessons I've learned in life thus far: 1. Things take time. 2. Things happen when they're supposed too. So far I've accomplished a few of my goals I've set for myself, but for the goals I haven't achieved yet I look forward to accomplishing in the future! I will also write another reflection about this year in general, so stayed tuned for that!

Happy Birthday to all my December babies and Happy holidays everyone!

Thanks for stopping by my blog!