Good Morning

Today was one of those rare mornings where I woke naturally, brewed some coffee and caught up on some reading. I can't say these types of mornings happen often--especially with the rush of school, wedding planning all while trying to cherish every moment with my family and friends.

Life can be such a rush but I try and hold onto those moments where everything just seems right.

So, this post--I wouldn't say I wear makeup every day. There are a few days in the week where I'll stay at home and let my face be naked for a day but feeling naturally beautiful is another story.

But today I felt a little different. I decided to wake up, shoot some pictures of me in my natural state--no makeup, hair definitely not brushed...while sporting a seriously comfy sweater and a seriously comfy skirt.

Turkey Mountain--TULSA, OK

So today we got a late start. We left our house around 8:45 and got to the mountain around 11 (ish). 

The trails were listed as red, blue, yellow and pink. Red was a beginner course about 0.8 miles around. Blue and yellow were for "enthusiasts," which is secret code for "experts." Michael was thinking this mountain was going to be easier than it actually was. He decided to venture on the blue route and convinced me to try it out with him... a serious mistake. A few minutes into the trail, we hit a HUGE rock garden (a collection of very large rocks) going a steep uphill.

Let me preface this by telling you that Michael has been biking since he was 2--competitively. I've never biked competitively and mountain biking is very new to me (within the last year). I love it but it is definitely going to take some mental and physical training. 

Anyway, 

so I decided to get off the blue trail and take a look again at the map. Of course, the pink trail caught my eye--5.7 miles of scenic, beginner trails viewing the beautiful gardens of Turkey Mountain. I made my way to the trail and it was also VERY TECHNICAL. I really couldn't get catch a break. I decided to continue on the pink trail and it actually turned out to be pretty fun... even if I did have to walk my bike through some of the way--okay, a lot of the way. 

All in all it was a very happy and fulfilling trip. We biked for about 3 hours and were pooped at the end and decided to head home. 

Tulsa skyline!

 

Mountain Biking. YEAH!

Oh hey, people!

I am so excited.

My fiancee sold his old (very nice) mountain bike and bought me a brand spankin' new Specialized Jett. YESSS. So excited to explore some Oklahoma mountains!

So tomorrow we are heading to Turkey Mountain, a local hotspot based out of Tulsa for  Oklahoma mountain bikers. It's not exactly local for us since we are traveling from Oklahoma City but who doesn't like taking a road trip every now and then, eh?

Will post pictures tomorrow!

But for now, ya'll get a picture of me and my NEW BIKE!

Native Roots

 Shirt:The Loft //Pants: Mossimo// Belt: Target,//Flats: Jessica Simpson // Watch:Michael Kors//Parka: and oldie from TJ Maxx

I finally had the chance to explore the city a little bit this weekend and found so many cute shops popping up! Everything from  this Native Roots local grocery store to the new and improved farmer's market--there are so many adorable things to see. The weather was just right for a warm coffee to go and these Jessica Simpson flats to explore a small section of Deep Deuce. 

Goodbye 2013, Hello 2014!

2013 was swell. But 2014 looks exhilarating. I'm hungry for change and to see what is ahead. 

Cheers to the new year, loves!

Resolutions: 

1. Try 52 new things

2. Be more adventurous

3. ROAD TRIP!

4. Be more productive

5. Embrace creativity

6. Embrace spirituality

7. Follow gut instinct

8. Dream more

9. Love immensely

10. Devote time to a meaningful cause

Plaid with a Hint of Vest

This winter season, I have been obsessed with vests. They're warm, cozy and the perfect garment to cuddle up with. So obviously I've been wearing this one for a few weeks now with this adorable plaid shirt from American Eagle. The two put together have been the ultimate comfort duo--I wouldn't have it any other way.

What is your favorite garment this season? 

CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation

Growing up I had two older sisters who I absolutely adored. Both of which were fairly older than me. So naturally, I wanted to copy everything they did--wear the same clothes, shop at the same stores, talk on the phone with boys (although my parents were not very supportive of that notion). Needless to say, I picked up a few of their habits, specifically wearing makeup.

It's true. I've been wearing makeup since middle school. Granted, I started out applying clear mascara and clear lipgloss but my habit quickly escalated to testing my mother's liquid foundation and figuring out which shade of blush fit my skin tone. Thus, my love for makeup and all things beauty was born.

And now here I am. The product in question is described as "Lasting Power of primer, coverage of concealer and blendability of foundation in one. Shine Free."  Let's investigate.

 1. I chose "creamy neutral," the second to lightest shade, as I tend to pick foundations that are a shade or two darker than my skin tone.

2.  I was afraid "creamy neutral" would be a bit too light for me but it fits my skin tone perfectly. 

3. It blends and builds nicely for full coverage. This photo is after I blended it into the back of my hand. It feels light on my skin, honestly like I have no makeup on at all. 

 4. This is after about 30 minutes of wear. It creates a nice even tone. Not too much shine.

The only con I could think of is the packaging. I would not give this a high grade. When I picture myself walking through the makeup aisles of Target, I don't see this product catching my interesting. But since it has gotten great reviews and is fairly inexpensive, I decided to give it a go.

Something to keep in mind. It has SPF 20 in it, which is great for protecting your skin but it does create an oily shine in night time photos. So if you're going to wear it for date night/a night out with the girls, I suggest a matte powder finish to avoid reflective shine in photos.

This Week.

 Lounging, no makeup, job hunting, modeling my best friend's new Rebecca Minkoff bag (which I'm obsessed with)...a few things the past week consisted of before I start school again. This is my last semester of pre-requisites--thank goodness and then I find out if I got into the nursing program. So with nervousness and excitement in hand, I've been trying to take my mind off of it by thrifting and Target lingering. Shopaholic, much? Not really because I have what I call "buyer's anxiety." I always pick something out and always put it back. If I think about it for a few days and still want it... then I go back and get it. Take the ocean blue faux leather jacket ^^. It is a nice Target find, but it took me a few days to think about it. I'm extremely frugal when it comes to spending money on clothes. I just have to REALLY want it. Luckily I bought this just in time for the cold temperatures that fused into northern OK this weekend. It seriously went from 65...to like 20 degrees. Yikes. I have to get ready for northern temperatures though since I plan on migrating somewhere north in the near future. Fingers crossed!

Hello 2013

Let me just get my "IT HAS BEEN SO LONG SINCE THE LAST TIME I'VE BLOGGED" rant out of the way. I apologize. But the holidays have treated me well. I got to see my California family, attend my mother's holiday parties, enjoy amazing food and feel a sense of camaraderie among my family. Of course with extravagant christmas, comes the much needed post-holiday re-cooperation and relaxation period. 2012 brought so many changes to my life. I moved back to the city, have coped with my boyfriend's first year of medica school, enjoyed an amazing vacation in Colorado and basically transitioned into adulthood (it was hard). Yet, I can't help but think that 2013 holds SO much more in store for me. I am finally looking for a big girl job, planning to travel, write more, read more (already finished my first book since the New Year!) Things are looking good for the year. I feel like it is a blank journal I've acquired. A new twelve months to make things right, be inspired and do great things. 


Cheers!

December: Week Recap

This week has been so incredibly busy with Christmas shopping, family coming in town, looking for a job and then just your daily responsiblitiyes that take up time like paying bills, keeping the house straight, etc. etc. etc. I havent even had enough time to blog really much less take outfit photos even though I'm missing it!

I have recently been out and about and so I have some photos for a recap of my week.

1. A Birchbox gold glitz nail polish my sister gave me/2. a collection of my christmas decorations/ 3. my adorable nephew Ryder/4. homemade pumpkin spice white hot chocolate/ 5. my husky with our midget christmas tree/ 6.  a Starbucks run during christmas shopping/7. my adorable best friend Ashley wrapping her christmas presents/8.  my other nephew and I being silly/ 9.  a Baltic Porter that I gave a try the other day (so good). 

Don't forget to enter the Atomos Christmas Giveaway! Burgundy MAC lipstick and the new hairspray I am loving. How can you pass it up??

Faux Pas

I am intrigued. 

Growing up, there were so many RULES to how you wore your clothes/what clothes to wear. That is the essence of growing up in public schools, right? I remember when I was in grade school, I was wearing sandals with my outfit, which I'm sure was a just a track suit and some old navy flip flops haha! Being the young tomboy that I was, I never paid attention to any kind of fashion. I liked playing soccer with the boys, what can I say?  Oh my, how times of have changed.

Anyway, a friend of mine came up to me and told me my sandals were CLASHING. I didn't even know what meant! I had to go home to my mom and ask her the definition of the word. Of course, growing up in the girl world, you start to learn "the rules" of fashion. 

BUT NOW, the rules are gone! I am seeing white pants past Labor Day, brown and black combinations, mixed/strong patterns, navy blue/black, sandals in the December (if it's somewhat warm). Don't get me wrong, I LOVE IT. But are we seeing style/fashion evolution? And I'm not just talking about style from the 70s recycling into 2012. I am thinking RULES/previous faux pas. Are they out the door? 

What are some old rules you remember that are now out the door? Do you say "to hell with the rules" and do your own thing? I'm so curious!

November/December Products I'm Using Video!

Hello lovely readers!

1. Above, I posted a video of my November/December favorites! I was so excited to share some of the things I've been using that I wanted to make a video of it! Let me know if you like it!

Can I just say I am so excited for Christmas. My sister is flying in with her adorable little family a week from this Thursday. We already have a lot planned out for the week of Christmas including a beer tasting at my house! I cannot wait to share those pictures with you. 

I am definitely in the christmas spirit and am feeling so thankful for everything in my life.  I am really wanting to give back, so I am thinking about going to volunteer for a few hours or providing a few presents for underserved children. 

What traditions are YOU doing during the holidays?? Any volunteer ideas??

Present: Things, Reading, Doing

My list of lovely subscribers is growing! I never thought the day would come where I had more than one subscriber (and it was my sister). Thank you all for reading and visiting!

I recently bought a lipgloss from the drugstore down the street. I wanted something clear to go over this lipliner I was trying out. It works OK. It stays on for just a little bit and does add some quick shine but you pretty much get what you pay for. I think it was something around $7? My favorite is probably  Lancome's collection of lip glosses because they add HIGH gloss.

I have been loving my dark hair. It feels so much softer and is tamed easily. They also did a small shine treatment on it, which I love. Unlike all of the other blogs that I ADORE, my hair is just medium length. I am trying to grow it out but always trim the ends. Growing it out is such a long process, do you feel like that??

Anyway, The boyfriend and I went to Tapwerks, a local brewery. We have been having so much fun going brewery hopping within the state. It is so much fun and a great date idea. We have some modern architecture that recently went up downtown and I love it so I decided to snap a photo of it!

Also, I have been reading The Gospel According to Coco Chanel. It is lovely and a quick read. I adore Coco Chanel, her brand and life story and it is kind of a tradition of mine to read up on an early 1900s celebrity. I don't know why!