Back To School 2012

Tomorrow I start college again!  I bought a macbook pro last week, so NOW I can easily upload blog posts on a regular basis and possibly get more Lovely Duckling followers.  :)
Stay tuned!  This new semester will be a great one!

Awards!!

I've just received 2 more blog awards and would like to first thank the lovely Jenn Flynn from "Wish You Were Here" at http://jennflynn74.blogspot.com.  She has given me the "One Lovely Blog" award.  Thank you!

And the second award is the "Liebster Blog" award from the lovely Becca from "Looks And Books With Becca" at http://looksandbookswithbecca.blogspot.com.  Thank you!

(Since the rules for both awards are so very similar, I'm mixing them up together for an Award Duo post.)

The Rules:

Link back to who nominated you.  CHECK.
Create own questions for your nominations of the Liebster award.  CHECK.
Write (several) random facts about yourself.   CHECK.

Answer the questions for the Liebster award from Becca.   CHECK.

Nominate & notify (several) Bloggers.   CHECK!

Random Facts About Myself:
1. I folk dance!

2. I have a twin brother, 2 mins younger than me. HAHA!

3. Photography is an unofficial hobby of mine.  http://emilyelisabethphotography.weebly.com/

4. I am in love with Clinique's Acne Solutions System. It's doing miraculous things on my face (aka it's working!)

5. I played the violin from 3rd-12th grade. But I'm not amazing because I wasn't fully devoted.  

6. I am 5'9" (1.75 m) tall.  But growing up, I had wanted to be 6 foot so I could beat the boys in Basketball. 

7. I love Italian food and Chinese food.

8. I enjoy taking pictures of celebrities with their loving fans after local concerts. 

9. I know 3.5 yrs of American Sign Language.

10. My cat has 7 toes on her front paws. I can post a picture to prove it, if need be. 

11. I sing hardcore and you can hear some of my old stuff (2-4 yrs old recordings) at http://emilyelisabeth.weebly.com/

Liebster Award- Becca's Questions
1. Sephora or Ulta?  -Never been to Ulta, will have to say Sephora.
2. Liquid, gel, or pencil liner?  -Both liquid and pencil liners.
3. How much time do you spend blogging per day?  -For 3 posts, probably 15 minutes. (I'm fast!)
4. Bright or light colors?  -Bright or pastel colors?  I'd say both if that's what you mean.
5. Curly, wavy, or straight hair?  -For summer, definitely wavy hair!
6. Do you have any pets?  -Yes.  4 cats and 5 house Mice. 
7. Do you text a lot?  -I used to.
8. Pinterest or Instagram?  -Pinterest!!!
9. What are the last 3 books you read?  -P.S. I Love You, My Brother Michael, and Hansel & Gretel 

10. Natural or dramatic makeup?  -Always natural makeup.

11. What's your favorite color?  -Electric Blue!!  (and Peach)

For both One Lovely Blog & Liebster Nominations:

Czarina at http://hermerriment.blogspot.com/
Victoria at http://www.cherrypearls100.com/ 
Jeasmine Incoglia at http://www.keepintouchwithfashion.com/ 
Niesha at http://www.indianbeautyforever.com/ 
Sharon at http://thetinyheart.blogspot.com/ 
Jasmine at http://awonderkind.blogspot.com/ 
Fashionettista at http://fashionettista.blogspot.com/
Emilie at http://www.hungrydelights.com/

Sarah at http://500daysoffashion.blogspot.com/ 
Dilek at http://deemacy.blogspot.com/ 
Madai at http://leatherandpearl.blogspot.com/

Liebster Award Winner's Questions from Em's Eye Spy Beauty
1. Why do you enjoy blogging?
2. What is your favorite summer activity?
3. How tall are you?
4. Any fashion-embarrassing moments?
5. Makeup or clothes?
6. Who do you wish you could sing like?

7. When is your birthday?
8. What is your favorite candy?
9. Which Disney guy is your favorite?
10. What do you miss most right now?
11. What are you most grateful for today?

I'm so grateful for everyone's unique and impressive blogs!  We're all different and come from different places of the world, and this blogging community is so fun!  Enjoy your day!

I'm BACK!

I am sooo sorry I haven't been around for a whole month.  (It seems much longer than that!)
Here's the thing: my computer is a piece of junk and it suddenly decided to not load the "New Post" page for my blog!  I was completely stuck, until today, my brother tried it just for kicks, and it loaded!!

So for now, everything is alright.  I will be blogging like crazy for the next month because of the blogs I've had saved and prepared for the day when my computer would be functioning again.  :)  Today's the day!

Start looking for tons of blog posts- scroll down to see the 4 new posts I put up today!!  :)

Summer Nights

During the warm summer months, we seem to focus on the hot days filled with tanning, swimming, trips with friends, and BBQs and although all of those are fun and entertaining, I also love love LOVE warm summer nights.  The perfect lighting and temperature make these nights gorgeous and calming.  I'm also reminded of Richard Marx's songs "Endless Summer Nights" and especially "Hold On To the Nights."  Here's the youtube link to that song: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuZ23dn-M4Y&feature=related 

There are so many fun activities you can do in the summer evenings: like a fancy dinner, a hike, a late night movie, night time volleyball or frisbee, a bonfire with smores... there are so many fun things to do with friends or a certain someone.  :) 

What's In My Purse

Yellow Purse: From last year's carnival- bought at a tent -bags are handmade and one of a kind, for very cheap

Keys: you can guess what for.
Water Bottle: I love my Fiji bottle because it's the perfect size and it's a boxier-shape than other water bottles. 

Entertainer's Secret Spray: I sing all the time and this spray keeps my throat from getting dry and worn out.  Demi Lovato uses it too, just saying.
iPod: My baby with the songs I know and love.  There's still tons of space for movies, tv show clips, and more music.  :P
Wallet: Holds my Driver's License, college ID, Business cards... sometimes money.
Pens: For jotting anything down that I may need to.
Various Notebooks: Yellow one is for songwriting ideas and the Black & White is for immediate goal setting.
Pleasure Book: P.S. I Love You is my favorite book to read.  It's so amazing and has you entertained for all 400+ pages of it. 

Mini Lotion: I'm currently loving White Citrus from Bath and Body Works.  It's sometimes better than a mini perfume because it also moisturizes the skin.
Mini Hairspray: L'Oreal's Elnett is great not just for the product quality, but also for it's mini sizes. Great for the fastest touchups ever.
Hair Ties: Bright, fun, non-tearing bands are great for if I ever need to put my hair up and away from my face (which is almost daily)

Powder: I use Physician's Formula Mineral Wear Powder because it responds great to my skin and there's no way the lid will pop off and make a mess in my bag.
Hair Clip: This flower clip is my favorite to use because it's so versatile- look and color.
Powder Brush: Easy to keep in it's little lid compartment so as not to lose the shape of the brush.
LipGloss: Every girl should have their favorite lip color in their bag.  My current favorite is (surprisingly) Bonnebelle's lipLites in Cappuccino (a beautiful natural brown shade) -and no, I'm not a coffee-drinker. :)
Concealor: MAJOR important thing to keep in my bag.  Also very explanatory.
A Couple Lipsticks: Rimmel London's Kate collection lipstick in 014 and Mac's lipstick in Hue are great shades to keep in your bag for an every day use.

Got any blog posts about what's in YOUR purse?

Mother's Day!

Mother's Day is today! :)  I'm so happy!  My mom is the type of person you'd imagine living in a gorgeous cottage with cats, in France.  Haha- so, here are some things I did for my mom: I wrote a mini message and taped it to her door, I gave her the blue fabric magnet (pictured above), an intense pink card, a scented candle called Soft Cotton Blanket, my brothers and I gave her breakfast in bed, and gave her flowers. What did you give your mom?  :) Happy Mother's Day!

Health- Meal Notebook

 I have a goal that for this summer, I will be very conscious and aware of what I put in my mouth.  Eating healthier is always a positive goal and I believe writing down the things I have eaten is a great way to improve one's daily diet.
Here is a picture of my very old, dirty, but still somewhat cute Meal Notebook I have used in the past.  (The page was written in 2010, but it was a good entry haha.)  I'm going to start writing in my meal notebook again and see how this summer goes for more healthier improvements. Join me?

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What's On My Desk

Here is what my desk looks like (or used to look like.  Right after taking these pictures, I rearranged it- haha maybe I'll post an update later in life) :)

I love setting desks, nightstands, shelves, etc.. up. It's just something I find satisfaction in.  :)  And it's a great place to work on dull homework assignments.

(Click to Enlarge)

 Left Side: Gotta love phones & lamps!             Middle: The zebra box holds my gum!

   Right Side: The box holds my post-its, flashcards, paper clips, and stapler.

What's on your desk?                    

My First Blog Nomination!

What?!  Already?  What joy!-this is incredible.  I was nominated for the Liebster Award by Andrea from Cutely-Whimsical!  :)  Thank you Andrea!  This award is for new-ish bloggers who have under 200 Followers- or in my case: under 200 Lovely Ducklings.

Now- here are my top 5 nominations:

Rose Petal Beauty

-Her blog is adorable, chic, and lovely.  Her posts are practically perfect in every way!

I Want These Shoes

-This girl has great blog-post ideas, and always has something new to show us. It's great and girly!

Freestyle Moda

-Sheyla has the most amazing, unique, and original style.  Her OotD's are SO cool!

College Girl

-For anyone going to college (like myself), you'll love this blog!  It's different, informative and fun!

Fashion By Alicia

-Alicia's fashion is perky, fun, intriguing, and girly!  LOVE this girl's sense of fashion!

Go check these ladies out!

It's One of Those Weeks...

Mother Nature's monthly gifts aren't fun, wanted, or convenient.  It's a pain and just overall bothersome.  But during this uncomfortable 4-7 days, I think some pampering and comfort for ourselves is what makes these days bearable.  Here are some things that are helpful for us girls!

(Click to Enlarge)

Pillows- I LOVE my big electric blue fluffy pillow

Blankets- cotton blankets and electric-heat blankets are very comfortable.

Pets- My baby Gypsy is the cutest thing!  Just look at her!  Awhh. :)

Cute Mugs- to drink applejuice

Soup- w/ crackers calms the stomach 

Heavy Duty Lip Balm Treatment- (my lips suffer during this week)

Ibuprofen- (pain-relievers in general)

Treats!- I got this 75% off chocolate Easter bunny a few days ago and am saving it for this occasion- which will be soon.

10 Unique Things I Have

This is stuff that most girls probably don't have.  :)  Read on! (The spider story is insane!)

Tulip Lamp: It's gorgeous, feminine and has a powerful lightbulb- holy shmoly!

Indian Horse: I got this at age 8, when I was traveling with my family, and we got it in Nebraska.

Yoda Lunchbox: Yes. My H.S. Orch. teacher used some Yoda-sayings during the year, I gave him some Yoda things, and my mom (bless her heart!) got me the same lunchbox for my birthday.  Awesome sauce!

Candle Lamp Shade Holder- It's so cute, fun, unexpected, and the lamp shade is the best feature.

Piano Phone- YES!  It really works!  The keys play different notes!  I personally LOVE my piano phone!  

Penguin Thingy- It sits by my bathroom sink.  I got it from a friend.  It's cute.  haha

Treble Clef Pencil- It's hard to use the eraser, but the pencil itself is fun and reflects my love of music!

Glass Giraffe figure- My twin bro got this for me.  I think it's cute too.

Floral Tea Set- My aunt gave this to me forever ago.  It's so girly, cute, and reminds me of her. :)

Spider Gem/Peacock Box (present packaging)- 

STORY:   In 10th grade, my biology project was to make a huge bug collection. While looking for bugs one night, I saw a huge, long, creepy shadow moving across the sidewalk.  I looked closer, and found it was an enormous black widow.  The abdomen was shiny, so I knew it was poisonous.  My bro caught it in a jar for me.  It made a web overnight and the next morning, we saw her stomach and my guess was confirmed: It was a massive black widow.

I decided to keep it as a "pet" and I named her BIG MAMA.  I actually adored her, but never opened the jar (bros fed her outside, not me) but while in her jar, I loved looking at her, watching her fiddle with her web, or with her feet... She was really gorgeous and truly massive- beyond giant.

I brought her to my biology teacher soon after and he told me how insanely rare Big Mama's size was.  He was impressed that I found her, and if I remember right, he gave me extra credit.  Long story short, Big Mama eventually died.  My mom got me this beautiful spider gem (a bit smaller than Big Mama) in remembrance of Big Mama and the temporary fun we had together.  <3 ya Big Mama!

Disclaimer: I HATE spiders, and I have a special shoe with the only purpose of squashing them.  But Big Mama, (who'd have thought?!) was actually sooo interesting, I liked watching her, and kept her even though she was sooo dangerous and creepy looking.  I was crazy in 10th grade, okay?  :) But the story is awesome!

Bedtime Routines

Lately, I've been doing some new things before I hop into bed.
After I've showered, brushed my teeth, wash my face using Clinique, and put on chapstick, I'll rub a little lotion on my hands or spray body mist once on my neck.

I also can't go to bed without having some milk or applejuice.  I like using this Minnie Mouse mug I got for my mom from Disneyland, of course.  It's such a cute mug!  I also need my waterbottle on my nightstand. 

I'm either reading or writing before bed, and I've been listening to Kenny Loggins CD "Return to Pooh Corner."  The songs and music are so sweet and calming.  It makes me happy everytime I listen to it.  -One of my all time favorite albums.

I've also been going to bed between 3 & 5am.  I'm stopping that bad habit after I post this blog.  Like, right now. ;)

Candles!!

I love candles.  They have the best scents, looks and colors.  Even though I don't have a ton of candles, I am very content with what I have.  They're all different, but all amazing and pretty.  

P.S. (the lamp shade, inside is a candle!!)

Bag Collection

Top Row:

1. Blue Plaid Backpack- from Walmart, use for busy college days

2. Small Denim Rainbow design- from years ago, (don't use often)

3. Denim Striped Drawstring Bag- I made this senior year of highschool, (don't use often)

4. Sequined- twin brother gave to me years ago, (don't use often)

2nd Row:

1. Multi-Pattern- from Mom, use for fancy concerts & dates

2. Piano Bag- use for vocal lessons & school

3. Yellow- from booth at festival/parade (one of a kind), use for school, dates & errands

3rd Row:

1. Multi-Use InsideOut- from California/Mom, use for casual outtings w/ friends & errands

2. Crazy Random- from Grandma, use for dates, school & outtings

3. Brown Fringe- from Kohl's, use for everything

4th Row:

1. Red Ruffle- from family, use for errands & dates

2. Blue Celtic- from uncle from a Scottish Festival, use for everything

3. Zebra Print- from cousin, use for school

The bags I use the most are the Multi-Use InsideOut, Crazy Random, Brown Fringe, Blue Celtic & Zebra Print.  However, I love ALL these bags, and am so glad I have them!

Question: what's a cheap and cute way to store bags like these?  Right now, they're stacked in a pink plastic laundry bin. :P  Any suggestions?

Another Haul

Tonight I went on several different errands getting random things I've been needing.  I got 6 white posters (for future YouTube video backgrounds), some mechanical pencils, an unscented Secret deodorant, Neutrogena's Makeup Remover Wipes in Night Calming, Clinique Acne Solutions system kit, Revlon Lip Butter in Peach Parfait, and CoverGirl eyebrow pencils in Honey Brown.  I got really happy when I came home to enjoy my random goodies.

Goodbye to Picnik

I have edited hundreds of photos using picnik.com and it is now closing today.  I really wish it wasn't.  I have really attached myself to this site and know it sooo well.  My favorite seasonal list was Halloween's Vampire list- so fun!!  I've used Picnik for years and have enjoyed it every time- like just now when I edited these three pictures!  Picnik, you will be deeply missed.

                           Love,

                          Blooming blossoms, Cueing bird songs, & Buttering sandwiches.

(PicMonkey- maybe you'll be Picnik's best replacement??)

Calming Down

We all feel overwhelmed at times and this is my list of things that help me calm down.

-blog
-movies
-music
-coloring books
-singing
-reading magazines
-make to-do lists
-play w/ my cats
-cleaning

What helps you to calm down when you're feeling overwhelmed?  

Haul from Kmart

 I got my first denim top and a cool designed collared button-down top (to wear with a navy cardigan)

I also got 3 Rimmel London Lipsticks (FAVS), L'Oreal Blush, and L'Oreal Concealor
Even Kmart has some goodies worth having.  Random and spontaneous, I'm happy with my findings!

The Ultimate "Outfit Chart"

Before I saw any blogs about doing an Outfit Chart, I came up with this (UGLY) outfit calendar.  It is sooo difficult for me to decide what I'm going to wear each day, and go through all of my clothing and jewelry options that I have.  So I spent a weekend putting all of my clothes, jewelry, bags, and hairstyles together and a couple hours writing this outfit calendar.  WASN'T I DUMB!!

I saw some blog posts about a cute WEEKLY outfit chart that you can use over and over again, and it's so much simpler, cuter, funner, and easier to use!  That ugly chart was before.  Here's the simple chart after.

Ta Da!  Doesn't it look so fresh and not chaotic?  I feel really proud I made this in less than an hour, and I have my outfits charted to go through, (like a conveyor belt).  I currently have 5 months planned- rotating my outfits around so that I can use what I have to the fullest.  I'm grateful!  :)  

Wisdom Teeth 101

How To Handle Your Wisdom-Teeth Removal Week

My Experience:

On August 15^th, 2011 at 8am, my twin brother David and I got all four of our wisdom teeth removed.  I was so scared I was crying in the lobby while we waited for the assistant to call us back.  The actual interior of the lobby was beautiful, fancy, calming (that’s always helpful) and classic.  I was very impressed of the structure, colors and design.  Dr. Harris was phenomenal and the assistants were well trained.  They explained a couple things about the procedure and comforted me in the best way they could (even though I was still crying and tears were streaming down my face as I looked quietly at my mom-no joke.)  I’m always scared of unknown pain, surgery, etc… but this experience was interesting. 

I left my family as I followed a nurse to a different room where the teeth removal would take place.  I asked for cold-spray on my arm where they would give me an IV to fall asleep aka conk out.  I was grateful that I was asleep during the process and I HIGHLY recommend you have that happen to you as well. 

When I woke up, I actually remember sitting in the wheelchair, gauze was in my mouth (it was not overflowing), and the assistant was chatting with me while we waited for David to finish.  She asked me how I was, what I felt like, if I was hungry, if the gauze was alright, etc… I remember replying “I’m okay, I feel sleepy, yes I’m hungry, the gauze is fine…” and even though I was a little bit loopy, I held it together and was rather quiet, still, and as focused as I could be. 

I breathed in through my nose and exhaled from my mouth.  You may think this is funny but I brought my BIG black sunglasses to wear afterwards because I knew I’d still be a little tearful.  Dr. Harris explained that girls tend to be more tearful afterwards whereas boys are more talkative and upbeat.  When David was wheeled over to me, he was talking and looking around just like Dr. Harris had said. 

The assistant, and Dr. Harris slowly walked us to the car.  I chose the back seat and David chose shotgun.  Of course David brought his camera to videotape himself and a little bit of me afterwards to later show friends and family.  I rarely talked- gave a few thumbs up, some whimpering replies, some head-nods, and had placed my hand lightly over my swollen cheeks and chin.  When we got home, I picked the recliner chair that already had my favorite pillows and blanket on it. 

This is the third day of the recovery and I’m told it’s the hardest day with the most swelling.  I agree.  Plus, I feel loopy, and a tad bit dizzy.  But I have found some great tips in staying occupied, entertained, and relaxed during the long week of wisdom teeth recovery.

Prep:
Shower the night before your appointment.  During the week, keep your hair sleeked back in a basic ponytail.  I would also tidy your room a little bit so that you’re more relaxed and at peace with yourself.  A clean space always makes me happy.   Buy a small toothbrush so that you only have to minimally open your mouth to clean it.  I’d also purchase some mini mouth wash.  Stock up on soft foods (which are listed under the Food section.)  Last but not least, have a positive view on things.  You’ll only be having this done ONCE and then it’s over. 

                                                                                    Comfort:

It’s good to keep gauze in your mouth until the amount of blood decreases.  Try not to talk while the gauze is in the sides/back of your mouth.  Keep your fully charged cell phone and your recovery kit from the doctor’s near you.  Keep cold sacks and later on hot sacks on your jaw/chin to lower the swelling and pain.  It’s a no-brainer to wear your pj’s, loose tees, and comfy sweatpants.  Soft pillows and wool blankets will obviously keep you relaxed, comfortable, and sleepy.  It’s always helpful (and in my case quicker) if you sleep during most of the recovery.

Food:

Your doctor, (and common sense) will tell you to only have the softest food possible.  Jello snacks, mashed potatoes with butter, pudding snacks, and go-gurts yogurt are great foods!  Just be sure to not eat a lot of them.  You don’t want to get yourself sick, bloated, or even gain weight.  Also, be sure to avoid soup etc… that has small ingredients/bits in it.  Be sure to use the flattest spoon you have so that you don’t have to open your mouth as much.  You will need to take ibuprofen and the pills your doctor gives you.  Keep track on a piece of paper of when you can take your next pills.  Be aware of having a little snack before taking your pills so that you don’t feel sick to your stomach (which can occasionally happen.)

Entertainment:

During the first half of the week, you feel nauseated, loopy (from the constant medications), and even a little bit grumpy.  It’s best if you just keep your mouth shut and your body still.  So, I suggest having a Disney-a-thon or even your entire DVD-Collection-a-thon.  Cuddle with your pet, text your friends, listen to music, make lists of things you need to do later once you feel better, put up some blog posts (like I am!), do some facebook, read a girly magazine, like Seventeen!  Once you can handle being awake longer, try reading a few good books while still cozying up in your snuggie and favorite pillows.  I’ve recently read Hex Hall, Crazy, Busy, Beautiful, Frumpy To Foxy, For Teens Only, P.S. I Love You, and Beauty Confidential.  I enjoyed all these books so enjoy reading whatever you’d like!   Try to occupy yourself during this boring week of waiting and healing.  The week will seem to go faster if you’re enjoying yourself.