Song of the Week

I follow Tom Hiddleston on Twitter and I download many of the songs he posts on his Twitter. He has a great taste in music. It is hard to find guys who have a unique taste in music. I mean, most guys are like, "Oh I like rap and stuff." I dislike some rap, I only like a few songs by Nicki Minaj and Iggy Azalea. 

But this song, Outro by M83 is just so powerful. The song is also filled with emotion, especially at 1:40. It is just so hard to explain, but the ending is where I feel the most emotion because of the crescendo of lyrics and music; when the powerful notes come. The emotion I feel is hard to describe because it is a mixture. I feel like sadness is one of them because I picture this song as the background music for a sad and emotional scene. But this song is amazing, I definitely think you should add this to your playlist.

The Week Ahead

Outside my window… It is sunny and beautiful outside.

I am thinking… About the move, we are slowly 

I am thankful… That my sitting jobs are over. 

From the kitchen… A Clementine.

I am hearing… The clicking of keys as my fingers type on my Macbook and the tv.

I am watching… Beethoven's 3rd.

Always one of my favorite things… I love browsing Nordstrom's website. Lots of nice clothes, shoes and beauty products.

I am reading… Horse Lover's Daily Companion: 365 Days of Tips and Inspiration for Living a Joyful Life with Your Horse.

I am making… Nothing.

I am writing… This blog post!

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week… I am all done with pet sitting. All that we are doing is going to Double Take on Friday and Doumar's one evening for ice cream. Tuesday, we have the packers come. Wednesday and Thursday is I think loading day. Friday, mum and I go to Double Take and get our nails done. Saturday, we hit the road to Washington!

MudLynn Update… MudLynn is doing great! She is getting a bath on Tuesday and health certificate on Wednesday.

College Update… I really want a class or two like badly. I am so lost since I finished school. I can't wait to register for classes. I am quite bored.

Riding Update… I am currently looking for part time work in Poulsbo or Silverdale for the remainder of the summer. I am hoping I find something. 

The Three L's

Like

I like Paloma Faith. Her voice just sends chills down my spine when she hits the high notes in her songs. I can't wait for her most recent album to be released in the states because I am definitely downloading it!

Love

If you guys didn't know, my Mac had a wee issue yesterday. The mouse went crazy and my mum, dad and I had to take it to Best Buy because it was beeping every few minutes. Plus the bottom of my computer was hot, like really hot. So we left it off last evening and over night and then this morning, I turned it on. And low and behold! IT WAS ALIVE! I love that my computer is alive and well. Definitely going to start turning it off at night, I think that was my problem; I left it on all night.

Loathe

I loathe how jumbled and crazy my house looks right now. Totes and bins are everywhere. Plus, my room is a complete mess due to organizing and pre-packing for the movers when they come on Tuesday. Wish us luck with packing.

Double Take

Double Take is a women's fashion consignment shop that takes items like Forever 21 to Alexander Wang. I have found the store of my life!

The outside of the shop has a lady painted on it wearing a pair of Christian Louboutin and holding a Louis Vuitton bag. I fell in love!

I found this insanely cute vintage hat there. I felt very fancy and the color was gorgeous.

Mum said this quote was totally aimed at me, and yet I do agree. I actually found a Topshop item there! I was jumping with joy. It is a black and white blazer, which now has a special place in my closet. When we were checking out, I saw a pair of BCBG's, Jimmy Choo's and a pair of Gucci shoes! I might go back for the Gucci shoes…

Bye now!

VA Bucket List: Chrysler Museum of Art

It had been forever since I had last been the Chrysler. The Chrysler had just been through a series of renovations in order to create more areas to view more art and glass, as well as make things easier to find.

I love every single mermaid I find in Norfolk, especially this one. This one had photos of events held in Norfolk like the Virginia Symphony and the Tattoo decoupaged onto the mermaid.

The Glass Studio was a new thing my mum and I didn't see last time. It was fairly new. Her, they make many different forms of glass art as well as give classes. I wish we had more time in Virginia because they had a two hour class for making your own glass anchor necklace. And you know me and anchors… OBSESSED.

Our demonstrator was just amazing. She told us so many things that my mum and I didn't know about glass before. She made a colored glass drinking glass. It was so cool because the had strips of two colors of glass in a pattern in order to make the stripes. Then they fused it together the Glory Hole (the one of the left is off, but that is what it looks like), and then slowly fuse it all together in order to be able to spin it into a glass.

This is what was at the Glass Studio, I thought they were adorable. If you can't tell, it is a lipstick and a nail polish bottle. How cute!

I particularly love ancient art and artifacts. Many the early civilizations like Rome and Egypt.

This is a mosaic of a Giraffe from Ancient Rome. Can you believe that the last person to have walked on this was a Roman? It is very impressive.

My all time love is Egyptian Art. It is just so beautiful and fascinating to look at. 

I mean, they had no power tools. Only a hammer and a chisel basically. And they could not afford to make a mistake.

Woman in a Pergola with Wisteria ca. 1915, leaded glass, Tiffany Studios - the folds of her gown were thicker than the rest of the piece to simulate the drape of the fabric. The work done here is just incredible. I would love to have a piece of Tiffany Studios stained glass in my home in the future. Just stunning.

Chess Set, 1985, Gianni Toso, flame worked, cut and assembled glass - an amazing work in glass. I thought they were insanely cute, plus the craftsmanship is just astounding. I mean, they had to work with such thin and delicate glass.

This was one of my many favorites of that day. Portrait of a Lady (Mme H.S.), 1879, Pierre-Auguste Cot, oil on canvas - La Parisienne was celebrated worldwide as the quintessence of feminine beauty, fashion, and taste. The ultimate French fashionista. I wish sometimes the world still dressed like this, the style is just pristine and perfect. I loved the dress during that time period. I have a book based on women in France on how to live and be like a Parisian woman. Topics like the signature scent, how to dress, exercise, eat, live day to day and how to take care of yourself.

Lastly, my favorite piece. This marble piece made by Peter Stephenson, circa 1848-50 is a breath taking sculpture. The Chrysler says, "it directly reflects the increasing acceptance of the Indian as Noble Savage - a natural man uncorrupted by the influences of civilization." I couldn't agree more. 

I hope this post stirs a desire to view these incredible pieces of art. 

Toodles!

VA Bucket List: Mermaid Factory

Mermaid Factory. 

First thought is obviously mermaids, but factory? Maybe a place where the make mermaids? Although, the Mermaid Factory is a wonderful place to go and paint your own mermaid!

Photo Credit

I decided to treat my dad at the Mermaid Factory since we are moving to Washington. My mum and I have heard many things about the Mermaid Factory from online and neighbors. The mermaid is the symbol of Norfolk, which is probably the only thing I am obsessed about in Norfolk.

The mermaid cost $25 each. That included the mermaid, paint and glitter. The extra bits like shells cost about 25-50 cents each. The charms cost about a $1. I think I spent about $2.25 on extra bits.

I first thought about painting my mermaid turquoise and blue, which are the colors of Western Washington, but I might go back and buy a set to take to Washington to paint when I get there. You can buy a mermaid set to take home. It includes the mermaid, pedestal, paint and any charms you wanted. I then just decided to go girly with magenta and coral pink. After I finished painting her, I brushed on Elmer's glue and sprinkled lots of magenta glitter. The process did take long, but the end results are always the best. 

My dad is the true artistic one in the family. Since he is Medical Service Corp, he styled his mermaid into a military mermaid. 

And here is the end result! My mermaid had a magenta tail with magenta glitter glued on (such a long process), sand dollar bra, starfish in her hair and a sea horse hanging from her hand. Dad's has a navy blue tail, gold belt, gold tube top, and a Medical Service Corp insignia. 

I highly recommend the Mermaid Factory as a place to go to if visiting Norfolk, Virginia.

Toodles!

Bucket List **UPDATE**

• Chrysler Museum of Art
• Ice Cream at Doumar's
• Mermaid Factory
• Bastille Days in Ghent

Two more things checked off my bucket list! Mum and I went to the Chrysler Museum of Art and then had sushi for dinner. Awesome time, plus I have a lot of photos for you. Later on today, we went to the Mermaid Factory and Dad and I painted mermaids! Can't wait for you to see it! All that is left is Ice Cream at Doumar's….

Stay tuned for the posts!

Polyvore Contest

Hey everyone! I just entered a Polyvore contest! Please go to this link http://www.polyvore.com/yoga_stella/set?id=129540844 and vote for it! You need to have an account to vote. It would mean a lot to me!

 This is my set that I entered. Tell me what you think here or on Polyvore.

Toodles! 

Home Sweet Future Home

Well everybody, I know where I am going to be living for college!

Photo Credit

This hall is called Edens North. Edens North is a corridor style hall. I did initially ask for a suite-style hall, but I guess they were all gone. Oh well! A North Campus dorm was really what I wanted. 

The cool thing is that the beds in Edens North are loft-able. I can't wait to make part of the room my own space! Plus, I can't wait to move in with my roommate, Mikayla! I swear, it is going to be the best year ever. Since I am on a Facebook group for new students at Western, I have found two other girls that will be living on the floor I will be on. I love Facebook, it is great for connecting with other students.

I can't wait to go in, decorate it, and get everything to where I want it to be so that it will be like a second home to the one I will have in Poulsbo. I already have a wall hanging, which is horsey themed since Mikayla and I are horse enthusiasts. It says, "If you want a stable relationship, get a horse." I just thought it was too cute to pass up. I know my bed is going to blue with nautical accents. I just bought the cutest pillow at the Tidewater Collection. It's blue and it has an octopus stitched on it in sequins, so that will be my accent pillow.

From what I have read online, there is an elevator but it says its decommissioned due to safety issues. Let's just say I will get a lot of exercise going up the four flights of stairs. Yes, I will be living on the 4th floor of this hall. I shall have toned legs but the end of the year.

Once I move into the dorm, I will be doing a Dorm Room Tour once it is all unpacked and everything. So stay tuned! And please request videos! 

June 2014 Ipsy Bag Review

This is an amazing mascara. It really lengthens your lashes and it doesn't clump at all. I have been using this mascara so much. I apply probably about 2 coats per eye and it comes out great! One thing I absolutely loved about Be A Bombshell cosmetics is that they do not test on animals. Hoorah!! Another product I can use again! I love how Ipsy puts items that are cruelty-free in my bags. 

This is a great product because its quality is on point! The spray gives your hair that post-ocean feel which is awesome. I love this spray. I use it about every few days, just not too much overwhelm my hair. My hair is just not exposed to many different products. Just waiting to hear from them to know if they're cruelty-free.

Nyx is always going to a favorite of mine since it is cruelty-free. Anyway, I love the Butter Gloss. Its texture is not to blobby or gooey, but it's that perfect gloss. The shade I got was perfect for my skin tone and my lip color. I like pink shades, just not light pinks. I like shades that are a pinky mauve. 

I love this liner!!! Need I say more? The quality is superb AND it is cruelty free. Two perfect factors in a perfect liner. I have been using this liner ever since I got it in my Ipsy bag. Let's just say I am addicted to this liner. I am definitely ordering this again.

I really loved this product. The coverage of the BB creme was just astounding. Only thing that bothered me was the little cushion we go to apply the creme. It was just so flimsy and annoying to hold. Just waiting to hear from the company to know if they're cruelty-free.

Harry Barker and Canines for Veterans

 

Today was an amazing day! The items from Harry Barker came into the shop today and I just had to buy a few things, but let me tell you a bit about Harry Barker.

Harry Barker is an online dog boutique started by Ford model Carol Perkins. The company does a program called Canines for Veterans. This program is where shelter dogs are adopted and given temporarily to military inmates to train them as service dogs as well as rehabilitate the inmates at the same time. Once the dogs are service dogs, they are given to wounded veterans who need a service dog. It is a triple win for the dogs, the inmates and the veterans.

These are just a few of the things that I got for MudLynn. I may have bought a lot, but the proceeds go to the Canines for Veterans program. I bought MudLynn a collar and leash (I know, another one), two rope tug toys (one will be going in the Hope Chest for when I adopt another dog), some tennis balls and a tin of dog treats (shown in first photo).

MudLynn was so happy that the dog treats were grain, soy, and corn free!! 

The Week Ahead

Outside my window… The weather muggy and gloomy.

I am thinking… About more blog and vlog ideas… They're quite brilliant.

I am thankful… That my sitting jobs are nearly over. Only one more job to do after today.

From the kitchen… Water.

I am hearing… The clicking of keys as my fingers type on my Macbook and the tv.

I am watching… Baby Daddy.

Always one of my favorite things… I love watching TAG videos like What's In My Bag, What's In My Beach Bag and What's In My Travel Bag videos. I love seeing what products others bloggers have that I could add to my bags.

I am reading… Army Wives by Tanya Biank, still.

I am making… Nothing.

I am writing… This blog post!

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week… I am almost done with pet sitting! I only have one job after today's job. Then I am done! Next, tomorrow and Wednesday I am riding with Meredith most likely. Then I have pet sitting Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Friday, my parents and I are most likely going to the Chrysler Museum of Art. We are going to try to squeeze in the Mermaid Factory and Doumar's.

MudLynn Update… MudLynn is doing great! I just bought another collar and leash, set of tennis balls, two rope toys and a can of treats from the Tidewater Collection. Next week, MudLynn has a scheduled bath day and a trip to the vet for her health certificate.

College Update… I really want a class or two like badly. I am so lost since I finished school. I can't wait to register for classes. I am quite bored.

Riding Update… I may be able to ride one more time after this week before we have to pack everything up for the moving trucks. I just found an awesome barn in Poulsbo which is two miles from the house my parents and I will be living in. I am so excited to check it out once we get to Washington!

The Three L's

Like

I like that I am getting out of my food comfort zone. I just ate Mexican Taquito's today at a restaurant. I normally don't eat Mexican food, but I am proud of myself for eating something totally different.

Love

I love that there are only 12 days left until we leave for Washington. I am so excited! I can't wait to move into the dorm room and get to know my roommate even more. 

Loathe

I am starting to loathe heat again. I just bought a cardigan from Burberry and I just want to wear it right now but it is like 80 degrees outside. Can't wait for the cooler weather in Washington. I will be able to wear it every day.

TOPSHOP

This shop has been my absolute favorite ever since the beginning of last year.

How did you hear about it? I heard about Topshop when I was surfing social media sites like Twitter, Instagram, and Polyvore. My main fashion idol is Eleanor Calder who is Louis Tomlinson's girlfriend. Her style is just so chic but a relaxed chic. 

What did you do like about Topshop when you exploring social media? I really liked the looks that I found. Some were a nice jumper and denim jeans paired with a crossbody and Converse and others were shorts and a beautiful vest top with thong sandals and a crossbody.

What are your Topshop outfit essentials? My main essentials are my Joni super-high waisted jeans and vest top paired with either thong sandals, Sperry's, or Converse. 

How often do you shop at Topshop? I shop at Topshop (online) at least once a month. I do a lot of window shopping in the beginning and then once I have found the items I really liked, I'd either buy them straight away or wait for them to go on sale. It's usually a toss-up of things on sale or not.

I honestly love this store. Their clothes are just fantastically made and are amazing in quality. So far, I own two pajama tops, five vest tops, one pair of the Joni high-waisted jeans and a pair of quilted shorts. My next items on my shopping list are a few jumpers, more jeans and shorts. 

I will be posting a post of photos of my new items that came in the mail today! One of the items I bought, I am already obsessed with. Like, extremely obsessed. 

Although their clothes are a wee bit pricey, they are amazing. You will fall in love with the each season of clothing. You really need to check out their website or their boutique stores if there is one in your area. 

Love Animals, Don't Wear Them

Ever wondered if your makeup, hair products, dog shampoos, and other items were tested on animals? They may have been and they may not have been tested on a little white bunny. 

When a scientist tests on a little bunny, it's cruel. Why not test on a human subject? 

Lush did a live demo of a human enduring the pain that an animals would endure when products are tested on them. This girl was in PAIN. Viewer discretion is advised when watching the video.

Help spread the word to shop cruelty free. Our fluffy bunnies, dogs, monkey, mice, and rats should not be tortured just for our benefit. I think more people should experience what pain animals go through. Our animals are too precious to be tested on. 

I have decided to use more products that are cruelty free. I can't bear to look at my dog and think of other animals being tested on. I have already found some products that I am going to look into; items such as cosmetics, pet care, and contacts care. 

Cosmetics don't have to be high end and animal tested, Nyx Cosmetics and Urban Decay products are just as good. I own so far one thing of each brand, both eye shadows and the quality is amazing. I am going to go through my cosmetics case and sort what brands I need to use and never buy again and brands that  I will buy from again. One of brands I am loving right now is Jesse's Girl, mainly their liquid liner (also a cruelty free brand). The quality is amazing. 

Go to Leaping Bunny and check out ways you can help convert companies to becoming cruelty free by sending them letters to ask about their animal testing policies and also what companies are cruelty free. Let's make this world a better place for our animals.

Editing Apps and Starbucks

To my readers who have Instagram accounts, what kind of editing apps do you use? I mainly use the Afterlight photo editing app. It is amazing! I heard about it on one of MeghanRosette's videos on YouTube and I had to try it. It really works. You can add contrast, light, and clarification to a photo. In the end, the photos look professional.

I take a lot more photos now that I have this app. Like, my daily upload is probably around 4 photos a day. Normally, only did 1 photo. 

Anyway, who here loves Starbucks? I became addicted to Tall Java Chip Frapps since my friend Tre'Vaugh let me try his when we were at Starbucks on our lunch break at school. I now own a Starbucks gift card/rewards card. I swear, I am in heaven. And today, I bought the limited edition 16oz. Cold Cup. I fell in love with it when I saw it on Facebook. It made me think that it was crystal encrusted. Even though it's not, that what I picture.

What's your signature Starbucks drink?

The Week Ahead

Outside my window… The weather is hot. Too hot. 

I am thinking… About more blog and vlog ideas… They're quite brilliant.

I am thankful… That I am getting more jobs, I have two more jobs for this month.

From the kitchen… Water.

I am hearing… The clicking of keys as my fingers type on my Macbook and the tv.

I am watching… Bones.

Always one of my favorite things… I love tour videos on YouTube to give me ideas for my YouTube channel which I am going to work on when I get to Washington. Dorm Room Tour is my top priority.

I am reading… Army Wives by Tanya Biank, still.

I am making… Nothing.

I am writing… This blog post!

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week… Today, I am still watching Trooper up till the 19th which is only 5 days away… YAY! Also, I am doing a small overlap with a new family that moved in on Dillingham on the 17th and 18th. And then I am spending the night with their pups on the 20th. Then I have break for a few days.

MudLynn Update… MudLynn is doing great! We are still is the process of switching her food over to Blue Buffalo. Her old food is slowly decreasing. She is scheduled for a bath on the 29 of this month, the Deshedding bath at Muddy Paws plus we are listing everything we need to bring in the car for her.

College Update… I really want a class or two like badly. I am so lost since I finished school. I can't wait to register for classes. I am quite bored.

Riding Update… I may be able to ride one more time after this week before we have to pack everything up for the moving trucks. I just found an awesome barn in Poulsbo which is two miles from the house my parents and I will be living in. I am so excited to check it out once we get to Washington!

The Three L's

Like

I like Greek yogurt. I am like addicted to it now. I have to eat Greek yogurt and granola every morning. It is now part of my routine. Greek yogurt is just so good and delicious, like sinfully delicious.

Love

I love my excitement for moving. The day of the road trip is just coming so fast, it's crazy. I can't believe that we are leaving in 19 days. Ahhh!!! My parents and I are doing our pre-move inventory. 

Loathe

I loathe when dogs find it necessary to chew things. I am pet sitting and the Dobie I am watching just finds it necessary to chew on of my socks, one of my shoes, and the underside of the carpet. Like why are you being such a pain?! But he's a good guard dog. Very alert.

TV Show Addiction #1

Photo Caption

I am a late watcher when it comes to shows that a lot of my friends have been watching since they were first aired. The Walking Dead is one of them. I started getting into zombies when I watched Warm Bodies. After that, I then watched World War Z since my uncle read the book and also my dad watched it already. I already watched all three previous seasons and I have to say, it is addicting. I was honestly a bit scared of the zombies in the beginning because I am a bit of a scaredy cat. I then just thought of the makeup process of each zombie. I have to say I love Michonne, she is amazing. And I like Daryl. He's cute.

Bucket List **UPDATE**

Bucket List for Virginia

• Chrysler Museum of Art
• Ice Cream at Doumar's
• Lunch at Freemason Abbey
• Mermaid Factory
• Bastille Days in Ghent

One item checked off the list of my Virginia Bucket List! Woohoo!!! My parents and I have planed a date for us all to go to Freemason Abbey and the Chrysler Museum of Art one afternoon and then a night to go to the Mermaid Factory! I don't know when we will go to Doumar's… Probably one afternoon, we will get there!

Stay tuned for more posts!

Bastille Day's and Crêpes

Welcome to Bastille Days! Two days filled with French cuisine, music, and shopping. I was so excited for this! Mainly because of the crepes.

Walking to Bastille Days.

This is as close as I can get to the Eiffel Tower… Sad, isn't it?

Haha! Daddy is in the guillotine. 

The stand where I got my Orangina, or might I say two Oranginas. 

Some gorgeous sunflowers.

I adore the smell of lavender. It is my favorite herb, it just smells so heavenly.

Some lovely items don't you think. I found some cute decretive toothpicks, disposable placemats, dish towels, and chocolat.  

Some lovely dish towels at a shops' table. I loved the peacock.

The back of the food truck, I love the usage of the fleur de lis. I have a lot of fleur de lis inspired items in my Hope Chest.

Savory Crêpes!

Sweet Crêpes!

Some more sweet crêpes… I had the Campfire Crêpe. 

Some info on Monique's Crêpes…

If you guys live in any of the areas that the food truck will be in, go get some crêpes!! They are truly delicious. 

Her is a photo of the inside of the cooks making the crêpes. They use a sort of raised round stove to make the crêpes on. Quite genius. I have to look for one of those, or at least a crêpe pan.

This is my Campfire Crêpe, it was filled with marshmallows and drizzles of chocolate. On the outside it had more drizzles of chocolate and graham cracker crumbs. It is just like eating a s'more.

I had a friend who went to France for spring break with my old school (he's still in high school) and he raved about Orangina. I tried and found it absolutely scrummy! I mean, it is so much better than soda; not that I drink any. It is literally just carbonated citrus juices and orange pulp. Perfect for a summer day.