by Joey | Dec 30, 2014 | Throwback
I might upset some people with this, but I really don’t like this new craze of labeling things as “basic” or “basic white girl.” I mean, I get it. And I realize that people are probably using this phrase sarcastically when they catch themselves being basic. But y’all?
You aren’t basic.
I could sit here and tell you that you are incredibly and wonderfully unique because you are the only you there is, but I hope you already know that. And while there are plenty of things that millions across the globe all have in common, those things about you don’t make you basic. Liking the things you like make you you.
You like Starbucks? Cool, me too.
You wear yoga pants on the regular? Awesome, me too.
You enjoy rocking a topknot with third day hair? Great! I do too.
But none of those things make you basic.
Please stop labeling yourself as such.
You are more than that.
And so am I.
We live in a label frenzy. Hashtag this. Hashtag that. Everyone is trying in some way to fit into a category. And while “basic” is a relatively easy category to fit into, don’t put yourself in that box. I was talking to a friend the other day who wanted to do something but refrained because how dare she be “so basic.” And that’s when it hit me. No. That’s not how this life is supposed to work.
Not doing something you want to do because you don’t want to be put into a box
is just as bad as doing something just so you fit into a certain box.
Let’s all stop labeling everything and instead just be ourselves.
That’s so basic?
No.
That’s so Joey.
by Joey | Dec 29, 2014 | Throwback
Sephora Collection Color Bronze Palette: I wanted to link this for you, but apparently it was a hot commodity this season and it’s completely sold out everywhere! I had no idea. I hadn’t even heard of it but was pleasantly pleased to get it from my parents for xmas! 4 lipglosses. 8 gorgeous and soft shadows (I mean seriously, check out those colors!!!). And a pretty bronzer. I’ve used a few of the shadows already and I can say with certainty that I am in love.
SensatioNAIL Gel Nail Starter Kit: I’ll have a few review of this product coming soon, but you guys? I am OBSESSED.
A Bit of Burt’s Bees: Chapstick and hand salve. While the lemon butter cuticle cream is my number one favorite Burt’s Bees product, their hand salve is absolutely amazing during the winter months. It tackles painfully dry skin in a heartbeat!
Elf Blush, Bronzer & Highlight Palette: Another item I can’t find to link for you guys. I know it is a limited edition for the holidays (it came with a brush). We found it at TJ Maxx, and I’m sure it’ll be there for a while. I like the concept of all three of these products in a palette. Totally convenient for traveling. I’ve worn this every day since Christmas morning, and I love it.
NYX Matte Lipstick in Alabama: Such a gorgeous, comfortable and easy to wear brick red lipstick!
Color Me Essie Gift Set: Mademoiselle, Smokin’ Hot, Butler Please, Bahama Mama, Jazzy Jubilant. Shockingly, all colors I didn’t have!!
Travelo Roller Ball with Taylor Swift Wonderstruck: I’ve been wanting a rollerball perfume for quite a while to keep in my purse. This is absolutely perfect since I can refill this with any perfume I want for $10 whenever I run out! And as for the TS Wonderstruck–I’ve been ob-ses-sed with this perfume since I received a sample of it. Two thumbs up!
L’oreal Glossy Balm in Petite Plum: Impossibly glossy and comfortable! There is a scent though, and I can’t quite put my finger on what it reminds me of. I’m not a fan of the scent at all–but I don’t think it’ll bother me in the long run. This is my first glossy balm, and I like it!
Chapstick Hydration Lock: We saw a commercial for this a few weeks ago and when it was over J and I both said out loud “wow, that’s cool.” Now that I’ve had it for a few days, I can say for certainty that it is cool. It’s seriously hydrating, and I can already feel it changing the condition of my lips. I’ve also worn it under lipstick which worked out really well.
Clinique Acne Solutions: (Link is to the starter kit, not the mini box) This is the miniest of minis I’ve ever seen of this kit!! It’s absolutely adorable and it was a fun stocking stuffer!! Definitely something I can keep in my purse in case I’m ever in a situation where I end up staying somewhere overnight without planning ahead.
SoftLips Cube in Pomegranate Blueberry: I’ve been a huge fan of softlips since I was 15. I remember when I got my first one and how much I loved it. These little cubes are adorable and the scent is really yummy! They’re extremely slick so I wouldn’t wear them under a lipstick, but they’re great on their own!
Phew! Did I get spoiled or what?
We actually had Christmas with my inlaws yesterday where I got a few more really great things,
but I didn’t have time to add them to this post.
I’ll share those soon!
I hope you all had a wonderfully awesome holiday! I always get a little bummed when Christmas is over, but then I remember that we still have New Years! And that makes my heart giddy! New Years Eve/New Years Day might just be my favorite ever!
What was your favorite gift this Christmas (or Chanukah)?
by Joey | Dec 26, 2014 | Throwback
Hi Friends! Welcome to our special Friday edition of Stuff & Things! If you’re new here and want to hang out with us for Stuff & Things in the future, it’s usually on Thursdays!
>> The one thing I actually really asked for this year was a Plum Paper Planner. Since that’s such a customized gift, the husband selected the cover he wanted for me, but I ordered the planner. When I did, I asked if they ship UPS. They said yes. So I gave them my house address. Well, turns out they ship UPS Mail Innovations which basically tag teams with USPS…which doesn’t come to my house. So there I was in a panic thinking my package would get lost or…worse, shipped back to CA. So I called my post office (I know, the week of xmas…) to see if they could help me out! They assured me they’d hold on to the package and I had a nice chat with the guy. There you have it, folks. A perk of living in a TINY town (the post office was empty!) Also–total thumbs up to Plum Paper for getting the planner here BEFORE xmas when I ordered after their cut off date!
>> My 4.5 year old nephew broke his arm on Christmas Eve. Now, I wasn’t there for the blessed event, but the story he told his mother when she asked how the hell it happened is: “I was waiting for my super powers to engage, but I think they’re broken.” When he walked into my sister’s house yesterday afternoon, arm bandaged up to his shoulder, he held up his good hand before anyone could ask him “I’m feeling FINE!” Kids. Hilarious.
>> The husband did real good and got me the Sensationail Gel Manicure set!! This is the color that came with the kit, Raspberry Wine, and it’s freaking gorgeous. The system was extremely easy to use, and I seriously loved the “no dry time” thing since I finished this mani literally seconds before we ran out the door to head to my sister’s! While I’m usually too polish ADD to commit to a manicure for 14+ days, sometimes a shellac mani just makes life easier. Traveling and weddings especially! I can’t wait to try out some other colors in the line!
Okay friends! Now it’s your turn!
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by Joey | Dec 24, 2014 | Throwback
Christmas 2010
When I was a kid, I over romanticized Christmas. I’ll admit it. I watched every Christmas movie with hope in my heart to have that kind of love someday. To snuggle up by a fire after the grand finale. I think that might be why I took the 2008 holiday season so hard. I was expecting a ring. We can get engaged after I graduate the husband said. Another deadline that came and went, soggy with my tears. Road blocks.
I’m getting off topic.
Christmas means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. And while most importantly it’s the birth of Jesus Christ, the epitome of Christianity, it encapsulates all sorts of different emotions for me.
Peace and thankfulness. Happiness and excitement. It reminds me that we are God’s children and that He’s Got This. Whatever this is.
Christmas 2011
Sadness. I realize this might not be the norm, but Christmas makes me feel just a little sad every year. Or maybe nostalgic and sad. That might be a better description. But ultimately, it makes me miss those who aren’t around anymore. Specifically Uncle John. I could explain in plain terms who he was to me and my family, but that just wouldn’t do. This is our 8th Christmas without him. I wish I could tell you it gets easier or hurts a little less each year. It doesn’t. Loss is loss. I’ll touch more on that in a post to come in the future.
Partnered with that is the nostalgia. The memories of all the Christmases that came before this one. Waking up in a house full of all of my siblings. Running to the tree in the bonus room. Having to climb over packages just to find a place to sit because when there are five kids…you can imagine how full that room was. It was almost as full as our hearts. And those memories make me happy, but they also make me sad. I can’t remember the last time I woke up in my parents’ house with all of my siblings on Christmas morning. In fact, more vividly, I remember the Christmas morning I woke up…the only “kid” in the house. Our traditions changed that year. I wandered downstairs in my pajamas to find my parents sitting on the couch in the sitting room eagerly waiting for me to open presents. “This sucks,” I said out loud and set the gift down. We threw all our packages into large trash bags and hauled them over to my sister’s house which is now where my family spends Christmas.
Christmas 2012
(our first Christmas just the 2 of us waking up in our own home)
I just remember thinking as a kid that Christmas was a constant. And while the day is, so much of what Christmas is isn’t.
But I guess that comes with growing older. Everything is ever changing. And while I love my little Christmas traditions now with the husband I so desperately wanted that 2008 Christmas, I know there will come a time when this season in our life is a distant memory. I can picture it now, wiping the sleep from my eyes and settling in with my cup of coffee while the little ones run to the tree with glee in their eyes. They’ll have to step carefully just to find a place to sit because the room will be full. And I’ll catch J’s eye and smile, fondly remembering these early days.
Cheers to the ever evolving Christmas.
Christmas 2013
by Joey | Dec 22, 2014 | Throwback
CHRISTMAS IS THIS WEEK!! How is that even possible? I’m so stinkin’ excited I can hardly contain myself! I decided to go through my collection and share with you some of my favorite Holiday Red Lips from the drug store!
- Semi-matte finish
- Long wearing & staining quality
- Comfortable on the lips with slight minty tingle
- Easy to apply
- Most matte finish of all products pictured
- Easy to apply
- Long wearing
- Comfortable and no fuss
Jordana Twist & Shine in Rock n Rouge
- Balm-like and sheer coverage
- Glossy finish
- Comfortable and moisturizing
- Easy to apply
- Creamy with semi-glossy finish
- Highly pigmented
- Comfortable
- Has a strange scent but doesn’t linger
- Take your time applying
- Cheapest of products pictured
- Wear a lip balm (like EOS) underneath for more comfort.
- Drying over time
- Long wearing and staining quality
- Most moisturizing & comfortable of all products listed
- Click up/brush applicator which makes application difficult
- High gloss finish
- Long wearing. Once gloss has worn off, pretty matte color remains
**Just a quick announcement about STUFF & THINGS: Since Christmas is Thursday, take the day off! But be prepared to link up your FRIDAY posts with us!**
