My Cardmaking Journey: How I Found Happiness Again

    Well, it would seem that getting back into blogging after being out of it for so long is much harder than it would appear but I will be back to regular posting (hopefully) soon.  But today, I do have a post for you and it's about my journey as a cardmaker and where I started and where I am now.  I would like to do a post like this every few months just so I can document for myself how far I've come and what I've changed for the better, and sometimes the worst.
     I started helping with holiday cards when I was little and my mom would buy the ones from the store and she would let me stamp with the 'original' rubber stamps.  You know the one I'm talking about, the ones with the wooden block on the back.  Yet, that was pretty much the extent of it for a long time.  I started doing my own store bought cards when I was in Missouri for college and I wanted to send holiday cards out except instead of stamps, I would decorate most of the envelopes with stickers.  That's around the time I started to enjoy sending cards out again and now I send out cards all the time, nine times out of ten they are homemade though instead of store bought.  The only cards that I routinely buy for myself now are my Christmas cards and that's only because I send out A LOT of holiday cards and I still feel a little daunted at the idea of making them all from my own head.
    I got into true cardmaking after I had been in the planner world for a little bit and noticed that all of these planners I was watching were really creative with paper in other ways too.  I wanted to be like that.  So, very slowly and then practically snowballing, I started collecting supplies.  My first love was, and still kinda is, beautiful patterned scrapbooking paper.  If I see a pretty page or pretty pack, I just have to get it... and come up with a use for it later.  I started getting into stamps, clear and cling stamps that is, when I bought my first issue of 'Cardmaking and Papercraft' which is a UK based papercrafting magazine that has a free goodie with every issue.  This issue came with a beautiful fairy stamp and some sentiments.  I also picked up some Alpha stamps since those were my favorite stickers to have I figured it would be good to have them in stamp form.  For a while that was all I had, no fancy machines, no score boards, no favorite stamp companies, none of that.  That all changed when I had surgery on my left leg and needed something to do while laid up.  Well, the left leg quickly became both legs and a few days ago I just had the third of fourth surgery since July.  So, needless to say I needed something to occupy my time while I was recouping at home and in bed and not really able to go out anywhere.  June is when I started getting all of the 'tools', inks, stamps, dies, embossing folders, seriously a lot of stamps guys, sequins, gems, and the mother of all, the Sizzix Big Kick.  Now my tools have grown even more to a Misti and an envelope punch and needless to say my supplies no longer fit into one box.  Yet, I am happy. So, so, happy and it's been a long time since I could say that and truly mean it.  I'm not happy because of the stuff I have, I'm happy because I have something to do and usually I am making a card for a reason and not just making to make (although it is still fun to do that sometimes).  For lack of a better way to say it, I have purpose again.  I have friends again, friends who share a common interest, I go out and enjoy myself, I have a little cardmaking business on Etsy and Facebook; simply put- I'm having fun with life again.  I love my little business and I am loving what I'm doing.  I've discovered the world of Pocket Letters as well and I've made so many friends that way as well.  Cardmaking has brought me the happiness and joy that I thought I had lost when I couldn't perform due to my legs.  In essence, it has given me meaning again.  Granted there will always be new and shiny crafting things I want but that's not what is at the heart of my happiness.  It's seeing people's faces when they open the card and see that it's personalised and homemade.  It's being able to answer questions that I had myself when I first started. My happiness, in root, is other people's happiness.
    I hope you enjoyed this very long post. As always, my links are down below, but I have also pictured a few of the cards that I've made that I'm most proud of, so take a look and tell me what you think!

XO,

Emma

CardstockQueen

~Etsy shop

~Blog Facebook Page

~CardstockQueen on Facebook

~Instagram- @Heyemmaco 

~Instagram- @CardstockQueen

~Instagram- @Emmastimetoplan

~Instagram- @emmadelfosse_mua

~Twitter- @heyemmaco

~Bloglovin'

The Battle of the Watercolor Palettes

 For beginner crafters out there, traversing the waters of watercolors can be treacherous and can leads to fewer hits than misses.  I'm here to tell you about what I think are the worst and the best palettes for beginners budget.  Now, this post is just about the palettes you can get, I'm not even going to go into the tubed colors you can buy now that are also watercolors.  Palettes are the easiest to work with and come with the greatest selection of colors for one price instead of, say, six tubes of color for the exact same price.

The first palette I have for you, pictured above, is from American Crafts and I bought it from Tuesday Morning.  At first I thought, oh this is great, it's super vibrant, and the colors selection is fantastic.  However, much to my dismay, the beautiful pigment stayed in the palette when I tried to paint with them.  The colors were very light, almost Pastel looking but not in a good way.  They did not mix up the way I wanted them too and it was very difficult to pick up any color.  I had to lay down the color a few times just to get it even remotely in the same solar system as the color that I wanted.  The only plus side to this palette is that it came with two pretty nice brushes and the packaging is pretty sturdy for being made out of plastic.

 The next palette is the Artists Loft pearlescent palette from Michaels. I payed around $5 for this palette and for that price it was worth each and every penny.  The colors are in the middle of the rode as far as I am concerned concerning pigmentation but the real winner is the shimmer.  Now, it's nothing like the Fine Tec shimmer watercolors but remember those are close to $30 but it does hold it's own.  The shimmer is really nice and shows up the best when the paint is dry.  I haven't had a chance to try every single color but the ones that I have tried are really really nice and great for adding a pop of something to your project. It does come with a brush but I wound up moving that to my embossing powders and am using one of the brushes that came with the American Crafts palette.

 Finally, the palette that surprised me the most, the Artists Loft 28 Color palette.  I purchased this for a little under $7.  If that is a little too high for you, they have smaller palette as well that is the same consistency.  These colors are absolutely amazing, especially for the price.  They are creamy, pigmented, and have a great range of colors.The only thing that isn't so fantastic about this palette is that you are constantly wetting the cakes of color because they absorb the water so quickly.  Other than that I have found no fault with this palette and I am really happy that I got it.

Do you have any watercolor palettes that you really enjoy? I would love to know down in the comments! XO
~Emma~
*Be sure to check me out on all social media, the sparkly icons on the right hand side!*

Be sure to check me out on Bloglovin'!

<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/18300471/?claim=txy5d97gv9f">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Welcome Back!

Hello my lovely darlin's! I have been gone for quite some time, haven't I? In my defense I did have a summer full of surgeries, spending time in hospital beds (which I am still currently in), and having both legs in knee high casts.  So taking pictures and blogging and filming were not even plausible.  Now I'm slowly getting back to normal and so will this blog, but YouTube is going to take a little bit longer.  I missed putting reviews up for you guys and posting pictures.  I've been pretty active on my Instagram accounts though, because they are easy to post to.  It has been a really rough time not being able to have the outlets I am used to, to pour my energy into.  So I found another outlet, cardmaking.  Before my surgeries I was crafting a lot but it has become more than a hobby now.  I have an Etsy shop called Cardstock Queen (linked below) where I sell my handmade, individually unique, cards and planner dashboards.  I have even sold a few things so far, and of that I am very proud.  I have gotten into many different mediums when it comes to crafting and making cards from only being someone who used colored pencil and one or two Copic markers to using watercolors and acrylics to color my images.  This is something I can pour my heart and soul into daily and come out almost as satisfied as I was when I was performing.  I also color a lot now in coloring books and practice hand lettering for my cards.  This by no means mean that I have shied away from my makeup, oh no, if anything it has made me more aware of colors and more bold in what I try.  So, this means that this blog will become more than just makeup and a few life updates.  There are going to be posts about my cards and new techniques that I learn.  There will be posts about my everyday life and my planners and how I stay organized in that sense.  I hope you enjoy this new change to the blog and are glad to see me back.  Below are some pictures of cards that I have done that are up or will be going up in my shop very soon, enjoy! XOXO

LINKS:

Etsy Shop

Facebook

Instagram- Everything

Instagram- Makeup

Instagram-Planner Related

Instagram- Etsy Related

Twitter

Sephora Wishlist #1

So I'm back, even though I'm still pretty much on bed rest, I feel good enough to try and start writing again.  I wanted to start off with something a little simpler and not so picture heavy since I can't get to my products right now.  This means there will be a lot of lifestyle and about me posts, if that's okay.
I absolutely adore Sephora, especially when the people are nice and the area is clean (trust me, that didn't used to be true of certain places).  These are my high end, really spendy, wish items. I would love to know what some of yours are!
1. Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet: I have never owned this perfume but everytime I go to Sephora I get a little sample just so I can have some on hand because it is one of my favorite scents. The price tag on this little guy is $78 for 1.7oz.  I haven't yet, but I definitely think it will be worth the splurge, possibly very very soon for a very special event.
2. Bite Amuse Bouche lipstick in Meringue which is a nice peachy nude.  I've tested the consistency and the wear time on my hand in stores and it is just so creamy and wears longer than you would think it would given the consistency.  This lipstick runs $26 per bullet but they will last you a good while when taken care of properly.  You can find it here at the Sephora website or at the store.
3. Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance 12 hr lipstick in Foxy. I purely want to try this because I have never tried anything but Tarte's blushes.  This color looked like an amazing color for me and it's currently on sale for $14 but the regular price is $26 and you can find it here.
4. Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm: I used to use the Body Shop cleansing balm but I have run out and would like to try something different so I was ecstatic when I found this.  Initially I was looking for the Emma Hardie cleansing balm that so many blogger rave about but, alas, my search was fruitless.  This costs $29 and can be found here on the website or in most stores.  This is another one that may be purchased in the not so distant future.
5.  Too Faced Boudoir Eyes Palette.  I really wanted the romantic eyes palette but that has sadly been discontinued but this is pretty close in comparison in my eyes.  There are light and dark colors so you can go from day time to sultry in just a few swipes.  It's a great all around eye palette.  It costs $36 and can be found here.
6. Becca Shimmering Pressed Skin Perfector in Opal: Yes, I know this has a cult following but I really do want it because I like it and not just to have it.  If it's anything in consistency and  make like Champagne Pop I will be a happy girl.  The Shimmering pressed skin perfectors cost $38 and you can find them at the Sephora website, in store, or at Ulta.
7. Glam Glow mud mask.  Need anything more be said? This puppy will cost you $69 and the only place that I know for sure that carries it is Sephora.
8. The original Chocolate Bar palette: Ever since I discovered Too Faced, I have wanted the Chocolate Bar Palette.  This would be a great staple piece in my palette collection.  This palette costs $49 and can be found here at the Sephora website or in store at Sephora and Ulta.
9. Urban Decay Naked Illuminating Shimmering Powder for Face and Body in Luminous.  I am a highlighter fiend, I absolutely adore every highlighter that I can get my hands on. I don't mind glitter in my highlight and there is a lot of glitter in this highlighter.  I like that it's not only for the face but it's for the body too.  This product runs $32 and you can get it here on the Sephora website or in the store or at Ulta.
10. My final product is the Elizabeth and James Nirvana Rose perfume, which is new to the line.  I have yet to smell it but I love the Nirvana scents and I love roses, so where could I go wrong? I could get the rollerball for $25 but I really want the actual spray perfume.  I would get the 1.7oz spray perfume for $85, again, another big splurge item that will totally be worth it.  If you're curious about their new perfume, be sure to check it out here or in the Sephora store.

Lush Shampoo Bar: Review!

Everyone uses shampoo, but what type of shampoo do you use? My best friend uses all natural products, I use off the shelf regular shampoo, or, at least I used to! Now I am using the Lush Shampoo bar! I use the Jumping Juniper shampoo bar and, while I can't really use it when my hair is freshly dyed, I use it every time I wash my hair.
The best way to use it is to suds it up in your hands and then scrub your hair.  If you scrub your hair with the bar, you will get the same effect but you will use up your shampoo bar faster.  It smells really nice and refreshing.  It really leaves your hair feeling nice and clean but not stripped. It cleans away grease and "balances sebum" in the hair  leaving it healthier and gives it a good shine. It smells of lavender which is my favorite scent, but it can be a little overpowering while you are washing your hair if you don't like the scent. The lavender really helps to soothe the scalp, so if you're having scalp troubles this is the bar for you! Lush has quite a few scents for you to choose from as well as each of them offering a different benefit.  An example is their Jason and the Argan Oil bar, it really helps enrich your hair with good oils while providing you with a nice rosey scent.  If you would like to check out all of their Shampoo Bars, check out their website here or if  you would specifically like to see the Jumping Juniper bar be sure to check it out here.

Have you tried the shampoo or conditioner bars? What do you think of them, I'd love to know! Don't forget: Be bold, be beautiful, be YOU!
XOXO,
Emma

10 Things My Fellow Bloggers (and YouTubers) Have Taught Me

Here in the blogging community we are very lucky because, on the whole, we support each other.  Yes there is negativity and cat fighting going on out there in the nethersphere we call the internet but that's just life isn't it? I've been lucky enough to learn so great and valuable lessons along the way from bloggers who do know me and those who don't even know I exist.  Here I am going to list for you the ten top lessons I have either been given by bloggers or that I have read as advice on their blogs.

1. Editing is your friend.Some may say that this makes it all fake, but could you honestly look me in the eye and say you'd rather see an unedited photo that is dark and slightly fuzzy or a video with a million stops, starts, and dance breaks? I didn't think so.  Editing makes you look put together and professional.  I just got into editing my photos so I'm still learning so it's definitely a learning curve. 

2. Network, Network, Network! This is probably the biggest piece of advice I've learned in my years of social media and just being an actor in general. Get business cards made or make them yourself to hand them out to anyone and everyone so that you can get your name out there about your work.  Networking is how people get jobs and how people succeed, it takes time though and can be tough but is worth it in the end. 

3. Be yourself and the rest will fall in line. Don't try to be anyone else but yourself because inevitably it will be seen through and you will loose more people than you win.  While there will always be those trolls and haters out there who dislike people no matter what, there will also be a group of people who will like you for who you are.

4. Have a welcoming environment to work in. So I'm not the best one at this but having a welcoming environment really helps you relax your way into your work.  I've just recently added a plant to my desk and it really brightens my mood when I work.

5. Invest in your craft. This was a hard one for me to do because I thought what I had was good enough I've learned quickly within the year that it wasn't and that I truly had to invest not only my money but my time into my social media if I wanted to get noticed.  So invest in editing software, sign up for PicMonkey, invest in backgrounds, get a logo made. Do what it takes for how far you want to go.

6. Always have a notebook/notepad and camera at the ready. You never know what you're going to see or hear or read that might inspire you, so be on your toes and be ready!

7. Your creativity may not be that of others but it is still creative. Creative is creative, no matter what.  Don't compare your genius to someone else's genius or else you'll just be miserable.  Just enjoy the creative process and let those creative juices flow.

8. Have a good support system. A good support system is invaluable. They are the ones who are there for you when it seems like the world is against you: you're getting hate, your editing software won't work, etc.

9. Have a running list of post and video ideas, no matter how silly they may seem at the time. Every single idea I have for my blog or youtube channel or any social media, I immediately write it down even if I have no idea how to do it or if it sounds completely idiotic. Some of my best ideas have come really late at night or in my sleep, so be sure to keep a notepad in your night stand.

10.  Remember to take time for yourself, step away from the camera and blog for a bit. If you don't step back every once in awhile, you're likely to get bogged down with no ideas and no passion and no drive to do any of it. I experienced that earlier this year, which is why my blog went on hiatus from December to March, but I'm back now!

Here are some of my blogging inspirations, in case you would like to check them out!

ViviannaDoesMakeup

Amelia Liana

Lily Pebbles

Estee Lalonde

My Other Social Media:

YouTube//Twitter//Instagram-Beauty//Facebook//Bloglovin'

20 Under $20

My Favorite Skincare Bits

There are many pieces in my skincare routine but I've narrowed it down to my favorite skincare bits, the best of the basics you could say.  I have combination, acne prone skin so breakouts are a big problem for me.  Not as big as they used to be, but they can still be a problem when the crop up so the first things on my list are two spot treatments.

My top two spot treatments are The Body Shop's Tea Tree Oil, although any Tea Tree oil would be fine, and Mario Badescu's famed Drying Lotion.  They both essentially doing the same thing but when used in tandem they produce great effects.  I use the Tea Tree oil more on newly opened acne and the Drying Lotion I use on the acne before it's opened in hopes that it will just go away. Then again, don't we all want that?

My face wash of choice is Soap and Glory's Face Soap and Clarity Vitamin C Facial Wash. It has gentle exfoliating beads and a wonderful scent.  Along with all of that it really cleans your face :) As well, you get a really gigantic bottle which is great because you only need a pea sized amount which makes it last a good long while.

Toner is a must in my skin care sessions, and if it has Salicylic Acid that's even better because it helps to clear up my acne. Now I wouldn't recommend this if you have sensitive skin because it may be too strong but if not then I would definitely suggest OXY for acne prone skin because of the acne killing medication.  It also helps to rid your face of any other bacteria that might still be on your face after you wash it.  As well, it minimizes your pores because of the medication in it.

If you can't handle or don't want to use a toner with Salicylic Acid in it, don't worry I don't always use it either.  My other toner of choice is the Mario Badescu facial spray with aloe, herbs, and rosewater. This is a wonderful pump mist that refreshes your skin while helping to close the pores because of the cooling effect it produces.

Next up is my eye cream. This is an Argan Oil eye cream with Dead Sea minerals in it, I bought it at Marshalls not too long ago.  It's not my favorite but it's not the worst I have ever used either. It's nice and creamy and I do notice it hydrating my eyes quite nicely.

The Youthful Bloom cream is my choice for nighttime moisturization.  It is creamy yet natural and handmade.  There are Jojoba and Macadamia oils in it, which really help to hydrate the skin.  If you would like to read more about it, you can check out my blog post here and if you like the sound of the product be sure to check out the Botanicals By The Sea website to see their amazing full range of products. Or just search here on my blog because I have reviewed quite a few of their products and will be doing more soon!

For daytime hydration, I go the double wamy route- a base moisturizer and then a BB Cream.  I really like the Simple protecting lotion because it is very light on the skin but is great for those with sensitive skin and it has an SPF which is something I always look for in a lotion.  The BB Cream I use is the Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream which also happens to have an SPF to it.  This gives me hydration plus the added bonus of giving me a little bit of coverage.

Finally I figured I would throw in my favorite skin care, err, what would you call this? A tool? Let's go with that. This is my favorite skincare tool, the Clairsonic Mia 1.  Nothing super fancy, one speed and all of that but it does it's job nicely of giving my skin a good clear out two to three times a week.  I'm still nervous to use this every day because I did used to have sensitive skin but, as skin does, it changed.  I love this product and definitely think that it is worth the investment, if you can manage it.

Well there are my favorite skincare bits, I would love to know what yours are! Be sure to let me know down in the comments below! XO Emma

YouTube//Instagram- Beauty//Twitter//Facebook//Bloglovin'

Battle of the Mascaras: Round 3

Welcome back Stars, to the Battle of the Mascaras after we took the week off due to forgetfulness. It shall not happen again, I hope.  Today we have our reigning champion, Maybelline Lash Sensational Original versus the Rimmel Kate Moss mascara. Who will win? Will the reigning champ be knocked off of her pedestal? Keep reading to find out!

What Would I Put in a Beauty Box? (Things I want you to try!)

I was posed the question the other day; what would I put into a beauty box and why.  Then I thought, hey, that will make a great post! So here we are, another Tuesday and I'm sitting here at my computer with makeup products surrounding me from my previous photo shoots and I'm posed the question again, what would I put into a beauty box?  After much contemplation, I have finally come up with my answer and I hope you like it because they are all things I think you need to try.

MAY FAVORITES 2016

After much contemplation, I finally decided on my May Favorites!! This video was edited using my new editing program thanks to Cine Gear Expo this past weekend.  I hope you enjoy and will share some of your monthly favorites with me, too!

Planner Sticker Haul| Boulderbon, Stationary Heaven, Little Dog Paper Co...

Here it is guys, my first (filmed) sticker haul.  I hope you're enjoying my attempt to add things in that aren't just beauty! XO

Products You Need For The Summer | All Under $15

As the summer season is fast approaching, I wanted to share with you some of my skincare and makeup items that are my staples not just for summer but for the whole year.  I would love to know what some of your makeup and skincare staples are, we can learn from each other!  Click that read more button to see what I've picked.

Combined Haul: Sephora and Ulta

Here is a video I haven't done in what feels like forever, a combined Sephora and Ulta haul.  I didn't get much from Sephora but I did do some damage (with coupons) at Ulta.  What products would you like to try that I've show in this video? What else are you dying to try? I'd love to know! XO



YouTube//Facebook//Twitter//Instagram-Beauty//Instagram- Planner//Instagram- My Life

Plump, Kissable Lips

Okay, I know, 'plump kissable lips' doesn't really sound like a topic I would touch right? Well, now I'm trying some new things and that means going beyond my typical posts.  I'm re-branding and turning over a new leaf, folks. Granted, this isn't going to be scandalous or racey but it's not a review either. Anyway, enough blathering, forward- MARCH!

Spring/Summer Makeup Look

Hello my beautiful Stars, I hope this post finds you well! I am back to making videos again and I am going to start sharing them on my blog.  This video is a really nice, subtle, spring and summer makeup look.   For my eyeshadow I used the Vice Palette, I believe it's the Vice 3, and the Noir black eye liner.  If you like this video, please be sure to head over to my YouTube channel (linked below) and hit that subscribe button- I'd love to have you! XOXO

YouTube//Facebook//Twitter//Instagram

Battle of the Mascaras: Round 2

Hello my beautiful Stars and welcome to the Battle of the Mascaras, Round 2. If you missed out on Round 1, or would like a refresher, that post will be linked right here so you can check it out. Today the battle will be between last weeks victor, the Maybelline Lash Sensational original and the Maybelline Colossal Volume. I will compare both mascara's formulas, look, and application to decide which mascara will be this weeks victor to continue on to Round 3. So, let's get ready to RUMBLE!

These are some of my FAVORITE pens...

As many of you know who have seen my monthly favorite videos, I love paper and pens and stationary and stickers and planners (oh my!). I thought I would bring that little part of my life to my blog today and tell you about some of my newest favorite pens.  Now, usually, I only like 1.2-1.5 boldness in a pen tip and a rainbow of colors only in ballpoint.  Enter the Papermate Inkjoy Gel pen. I bought mine off of Amazon (cheaper there) in the 0.7 tip pen in a rainbow of colors but, obviously, in gel.  Now, I used gel pens when I was a little kid but these are gel pens for adults. While I wouldn't mind some glitter, the colors are bright and vibrant and the pen writes smoothly and doesn't skip. Here is the picture of my pen test and what they look like:

To me, the biggest shocker was the yellow pen.  Usually, I can't read anything written in yellow but this was yellow but it was vibrant and bold and easy to read.  I was also surprised by the fact that there was a brown pen.  It writes nicely and the color is actually there, it doesn't look like a light black. The grip of the pen is not squishy but instead is pretty solid and I was surprised about that because I am so used to pens having a softer grip.  This doesn't affect how the pen writes, however, you get used to it naturally and you're writing looks nicer the longer you use it.  Have you used these pens? What do you think of them?XOXO

YouTube//Facebook//Twitter//Instagram

Battle of the Mascaras: Round 1

 Being someone who loves mascara, I have quite a few and I decided I should share with you my findings of which is best for what and if there are any you should just steer away from. This may be a lengthy post so grab a drink and a snack and let's get started!

L'Oreal Lumi Cushion REVIEW

After much hype, I finally was able to get my hands on the L'Oreal Lumi Cushion foundation.  This has become one of my favorite foundations that I have tried this year.  Being that I haven't even bothered to mention the other foundations I've tried, that makes this one very special.  Keep reading to read my full review!

April Favorites!

My April Favorites this month ranges from makeup and beauty bits and bobs to books and planners.  I hope you enjoy! I would love to hear what your monthly favorites are, so leave them in a comment down below! XOXO

Brand Focus: Colourpop Cosmetics

Hello my beauties! Today I am going to try something new, a new type of post, a brand focus.  I've seen many of these done on YouTube but find them difficult to discover in blogs.  Probably because to do one you have to own a lot of one brand's product to do such a post and that can take a while.  Well, I've decided to take on the challenge and take it on with one of my all time favorite brands, Colourpop Cosmetics.

Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip color: Review

As matte lips become more and more on trend, I am still searching for the perfect matte lip.  In my searching I have come across many good ones and bad ones but here is one that I am still a little unsure about- the Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color. 

Life Update!

Hello my lovely readers, long time no write! How are you doing? Miss me yet? I know I've been gone but I'm back now.  Life got a little out of hand and this blog and my YouTube channel have definitely suffered for it, actually, all of my social media suffered from it.  If you're curious and want to check out my other social media outlets I will link all of them down below for you :) Anyway, so why have I been gone since practically December 2015? Firstly, I was in the musical version of "Miracle on 34th Street" at a community theater I found so once shows started and rehearsals ended it got to be hard to get home at 11PM and then shower and then blog or film, ya know? I know it's no excuse, but still.  Then I took on the task of designing the invitation for a party in June and also helping to organize it.  I was still dealing with my leg being stuck in a cast which I  had had on since October and didn't get off until the start of April.  Then the spring musical started at my former high school, which I am the Makeup Artist and Prop Master for and I started volunteering at my former elementary school with a kindergarten class.  Please don't get me wrong, I have loved every last minute of it (except the cast part) but it sadly left very little room for blogging, vlogging, and just plain old filming and editing.

Now the spring musical is over as of this past Sunday and the elementary school is getting ready to finish up, I have more free time to work on revamping my blog, YouTube channel, Instagrams, Twitter, and Facebook.  I will be fiddeling with my blog colors and layout and what not over the next few days, so don't be worried if you see it constantly changing before I reach one that I really love.  I am happy with the banners I have now on my social media, so those most likely will not change.

If you follow my makeup Instagram or if you found my planner Instagram, you'll know that I've fallen head over heels for planning and I LOVE being a part of the planning community.  I have two planners, one for Social Media and one for, well, everything else; I use an Erin Condren vertical and a Kikki.K Large (A5).  Yes I decorate and I have tons of stickers and washi tape and I film videos about it and it goes on the same channel as my beauty videos because it's Beauty and Lifestyle channel.  One question I always get asked is why do I plan, and it's pretty much the same answer I give for makeup, I love it, it makes me happy, and it keeps my creative juices flowing.

I have worked and worked and have finally got my picture and video quality to where I want it to be with a new camera, I hope you can see a difference!  Well, that's it I suppose, I'll see you very soon! XOXO
What have you been up to these past few months, I'd love to know!

YouTube//Facebook//Twitter//Instagram-Beauty//Instagram-Planner

Bee ZZZ's: The De-Stress Balm

Hello my lovely Stars, if you are new- welcome! Go ahead and hit that 'follow' button over there to the right so you don't miss a single post.  Today's post is going to be about one of the most awesome products I tried last year, Botanicals By The Sea's de-stress balm Bee Zzzz's! Okay, I think of it as more of a salve but you get the picture, right?  Anyway, I carry a lot of stress and anxiety around and it definitely weighs me down and makes it very difficult for me to get much rest at night.  I bought this product at the Ontario Harvest Festival and it has worked wonders.  While I still have trouble sleeping, this definitely helps me drift off sooner.  For a more in depth look at Bee ZZZ's, click that "Continue Reading" button!

Botanicals By The Sea Youthful Bloom Cream: Review!

Hello my beautiful stars! I hope this post finds you well.  I wanted to share with you today what is, probably, my all time favorite night time face cream.  It is called the Youthful Bloom cream by a company in California called Botanicals By The Sea which you can find here. I discovered them at a craft show near my home and haven't looked back since trying their products.  Keep reading for a more in depth review of this amazing product!

IMATS Haul 2016

    Hello my stars! Well, you asked and I listened- here is my IMATS 2016 haul.  I know lately on my YouTube channel I've been doing a lot of stuff about planners but for me that is lifestyle and I'm trying to expand my blog and YouTube from just plain beauty to beauty AND lifestyle so any video or post suggestions would be greatly appreciated!  I also wasn't posting too much beauty because I was gearing up to have my IMATS haul be my big return to my channel, so I hope you really like it!

    One of my most treasured items I got was my first Z Palette with four shadows.  I also got a Makeup Eraser which I had first seen on BeautyWithBrittanyXO's YouTube channel and I knew when I saw her use it I had to have one if I ever got the chance and I did!

    Did you go to IMATS? If so, what was your favorite purchase? XOXO

YouTube//Twitter//Professional Instagram//Facebook

IMATS Los Angeles 2016 Experience

Hello my lovely stars and welcome back to my blog!  This past Sunday, January 17, I was lucky enough to attend IMATS with my mom and we had a blast! (Even if it was a little more crowded than last year)  Keep reading to find out my thoughts on the event!

You're the Top series: My current favorite 6 blushes

Hello my lovely Stars and welcome back to my blog! Today I am going to share with you six of my all time favorite blushes. They are mostly high end but there is one drugstore blush that made the cut.  Keep reading and I hope you enjoy!

You Are Not Alone

Hello my beautiful Stars! As I'm trying to expand the repertoire of this blog to makeup, planners, and lifestyle I figured I would get personal for a post, let my guard down, and talk about some of my mental health demons.

New Year, New Me?

Hello my lovely Stars and a very happy new year 2016 to all of you!

 Every new year, people do resolutions and, for me anyway, they mostly fail.  Either they don't know how to attain them or they are too big to do in one year.  One way I am going to help myself achieve these goals is to hold myself accountable and one way to do that is to put it all out there and let others help to hold you accountable. Here are some of my blogging and YouTube and social media goals for this year.