New Years Resolutions

So I'm a little far behind in my posts this month. The holidays have taken a major toll on my productivity. These things have inspired me to write this post.

My New Year's Resolutions

1. Make more time for the fun things in life. Since I have moved to Virginia and gotten a "real" job some of my passions have been come to a complete stop.

This being said that brings me to

2. Make it out to more concerts and shows. I usually went to at least 1 a week in Florida so I'm going to say I want to make it to at least 50 shows in 2013. I will post about my concert conquests on my other blog. If you care to follow my music and musician related ramblings it is http://amandasixx.blogspot.com  I have been absent from there for far too long but other than some killer pictures and set lists, Virginia hasn't given me much to write about.

3. Get back into interviewing bands and promoting up and coming artists. Growing up this was a huge part of my life. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know bands from a different perspective, even though sometimes it could come with huge let downs. I firmly believe 10 years from now my career will be more in this direction anyways :)

4. Get healthy. Most people want to lose weight and all power to them. Since living here I have been tired all too often, which kept me from going to shows and otherwise doing a lot of things. I have gained a little weight, but mostly i'm not in the same shape I used to be. That will change. I will also go back to my Florida eating habits. Since living up here I haven't been eating the right foods, often because I have "no time" to cook. Well this year I'll make the time. My goal is to start working out at least 3 days a week on my elliptical and work my way up to 5 days a week and also doing strength training.

5. Focus on what will make me happier. For me right now that means paying off my student loan since that is the main thing hindering me from packing up and moving out west. I have quite a few options too look at in the job arena and need to check them out.

6. Read more books, I used to read a lot but since I've moved here I haven't made time for this either. By the end of 2013 I want to have read 13 books.

7. Blog more often!

What are your resolutions?

Hope everyone has a fabulous New Years!

Black Friday Beauty Haul Part 1

My Black Friday shopping was just out of control this year.

I've bought so many products I've been lusting after, now everyday I get a new package on my doorstep full of goodies!

The first boxes are from Sephora and Coastal Scents.

I bought the Contour and Blush palette at Coastal scents are I'm happy to report they live up to my expectations, if you are looking for inexpensive products with staying power these are great. I also ordered a couple of brushes and I find the quality to be really good. Bonus they had the cutest tissue paper and I heart makeup stickers :)

From Sephora I got a ton of samples from the Kat Von D sample bag plus the usual samples.

My main stand outs are the 4 $10 deals I got.

The Josie Maran faces wipes might be my new favorite, I love her argan oil for my face. I have super sensitive skin lately and these wipes made it feel clean with no reaction. The nail wipes are definitely different from any others I have used. They take some scrubbing to get the polish off, but it doesn't feel harsh on my cuticles like regular remover does.

The Ole Heniksen set also is working out well for me. The truth serum is excellent and worth the set in itself. I have not really tried the other two products yet since I wanted to make sure I would not have a reaction to my new products first.

The Philosophy Purity face wash is a great gentle cleaner and for a full size bottle that retails for $26 I could not pass it up for $10.

The Boscia set is also intriguing. I liked the black mask when I tried it, I have yet to try the other products.

I did also buy the Pacifica Coconut Bronzing lotion, however it is going back. When I opened it up and looked at it, it's orange. I'm talking cheeto orange! I did however love the smell, after I checked Sephora's site it looks like they are phasing out Pacifica since there are hardly any products available.

Stay tuned for part 2 Black Friday Beauty Haul. I want to try most of the products before I blog about them. I also have a Black Friday haul of some really cool non-beauty products I picked up to. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

My picks for the Target + Neiman Marcus Collaboration

As someone who loves designer goods, but refuses to pay full price. The Target + Neiman Marcus Collection is a match made in heaven. Though for Target some of the prices are up there, you are getting designer quality goods which is worth the extra bucks, or at least I think so.

There are a few pieces that stand out to me and I will be on the prowl for Saturday December 1st.

1.Marc Jacobs Scarf

This is a classic piece that will go with any outfit and can be worn for years to come.

2. Brian Atwood Studded Gloves

I'm obsessed with studs, and these are just beautiful. Plus as a Florida transplanted in the DC area, I need winter accessories.

3. Rag & Bone Cardigan
It may be in the men's section, but this was made for me, and if you are petite head over to the boys section

4. Eddie Borgo Accent box
omg, it's spiked, adorable and would be perfect to hold things on my vanity...

5. Last but not least Robert Rodriguez dress.
It is so beautiful, only problem might be the top fitting me.But i'm determine to at least try.


What are your favorite pieces?

*Photos used are from Target.com

Hello Again :)

Wow, it has been a long time since I have been able to blog. This year has been a gigantic life test for me. I have moved again, into a house that needs ABSOLUTELY everything redone. From the floors, to the walls, to the bathrooms and kitchens, because my mom thinks she is the female Bob Villa and I am a good daughter  we are doing 90% of it ourselves. Between that and a promotion into a full-time position at one of the companies I was working with my hands have been tied!

Things are finally starting to settle down (even in the mist of my bathroom and kitchenette being redone as I type) so I can get back to the things I enjoy, blogging! I cannot wait to share some before and after pictures of my place with you and a ton of beauty and fashion revolutions as well.

Thanks to everyone that has stuck around, this hiatus will only make my content better!

Favorite Hair products of 2011

So i have been MIA for a little while. Truth is settling into DC has not been an easy adjustment for me. I've lived on my own (with roommates for part of the time) for almost nine years! I finished up my LAST semester in school and I was pulling 50 hour work weeks at some points. I was supposed to be in a bigger place now, but all the houses have fallen through. I was hoping 2012 would be when i could start video blogging, but that will have to wait a bit longer to when i'm not living in my closet haha. The room is tiny so it pretty much is my closet with a bed in it.

But anyways onto bigger and better things! Here are the hair products i could not live without in 2011. If music has a whole genre associated with hair, it's obviously a big deal!

1. Moroccan Oil

This has been my hair savior for quite some time now. I have naturally curly/frizzy/wavy hair. This is the best product, put about a dime size amount in my hair and i can blow dry it straight with minimal need for a flat iron (only need it when i'm in a SUPER humid place or if i know i'll be in a sweaty type environment, like going to a concert) Although it may be pricey a bottle usually last at least a year for me, therefore cost per use is actually rather cheap given the results.

2. Macadamia Nut Deep Repair Masque

I've used a variety of deep conditioners over the years and this is one of my favorites. It really does help the health of your hair which is super important when you have chemically treated or highlighted/bleached hair. It's great.

3. Macadamia Nut Leave in Conditioner

This is another product that I found and loved in 2011. I often get dry ends after a day without washing my hair. As you know you shouldn't wash your hair everyday! So in order to keep from washing my hair as often i use this on my mid shaft all the way down to my ends to keep my hair looking and feeling healthier.

4. Got2b Rockin' it Dry Shampoo

This combined with the last product are my no wash lifesavers. I use this at my roots to keep my hair from being oily looking.

5. Got2b Smooth Operator Hair Spray

This has to be my favorite. I'm not a fan of sticky hair spray, i used to not wear hairspray at all. I use this when I have an event and need a little bit more staying power to keep my hair straight and in line. It also helps take out any frizz if it's a problem.

6. Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner

I have been using this stuff for years on and off. It really does exactly what is says. It makes hair super soft and manageable.

There are many more products that i use but these are the ones i can't seem to live without! Hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend!

Favorite Hair products of 2011

So i have been MIA for a little while. Truth is settling into DC has not been an easy adjustment for me. I've lived on my own (with roommates for part of the time) for almost nine years! I finished up my LAST semester in school and I was pulling 50 hour work weeks at some points. I was supposed to be in a bigger place now, but all the houses have fallen through. I was hoping 2012 would be when i could start video blogging, but that will have to wait a bit longer to when i'm not living in my closet haha. The room is tiny so it pretty much is my closet with a bed in it.

But anyways onto bigger and better things! Here are the hair products i could not live without in 2011. If music has a whole genre associated with hair, it's obviously a big deal!

1. Moroccan Oil

This has been my hair savior for quite some time now. I have naturally curly/frizzy/wavy hair. This is the best product, put about a dime size amount in my hair and i can blow dry it straight with minimal need for a flat iron (only need it when i'm in a SUPER humid place or if i know i'll be in a sweaty type environment, like going to a concert) Although it may be pricey a bottle usually last at least a year for me, therefore cost per use is actually rather cheap given the results.

2. Macadamia Nut Deep Repair Masque

I've used a variety of deep conditioners over the years and this is one of my favorites. It really does help the health of your hair which is super important when you have chemically treated or highlighted/bleached hair. It's great.

3. Macadamia Nut Leave in Conditioner

This is another product that I found and loved in 2011. I often get dry ends after a day without washing my hair. As you know you shouldn't wash your hair everyday! So in order to keep from washing my hair as often i use this on my mid shaft all the way down to my ends to keep my hair looking and feeling healthier.

4. Got2b Rockin' it Dry Shampoo

This combined with the last product are my no wash lifesavers. I use this at my roots to keep my hair from being oily looking.

5. Got2b Smooth Operator Hair Spray

This has to be my favorite. I'm not a fan of sticky hair spray, i used to not wear hairspray at all. I use this when I have an event and need a little bit more staying power to keep my hair straight and in line. It also helps take out any frizz if it's a problem.

6. Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner

I have been using this stuff for years on and off. It really does exactly what is says. It makes hair super soft and manageable.

There are many more products that i use but these are the ones i can't seem to live without! Hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend!

Moving is a PAIN!

So I've been beyond busy lately. I have had to pack and move the furniture I'm keeping and drive it to my parents house then flew back to Orlando. Made a trip to VA with a car full of my stuff. Then am having to repaint, tile, clean, and pack the rest of my stuff by the 5th. The 6th I work a huge Zumba Convention(13+ hour days!) til the 10th then i am out of Florida for good. This has been a long time coming and I'm very excited, happy, and nervous. The only thing I am dreading is my microscopic closet! I'm serious. I've never had a closet this small in my ENTIRE life. Also it does not have a good closet organizer which I pretty much have always been able to put in since I've always lived somewhere that was owned not rented. I have been looking for solutions and have come up with some that i can't wait to try out. Anyone else been in the same boat? What have you guys done to better organize a TINY closet. I will have a TON of posts coming up in the middle of July (looks like two giveaways if things go as planned) But until then i probably will not be able to post but wanted you guys to know why :) Moving is not my friend!