Blessed but Stressed!

So, I am back again... Fell off the wagon. Life got crazy there for a few weeks. Too much to do, too little time. I'm sure you all know how it is, am I right!? Well, update is... I have been working a lot more lately for graduation and Mother's Day (and for that, I am very thankful) and have been going out a few times and spending as much time acting like a 22 year old as possible!

Also, I think I mentioned this last time... I am looking for a second job. I applied to the MAC cosmetics counter and have not heard back. I'm too nervous to call and ask about my application so I am needing a major confidence boost! Since then, I have applied to Starbucks (you know, since I LOVE COFFEE) and Stage One as a receptionist. Stage One is a local hair salon and I am hoping that if I get the job I will get a feel of what doing hair would be like... And maybe learn a few things in the process! I was pretty excited when I left my resume because they did say they were looking for someone so I am keeping my fingers crossed! But they would have to be willing to work with my current job. There is no way I could leave Monograms and More. They have become like my little family over the last few months and I can't imagine not working there! So, I know it may be a lot to ask but I know I can find someone who will respect that.

Also, my sweet sweet friend over at Little Miss One Big Mess GRADUATED Saturday so of course that was an exciting time! We had a little party for her and it was so much fun! Loved just hanging out, eating good food, and spending time with good people! So so happy to have been a part of that!

On a less exciting note, Sunday night my stepdad noticed that one of my tires on my car was nearly worn all the way out. Cue: major freak out. I have about $140 to my name and I need all 4 tires. Now, I am no mathematician but 4 tires at a hundred bucks a pop does not get paid for with $140. Our boss' birthday fell on the same week as graduation and with 2 of my co-workers graduating, there was no time to plan anything for her. Combine the tires and the dinner, gift, cake, and card for my boss and this girl is having water works.

But we love her like a mother so of course we couldn't let her birthday go by without a little celebration! Last night we took her to dinner, had a cookie cake, and gave her a gift and silly card and (again) I enjoyed the good food and good people!

P.S. Connie is not pictured (OOPS) but these are some of the very sweet girls I work with!

Today, I finally got to spend some time with my BFF! She owed me a lunch for doing her makeup for her birthday so obvs I took her up on that! Broke Girl Rule #1: Never pass up a free meal.

So, here I am tonight... Finally able to blog. Coffee on one side, boyfriend on the other. Feeling both blessed and stressed.

Love and Happy Blogging,
Hannah

Life Update

So little ladies, I have been MIA for quite some time, I know. BUT, this is actually a good thing! I have been very busy doing lots of fun things! Also, I have been getting more hours at work and that is something that I am unbelievably grateful for. Between those two things, blogging has obvs taken a back seat. But here I am now to share with you what has been going on in my stressful, crazy, sometimes overwhelming, wonderful life!

First, as I said, I have been getting more hours at work which makes me a very happy girl! I am making some good sales and really feeling like an essential part of the team! I am the newest employee but I finally don't feel that way anymore! (Thank goodness because it has been 8 months!)

Second, I am looking for a second job to work this summer. Our little store depends on the local college a lot so we don't get to work as often when the students go home. This stresses me out a little but it does give me an opportunity to find something I could make a career out of.

On that note, I am applying to a MAC cosmetics counter! I have absolutely no experience in makeup, but (thanks to my current job) I do have sales experience. I recently learned that you do not have to have a cosmetology license to work at a MAC counter, that they will send you to train for a week and then back every few months to update your skills and familiarity with new products. I am hoping that, although I don't have a license or experience, my excitement and personality will help me to get the job. I would absolutely need that experience to get another job in that field somewhere else and hopefully make a career of it. (Keep your fingers crossed for me! Taking my application this week!)

Went out with some friends the other weekend to see the band that our monogrammer plays in. It was the first time I had seem them and they were amazing! It was a lot of fun and good to get out and let loose! Finally acting like a 22 year old! Will definitely be doing this again!

Also saw the Red Hot Chili Peppers and OF COURSE they were amazing! One of the best concerts I have ever been to! The music was unbelievable and the lights were awesome! Makes me super pumped to see the Dave Matthews Band next month!

Friday night my sweet, sweet boyfriend and I went on a much needed date! We had tons of Japanese food and went to see Titanic! It was amazing and we had a lot of fun! He makes me laugh so much and I am so thankful for him and for the time we get to spend together.

Lastly, I went to The Mart in Atlanta for the first time Saturday and spent more money than I should have but LOVE everything I got! It was so crazy in there, so big, so many things, and so many people! I hope to go back soon and hopefully have more money to spend! Glad Ashley at Little Miss One Big Mess convinced me that I needed some girl time!

So, that has been my life lately! What has been going on with you? Hope you have been having as much fun as me!

Love and Happy Blogging,
Hannah

Tuesday Tip

Last night on Twitter { follow me } I saw a tweet from Glamour Magazine about wearing your hair up while you sleep. Well, I do this from time to time but as a general rule I let the mane loose. I thought this would be best to keep the pony from pulling during the night and causing me to have a headache come morning. Well, I was intrigued as to why wearing it up is better. So, they say that by wearing your hair up while you sleep you will prevent oils from your hair getting in your skin and therefore helping with facial breakouts. 

I have had many theories about why one side of my face would break out more than the other (using the phone, oils in my pillow while I sleep, etc) so I will try almost anything to obtain flawless skin! 

I tried this last night and keep in mind you do not want to use a thin rubber hair bow but rather something loose like a scrunchie. (I know most of you may not have these on hand and unfortunately I do but trust me on this one.) Put your hair in a messy bun so that you will not have a severe line in your hair when you wake. I did both of these things and woke up not only without a headache, but also some super bouncy, messy, cute curls! 

Try it out ladies and blog your results so that other girls can get in on the secret!

Love, Happy Blogging, & Pretty Skin,

Hannah

Keep it Classy

Today while browsing Pinterest I noticed some really trendy looks. Sure, ombre hair was in last summer and funky tribal prints are totally cool but here is the thing... You should seriously consider balancing your trendy looks with something classic as to not look too bizarre. Knee high boots, tribal miniskirt, flowy top, ombre hair, chunky jewelry, and colorful Ray Bans may be cute separately but not all together. Now, ladies this is just my opinion but I am sure most of you will agree! What are some of your favorite trends? Oh, and more importantly what is your classic "go to" piece? For me, I am totally into hippie chic, but I try to balance with simple makeup and hair and a dark pair of jeans. Classic "go to" item: Wide leg black trousers. I pair them with everything!

This is the look that inspired this post... Thoughts?

Hope ya'll had a fab weekend and didn't commit any fashion faux pas!
Love and Happy Blogging,
Hannah

Tag! You're It!

A new blog friend tagged me in this fun blog game that has been going around. It's super cute and I hope that ya'll learn something about me (and each other) that you didn't know before! So lets get right down to it!

The rules are:
1. You must post these rules.
2. Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
4. You have to choose 11 people to tag and link them on the post.
5. Go to their page and tell them you have linked him or her.
6. No tag backs!

Step One:

• I have a mild obsession with makeup.
• I drink multiple cups of coffee in the morning AND at night.
• I am currently invested in the Hunger Games trilogy and just finished Chasing Fire, the second book, last night.
• I do not have a smart phone. I have a tiny Kin One with a zebra case and although an iPhone would be nice, I am pretty happy with my little phone. It is very me, I think!
• I am going to 2 concerts in 2 months! Red Hot Chili Peppers in April and the Dave Matthews Band in May. I am so so so excited! Hoping for another good band to come to Atlanta closer to my birthday.
• My birthday is July 6. I will be 23... Getting old.........
•  I am constantly thinking of new fun ways to make money from my love of crafts but have yet to follow through with it. Check out my one and only completed craft blog, DIY Darling.
• I have somewhere around 150 DVDs not including seasons of Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. #ilovemovies
• I am a neat freak.
• My favorite dessert is fro-yo with fruit and I am SO excited that we are getting a frozen yogurt shop in downtown Milledgeville! Just in time for summer!
• I have worked at Monograms & More for about 7 months and have yet to have anything monogrammed for myself.

Step Two: Questions from Heather

1. What did you eat for breakfast? A Quaker Caramel Corn rice cake and lots of coffee!
2. What's the scariest thing you've ever done? Moved away to go to school in Kennesaw, a place where I knew no one, far away from home and 2 hours from my boyfriend.
3. Who do you most admire? Mother Teresa. Always working to better the lives of others and bring joy to those around her.
4. If you won the lotto, what would you do? I would FINALLY get married! Get a house, help my family, and then donate to the less fortunate in our country. They seem to fall to the wayside when in the shadow of others suffering in Africa.
5. What do you think first thing in the morning? 'I wonder if Gil is awake yet?'
6. Mexican or Italian food? BOTH! Oh gosh, I love love love pasta but sometimes there is nothing better than some chips, salsa, and cheese dip and a good taco salad.
7. Salty or sweet? Sweet all the way! Love me some ice cream and chocolate!
8. Do you have any secrets nobody knows? No, my boyfriend knows everything about me. Sometimes I feel bad that I told him but at least he can truly understand me.
9. What is your job and do you like it? I work at Monograms & More and I LOVE IT! Love all of the cute things we get in the store and also the fun customers who come in!
10. If you could do anything, what would you do? Open my own bakery and design in with lots of funky cute do-dads and antiques.
11. Have you ever fired a gun? Duh, I am a small town Georgia girl. It has been a while and it isnt really my thing but it has happened. And I have been hunting twice. Thank goodness nothing was shot either time. Poor Bambi's and Babe's...

Step Three: My Questions

1. What is your favorite movie?
2. Have you read any books lately and if so, what are they?
3. Spring, summer, fall, or winter? 
4. Sushi: love it or hate it?
5. What is your favorite band/artist?
6. Do you have any pets, what kind, and what are their names?
7. Do you prefer coffee or tea?
8. What is your dream job?
9. If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
10. What is your favorite animal?
11. What are you most proud of?

TAG! You're it!

Ashley @ Little Miss One Big Mess

Cason @ Babbling From a Blissful Bride

Jack @ Daily Dose of Jack

Rachel @ Bound 4 More

Tori @ Keep Calm and Carry On

Megan @ Mackey Madness

Holly @ Perfectly Imperfect Holly

Becky @ From Mrs. to Mama

Michelle @ The Vintage Apple

Lauren @ the little things we do

Sar @ [life of love]

Hey, It's OK...

In honor of getting the April edition of Glamour mag, I decided to do my own little version of "Hey, It's OK..." I love love love Glamour, and although I have been invested in other things (working, tanning, reading, Pinterest, etc.) and haven't been reading them as much, this morning I delved right into the fashion/beauty/advice world that is Glamour. So glad I did! Their 'It's OK's always make me laugh and generally I feel about the same... i.e. "... if you're actually kind of impressed with the way Snooki's pulled herself together lately." --Don't judge. Everyone deserves support when they are trying! Off my high horse now for a little bit of Hannah's Hey, It's Okay...

... if you swear that you're not going to spend any more money but just HAVE to have those bangles, scarf, earrings.

... if you look forward to Thursday night because of Jersey Shore.

... if you know how bad tanning beds are but are totally convinced that you're addicted.

... if you wear sandals in February just because your toes need a break.

... if you drink four cups of coffee a day.

... if you veg out on Friday night watching You've Got Mail and playing Words With Friends.

... if you bought a Kindle Fire and have yet to buy a book but have played plenty of games.


So ladies, what is OK with you this Saturday? Happy weekend, and stay safe with this terrible weather tearing through the country! P.S. Maybe I will learn how to make my own link up soon and ya'll can link up with me!


Love and Happy Blogging,
Hannah

Pinteresting Wednesday: Beauty Edition

As you may have noticed, I am slightly into makeup... and nails... and hair... I swear I'm not shallow and superficial I just love all things pretty! So, for this Pinteresting post I decided to share my favorite beauty pins! Maybe this will give me the motivation to try out some of the more difficult ones! Hope this gives you some ideas to update your beauty arsenal as well!

via 

These nails are so presh and the pin shows you exactly how to achieve this look without needing a tutorial so I LOVE that! These are obviously cute for Valentine's Day but you could soooo mix up the colors for any day!

via 

These nails totally rock! I wish there was some way I could do these myself! I will have to get them done this summer though because they are awesome! Love the tribal/hippie/boho feel to these!

via

This eyeliner is so fun and looks great against a tan. Would love with my blue eyes and dark hair. I am definitely going to try this for our (belated) Valentine's Day date this Saturday. If I get it right, I'll post a pic and a tutorial! Wish me luck! P.S. If you look closely the blue in the inner corners fade into purple at the outer corners. FAB.

via

These lips are so pretty! Love love love this color for a subtle everyday look! Could be rocked with nearly any eye shadow since it is so sheer. Perfect for spring and summer!

via

I love big curly hair, which should come as no surprise since I have big curly hair! For way too long I have been wearing it straight but I got my long layers cut back in and I try to rock the au naturel look as much as possible. I do, however, wish my hair was THIS curly. LOVE IT!

via

This may be my favorite hair look I have seen in a while! Love the loose curls and that braid is too. cute. I would imagine the front is a french braided bang that comes around to make the braid we see here. This is just one long braid that is pinned on the opposite side. Seems simple enough if you have long hair!

Love all of these looks and if you're brave enough to test them out, please let me know! Would love feedback on ways to simplify these looks!

Love and Happy Blogging, 

Hannah

Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday

Following the advice of my blog friend over at Little Miss One Big Mess I decided to link up with The Vintage Apple for a very Pinteresting Wednesday post! Well, Its been a busy Hump Day but I've gotten a little pinning in. No doubt I've pinned plenty this week, however! Whether I am cleaning, working, or pinning I am dreaming of warmer days with sun and tans and frozen drinks! So here they are, the best of the week, the cream of the crop, the pins that bring a little summer sunshine into these weird half-winter days:

via

Keep Calm and Tan On

via

So ready for sun dresses, espadrilles, shades, and colorful accessories like this!

via

Why hello July 4th, looking forward to celebrating you (not very) soon!

via

Maxi dresses are my best friend in the summer. Classy, easy, breezy look. Lots of room for fab accessories!

via

And I can't forget. Beachy hair! Oh how I love messy, wavy hair... And these starfish pins are just way too cute! Check out my post from last summer on how to achieve this fab summer hair, DIY Wednesday! 

Hope this gets you ready for sand, sun, and surf too ladies!

Love and Happy Blogging, 

Hannah 

Natural Beauty

I am a huge fan of makeup, which should come as no surprise to you. But I take care of myself to make sure I look okay underneath it as well. Makeup always looks best when it appears natural which means wearing as little as possible. To be able to do this, you must take care of your face. Daily. Not every other day, not every third day. Every. Single. Day. But, not to fear! It can be easy and you get used to it rather quickly. (Especially once you begin seeing results!)

First things first. ALWAYS remove makeup! Do not wait until the next morning. By then it will have been rubbed by pillows and clogged your pores for much much much too long. I use makeup remover sheets, the off-brand, and use one to remove eye makeup and a quick run over the face and a second to get any that may have been left behind from the first.

Also, find a good facial cleanser to use each time you shower. I, personally, don't use mine anymore often than that so that my skin does not dry out. However, do make sure to use it on a regular basis. I use Neutrogena Visibly Even Foaming Cleanser. It has a slightly gritty texture so it exfoliates the skin as you cleanse. I have tried other facial cleansers but this has been my favorite.

I still have breakouts sometimes, which for me are not bad... Maybe a bump or two. So I have found a product that I apply to any that I see after washing my face before bed and let it work overnight. I use Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10. It is amazing!

Lastly, just before I go to sleep I apply a chapstick so that my lips will be soft, moist and smooth for any lipgloss/stick I want to wear the next day. I tend to have very dry lips and a hefty helping of Carmex really works wonders for me. (Tip: This also gives your lips a shine without adding color so I sometimes wear it during the day for a subtle look!)

For the rest of your body:

Apply lotion after each shower. Especially after shaving. This will keep skin from drying out and will make it appear much more healthy. Make sure to not skip out on feet! They get the most wear and tear and need love too! I apply a good amount of lotion and then put on socks to keep the lotion from coming off. I typically do this before bed and the socks keep the lotion from coming off on my sheets. If you apply lotion during the day, still wear socks until you are sure the lotion has completely soaked in. If you are applying lotion this often, it should keep your hands in good shape as well. Make sure to rub the lotion around each nail. This will keep cuticles from peeling so your nails stay looking salon perfect!

Every now and then exfoliate your whole body in the shower. I find that doing this once a week keeps my skin much smoother and helps me to have better results when shaving. But, if you do it too often it can cause irritation so be careful! Especially if you have sensitive skin!

Also, don't fall slack on grooming. Make sure that your eyebrows are tweezed in between waxes. Make sure hair is well conditioned. Dry hair is NOT pretty hair no matter how you style it. Anything else you know you need to do, just DO it! It will make you feel so much better afterwards! Totally worth the extra time.

-Hannah