Thursday, December 31, 2015

2016: Year of the #GIRLBOSS

Sophia Amoruso is one of my many many many female role models. She started her company Nasty Gal selling vintage clothing on Ebay in 2006, and has now sold over $100 million in apparel and accessories. Sophia's New York Times Bestselling book, #GIRLBOSS was my inspiration for this post, and has sparked my motivation for the coming year. If you haven't read #GIRLBOSS yet, please do yourself a favor and read the freaking book, especially if you plan to pursue a career in the fashion industry. After about a year of waiting, I FINALLY got the book for Christmas, and ever since I've started reading it I feel like someone (probably Sophia) set a fire inside of me. I just want to go out there and kick butt at everything I do because I AM A FREAKING #GIRLBOSS!!

In the coming year, I will continue to apply/interview for a summer internship, turn 21, go on a study tour to New York, do my summer internship, apply/interview for real life jobs, and graduate college. 2016 will be the most eventful year of my life so far, and I cannot even begin to put into words how pumped I am to work hard and be a total #GIRLBOSS. Now was the perfect time for me to read this book. I desperately needed to feel the sense of confidence and empowerment I got from reading #GIRLBOSS before I have to go out and start "selling myself" (for lack of better words) to possible future employers. 

Instead of having a list of cliche new year's resolutions, I decided to stick to a mantra to live by in 2016. Of course, the mantra is one of my favorite quotes from #GIRLBOSS. "A #GIRLBOSS is in charge of her own life. She gets what she wants because she works for it". This quote is within the first 15 pages of the book, and Sophia continues to repeat her message throughout the book- #GIRLBOSSes work hard to get what they want. That is exactly what I plan to do this year! 

Happy New Year, and I hope you all embrace your inner #GIRLBOSS in 2016! 

Before I sign off, I would like to ask that you guys keep my home town in your thoughts. Rowlett was among the two cities hit the hardest by Saturday's tornadoes in Texas. The EF4 left many people and pets without homes. There is never a "good time" for something like this to happen, but the day after Christmas just seems far too unfair. Please be sending good thoughts to Rowlett during the cleanup and rebuilding that will take place in the coming months.

xo. Brooke

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Lazy Girl Style

Source
It's FINALLY Winter break and I could not be more stoked! It's so nice to be able to relax at home and not have to worry about classes, homework, projects, papers, etc. Unfortunately, I started my off break by getting my wisdom teeth removed, so I'll be hanging out at home for the next few days. It's totally okay though because I get to watch TV, knit, color, and eat ice cream all day long which rocks. (P.S. Thank you Allison for the adult coloring book)

I don't know about you guys, but when I'm at home I want to be as comfortable as possible. The downside of this is that I also don't really like going out in public looking like I just rolled out of bed (this is generally how I look at home). I obviously will dress up if I know I'm going to be going somewhere that day, but if I wake up without any plans for the day I search for the comfiest clothes I own. I want to give you guys some style inspiration for some comfy AND cute outfits to copy this Winter break because you deserve to be comfortable! Also, while at home you're at risk of running into former classmates (yeet), so you have to look somewhat socially acceptable.
Source
Source
Source
Source
Source
Stay cozy & chic this Winter break, friends!

xo. Brooke

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Holiday Playlist

As you know, I start listening to Christmas music in November (at the latest). I know that they're all basically just different versions of the same songs, but I love them nonetheless. Since it is finals season and college students will soon be driving home for the holidays I decided to share a holiday playlist to make studying and driving home a little more joyful. If you're already home for the holidays, feel free to listen while you decorate some Christmas cookies or do some other festive activity those of us still at school wish we could do. You can find my holiday playlist on Spotify, it's titled "Young, Wild & Broke: Christmas"!
  1. O Holy Night- *NSYNC
  2. That's Christmas to Me- Pentatonix
  3. All I Want for Christmas is You- Mariah Carey
  4. The 12 Days of Christmas- Straight No Chaser
  5. What Child Is This- Francesca Battistelli
  6. Wrapped in Red- Kelly Clarkson
  7. Here Comes santa Claus- Elvis presley
  8. Merry Christmas Darling- Christina Perri
  9. Where Christmas Is Found- Cameron Mitchell & aprilemade
  10. Warm and Fuzzy Time of Year- Billy Gilman
  11. Jingle Bells- Michael Buble (feat. The Puppini Sisters)
  12. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas- Bing Crosby
  13. Mistletoe and Holly- Frank Sinatra
  14. Something About December- Christina Perri
  15. Ave Maria- Josh Groban
  16. Infany Holy, Infant Lowly- BYU Vocal Point
  17. Marshmallow World- Francesca Battistelli
  18. The First Noel- Pentatonix
  19. Just For Now- Kelly Clarkson
  20. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays- *NSYNC
  21. Blue Christmas- Elvis Presley
  22. This Christmas- Straight No Chaser
  23. White Christmas- Bing Crosby
  24. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen- BYU Vocal Point
  25. My Only Wish (This Year)- Brittney Spears
  26. Last Christmas- Ariana Grande
  27. Baby, It's Cold Outside- Seth MacFarlane
  28. It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year- Andy Williams
  29. Silver Bells- Dean Martin
  30. Mary, Did You Know?- Pentatonix
Before I sign off, I would like to share the story behind the photo used for this post. That festive *NSYNC photo is usually my go-to background on my laptop during the month December. Sadly, my laptop is STILL being worked on so I won't be able to enjoy the full month of joy that this photo brings me. Note to University of Arkansas students: if your laptop breaks, don't take it to the bookstore to be worked on unless you want to be without at laptop for over 2 weeks. 

xo. Brooke

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

DIY Holiday: A Beautiful Mess

A Beautiful Mess is my go-to blog for anything DIY. All of their DIY projects are super cute and have very detailed photos and instructions making them easy to actually DIY. I have been on Pinterest everyday for the past week trying to find the perfect DIY ornament for #BloggersDeckTheHalls, an ornament exchange for bloggers hosted by Cristina on Campus and Not Your Average Southern Belle. I ended up buying one, but I came across some great Holiday DIY projects (all from A Beautiful Mess) that I would love to share with you guys! I definitely plan on making at least a couple of these projects for my apartment and maybe as additions to some Christmas gifts! (Also, I apologize for any formatting issues... I've been laptop-less for a week, so this post was written on my phone!
DIY
Pom-Pom Garland
This Pom-Pom garland is so fun! Its a pretty affordable and easy project that will make your holiday mantle decor pop!
DIY
Winter Village
I absolutely adore this project. I have never seen anything quite like it before! How cute would this be in a little girl's room?!
DIY
Gold Leather + Fur Stocking
I have been wanting to make my own stockings ever since I started sewing about 3 years ago. I love the idea of using metallic leather and fur!
DIY
Porcelain Holiday Tree Lights
My mantle needs SO MANY of these tree lights! They look so easy too... This may be a nice pre-finals project for me.
DIY
Eye Ornaments
These are probably some of the cutest ornaments I've ever seen. I think if I find the time to make some for myself I'd add some glittery red and pink lip ornaments to the mix as well! 

Happy holiday crafting! 

xo. Brooke

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Be Pretty & Save Animals

Source
Over the past several months I have started the transition to buying only cruelty-free products. I made this decision expecting to pay a little more for my beauty and cleaning products than I had been in the past, but I'm actually spending about the same amount! I was completely unaware that many of the brands I already used were cruelty-free brands, I have done some research over the past year on the effects of product testing on animals and let me tell you, the things these helpless animals go through is completely heartbreaking.  Some of the many animals currently being used as test subjects include mice, rats, rabbits, primates, cats, and dogs.... SO SO SAD!! I would highly encourage anyone who loves animals to join me in this transition, and spread the word about the harmful effects of animal testing to your family and friends.

With that being said, there are so many great cruelty-free brands out there and I can't wait to try more of them! Based on what I've tried so far, I have put together a list of my top 5 favorite cruelty-free products for you guys!
Lush
Lush Jumping Juniper Shampoo Bar 
This was part of my first ever Lush purchase, and oh my gosh it is incredible! I had several people recommend this bar to me so I knew I had to try it, and I don't think I'll ever go back to regular shampoo. This bar smells amazing and leaves my hair shiny, soft and bouncy. I'm asking for another for Christmas so I'll already be stocked up when I run out. 
Lush
Lush Big Solid Conditioner
Of course I had to buy Lush conditioner when I bought the shampoo bar! This also smells amazing. It doesn't feel like a real conditioner when it's in your hair, but I don't notice any more tangles. I was worried about dryness, but that hasn't been an issue at all! This bar also seems to help in controlling my frizz which is a HUGE plus.
Lush
Lush 93,000 Shower Jelly
This stuff is seriously so fun. It literally feels like a jello version of soap. One of my littles recommended the shower jellies when I was asking her about her favorite Lush products, and I absolutely love the 93,000 scent. It really just smells like cinnamon, but I love cinnamon so obviously I think it's great. 
Target
e.l.f Blush in Twinkle Pink
I LOVE this blush shade; it's not too coral and not too pink. Also, it's only $3 and you can't beat makeup that cheap! I was so happy to find out that e.l.f is a cruelty-free brand because all of their make up is SO cheap and I have yet to find a product that I didn't like! 
Target
NYM Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo
I have tried several different brands of dry shampoo and this one is by far my favorite. I only wash my hair every other day, so on the day's I don't wash I will use this. I love it because it doesn't leave that powdery look in my dark hair that a lot of other brands do. This brand is also very affordable!

I am so excited about this change in my life. I feel so much better when I'm getting ready in the morning knowing that the products I'm using aren't tested on animals. I know I only listed three brands in this post (sorry, Lush is seriously so great and I'm still obsessed), but there are a ton of companies who are against animal testing. For further information on companies that DO and DON'T test on animals head over to peta.org!

xo. Brooke

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Merry {Chic}mas

Source
If you couldn't already tell, I absolutely adore the holidays! I love the festive decor, fun events, and of course the shopping. If you're anything like me, you often find your self running 20 minutes late while getting ready for a holiday event because you have nothing to wear. There is no reason to sweat this year ladies because I have found the only three looks you need to make it through this holiday season in style. 
Source
Christmas Shopping
If you're anything like me, shopping is a workout. You need something that's comfortable, easy to move in, and of course cute! My go-to Christmas shopping outfit is a sweater (lightweight because of sweat. I did say shopping is a workout), skinny jeans, and booties.
Source
Cookie Swap
Cookie swaps are super fun, but you definitely want an outfit that will camouflage your mid-region. After all, it is a party dedicated to eating cookies. Because cookie swaps are generally more casual events, wear a flowy top, your favorite pair of jeans, and some clogs! (You can add a pair of festive socks to make your outfit more fun!)
Source
Christmas Party
I don't really like the idea of wearing dresses in the winter because I get cold very easily, so this look is perfect if you want to stay cozy while looking glamorous. Wear a chunky knit sweater, some nice joggers, and some clogs or heeled booties. To jazz up this look, add a statement necklace and some red lipstick and you're ready to celebrate!

These three styles should keep you looking chic and fabulous all holiday season! Merry {Chic}mas, Ladies!

xo. Brooke