JoannaSpeaks

Current Wish List!

2:40 PM

I've been getting way over my head by browsing online for things that I need. Okay, I suppose I don't need them...otherwise I'd already have them. Have you ever went to the mall with a serious list of things that you tell yourself and your shopping buddy that you CANNOT leave without them? Have you ever left without them? I have. Each time. I figured if I did the shopping on line, I would be more likely to definitely wind up with them. As I've been re arranging my room, most of these are for my room. Once I get over my fall bank account massacre, I'll be sure to start packing these babies into my shopping cart.

1. This book that was suggested by a blogger (I can't remember which one! I'll link as soon as I find out). It seems to be written in an extremely original format, and I think I'd enjoy this book a lot.

2. These fairy lights! I've seen these around EVERYWHERE and I think they're so interesting! I can't decide if I want the copper wire or the silver wire. Ps) These are cheaper

3. I've never owned a vest, but I've been scrolling around on pinterest and I've seen so many cute outfits using vests like this one as a staple!

4. Incase you haven't read my past few posts, Steven is leaving for bootcamp to become a Marine in March. I already have a cute notepad in mind so that I can send him endless letters to keep me sane. In order to keep HIM sane and to keep him focused, it is important to be selfless and include only positive stories and thoughts in my letters. I told him if I ever get sad or if something unfortunate has happened that I would like to tell him about, I'd include it in a separate notepad to give to him when he comes home. This is so cute to keep the notes in! (Sorry for the novel description)

5. I'm so late on this trend. I never realized how much I wanted these boots until I started planning outfits around them before I even bought them!

I've also started pinning on my wishlist board on pinterest to feed my addiction to online shopping. What items are collecting dust in your online shopping carts?

Fall 2015

2:16 PM

It’s here! Well, almost. Crisp mornings, cozy sweatshirts, lighting a dangerous and excessive amount of candles, shameless pastry purchases and lovely fall gatherings that I rarely get to attend. Even though the sun is still beating down on South Jersey, my excitement is very real. Fall mornings are when I am the most relaxed. Here are a few things I’m looking forward to this fall.

· Traveling

This September and October, I’m planning a few day trips and weekend trips. Fall is mine and Steven’s favorite season. As he is leaving for bootcamp this coming March, we are making the most of our time and planning tons of day trips around our area! Also, in October, I’m making a trip to central Pennsylvania to see one of my good friends. She has a horse and lives in the woods! It’s like Fall on steroids.

· Baking

I’m not a fan of the infamous pumpkin spice latte. However, I’m an addict when it comes to pumpkin and apple flavored pastries. Steven’s mother makes this insanely delicious pumpkin roll. She REFUSES to let me take a look at the recipe! I’ll be working my butt off to replicate it.

· Fall drinks.

I haven’t taken a single sip of anything fall flavored yet. The weather is still too warm and it takes away from the nostalgia of fall flavored drinks!

· SHOPPING

Fall is my FAVORITE time to shop. Now that I’m back in school, I’ve reduced my work schedule at Starbucks, which was a bittersweet decision. I can’t afford a crazy fall shopping spree. Now that I think of it, it’s a blessing in disguise.

PS) Next time you’re at Starbucks, ask for a hot chocolate with a pump of pumkin. If that doesn’t tickle your peach, try a caramel apple spice! It’s too sweet for me. So I only ask for one pump of the cinnamon syrup. If you like candy apples, ask them to put a pump of raspberry and classic syrup in it! (You can also get this in frappucino form) Yum, yum yum.

PPs)I highly recommend you look further into possible activities and places to visit around your area. Who knew a bunch of activities and adventures were only a few minutes away?

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Bachelorette Season 11 Recap

6:11 PM

Monday nights (or Sunday mornings if I worked on Monday night) Have become my absolute favorite time of the week. It was so nice to curl up on the couch with a blanket and a snack and watch the gorgeous and hilarious Kaitlyn Bristowe win the hearts of 25 guys, America, and my mother and I.

All I need to say is this: Phew. I felt like the entire season I’ve been holding my breath and I was finally able to breathe after Kaitlyn told Shawn she loved him! Okay, okay, let’s backtrack. From the first night of Chris’ season, I was #TeamBritt. Then I started following Kaitlyn on social media and I was like, “Darn, I think I love them both. I would also have a hard time choosing which girl I wanted to date.” So, when Kaitlyn was chosen, I was both happy and sad. It was a win-win for my viewing pleasure. I had predicted from the start that Jared and Shawn were going to make it far. (Obviously with no clue that Nick would swoop in and steal her heart). Jared and Shawn have been my absolute FAVES the entire season! Jared is such a sweetheart and I felt my heart clench each time he got sentimental with Kaitlyn. Nick really rubbed me the wrong way. I didn’t watch Andi’s season, I so I definitely had to educate myself. I tried to put myself in the guys’ shoes, and I would totally be butt hurt and stomp around like a child.

I personally don’t agree with Kaitlyn’s decision to bring Nick in, but also, who am I to judge? This girl is looking for a HUSBAND! Also, imagine if she hadn’t explored her and Nick’s relationship; it could’ve lead to problems after handing out the final rose. Also, let’s not forget, she also had a life before becoming the bachelorette! It must be confusing to see someone that she had feelings for outside of the show.

Also, what’s with making Shawn to be the bad guy for getting jealous? Don’t you think he was actually the only one who reacted NORMALLY to watching the girl he was falling in love with date 15 other guys? I dunno, just sayin.

All together, I think that Kaitlyn and Shawn make an insanely beautiful couple. Chris and Whitney’s breakup wasn’t a shock or a let down for me. However, I’m realling holding out for Shawn and Kaitlyn! Shaitlyn? Shawlyn? Kawn? I should look their couple name up for more accuracy. ALSO let’s not forget about Kaitlyn’s INSANE wardrobe this season! I shed a tear each rose ceremony.

Also also ALSO, here’s to Ben H and his undeniable position as the next Bachelor! Let’s be honest, how is he NOT going to be the Bachelor?!

Stay tuned for my Bachelor In Paradise recaps!!

What are your thoughs on Kaitlyn’s season?

July Birchbox Review

7:44 AM

July's birch box was all about summer. The bright colors really hyped me up for my personal favorite part of the box: the Stila look at me liquid lipstick trio. This birch box was one of my favorites because I know that I'm going to use each of these samples until it's empty! There are few boxes that include one or two samples that wind up pushed into the corner of my beauty drawer in my bathroom.

clariSEA Rapid Detox Charcoal Exfoliant.

At first, I had no idea how to use this. The directions supplied on the info card just implied it was an exfoliant. It said, "Mix a dollop of scrub with water in your palm. Gently massage onto face, then rinse." I did as I was told and I totally felt exfoliated. But it was really harsh and left my skin super irritated. I read the back of the bottle and it was recommended to mix the scrub in with a gentle face wash. Duh. I tried it a few days later (you don't want to exfoliate too often!) with my step 1 of my Clinique Three Step kit, and my skin felt so smooth afterwards! Next week I'm going to do a face mask straight after!

Chlorine Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

Holy dry shampoo. As soon as I opened the box, I used a spritz of this in my hair. The spray is forceful and completely dried out the oil in my hair. The full size is $19.50 and depending on how much I miss it when the sample runs out, I think I might have to buy the full size. Dry shampoo is a girls best friend.

RUSK Hair Care Heatshift Re-Styling Cream

This cream really confused me. I had to read the description a few times. Depending on your hair type, once you style your hair, it's hard to restyle it using another heat tool. If I were to straighten my hair, there would be no hope in curling it without washing it. The purpose of this cream is to prevent that. Hence the title, "Re-styling cream." Once again, Duh. Put the cream in and style it when you get out of the shower, and then you should be able to style it again later!

Supergroup! Daily Correct CC Cream SPF-15

Who doesn't like a good CC cream? The past Birchboxes that I've received for the past three months have included a BB cream, a tinted moisturizer and a CC cream. Especially with the summer season, it's been so lovely to pop these in my beach bag or in my hand bag. I'd dab it on my nose and my cheeks if I was in the sun because they all have SPF-15. You can never have too many creams!

stila look at me liquid lipstick trio

OK, wow, wow, wow. Recently, I've started to be a grown up and I began to shop for lipsticks and lip tints. I haven't ever been one to wear any lipstick, ESPECIALLY bold colors like this one. I started to reach outside of my comfort zone after reading a few blog posts on lip colors and how they can complete an outfit. I thought about all the outfits that would look more put together if I just added a small amount of lippy. Turns out, I love it! I felt so confident throughout the day and Steven went crazy! So, opening this box really got me excited. I immediately tried it on. The color is BEAUTIFUL and vibrant. It goes on creamy and dries matte. Also, it does not come off. It does NOT COME OFF! I tried licking my lips, scraping it off with my teeth, wiping it with a towel, and it didn't even smudge. I'm not kidding. It's INSANE! They have so many other lovely colors that I'm most likely going to give a try!

Join Birchbox! $10 a month for name brand samples and discount opportunities!

**This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own and I bought everything with my own money**

Becoming a morning person

10:23 AM

Lately, I’ve been trying to drag myself up out of bed around 8 or 8:30 to get a head start on my day. My sleeping pattern is so thrown off due to my work hours, so usually I sleep in until 11:30 when ever I get the chance. This, of course, causes me to be even MORE tired than before (even when I don’t think it’s possible to be even more tired). When I wake up early, I get enough time to build some energy and get started on my day so I’m not running around finishing things last minute. Here’s some things I’ve been going by each morning!

The night before//

v End your day the right way.

I’ve been trying to end my day with a relaxing hot bath. Especially after a long and hectic day, your mind is still trying to catch up with your body. This causes you to stay up until the early hours of the morning, which then causes you to sleep until the late hours in the afternoon. Ending the day with a bath can relax your mind which can allow you to mentally end the day and go to sleep with a clear mind.

v Make a to-do list.

It’s so much easier waking up knowing that your day is already planned out. This can reduce stress in the morning by thinking about all the things you need to do and what to do first.

v Plan a yummy breakfast!

Who doesn’t wake up in a good mood when you know the first thing you do is consume delicious food!? Lately, I’ve been making an over-easy egg with a slice of a whole wheat bagel thin and two slices of turkey bacon.

The morning of//

v Make your bed!

If you make your bed first thing each morning, you will be more likely to reduce stress since making your bed can make you feel a sense of accomplishment. Beginning your day with a feeling of accomplishment can ONLY mean good things! Plus, it lets your mind know that bed time is over for the day.

v Have a coffee/tea ritual.

While you’re enjoying your morning coffee or tea, have “me” time. Especially if you have a busy day ahead of you, beginning your day with a little relaxation and time for your own self-enjoyment will lift your spirits. I’ve been reading my favorite blogs, my boyfriend’s favorite book that I FINALLY started to read, or lately I’ve been enjoying the Cosmopolitan articles on snapchat.

v Stretch/meditate.

Stretching or meditation can sync up your mind and your body, making for a balanced and peaceful day.

v Review your to-do list.

Complete a task one at a time. Do not think that every task has to be done all at once, or else you’ll never get any of them done! Tip: In my planner, Ive been writing an inspiring quote each day to go by. It puts me in a good mood and each time I’m feeling down, I say the quote to myself to ease my stress.

Have a great day!

SAME SEX MARRIAGE!

11:09 AM

June: Inspiration // Open Mic

10:02 AM

The fire in belly and the brain explodes and the flames touch every part of you. This is what it’s like to be inspired. Inspiration is uncontrollable, seemingly random, and beautiful. It can happen on a subway, in a Subway, while driving, while showering, while cleaning, etc. Once an idea takes hold, it can be quite difficult to let it go; but by the same token, once we get a feel for the seemingly random patterns of inspiration, we can chart the things that are more likely to inspire us, and less likely to inspire us. To cultivate inspiration it needs to be broken down into things that are easier to understand. I see three factors that help me facilitate an inspiring and creative environment: your calling, your interests, and your disinterests.

1. Calling

I went to several high-school graduations; my brother, my cousins, my own and there was a common thread running through them: cheesy keynote speakers. Each one preached trite and boring platitudes “follow your dreams”, “be true to yourself”, “do what you love”, things in this vein. These people who spoke never answered the questions I always had: “how do I follow my dreams?” “Who am I?” “What do I value, what do I love?” In order to be inspired you need a catalyst, a spark, something to ignite that fuel to allow you creativity to be let loosed. Your calling matters, I myself am an aspiring journalist so I’m not going to find inspiration from the same things as a chef would. The chef might find the smell of coffee and bacon in the morning and be inspired to create an amazing and flavorful dish. Your calling determines what things will trigger inspiration. To find who you are, you might doing what I did helpful. Take a journal and two pens and find a quiet place away from your home, away from your family, and most importantly away from your phone. Sit and think about the things that make you happy, the things you value, the things you find honorable or dishonorable. Think about it and write it all down. Read the list and find which things are a reflection of your character, (i.e. maybe you think fidelity is an honorable thing, this might be a reflection of a faithful person, or a trustworthy person) that’s who you are. The things you love to do, the things you’re good at, those things are you calling. Once you’ve established what your “calling” is you can help nurture that by surrounding yourself with things that interest you.

2. Interests

In order to gain inspiration quickly you must go to the avenues that speak to you. Fishermen who wish to catch swordfish or other deep sea fish do not go to the creeks or rivers, they go to where the fish are. Finding the channels that are flowing with your similar interests is surprisingly easy. If you like books, buy a book you don’t normally read, listen to the author’s style and flair, observe their characters (if a work of fiction) or their philosophy on a subject. I love history and I just bought a book on one of my hero’s: Theodore Roosevelt. Reading his autobiography is inspiring, hearing of his trials and conquests helps me to grow as a human and as a writer. In the same way you wrote down your values and your character, you might want to write the things that interest you. Books, movies, people, food, anything can become a channel into the deep sea of creativity, where the prize fish of inspiration swims. Go there and find it and catch it and display it proudly above your fireplace. Once you find a channel of inspiration, it is easier to fish there again.

3. Disinterests

The inverse of everything I said with your interests is true. Once you know where the fish you want to catch lie, you need not go to the rivers in which the salmon do not run. You can learn how not to behave, or write, or act, or cook by looking at the items that you find as a betrayal of all you hold dear. For instance, and I’ll probably get a lot of flack for this, I don’t think The Fault in Our Stars is a particularly good book. If John Green were to read my writing, he may feel the same. I admire his following and respect the work he has done, but I don’t find The Fault in Our Stars a particularly good book. I read it, not to find enjoyment, but to find out the things I liked and I didn’t like. You’ll be able to progress and learn from the “mistakes” [i]of others. Ignoring the “false channels” and sticking to the “true” ones will help to facilitate an inspired environment.

Inspiration is seemingly random, but it can be charted and observed and predicted if you’re careful and mindful. If you’re in any sort of creative field you might find this helpful in order to help your creativity run at its maximum capacity. Remember: 1. Know thyself, 2. Know thine interests, and 3. Learn from thine and others mistakes. If you do these you’ll find inspiration will be readily available.

[i] I put mistakes in quotes due to the fact that they are mistakes to me. I don’t think drastic mistakes with have made Green as successful as he is; I have the upmost respect for him.

JoannaSpeaks

Current Wish List!

Fall 2015

Bachelorette Season 11 Recap

July Birchbox Review

Becoming a morning person

SAME SEX MARRIAGE!

June: Inspiration // Open Mic

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