After Christmas/Bday Favorites

I've been making note of a few favorites I want to share with you [hair products and kitchen trinkets] so be on the look-out for those. Today, I'm just sharing some random favorites!


Favorite Scent
I know I haven't even mentioned how my Christmas was or what Santa brought me but every year I like to ask for a new perfume [or a refill] and this year, Lola by Marc Jacobs was on the list! Lola was the runner-up last year so this Christmas was her year :) I am in love.

Favorite Food
Sushi. You guys, I may or may not sometimes eat sushi more than once a week. Let's just say that in the less than one month that I've lived in San Diego, I've had more sushi than I ever had in Virginia. And I lived there for over twenty years. Oops? I blame it on the West Coast...

Favorite Entertainment
Thanks to my sweet neighbors, I had free tickets to go see a wonderful play on its opening weekend here in San Diego. Not only do I love getting dressed up for the theatre but I love being surrounded by the arts. The show was called An American Story, written and performed by Hershey Felder. It's the true story of Dr. Charles Augustus Leale who was the doctor that tended to President Lincoln when he was shot. It was truly remarkable and a completely genius performance. It's playing at the Birch North Park Theatre until the start of February!

Favorite Fashion Line
LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's is one of my go-to lines, especially since everything at Kohl's is on sale so often. I picked up this blouse in lime yellow a few weeks ago and finally chose to wear it on my birthday. I paired it with my teal skinnies because I can never get enough color.

I spent my birthday in Laguna Beach [more on that next week!] and while shopping in some of the boutiques, some of the girls complimented my outfit saying they would never have thought to pair two "greens" together like that but that they loved it! I never considered that my outfit consists of two "greens", but then I realized the yellow does have a hint of pale lime and yes, I guess teal is a blue-green :)

Favorite Home Goodie
Like that play on words there? I L-O-V-E Home Goods for anything and everything home-related. I also love Bath & Body Works and their semi-annual sale. Lucky for me, my gym is in the same shopping center as a little outdoor mall so I took it upon myself to walk around in my shorts and a t-shirt [jealous, yet?] and check out that sale.

I walked out with some goodies including the White Barn No. 2 Chestnut & Clove Wallflower. Currently on sale for $3. I think it's a great transition scent from Christmas into the remainder of the Winter season :)

Favorite Funny
Every time I see this, I can't stop laughing. Cat lovers unite! [Did I really just say that?]
The caption on Pinterest was, "Photo Bomb." :)

[via]

And, with that, I shall bid you farewell and happy weekending!

Early November Favorites

The past week has been a whirlwind. I spent part of it in California, part of it in a hurricane, and the rest pulling my hair out at work. So, this week's Friday Favorites... yeah, they'll be all over the place, too.

I'm linking up with the hilarious and gorgeous Lindsey - glad she's bringing this link-up back ;)

Favorite Meal

No. Shame. I don't even eat red meat. But I eat In-N-Out. And this wasn't the only time during my trip. And, no, I don't order anything fancy-schmancy. Just the "#2 without." And I sit outside and relish in the warm, California sun while I enjoy this deliciousness.

And then there's the occasional Neo Shake. Can I marry In-N-Out?

Favorite Outfit

Who knew that I'd show up to work yesterday wearing this golden yellow sweater and my favorite scarf and get constant remarks made about how I was dressed in Fall colors? Wow, crazy concept. But, seriously... I love these colors together and *did* feel very Fall-like. Perfect for November!

Favorite Quote

This is me right now. To a T! Now, keep in mind... I am one of the least daring people. I am scared of anything and everything. But when it comes to the above, I am the first one to support that philosophy. LIVE. Find what makes you happy and never go back :)

Favorite Song

So, I was sitting at my gate in San Diego, waiting to board my plane two days early due to Hurricane Sandy getting ready to hit the East Coast. I decided to download some new songs and saw the FREE "Single of the Week" just so happened to be called "Hurricane."

Let's just say this cute song by Bridgit Mendler was what I was listening to while this dude wouldn't leave me alone. It's fun and the lyrics just so happen to be pretty true to my life's current events. Check it out!

Favorite Beauty Product

Full review to come but just know that I had been wanting to try the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk for about a year and finally got my hands on it. It's perfect for brightening up your eyes on those tired days!

What are some of your most recent favorites?

Be sure to check back next week for many exciting things, including one of the biggest announcements to hit Life is a Sunset!!! :)

Fall 2012 TV Line-up

My DVR is going to break. It's just going to fry starting next week. Little by little, new Fall TV shows have been premiering and I'm already having a tough time keeping up. That is mainly thanks to all 6 hours a week of The Voice that occupy my time [thank goodness you can fast forward through commercials, right?]

So, now it's time to tell you all what I am/will be watching. Plus, it'll be fun to know who else is following along with me! Without further ado, I'm linking up with Lindsey and showing you my Friday Favorites [Fall TV Style]:

The Challenge. I am almost positive I have watched every single season of The Challenge. I must admit, I'm a little bit sad they are weeding out the "originals." They were the real drama queens. I could never, ever be on a season of this show and here is why: You take the drama of The Real World, multiply it by 100 AND add in physical competitions, alliances, strategies, and eliminations. No, thanks! But I do love this show and don't think any season has ever really disappointed.

I am a huge fan of The Voice and I am always, always #TeamAdam. Just had to get that out there. Although, it would be hard to say "no" to Christina after looking up to her since she was on MMC. Anyway, I love this show for its coaches, its talent, and its concept. I love the blind auditions and what they do with all the battle rounds. Not to mention, how cool would it be to sing WITH Adam, Cee Lo, Christina, or Blake toward the end? Answer: Very.

Long Island Medium. If you know me, you know I'm a believer. I 100% believe in mediums [although I don't necessarily believe everyone who claims to be given that gift.] Theresa Caputo's gift astonishes me. You can see it in the eyes of the people she "reads" whether it's at a private reading, group reading, or in the middle of the grocery store.

My mom LOVED this show. She got my entire family watching it before she passed away, which is such a blessing because it helps us know she is still out there, with us, and loving us. One day, I hope to talk to her again with the help of a medium :) Call me crazy ;)

Breaking Amish. This show came on after The Long Island Medium on Sunday and I randomly started watching it. It's about four young adults [three grew up Amish and one grew up Mennonite] who leave their families to live a modern life in none other than New York City. It's pretty crazy to watch them get acquainted and hear their stories about their beliefs and how they were raised.

I recently read that the show is not 100% true and that TLC confirmed that, saying more will be revealed later in the season. Apparently, a couple of the cast members lived a modern life for years prior to this... Has anyone else heard more on this?

I fell in love with Hart of Dixie last year when it premiered. It's funny, witty, silly, and has some good romantic twists. However, I must admit - I just wasn't impressed with the Season Two premiere this week. Anyone else? I was easily distracted during it and it just didn't pull me in. I will give it a few more episodes but if things don't pick up, it might be the one to go byebye this Fall :(

90210. Guys, listen and please, whatever you do... don't judge me. I think this is my favorite show. I've been a loyal fan of it [well, I've been a fan since the original BH: 90210] since the series started nearly 4 years ago. I've become attached to the characters, the plot has kept me hooked, and I've found some of my favorite songs from the soundtrack. Bam! MONDAY!!

Do I even need to say it? THE VAMPIRE DIARIES Season 4 premieres on Thursday and I could not be any more excited! I watched all 3 seasons in about a month thanks to Netflix and my lunch break. Many of you know I was originally #TeamStefan, and while there is still something mysteriously hot/romantic about him, I have to side with #TeamDamon. I am definitely excited to see what happens this season now that I can finally follow along live!

Well, there you have it! My fall TV line-up! I might be forgetting something. I am going to do my best to watch many of these shows live but life gets in the way sometimes. SO grateful for my DVR! 

Now it's your turn! What are you watching this Fall? Are you watching along with any of the shows above? :)

Go link up with Lindsey and share any of your favorites!

And don't forget - today is your last Friday to enter the RoseRags leopard poncho giveaway! One of my faaavorite clothing items in my closet! :)

Favorites | Wanna Be My Lover?

I think one of my favorite phrases from the 90's is quite appropriate for today:

T.G.I.F.

I mean, you know you're having a busy week when your most recent pins on Pinterest were not within the past 24 hours. Am I right, or am I right?

So, let's get to it and talk about some of my favorites this week! [Aside from T.G.I.F]

Favorite News:

I didn't need surgery on my jaw! You may have read this post last week about my dental woes that came out of nowhere and the dentist [we'll call him Dentist A] said I might need surgery on my jaw to start to fix the issue. Well, Dentist B said on Wednesday that it would just not be necessary and he took care of the issue! BAM. Luckily, my favorite wedges were there for moral support.

Favorite Sports Moment:

Many of you may know that I am a pretty intense Washington Nationals fan. I have loved going to their games and whole-heartedly respect and look up to each of the players. They are a wonderful and talented team. I'll stop there. 

Last night, during the game against the Chicago Cubs, not one but two fights broke out. The big one happened after the Cubs' pitcher, Castillo, deliberately pitched the ball with the intent to hit our All-Star, Bryce Harper. It. Was. Insane.

Nationals fans, can I get a "NATITUDE?"

Favorite Video:

Not only do I love the Nationals, but I also love [and I mean love] the 90's. This video that I found is amazingly hilarious and when you're out of the office and can watch it, do it. Especially if you love some Ace of Base and La Bouche :)

Favorite Outfit(s):

I'm a lover of leopard and a lover of pencil skirts [and just to tie everything in, I'm realizing I'm a lover of a lot of things in this post. "Wanna be my loverrrr?"] So, I love how this leopard skirt is paired with a denim jacket. And below, I paired some chambray with a lime green pencil skirt [and a future After Sunset necklace! Coming soon!]

[via]

Speaking of chambray, I need more of it and think I might spend my weekend hunting some down. But I'm also going to try my best to take a few moments to sit back and appreciate life and plan out my future. I think we could all take a few moments to just inhale and exhale :)

What are you a lover of this week, friends?

Friday Favorites | Fashion, Music & More!

Happy Friday! Let me just say, your comments yesterday were awesome and hilarious! Before I get started talking about some of my favorites this week, I just have to take a moment to say a huge "Congratulations" to our link-up host, Miss Lindsey! If you don't know Lindsey, she was just recently offered her dream job and will be relocating to another state in just a couple short weeks. She's announcing today where her new home will be. Lucky for me, I already know so the anticipation is no longer killing me :)

Congratulations to my favorite Bargain Blonde!


Now, let's talk favorites!
Favorite Moment

I had one single, solitary moment of solitude this week. I put on my comfies, grabbed that delicious gelato I mentioned yesterday, and turned on some Ian Somerhalder Vampire Diaries. Relaxation at its finest. Have you bought your own sea salt caramel yet? What are you waiting for?

Update: I am officially #TeamDamon
Cue the "I told you so" comments ;)

Favorite Commercial

I am almost ashamed to admit this but I saw this commercial once and just about died. I do not watch Family Guy but this is funny. I feel the same way about the "h" emphasis...

By the way, Wheat Thins + cream cheese = delish.

Favorite Album

I have recently fallen in love with Mat Kearney. I loved his song "Runaway" on the Soul Surfer soundtrack and "Hey Mama" is such a fun tune! Last night, I downloaded his album Young Love [the Deluxe Edition] and I can't get enough of it. His sound is so unique! Perfect driving music :)

via

Favorite Purchase

I've mentioned how I've been working on a new Fall line for After Sunset, full of new looks, new colors, new material and I just couldn't be more excited. I've been working away and needed additional supplies so I headed to the store where I picked up all these goodies :)

Colors make me so happy. Especially now that they are permanently temporarily stained into my skin from working away with the clay :)

Favorite Outfit

Blair posted this outfit on her blog Atlantic Pacific and I adore it. I think we all know already how much I LOVE that military jacket. I never would have thought to pair it with that beautiful shag skirt. I have no clue where I'd wear this but I'd find a place because I love it that much :)

And those are my main favorites from the week!

This weekend, I'll be spending more time in DC, meeting up with Raquel for lunch and cupcakes :) Then, I'll be knocking out more necklace designs and hopefully doing a little re-organizing and downsizing.

What are your plans?

Beginning of August Favorites

It has just been a good week.

The Olympics have been on [and TeamUSA has been doing beautifully!], work has been quiet so I've been able to get a lot done, I got to hang out with a special someone and I had a fun girls' date with Miss Shannon... not to mention many other fun things liiiiike some new make-up purchases!

So, here I am to wrap-up the week with some of my favorites. Be sure to link up with Lindsey [she may or may not have talked me into posting some vintage Chelsea pictures back in my dance days...]

Favorite Song
JoJo - "Anything"

Guys, I'm not kidding when I say that I love JoJo. I'm sure you may only know a song or two of hers [ahem, "Leave (Get Out)"] but I can honestly say I love quite a few of her tracks.

I was driving along in my car one night when a song came on an XM station. The song had a familiar melody in the background that I later realized was from the Toto song, "Africa."

I am obsessed with this song. Too bad it came out in 2006...


Favorite Craft
Money Wall

[via]

Start counting your pennies [or nickels] because this little craft project would look amazing up on the wall. Take painted letters and attach the coins to it for some bling-bling cha-ching!

Favorite Place
California

I have been thinking about this state a little more than usual lately. I love it with all my heart and can't wait to be back there someday :)

P.S. The gorgeous photo is courtesy of my amazing wedding photographer, True Photography :)

Favorite Beauty Product
Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free Foundation

This, too, shall be featured in my upcoming beauty review [I promise, I'll be posting it soon!] I always do research on products before purchasing so I spent a lot of time on sephora.com before using my gift card to purchase Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free Foundation.

So far, I am in love! It is just what I needed! Review to follow soon.

Favorite Space
This lofty apartment

I have also been looking into a lot of apartment decor lately [moving may or may not be on the horizon] and came across this amazing little loft. The longboard is my favorite part. I think this will be a requirement for decor in my new place :)

[via]

Favorite Website

veryjane.com

Thanks to Ashley, I am now in love with this daily deal website. Not only is it just a daily deal website but it is for boutiques and cute Etsy-esque shops which means, you guessed it, JEWELRY!!!! I ordered an amazing piece on Wednesday that I will be sure to share with you once I get it in the mail!

Favorite Olympic Moment
Team USA Women's Gymnastics

[via]

Taking the gold! As I mentioned in yesterday's post, these ladies are SO talented and deserving of those medals :) There have been so many emotional moments in the 2012 Olympics and this, to me, was the best :)

Have a beautiful weekend, friends! I know I sure plan to :)

Friday Favorites and an Announcement

Friday is finally here! It has been a busy week so I look forward to doing a little relaxing this weekend [and also seeing Magic Mike a second time. My friend is "dragging" me to go. Darn her.] I will also be watching THE OLYMPICS! I can't believe they will be here so soon and I practically LIVE for the Opening and Closing Games. Who else will be watching with me?

Now, on to my favorites this past week. 

Zoya Nail Polish

You may have read on a previous Friday that I became obsessed with my very first Zoya nail polish purchase.

This pretty polish in Myrta is currently on my nails and I LOVE it. I snatched up another color as well and will go more into depth in a future beauty review post :) Bottom line - go buy some Zoya and thank me later!

Matchbox Twenty - "She's So Mean"

I have a confession: I've been listening to a Matchbox Twenty playlist this whole week at work. I LOVE them. All of their songs take me back to the best times [the 90s, (and early 00s) duh.]

So, it just kind of makes sense for me to be obsessed with their NEW single, "She's So Mean." While I don't like mean girls, this song is catchy. The best line - "She's got a wicked sense of humor. Can't believe what she says."

The Vampire Diaries

I started watching this show a few weeks ago on Netflix during my lunch breaks. Yes, I am only on Season One. HOW did I NOT watch this show before?

No one told me I was going to fall head over heels in love with Stefan Salvatore [Paul Wesley]

[via]

Yes. I just don't get the whole Ian Somerhalder thing. *Gasp*

And people have told me I'll fall in love with his character, Damon, but I am doubtful. 

[via]

I'll just let this quote speak for itself :)

[via]

How beautiful is this gold and peach table setting? The event planner in me is going crazy. I mean, look at the texture and shape of those gold chargers, if you can even call them that! These colors look wonderful together. Just wonderful.

If you're not already, come follow me on Pinterest :)

Now, on to a completely un-related note [except it is one of my favorite hobbies!] I have a fun, little announcement.

The first of the After Sunset necklaces has been listed on Etsy!

These Golden Twist Necklaces will go perfectly with your Golden Twist Bracelets and more colors are on the way! AND, even better news - a whole NEW design is on its way to the store! Check out After Sunset here and as always, let me know if you have any questions :)

[Use coupon code FREESHIPJULY for free shipping until Tuesday!]

So, what are your favorites this week? Better yet, link them up with Lindsey! :)

That's all for now! Wishing you all a happy Olympic weekend!

Katy Perry Favorites

It is time for Friday Favorites: Katy Perry version. In case you missed it, I dedicated this past week of blog posts to the one and only Katy Perry. Because I love her.

Today is all about my Katy favorites!

[I know some of you are sick of this Katy Perry-ness by now. Too bad ;)]

Favorite Katy Perry Outfit:

This was tough. I'm not sure if you heard, but Katy Perry can pull off anything and everything. No exaggeration. Don't believe me?

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

So, here's one of my favorites:

[via]


Favorite Katy Perry Quote:

Favorite Katy Perry Make-up:

Similar to her outfits, Katy can also pull off almost every look with her make-up as well. I love the colored lips that Katy Perry rocks so perfectly. It gives her a "fine, fresh, fierce" look :)

[via]

The thick eyelashes and bronzed cheeks complement her bright pink lips.

Maybe one day I can pull that off :)

Favorite Katy Perry Movie:

Well... that's easy. Part of Me. And if you need someone to go with, I'll gladly accompany you :) She. is. hilarious.

That wraps up Katy Perry week on the blog!

See my review of her movie here | The song that helped me throughout this past year here | My bucket list here [let's add meeting Katy Perry into that!] | and how I became Wide Awake here.

What I've taken away from this week of Katy Perry and all that she stands for is this:

1. Be you. No matter what and who you are. Just be it. 100% authentically you. And the world will love you and embrace you for it.

2. Life can be a roller coaster, but at the end of the day, remind yourself of the things that make you happy and come alive.

3. Never. Give. Up.

And remember:

"You have two options: You can cancel the show or you can do your best."

[Also, starting on Monday through the end of July, you can receive FREE SHIPPING from After Sunset!!

We need to make room for the new NECKLACE line that will be launched soon!

Enter in FREESHIPJULY at checkout starting Monday! :) ]