I have not been online shopping recently because my bank account has been at an all time low. I have stayed away from my favorite brand websites because I cannot be tempted. 

That is until I saw on social media that the Spring 2014 Lilly Pulitzer collection was released yesterday. I saw all the new, beautiful prints and had to take a gander at what Ms. P was showing.

Oh My Goodness. I am in pure heaven. I think I've fallen in love and I can't get up. 

I always love Lilly's collections so I don't know what's gotten into me but I'm seriously obsessed with the new prints. Maybe I'm secretly aching for warmer weather because NYC has been super dreary with all this tundra coldness and snow but my jaw was dropping every time I saw something new from this collection.

It's so bright, so colorful, so Lilly. My favorite print is without a doubt, "Behind the Gate". I will have something in this print ASAP, I need too!

Here are my favorite pieces from the Spring 2014 collection:






Have you checked out the new Lilly collection? What do you think?



At the beginning of the year, I bought sponsorship on one of my favorite blogs "The Darling Prepster". With that sponsorship, I got to participate in a fabulous group giveaway with a other wonderful Darling Prepster sponsors. 


The giveaway is for a $30 Target giftcard and honestly, where can you go wrong with $30 to Target? Buy whatever your little heart desires!


The giveaway ends on February 4th so get your entries in ASAP :)








My middle name should be "worry" because it's all I do. I worry about the most insignificant things, the little things that won't make or break me. It's as if, if everything is not in perfect condition or going just the way I think they should, things are falling apart.

Things are never falling apart. I'm just dramatic.

I concern myself with every little aspect of life, the things that really don't matter. I blow things out of proporition and make every situation worst than it is.

I've come to the conclusion that no situation is ever that bad. Nothing is the end of the world but the more you think about it, the worse it becomes. Over-thinking and worrying ruins everything, it never makes the situation better. 

With all these changes coming up soon (graduation and post grad life) I need to learn to not sweat the little things and just chill out. 

These quotes are perfect reminders that worrying does not change a situation, it only makes you worry more. 


I remember a few months ago, I was in the movie theaters (I forgot what I went to see) and I saw an ad for the new Disney Princess movie Frozen. I thought it looked so cute and figured I'd probably see it once it came out on DVD like I did with Tangled

I love Disney movies, especially Princess ones; Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White-- I love them all. I really enjoyed Tangled when it came out a few years ago because it was a new generation of Disney Princesses. I thought it was cute that young girls would have this new princess to add to all the old ones.



I didn't know what Frozen was about when I saw the preview but after the movie hit theaters, I saw it blow up. More and more people were talking about it and soon enough, I couldn't escape from it. Frozen was everywhere and it was starting to borderline annoy me because I didn't know what all the fuss was about.

My roommate had the bootleg DVD so last Tuesday, during the latest blizzard that hit NYC we all cuddled up and I watched Frozen for the first time.

From the opening credits, I knew what I was in for. It was amazing. It was the best Disney movie ever, I'm pretty sure. It was hysterical, the music was on point, and the graphics were incredible. 

I won't spoil the plot but it centered around Princess Ana and Elsa, two sisters who are start off the same but in turn, are so drastically different. It has that Disney flair with the overbearing parents, the villains, and the Prince. 

It was such classic Disney but at the same time, it was so modern. 

The message, which you'll realize half way through the movie, is that true love does not have to come from a boy; if you have sisters or friends, true love can come from there too. The message is clear as day when Queen Elsa tells her sister "You cannot marry a man you just met". It's so different from all the other Disney movies where true love's kiss is what awakens the princesses. 

Frozen has already become a household name for the modernity and message of the film but also for the classic Disney taste. It's been named the biggest Disney movie since The Lion King. Those are huge shoes to fill. 

Not to mention, it's been ruling award season, it's getting a sing-along theatrical release and it's been confirmed that there will be a Broadway show coming soon.

Here is the Oscar nominated song "Let it Go" performed by Idina Menzel and honestly one of the greatest Disney songs ever. Seriously, listen, I'm obsessed. 


Have you seen Frozen? What are your thoughts?



This is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own.

When I was home over break, my high school senior sister started looking for the perfect prom dress. I remember when I was a senior and my prom dress was the end all be all of my decisions. I needed to find something beautiful, stunning, and looked great on me; it which wasn't the easiest to find but I eventually found my dress.

Me, circa 2010 (OH GOD)


Dress shopping is never easy, at least for me. I tried on countless different styles, colors and fabrics of dresses but nothing was right. It was really annoying at times and frustrating beyond belief, especially when my mother and me would bicker in the store because we have two totally different tastes on what we like.

The other side of prom dress shopping is that it's not cheap. My prom dress cost around $400 which was a steep price, in 2010, but now the dresses my sister were looking at were well over $400, and then some.

No one wants a cheap prom dress because no one wants it to look cheap. How do you find a prom dress that looks and feels expensive without shelling out money that will be wasted on a dress you'll wear once.

The answer comes in the form of a website that I was introduced too, DressFirst.com. Now, I know a lot of my readers aren't of high school age but this site doesn't have just prom dresses, it provides dress wear for all occasions.

Almost all the dresses come in a variety of different colors which is great because I remember I'd find a gorgeous dress that only came in some heinous color that I didn't want anywhere near me. Having color options for a style dress you love is important. 

The dresses are insanely cheap, under $200 which is a Godsend for high schoolers and their parents. I looked through the website and found some of my favorite style prom dresses.





The day after Christmas, I was online (as usual) and I stumbled upon a blog post by a blogger that reviewed a bunch of ELF makeup. Now, if you don't know, ELF (eyes.lips.face) is a make-up brand that sells their products for an insanely cheap price. I mean, you could get eyeshadow for $1. 

That definitely throws some people off because they believe that the make-up is cheap and poorly made. I remember when I was younger, I had some ELF products and they were not the best. A few years ago, I bought some other products and they were definitely much better. I found some make-up that I really liked.

Now, after reading this blog post (For the life of me, I can't remember which blogger it was), it came to seem that ELF went through another turn around and redid their formulas, products, packaging, etc.

I was busting to spend some gift-cards I had so I found myself on the ELF website and to my pleasure there was a 50% off sale. As if prices couldn't get cheap enough, I was going to buy make-up for $.50. I was way too excited.

My mother didn't think I needed any more make-up and I honestly didn't but I really just wanted to spend my Visa gift-card and to see how the make-up held up.

I only spent $25 and bought so much stuff. I was shocked at how much I got for such a little price but I wasn't complaining. Because of the holidays and the snowstorm in New York, it took about two weeks for my package to arrive but when it did, it was worth the wait.

My entire order 

Lip Exfoliator: This is a product that a lot of people have been raving about. It's an exfoliator for your lips. It's like a lip scrub in lipstick form. It really does keep your lips soft and helps with chapping. I wear it at night before I go to sleep and the next morning, my lips feel extremely fresh.


HD Lifting Concealer:  I've been desperate for a new, heavy duty concealer. My Erase Paste is running out and I don't want to shell out another $24 for a new one. This concealer is very paste like and heavy but not in a bad way. It really covers up my dark circles but doesn't feel heavy or sticky on my face. It's wonderful.


Matte Lip Color Pencil: I've been busting for a NARS matte lip pencil but can't bring myself to spend over $20 on one. This is the next best thing. The color I chose is 'Praline' and it's a dark, reddish color. It's durable and stays on for hours and it's also very smooth and soothing. I'm definitely going to be buying more of these when need be. 



Golden Brozners: This is a set of four shimmery bronzers and I'm indifferent about it. I used it once so far but it was a little too shimmery for me. I'm going to try it again when a shimmer look is more appropriate but even if I didn't like the way it showed up on my face, they were still good quality bronzers.



Studio Blush in Giddy Gold: Blush is something I've recently gotten into and other than my NARS Orgasm, I rarely change blush colors. I thought I'd change it up and get a neutral colored blush. Being honest, it's not my favorite because it doesn't really show up that well on my face but I want a neutral blush to work so I'm going to try it again. 


Corrective Concealer Palette: This is the product I was most excited for. I've been seeing everywhere that different colored concealers are great for covering up redness, dark circles and other problems that come with skin. I haven't used this yet because I want to research which colors help with what problems so I'll definitely be doing another post on that later. 

Brushes: I ordered a face brush, a smudge eyeshadow brush, a eyebrow/lash brush, and a Kabuki brush. The Kabuki brush is my favorite; the way it applies bronzer to my face is incredible and I regret not buying one sooner. The other brushes are standard and pretty great quality. 



Waterproof Eyeliner Pen: I have this eyeliner in black but it's running out. ELF was sold out of black so this ash/grey color was the next best thing. I'm obsessed with it and it's one of the best eyeliners ever. The slim, felt tip makes application quick and easy. 

Eye Refresh: The last product of this large haul! The eye refresh helps your under eye area and allows you to look more awake. I apply it first thing in the morning before I put moisturizer or any sort of make-up on. I have to pay more attention to if it really helps but I think it does.

All in all, I really liked all my ELF beauty products. Even with a crazy cheap price, it's wonderful quality and I will be buying a lot more make-up from them.

Have you ever used ELF? What are your thoughts?



This is it. My last first day of school. After today, I will never have a first day of school...ever again. I'll never open a fresh notebook, never get a new syllabus, never find my perfect seat or have to introduce myself in front of a class.

Are you depressed yet? I am.

After 16 years of school, it's all over. Just like that, they take it away from you and they give you no explaination. Your security blanket is being slowly ripped away from your arms and there is nothing you can do about it.

I wrote about senior year a few months ago when the first semester started. Now, now, it's really the end. This is really it. I have only a few months left of my college career and then I'm an adult.

I don't feel nearly ready enough to be considered an adult. I'm 21 years old, I don't even know what my favorite TV show is, you really expect me to go find a job to go to everyday? I don't like ordering pizza on the phone, how am I supposed to go on a job interview?


I wasn't nearly as sad in August as I am right now. That's because back in August I knew I still had so much time. Now, it's January and time is slowly ticking away. I feel the clock inside my head going off every minute, telling me that it's almost over, telling me that my time is almost up.

This is the start of ALL the real lasts. My last first day, my last first night, my last recruitment, my last formal, my last day...graduation. I could cry thinking about...I am actually crying thinking about it.

People don't really understand, unless you've experienced it. Being away at college is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I met people I never would've met otherwise. I did things I never would've done. I became the person I was meant to be. College created me, it made me who I am and I will never be able to fully express how incredible that feeling is.

I left home at 17 and lived on my own. I made my own rules. I was a shy, quite reserved girl and sometimes I still am, but going away to college and doing my own thing forced me outside my comfort zone. I remember the first night in my freshmen dorm room; we were all so scared. Why did I do this? Why did I think this was a good idea? I can't do this! Who am I? 

If I could tell that girl anything I'd tell her to relax and just enjoy it because soon enough, it'll all be over. 

Iona College changed me, it made me a different person and gave me qualities, gave me a personality that never would've happened otherwise.

And now, I'm expected to leave a place I've called home, a place of comfort and familiarity and never turn back. How am I supposed to leave this place? I can't even imagine my life without Iona and all my Gaels. I guess I need to start though because in a few months, that's what's going to happen.

How am I supposed to leave behind the good times, wild nights, the drunken cries and 3 am diner calls; the sweet smell of sticky Beechmont floors, Western Wednesdays, Bid Night, fireball shots, singing American Pie and Timber, Specs Saturdays, chapter meetings, fraternity mixers, 8am classes, pledge class lunches and student government meetings. 

It's all so scary and as I embark on my last first day of school, I don't know how I'm going to handle it all. 

Stay tuned kids, I'm sure I'll figure it out.


And so it has begun. The second semester is just getting started and it's going to be simply wonderful. College students everywhere are starting to trek back to campus with Vera Bradley duffel bags and new clothes from Christmas. 

The excitement is nearly killing everyone, including myself. As I write this, I've been back at school for four hours and I'm patiently waiting to get out of work and see all my friends. Being away from campus for  a month is too long to some people and not nearly enough to others. 

The second semester, no matter if you're a freshmen or a senior, is always an odd adjustment. Sometimes you can flow back into your routines and other times, you know that summer is drawing nearer.

I always like to think of the second semester as a second chance. It's not the end but just a chance to fix things you messed up in the first semester. It's a fresh start and there is so much potential. Don't get stuck in the second semester slump, no matter what year of college you're in.

Here are some tips to make the second semester the best one yet:

Don't say no: First semester, you might've stayed in a few Friday nights while your friends went out to a party or even just to a movie. This time around, no matter the activity, do not say no. It's not worth it; take advantage of every single day you have because soon enough, the semester will be over or worse, you'll graduate. Live life like a 20 something college student; you're allowed to be reckless and go out on a Tuesday night. Do it! 

Recruitment: I don't know how other schools do it, but my school has Spring recruitment for Greek life and it's bigger than the Fall. If your school has Spring recruitment and you didn't get a chance to go out previously, do it this time around. Greek life will make your second semester 10x better. You will not regret it.

Get that GPA up: Even if you have new classes this semester, it's still a chance to take your classes more seriously and get organized. The spring semester is a little longer than the Fall and you'll be adjusted into your dorm and campus by now so you don't have that excuse. Go to the library, make those flash cards and do your work. It's really great to have fun but you're at college to get an education.

Do something different: Within the first few weeks of the spring semester, everyone's attitudes are so fresh and new. Everyone is in the best mood so take advantage of that. Step outside your comfort zone: join a new club you meant to do last semester, hang out with people you lost touch with, or even make new friends. 

Second semester is time to put your best foot forward. It's your chance to make something new; in some cases, like myself, it's your last go around, the last hoorah. My goodness that depressed me.

No matter what, make the second semester of college count. You won't regret it. 

What are your second semester tips?


Since the first Urban Decay palette was released a number of years ago, I have seen it everywhere. At first I didn't understand the hype but then Naked 2 was released and I tried it out (my roommate was a proud owner). I did my makeup with it constantly last year and was trying to save up my money to purchase it.

I, however, could not muster up the courage to spend $50 on an eyeshadow palette. As amazing as it was and as much as I loved it, as much as I needed it, I just couldn't do it.

When word was released that Naked 3 was going to be released, I knew I needed it. This palette seemed even better than the first two and the reviews were great. This palette was a mixture of matte and shimmer colors in all rose gold sort of shades.


I love rose gold and I think it's one of the most versatile color combinations and truly can look great on any skin color, for any occasion. After reading the reviews and comparing the Naked 3 to the other Naked palettes, I decided it was time to take the plunge. I came up with a solution though, ask for Naked 3 for Christmas instead of shelling out my own money. HA-HA.

I was unsure if I would get it because as you can imagine, the palette was sold out everywhere. When I did open the box and see it, I screamed. I was so happy to use it and see if it was everything I imagined.

It most definitely was.



The shades are so beautiful and you can seriously wear them any time, any day, no matter what your'e doing. There are so many combinations and looks that you can create, it's pretty much the only palette you need to use. It's the only one I've been using since Christmas. It also gives me a perfect excuse to use more eyeshadow. I find that eyeshadow is one of those make-up steps that you can skip if you don't feel like going the extra step, especially during the day.

The quality of the eyeshadows are truly stand up. Urban Decay is known for their eyeshadows but I can use this palette without using eyeshadow primer and it stays on all day, without smudge. The color packs on beautifully and no matter how light or dark the shade is, they all blend together really well.

There are 12 colors in the palette, ranging from super light to super dark and a mixture of matte and shimmer. The colors are all pretty different so you don't feel like you're constantly using the same colors over and over. There are too many combinations to name when using these eyeshadows. 

I swatched the palette to give you all a better look at how the shadows stand up on skin.

Dust and Strange

Limit and Burnout

Trick and Buzz

Liar and Nooner

Mugshot and Factory

Blackheart and Darkside

As you can see, there is incredible range here and of course, some colors show up better than others. No matter what, I love this palette in it's entirety. If you have the extra $50 and are in need of new eyeshadow, go get the Naked 3 Palette. 



I pride myself on being a resident book worm. I pride myself on reading the Twilight series in one week and reading TFM in less than 12 hours. I have read two books in 24 hours and can read 600 pages like people drink water.

There is something about reading that just gets me, getting lost in another world and letting it consume you for a little while. My love for fiction is one of the many reasons I got into writing (fun fact: One of my top goals is to be a published author, let's go even further and say New York Times Best Seller).

I was so excited for this Christmas break because I was finally going to sit down and curl up with a good book. The semester was so insane that I didn't read, at all, and it was starting to get to me. Even with all the boredom I've been experiencing, I've only read two books this entire break. Still, it's better than nothing.


I started to peruse the Barnes and Noble website along with Goodreads and complied a list of books that I need to get my hands on. 


// The Selection by Kiera Cass: An old time fairytale type of story mixed with The Bachelor and The Hunger Games. A bunch of elite ladies are competing for the heart of the one eligible prince in the kingdom; it sounds pretty cool and it's been on my list for at least a year. It's part of a trilogy so I will need to start reading ASAP.

// Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn: This book has been everywhere for quite some time now and I'm pretty surprised that I haven't read it yet. I usually jump on all the big time book bandwagons, especially when they're being made into movies. I've already bought this on my iPad and I can't wait to start reading.

// Skinnydipping by Bethenny Frankel: I've been wanting to read this book by Ms. Frankel since it hit bookstands and I've had it rotting away on my Nook for a few months. It seems like an easy chick-lit read that I could breeze through in a weekend. 

// Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington: This book seems to be famous on Instagram. It's the ultimate coffee table book and I've seen it everywhere. After I watched the documentary "The September Issue", my interest in Grace Coddington skyrocketed. I need to get my hands on this book.

These are just a few of the many books on my Goodreads "To Read" list. If you don't use Goodreads, you definitely should. It's a great way to keep track of all the books you have read and want to read. 

What is on your book wishlist? What are your recommendations? Leave them in the comments!


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