We're 8 days away from Christmas Eve and I couldn't be more excited. I'll be sad to see the season be over but happy to say goodbye to 2016!

Right now I'm writing this from a hotel room in Pennsylvania because I'm at QVC for another work trip! BTW; I started my job's first blog so please go check it out!

This week was filled with odd stressors but also a lot of fun stuff... like winning The College Prepster's Kate Spade giveaway! I mean, how exciting is that? She emailed me on Monday and I received my prize on Thursday before I left for PA.

How adorable is this bag and keychain pairing?

Cameron Street Lane Champagne Bottle Keychain

Here are the links I loved this week:

Another slow week on Royally Pink... I apologize. I don't have a good excuse other than the week got away from me. Doctors appointments, photoshoots at work, a HUGE sale on Thursday (First one in the office, last to leave!), and finally, Memorial Day Weekend.

Give or take a few stressful breakdowns, we're finally at the uber long weekend.

I never mean to make excuses or complain so much; I want this to be a positive place but Links to Love is my weekly round up and I like to keep it real; I've talked about my anxiety issues on here a lot and they're slowly creeping back up. This week was stressful more than anxious and it just got me worked up. I'm hoping that the long weekend will recharge my batteries and I'll be good to go.



A few work trips got canceled this week so I won't be going to Los Angeles in July and won't be heading back to PA this month. I'm grateful because I needed some down time; we have the big move coming up and I CANNOT WAIT. I haven't been this excited about something in so long and I'm so looking forward to it. I wish it was July 1st right now.

The good news about this week? The Champagne Collection by Becca & Jaclyn Hill released this week and OMG IT'S BEAUTIFUL. I have the Face Palette & the Eyeshadow Palette and I'm hoping to get the Creme & Liquid ASAP. I have a post on my editorial calendar about it in 2 weeks so look for that.

I have a busy weekend ahead of me: joining the gym, getting a pedicure, returning some items at Ulta (I'm returning the Alice in Wonderland palette; as much as I love it, I don't need it and there are other eyeshadow palettes I'd rather have. I'm super OCD about having too many eyeshadow palettes), and I'll be doing other random blogging/writing/odd things.

If you missed my one and only post this week, it was about my first time at the Drybar.



Read that, and then click on the links I loved!

Jawbone is stopping it's production of fitness trackers & I'm confused and sad

Pack these beauty products for MDW. You won't regret it.

The rap battle between David Schwimmer & James Corden is everything and more

Why am I seeing more Kardashians than usual?

Who else had these stretchy Steve Madden sandals when they were younger? Who wishes they had them now? *raises hand*

As much as I wished I could work from home and make my own schedule, I love my 9-5 so I wish I could just live life how I please. #ThankYou

This article on missing Oprah is pretty much my every thought.

Microneedling? I kind of want to try it.


What did you love this week? Have a Happy Memorial Day everyone!

I have a lot of favorites. I'm a girl who has always loved things: books, accessories, stationery, websites... I've just always really liked to be well rounded and I loved discovering new things.

I've always been into technology, websites, and the internet. Ever since I was a child, I've been very in tune with the internet and how technology worked. It's just something I've had a knack for and I guess it makes sense that I'm in social media and blogging.

I'm just an internet gal: I was one of the first of my friends to have a screenname on AOL, one of the first with Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. I know how to fix computers, how to operate social media, and the ins and outs of all things web. I'm not tooting my own horn, just stating facts. I find it interesting and I'm simply obsessed.

All of that being said, I have racked up my fair share of favorites when it comes to tech. I've rounded up my favorite apps before but now I want to go to the other side of the spectrum: websites.

Credit

Of course I have my favorite shopping websites, news websites, and informational sites but in this post, I want to talk about sites that combine all of those.

• ShopStyle: If you've ever clicked on a link that I've shared on this blog, you'll know I use the ShopStyle affiliate program. It's such a great little tool for bloggers so if you haven't signed up, Well, did you know that the website attached to the affiliate program can be used by ANYONE? ShopStyle.com is the best shopping website you could ask for. It is basically Google for shopping; all you do is type in what you're looking for and it'll give you that particular product at every retailer. You can get sale alerts on certain designers & items, filter your search by brand, retailer, price, color, etc, and so much more. I was looking for a dress for my cousin's wedding and I used this to find the dress. It was much easier than going onto a bunch of retailers websites to find what you're looking for.

• Elite Daily: I don't have to go into hardcore detail with this one. I'm a contributor to the website and I've loved it for the past 2 years. I think Elite Daily has great advice, makes you think differently, and is kind of like your best friend. It's one of my favorite websites when I just need a little reassurance. 

• Refinery29: This is another "news" site but it is SO MUCH MORE than that. It has news, fashion, beauty, opinion pieces, sale alerts... it's pretty much the go-to for anything and everything in the world. 

• Levo: This is something else I've talked to death about. I interned here in 2013 and it was amazing. This career website is my go-to whenever I have a career question. It will never let you down in terms of career advice and I'm simply addicted.

• Brit + Co: This is a newer website I've discovered and fallen in love with. It has a lot of design tips, but also takes on a lifestyle feel with career help, beauty, fashion, and all things in between.

I know I said a few weeks back that I was originally going to do a favorite apps post but decided to just tell you all about my favorite app ever, Slice?

Well, I realized that I definitely do have some apps that I adore and they needed to be shared. I usually keep my apps to a minimum because the storage on my phone is horrible, but lately, I just don't care.

I go through phases with apps where I'll delete them and then redownload a few weeks later but these have been constant. I use these apps on a daily basis and I will always have them on my phone.



1. HeadSpace: I've tried other meditating apps before but HeadSpace is the only one I've ever stuck with. A few weeks ago I felt like I needed something, but I didn't know what that something was. Then I read an article about mediating and anxiety and they mentioned this app. I've definitely seen this app around in other articles and blog posts but never bothered to download it. Finally I took the plunge and I really love it. I use it on the train before work and you just listen to the instructions, and each day is a different level of meditation. It's only 10 minutes so even the busiest of people can make time for it, and I think it does make a difference in how I feel the rest of the day.




2. Elite Daily: I have always loved Elite Daily and reading their featured articles have always been part of my daily routine. That's why when I found out they were releasing an app, I immediately downloaded it and I knew my mornings were going to get better. I love scrolling through the app and reading everything -- it just makes life easier to have Elite Daily all in one place on my phone.



3. GetPocket: This is by far, my favorite app in the history of the universe. GetPoccket is an app that you download onto your device, and can also install the GetPocket button on your browser. It stores articles that you want to read later when you press the pocket button, and then you can access all the articles on the website. You can also link GetPocket to your phone so that when you're on Twitter, you can click the link, and it'll give you the option to save it to Pocket. I am always on my phone and this is a saving grace for me because there are always articles I want to read but may not have the time or won't be in the mood. I am addicted to this and I don't know how I functioned before it.



4. Refinery29: Another news app -- sorry! Refinery29 is probably my favorite "news" website because they have everything and more. Politics, fashion, beauty, health, wellness-- EVERYTHING. I would love if they had an app similar to Elite Daily but the one I'm talking about is the next best thing. Refinery29 puts out a "newsletter" type of article every morning called "This A.M" where they give you the most popular, must know stories of the day. Well, they put this into an app and I immediately downloaded it. I read it on the train in the morning and it gives me a rundown of the things going on in super, quick tidbits.




I won't get in depth about this app but Mint, which I've done a whole post on, is still one of my favorites.

If there are any apps you think I need in my life, PLEASE let me know! And I want to know, what are your favorite apps?

Let me start off on a negative note because that's how I roll and say this was the longest week of my life. Did everyone else feel that way??? I feel like last weekend was years ago. Monday feels like a month has passed since. It's insane.

I am happy to see the weekend, a weekend that I don't have definite plans yet for but honestly, I don't even care. Am I losing my touch again? I just have things I want to do around the house and I do have plans for the next few weekends. I've just been so sleepy all week, ugh, why isn't it socially acceptable to relax and sleep on the weekends?!

I want to work on freelance projects and the blog, I want to actually do it too and not just say I'm going too. Someone hold me to it, please!

Also, I already broke No Buy November. I should be ashamed of myself. I have been raving about my ban.do planner but in the past few weeks, I noticed I wasn't using it as much. It was getting dirty, I wasn't using it because it's not a spiral book and doesn't stay open. I found myself forgetting things and feeling flustered because I wasn't organized.



That's when I realized I desperately missed my Lilly planner. I have been on a huge Lilly Pulitzer kick again and have fallen back in love and I knew my heart lies with Lilly. That's why I ordered two Lilly planners, this large agenda  and this medium size agenda. I didn't know which size I wanted so I ordered both and decided on keeping the classic large agenda. The medium was slightly too small for me -- it's a hair bigger than the ban.do one and honestly, planner space never goes to waste so I just went with the bigger one and I feel much better--much more like myself and much more organized.

Ok, that rant is over... but yeah, that's all I broke on my No Buy and nothing else. I think I can handle the rest of the month aside from the VIB sale that starts today and Black Friday (for Christmas gifts). I also think I may just live a no buy life starting now and really only buy special treats or things I need. UGH, this is so difficult.



I will stop rambling now and get into my links -- thanks for listening :)

Is commitment phobia real? Please someone tell me it is..

I've been to a lot of these places but the other? Someone take me!

Prevent a cold this year with these simple steps.

Waiting for the person you love to be ready is the most heart breaking thing in the world... trust me

Wake up looking fresh & beautiful with these helpful beauty products

These Friends jokes are ALWAYS FUNNY

108 BEAUTIFUL Disney shots from our favorite movies? My goodness, this moved me near tears

Happy weekend everyone!

Ooof, it's finally Friday!! This week felt like it took forever and I was super cranky. I haven't had a "bad week" in a while but this week everything caught up with me.

Honestly, I'm being a baby but I just wanted the week to be over. Nothing happened, nothing was getting to me--I was just not about it. The biggest source of my crankiness though was probably my commute.

It takes me about an hour and 15 minutes to get to and from work on the subway but this week the MTA decided to screw all of New York over. It took me two hours to get to work one day and almost two hours to get home another day. It's just been unbearable and it got to me.

I also think I'm getting sick and the weather has been so ridiculous lately; yesterday it was 70 degrees in New York and it's almost November!!!

UGH.

End.Rant

I promise I'm done whining ;)

It is Halloween weekend and I have zero plans. That is totally fine with me. I had places to go if I wanted too but Manhattan on Halloween? That sounds worst than New Years Eve in the city. Give me some wine, popcorn, and a scary movie and I'll be good to go.

Halloween has lost its appeal in post grad life, in my opinion. Halloween was THE HOLIDAY in college and it lasted all weekend but nowadays, I forget what day of the week it is.

One last thing! Did anyone update their iPhone to ios9 (or ios9.1--whatever it is) and get the new emojis? The new emojis and the entire update is giving me life. It's my favorite iPhone update yet!

Enough rambling, let's get to the good stuff.



The internet was on point this week and there was so much good stuff:

The struggle of blogger life is alive & well

Chronically tired but constantly thinking about everything? YEP

This kind of sounds like the story of my life so I think stress is just my middle name

All of the beauty products in this article are amazing and I want them ALL

I've learned a lot about anxiety in the past few years, and this is all great advice

I WILL USE EVERY INSTAGRAM CAPTION ON THIS LIST #DRAKE 

#TeamSleep #AlwaysTired


As you can tell from my article choices, it was a lot of stress, anxiety, and tiredness haha!

Have a good weekend everyone :) 

So this week is finally over and my goodness it felt like an eternity! Last week was super long -- Thursday & Friday, I was at QVC Studios for work, Saturday was my college homecoming so I was there all day, day drinking and seeing my friends who I haven't seen in so long.

Then, it was a long week of work and it's finally Friday -- and I took the day off! It definitely feels good to type this on Thursday night and not have to worry about another day of work. Can I do this every week?

The blog was seriously lacking this week and I apologize but I just didn't have it in me. The next few months won't be too hectic (I'm hoping) and I've been feeling SO MUCH BETTER so I'm hoping to get myself situated here. I want to start actually doing things for the blog, and start freelance writing (anyone have any suggestions)-- I just want to write more and I need to buckle down. I always feel better after writing, no matter what it is so I need to remember that. Sometimes though, after being on a computer all day, the last thing I want to do is be on the computer when I come home.



Should I start rambling? I will! There have been so many articles and fun things on the Internet this week and here are my favorites:

It was Back to The Future Day on Wednesday & there was an influx of fun stuff on the Internet 

Cool on the outside, insane on the insane: this is me

Can I have all of these, please? These are genius

I'm CRYING: This Back to the Future video is perfection

Talk about a #TBT

You are more accomplished than you think you are -- this resonates with me

I haven't watched Grey's Anatomy in a long time, but this was heartbreaking 

I am so happy that Lamar is ok, but this was such a true article

Another day, another anxiety article. These really hit home with me

Have a good weekend everyone :)

I'm writing this as I'm sipping on a glass of Moscato, my Yankee Candle Vanilla Bourbon candle lit, and watching ABC's #TGIT. Yes, finally my fall favorite tv shows are back -- Grey's (which I haven't watched in years but figure why not), Scandal, and How to Get Away With Murder.

Thursdays are my night and they always have been. Thursdays are my favorite day of the week -- the week is basically over, but the weekend isn't so close that it seems like it's already over. With the return of my favorite tv shows, Thursdays are even better.

Tomorrow I took a day off, half for my doctor's appointment in the morning, the other half because it's important to take time for yourself when you feel like you're drained. I definitely needed a day to regroup. #Adulthood

I won't ramble on, I'll save that for another post but thank you for all the sweet comments this week on all my posts-- I love talking with you guys in the comments so it made my week! Also, thank you for everyone who said they liked my new layout -- I'm kind of in love :)



Alright, here are the links I've been obsessed with, and there's a lot of them!

So SPLAT! is really happening and this is the best 90s news since the Spice Girls reunion

TGIT has really changed the game, and it's truly incredible

Uptown Funk has NEVER look so good!

I am always done being an adult

Detox is one of my favorite words -- have I ever done it? No, but I'd like too. Here's a great start.

Nick Jonas was my first true love... not much has changed.

Work life balance is a real thing that people strive to achieve, including myself. Here are some tips.

As much as I adore Sex and the City, I have to agree with this. That won't stop me from wishing I was Carrie Bradshaw.

What did everyone love this week?

Happy Friday & have a great weekend :)

I feel like I haven't done one of these posts in weeks, when in reality it's only been two weeks.

I'll be honest when I say I've felt very disconnected from my blog lately. I'm writing posts but I'm not posting them on social media, and I feel like I'm not engaging. I hate that, because I really want to throw myself into this and do some fun stuff, but work has been crazy and I'm exhausted on the weekends.

Sometimes the last thing I want to do at night after work, or on a Saturday afternoon, is go back on the computer and try to form coherent thoughts.

Also, this weekend, starts a very busy few weeks for me. Between graduation parties, 4th of July, brunches, and dinners with friends, I'm excited to have a lot of things to look forward too.

That's something I'll talk about more in a future post I'm planning--making time for your life when you're busy with your first real job. Boy have I learned a few new lessons.

I've also been doing a shit-ton of shopping. It's actually horrific but I've also been saving money & paying my bills on time so I think I deserve some retail therapy (even if it is every week)-- so expect a few haul posts soon!

Anyways, first off let's talk about the incredible events that occured yesterday. I'm so proud that our country finally found the good and legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states. LOVE WINS #America ;)

Here are the rest of the links I've been loving over the past two weeks:

Eva Chen spoke to Elite Daily #dreams

Speaking of Eva Chen, Lucky Magazine got into some heat a few weeks back #yikes

Umm, Riley Curry stole the show (I know I'm late to the game, #sorry)

Us anxiety ridden people are a little complicated to love

Give me all the Baked Brie.. no seriously, expect a recipe post on this soon #NOM

Refinery29 did a beauty competition and some of the winners are pretty dam awesome

Kylie Jenner >>>>

All girls schools are amazing and I recommend them to everyone at least once in their life

What did you love this week?

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Ahh another week gone! Can it be classified as mid-June yet? I mean, Father's Day is already next weekend. I really need time to slow down. Like really really really need it to slow down.

Mercury is officially out of retrograde and I kid you not, I felt the earth shift Wednesday night. Everything just felt better. Yesterday was even better... I mean I had a mood swing when I came home from work and was sitting in a 90 degree house but laying in my mom's bed, in the dark, with the AC cranked up fixed it.

The next few weekends I have a lot planned and I'm really excited. The rest of the summer seems to be turning up (hopefully figuratively and literally). I just want to feel settled and have fun. Is that so much to ask?

Also, did I mention that my blog calendar is planned through JULY?! That is insane for me especially with the writers block that has been happening lately. I also really want to start "writing", like articles for Elite Daily and try my hand at freelance. I love my blog clearly, and it's a great creative outlet for me but the journalist in me is seething for something real and hearty to sink my teeth into.

We shall see!

I will stop rambling and get into the links. Wait, can we also talk about the fact that two crazed murderers escaped a prison in upstate New York this week and they still haven't been found? That is insane and I cannot stop following this story.

Okay, seriously, here are the links I loved!

TV writers reveal their favorite episodes & scenes they've ever written--awesome! 

Be miserable with or without you? What is your poison? 

Your first love is the realest, deepest, and truest. 

Great blog post on how a blog can launch your career, courtesy of Charmingly Styled! 

Another great blog post featuring one of my fav bloggers, Hallie! She's awesome  :)

I thought I was losing my mind, but then I read this #twentysomethings

50 beauty products to buy before you die--I stand by all of these

I'd be lying if I said I didn't go and watch "Get a Clue" on Youtube after reading this list

What did you love this week?

Happy weekend! This week was exceptionally long for no particular reason. Monday and Tuesday were horrible for the weather in NYC--it was POURING and just horrific. I have to admit, I didn't mind. I adore the rain, especially when I'm at work. It just feels so nice.

Maybe I'm just insane but bad weather is my ideal weather.

Also, I was extremely brave (and stupid) to wear my new pink American Eagle Jeggings and a white, flowy shirt on Tuesday. With no jacket. In the pouring rain & wind of Manhattan. I looked really cute though ;)

I've gotten some great clothes lately that I have been loving for work so I'll be sure to do a fashion post soon. I have a really difficult time with figuring out what to wear to work without looking too casual but I think I've been doing a good job! -- Any tips are welcome :)

I have a lot of fun stuff planned for the blog in upcoming weeks and I really am trying to revamp this baby as much as possible! I hope you all stick around for it :)

I will stop rambling and get to the links because there were some great ones!

I've still been struggling, one year into post grad, and this hit hard..and it didn't because I'm still bitter about never being a college student again.

Oh dear goodness--the ban.do offices are TO DIE FOR!!!!

Pretty Little Liars premiered this week and it was sick--it was TWISTED!!! WHY ARE THEY DOING THIS TO US! Buzzfeed was on point with the reaction articles here & here

One of my favorite bloggers, Hallie, made a huge announcement on her blog, Corals & Cognacs, this week and for some reason, it really inspired me (as she always does)

Someone I really admire, Elana, of Elana Lyn, wrote an AWESOME article on freelancing & full time work.

If you want someone, it will happen.

ED SHEERAN IS SINGING TRAP QUEEN AND EVERYTHING IS RIGHT IN THE WORLD

Forever trying to get my shit together

Living like Kim Kardashian? I'll take it

Why am I not excited for the new Urban Decay Naked Smoky palette? Is it just me? Is anyone else not pumped?

What did you guys love this week? Are there any posts you'd like to see on the blog? Tell me in the comments!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

I had a three day work week this week. Yes, three.

Memorial Day & then my summer Fridays started today so I'm off from work every other Friday. It was a short, eventful, stressful week but nonetheless, it happened and its over.

I am in another long, much needed weekend mode with a packed schedule of doctor's appointments, a keratin treatment for my hair, hopefully going to the Mad Men museum, lots of blogging, photo taking, some shopping, and maybe laying out in the sun if the weather permits.

So a lot of nonsense is planned, as per usual!

I was very proud of myself that I wrote 5 blog posts on Sunday AND scheduled all my social media. That is more than I've done in over a month and I'm looking to keep up the momentum.

I don't have much to say because it's 9:30 PM on Thursday, I'm tired, and my brain is just not working properly.

I thought I had a lot more links but these are pretty hefty and I really enjoyed all of them! Keep an eye out next week for one or two more posts than usual

Bethenny Frankel is a powerhouse and IDC what you say

I do way too many of these things and I DO secretly love them

Love the one who waited

Justin Bieber, you have done it again. #ovariesGONE

#ForeverHungry

Mad Men just got all of us. I miss it already

Happy weekend everyone!

What did you love this week?

Another week has come to an end.

The first signs of spring appeared in NYC this week and it put me in the greatest mood. I have to say, I was very happy this week. It's something that is so unusual for me and when I am happy, it scares me. That's a whole other blog post but I was just in the best spirits this week. I just had to share.

First, before we get into the links of the week, let me start off by saying FROZEN 2 is coming out. Like hello?! That's the best news ever!! It made my Thursday.

I can't think of anything monumental this week that happened... I received quite a lot of packages and realized how much I need to stop spending money but I'm pretty sure I say that every time I get a package with my name on it.

In the same breathe, I signed up for Sephora Flash Shipping--$10 a year for Free 2 Day shipping on ALL ORDERS NO MATTER THE MINIMUM. This is a game changer, like a real life game changer. I always stop myself from buying things on Sephora.com because it's too much money for shipping but there's always things I need/want that I don't feel like going to the store for (because I get way too overwhelmed and will buy EVERYTHING). As I'm writing this, I'm contemplating placing an order. Hmm....

Anyways, let's get into the links, shall we?


Scott & Kourtney fight a lot but my goodness, when they're adorable, they are really adorable.

I've had an odd obsession with food this week, like reading articles about food and planning out recipes. Yeah, this didn't help. 

Relaxing is my favorite thing to do in my spare time... it's a real hobby, I don't care what you say.

Speaking of Sephora... I'd like all of these. K. Thanks.

I guess I have to wait till my 30s to be happy?

Side projects FTW!

Hands down, this is the funniest recap of Pretty Little Liars I have ever read. 

So it's good that I'm a nervous wreck 24/7?

There's so much more I have bookmarked but these were my favorites!

What did you love this week? 

Have a great weekend everyone!

A little brunette family tree loving :)