I have always baked in the sun, ever since I could remember. I loved being at the beach, by the pool, and being tan.

I am guilty of going to a tanning bed on occasion, mostly for special events like proms, formals, or my sweet 16. It doesn't make it better because I was still exposing myself to the harsh UV rays and possible skin cancer.

I am also guilty of never putting sunblock on... like ever. The last time I put sunblock on was on spring break in Punta Cana last year-- and I still came back with sun poisoning. I am honestly not a role model when it comes to safe tanning.

Sometimes it's because I'm lazy and I'm sitting out on my balcony for an hour and the thought of applying sunscreen is annoying, and I also don't like feeling greasy, only to come back inside a few minutes after sitting out.

I have though, gotten better about the sunscreen on my face. I now use moisturizers that have SPF built right in!

As I get older, I know I need to be better about sun protection but that is not the point of this post.

I love being tan. Being tan is probably my top 5 favorite feelings. Does that make me shallow? Is that just a New York/Queens/Brooklyn/Long Island thing? Everyone in my life adores being tan. Every one of my sorority sisters praises the idea of being tan. Stereotypical? Of course!

But honestly, it just makes me feel good. I feel more confident, I feel prettier, I feel skinner, I just feel comfortable when I'm bronzed and tan.

But, to be tan, you need TO TAN and as previously stated, there is a very slim way of doing that safely.

I have gotten two spray tans before and know people who go spray tanning religiously. It's a safe way to be tan but it can be messy. I went for my first spray tan a little over a month ago before my sorority formal and it was quite the experience. Standing naked in front of a stranger? Inhaling the tanning fumes? It was not the best moment, but the tan came out awesome.

There are a lot of rules when it comes to spray tanning and is kind of complicated, and it's pretty expensive.

I wanted an alternative and that is when I discovered all my favorite youtube beauty v-loggers do their own spray tanning or "self tanning". There is a whole industry dedicated to this (i.e St. Tropez) and I was too nervous to embark on the journey. I didn't think I would be able to pull it off.

It was still on my mind when I went on my spontaneous work trip to Chicago back in April and while at the conference, I received a self tanning mousse by NKD SKN, and immediately was super psyched to try it out.




NKD SKN is under the umbrella company Vita Liberata, which is known for their self tanning products. NKD SKN is sold at Ulta and the mousse I have is Tinted Tan Mousse in Dark.

There is so much information about self tanning with these types of products, so it can seem overwhelming at first. You are in control of the entire process and it's very easy to mess up.

Basically what you need to do in order to get a gorgeous, self tan is exfoliate your entire body, shave, and make sure your body is smooth and silky. DO NOT moisturize before proceeding with the tan.

Then, get your mitt ready (yes a self tanning mitt--NKD SKN comes with a mini one but I soon realized it was not up to par. I went out and bought the famous St. Tropez Self Tanning Mitt for $6.50 at Sephora). Pump out the self tanner onto the mitt and start working it onto your body in circular motions.

See the difference in size?

I watched a few of my favorite v-loggers aka Jaclyn Hill, to know the right way to do this. Most people recommend starting with your arms, then your legs, and always working up toward your heart.

After carefully reviewing all of this information, I took a deep breath and got to work. I was nervous but at the end of the day, didn't really care if I messed up. It was my skin, my body, a few mess ups wouldn't be the end of the world. Let's remember this isn't permanent!

I laid out a towel on my WHITE shag rug in my bedroom, wore shorts & a tank top (I didn't self tan by stomach because no one was seeing that and I was kind of lazy) and got to work. As I said before, the mitt that came with the NKD SKN was teeny tiny but it's what I had to work with. Because of this, the self tan got all over the palms of my hands but it washed off almost completely the previous day.

I smoothed the tan all over my body, my arms, then my legs, and as Jaclyn Hill said, moisturized my wrists, hands, ankles, and elbows to make the tan apply smoothly on those rough, hard to reach areas.

The tan dried almost immediately and over the next few minutes started to deepen. I noticed a few blotchy areas on my elbows and arms, and went back over those areas with no problem.

I apologize for the poor photos--we all know photography is my weak point

There was no horrific smell to the tan, and it blended out really nicely. You could tell this is high quality, yet it isn't too expensive with a price tag of $19.50.



I didn't shower that night after the tan (I don't think I did--this was two weeks ago) because I was afraid of it washing away completely and wanted it to darken. It didn't transfer onto my sheets or my clothes, which is very important.

You can see the little dark spot on my palm, from the tanning mitt not being big enough

I went to work the next day, very tan and natural looking. I got compliments on my tan all day and people told me it looked like I had been at the beach.

Now that is how you know you have a great tan!

I did have a lot of splotchy areas on my elbows, they were a lot darker than the rest of my body, but to be honest, I did not care. That's just me though.

It lasted a little over a week and I'm anxious to try it again--most likely this upcoming weekend.

Honestly, I'm kind of obsessed with self tanning. It's safe, it's easy (once you get the hang of it), and you are in control. It also doesn't cost much once you have the supplies needed.

I would do my research before selecting a self tanner. Make sure it works for your skin type and tone, and make sure it's one that is easy to blend and work with. No one wants a streaky tan, but if you're a beginner, I would definitely recommend NKD SKN. It's inexpensive, and very easy to use.

Here's to a tan & safe summer, ladies!

Do you use self tanner? What are your thoughts? What techniques do you use?

I don't think I am the right person to be writing this post because I rarely have "good days". That may be a whole different post for another day but I rarely feel completely happy.

Doesn't that sound incredibly sad?

It's something I've been dealing with a lot the past few months--it's not my anxiety, it's not nerves, it's just a blah feeling.

Hence why I don't feel like I should have any authority of writing a post entitled "How to Have a Good Day" but maybe that unhappiness is all the more reason to write the post.

Even if you are having a really bad day or you don't want to get out of bed, there are little ways to make your day better, a little brighter.

Sometimes, the smallest things can turn my day around, even just for a few minutes.

None of these are terribly groundbreaking but they are little ways to make you get through a bad day, or how to make a good day even better.



1. Listen to something happy: If you commute to work or school, don't sit in silence on a "bad day". I've learned that letting your mind wander when you're feeling down can never be good. Keep yourself distracted with something upbeat, or something that allows you to process information. Whether that's your favorite playlist, an interesting podcast, or an audiobook, start the morning off with something that will stimulate your mind, in a positive way.

2. Treat yourself: Do you usually make coffee at work? Do you have only an apple or a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast? On a bad day, break out of your routine and treat yourself. Get a bagel or an egg sandwich, treat yourself to some Starbucks, buy a piece of chocolate to have later in the day. (Sorry for the food analogies!) It'll make the day a little sweeter knowing you didn't restrict yourself and allowed a little indulgence.

3. Drink lots of water: This doesn't seem to go along with the other two but I found that when I don't drink enough water, I feel sluggish and a little more sad. Make sure you are drinking as much water as possible to elevate your mood.

4. Dress to impress: On days where you are feeling less than stellar, all you want to do sit around in leggings and a comfortable t-shirt, your hair in a bun, and no make-up. I am extremely guilty of this because it's just easier to sulk when you are comfortable, can cry without ruining your make-up, and don't have to worry about anything but your mood. I have also been guilty of convincing myself to get up and get dressed. Even if I do wear leggings, I will have my hair done & down, and make-up on. If you look good, you will feel good. I did this on Saturday afternoon; I was feeling really crappy but decided to put on make-up, even if I was just going to the craft store, but it instantly made me feel better.

5. Do something enjoyable: No matter if it's 10 minutes or 1 hour, take a moment of your bad day to do something you like. Whether it's just taking a walk around the block, logging onto Pinterest, reading a book, going to a kick boxing class, make an effort to try to brighten the mood.

Sulking in your mood or your "bad day" won't help. I am very guilty of this. I allow the day to take over my entire mood and start blaming everything bad on it. If I don't get a seat on the train, if the line for coffee is too long, if I drop my Metrocard, if my computer crashes, it's the end of the world and the day is completely destroyed.

I have found though that these small efforts can make a difference, even if just for a few moments.

What do you do to turn a bad day around? 

I have never spent more than $10 on a bottle of nail polish. I don't see the point. Essie or any other drug store brand works just as good as anything else. Why fix something that isn't broken?

I do though, own three Deborah Lippman bottles that I won in a raffle and it's definitely nice to have something luxurious but I don't really see a difference between those and my Essie polishes.

That doesn't mean I haven't been intrigued by the idea of a gorgeous, expensive bottle of nail polish.

That intrigue was brought to the surface when I started to see a new brand of polish on Instagram, mostly from Birchbox, and it sparked my interest.

Smith & Cult was founded by beauty veteran Dineh Mohajer, who is a creator of worldwide brand "Hard Candy"--which is really impressive. The brand was founded back in 2014 so it is fresh on the beauty scene, but seems to be gaining some more attention since being added to the Birchbox shop ever so recently.

The company formulates their polishes without Dibutyl, Phthalate, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin and Camphor, which is definitely most of the appeal.

The bottles are very uniquely shaped and sized--they are pretty big, yet short and stout. I think that's what initially intrigued me, the bottles were so different! They look expensive, luxurious, and fancy. I feel cool owning one.

Yes, that is right, I used my much savored Birchbox points on a whim, on an $18 bottle of Smith & Cult nail polish by the name of "City of Compton." It's a gorgeous pink, somewhere between a baby & hot pink. 



My mom used the polish first and she was immediately impressed. She doesn't do her nails herself very often and she looked like she had just come from the salon, with a gel manicure. 

I tackled applying my nails with the uniquely shaped handle the day after my mom did hers. 

It was a little difficult to get a grip on the handle since it's so big but after a few nails, it was fine.

The formula is SMOOTH! It has to be one of the easiest polishes to apply. One coat was pretty opaque and shiny-two coats were even better. (I always do two coats, always apply a base & top coat so this was no different). There were zero streaks, no spilling onto my nail beds. 

The color is bright and perfect for summer. It seems that a lot of the brand's colors are super bright. In the same breath, the colors are also really unique. I don't think I have a pink like this and I am lusting after this bad boy named Vegas Post Apocalyptic. They also have the best names ever! 

I don't think I've ever been so intrigued by a brand or so willingly to shell out $18 of my own hard earned cash on a bottle of polish.

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'm in desperate need of a new summer wardrobe. I was switching all my summer clothes out from my winter clothes last week and realized I have shirts from like 4 years ago. That is an issue.

I need new clothes for work, to lounge around in, and just in general. I especially need shoes! I am the worst at buying shoes (and clothes for that matter). I spend my money on accessories and make-up but I am going to do my best throughout the month of June to stop the frivlous spending and only buy things I need.

LIKE CLOTHES!

I just bought two pairs of American Eagle jeans on clearance and they're okay. They look great on me but they are slightly uncomfortable. My mom's response to that was "You can't always be comfortable" and my answer is YES I CAN. But I'm not returning them because I really need them and they do look really good.

I've been looking everywhere for more clothes but I am honestly so picky. I want to dress trendy but then I stray away from those types of clothes when I'm actually shopping.

My work wardrobe can be a little more on the casual side so that is a gift but still, I'm at a loss for where to shop. I usually stick to American Eagle Outfitters or Nordstrom but I want to venture outside my comfort zone.

Leave any suggestions in the comments!!

But... I've been obsessed with kimonos lately--I got two from Nordstrom Rack and they're super comfortable and easy to wear or match with pretty much everything.

I also really want to try a jumpsuit because they look really comfortable and super easy to wear. This one from American Eagle is calling my name.

I put together a little wish list of things I want/need/lust after and we'll see how much I actually buy in the near future!

Some spoilers about Mad Men & it's final season so if you don't know anything or want to know anything that happens throughout the series & it's final season/episode, don't read #sorry

This is a different type of post that I usually write on the blog but I knew it was something that needed to happen.

I've been obsessed with Mad Men since I binge watched the series last summer. I was persuaded by a few of my friends to start this legendary series because they knew I would fall in love.

It took me a while to be convinced but the first few weeks of post grad seemed like prime time to dive in. I will admit, it was difficult to start because Mad Men is a very slow show. It isn't fast paced, it's set in a different time period, and there's no real action.

Nonetheless, Don Draper & co is amazing and their stories were incredible to follow and watch. Hence why I feel the need to write this post because when I finish a TV series as amazing and impacting as Mad Men, I miss it terribly.

I have an obsessive personality which you may have already sensed if you've been reading my blog for a while, so it's natural for me to become completely addicted to TV shows. I go through phases where I can't talk/think/watch anything else. I need to know everything about the TV show until I am an expert. I've done with Beverly Hills 90210(the original), General Hospital, and more recently, Californication.

That's how I started to become with Mad Men throughout the 2nd half of the final season. This was the first time I was watching it on live television and not on Netflix so being able to watch along with everyone, recap with my friends, and read the Internet's recaps in the morning made it so much more fun. I forgot how awesome it is to watch a television show with the entire world.



The reason I love Mad Men so much is because it's so simple yet so complex. The writers and producers put so much thought into every detail and I really respect that in a TV show; but at the same time, Matthew Weiner(Mad Men creator) leaves certain things out to make it more believable.

The complication of Don Draper is one of the most intricate character developments in television, in my opinion. The way Peggy has transformed into exactly who she wanted to be is also incredible. Aside from making me believe that the 60s were actually like Mad Men, one of the best things about Mad Men is the character development. You truly took a journey with these characters and it was really sad saying goodbye.

My thoughts on this season were mixed. The first few episodes were very slow and annoying with the stupid waitress Diana. I legit thought she was a ghost at first. It was all very confusing yet I know that there was a point. She was Don's equal, she was Don, running away from her life and trying to make a new one because she couldn't handle the pain. It made sense, it just wasn't my cup of tea.

Betty's story line was by far the saddest thing I have ever watched on Mad Men. Betty Draper Francis is a child like bitch but my goodness, I love the woman. I've always been team Don & Betty because I just adore them together--the most beautiful couple to ever grace television, even though I knew they were terrible for each other.

In the last episode, when Don calls Betty "Birdie" as he is crying on the phone, ugh I have the chills just thinking about it, I completely lost it. I was ugly crying because when Don Draper cries, we all should cry.

One of my favorite moments from the season was Roger & Peggy's last day in SCDP's offices, with Peggy on rollerblades and Roger playing the organ. It was just so perfect and quirky and classic Mad Men, in an odd way.

Also, how can we forget at the end of that episode the way Peggy waltzed down the hallway of McCann Erikson (I was the only idiot who realized that it was a real agency at the end of the final episode), cigarette in mouth, sunglasses on--it was just a boss ass move.



Sidenote: I must mention it--Joan is one of my favorite characters and I really hated how she was treated this season; all the sexism and how she was kicked out of the agency because she was going to report sexual harassment, but then as Mad Men does, they gave her the best ending possible. Joan being the boss of her own company always seemed to be in the cards, she was never just a secretary, she was THE secretary and I'm so happy she got a great ending.

It really bothered me that Don left everyone back in New York but according to recaps & articles, this was where Mad Men was headed the entire time. Don saw California as freedom and when he got there, that's what he felt, it's what he got.

Something I really admired about Mad Men was the symbolism. There is symbolism throughout the series but in the last season, there was A LOT.

One of my favorite points of symbolism is when Ted tells Don "Every man has three women in his life", in one of the first episodes(I'm pretty sure) and then it comes full circle in the last episode where Don speaks to the three women in his life: Sally, Betty, and Peggy.

The series finale is also called "Person to Person" which is odd and perfect because Don doesn't come face to face with any of the main characters, he speaks 'person to person' with the three ladies on the phone, which is that spark of symbolism.

The main symbolic point, what the entire series boiled down too, blew my mind.

In the last few episodes, there were a lot of Coca Cola mentions; McCann Erikson bribing Don with Coca Cola to be happy at the agency and Don fixing a Coca Cola machine in that run down motel were two that happened before the finale.

Then, in the finale, it starts with Joan snorting a line of "coke", Peggy asking Don "Don't you want to come back and work on Coca Cola?" and then, the end all be all...the final scene.



The scene confused the hell out of me at first. I was PISSED when I thought Don Draper became some hippie in the 70s and left his nice suits and dapperness behind in New York, but then that smile, the ding, and then the most famous ad in advertising history played on television screens across the world.

It was amazing, it was perfect.

In my initial thoughts I didn't know if I was right, I didn't know if people were thinking the same thing as me. Did Don Draper write that ad? Did he take what he learned at the retreat center and take it back to New York to create the most famous ad of all time?

The answer was an astounding YES and I was so happy. It makes so much sense and it really was the perfect ending.



I really loved everything about the finale; from Joan's company to Roger to Peggy & Stan, to Pete & Trudy, to Sally and Bobby and finally Don. (And Betty too but that's just sad)

Mad Men was about Don Draper & Dick Witman. It was about a man struggling to be two people, a man who had such a horrible childhood, who couldn't pick right from wrong, but loved and cared and worked hard. He tried to make his life work, you saw it throughout episodes in the series, but Don said it best to Peggy on the phone (the conversation broke my heart)

"I screwed everything up. I'm not the man you think I am. I broke all my vows, I scandalized my child, I took another man's name and made nothing of it." 

That is the entire point of the show--Don struggling to come to terms with who he really is, and I think the series wrapped it up nicely, with Don listening to another man say the words he has always thought.

The show was just as much about Peggy's rise to the top than it was about Don Draper; their relationship was one of the main focal points of the show and it was just awesome to watch it grow. Their finale scene together is perfection. 

I just really love this series and I think it will forever be one of my top favorite shows. It was just perfect and imperfect on so many levels. The finale was everything I could've asked for and more. I will dearly miss the 1960s and need to fill the void with another television show as legendary, moving, and wonderful.

Here are some of my FAVORITE Mad Men articles that embody the series perfectly--most of them are from Buzzfeed because that's the story of my life.

19 Beautifully Emotional Moments from Mad Men

All 90 Episodes of Mad Men, Ranked from Good to Perfect

In Praise of Betty Draper, Difficult Woman 

108 Thoughts We All Had During the Mad Men Series Finale (best line of this article: "Who’s going to pay for all the Draper kids’ therapy?")

19 Life Truths Betty Draper Taught Us

Watch the cast say 'A Farewell to Mad Men" with the Television Academy (SO COOL!)

What are your thoughts on the finale? Did you expect more? 

Why is it June? Seriously, where is time going? Is this what happens when you get older...time just flies by and you don't know what to do with yourself?

I'm just in awe that it's June. It's been over a year that I've been out of college (I know I keep mentioning that) and it's just like, this is real life now. I'm still going through a quarter life crisis and I think it's going to be like that for a while. The joy of your 20s!!

Whenever I think things are getting better, the universe flips me off and throws me back in my seat, where I started. Did that make sense? Probably not--I'm rambling about nonsense.

The point of this post is my May Favorites!

I have a lot of things I've loved this month--more than any other month I think and I don't know why. Have I had a lot of time on my hands? Maybe.

Most of them are beauty products because what else do I "favorite" all month? No seriously, like what else should I put in my favorites? I'll think of something.

I do have a few random things and I'll be sure to keep better track of "random" favorites (like clothing maybe?) next month!



PUR Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup: I got this when I went to my Chicago work trip and I've kind of been obsessed. I've been wanting to get into powder foundations for a while because they're easy to apply when you want a light layer of coverage (and are too lazy to get your hands dirty with a BB cream). This gives great coverage and applies on the skin smoothly, for a natural finish. I put a primer underneath, then concealer, and then this foundation and it's been my go to all month. I apply it with my next favorite which is ....

It Cosmetics Airbrush Smoothing Foundation Brush: I also got this in Chicago and OMG I am OBSESSED. I am actually willingly to spend $50 on this brush set from Ulta because these brushes are giving me life. I don't use brushes for liquid foundation, I'm too addicted to my beautyblender for that nonsense, but for a powder foundation, this buffing brush is perfection. It applies everything evenly and smoothly for a truly airbrush finish. I am beyond in love.

Porefessional Primer by Benefit Cosmetics: ANOTHER Chicago item (I'm sorry but a beauty conference leads way to lots of products). I had a sample of this product years ago and I was obsessed. It was the first primer I've ever used and I changed the game for me. I've been trying to find primers that live up to this one because I can't bare to spend $30 on a primer, but, after I got this bad boy back in my life, my make-up has not been the same. I notice a severe difference in my skin and how long my make-up lasts when I have this on. I get a lot more compliments on my skin as well. So, naturally, I haven't been wearing any other primer this month. Oh and I will shell out the $30 for this once I run out--it's THAT good. There's a reason it's a cult favorite.

Covergirl Intensify Me Liquid Liner: When I blogged about the new CoverGirl products a few weeks back, I mentioned that I really loved this eyeliner (and hated the mascara) and the love has stood the test of time. I've been wearing this like crazy and it has reignited my love for liquid liner. It's easy to apply, super black, and stays on all day. The brush is so unique and I think that is also a major reason I love it so much.

Nivea In Shower Body Lotion: I've gone through three tubes of this lotion in the past 3 months and I'm wondering why I'm just mentioning this now. When I heard about 'in shower' body lotion, I was stunned and curious. It just washes away? I apply it in the shower? How interesting! I got a sample of this in a magazine or something and immediately used it. I went out and bought it the next day. I hate applying lotion when I get out of the shower. I just hate the process of it but I know it's necessary. This makes my life easier. I apply it in the shower, wash it off, and could get out and go about my day. I don't have to wait for it to dry or absorb into the skin--it's fullproof! It also lasts forever on the skin and really makes a difference. My skin is always super soft and smooth after using it. The one downside is that I need to control how much I'm using because like I said, I've repurchased this three times already and usually regular body lotion lasts forever. I will always repurchase though because it's that good!

Mahogany Teakwood Candle from Bath & Body Works: My little had this in her room up at school and whenever I visited, I would spend a good amount of the day smelling this candle. IT SMELLS LIKE FREAKING ABERCROMBIE!!!!!!!!! I am not kidding you--it smells like Abercrombie cologne, it smells like a hot boy and I almost cried tears of joy when I finally ordered it. I haven't been using any other candle in my room/house the past month and I'm addicted. I will have this candle forever and ever--I will spend any amount of money on it. It is INCREDIBLE! GO OUT AND BUY IT AND MAKE YOUR HOME SMELL LIKE HOT MEN.

(Was that aggressive? I don't even care. I'm obsessed)

Horoscopes: I've been obsessed with horoscopes and astrology for a while but this month, I became obsessed. Maybe because I'm just looking for answers to a question I don't even know but I was addicted this month. Maybe because Mercury is in retrograde and I just became fascinated with astrology? I don't know but I was googling everything this month having to do with my horoscope. I use the Daily Horoscope app on the iPhone and I have to say, its scary accurate sometimes. (PS I'm a Sagittarius)

So that is it! My favorite for the month of May! What did you love this month? Tell me in the comments!

Also, are you obsessed with astrology? Lets talk about it :)