Wall of Quotes?

Last year was the hardest year of my life. 

Struggling with depression, and everything that comes with it, isn't easy. 

There was a point in February/March when things started to turn around, and I decided that I needed some extra motivation. So, I scoured tumblr to find some quotes that would give me an extra boost in the morning. My favorite one of the bunch was "Fuck what they think"

When I moved to my summer house for a few months, I took the quotes off of my bulletin board and stuck them in my closet, next to my mirror. That way, when I get dressed in the morning, I see inspiring things and they lift my mood.

I'm starting a new school next week and last night I decided that I need some motivation/inspiration again. This time, however, I went on Pinterest. I found some amazing quotes that I'm very excited to print & hang on my bulletin board. 

FYI: My Bulletin board hangs right in front of my vanity, so I see them when I'm doing my makeup.

Here are the quotes that will be sitting there for the rest of the year and will, eventually, be moved into my closet.

 ^^(you guys know that this is my favorite quote!)

I definitely recommend hanging quotes up somewhere, they're awesome!

xxx,

Ashley

My Top 5 Tips for Clear Skin!

It's back to school time and I, personally, am worrying about a lot of things. 

What am I going to wear on my first day at a new school? 

What if people don't like me?

I haven't even started SAT prep! 

I really hope I don't break out! 

Breaking out isn't something we can control, but we can take some preemptive steps to fight it. I'm going to share with you my 5 tips to do just that!

#5: Try not to stress out about too much!

Easier said than done, of course, but stress does break you out. A few tips for managing stress are: 

1) keep a planner.

2) write everything down

3) when it comes to homework, do the smaller things first and plan out the bigger things.

Doing those 3 things will help you stress out less, in turn helping you break out less!

#4: Find your perfect foundation and stick with it

A problem that I constantly have is that I try out way too many products, when I already have ones that work for me. *sigh* the perks of a beauty guru! Anyway, if you're not a beauty guru & you're on a budget, find your perfect foundation and DON'T STRAY FROM IT! When it comes to makeup, I usually break out when I stray from my holy grail foundations (NARS Sheer Glow & Chanel Vitalumier Aqua). Definitely splurge on your base makeup, but don't go crazy. Stick with what's good!

#3: Make sure you remove all of your makeup!

This is something that I'm constantly struggling with. If you watch my YouTube videos, click here if you don't, you would have seen how many bloody packets of the Neutrogena Makeup Removing wipes I go through. However, those wipes really don't remove all of my makeup and, in turn, I break out. I'm considering biting the bullet and buying some Bioderma Crealine, which apparently is the best of the best. Either way, removing all of your makeup is a must because if you don't, it'll clog your pores and make you break out!

#2: Don't skimp on skincare!

Skincare is an essential part of keeping your skin clear, duh! I always buy my cleansers from the drugstore, and everything else high end. Higher end products may be a bit more expensive, but they're more expensive for a reason! They work a lot better than drugstore products, the ingredients are way nicer, and they usually work. My skin has been breaking out like mad this summer, so I have an appointment with my dermatologist next week to get this madness sorted. However, using a cleanser, exfoliant, toner, and moisturizer every single day really does make a difference. Add in some serums, a spot treatment,  and some masks and you're good to go!

#1: Sinus Rinses!

You may be thinking: Um, Ashley? Sinus Rinses, are you serious? YES! There are so many perks to sinus rinses! They clean out your sinuses, which is amazing if you have allergies. And they flush all of the toxins out of your skin, helping to clear it. Weird, I know. But when I find myself doing sinus rinses more regularly, I definitely see a difference.  It feels weird at first, but it's definitely worth it!

Hope this helps!

xxx,

Ashley

Catching Up!

I feel like I haven't actually talked to you guys in forever which is really sad because a lot has been going on recently.

If you follow me on twitter, if you don't click here, then you'll know that I've recently partnered with Causes International! I'm doing a paid internship there where I'm handling the technology, creative, and social media aspects of the company, which is right up my ally. It's seriously so much fun and the organization is so amazing.

To keep it short and sweet, Causes International is an organization that Upcycles electronics, meaning that they give them another life, and the revenue they get from that goes to a nonprofit organization of your choice. How cool!

I'm working on a lot of really awesome projects with them that will be going live really soon, definitely before we all head back to school. 

I absolutely love working in the Causes International office. Everyone is so nice, I'm respected and treated as an adult, my opinions matter and I feel generally accepted. Plus, it's nice that I can be "financially independent" to a degree. Either way, working for this company is absolutely amazing. I couldn't ask for a better job, a better environment, a better boss, everything. 

Again, please check out their website (click here). I'll be going into more detail about the company and the projects I'm working on with them once they launch.

I've also been getting ready to go back to school! I've done a few videos in my Back to School Basics series, if you haven't seen them here's the first one, which is a total blast. I love Back to School season, and I absolutely love the fall. I'm so excited for tights and coats and boots and crunchy leaves and the seasonal drinks at Starbucks. Massachusetts is gorgeous all year round, but especially so in the fall. 

Yes, I just revealed the state that I live in. Honestly, the Causes International site is based in MA and, even though I don't live in the town that the office is based in, I still live in that state. Duh. So yeah, no biggie.

What else has been going on?

There's so much amazing stuff coming up in my world for the rest of 2012, it's so exciting. Let me lay it down for you.
September 1st: Doctor Who Series Series 7 returns to BBC and this season is going to be kickass. I'll cry when the Ponds leave because I freaking love them, but this season is probably going to be my favorite season since Rose. But I don't know yet.

September 21st: PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER OH MY GOD. If you haven't read Perks, please do. It's one of the best books in the world and it's truly one of my favorites. I'll have to make a favorite books post, but that's definitely on the list. Anyway, the movie is coming out and Emma Watson is in it and she's one of my biggest role models ever and, according to the trailer, it seems they're sticking to the book really well and I'm just so excited.

Sometime in September: How I Met your Mother comes back and that show is freaking hilarious.

Sometime in October: American Horror Story returns. This show is, hands down, my favorite american television show. It's really scary, it screws with your mind, it changes your view on the entire world, Evan Peters is in it and he is hella sexy, so it's awesome. 

Those shows run for the rest of the year, I think until May or something. 

The rest of the year I'll be doing this stuff:

My birthday is January 8th

IMATS NY is April 6th (I think)

I'll be seeing Johanna when I go to NY

I'll be travelling to see Amanda/she'll be travelling to see me. 

The sequel to "Miss Peregrines home for Peculiar Children" is coming out around February, I think.

The Bling Ring is coming out eventually (another Emma Watson film)

I dunno, a lot of stuff is happening in my nerd world and it's thrilling.

Plus, in the beauty world, the fall 2012 makeup & fashion collections are absolutely to die for, but I'll save that for another post.

So that's basically what's been up with me!

Talk to you all soon!

xxx,

Ashley

These are a few of my favorite things!

When the dog bites, when the bees sting, when I'm feeling sad

I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don't feel so bad!

No but in all honesty, I thought I would share with you guys a few of my favorite things that always lift my spirits when I'm down.

Quote:
"Destroy what destroys you"

I've been through a lot of stuff over the past few years, and this quote really hit home with me. If you destroy what destroys you, there's no more negativity in your life. If you destroy what destroys you, you can finally be happy. It's a process, but I know that I'll get there one day. I would love to get this tattooed on me but I don't think that'll happen.

Show(s):

Doctor Who.

Doctor Who is just such an intelligent show. It makes me feel like that I can do anything, that I can go anywhere if I just "let go" and believe in myself. All of the Doctor's companions were average run-of-the-mill people who all ended up saving the universe and changing the world. Plus, the show takes you to different places all over the world, so it's kind of like an adventure in itself. Plus I'm a bit obsessed with the Ponds so that always helps too :)

Supernatural.

This is a show I actually just started. If you don't know about it, it's basically about two brothers, Sam and Dean, who go off fighting the supernatural. It's really interesting. I'm personally a sucker for all paranormal/supernatural stuff, plus the two guys in it are so freaking gorgeous I can't even begin to explain. This show also reminds me that things aren't always as they appear, and there are always people out there who are here to help.

American Horror Story.

This show is my favorite show in the entire universe. The plot of it changes every season due to the wonderful Ryan Murphy, *Sarcasm* I actually hate him, but it's one of those shows that completely screws with your mind and changes your view on everything. I can't really describe it, but if you're not into scary stuff then this is not the show for you.

Makeup:

Red lipstick.

Red lipstick is the epitome of femininity. When I wear red lipstick I feel confident and, honestly, sexy as hell. It's always a nice pick me up, especially on a rainy day.

Music:

Ed Sheeran.

Listening to Ed is like a religious experience. It's acoustic and beautiful and his lyrics are so gorgeous and intelligent and all of his songs just really hit home.

Mayday Parade.

Not the most uplifting of music, but Mayday Parade always makes me feel like my problems aren't really "my own", and that people understand how I feel and it's totally normal. Their music is just very, I don't know, comforting.

That's all for now, folks!

xxx,

Ashley

Glowing skin without makeup!

To me, the key to looking youthful and fresh is glowing skin. Not oily, oily skin isn't hot on anyone. But skin that has that "glow from within" kind of vibe is something that everyone strives for, especially as you get older. 

Here I'll give you a few tips on how I achieve glowing skin!

Morning:

Use a moisturizer!

This would seem kind of stupid because doesn't everyone use a moisturizer? I'd like to think that everyone does but I don't think that's true! Some people apply moisturizer and instantly start applying their foundation without letting it sink in. That's kind of redundant because then you're just wiping away the product! Put on your moisturizer and let it sink in for 3-5 minutes. Once your skin absorbs all of the product, it'll look fresh and radiant. Then, when you do put makeup on, you'll look glowing. Unless you use a matte foundation, then you obviously won't. But that's the point of a matte foundation, isn't it?

Middle of the day:

Refresh your skin!

One of my favorite ways to refresh my skin during the day is with a spray. Not a toner, a spray. Doing this will perk up your makeup and your skin, killing two birds with one stone! Carry a small travel size of your favorite facial spray in your purse or school bag and spray whenever you feel you need to. My favorites are the Caudalie Beauty Elixir and the Mario Badescu Rose Water. Both of these sprays will refresh your skin and make you look healthier without making you look like you just got sprayed with a watergun. Plus, they both come in mini sizes which is a plus!

At night:

Use a thicker moisturizer!

Use a hydrating mask!

Using a heavier night cream will replenish your skin and rehydrate it, add to that using an overnight hydrating mask and you'll wake up with healthy, hydrated, glowing skin! Not oily. Hydrated. Glowy. There's a difference, people! 

My favorite night time moisturizers are the Neutrogena Light Night Cream and the Clinique Moisture Surge intense. I'd recommend the Neutrogena one for people with combo skin (like me!) and the Clinique one for either A) In the winter, or B) people with dry skin. Both of these creams intensely hydrate your skin, which is a plus for overnight use. 

My favorite hydrating mask is, without a doubt, the Origins Drink Up Intensive mask. Plop this sucker on an hour before you go to sleep and you're good to go!

Hope this helps!

Let me know if you try any of these tips!

xxx,

Ashley 

Healthy Hair!

For my entire life I've struggled with "greasy hair". However, when I wash my hair everyday my hair starts getting thin and sometimes falls out *Gasp!*. Not in huge chunks but you can definitely see pieces on my pillowcase which isn't that good. Over the years I've perfected my little hair routine and I thought I would give you guys some tips on how to keep your hair healthy! 

In general:

Use a clarifying shampoo every once in a while! Over the summer I use a clarifying shampoo either after I get home from the pool/beach, or after I use my hair fertilizer (Review coming soon!)

During the year I use a clarifying shampoo a lot less due to the fact that I'm not running around or sweating as much.

Dry Shampoo is your friend! It's my bff, actually. Find a perfect dry shampoo for your hair type (and color) by:

- Checking out high and low end shampoo's

- Reading reviews & watching videos on YouTube

- Looking at the color of the dry shampoo. Some are white (best for blondes or lighter colored hair), some are invisible (which is the type I tend to gravitate towards) and some are tinted.

- Don't wash your hair everyday.  Natural oil is good for your hair! Plus, stripping your scalp of natural oil will make you produce more, which doesn't end well for anyone. 

For long hair:

- Focus and work your shampoo in mostly at your roots. The ends of your hair don't get as dirty so they don't need as much attention, however don't neglect them completely. Some of the shampoo from your roots will go down into the ends of your hair anyway, so work that in and add more if needed.

- Condition your hair from the bottom of your ears down. Adding conditioner to your roots will add excess moisture, therefore making you get greasier faster.

For short hair:

- Give yourself a "scalp massage" when shampooing. Because you have "less hair", there's less "space" for the oil to travel to, therefore really working in your shampoo will do you wonders. If your hair is really greasy, use a clarifying shampoo regularly. 

- Avoid conditioner! You heard me. Avoid conditioner. Since your hair is short, the oil that your hair will produce the right amount of moisture that your hair needs. If you're really worried about not using conditioner, try something like R&B from Lush.

Hope this helps!

xxx,

Ashley

Review & Pictures: Caudalie Beauty Elixir!

If you've ever watched a UK Beauty Guru on YouTube, you would have heard them mention this product at least once. I heard about it from Anna & Essie, who each gave different reviews on it. Anna is absolutely obsessed with it and swears by it, whereas Essie didn't like it originally, but ended up repurchasing it because it grew on her. Since they're two of my favorite gurus, I had to give this product a try. Caudalie is sold in Sephora (usually) and retails for $18 for the small bottle and $48 for the bigger bottle. I bought the small bottle because I was just trying it out, obviously. 

I originally was kicking myself because I just spent basically $20 on fancy water, but as I used this "elixir" more and more, the more I fell in love with it.

Let me start this review off by saying that the packaging is gorgeous. It's in a slim "dirty" glass bottle with green and black writing and a silver cap, which looks very elegant and clean while sitting on your vanity or dressing table.

The little spray thingy is also really well done, for lack of a better word. It's sturdy enough that it won't pop off of the bottle, and it sprays a really nice fine mist that covers your entire face in a few sprays.

The Caudalie website describes this product as: 

Inspired by the "elixir of youth" used by Queen Isabelle of Hungary, this treatment smoothes features, tightens pores, and gives the complexion a burst of radiance. an excellent base for make-up, this water awakens the skin in the morning and livens it up before a night out.

SKIN SOLUTION: For all skin lacking radiance. Beauty Elixir is an exceptional anti-dull complexion treatment and a wonderful after-shave for men.

This product absolutely "livens" up my skin and is a good cooling mist for hot days. I have pretty smooth skin to begin with so I didn't really see any texture improvement. This makes my skin feel nourished without making it feel "wet", which is nice if you're using it as a setting spray. It smells of peppermint, but it fades away after a minute of sitting on your skin.

I absolutely love this stuff and it's something that I would like to have on me at all times.

However, I've had this bottle for less than 3 weeks and I'm almost finished with it, as you can see in the photo below. I actually have less product in this now because I used this spray after using a face mask, and the amount of product I have sits right under the numbers on the bottom of the glass, so it's on its way out.

As much as I love this, I can't shell out $18 every 2-3 weeks for a toner. This is something that I'd like to have in the winter as a "pick me up", but I really can't justify spending that amount of money on it. 

Yes, I could buy the $50 one. But if I finish the 30ml in 2-3 weeks, I would probably finish the 100ml one really quickly. 

Pro's

the product itself

packaging

smell (for me)

Con's

the gosh darn PRICE.

All in all: I love this stuff. If you have the money to spend/blow, definitely pick it up. I'll be repurchasing this, but not right away. 

xxx,

Ashley

New obsession: Movies!

I don't go to the movies very often. I only go if there's a film that I know I'd like or one that tumblr got me really excited for (Spiderman, Avengers, etc.) 

However, I was really bored one night and decided that I wanted to watch a movie, so I decided to rent Mirror Mirror, which is  movie I've wanted to see for a while. It was a really nice twist on a fairy tale, because for once Snow didn't need saving, she saved herself. Female empowerment is always a good thing, especially in the form of a disney princess. And Lily Collins' eyebrows are to die for!

The next movie I rented was Pride and Prejudice, a movie I've been meaning to watch for a while. I could never get that into the book, which is a shame, but the movie was absolutely amazing. The acting was flawless and, again, the main character is a strong independent female, so the whole female empowerment is a nice thing to see again.

Then I rented Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, which are two of my favorite movies because Harry Potter is my entire world. 

After those two movies, I rented The Breakfast Club which was, again, a movie I've been meaning to see for a while. I have to admit that the only reason I wanted to watch The Breakfast Club was because of an amazing fanfiction that was based off of it. But the movie was really adorable and I enjoyed it a lot! 

Now we get to 2 nights ago, when I rented It's Kind Of a Funny Story. Again, it was another movie that I've been watch for a while. It was great! However, I don't think they portrayed depression correctly, but overall the movie was really enjoyable. It was deep but lighthearted, relatable and "out there" all at the same time. It was definitely fun to watch!

Lastly, we get to last night's movie which was Fight Club. Let me start off by saying that this movie was not what I expected it to be at all. I expected it to be some macho man thriller about people beating the crap out of each other. Oh boy, was I wrong. I have to say that this film is the most intellectual film I've ever seen. It's so deep and inspiring and right on. You relate to all of the words of wisdom so much, and there are some things that really make you think about yourself and about the world. Plus, the end was total mindfuck (pardon my language), which is something I always enjoy. Also something cool about the film is every once in a while they'll flash something, whether it be a clip from porn or something really gory, for a millisecond. That way your brain registers that you've seen something "off", but it's over before the image can get to your eyes. So while you're watching the film, you have the overall feeling of discomfort and you don't exactly know why. Well,  I just told you why. Like who would ever think of something like that?! Gah it's so brilliant!

Anyway, all of these films are absolutely amazing.

Watch them all (especially fight club)

I'm definitely turning into a film junkie :)

Have you guys seen any good films lately?

xxx,

Ashley

p.s: I rent all of these films from iTunes for $2.99, which is cheaper than the $4.99 of On Demand!