Hot in November

 

 

Here in LA the weather is always unpredictable. For example, most people think November is the time for cool weather, at least that's what I'm used to. This November has been different, last week it got up to 92 degrees. I mean come on LA! It's times like those I really miss living in Northern California. I was born and raised in Northern California and I can't help but miss it, especially around the holidays. Part of me is really wanting to move back up there eventually. Not right now though, home is here in LA.

I had been looking for a leopard scarf for months! I went shopping with my mom and she found this scarf. When the scarf is unfolded, it is the face of a leopard. I thought it looked awesome, so my mom was very gracious and bought it for me. I wear it just about every chance I get. I feel people might think I'm a little strange for wearing it over and over again, but I don't care. It's the length I like and the perfect color.

Outfit:
shirt: Target
sweater: Forever 21
scarf: Express
jeans: Old Navy
shoes: old Steve Madden

Two Years

Dear Myke,

I can't believe it has been two years since we said I do. We have had a full year, but what I love is that even though it was busy, it was full of laughter and love for each other. There is no one else I would rather spend my life with and I love that God has blessed me with you in my life. I know that year would be a little different than last year, with you being in school on our anniversary. To be honest, it really doesn't matter what night or day we celebrate, as long as we look back with love and happiness, that's what matters.

You are the butter to my bread and the breath to my life. I love you.

Your adoring wife,
Allison

 

November Birchbox Review

There is nothing I love more than the holidays. Even summer. I love the way people get around the holidays. Even though I have worked just about every holiday, doesn't mean the holidays are a bad time. I just focused on making other people's holidays even better. That's one thing I love about Birchbox. No matter what time of year it is, they always put me in a better mood. This month was no exception.

This month's theme was More Good. Which is one thing that I love about the holidays, giving back and helping others. I guess you can say it's in the holiday spirit. This box was a good holiday one. It has some good stuff to get you ready for the holidays.

The Birchbox Holiday guide:  I love this little guide. As soon as I saw it, I put everything down and started reading it. It gives you a lot of good holiday party ideas as well as some great gift ideas that are in their Birchbox.

Birchbox Find, Ghirardelli Chocolate with Toffee Crunch. Birchbox Finds are an extra little discovery that they think are awesome. I don't know how they knew that I love chocolate, but they do. It's the holiday spirit. It was delicious.

Beauty Protector Shampoo and Condition. I got the detangle and heat protective in my June Birchbox and I love it! I was a pretty excited to see their shampoo and condition samples in this box. I'm always a little weary of trying new things on my hair, but since I have already used some of their line, I'm more than happy to try it.

Color Club, On the Rocks. I'm beyond excited to have another nail polish. I cannot wait to wear this color around Christmas time. I'm saving it until then!

Dr. Jart Water Fuse Beauty Balm. I used their CC cream a few months ago and I was satisfied with the product. So I'm happy to try even more of their line. I've used it since I got it and I really like it. It goes on smooth and stays on all day. Plus just by using it a few days, I can feel my skin has gotten smoother and healthier.

Juicy Couture, Viva la Juicy Noir. Unfortunately I'm not the biggest fan of Juicy Couture. I'm not sure why, I just never really enjoyed their line.

November. Currently.

Listening to. iTunes radio mostly. One Direction radio and  Katy Perry DJ. I like the shuffle aspect.

Reading.The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen. If you have ever seen or heard of the TNT drama Rizzoli and Isles this is the first book of their book series that the TV show is based on.
The Kid Stays in the Picture by Robert Evans. Written by a famous Paramount producer, I'm reading to hopefully gain knowledge on the career that I would like to have.

Wearing. Jeans. Boots. Shirt. Blazer. Typical outfit, with a twist for fall.

Wanting. A fitbit Force. New running shoes. New running clothes. Oxfords. iPhone 5s. Aztec pattern oversized sweater. More leggings.

Needing. A vacation. Thanksgiving. Crisp fall weather. Everything listed above :)

Must do. Pray more, worry less.

Enjoying. The small time spent with my husband. Helping expand the media ministry at church.

Looking forward to: MY ANNIVERSARY!!! Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Thanksgiving.

Outfit:
Necklace: Caroline G.
Shirt: Old Navy
Jacket: Express
Jeans: Old Navy
Boots: Steve Madden (old)

Baking Confessions of a 24 Year Old

So the other day I tried making some cookies, just because I felt like baking. Confession: they turned out terrible! I made one batch and they were flat and burned. I couldn't figure out what it was, but all I knew is I was very upset. I was crying for about a hour thinking about how I wouldn't be a good mom because I wouldn't know how to bake for my future kids.

Obviously that is the farthest thing from the truth. I have made plenty of good batches of cookies and cakes over my life, with and without my mom and I know that I can do it again. When I was crying my husband kept asking me why I was reacting so strongly. I couldn't put my finger on it, but then I finally realized that it's because of my childhood. When I was little my mom liked to bake, especially during the holidays. I loved the way our house smelled, pumpkin breads, sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies. I was feeling like a failure because I wasn't baking like I had always had. Thankfully I was able to calm down and realize that it wasn't the end of the world.

Nutrisystem ONE MONTH Update

It has officially been one month since Myke and I have started Nutrisystem. I have a new box full of food ready for month two and I have to admit, I'm welcoming it with open arms. I'm ready to attack month two with enthusiasm.

 It has not been an easy road for me. I'm still at loss at 6 pounds. I've gained pound back here and there, but I've always lost it a couple days later. I've been really frustrated with that, I've been running a lot more and I believe because of that I've been gaining muscle. Trust me I've been telling myself that every day the past week. Plus I've been really watching what I eat. Every once and a while, Myke and I would find ourselves out with friends and wanted to go out and eat with them. So instead of going out and eating pizza, soda, bread, ice cream and everything else that is bad for you. We decided to simple watch what we eat and figure out what is a compromise. For example, we love In n Out. If you live in California, you will understand why we love it so much. I get Diet soda, which I've never been a fan of, but I don't drink it all the time. I also get my burger protein style, which means no bread, but everything else. Then I don't get a meal, but I eat half of Myke's fries (thanks hun!).

Something so simple can knock off over 100 calories. Good enough for me. Our friend's son's birthday party was this weekend so of course there was cake, really good cake. So yes we had a piece, but a smaller one than usual. It's all about compromise.

Even though I'm still at 6 pounds loss, I usually don't measure my weight loss by pounds. I believe that measuring your body is where you can really see your weight loss come to life. Also it takes much longer than a month to achieve your goal.

Starting measurements in inches:
Arms: 11.5
Chest: 36.5
Waist: 37.0
Hips: 39.0
Thighs: 24.0

ONE MONTH MEASUREMENTS:
Arms: 11.5
Chest: 36.0
Waist: 35.2
Hips: 37.5
Thighs: 23.6


So on to month two! Let's see how this one goes!

Yes To Brag

I've been blessed with pretty awesome skin. All in the genes. However I still freak out whenever I'm picking a face wash. I had been wanting to try the products from Yes To Carrots for quite some time now. I had heard amazing things about their products and there was a Living Social deal that you spend $15 and get $25 to spend on products.

They have different lines of products for different skin types, so I researched and inquired with a couple other people, and I finally settled on Yes To Carrots. It helps with hydrating your skin, which is one of the problems I have. I bought their face wash and a night cream, which is the main item I needed in the first place. I also purchased a packet of their lip butters, which I got a sample of in my Birchbox a while ago and I can't stop putting it on my lips. So I decided to by the whole packet.

As far as the products themselves go, I love them! They feel like the clean my face and the night cream not only feels good and works on my skin, but it smells good too. The lip butters are all amazing. There are four scents: berry, pomegranate, melon, and mint. The only one I have a complaint on is the berry one. It has a SPF which is awesome, but it goes on white and it makes my lips taste funny. However the other ones are amazing.

I enjoyed these products so much, the other day I went out and purchased the yes to Cucumbers soothing face wipes. I use eye make up remover, but I had been needing something to take off my make up. I love it so far. The wipes cleanse my face, take off my make up, and my face feels so refreshed. They are good for sensitive skin as well.

Matching

 

When I went up north for my cousin's wedding back in September, I was blessed by my mom and grandma with a shopping trip. Mostly essential items that my mom knew I needed and then a few things jut because. This shirt was one of them. It's from the Gap, which by the way is the perfect place to get the essentials for your wardrobe.

My mom found this shirt at the front of the store along with a really cute jacket. she liked the combo and thought that I could pull it off. The shirt was $10! 10! My mom grabbed one for me and grabbed one for her. She loves that we now match. She wants me to bring it home for Thanksgiving so we can take more pictures of us matching. That's my mom for you.

It's soft, I'm obsessed with the color combo, and it's the perfect length for me. I plan on buying the other ones in that color

 

 

 

 

jacket: Wal Mart

shirt: Gap (similar)

jeans: Old Navy, Diva cut

necklace: old Forever 21

shoes: old Steve Madden