What I Learned in 2016

Can you believe we only have a few more hours until we say goodbye to 2016 and hello to 2017?! It's crazy, right? 

With so many world events that have taken this year by the horns, I'm sure we've all had a few  personal experiences we'd wish never made a pit stop, but what is life without some downfalls? We can't have it all, and life is never perfect, but we can learn a lot through these ups and downs and make the best out of it, or perhaps even learn from them. 

Here's what I learned this year:

• I'm a Go-Getter

This isn't something necessarily new to me, but it's definitely worth acknowledging. I can't sit still. I don't like wasting time and I definitely function at a higher speed than most. Whether it is about health, fitness, work or organizing my closet and then reorganizing it again, I must see things progress. Everything has an order; a place in this world, and in order to see these things fit into their proper space, I create a hands-on approach to make sure it gets done. I guess you can say I'm a type-A personality. Although mostly wonderful, this type of personality can be difficult to have at times because it can make me a perfectionist and allows for frazzled moments with others who are inactive to pursue their dreams or resolve health issues. This leads me into the second thing...

• Accepting People As They Are

People show you who they are every day. Whether happy and make every situation positive, negative and dismissive or smile to your face and live a secret life behind your back (trust me it happens). People will show you who they are, the type of person they connect with and what you can expect from them. Don't make anyone be who you want them to be, but rather listen to what they are saying to you. You'll spend less time problem solving, and more time living your best self.

• It's OK to Say "NO"

It's definitely ok to say no. Your life and your time is precious, and spending it with who and as you wish, is and SHOULD BE a definite priority. 

• New Things Are Scary but Worth a Try If Your Heart Is In It

This one is pretty straightforward, but we all need a little reminder that stepping out of our comfort zone can be a bit scary, and that's normal. When I started my new job a year ago, I was pretty scared. It was something I had wanted to do for years, but never had the right opportunity. Then with a LOT of persistence (TYPE A), a lot of patience, learning from others and weaving in my own skills, I landed the job of managing a magazine for a large organization. A huge dream come true; and a huge goal accomplished. My heart was there and so was the fear, but if I let the fear outweigh my heart's desire, I would have never pursued this job, and I'm so glad I listened to my heart. 

• God Has A Plan For You

Simply put, everyone's journey is their own. God intended yours to move just as fast (or slow) as needed. The route may change course and your abilities, function or outlook may change from time to time, but you are right where you need to be. Trust Your Journey.

Now that I've shared what I learned, it's time to set out some new goals for 2017! I'm very much ready to do this, and I hope you'll join me. Grab a pen and paper and write out a few goals of your own. There's no rush, take your time. Vision your goals. Let's go!

Goals for 2017:

1. Do Yoga 1 to 2xs a week. 

2. Drink More Water (with lemon)

3. Say "No" to Things You Don't Want To Do

4. Be OK with Your Fitness Journey and Progress 

5. Spend More Time Doing what You love

6. Get More Sleep

7. Do More Things Outdoors 

~ Now for a little fluff, here are some pictures to share my favorite IG posts of 2016 ~

Happy New Year! May Your Blessings be Abundant!

Lush Cosmetics Review

I always wondered about this store, but it wasn't until a month ago that I actually stepped foot into one. I was a bit nervous to parooze the aisles, so I tapped on the shoulder of what turned out to be the friendliest seasonal sales rep possible; her name was Ella. I remembered her name in two ways: one, it was like Bella (duh!) and two, the Ell part reminded me of the character Elle from my favorite movie, Legally Blonde. 

Miss Ella guided me around the store and shared funny anecdotes to clue me in on what each item can do for my skin. Through several giggles, testers and a few stares from on-lookers, I weeded through my ideal choices. My final purchases consisted of two facial masks, one for hydration and the other to clear up acne; two toners, one to also combat acne and oil and the other to rid of toxins, and lastly, a hydration lip balm. 

O-M-G. They are all drops of heaven. The clean scents, all-natural, fresh and vegetarian ingredients, not to mention animal-free testing process made me an instant lover of this cosmetic chain. 

My review is strictly my own and I wasn't paid by any means to do this, I just simply love sharing great beauty products to anyone that will listen. If you ever get the opportunity, stop into a Lush store. Although you may not get a clerk like Ella, I'm sure you'll love the products.

(Photos: @shoesdogsandchocolate)

Michael Kors Beauty Loot

New York fashion week may have come to an end, but the residual impression of iconic designers lingers on, and I was lucky enough to snag a few pieces from the Michael Kors beauty line. 

Feast your eyes on these beauties!  

First on the list, matte bronzers in Beam, Glow and Flush, which range from a soft hue for pale skin, to a deeper shade mixed with flecks of gold (of course) for ultra glam. 

Each bronzer comes in a large gold palette and retails for $50 each. I know it sounds like a lot, but look at the size of these things: my hand can barely hold it. 

So fabulous! These are everything.

The Bronze Powder Brush has a structured base that's easy to grip and packed bristles that are soft to the touch. 

Now, let's talk perfume. The new Gold line has me swooning. Ranging from 1.0, 1.7 and 3.4 ounces, you have your choice of 24K Brilliant Gold, White Luminous Gold, or Rose Radiant Gold. 

Out of the three, my favorite is the Rose Radiant. Due to its sweeter and lighter notes of florals and light musk combination, I can see myself wearing this scent on glam outings or special date nights. 

If you like a stronger scent of wood notes, mandarins and florals, the 24K Gold is for you. If you're the type of woman that wants to feel like you're swimming in your aroma, the more pungent notes of amber, jasmine and pear in the White Luminous is all you, girl. Work it! 

Whatever you decide, I don't think you'll be disappointed, I certainly wasn't. The packaging is so chic and structured, just like all MK designs.  I'm a big fan of these pieces, and was over the moon with all the GOLD! Then again, I believe everything should be made of gold. What can I say? I have expensive taste.

Enjoy! 

:Makeup Talk: Hard Candy Review

1. Makeup Setting Spray: 

This weightless spray is your very last step to setting your makeup.  It's cooling properties were so refreshing.

Once you've applied your foundation, eyeshadow, blush and powder, spritz a few burst 

all over your face to keep your makeup on fleek. 

$6 at Walmart stores

2. Translucent Finishing Powder:

If you've never used a translucent powder before, this will be your favorite go-to item. I absolutely love it! Use it to dust all over your face AFTER you've applied your cream foundation, eyeshadow, bronzer, 

blush, and BEFORE your setting spray. It will give a soft, matte finish that looks airbrushed. 

$6 at Walmart stores

3. Poppin Pigments:

If you're the girl that loves glitter, these are for you! Dazzle your lids, face or body with these pops of color in highly pigmented, loose-powder form. They come in six duo options. 

$6 at Walmart stores

4. Glamoflauge Foundation:

Infused with Kaolin clay for oil absorption and superfine pigments for incredible full coverage, your face will be transformed into a smooth canvas.

$7 at Walmart stores

All HARD CANDY items are exclusively sold at Walmart stores and Walmart Online.

Select any of the bold links to take you straight to the products, or 

browse through Hardcandy.com to check out their fabulous goodies.

All images provided by Hard Candy