Where's the empathy?

I'm lacking empathy these past few weeks. It's hard for me to take in so many people's issues. I've even found myself literally walking away or changing the subject when someone is talking about something that is going on in their life if it isn't something postive. I just can't take it. Maybe it's because I don't know the right words to say? It just seems like if it's not one thing it's another. Things are going okay in my life, so maybe I'm just trying to avoid letting other people's problems take a toll on me. 

Whirlwind

That's exactly what life has been the past...six or so months. I'm not really sure what has and hasn't happened. I just know that I'm here and I'm okay. There's been a roller coaster of events that go from good to bad to ugly to amazing and the only thing I can do is sit back and wait for it to settle. My heart has been torn into a million pieces and handed back out in smaller doses. I have found myself easily overwhelmed lately. I have had so many amazing opportunities and it's hard to believe that I am where I am in my life right now. My coworkers, boss, family and friends constantly tell me how talented I am. I still don't believe them. I have an amazing job & coworkers. I have amazing parents who have supported me throughout every step of my life. I have a couple of good friends who keep me from becoming the recluse that I try so hard to be. My eyes are focused on the future and what I want. Its a bit blurry but it's all I can do at this point. Dream. My goal of becoming a hair stylist has been achieved and now I need a new long term goal... platform artist? traveling gypsy hairstylist? I'm sure I'll find it soon enough.

Monogamy Smomogamy

I just read that only 3-5% of mammals are monogamous. Pretty crazy, right? I was looking for inspiration for a future tattoo when I came across an article that made me question our actions as humans. Are we even meant to be with the same person forever? I know that it is obviously our tradition to do so, but is it natural? Maybe I'm just trying to make excuses and find reasoning for my disbelief in long-term commitments? Relationships just aren't working for me so I'm trying my best to be happy single and alone. Alone. That's a hard word to swallow.

For now I'll just live in my little dream world of traveling the world and being amazing at doing whatever the hell I want to because I have nobody to ask permission anymore. It's kinda nice feeling free but it gets a bit lonely sometimes.

Busy Bee!

School has been quite a whirlwind for me. I'm reliving everything I learned about 6 years ago the first time I was in cosmetology school. It's nice to relearn the proper ways to do things because I've forgotten a lot over the years. I was still cutting hair every once and a while and I definitely wasn't always using the techniques I had learned from school - I just cut and it worked - but it's nice to be refreshed on  "rules" behind how to cut and style hair so you have a successful cut/color/style every time.

Being in class all day and then working 3-4 nights a week until midnight is really testing me. I've never been okay with only getting 7-8 hours of sleep. 10 hours has always been the minimum for that next day to be considered decent for me. Even without my regular amount of sleep I feel GOOD! I've been taking Airborne chewable tablets to avoid getting sick since there are a few sick people still coming to school plus I work at a grocery store. So far, so good.

I've been put in charge of planning my brother and his girlfriend's baby shower. We're having it in March and I already have the invitations made. I'm really excited because I love love love decorating and planning stuff like that. Hopefully it will turn out as cute and successful as I imagine in my head!

Recipe Adventures

I gathered up a few Pinterest recipes last week to try out. I thought that making full recipe sizes would be okay since I could just pack up leftovers and take them to school or work with me. I've never liked leftovers and will usually throw away food or give it away before I let it sit in my fridge - the only exception is pizza, I love some left over pizza! Here are the four recipes that I tried:

1. Mexican Dorito Casserole - 

This is definitely not a healthy food choice but man, comfort food is the best. I really loved this fresh out of the over but when I took it to school and reheated, the doritos get kind of soggy but it was still yummy! Next time I'll use less cheese because mine was a bit too greasy. Overall I'd give this an A for it's quick and easy prep!

via Jam Hands

2. Buffalo Chicken Bites - 

These were really yummy and quick to grab and go! Super tasty with ranch. They'd be better reheated by oven but all we have at school is a microwave. The mixture for these would be great to make taquitos with! Overall, I'd give these a B+!

via Sweet Pea's Kitchen

3. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars - 

These are definitely delicious! A little more work goes into them than regular cheesecake but, man, it was totally worth it! Tip: let them cool all the way before cutting! Overall, these deserve an A for how yummy they are, but don't forget the caramel!

via The Girl Who Ate Everything

4. Corn Chowder - 

I ate sooooo much of this while living in Okinawa and loved it so I wanted to try making it at home. This recipe made for some awesome corn chowder and allowed me to have extra to freeze! I don't add bacon to me because I don't care for bacon (I know, I know, southern taboo!) much in my soup. This recipe deserves a B+, a hint more of flavor would probably make this an A!

via Smoky Mountain Cafe

So do any of you have any recent recipe adventures you'd like to share with us? I'd love to be linked up to some more new recipes that would be great for leftovers!

Ten Things Tuesday!

Hey guys! You might notice that I've changed my comment system. I switched over because this new application will allow me to respond to you a bit easier! I really love getting comments, so please keep letting me know what you think! In my little world it's still Tuesday, so here is Ten Things Tuesday...enjoy! 

1. I just love this show, it's hilarious and I swear that Kat Dennings (who plays Max) and I are the same person.

via

2. I really want to try this for Paco, he's starting to get those rough little nose things since it's gotten cold out. 

via

3. I keep telling myself this about school!

via

4. This is cute and affordable!

via Etsy

5. This is on clearance on Oldnavy.com!

via OldNavy.com

6. I haven't bought a dress in a while & really need to start adding to my collection again. If only I had time to wear them.

via Forever21

7. I really really really want this necklace but Forever 21 doesn't sell it anymore. :[

via

8. Gotta love cute faces on objects. This made me smile. 

via

9. Seriously gotta give my sweet Madi credit for her amazingly cute "doodles", as she calls them - go get on this girl about selling her stuff, it's awesome! 

10. I'd love to add another Audrey Kawasaki print to my collection. 

via Audrey-Kawasaki.com

I'm Still Here!

Hang tight guys! I have a few upcoming posts for you but my schedule tonight isn't giving me much time for blogging! Check back later this week!

Pretty Peacock

I don't think I ever posted finished photos of my peacock tattoo. I'm not a huge fan of posting my tattoos on the internet or even sharing them in person but I'm so in love with this one that I can't help it. You probably remember my last post about getting my girl covered up and saw the outline of the peacock. I got him colored in a few weeks ago and here is the finished product. I'm probably going to have Thomas touch up a few of places to cover the girl a little more since it's lightened up a lot after healing. I'm totally in love with all the color and can't wait to work on getting my whole sleeve complete. This was done by Thomas Sigmon at Westside Tattoo Company in Conover, North Carolina.

Ten Things Tuesday, Hair!

In honor of starting my cosmetology classes this week, Ten Things Tuesday is all about hair! All photos were found on Pinterest, links provided under each photo.

1. Love these over the head braids!

via

2. Short and simple

via

3. Daring red! One day, I will go this red!

via

4. Messy bun, my go to on lazy days!

via

5. Always love pinup hair styles

via

6. Zooey is so simple and elegant with her brown locks

via

7. White. I wish I could pull off white hair. Maybe I'll try this?

via

8. More braids!

via

9. Cute and fun

via

10.Gaga started this but it's super cute!

via

Bow Giveaway!

 

Would you like to win this bow for yourself or as a gift? Use the Rafflecopter below and enter to win! You have up to six chances to win! This bow includes an alligator clip that will stay secure in your hair and it measures roughly 2.5 x 4 inches. 

A winner will be chosen at random
by Rafflecopter on Friday, January 6 2012.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hello 2012

Sorry for the lack of blogging. I've had a lot going on. Okay, maybe only a lot mentally going on. 2011 was full of changes that took quite a toll on me and I think 2012 is full of even more new things but I think they will have more of a positive impact. I'd do a 2011 recap for you but my memory is awful, I guess I could refer to old blog posts but I'm going to avoid re-living most of it. Instead I'll just show you a couple of cell phone pics...

Paco looking all cute

Finally bought a full length mirror to use instead of standing on my toilet. lol

Gregory and I on New Years. How awesome is his beard?

The Perfect Eyeliner

I've tried all kinds of liquid eyeliners. Each and every time I hope it'll be the one that will give me that perfect look I hope for and they I always fail. Every. single. time.

You know what I mean, I always hoped for it to look at least a little like this:

 

via Pinterest

The other night on a usual late night Walmart run with the boyfriend, I stared at the makeup isles for quite some time. I needed my regular powder since mine was out and I knew I needed more eyeliner and almost bought another tube of my usual Almay eyeliner in black-brown since it's never failed me. Then I came across Revlon's Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen. The little brush liquid liners were the ones that I could never get the hang of, but this clearly said pen, so maybe...just maybe...it would really work? I put my faithful Almay back and decided to give the Revlon Pen a chance, doubting my choice all the way to checkout.

via walmart.com

When I got home I opened up the new liner and gave it a go. It was so quick, easy, and flawless. I'm sold. I couldn't be happier that I've found a liquid liner that is actually easy to apply. The pen is felt so it's more steady than the little brushes in the usual liquid eyeliners. This stuff is around $7, but when you're buying liner (even in Walmart) that's about average - and totally worth every penny. So if you're looking for a new liner, give this a try! You just might love it!

via Revlon

*Disclaimer: My product reviews are strickly my own personal opinion. This blog receives no payment or other compensation for advertising. This blog receives no payment or other compensation for reviews of products or services. If I did not pay full retail price for a product being reviewed, I will explicitly state that in the review. Unless explicitly stated, I have no affiliation or relationship with the supplier of a product being reviewed.*

Resolutions

I've never been one to make any new years resolutions but I think that since 2012 is somewhat of a new beginning for me, I might make a few.

1. To have perfect attendance at school so I can graduate on time. 
2. Show more compassion to those I love.
3. Save at least $50 per month for something fun at the end of 2012

 I have a lot of confidence in myself to make these happen. I have a hard time showing the people I love most that I really do care about them so I'm going to make sure they know I think about them often and that I enjoy them being a part of my life. The $50 per month will add up to a nice $600 that I could go on a nice trip with or buy myself something lovely. I already put aside money for emergencies but this will be a special little treat. The perfect attendance is going to be a challenge because I'm not a creature of habit and going to school Monday-Friday at the same hours every day is going to get old, real quick...but to graduate on time, which I need to do, I must make it happen.

Do you have any resolutions in mind already? Share them with me in the comments! I'd love to hear about them.

Ten Things Tuesday, Tattoos

1. Tattoo barbie? I think I need her.

via pinterest

2. I'm totally diggin' this style.

via fuck yeah, tattoos!

3. How much more perfect could this get?

via fuck yeah, tattoos!

4. This sweet little narwhal.

via fuck yeah, tattoos! BY KIMBRA @ NINE LIVES, SEASIDE, OR.

5. Ashley Love is by far one of my favorite tattoo artists.

via tumblr

6. I would love to have a japanese inspired back piece one day. 

via

7. Not sure why, but I really love this piece. 

tattoo by Stuart Cripwell via

8. Oh my! I need a paco & copper tattoo! This frenchie one is too cute.

via Flickriver

9. Love this girl. 

via

10. and for those of you who think tattoos are too permanent, you should grab this stuff for the Silhouette! how awesome!

via Happy Together

**Unfortunately, due to websites that do not require you to credit photo sources such as tumblr, it is hard to give credit to these artists. If you know who the artist is of any of these tattoos that weren't fully credited, please contact me and I will give full credit.

Thank you.

Color Bug!

Introducing, Color Bug!!! I couldn't even wait for Ten Things Tuesday to come around for me to post about this stuff! I want one so bad! I love the idea of changing hair color so easily - I'll be at orientation tomorrow for cosmetology school, so you all know I love playing around with hair! This is like chalk for your hair. You just apply any type of product to your hair such as hairspray, dry shampoo, or wax & then you apply this on top of it. There is a video if you wanna see how it works. It's so vibrant and looks great! The only place I've really found to buy it is Ebay, this is for a color bug in orange (which is the color I want!) but it also comes in pink and purple. If any of you actually buy this before I do or have used it before, please let me know how much you love it!

Grumpy Gal

I've been in such an icky mood the past few days. The sweet baby Paco picture is for anyone else that's been grumpy lately, I know that picture always makes me smile - he was so little and silly!

I would like to randomly say that my dishwasher currently sounds like some type of ocean creature (I'm thinking octopus) making noises in my kitchen.

Everything is getting on my nerves. Mainly customers at work (who need to read my grocery store etiquette post!) and probably the fact that I had to train a new employee for two out of three days I worked. But I guess it's a part of the job. Oh well. At least I got to let her run the register while I just bagged for most of the 2nd day and she caught on quickly so that's always nice.

I just started my three day weekend and I've got a few things to keep me busy so that's nice. I'll be attending Noah and Leah's wedding on Saturday and going to my school orientation on Monday.

I've been at home for the past few days and so I'm soaking up the puppy love, my boys are too sweet. Paco did bum me out before work this morning though - after he went potty he went back upstairs...I thought he was up to no good (as he usually is) so I went to check on him and he had gotten back in the bed to go to sleep. I was totally jealous and wanted to snuggle with him since he was so cute all sleepy but, of course, had to go to work.

Hopefully when Gregory comes over after he gets off work I'll be less grumpy! I've not seen him much this week and I don't like it. Looking forward to a good weekend though! Plus I get to spend all day Sunday with him!

Black Mountain - Wucan

I'm currently obsessed with Black Mountain, after hearing it while getting tattooed the other day. Reminds me a bit of Gorillaz, which I also love. If you've not listened to either, please do yourself a favor & check 'em out!

Ten Things Tuesday, Winter Wear

1. These cardigans from Old Navy. They're $15 right now, so go stock up! I think I almost have every color. Obviously, I have an unhealthy obsession with cardigans.

via

2. Every girl needs a pea coat this winter! This one is only $18!!

via

3. Keep your feet warm in some Uggs. I've never really been a fan but a friend has these and I would love to have a pair, if only they were in my shoe price range!

via

4.  Target has a pretty awesome selection of tights.

via

5. Long sleeve dresses seem far and few during these months but Forever 21 has a few cute ones.

via

6. Buy or make yourself a cute ear warmer!

via

7.  Stay cozy at home in a warm robe.

via

8. Some wintery nails are a cute addition!

via

9. This snowflake necklace is quite charming. 

via

10. We can't forget the doggies! They've gotta stay warm too!

via