Life lately

Pretty sunset | Shopping for flowers at a nursery, I hope my garden looks this way one day | Growing peppers on the patio, they are getting big! | Finally got a bonsai tree, I've been wanting one for forever :) | Hung Buddhist prayer flags on the patio, signify happiness, prosperity and long life | I'm obsessed with clouds! | More flowers I got for the patio | Found this at a thrift shop, I love it! | Another thrifty find, it's a Buddha face candle holder :) | My hair is INSANE when I wear it natural! | I loooove Jamba! Pomegranate is yummy! | Cool old building with a random heart painted on it!

June Edition Birchbox

I can't believe it's been longer than a month since I last posted! I haven't been completely MIA though..if you follow me on Instagram or Twitter (my user name on both these is: @jagsmitty) then you've seen bits and pieces of what is going on in my life currently. If not, well then go follow me..!! No but really. :) I will be doing a life update, as well as a blog/shop update post soon. Quality posts over quantity like I always say.

This month's Birchbox is by far my most favorite! I think I've been subscribed to Birchbox now for about 4 months...and I have not been disappointed! There has been one problem with one of the products but the Birchbox team was so quick to correct their mistake that I don't even think much about it. In my opinion, each month the box gets better and better.

On to the products I received...I was really happy to get a Juicy Couture perfume sampler, can you believe I've never smelled this perfume before? I'm surprised by how much I like the scent, it's sweet and floral scented and lasts all day! I can smell it on myself throughout the day, I love that about a perfume, it'll last me much longer than a mist perfume. The price varies depending on the size you purchase, between $69 and $89.

The sample sizes to me are precious, they look so cute in their tiny packaging. I received a sample size of Stainiac in Beauty Queen by theBalm cosmetics. However, I'm afraid to use this product. I've never had much luck with stains before. My skin is on the dry side, so when I've used stains in the past they did not blend well and I ended up with blotchy looking skin. If I brave up, I promise I'll let you know my thoughts on it. The full size for this product costs $17.

I have not tried the COOLA Cucumber Matte Mineral Face SPF 30 just yet. I have not been outside much since this box arrived. I'm looking forward to trying it out because it sounds really nice. I'll do an update as soon as I do. The full size costs $36.

The Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint is one of my favorite samples in this box! It's an all-over, tinted moisturizer that creates a dewy and glowing finish. It's perfect for summer! Which of course is this month's box theme. The full size however, is $38. Which seems a little steep for moisturizer...but I think I might eventually purchase this. ;)

 Just like the stain, only worse, I'm terrified to try out the Comodynes Self-Tanning Intensive wipes! The idea of self-tanner in wipe form sounds like a streaky orange nightmare waiting to happen. I might test one out on a small area that will be hidden for a few days, after I've tried this... A pack of 8 of these costs $14.99.

My absolute favorite in this box is of course, the Modcloth headband! How cute is the print on it?! I love these types of headbands; inside the cloth is a wire that bends very easily but seems to be very sturdy. Which is good because it should last a while, so it's worth the money, it costs $14.

Has anyone tried these products? Let me know your thoughts on them!

Feather hair clips

 

These are my newest DIY creations! And I'm absolutely in LOVE with them. These WILL be the first items in my shop. They will be available soon, within the next couple of weeks! So stay tuned! Also follow me on Instagram (@jagsmitty) and Twitter for the most up to date info! I won't update the blog as often as I do those. This post is just to update you on what is going on with me and the blog/shop. I'll do a more detailed update soon here. xo

Blossoming creativity...

Tank: BP Nordstrom

I don't think I've talked about it much, if at all, on here how much I love painting. Really just art in general. By now, most of you should know how much I enjoy a good DIY. If painting were a more practical career choice, I'd have acrylics all the way up to my elbows every day! For now, it shall remain a hobby...or potentially a side job.

 

I've had the idea of painting shirts etc. in my wardrobe for quite a while. Sounds strange, right? I've done this sort of thing before and I actually loved the way it turned out! My idea this time is to use a similar painting I've done, on one of my favorite tanks. The painting on this wood block was done a couple years ago but I still love it. It has an astrological vibe to it... lol. If this turns out good, I may even do a similar moon as well. Stay tuned...

 

The latter part of the day was spent soaking up the sunshine while reading at a park. This finally feels like Spring, This weekend it's going to be even hotter! Cannot contain my excitement! <3

Hope all is well..

Sunday funday

Today the bf and I went down to the waterfront. It was absolutely gorgeous! So of course it was jam packed with people. Not only because of the great weather but for the Saturday market Portland has every year. And this weekend only there was a Cinco De Mayo festival going on as well. Crazy.

I wasn't interested in the Saturday market so much this time though. I've already gone to it this year and it's basically the same stuff every year. Small vendors selling a bunch of handmade everything, etc etc. I was really just wanting to look at the water! I could seriously spend an entire day just watching it flow. It's so peaceful to look at.

It's the closest I can get to an ocean right now. These kind of days make me really miss California... I could take a spontaneous beach trip whenever. Now it must be planned in advance and can only be done on the weekends. *sigh* I'm happy though that I get to go on vacation there in July. It'll be nice to see friends and family that I haven't seen in too long.

I've been thinking a lot lately about what I want to do for profession. And I'm still not sure. This month so many friends are graduating from college. And I have yet to even get my Associates degree. I know I want to do something with art but I'm just afraid it may fall through. It's definitely not the wisest career choice. But I sure would LOVE doing it everyday.

To be continued...

Chatterbox...back to blogging

Took the Max train to the Saturday Market | Loved reading Style by Lauren Conrad, it's my fashion/style "bible" now | Back at work again, which means I rise before the sun, early bird get the worm? | Trying to get back into shape, changed eating habits and exercising everyday! | I cried inside when I had to take off my acrylics for work :( | A sunny day here and there, makes me excited for summer, gonna be drinking a lot of this tea, no more coffee for me | Mt. Hood is always so gorgeous...Oregon is always gorgeous! | Style changed the way I look at my wardrobe...forever! | On one of the last beautiful days I got to sit and play with weeds at the park with my love | I love the look of this pony idea - thanks LC! | Not pro status yet, but getting darn good at the cat eye makeup! | I hope I can be reincarnated as a bird...I bet he thought he was king of the world up there | Being naughty...energy drink or coffee? Neither? ;) | As you know, I'm obsessed with clouds, nature is beautiful | This veg head over here is teaching herself to cook proper meals after 4 years, yay!

Balancing my time with life, family and friends, work and of course the blogging world seems to be my Achilles heel! I'm going to invest in a very handy pocket agenda. Scatterbrained should be my middle name. Maybe it's because I tend to over book myself. This won't be happening again!

As you would know if you've been following my blog for some time, I'm always doing DIY projects. I'm going to start showcasing them on here a lot more. They almost always are fashion/style themed so it will go with the blog. I have a lot going on in this head of mine! It's like I was bit with an inspiration bug or something!

I still haven't launched my shop yet, for reasons of me trying to be a perfectionist all the time. My creativity is flared up for this as well! The only thing standing in my way is precious time....but I'll be handling that very, very soon! Lot's of love fellow bloggers! <3

Pink & Purple

Blouse, leggings, necklace Forever 21
Booties eBay

So first I have to give a huge apology to everyone who entered my blog giveaway! I had said I was going to announce the winner a few days ago but it had completely slipped my mind...so on that note, drum roll please........the winner is Madison from madisoncary! :)) I'll be emailing you shortly about mailing you the gifts lovely!

I know when I'm back to work when I have a fresh paper cut nearly everyday! Argh. My fingers look like they got into a cat fight... o__o it's good to be back to my normal schedule again, but leaving at 5am is absolutely killer! Last week I was crashing the moment I walked into my apartment at 3:30pm. But now that I survived the first week I have much more energy! I'll be able to properly blog now, yay!

The past few days have been beyond beautiful! Portland is gorgeous when the clouds part. The dull shade of green we normally see is replaced with vibrant ones. I can definitely appreciate living in the middle of the forest when this happens. Now I'm not ready for the rain again...I don't want to part with this 80 degree weather! *sigh* I cannot wait for summer.

This outfit was shot several days ago, before it got hot! This came together from me just throwing things on...I sometimes think my best outfits come from not over thinking them. Completely comfortable and cute. I think that's my motto when it comes to what I wear. I don't want to feel restricted in my clothes. Shoes are a different story though. ;) These booties are my JC knockoffs that I love!

I'll be catching up on the blogoshere tomorrow, for now it's time to call it a night...

Face of the day #2



Rimmel London Clean Finish Foundation in Soft beige | Rimmel London Hide the Blemish Concealer | Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Sandstorm | Sephora blusher in Raspberry Sheen | Elf Eyebrow Kit in Medium Brown | Love & Beauty by Forever 21 Eyeshadow Palette in brown/multi | Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner in Blackest Black | Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Mascara in Glam Black | Sephora Collection Rouge Cream Lipstick in Love Test

Don't forget to enter my blog giveaway! Enter here!

Laughing city

Top Anthropologie
Leggings, blazer, necklace Forever 21
Nails Wet n Wild in Blazed & OPI Rainbow in the S-Kylie
Flats DIY

I've worn an outfit similar to this on my blog but this top is a favorite of mine. I love the fabric of it. I'm not exactly sure what to call it, it's not lace or eyelet. I wore it with classic black leggings and a blazer. I love the stripe detail inside the arms of the blazer. I like rolling up the sleeves a little to give a glimpse of it. I feel it makes the outfit look more sophisticated. I love that I could also pull it off as business-like. I also wore my cross necklace. I tend to wear black and white quite often. And if not that I stick to neutrals. I only have the occasional pops of color, like pink and purple. Wearing black is my thing I guess. The only time I get crazy with color is on my nails. I liked the pop of orange for this outfit. It's perfect for spring and summer. I matched my nails to my shoes with the orange theme. My kitty shoes I made are gold and orange too. Oh and the light washed out my skin and made me look like Casper. I'm quite the orange tan. ;) I abuse St Tropez.

Yesterday and today were nice. Cloudy but sunny all day then come nightfall it rains, so it works out. The forecast for the rest of the weekend looks good! Sunny and 70 out! Tomorrow, the bf and I are thinking about going downtown and exploring. It's funny how you can live in a city for so long yet still have places you've yet to have seen. Don't forget to enter my giveaway, it ends next week! :)

Face of the day

Rimmel London Clean Finish Foundation in Soft beige | Rimmel London Hide the Blemish Concealer | Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Sandstorm | Sephora blusher in Raspberry Sheen | Elf Eyebrow Kit in Medium Brown | Maybelline Expert Wear Eyeshadow in Amethyst Smokes | Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner in Blackest Black | Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Mascara in Glam Black | Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Punch | Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Matte Nude Attitude

Unfortunately my camera broke today so I had to use my phone camera for these photos. They are a tad washed out but you should be able to get the general idea. Hopefully I can figure out what's wrong with my camera soon!

Also, my blog giveaway ends next week! I got the dates mixed in my head! Enter here!

The cat's out of the bag

Blouse, shorts, tights, ring Forever 21
Jacket Urban Outfitters
Flats my own
Locket Ben Bridge Jewelers

Today has been an unexpected great day! No a drop of rain today. Cloudy but warm, with the occasional peek-a-boo from the sun. :) Do I sound like the weatherman?? The weather has an extremely important role in my daily moods. What can I say?

Got to spend the majority of the day with the bf outside. And then after we went back to our apartment where we made a delicious stir fry for dinner. Meals around here are always an ordeal. I'm a vegetarian but the bf is not. But making meals is all the fun, we have to get creative. We don't want to use every pot and pan in the kitchen. After dinner we got to sit on our patio and relax as we watched the sun go down. We have the best view from our patio. We've agreed it's the best on the lot. ;)

This outfit was one from a few days go. From before I wasn't feeling well. Better late than never. This top has become a favorite of mine! I'm not sure if it's because of it's sheerness or the polka dots...maybe it's the both of these. Like I've said, stripes, polka dots and pink, that's where you'll find me currently in stores. I wore just a regular black tank underneath. I paired the blouse with a pair of shorts that I've had for a while. And since it's still not 'bare leg weather' I wore basic black tights as well. Now if you're wondering where I got the idea for this post's title, I'm wearing my DIY kitty flats, yup made these cuties myself. This jacket is practically a century old! I purchased this back in 2009 and never really wore it. And now, I pair it with so much!

My necklace is an old locket that I got for a birthday. My mom and step dad gave it to me. It's really pretty. Of course my camera would have to steal this when my icky flash went off. The clouds don't work well with indoor photography. I've made a mental note to post a better picture of it soon. :)

Tomorrow I'll be doing some major blog maintenance. I've been thinking about doing this for a while. I have some ideas and I want to see how they'll play out. I'll also try to put my blog giveaway out there a little more. Ends very soon!! So go enter, here!

Chatterbox week 10

First meal in our apartment | My pup from California loves going for rides | I'm obsessed with clouds! | Veggie pizza is my weakness | Loved my makeup this day | My necklaces in a tangled mess! | Diet Coke my addiction | Pomegranate margarita mmm | Flower we bought for our patio | Orange nails for spring | Loving the sunshine | Corona & lime my fav!

Took a mini three day vacation from blogging this past week. I hadn't been feeling well, it may have been from the hectic move in. And not to mention the crazy weather. From sunny to rain and winds. Ugh. I started feeling better yesterday but had no time to do a proper blog post. I'm a quality over quantity kind of person. :) I'll be back to my normal blog schedule tomorrow. I have so many blogs to catch up on. I kind of feel out of the blogashere loop now. Sad day. I hope everyone enjoyed their Easter weekend! Can't wait to jump back into blogging tomorrow!

Don't forget my giveaway ends the end of this week! Enter here!

Tarte Lip Surgence Natural Matte Lip Tint in Lucky

If you've been following my blog, then you've seen me wearing this lip tint quite a lot. I recieved this in my March Birchbox several weeks ago and since then it's been a super favorite of mine! You can see me wearing this here, here and here. :)

This lipstain has a nice creamy and matte formula that leaves your lips feeling moisturized and smooth. They have a peppermint smell to them, I love this! After applying this tint, your lips feel a slight cool and tingly sensation. This makes chapped lips feel so much better! When I first started using this mine were pretty bad. I get seasonal chapped lips from the cold weather and wind. I think in about a week my lips were back to normal from using this product. Actually, better than before really. For being a tint, these pencils are extremely pigmented. You can do a quick swipe for a hint of color or a few, to build up color for a bolder look. The shade I got in my Birchbox is a very pretty peachy-pink color. The formula stays on for quite a long time. Even after eating and drinking! Tarte says: Earth engineered from a proprietary blend of plant bio-nutrients our LipSurgence™ technology quickly absorbs into the skin delivering a surge of moisture on a cellular level while boosting peptides stimulate skin's own regenerative system and assist in the formation of collagen. This proprietary blend increases skin's water content for a 'plumped up' appearance. The result is naturally fuller, healthier lips without any irritation or stinging. I can definitely feel the difference in my lips these past weeks. They feel softer and look healthier. As for the fuller part, I only notice my lips looking fuller when I'm wearing the tint. But that's okay, I've excepted the fact that I will never have Angelina's lips. *sigh* As an added plus, these products are not tested on animals. No bunnies were harmed in the making. :) The packaging is cute and matches the shade. It has a pull-off silver cap. Also includes a twist-up bottom, so no need for a sharpener!

The only downside is the steep price at $24 a crayon. I may have gotten mine at under $10 (Birchbox price) but I can see myself purchasing this product at full price. I still have a lot of product left in my crayon but I don't want to run out! I'm pretty sure I will spurge to have this stay in my makeup bag.