Thursday, November 29, 2012

Stop Judging Others

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This talk by President Uchtdorf is such a powerful message about judging others. I love anytime he speaks, and he always has wonderful things to say. This is from a talk he gave during the April 2012 Sunday morning session of General Conference.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

My Travel Essentials

It's that time of year where travel is upon us, so I thought I would share with you my travel essentials.

My collage above is a fair representation of what I packed with me on my most recent trip to visit my family in Houston, TX. I currently live in Salt Lake City, UT, so the change in climate was big. I made sure to pack things that could transition from cold to hot easily. Houston has a tendency to have drastically different weather from one day to the next.

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What I took and wore on the plane:

The middle outfit is a representation of what I wore on the plane, with the drapey cardigan included.
  • Large Scarf: great for using as a makeshift pillow, or to snuggle up under if you get cold.
  • Drapey Cardigan: Great layering piece that is like being able to wrap a blanket around you.
  • Denim Vest: Loved this piece! New travel must have! The pockets were great to be able to slip my boarding pass into and easily accessed but secured when buttoned closed. And was a stylish addition to my outfit.
  • Loose Striped Top: Cute and comfy.
  • Back Leggings: Comfy and stretchy and so much better than sweat pants for a flight.
  • Black Knee High Boots: Mine have a side zip, so they were easily slipped on and off. It was easier to wear them than figuring out how to pack them, and they're comfortable. 
  • Carry on size suitcase: I had my carry on suitcase stuffed with as much as I could get in it.
  • Backpack: Then the backpack was my other carry on that I could stow under the seat in front of me. In it I stored my cosmetics, accessories, I-Pad, magazine, book, and curling irons.
  • Clutch: The clutch held my wallet and various paperwork essentials and my beloved Smith's Rosebud Salve ( This stuff is AMAZING! I have been using it for years and it works great on lips, hands, face, to tame fly aways, etc.) The clutch was easily stowed in my backpack as I boarded the plane. My clutch has a wrist strap which makes things sooo much easier. 
  • I-pad, book, and magazines: I always like to buy a magazine at the airport, then I also will have a book to read, and my I-pad.
I actually had packed a few more items that I didn't wear. I made the conscious decision to only pack my cutest and easiest outfits, so that I wouldn't wear something that I later would look back on and think, "Ewww!"

What I packed:

Tops:
  • Basic Black T-shirt: I had two, stretchy, v-neck and soft. Both from Target. Great for layering, but nice enough alone.
  • Black and White Drapey T-shirt: Comfy and stylish, great with leggings. Long enough to not feel bare.
  • Navy Blue and White striped bateau neck shirt with 3/4 sleeves: A classic. It's a clean, pulled together top, very Brigitte Bardo. Very French.(I love to pair mine with my leopard skirt and denim vest.)
  • Leopard Top: To me leopard is a neutral. It goes with almost anything. It was a way to dress up my skinnies and look pulled together while still being super comfortable.
Bottoms:
  • Leggings: I packed 3 pairs of black leggings. Worked well with my shirts and was cute under dresses too.
  • Black Skinny Jeans: I love my black skinnies. They end at the ankle and are so pulled together looking while being really comfortable.
  • Skinny Blue Jeans: Laid back and casual. Look great with ballet flats, sneakers, or tucked into my boots.
  • Leopard Print Pencil Skirt: Mine is stretchy and comfy and gives a bit of zip to a basic tee.
Dresses:
  • Black Sequin Dress: I wanted something party worthy. I wore this layered over a black t, and leggings, paired with my denim vest and boots.
  • Easy Dress up/Dress down Dress: I had a easy dress that I could wear to church, or go to the mall, or get lunch with friends. It was easily transitional.
Shoes:
  • Zip up Knee High Boots: Easy to walk in, great for changing climates, look pulled together, add interest to a simple outfit, I just love them.
  • Black Ballet Flats: I actually didn't pack mine and wished I had. Just classic. Comfortable and can dress up jeans, and look great with a skirt or dress.
  • Black Leather Vans: I love my Vans. They are the first ones I have ever owned. They are super comfy, and the black leather (rather than the usual canvas) adds a fun twist to my outfits.
  • Red Sandals: It eventually got warm while I was in Houston, so I was glad I had my sandals. Mine are a red mexican fabric and work well with so many looks. And I got to show off my cute pedicure while I was there :0)
Accessories:
  •  Black Knit Beanie: Great for transition weather. I've had mine since highschool. It's warm and looks cute with most outfits. 
  • Faux Fur Collar: Mine is from H&M (actually the one pictured) and I am in love with it! I wear it with sooo many things. I personally love to throw it over my denim vest to give a look a fun juxtaposition of grunge and glam.
  • Fun Jeweled Statement Knecklace: Mine is from Forever 21 and is super sparkly! It adds a fun touch to anything I pair it with.
  • A Fun Brooch: Mine is also from Forever 21 and I love it. (Keep your eye out when you shop, because F21 can have some great rhinestone jewelry that looks way more expensive than it is)
  • Rhinestone Headband: Also from Forever 21. Great way to have fun and dress up a simple look.
  • Scarves: I brought two. I large fun multi color leopard print one that I wore on the plane, and a vintage silk scarf I bought in SLC at Decades. It has several Italian landmarks on it that reminds me of when I lived in Florence at 21.
Makeup and Beauty: (I picked up my cleansers and shampoos at Target after I got to Houston)
  •  L'oreal's Mineral Powder foundation: Gives good coverage and is cheaper than Bare Minerals.
  • Nars Schiap Lipstick: Such a great pink.
  • L'oreal lipstick: I have the True Red and I pair it with a Ben Nye lip liner. Great red that works well with my pale skin.
  • Liquid eyeliner: Found a great one that is super cheap and easy to apply. It's a pen style, it was $2 and I honestly can't remember who it is by. 
  • Almay Blue Eye Eyeshadow Palette: Has a great copper color, and a good brown.
  • Wet n Wild Bronzer Palette: Gives good color and not too dark for my pale skin. Gives just enough warmth with its mix of pinks,golds, and bronze.
  • L'oreal Voluminous Mascara: I have used this off and on for years. A classic.
  • Not Your Mothers Beach Spray: I love this to give some texture to my straight hair, and when I curl my hair it creates beachy waves. You can find it in a travel size.
  • Cetaphil Cleanser and Mosturizer: Since moving to Utah my skin has become very sensitive. I had found this to be the best cleanser and cream that doesn't break me out and feels good on my skin too. You can get it in travel sizes too.
  • John Freida Frizz Serum: I love this stuff. It protects my hair from heat tools, gives shine, combats frizz, and makes my hair silky.