Jerrica's Fool Proof Plan to a New (Better) Year

It's that time of year where almost everyone is thinking of a new year, new beginning, and new resolutions. I'm not fond of the word resolutions because that means there was a problem to begin with, and the areas I am choosing to focus on were not necessarily a problem in 2017... just an area I want to focus more on. So, I'm calling them New Year's Goals. 

I took the time to dig up the "resolutions" I made in 2016, and I laughed. I failed at them all... horribly. This past semester in my Personality Psych class, we learned a lot about goals. I realized where my 2017 plans went wrong. They weren't tangible goals. I didn't have a methodical plan. I just went willy nilly tackling these areas. Nope. Not doing that again. So here's to making the most of 2018 and having a plan of attack. 

1. Finish my Bachelors in December 2018 with at least a 3.4 GPA. I desperately wanted to graduate with honors, but my counselor did the math, and there is no physically possible way to reach above a 3.5. (Dumb choices in my early education like College Algebra in a 335+ member class and an 8:05 AM nutrition class.) I'm already hitting stumbling blocks, financially, but I am NOT giving up. 

2. Caring more and making time for things that truly make me happy, and caring less about things that I honestly don't like to begin with or can't control. I listened to the book "The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F" (Warning- there is language- lots of language. I needed some straightforward advice, and this was recommended.) I loved this book, and quickly decided to make it my motto for 2018. I am a worrier by nature, so this will be truly challenging. My journey started by axing those overly annoying people I've been meaning to unfriend for sometime on Facebook. Joy over annoy, people. What I am making time for?! I truly love writing this blog, and when I logged in today to see almost 100 people read my 2017 favs... it solidified my love and goal to make more time.

3. Paying it forward more. I recently read my BFF's blog about her new year's goals, which she mentions "Pay for someone’s meal, coffee, snack, etc. at least once a month." Read her whole amazingly awesome post HERE :) I'm adopting this goal, and we're holding each other accountable.

4. Another thing she mentions is taking care of your mental health. During my educational journey and recently becoming a crisis counselor, I have become overly cognizant of the importance of self-care. There's such a stigma around mental health, so not only do I vow to increase mt self care, but I want to work towards breaking down the walls of this stigma. You can look forward to blogs about this topic.

5. Making a conscious effort to use products on hand. If you've followed me for some time... 2017 I bought A LOT of beauty products. Now I have mountains of products that need given a new home or used. I won't say I'm not buying new products, but I will say I am making an effort to decrease the hoard at home.

I would be lying if I didn't mention making healthier choices and exercising isn't on my radar, but I am not listing it as a goal. I've got an accountability plan with my closest friends for this area. Plus... I want to look extra good walking across that stage in December. ;)

What are some of your goals for 2018? Are there any on my list you would like to adopt?

7 Favorite Things of 2017

I know, I know. It has been... quite some time. School, work, life in general. 2017 hasn't been the kindest year, but Joe and I have done so many cool things. That topic is for another day.

I thought I would stop in with a few of my favorite things from 2017. These are all items I couldn't live without and would definitely recommend purchasing. Some beauty, some home, some fashion.

1. Boxycharm. This is a subscription that I picked up in 2017. I dropped Ipsy about half way through the year because I was NOT happy with it. Boxy offers 5 full sized items for $21 a month. It

offers high end brands- Dr. Brandt, tarte, Ofra, pur-lisse. I've encountered some of my new favorite brands through this subscription. Interested in checking it out? Use my referral link. Click me :)

2. Glade Plugins. Ahh... I've tried many of the plugin air fresheners. These have proven time and time again to be the best. One plugin fills my entire living room, kitchen, and dining room. I used to have one in my bedroom, but it was so strong we had to move it. You can adjust it to less or more, but even on the lowest setting, it was still powerful. There's variety of scents for all profiles. Pick them up at any local store.

3. Zenni Optical. I have a husband who loses everything, and who is also probably legally blind. Glasses are expensive. The last time we actually bought glasses from the eye doctor we walked out spending almost $900. Eek! A friend recommended Zenni, and it is a godsend.  Their cheapest glasses start at $6.95, and the most expensive pair I've ever seen is roughly $35. Now, if you require special lenses, different coatings, or the extras... it will cost you more. When Joe dropped a 5 pound Napoleon book on his glasses during vacation- no fear. We got home and ordered a $6.95 pair that arrived less than two weeks. I scored these glittery, cat eye glasses for $12.95 https://www.zennioptical.com/ 

4. Atkins Mocha Latte Shake. I hit the low carb train pretty hard for a tad bit. I lived on Atkins shakes during this time. The mocha lattes were by far my favorite. Everyone recommended the caramel ones, but they left an awful after taste. I could drink these by themselves or partially poured into my coffee. It made for a great breakfast. The prices vary on these. I often found better deals on Amazon versus in store.


5. Wet Brush. My hair out of the shower is a tangled mess. I dread washing my hair because of the knots and tangles- even after using condition. Coupled with stress... my hair was falling out by the handfuls each time I brushed it. My aunt recommended the wet brush while we were on vacation. My little cousin has hair to her waist, so I knew this was a good product based on her recommendation. I bought one, and I LOVE IT!!!! I can brush my hair without ripping it out. Go buy it now. Check them out here.

6. Audible. This is a newer addition to my electronic devices. I love to read, and I was always against books on tape/cd. I felt like I was cheating on a real book, and I was convinced I would miss physically turning pages. I literally had no time to sit down and read after work and school full time. (Let's face it... I did enough reading for me and you both to complete assignments.) Audible allowed me to indulge in books, but still be free to do other things. I didn't feel bad about not having a book either. Audible is worth it. You get 1 credit a month towards a book for $14.95 (most audio books run $20-25.) Your first 30 days and first book are free. Prime member? You get free access to Audible channels, specific content, and extras FOR FREE! Download the Audible app today.

7. Farsali Unicorn Essence. This is also a recent Christmas gift from the world's best friend, but I SWEAR BY IT! In just a few days my excessive dryness and facial redness has disappeared. It smells delicious and packed with tons of antioxidants. The actual essence is pink and shimmery. And the packaging? Deep purple with gold accents. It has a ton of uses. For me, I just slather all over my face. Pure luxury. Also... you automatically feel like a youtube makeup guru while applying. I'm ready to add the Gold Elixir to my arsenal too! Unicorn Goodness!!!

There you have it. My 7 favorite things of 2017. I could have listed all beauty items, but I was fair to the other areas in my life. What are some of your favorites from 2017?

Font Faux Pas

I came across this article today while scrolling through my Facebook feed. It was posted in on the cricut groups I belong to where we all had a good laugh. Tote Bag No-No For those of you who do not want to click and read.... I'll give you the run down.

 

 At first glance, what does this tote read? If you guessed "My favorite color is Hitler," you are correct. It's actually supposed to say "My favorite color is glitter." Twitter tore apart this post as soon as it hit social media. Most got a hilarious laugh about it, and so far the company has failed to give a response. I've had my Cricut since Christmas, and this is one this I am SOOOO self-conscious about. I read, reread, and usually have a friend or Joe take a quick glance to make sure it looks okay. All I can think of is the shrouded mystery of appendages supposedly hidden on The Little Mermaid movie cover.

Speaking of Cricut, I've managed to not post on project I've completed. Right now, I am faux-screen printing shirts and of course vinyl. I've made several shirts for my household and baby gifts, but most recently I've received a couple of orders from friends and family. I'm tickled with them, as it gives me something to do in my spare time. (Seriously, I didn't realize until this summer how much time school actually consumes!) My all time favorite shirt I've made so far would have to be our Bachelorette Weekend shirts! We went to a Reds game and topped it with dinner and drinks. The shirts were super cute and amazingly perfect. No font faux-pas over here!


Have a favorite or comical font faux-pas or wonky word story? Let me know!

Ridiculous Questions Everyone Should Answer

I've been away from my blog, and I realized some of my more recent posts were erhh... depressing. I wanted something fun and careless. Plus, some of these questions are downright conversation starters. Enjoy!

1. What is the funniest name you have actually heard used in the real world?

L-a. Pronounced La-dash-a.  

2. What sport would be the funniest to add a mandatory amount of alcohol to?

 Polo, as long as no animals were injured

3. What movie would be greatly improved if it was made into a musical?

Mean Girls. None for you Glen Coco. 

 

4. If your five-year-old self suddenly found themselves inhabiting your current body, what would your five-year-old self do first?

Take all these earrings out. 

 

5. What is something that everyone looks stupid doing?

Eating corn on the cob. Seriously, pay attention to someone eating corn on the cob next time. Guaranteed a laugh.  

 

6. What is something that is really popular now, but in 5 years everyone will look back on and be embarrassed by?

Attaching big fuzzy pom poms to EVERYTHING. Especially Millennial Pink pom poms.  

7. What would be the hat to end all hats? What could you wear on your head that would make people stop what they are doing and stare in awe and amazement?

It's not necessarily a hat, but something you wear on your head- the full horse face mask. I mean any meme or video I see with a horse mask I have to stop and watch.  

8. If animals could talk, which would be the rudest? No-brainer. Cats. 

9. In 40 years what will people be nostalgic for? 

Real, hold in your hand, smell the pages books.

10. What inanimate object do you wish you could eliminate from existence?

Selfie Sticks

11. What is the weirdest thing you have seen in someone else’s home?

Their kitchen cups had ladies in bikinis on them. When they heated up or got cold, their clothe would disappear. 

12. What would be the coolest animal to scale up to the size of a horse?

Sloths

 

13. What is the most embarrassing thing you have ever worn?

In my 4th grade yearbook, there is a picture of me sitting on a beanbag reading. I have a sweater vest, button up shirt, plaid skirt, tights, and mary jane shoes. I looked like I was 100 and walked right out of the Alfred Dunner section at JCPenney.  

14. What part of a kid’s movie completely scarred you?

FERN GULLY!!! When the black smog was taking over the forest. That smog was the creepiest hing ever. I think I was terrified of that movie until at least 10. 

 

15. What used to be considered trashy but now is very classy?

90s Gunge Makeup

 

16. If you were arrested with no explanation, what would your friends and family assume you had done?

Kidnapped a child

 

17. What’s the most ridiculous fact you know?

Telebobo is the word for couch potato in Spanish. 

 

18. What set of items could you buy that would make the cashier the most uncomfortable?

Sudafed, rat poison, and Mt. Dew

 

19. What is the least sexy name?

Anything that starts with a F

 

I came. I saw. I contoured.

The other day I was asked why I buy so much makeup... I don't even think I responded because what kind of question is that? I don't think the person meant anything malicious by it, but it did puzzle me for a moment. Let me give you the short and sweet answer. I like makeup.

Now. Yes, I am almost positive I spend more than most on beauty products. I like investing in quality products. For someone who has sensitive skin- by making this investment you're doing yourself a favor.

You're right, I can't wear everything at one time (Except I could totally put on a million layers of my ABH Glow Kit).

Why do you need so many shades of brown? They are all different. I swear. I like to have options.

Do those brushes really all do something different? For the most part, but beyond that certain brushes are designed to compliment certain products- the difference between a liquid and powder foundation.

You look good without it. You're just covering your natural beauty. Nope. Stop there. I like to say I am highlighting my natural beauty. 

Most of all- I like makeup. I do not even claim to be good, but putting on my makeup is my zen time in the morning.

Like cats, I am addicted to make up. And... I'm not a quitter.

Someday, but not today.

Today, I took off work. I took off work because work is slightly insane. Finals depleted my energy and brain functioning. Most of all, I knew I would need time to recover from this weekend. It's the holidays when the heartache is almost unbearable, and the tears are never ending.

Some of my fondest memories are waking up on Christmas to packages and surprises left by Santa. I remember the year I got the pink Barbie corvette, the year of the make-believe kitchen, and the year of the frosty purple N64 (which I kinda wished I still had). Besides Christmas, Mother's Day is the next holiday that punches me in the gut and is constant reminder that I am yet to be the one thing I want to be... a mother.

I don't talk much about our journal and struggles with infertility because it makes people squeamish. (If that's you, turn away now.) I also don't talk a lot about it because people are terrible at comforting someone who deals with infertility. Like, someone who has children and mentions how they understand how awful it feels. No, you don't. Or, the person who offers their kid as consultation, or tells me to wait. I also don't talk about it a lot because I can sound bitter (see above). It's truly a pain you do not understand unless you have lived through it. And, if you have it's also a pain you could never explain to anyone.

But... back to Mother's Day. I knew today there would be thousands of pictures of kids bringing home flowers, presents, and crafts from school. I literally have mentally prepared myself  for a week. Alas, I've failed miserably. Clearly, it's late, and I'm pouring over my keyboard. I'm not knocking people for sharing their happiness, but it is difficult. I would kill to have my own baby to bring me home a partially wilted flower. A hand-print card. A Q&A that depicts me in a comical way. I tell myself I will have a turn someday, but that day is not today.

After switching to a new doctor we actually had some positive news. For years we've been told nope, never, not going to happen. Lately, we've been singing a different tune. We're still in a waiting game, and we still face a future of uncertainty. The waiting is the most difficult part. I'm close to 30, and we're still quite some time away from even being able to try and conceive. It's defeating. It's heartbreaking. When I feel like giving up, I remember the reason I started.

It's those Christmas mornings. The late nights of setting up Santa gifts. Eating cookies and drinking milk. It's the hand-print cards and little flowers with the sweet notes attached. It's the Q&A paper that says I like to eat everything, my age is incredibly off. So while you're celebrating with your moms or celebrating with your own children, say a little prayer and send a little love to those who may be struggling. Again, I hope to share this joy with you someday, but that's not today.

Jerrica's 28th Birthday Wish List

Can we briefly discuss the year of being 27? It was somewhat challenging, but at the same time... so rewarding. Promotions, vacations, and so much happiness. I had this complex about turning 27, but I welcome number 28 with love and excitement. With that said it's time for Jerrica's 2nd Annual Birthday Wish List.

1. Clear Makeup Organizer- If you've followed at least the past month, I've accumulated quite a bit of makeup. It probably doesn't help that I have a few monthly sub boxes. The girls in my facebook makeup groups have raved about this organizer :)

2. Eye-Vac Touchless Vacuum- If you have critters- two or four legs- you need to check this item out. It's literally an automatic dustpan. 75% of my home is hardwood floors, so sweeping becomes quite the chore. With this bad boy, you just sweep it over to the opening, and Shwoosh... it's gone. Check it out here :)

3.El Dorados. I've begged everyone I know to go with me over the past week. 

4. Bunn Coffee Maker- I jumped on the single cup coffee maker train for a while, but since I was a little girl, my mamaw had a Bunn on her counter. Plus, my coffee addiction has grown since I learned to add my Atkins shake in for flavor. Check this out :)

5. Carnival Cruise Gift Card- With our 2nd cruise in October, extra boat cash is always a plus. You can pick these up about anywhere. 
 

Most of all, I would like your prayers and support. As many of you know we started our baby journey recently. After years of struggle, we have a lot of hope this round with a new doctor and already positive news. 

High End Haul: Dumpster Diving

Makeup dumpster diving is a real thing. A really scary thing.

 If you search online, you will see the many posts and videos of individuals dumpster diving outside of beauty stores. So many vloggers, bloggers, and beauty buffs are using dumpster diving as a way to obtain beauty products. These dives include shampoo, conditioner, foundations, eye shadows, about anything you could find within your local Sephora or Ulta. I've seen hauls with amounts as low as $200 and some upwards of $6000. Six grand people!! Check out some insane hauls below.

$6700 Haul
$5000 Haul

Lets talk about how these dives go...
People wait until the middle of the night to scope out beauty stores dumpsters. They ensure the dumpster locations are public property to avoid the police. They climb in the dumpsters and literally dig through mounds and mounds of trash looking for beauty finds. Often times, they'll find the stores inventory list of items they had to discard. This is their cheat sheet to finding the best items.

Since they are cosmetics, when returned to the store... they are no longer able to be resold on the sales floor. Beauty companies are required to dispose of these products. Since the trend is catching on, some stores are going as far as destroying the products before trashing to deter dumpster divers from climbing in and grabbing what they can find. Some even go as far as dumping cleaners and bleach on top of the products. I would say companies are mainly concerned about liability. 

My main point for this post. Two words- HEALTH RISKS

No matter the amount of money this may save me or provide me with some super high end products, the risk is not worth the benefit.You have no clue why these items were returned or what has happened to them in the meantime. Plus, they are in a DUMPSTER. Imagine the germs and bacteria in the dumpster?? Now these products are going mostly likely on your face. (All of the dumpster diving videos I've seen clean their products after returning home, but it's still weird.) I'm too scared to try a new product in my Ipsy bag, let alone something out of a dumpster. There's also the legal consequences if you are in a private area. Stores are cracking down on violators.

I'll spend my money on new products to ensure my safety. (Don't get me started on knock-off makeup!) What's your thoughts? Would you dumpster dive for makeup products?

Why Not Wednesday: Too Faced Natural Love Palette SWATCHES

*First Impressions*

I  have never ordered a high-end palette on the day of release. I was up late, sick, and surfing Facebook when someone said the Natural Love line was live. I. Ordered. It.

Now, I usually opt for a natural look, so this palette was ideal for me. This palette offers 30 shades in the most adorable names. (Kittens and Bunny Nose are my favorite names!) What I really liked is the amount of matte shades in the palette. I think it's so hard to find a good palette with an even mix of mattes and shimmers.

The packaging is ultra adorable too. The actual words on the front are velvet, which was a nice touch. The inside is very standard with the exception of the super sized mirror. I've seen several people complain that a brush wasn't included, but with this many colors, I don't think a standard dual brush would work. I need like 5 brushes to achieve the looks I want with this palette. 😉

On to the colors...
They are all buttery smooth and rich. The shimmers and dark mattes are highly pigmented. Some of the lighter shades are lacking pigmentation, but I think that's the beauty of the natural palette.You know... to look natural I'm assuming using a shadow primer may increase the intensity of the lights shades. I think this palette is going to be perfect for wedding season. All the swatches below were taken with NO flash.

Final first impressions: You need this. it's versatile, has cute names, and velvet words. What's not to love?! Based on swatches alone, there's probably 4 shades out of the 30 I'm not impressed with. That's pretty darn good odds for a palette! You can find it here Natural Love Palette

I fully expect to dig in and use it tomorrow! Plus, I received my ipsy bag in the mail today, so you'll see that post too! (I ended up with the snail secretion Korean beauty cream.) Also, the ABH Modern Renaissance and Too Faced Chocolate Bar may or may not be on their way.

Promise to provide update once I've had the chance to full use! 

Grand Re-Re-Re Opening

At this point, I'm equivalent to Bob's Burgers. The grand Re-Re-Re Opening.

I never really closed my blog down though. I also didn't catch on fire, get infested with rats, or have an electric pole crash through my house. (If you're not a Bob's Burgers fan, I recommend watching a few episodes. Which results in watching all the season in a few days.) I just lost track of free time. The free time I used to write for my blog.

 That time has primarily went to school. Yup, I did it. I took the leap and returned to school. Psychology major with a triple minor concentration in Child/Family Psych, Industrial/Organizational Psych, and Forensics Psych. A girl has to keep her options open! Alas, school is a post for a different day.

Thank you to my best friend who encouraged me to pick this back-up. Who told me my blog was real and very personable. Who tells me everyday I've got school, work, and life in general under control. Who convinced me I needed the ABH Brow Wiz and Modern Renaissance palette.

You've guessed it... I'm back. Back again. Jerrica's back. Tell a friend (or like everyone).

Also, the new Too Faced Natural Love Palette will be delivered TOMORROW! Brace yourself...