13 Questions Tag! *Tag Week!*

Happy Tuesday!

First off, sorry for being MIA yesterday, I had a lot to do, but I will make it up with a double post this week, promise!

I wanted to kick off Tag Week with the 13 Questions Tag, so here it is! Leave me your answers below!!

1. What do you order at Starbucks?
A Cinnamon Dolce Latte
2. What's one thing in your closet that
you cannot live without?
My plain black v-neck tee, i wear it with so much!
3. What's one thing that most people probably
wouldn't know about you?
I speak fluent German, or I am fairly good at drawing
4. Name one thing that you want to do before you
die:
Fly first class
5. What's one food that you cannot live without?
TOMATOES. I eat lots of them daily, and grow my own in our garden!
6. What quote/phrase
do you live your life by?

Everthing happens for a reason! I've always really believed that.
7. What do you like and dislike about the YT /blogging
community?
I like that I can have fun and share my passion for beauty, and I dislike that there is so much negativity. While I haven't personally experienced the negative comments, etc., I see them on other gurus blogs and channels, and it bothers me. We should all support each other!

8. What's your number one most listened to song on iTunes?
"Mirror" by Lil Wayne has been my song the past week.


 9. What kind of style would you define yourself as having?
I am extremely girly, so girly and romantic.
10. Favorite number?
I don't one, but I will pick 7!

11. Two hobbies?
Blogging and baking.


12. Two pet peeves?
When people are selfish. I really like to share, and I have always been considerate of others. It drives me nuts when others only consider themselves. The world is so much bigger than one person. My other pet peeve is messes! I clean everyday, and deep clean more than I would like to admit. I need order and sanitation in my life :)


13. Guilty Pleasure?
Youtube. I spend a lot of time looking at beauty videos. What can I say, I'm obsessed! ;) I also like Pick Ups (german food) I actually ate three today :/
 I tag Forever Fushia to do this tag!
X's and O's,
Amanda

Product Review: Maybelline's Master Drama Kohl Liner and TAG WEEK!!

Hello, hello!
So today, I wanted to do a review on a new eyeliner of mine that I am LOVING, but before, I would like to announce to you all that this week, I will be doing nothing but tag posts all week! I will do at least one tag per day( if not more) and will be tagging some of my fave bloggers. etc. If you have any requests, be sure to comment below! But now, let's get into the review!

I purchased the Maybelline Master Drama Kohl Liner in Ultra Black about 3 weeks ago. I was in need of a new, good quality black liner for my wedding, and when I swatched this, it was LOVE.

Like it says, the liner is ULTRA BLACK, which was a score. Very opaque, and very dramatic! This liner is also super creamy, and glides like a complete dream! It is very long lasting, and doesn't smudge( trust me, I did the leg work, adn had this on my entire wedding day/night!)! This eyeliner is beautiful, and is by far my most favorite pencil liner! The only downside is, because of how creamy it is, I find myself needing to sharpen it after lining both eyes twice.

I hope you enjoyed this breif review, and I will see you tomorrow with the begining of tag week!
X's and O's,
Amanda

My Wedding Makeup!

Hey Beauties,

Today I wanted to share with you the tutorial that inspired my wedding makeup look, and share the products that I used! But first, a little backround:

I was having such a hard time choosing my wedding makeup look. The main reasons were A) I would be doing it myself, and B) I needed a look that would translate well. I searched hundreds of photos and tutorials looking for looks that fit my personality, the message I wanted to send, and something with in my capability level. As I mentioned in my Wedding Things post about makeup, it can be really tricky to find the right look. Alot of websites and professionals suggest minimal makeup because you "don't want to look like a whole other person", but if you're like me, I wouldn't look myself with bare minimal makeup on. I love playing up my eyes, so I wanted to find a look that was smokey, but not overdone. I wanted it to be bold enough to show up well on camera, but no racoon eyes! About 2 weeks before the wedding, I found this tutorial, and it was perfect:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx8cGodgONs&list=PL302355F434506208&index=23&feature=plpp_video

I did tweak it a little to match up to my personal preferences, and I did add some steps to ensure that the look would last long. Instead of the pink lipgloss that Laura uses here, I did a berry-pink-roseish lipstick. I also used setting spray to hold all of my face makeup, and used a dark brown pencil liner on my lower lashline. The products I used (including face) were:

Cliniques Superbalanced Makeup in Petal
UMA Cosmetics Face Powder in Light
UMA Cosmetics Blush in Romantic Rose
Biju Cosmetics Sun Powder (bronzer)
Rimmel London's Fix and Perfect Foundation Primer
Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl Highlighter
Astor Cosmetics Concealer in Sand
NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skin Color
Benefit's Eyeshadow in Pink Fancy
MAC Matte Eyeshadow in Charcoal Brown
Benefit's Eyeshdow in Posh Amethyst
Rimmel London's Kohl pencil in Panama
Maybelline's Master Drama Kohl Liner in Ultra Black
ELF Liquid Liner in Black
Maybelline's Falsies Mascara in Black Waterproof
ELF Makeup Setting Spray
Rimmel London's Moisture Renew Lipstick in Vintage Pink

I used an assortment of brushes.

This look photographed beautifully, and was not way too overdone. It also held in place really well throughout the hot/ humid weather, kissing, and dancing. I think you could customize the lips to day or night, etc.

I hope you all enjoyed this look!!
X's and O's,
Amanda

I'm Not Dead!

Hello Lovlies!

I know it's been a long time, a week to be exact. I have really missed blogging! I want to take some time to update you all about the past week.

For those of you who are unaware, I just got married last Friday! I will be doing a "Wedding Re-Cap" post when I gather more pictures together, but I can tell you all that it was a fairytale dream come true, and my husband and I are overwhelmed with happiness and joy. We were showered with so much love and kindness on our special day. As you can imagine, it was hectic! I did alot of baking for our guests that would be at our house throughout the day, as well as baking for the boquet toss! Huh? Okay, I didn't want to throw my bouquet, so I baked cupcakes, and inserted a ring into one. The single ladies dug in, and whoever found the ring is the next to get married! Our friends and family had a blast, and it was a storybook wedding to remember!

A less than flttering photo from the wedding where I am getting flowers out of my dress.
So if getting married wasn't a big enough change, I  also started a job this week! I am just doing some part-time work at our local grocery store as a cashier. I was nervous to start- not because of the job, but because of the language! So far, I understand my co-workers and customers pretty well. It is suprisingly nice to have a place to be during the week. I missed working! Going to work is a double bonus for me because not only am I meeting new people and earning money, but I am learning more and more German everyday!

Recently, I have been so excited about my current life siutation, so I wanted to share.

I haven't been unhappy by any means, but moving to a new country, well, that brings on so many emotions. There have been so many changes in my life in just 7 months. I have had to adjust to being thousands of miles away from any family or friends, had to adjust to living with my husband, adjusting to a brand-new financial situation, being a housewife, getting engaged, learning a new language, getting married, starting a new job, the list goes on. I have defintely experienced ups and downs living here. When I first moved here, it was euphoria- I was finally with Andre physically again, and not for a limited amout of time. But then fear set in. I realized I wasn't on vacation this time- I actually had to learn a new language and become a fully functioning adult in a foreign land. I doubted myself so much; I spent SO much time doubting my abilities to learn to live here. I kept telling myself how bad my German was, or that I couldn't understand. Or that when I started working, I would get fired for sure, because I wouldn't know anything or be fluent enough. Funny thing is, My boss and customers DO understand me for the most part, and I was able to complete my training and understand my job. I have also spent so much time stressing out about the future. Would Andre and I earn enough to move back to the states in 3 years? When could we afford this, that , or the other? What was I going to make of myself? But recently, something clicked; I spent so much time planning on how we could leave here, that I haven't really let myself enjoy living here. Will we move back to the USA? If so, how soon? I can't  say what the future holds. I just know that I am going to continue to live life to the fullest and not dwell on the past or future!

As far as what to make of myself, I feel alot of pressure. I am soon going to be 21, and I have not yet attended college, or decided a "career path", etc. Most of my friends will graduate college soon. But I have been thinking alot, and maybe what "i'm supposed to do" isn't a real career. I truly believe that my purpose in life is to just be happy, maybe I will never have a "career". And that's fine with me, as long as I remain happy.

I will be resuming with my normal posts this week! If you have any requests, leave a comment! :)
X's and O's,
Amanda

Wedding Things: Is This All Necessary?

Hello beauties!

We are all too familiar with the events of a wedding. First, the engagement party, then the bridal shower, bachelor/ bachelorette parties, the rehearsal dinner, the ceremony, reception, and sometimes, brunch the next morning! For people on a budget, people who are extremely busy, or people who are low-key, this is a huge amount, and many people question the necessity of these events. Here's a little guide to explain the purpose of these events, and the pros/cons of each.

The Engagement Party:

An engagement party is a great way to celebrate your engagement, and is a great way for guests to get to know each other a little before the wedding. However, engagement parties can be costly, and are not crucial. If someone is willing to throw one for you, great. If you are set on having one, but are on a budget, you could try a barbeque, or another fun, less expensive alternative to the traditional thing. Engagement parties are great, but not necessary.

The Bridal Shower:

This is at the discretion of your wedding party/mother/mother in-law. Brides don't throw themselves a shower, so it's up to your bridal party!

Bachelor/ Bachelorette Parties:

Again, this is up to the wedding party and close friends. Typically, the wedding party each pays their own way, then all chip in for the expense of the bride/groom. This is not necessary, but it is tradition. The cons of this event? These parties can get out of control, so state your limits upfront.

The Reharsal Dinner:

Weather or not this particular event is necessary depends on your wedding style. If it is a formal ceremony, or you have a wedding party, it is a good idea . Typically, everyone will want a little guidance. However, if you are not having a formal ceremony, or not having a wedding party, it is appropriate to skip this event.

The Ceremony:

Duh, this is the most important part!

The reception:

You should have a reception, even if it is as small as cake and punch afterwards. There are many ways to cut costs, but a reception is defintely a necessary event!

Good-bye brunch/party:
If you can afford it, and have any patience or energy left the next day, this is a do. If not, don't weat, I'd say this is totally not a necessity.

Diary Entry July 26, 2012:
Tomorrow is the big day! As you can imagine, I am over the moon! Today has consisted of last minute cleaning and preperations. I am going in an hour to have my hair washed by the stylist for tomorrow's style. Tonight we are having a little barbeque, and practicing our dance a little bit ;) A long time friend of mine is coming in time for the reception, and is staying for the weekend. I am looking forward to seeing her! I do wish my family could be here, but we are having a second US wedding, so I get to start the planning process all over again. I will not have a post for you tomorrow, but I will resume posting on Saturday. I can't believe I will be a married woman tomorrow! I will try to post Sunday and re-cap the whole wedding experience for you! Tonight I am going to take a long, relaxing bath and pamper myself with bath bombs and a facial. Ahhhh. :) I hope you enjoyed my las tpost as a single woman!

X's and O's,
Amanda

Wedding Things: Week-of Tips !

Hey Beauties,

For today's post, I want to share some tips for you for the week of your wedding! I even have tips for the grooms, since they are kind of important, too ;) These tips will help you de-stress, keep things running smoothly, and of course, keep you looking your best! Enjoy:)

Brides:
~Several days prior to the wedding, confirm all beauty appointments.

~ Make a schedule for the week-of. Write down a to-do list for each day. Delegating yourself a small list of things to do each day will provide for a more stress-free week. Leave yourself next to nothing to do the day before! You need to get lots of rest that day:)

~Pamper yourself everyday. Take bubble baths, use lots of lotion, face masks, etc. This will help you relax and look fab!

~ RELAX. Here's the thing: something (small or large) is bound to not turn out just how you wanted it to. Have backup plans for anything possible, but try not to freak out when things are out of your control. Weddings should be a fun, exciting time. Remember the purpose of this day : you're marrying the man of your dreams! Take a moment to reflect on the most important thing when things get crazy.

~Confirm details with all of your vendors!

~Create a day-of schedule. This can take alot of stress off of your plate!

~Chill with your fiancee! Go for a walk, watch a movie, try to spend some quality together before the big day!

~ Create a day-of bridal emergency kit!

 ~Take care of yourself. Drink tons of water, eat nutritious foods, take vitamins, and  get plenty of rest!


Grooms:

~ Take care of yourselves. Get lots of sleep, eat well, drink lots of water, and take vitamins! You don't want to fall ill for your wedding day!

~Good grooming(hehe). Put more effort into your appearence. Make sure your nails are in good condition( yes it DOES matter,you will likely have photosof your hands) make sure you are clean-shaven, use lotion

~Be as helpful as possible. Help your bride with last-minute tasks!

~ Spend some quality time with your bride:)

~Work on your speeche(s)! DO NOT TRY TO IMPROVISE! :p



Diary July 25, 2012:
Today involved alot! I did alot of cleaning, baking, and last minute projects! Tomorrow is the day before, and there is so much to do! We are having Andre's aunts and uncles over tomorrow for a barbeque, I am having a step in my hair process done, I am pulling my emergency kit together, doing a final cleaning of our place, a little first dance rehearsal,  and of course, we need a good night's rest! I will update tomorrow!

Are yoou enjoying the Wedding Things series?

X's and O's,
Amanda

Diary:Food for Thought

Hey Everyone!

This week was a big week for me, and the next coming days will be even bigger because I am getting married in 3 days! I was inspired by so much last week, so I wanted to make a post sort of rambling:)

The first thing that inspired me this week was two different quotes. The first quote is "You can have whatever you're willing to struggle for" and "You can have it all, just not all at once." These quotes really hit home with me. You see, I have had all of these really high expectations of myself and my fiance. I expected to get married, we'll both start making great money, afford this fabulous trip to the US next summer, have our other wedding in the states, re-do our apartment, and afford whatever we want. With some recent large purchases (and the wedding), I realized that all of that was, well,  a little unrealistic. At first when I realized we were going to have to work really hard to save for everything, and it would take awhile, I immediately became discouraged. I felt like everything was falling apart, nothing was going as planned. But then I came across those two quotes and thought "we may have to make small sacrifices here and there, but we will eventually get there."

No matter what your goals are, nothing in life is free. You won't acheive your goals without at least a little sacrifice. If you're not willing to sacrifice, you don't want it bad enough!

In the spirit of my wedding, I will be making alot of wedding things posts this week. I will also do a diary entry for each remaining day to the wedding (what we have to do, etc) I hope you are all enjoying my Wedding Things series, I plan to continue it through the summer! All other normal blog features will resume next week!

X's and O's,
Amanda