How was your Halloween-y?! This Halloweekend was of course filled with so many happies. Unfortunately, it was also filled with all of the sadness as my phone died right as Friday's festivities began. No matter, I had a wonderful Halloween, checking out the Village Halloween parade and then spending the night on my sofa binge watching scary movies and eating tons of treats. My only surviving photograph is only of 1/2 a costume, but hey, it's me as a cat. Meow!
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The ladies over at The Sequin Notebook are making this blogging gig super easy for me today. I ain't mad at it. Because I'm on the third day of a little thing called NaNoWriMo and I've found out that the extent of my creativity is about 3,000 words, or rather 2 days. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, head over to this sneaky post from Saturday.
Right. Super easy blogging... Word is that Sephora is having a VIB sale from November 6th to November 10th where shoppers get a 20% discount off all items. A fact I'd wish I'd known before I spent an unthinkable amount of cash within those pearly gates a few weeks ago. But B & M from The Sequin Notebook, together with a few other beauty-obsessed bloggers, including me!, thought to tempt you even further by giving away a $100 gift card to the blush, bronzer beauty heaven that is Sephora.
That's right. Giving it away. To you. (Perhaps.) The giveaway will run from today November 3rd until November 9th at noon (EST), just in time for you to spend it all at the VIB sale.
Somehow I thought it'd be a good idea to search Are You Afraid Of The Dark? episodes online the other day. That was both a good and bad decision. Good because I was thrilled to relive the childhood memories, but not so good because sat there for 2 hours. Womp. I was terrified of that show as a kid. I mean, I still watched it, because apparently I was the kind of kid who enjoyed scaring the s#!t out of myself. But it got me thinking about my fears as a kid versus my fears as an adult, and not only how different they are, but how they are almost opposing in some ways.
Things that scared me as child:
Are You Afraid Of The Dark?
We've been through this. It might have scared the beejesus out of me but I watched it anyway. And it totally gave me nightmares every now and then. And yes, yes I was afraid of the dark.
Childbirth
When I found out how babies were really made and brought into the world (none of that stork nonsense), I was grossed out. I told my mother that I wasn't about that life. I would have the sex and she would birth the children. I'm not sure how I thought that would work out...
Freddy Krueger
As mentioned above, I was the kid that liked watching scary things even though they legitimately scared me (probably why I like Halloween so much). When I watched Nightmare on Elm Street as a kid, I was only mildly scared. But then I woke up to real flames one night licking at my window (the house behind ours had caught on fire), and although my dear ol' dad saved me of course, lifting my paralyzed-with-fear body from my bed and carrying me outside in my nighty, I've been afraid of the serial killer ever since. Well, not ever since. The fear subsided after I forced myself to watch Nightmare on Elm Street as a teenager because Johnny Depp was in it. Nothing like a teeny-bopper crush to get you over your fears. Getting in trouble with my parents
Utter the words "I'm telling your father" and I was liable to fall apart right there. It's not like my dad was a particularly scary man. He had a full beard and a very commandeering personality, but I was his baby girl (his only girl, his only child) and he softened tremendously when it came to me. But still, the possibility of getting in trouble had me quaking in my little cowgirl boots, every time.
Shots & Vaccinations
I still don't like them, but I really hated them as a kid. Getting me to sit still for a routine shot was a process. Somehow I convinced myself that being sick at all meant I was going to get a shot. So it'd pretend not to have a tummy ache or try to hide my sniffling, which always ended with my mother noticing (because moms know everything!) and giving me a lecture about telling her when I'm hurt.
Getting sucked down the drain or into a sewer by a balloon-wielding clown.
Either I was a sneaky little thing or someone wasn't paying attention, but 7 year old me definitely watched Stephen's King's IT. This scene with Georgie and Pennywise... *shudders* I just watched it again and it still creeps me the eff out.
Things that scare me now:
The Big What If?
The question that has the ability to drive me completely bonkers. What if I'm not enough? What if I'm not doing enough? What if this isn't my path? What if I have no path? Maybe it's just all part of that quarter-life crisis I talked about many posts ago, but one of my biggest fears is living my life with 'what ifs?' I don't want to miss an opportunity or make a wrong decision. I don't want these big regrets looming over me. Disappointing my parents.
The remnants of the "ooo, you're in trouble." In my twenties, I'm not worried about trouble (although my parents still try lol). I'm more afraid of letting my parents down. Now that I'm older, I can clearly see all those sacrifices they made for me, the ones they talked about years ago. And although I know they'd do it 100x over, I feel like I have to make it worth it for them. To not be in control of my surroundings.
Specifically not being in control of what happens to me. Going with the flow is hard for me. I like to know what I'm doing and when I'm doing it. I don't like riding in cars with drivers I don't know and I'm hard to surprise. I mean, I like surprises, but at the same time, the idea of not knowing what's going on makes me uncomfortable. Most importantly, I really don't like not being in control of myself. In college, my experimentation with 'certain things' was incredibly limited because of this. (Not that I'm advocating these things.) I was always afraid of becoming too affected by a substance and doing things I normally wouldn't do or not remembering what I'd done the following day. Don't get me wrong - there were plenty of "fuzzy recollections, fill in the details" kind of mornings, but never any "blacked-out, why am I naked" moments. I couldn't have handled any of those.
Not having children
I know this is a very sensitive subject and I really don't mean to offend anyone, but its a legitimate fear of mine. Growing up I was never the girl who dreamed of marriage, I wasn't really concerned with it, but I always knew I wanted a child to experience life with. And the idea of not being able to have a child of my own is really unsettling for me. I know that there are other ways to be a parent, and that it's not the end of the world. In fact, I admire those who adopt. But I want to birth a little mini-me. I want to look into the tear-streaked face of my tantrum-throwing 4 year old and see my grandmother's pout or my father's intensity.
Living for other people
It's funny. As a kid, we all wanted to be exactly "like everyone else". I actually uttered that phrase a few times during my rebellious adolescent years. We basically lived for our peers. But now, now that I'm aware of herd mentality and crowd wisdom, I find myself constantly questioning the things I "want" and whether they are solely my own desires or a societal influence. Do I really want a white and gold living room scheme or is it just all the pretty Pinterest pictures? Do I just love Pride & Prejudice because everyone else does? (FYI: Nay, I love it because it's the best novel ever written!) Do I wear makeup because it enhances what I find beautiful or because it makes me look like everyone else? Sometimes I wonder if we're all just living for the approval of others, and that thought is terrifying.
Serial Killers
A stowaway from childhood, but I'm still not to fond of the idea of being kidnapped in my sleep and brutally murdered. Call me crazy. I love scary movies and can watch them all day, but... umm... I still have nightmares from time to time. Eeep!
What are you afraid of? Is it dramatically different from your childhood fears? As always, link-up below if you've written any Fall-O-Ween related posts this month!
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Giveaway Time!!
Here we are! Although there's still another week left, this will be the final giveaway of Fall-O-Ween :) It will run from today, October 24th until Friday, the 31st.
With all this talk of scary things and last Sunday's post about Halloween specials on television, the excitement for scary Halloween movies is building. Although I can't wait for some of my favorites to be played on t.v., I'm also ready for the new releases in theaters. And if you are too, then this is the perfect giveaway for you. Enter below for your chance to win a $25 Fandango giftcard! The card will be redeemable anywhere in the U.S. for any film ticket. And I'll deliver it to you electronically as soon as the winner is chosen. Happy Haunting!
Fall-O-Ween is still in full effect even though I was absent there for a few days (check out the beginning of yesterday's post to find out why). I still have plenty to share regarding my favorite season, so expect to see me popping up on your blog feed quite a lot in the next couple of weeks. You may even see me during the weekend. Oooooh.
We've already talked about how much I love Fall-O-Ween because of the decor, books, beauty, music and nails. But I also just love accessorizing for fall. I get a majority of my fall accessories from store like Forever 21, H&M, and, sometimes, ASOS Online because they always stock really cute pieces at very affordable prices. When colder weather hits, I can hardly wait to cuddle up in a warm, chunky scarves and rock those suede booties I love. Getting dressed for a crisp fall day is so fun and easy, which is why fall fashion is my favorite.
Tortoise Sunglasses - I adore these quirky patterned sunglasses all year 'round, and I don't put them away for fall simply because the sun's play hide-and-seek. Throwing on a pair of cute sunnies, to me, is so chic all the time. Faux Readers - Another fashion trend for the entire year, but I've recently been liking the idea of adding these specs to complete a look. Not only do they instantly make you look smart, but they remind me of libraries and books, and I mean, helloooo, I love books. Win! Cozy Scarves - I don't doubt this is on everyone's "fall list". Simple a must-have, especially in a basic color to go with everything in your closet. Rings, Rings & More Rings! - I tend to load up on rings in the summer and fall. Don't ask me why, I just do. Berry Nail Polish - I reserve my berry-colored polish for fall. It just feels special that way. I also really love the way deep-purples look against my skin tone. Booties - About two years ago, I bought a pair of suede, black booties from Urban Outfitters for $80. Best eighty dollars I've ever spent! I've worn them so much yet they are still in amazing condition. Because they're suede, I don't like pulling them out until it gets cooler, but when it does... those babies are a fall staple for sure. Animal Accents - Hello, leopard print everything :) Wide-brimmed Hat - Who says a big, floppy hat is only appropriate for the beach? I laugh in the face of fashion faux-pas. I'm loving this wide-brimmed fedora for fall. Bold Lipstick - We've talked about this :) Studded Items - I'm in lurrvvvee with this Alexander Wang Rocco bag. It's gorg. It's also very expensive, but let's not talk about that. Any studded accessory is perfect in my book. Bow-shaped Things - Bows are acceptable anytime, but these berry ones are great for the season. Colorful Stockings & Socks - How fun are the 2 socks above? Florals - For some strange reason, I've been really into florals for the past year. Floral bedding, floral skirts, florals in general. And this floral watch is no exception. I think the brown band makes it less spring-like and more fall wearable. Candles - Because candles are accessories too. Kinda? :\ The Pumpkin Caramel Latte one is heavenly.
Those are my chic and cozy accessories for fall. What are your favorites?
Speaking of cozy things, you may want to check out this week's giveaway! I went a little crazy online shopping the week and picked up a few extras, including a candle and scarf, by accident :) Enter below, if you'd like to win this quick little prize. a Rafflecopter giveaway
Don't forget! The Fall-O-Ween Giveaway #2 is ending tonight!
If you like fall beauty, be sure to enter before midnight!
Before jumping into the reason any of you clicked on this post, I'm slipping in a little update regarding books. I'm still trying to complete the Semi-Charmed Reading Challenge and I wish I could say I'm excelling on all fronts but I am most definitely not. I read 3 books towards the challenge last month (90 points in total now), which may seem like something but I've only got one more month to finish up and there are just so many more books to read (#storyofmylife).
5 points for a freebie book: Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
10 points for a book I couldn't finish the first time around: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
15 points for a book on the NY Times Bestsellers List: Saga Vol. 1 (#2 on the Paperback Graphic Books)
I also participated in the Book-Tube-A-Thon, a week-long reading marathon, in the middle of July. It was first time really participating and I finished 3 books during that week - two of the books above (Attachments & Saga) as well as The Great Gatsby, which I had been trying to read forevvveerrrr. I win!
I feel like I've written the word 'book' like eleventy times in the post. Here's eleventy-one. Wanna win a book? We're hosting a giveaway!
Kay and I are really, really excited about our August book of the month, Big Little Lies by Liana Moriarty, and what better way to share the excitement than to give it away. Enter below!
I come to you unexpectedly today with my butt comfortably planted on my couch as I binge watch Property Brothers on HGTV. (Don't knock until you try it.) And even though you weren't expecting me, you're gonna be glad I showed up today because I'm handing out free goodies! Well, not really handing it out as much as giving it away. I'm participating in a giveaway hosted by Allie, and we're throwing $105 at ya so go grab it below! You're welcome.
I'm off to watch these bros turn a hellhole of a house into a palace. And then maybe apply to be on the show because I mean, who doesn't want a palace.
So. A few weeks ago (ok, more like over a month ago), I posted a bit of fiction staring my newest fictional characters, Sebastian and Lea (click here to check out the first "chapter"). And sometime last weekend, I vowed that I'd post a bit of fiction this week, and I thought to do so today for "Fiction Friday". But, ya see, somewhere within the second page of writing, the story just stopped happening, and 1 ½ pages really isn't enough to post. But, for anyone who really cares, next week I got you! So instead, here's a bit of music that I luurrvvveee <3
I created this playlist the first fall semester of law school while struggling through finals studying, but the songs are so good that I've been listening to them ever since. I plucked quite a few of the songs from Vampire Diaries scenes because, for anyone who watches, you know that soundtrack is always amazing. It's rather mellow-toned (did I just make that word up?) with somewhat upbeat tracks sprinkled in. And I just love the way the songs all go together, and blend kind of seamlessly into one another. It's a quick 30-minute playlist full of songs that will both inspire you to think deeply about your life and dance around your room. As these songs got me through some rough and rigorous weeks, you'd think this playlist would make me sad. But on the contrary, the beautiful melodies of some songs and the soft, sultry voices on others make me smile. I hope it does the same for anyone who listens to it.
"Wires" by Athlete "We Are Young" by 3OH!3
"Tighten Up" by The Black Keys
"Superhuman Touch" by Athlete
"Sex On Fire" by Kings of Leon
"Science of Fear" by The Temper Trap
"I Need to Know" by Kris Allen
"The Big Bang" by Rock Mafia
& because this music playlist is so perfectly timed, I'm linking up with Whitney from I Wore Yoga Pants for #backthatazzup Friday!
Do you have a certain set of songs that just gets you through it?
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Oh! And I mustn't forget -- this unbelievable giveaway, hosted by Allie, that I'm participating in this month. I mean, hello?! It's $175 cash. Need I say more? (I know some of ya'll only clicked this post for the premise of that cash money. It's ok, you're forgiven.) So enter below for some Holiday shopping money or just a little extra cash! "May the odds be ever ..." :)
Super ♥ girlfriend, daughter, friend & writer. Lucky enough to call New York City my home. Addicted to pretty little things, making lists, anything coffee flavored or scented, curling up with a good book, strolls through the city at night, xl glasses of wine. And a little glitter never hurt nobody.
