Stylish Confessions

Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 01:00:00 +0000

Happy 2013, bloggers! NaBloPoMo made me a bit burnt out on the blogging front, but I'm excited to tell you all about my *cough* month off.

- I turned 25! I'm officially an adult now. Or at least I hear I can rent a car on my own. Joy!
Zach gave me this HK Swarovski crystal phone case:

It's v. sparkly

We had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and then reveled in the beauty of the Festival of Lights with our best friends Britney and Dan.

- Christmas was fantastic. Surprisingly I had all my gifts purchased before my birthday, which saved some stress leading up to the holiday.
Christmas always goes by too quickly since we visit both families. I just love seeing squishy babies like my little nephew, Wolf!

- I took three days off work and, combined with the holidays, I have enjoyed a nice 11-day break. It gave me a chance to catch up on everyday things like...

- Reading! I barely finished my 2012 Goodreads Challenge. Like down-to-the-wire, strategically choosing thin books off the bookshelf barely made it. But I can't tell you how happy I am to say I read 40 books in one year!

Look at that stack!
For 2013, part of me really wants to shoot for 52 books (one a week), but I should probably stick to 40 since it was barely manageable. Also, I want to read Anna Karenina soon.

- I got a tattoo. It had been three years since my last one. I'd considered getting a typewriter tattoo for a year or so, but never commited. I asked Zach for a vintage typewriter for Christmas, but it was sold before he had the chance to buy it! :( So, he gifted me a tattoo instead.

Let me just say I forgot how bad it hurts to get your calf tattooed. Even with my adrenaline soaring it felt like my leg was being chopped off with a fork. For over two hours. With no breaks. Basically what I'm saying is, I was in BA mode and it paid off because now I have this forever:

The quote is from author Anais Nin - "We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect."

Then, just today, Zach came home from work with this:

Sorry for the crappy photo.

A beautiful blue 1960 typewriter he found for $10 at the thrift store! The cheapest one online is $170 and that one has yellowed keys. This one appears to be in mint condition, with a case, pen and manual. I'm hoping it works!

It's time to go back to the real world, but I'm really excited for all that 2013 has in store!

High Five for Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 17:42:00 +0000

I'm linking up with From My Grey Desk Blog for High Five for Friday.

1) I finally caved in and bought the Dior mascara that I've been raving about. Thankfully it was slightly cheaper at Macy's and I didn't have to pay shipping!

2) Christmas decorations are in my future for this weekend.

Can you see me?

3) We found a good deal on a dishwasher and it's being installed on Monday. My month and a half stint of hand-washing all our dishes is coming to an end!

4) Luigi went back in to the vet yesterday and was re-stitched. They also stapled him up real good (poor guy!). Here's to hoping he heals quickly!

5) The most exciting piece of news this Friday is that I finished the NaBloPoMo challenge! Hallelujah! I can't believe I stuck with it. I had a great time, and I appreciate all the comments - it helped to keep me motivated.

How was your week?

OOTD

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 03:31:00 +0000

Happy Thursday! Are you as excited for Friday as I am?

This outfit is so comfortable and inexpensive. Also, the plaid shirt has elbow patches, which is a major plus in my book.

Sweater & Button-up - H&M
Jeans - Gap
Shoes - Grasshopper from DSW

$500 Million Dollars

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 23:29:00 +0000

So, the Powerball Jackpot is up to $550 million. I've never bought a lottery ticket, but I'm seriously considering it right now!

If I won I'd look like this woman...

Source

Except I'd have larger bills surrounding my face.

Seriously though, 500+ million. That's a lot of zeros. I'd pay off my student loans, buy a house (or two), shop 'til I drop and never have to worry about money again. How crazy would that be?

How would you spend $550 million?

Lucky Bracelet

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:23:00 +0000

The only thing I bought during Cyber Monday?

This Lucky Brand bracelet.

Please note the thumbs-up. Because taking a photo of a bracelet isn't awkward enough.

Look how pretty the other side is too!

It was a lightening deal on Amazon and was 60% off. Not too shabby.

Did you buy anything on Cyber Monday?

Currently

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 01:26:00 +0000

Watching: Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel. I'd forgotten how much I love this series! Thanks to Robin for letting me borrow the DVDs.

Listening to: Lately I've been busting out some serious work while listening to my "gangster rap" playlist. Don't judge.

Planning: What to do/where to go during Christmas vacation. I really want to go on a little getaway, but it needs to be drivable distance and fairly inexpensive. Any ideas?

Thinking about: How much I want the caramel corn that's currently mocking me all the way from the kitchen pantry. WHY do I always get the munchies this time of night? Unfair, I tell you.

Sweet & Salty is the bomb-diggity

Loving: My husband who graciously takes our dog to vet appointments, goes on Starbucks runs for me and basically is an all around stand up guy. :)

Stressing about: Bills.

Looking forward to: My 25th birthday! I'm counting down the days 'til December 13. I can't wait to celebrate with way too much good food and hopefully too many delicious adult beverages, if yaknowwhatImean.

Reading: Blog, Inc. by Joy Cho. It's making me even more fired up over blogging, so watch out, readers!

Making me happy: Getting back to my workout routine. Those endorphins get me every time.

Wishing: For December to be incredible. I think I'm due for a good month after how this one's been!

JenyPenny inspired this post – who doesn't love lists?!

I hope your week is off to a stellar start!

Kate Spade

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 19:29:00 +0000

OK, bloggers, I need your input!

The Kate Spade Surprise Cyber Sale is going on now and a purse has caught my eye. It's originally $425, marked down to $199.

But the question is, should I choose pink or black?

I'm leaning toward pink, since it's my favorite color and I already have a black crossbody bag, but it's really hard to decide... what do you think?

In other exciting Kate Spade news...

The brand is teaming up with Keds! I found this out from fellow blogger Dancing with Ashley, who posted about the announcement in Lucky.

How cute are they?! I love the prints and how some of them have a slightly-pointed toe.

I have a pair of Keds from Gap and they're hands-down the most comfortable pair of shoes I own. I can't wait to grab these in February!

SBS

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 22:48:00 +0000

Happy Small Business Saturday!

I spent the morning shopping at Winterfair, where dozens of local businesses sell their art and crafts. Somehow I ended up only buying food (gourmet coffee mix, caramel corn and fudge), but it was really fun to finally get out of the house for a little while - I've been going stir-crazy keeping an eye on Luigi!

Here's what I wore:

Aaand I had to add my faux leather jacket to the mix, as it's only 34 degrees outside. :(

Shirt – Old Navy

Jeans – Forever 21

Scarf – Urban Outfitters

Boots – Urbanog.com

High Five for Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 19:56:00 +0000

1. We had a giant Thanksgiving lunch at work on Wednesday. Butterfinger cheesecake and this adorable mashed potato cupcake were dessert options!

2. It was so great to spend time with family yesterday.

How cute are my niece and nephews?! Unbelievably cute, I tell you.

3. It's officially time to start getting ready for Christmas!

I love that all the stores are decked out with all the cheerful Christmas goodies!

4. I'm nearly finished reading Life of Pi, and am excited to see the movie.

5. We got off work at 2 p.m. on Wednesday and don't go back until Monday! :)

Gratitude

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 02:42:00 +0000

I'm thankful for

- Health

- My amazing husband

- Family & Friends

- A job that I love

- The best dog I've ever had

- A cozy home

- Coffee

- Good books

- British TV

- The love of writing

And of course you lovely bloggers!

Happy Thanksgiving. :)

Black Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 18:03:00 +0000

Well it's that time of year again, when I weigh the pros and cons of shopping on Black Friday.

Pros:

-Save some money

Cons:

-Little to no sleep
-Long lines
-No parking spaces/fighting over available spaces
-Messy stores
-Aggressive shoppers

Well that was easy! Looks like I'll once again be spending the majority of Black Friday in my toasty PJs in the comfort of my house.

I might venture out during normal hours to see if there's anything good, and to get a deal on a dishwasher (only thing on my BF list!). Other than that, I feel like it's just not worth the hassle.

NOT my idea of fun.
Source

Do you hit the sales on Black Friday?

Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:09:00 +0000

It's my favorite activity. Most days I'd be content to just curl up in my bed, in my comfy clothes and just get sucked into stories for hours and hours.

Right now I'm reading Life of Pi.

What are you reading?

November Birchbox

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 21:20:00 +0000

Birchbox shipments were delayed this month due to Hurricane Sandy, but it was such a welcome surprise to come home from the oral surgeon on Thursday and find it waiting for me!

Masqueology | Revitalizing Eye | 3 masks, $24

I was so excited to get these eye masks! My dark circles aren't too bad, but after being sick this week, my eyes are super puffy. After showering, I popped these bad boys on and let them sit for 20 minutes.

Let the rejuvenating begin. P.S. Can you tell I love Tiffany blue?

Pro: they got rid of puffiness. Con: getting the masks out of their packaging was like wrangling two thin jellyfish. And they kept sliding down my cheeks after application. So. I liked the results, but wouldn't pay $24.

MCMC Fragrances | Phoenix | Full-size, $45-95

I can't stop sniffing my wrist after applying this. Love!

One Love Organics | Aromatic Body Serum | Full-size, $39

At first I was going to use this body oil on my legs, but it's very pungent and I didn't want to be a walking cloud of aromatherapy, so this is now my go-to elbow softener (don't even act like you don't get dry elbows this time of year!).
It works really, really well and the pumpkin seed, sea buckthorn oil (whatever that is) is a delightful scent.

stila | all over shimmer liquid luminizer | full-size, $20

Ahhh! So thrilled for another stila product! I put just a touch on my cheekbones and love the subtle shimmer glow.

Pretty, right?

Masqueology | Cleanse & 7D Moisture Cream

I was intrigued to see what "bubble technology" is like. It was nice, not bubbly, but it definitely worked into a nice lather and smelled wonderful. Both products were really great, actually. However, I will stick to my Origins/Clinique routine.

This little gift box thingy is cute, and came with a $15 coupon for CHROMATICgallerie, which I've never heard of, but looks like a cool clothing store.

All in all a wonderful box! Yay!

---------------

Birchbox is a fun way to try out high-end beauty and lifestyle products. Each month you receive a box with five samples delivered to your mailbox for $10, free shipping. You can cancel at any time. If you want to purchase the full-size product, the Birchbox Shop has it and you get points for each purchase!

My previous boxes:

2012

May
June
July
August
September
October

2011

September

November

December

Instagram

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 22:12:00 +0000

Do you use Instagram? After getting an iPhone earlier this year, I've quickly become obsessed with the photo app!

Earlier this month Instagram announced new web profile pages. Here's what mine looks like.

So cool! It looks a wee bit like Facebook, don't you think? ;)

To view your profile, visit instagram.com/[username]

If I don't already follow you, leave a comment with your Instagram username so I can!

High Five for Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 22:35:00 +0000

Today I'm linking up with From My Grey Desk Blog! Here are some things that happened this week.

1. I realize we're already halfway through the month, but how cute is this November desktop calendar? You can download it for free here.

2. This is my favorite new tradition before bed. Since we got rid of cable, my evenings are spent reading and sipping a cup of hot chocolate. Delightful.

3. Luigi had surgery today to remove a "suspicious" tumor on his leg. He's currently doing ok, even though his whining is breaking my heart. We get the test results back next week and I'm praying for it to be benign.

4. Today – Sunday between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. all Starbucks holiday drinks are buy one, get one free. So what does my amazing husband do? He picks me up two nonfat, two-pump gingerbread lattes. :)

5. My Target Beauty Bag finally arrived, all chock-full of samples and coupons. Review will be posted soon!

I hope you have a lovely weekend!

When it rains, it pours

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 23:16:00 +0000

Well, bloggers, it has been an interesting couple of days. I didn't see Breaking Dawn, because I ended up having an emergency root canal instead. Funny how things happen like that.

The toothache I'd had for a couple of weeks started to get worse on Monday and then turned into excruciating pain. Turns out my tooth was pretty infected. It's unfortunate that my dental insurance is already maxed out for this year, so I have to pay $2,000 for one tooth. Ugh.

And Luigi is having his surgery tomorrow, which means another $600 gone. It's bad timing what with the holiday season upon us, and needing to buy so many gifts.

Anyway, I'm very thankful for an amazing husband who takes care of me without a single complaint, a job that is understanding about me needing time off and for dentists that will stay after closing time to help me out.

Here's to happier days ahead! :)

Breaking Dawn Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Tonight I'm going to a screening of the new and final Twilight movie Breaking Dawn Part 2.

Image source

How embarrassing.

I will admit I thoroughly enjoyed the Twilight books, but the acting in the movies makes me squirm!

This will be my first time seeing one of the Twilight movies on the big screen, and I decided to do so because A) My job owns a handful of radio stations and this is a work perk from Q102, and B) Breaking Dawn was the fast-paced ending to the Twilight saga and my favorite of the books, so hopefully it will be a good movie.

Don't judge me.

Btw I'm totally Team Edward (even though Edward in the movies isn't remotely cute).

Must-Haves

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:16:00 +0000

The other day I went on a cleaning rampage.

As I zeroed in on my makeup bag, hair products and jumbled bathroom cabinets, it got me thinking about my must-have products. You know, the ones you keep purchasing over and over again because they do their job so well!

Let's start with makeup, shall we?

Dior Diorshow Extase

Birchbox sent me a sample of this mascara and I'm in love. Actually I'm devastated, because my tube is completely used up and the full size is $29. Luscious lashes are a necessity though, right?

According to the Dior site, this formula is "enriched with Metamorphosis Powder and spherical black pearl pigments" to create "instant oversize volume." Need I say more?

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

After hearing how great Urban Decay is from friends, co-workers and bloggers, I decided to splurge. Keep in mind - before this purchase I barely ever wore eyeshadow. But this stuff is just... amazing. I wear it almost every day. The colors blend together so well, and they stay put without creasing.

As for skincare products, right now I only have one tried and true item:

ORIGINS Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash

Seriously, this is the real deal. It's like a foamy treat for my face every morning and evening! I have super sensitive skin, but this stuff doesn't irritate it, and it leaves my skin feeling clean but not dry.

Lastly, my hair must-haves. Hair products are tricky, as I have two ways of wearing it: natural AKA crazy haystack of curls, or straight AKA use hot iron to flatten said haystack into straightened submission.

Moroccan Oil to the rescue! I use the oil and hairspray no matter how I'm styling my hair. It nourishes without making it feel greasy. It also smells fantastic and has lovely packaging, which are both v. important aspects, of course.

Now that I've shared my must-have products, what are yours?

Dream Getaways

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:31:00 +0000

Do you ever see a photo of a faraway place and get a wistful longing to visit, or even live there?

Italy was my first big trip, my first encounter with an airplane, my first time really being pulled out of my comfort zone.

Ever since that trip, the pins in the travel category of Pinterest pull me in and I keep daydreaming about future vacations.

Does this mean I have the travel itch?

These are my top three dream getaways.

Ever since I was a little girl I've been obsessed with the Amazon rainforest. I mean, half the world's species live in the canopy - how cool is that?

I'm part Scottish and would love to visit this gorgeous country.

I've heard a mixture of opinions about London from various friends who've visited, but I still want to visit one day.

What's on your travel bucket list?

Writing Nook

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 23:11:00 +0000

I'm SO excited to show you all my new writing nook! We've had this desk for years, but it used to house Zach's desktop computer. When he purchased his laptop, Zach stopped using the desk altogether.

I've always wanted my own space to write and last week it occurred to me I could easily set up my own spot!

It's so snug all tucked into the corner! There's a large window to the left of the desk, btw, before you start thinking I'm insane for sitting in front of a wall. Side note: Flannery O'Connor sat at a tiny desk in the back of her closet to avoid distraction.

My multitude of notebooks are stored away neatly inside the desk.

The giant cupcake cookie jar was a wedding present from Britney and I found the baby pink lamp at IKEA.

Bad photo, but Zach bought these prints for our anniversary a few years ago.

Pink glitter Christmas tree!

From left to right: Anthropologie fox candle holder, desk organizer, high-heel tape dispenser, purse Post-It Note dispenser, cupcake cookie jar, lamp, my current notebooks and my beloved laptop. Can you tell pink is my favorite color?

Obviously it only makes sense for me to own this coffee poster. Especially since I'm enjoying a mocha cappuccino this very moment...

In my favorite mug!

Do you have a special place in your house that fuels your creativity?

Blue Tights, Happy Sights

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 17:22:00 +0000

Is there really any day better than a Saturday? The weekend seems to stretch out before you, with plenty of time to do the things you love.

I spent this Saturday sleeping in, reading, watching Wreck It Ralph in 3D (adorable movie) and hanging out with best friends. Then the night turned wild with a trip to Target...

The previous dressing room guests had each left adult footie PJs in our rooms, so clearly Britney and I had to try them on. I honestly don't know how people sleep in those things.

Dress – H&M (for only $5 last Black Friday!)

Leggings & flats – Urban Outfitters

Necklace & earrings – Forever21

I hope you're having a great weekend!

Luigi

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 01:03:00 +0000

I came home from work today and started to get ready for dinner when I got a phone call. It was the vet, telling me Luigi's test results came back and he has a suspicious tumor that needs immediate surgery. I did exactly what I shouldn't do, and Googled the type of tumor. Now I can't get all the scary statistics out of my mind.

He's scheduled for surgery next Friday and will be under anesthesia for a big chunk of the afternoon. I'm just so worried for him, and am also feeling guilty about dreading the bill already. But if you know me, you know that we have to spend about $300 a month on dog food since he has an allergy, and he keeps having health issues like this that take a HUGE bite out of our bank account.

Ugh. Anyway, sorry to be a downer today, but it's the only thing on my mind so it makes sense to blog about it.

If you could keep Luigi in your prayers, I'd appreciate it!

Luigi when we brought him home.

Clearly I'd do anything for that sweet face!

Simple Pleasures

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 01:54:00 +0000

Today I came home from work, the gym, and paying a giant vet bill (my dog is v. high maintenance). But when I found two of my favorite magazines in the mailbox it made it all better. Well, maybe I'm still sad about the vet bill, but it helped. And it got me thinking how usually simple pleasures are the sweetest.

A perfectly-brewed latte, a good book, cozy socks, new pens, a comfortable bed, the list goes on and on.

My new routine is to read when I get home, with a Swiss Miss mocha cappuccino. I found the "indulgent collection" at the new Jungle Jim's in Eastgate and it's delish.

What's your favorite simple pleasure?

Sunny Days

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Sunshine is so refreshing after several days of gloomy weather! These photos were taken on the first sunny morning after a stretch of about 4-5 days of rain and wind.

T-shirt dresses, leggings and boots are the ultimate comfortable clothing combo. It's almost like wearing your PJs to work.

These boots were around $20 on Urbanog.com. The first day I wore them, one of the zippers broke. Thankfully Urban Original has great customer service and they sent me a new pair without making me send anything back. So far, so good with this pair!

Dress – Old Navy
Scarf – Urban Outfitters
Leggings – Express
Boots – Urbanog.com

Happy Wednesday!

Four Years

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Miller) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 22:49:00 +0000

Can someone please explain to me how it’s already been four years since the last presidential election? Today as I waited for my turn to vote, I started thinking about how much has changed in the last four years.

In that time I’ve graduated college, got a job, got engaged and married, started this blog, became a homeowner, adopted a puppy, went back to blonde, bought my first nice car, went on three amazing vacations and so much more.

Whew! A lot has happened and I'm so glad to say they have been the best four years of my life. :)

Happy Election Day!