Ulta Haul & Review

Hi pretty ladies!

Today I thought I'd share some of my recent purchases from Ulta and a review of the company.

Heres a list of what I bought:

1. Ulta brand 80 Exfoliation Round Cotton Pads

2. ecoTools Tapered Blush Brush 

3. Montagne jeunesse Chocolate Masque

4. Essie Angora Cardi Nail Polish 

5. Butter London Pistol Pink Nail Polish

6. Butter London The Black Knight Nail Polish

7. Butter London Tart With A Heart Nail Polish 

8. Butter London Aston Nail Polish 

Now onto the review....

I've been to Ulta multiple times now and I was excited to hear from a friend, that there was some sort of discount on Butter London nail polishes. I had already been out running errands so I decided to stop in and see if there were any colors that I liked. Well of course, I ended up buying more than I expected but I thought, it's okay, these nail polishes are buy 1 get 1 free. So I go up to the checkout and while I'm checking out, the lady working the register asked if I wanted to donate money to breast cancer awareness and I said sure, so then while she's ringing me up, I'm having to sign two different things and I didn't even pay attention to how much each item cost or that nothing had been discounted. When I get home, I studied my receipt and found NO DISCOUNT. I bought 4 nail polishes that are $15 each. So I texted my friend and asked her if she got the discount and she did. Now she said that she thought it was buy 2 get 1 free, so she only bought 3 nail polishes but I would've been okay with doing that too. My gripe with the company or my individual store is that it was posted. I was in the Butter London nail polish section and they had a sign saying that it was either buy 1 get 1 free or buy 2 get 1 free (I don't know which it actually said because I saw the sign but didn't really read it since my friend had told me and I read her text as buy 1 get 1 free). I'm not sure if I want to cut my loses and just deal with the fact that I spent a lot more money than I wanted to or expected there OR go in and speak with a manager. 

This isn't the first time I've gone into Ulta and walked out spending a lot more than expected. Once I bought a $20 headband thinking that it couldn't be more than $10 because the price wasn't marked on it. I loved the headband so I kept it but I was disappointed to spend that much on just a headband. 

I used to like Ulta but I think I will take my business elsewhere. I don't know why I ended up having to pay full price for 4 nail polishes when there was some deal going on when my friend did not (she had been in just an hour earlier). I wonder if the cashier is supposed to type the deal into the register or if it was a flaw in the computer system, but either way, I don't think that's acceptable and I know this wouldn't happen at Sephora.

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Hi girlies!

I don't know about you ladies, but I love Pinterest, especially for finding recipes. I found this recipe for Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti and finally made it today. Here is the recipe that I used with the changes that I made. The original recipe called for green chiles and onion but I didn't want to include either item.

Serves – 12 (1 cup each)

16 oz. dry spaghetti

1 lb. Velveeta Light cheese
12 oz. cooked boneless skinless chicken breast
10 3/4 oz. can 98% fat free cream of mushroom soup
10 3/4 oz. can 98% fat free cream of chicken soup
10 oz. can diced tomatoes (Rotel)
1/2 cup water
Salt & pepper, to taste

Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Combine chicken and soups in slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 5 hours. Shred the chicken using two forks. Add the rest of the ingredients (minus the spaghetti) and cook 1-2 hours. I cooked my noodles separately and only cooked it to al dente. I then added the noodles to the crockpot (about an hour and half after I added the rest of the ingredients). Then I served the meal about 15-20 minutes after that and my noodles were not soggy, which was my biggest concern and the reason for cooking them al dente. 

I thought that the recipe turned out great! Maybe next time I will add more veggies like broccoli and not add quite as much cheese. Let me know if you guys try out this recipe and what you think of it if you do!

Liebster Blog Award Take 2

Hi girlies!

So I was nominated for the Liebster Blog Award again and so I have decided to answer the questions (since they are different) and promote the blog that nominated me. That's only fair right?

I was nominated by:
http://theprettylilthingsblog.blogspot.com/

Here are the questions:

What inspired you to start your own blog? 
I was inspired to start my own blog because I have been following blogs whether it be on tumblr, blogger, or other sites for years. I have always been somewhat fascinated with the idea and decided why not start my own? I think it is a great way to connect with people and to share ideas (fashion, cooking, places to travel, etc.)

Who is your biggest inspiration of all time?
Hmm. Well I don't have just one biggest inspiration but one of them are definitely the Shaytards on YouTube.

What do you fear the most?
Fear itself.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would go to Greece because I've never been there.

What is your most favorite beauty product ever?
This is a tough one...I'd say mascara but there are a few that I really like.

Who are some of your favorite YouTube beauty gurus?
I'll say their usernames: Fleurdeforce, Missglammorazzi, sarahbelle93x, glamourista16, kandee johnson, and DaniAustin2.

What are your favorite drugstore and high-end makeup brands?
Covergirl, Revlon, Mary Kay, and Nars.

What is your favorite fashion brand?
Recently I have really been into J. Crew and Ralph Lauren.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wouldn't overanalyze/stress about things as much as I do. I would live in the moment more and be happier. But don't worry, it's something I'm trying to teach myself how to do!

Who was your first celebrity crush?
I guess it was probably Justin Timberlake, although I didn't have pictures of him all over my room or anything, I thought he was cute back in the 'NSYNC days (and he still is now).

x, nicole

Some recent purchases

Hi lovelys!

I'm in the process of lots of cleaning and organizing but I wanted to get a post up because it's been a few days. I'm still working on a few posts from my vacation a month ago and hope to have those up within the next week or so too! I also have a DIY coming up. Now without further ado, here are my recent purchases.

1. Love Does by Bob Goff

2. Moroccan argan oil shampoo 

3. Moroccan argan oil conditioner

4. Carmex (I had to get 3 tubes because I'm obsessed and I go through them so quickly!)

5. Red EOS lip balm 

6. Alba Botanica Natural Hawaiian Facial Mask

7. Kensington Garden Perfume

8. Lilly Pulitzer Sunglass Strap

9. Ralph Lauren Polo White Slim-Fit Oxford

10. Ralph Lauren Polo Green and White Slim-Fit Oxford

11. Lilly Pulitzer Jumbo Agenda

                        x, nicole

First Impression: Alba Botanica Natural Hawaiian Facial Mask

Hi ladies!

Today I thought I would share my first impression or an initial review of the Alba Botanica Natural Hawaiian Facial Mask. Below is a photo of the product in the packaging (I did not take this photo).

The consistency is like a gel and I used my fingers to put it on, but I read some reviews that used a tongue depressor or substitute. I put it on for about 5 minutes and the product was starting to dry (but it isn't supposed to get fully dry and peel like another mask). After 5 minutes, rinse the mask off. I really liked hawaiian facial mask. I feel like it cleaned my face and helped clean out my pores more than anything else I've tried. The only thing I don't love about it is the smell. It doesn't smell awful but I don't love the smell either. I love it so much, that I wish I could use it again tonight!

x, nicole

American Eagle: Live Your Life

Hi Ladies!

I just wanted to let you guys know that the American Eagle Live Your Life campaign is back again this year. I have decided to post an entry and was wondering if you'd maybe vote for me? You can even sign in through facebook!

Here is the link to my profile on the AE website: https://live.ae.com/?cid=AE_Social_130725_01#/entries/8EzaCQzxf26wSmhq4Z3d

x,

nicole

I've Been A Little Chef Recently

Hi lovelies,

Since I'm not yet ready to post about my vacation (I know it's going to be a longer post or broken up into a few posts) I decided to share some of the things I cooked earlier this week and just what I've been up to the last few days.

On Sunday, I made stuffed zucchini. I've made it once before and this time it was much better. I found the recipe that I used on pinterest and the only adjustment that I made was adding sausage to it. Therefore, I did some of the steps slightly different from the recipe. Speaking of the recipe, here it is. Stuffed Zucchini Recipe
Now I'll insert the few pictures that I took.

Some of the ingredients. I'd recommend going to a farmer's market and getting fresh veggies. 

This last picture shows what else I ate with the stuffed zucchini. Just a salad with ranch dressing, some mashed potatoes, and bread with butter. 

That same night, I ended up hanging out with a few friends for a little bit. They came over to my house and we had a bonfire and made s'mores.

The next day, I went on a little hike with one of my friends and later did some cooking. 

Then later that day, I made a Nutella Mug Cake from another recipe that I found on pinterest. Nutella Mug Cake Recipe

I thought the mug cake turned out pretty good. I added some vanilla ice cream and a little chocolate syrup to mine. I actually thought that the amount made in one mug could be shared as I ate about half or less of mine.

I'm actually looking up some recipes on pinterest now to make this evening with some girl friends. If we end up making anything, I will definitely make a post on what I make and how we made it. 

Have a wonderful day!

x, nicole

Liebster Blog Award

I was nominated for the Liebster Blog Award by Gabrielle from Gaborillaa. The Liebster Award is an award that helps bring recognition to up and coming blogs with under 200 followers.

Here are the rules:

1. You must link the blogger who nominated you.

2. You must list 10 random facts about yourself.

3. You must answer 10 questions given to you by your nominee.

4. You must choose 10 bloggers (who all have less than 200 followers) to be nominated for the award.

5. You must come up with 10 questions for the nominee to answer.

6. Once you have done this you must go to their blog and let them know you have nominated them for this award.

The blogger who nominated me is Gabrielle from Gaborillaa. Please go check out her blog, she has some great posts and I can't wait to see her grow as a blogger. I want to thank you for nominating me for this award since I too am very new to blogging, I didn't even know this existed! 

Random Facts:

I have traveled to 14 different countries

The only pets I've had are fish and a guinea pig whom I named Alex

I wish I could speak more languages but the only one that I speak fluently is English

I plan on either studying abroad or doing the Disney College Program (or both!)

I have had 3 jobs so far: I'm a Mary Kay consultant, I worked as an intern at my Dad's work this summer, and last summer I worked at Dairy Queen.

I love just about anything sweet and sugary

I want to spend a year living in Europe and traveling all around the world

Pink is my favorite color and has been since I was 5

I am extremely sentimental 

I have loved photography and taking pictures ever since I got my first camera

Now, onto the questions:

1. What is your favorite makeup brand?

My favorite makeup brand is Mary Kay or Covergirl.

2. When did you start blogging and why?

I started blogging on this blog in June of 2013, so about a month ago, but I have always had an interest in blogs. I have had tumblr blogs for about 4 years now and have been watching youtube videos and reading related blogs (youtubers that have blogs) for even longer. I guess I started blogging out of curiosity, to see what it is like. I wanted to have a youtube channel and a blog that go hand in hand but I haven't figured out how to keep both very current. The last reason I started blogging is because as a nineteen year old, I feel like I am at a very different and interesting place in my life and thinking towards my future I think having a blog can help me a lot. My current major in college could transition and help me with some of the things I'd like to use this blog for: travel and food, although I also want it to be fashion and makeup. Long story short, I got inspired one day and decided, "why not make a blog."

3. If you could travel anywhere in the world where would it be?

I would travel back to Italy or to Greece. I got to spend a few days in Italy while on vacation with family and have wanted to go back ever since, but I'd also like to travel to Greece because I have never been there. Greece looks beautiful from all the pictures that I have seen.

4. What is your favorite nail polish topcoat?

I haven't tried many topcoats but I have a Revlon one that works pretty well. 

5. What could you survive without, nail polish or makeup?

My answer would have to be, nail polish. Although I love having painted nails, I don't think I could choose that over makeup.

6. Short or long nails?

Short! Whenever my nails get to be too long, they start to bother me. Dirt will somehow get underneath them and my nails will break a little. I think long nails look pretty but I prefer mine medium length or short (because mine grow so quickly!)

7. What is your favorite book and movie?

Favorite movie: The Proposal 

Favorite book: Oh I can't decide, I love reading too much and can't pick just one, but I have been thinking a lot about the book, A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, and have been wanting to read The Kite Runner, which is also by him. 

8. Which beauty icon do you look up to most? (they can be celebrity, Youtuber, designer, etc.)

Since I can't choose just one, here are a few of my favorites: Lauren Conrad, Diana Agron, and Emma Watson.

9. What has been your favorite nail art trend so far? (caviar, magnetic, shatter, water marble, etc.)

I think my favorite would be shatter because it was so unique when it first came out and it looks pretty cool. Unfortunately, I'm not great at painting my nails so the only trends out of the ones listed that I have actually tried are caviar and shatter. I tried the caviar trend and thought it looked cool but I don't think it is the most practical. It is easy to make a mess when doing this trend and what if you swallow one of those beads?!?! That was all I could think of when I did caviar nails. 

10. If you could have your own makeup or nail polish line, what would you call it?

I'd call it Simply Nicole or something along those lines. I typically tend to go for a more natural/simple/classic look with makeup and nail polish, but I do like to try and experiment as well, especially with new trends.

Now for my Nominees:

(Please check out these awesome ladies with less than 200 followers)

Erin at Pursuit of Good Reads

Violet at Unshrinking Violet

Gem at Gifts 4 Gifts

Claudia and Ana at Anadia La Vie

Amy at Curls and the City

 Bonnie at une bee a disneyworld

Zara at Like Sugar In The Snow

Ashleigh at A Bit of Everything

CLX at CLXO

Dani at J'adore Glamour

My questions:

1. What is your 3 favorite makeup items?

2. What is your favorite store to shop in?

3. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

4. Tea or coffee?

5. Do you have any pets?

6. If you could have any job, what would it be?

7. What is your favorite dessert?

8. Do you collect anything? If yes, what is it?

9.  What is your favorite season?

10. Describe your music taste.

x, nicole

College Dorm Room...Let's Talk About Storage

Hi girlies!

Today, I thought I would discuss storage for a dorm room. Now we know that dorms are typically small and sometimes crammed and cluttered. Instead of being cluttered, let's get organized. I like over-the-door storage because it doesn't take up much space and you can still store a decent amount of things on it. I had over-the-door hooks that I used for storing the towel used that day for showering, a towel wrap, the coat I was wearing that day, and for purses. You can use this over-the-door storage for just about anything from scarves and coats to purses or even shoes. 

Another great type of storage is under-bed storage. This is ideal because it is another way to maximize extra space. You can even get bed risers to add extra space under your bed for storage.

Another type of storage is, storage containers. These come in all shapes and sizes and are great for storing just about anything. I used one for my makeup and hair stuff. I would recommend using smaller ones to store things like makeup, school supplies, and hair accessories. These are also great for storing food but remember, the bigger the container, the less space you have in your room. 

The last type of storage I'm going to discuss is, hidden storage. I had a little cube from Target that I used to store dvd's, books, and miscellaneous items, but I also used the cube as a nightstand, so it did duel duty.The cube could also be used as seating if needed, so I definitely recommend one of those.

xo,

Nicole 

What To Bring To College

Hey guys!

Today I thought I would discuss some of the essential things to bring to college since I know it is time to start shopping already. With one year of college under my belt, I think I have a pretty good idea of what is necessary and what is not. Although, every person and every college is different so tailor this to meet your needs. I feel like it is important to mention that I lived in a dorm where I did not have my own bathroom so that is just one more thing to consider when dorm room shopping.

Here is an actual list that I used when dorm room shopping, I found that I did end up using a majority of the things on the list. The cool thing about this link is that they also have an iPhone app.

http://www.collegepackinglist.com/

Honestly, I went with that list and only bought things that I thought were necessary and I would truly use them. For example, I didn't buy glue, and I never needed it. 

Some things I would add to that list/things I ended up using at college but didn't think of when packing:

-Slippers (If you don't have your own bathroom and you have to walk down the hall to one, instead of slipping on flip flops or shower shoes, just put some comfy slippers on instead)

-Shower Caddy made out of a waterproof material. This is important because you don't want a shower caddy that takes a long time to dry if you get it wet. The shower caddy I bought was plastic and had a big compartment for shampoos then a smaller section that you could take out (a smaller shower caddy) and I used that for my tooth brush, tooth paste, and those sorts of things.

-Rain boots. In college, you typically have to walk everywhere. Do you really want wet feet?

-Rain jacket. This goes right along with the boots, I believe it is necessary. 

-Umbrella. It is important to have at least one, if not two umbrellas. I had one but loaned it to a friend and wished I had a second one when I had to walk out in the rain the next day. I kept my umbrella in my backpack where I could always find it. 

-Pepper Spray. I'm not trying to scare anyone but it's always better to be safe. This made me feel a lot safer if I had to walk alone at night. (But please try to use the buddy system!)

My last piece of advice is to decorate and make the room feel at home to you. Use pictures, posters, candles (if you're allowed), fake flowers, art, there are so many ways to decorate. 

Here is a link of different dorm room diy's that I found on pinterest: 

http://www.babble.com/home/25-dorm-decor-diy-ideas/

Last but not least, I might as well attach my room tour video so you guys can get an idea of what my room looked like at school. I actually won a dorm decorating contest. I mainly shopped at Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond for my dorm room last year. This year, I hope to decorate very differently than last year but still use some of the same key pieces.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlPlHWvnsgU

I hope this helps and expect more college blogs and videos to come.

xo, 

Nicole

4th of July Weekend

Since I haven't posted in a few days, I thought I'd just tell you guys about my weekend and share some pictures from it. Thursday was the 4th of July and I didn't have to work. It was a little rainy, but we didn't let that get in the way of our fun. I went to a parade and festival with my friends, then we decided to hang out at my house for a bit. After my friends left, I had a cookout with my family. I planned on going to see fireworks, but they were cancelled due to all of the rain and some technical difficulties. Here are my 4th of July nails:

Thumb: Orly Star of Bombay (it's actually navy blue but it looks black in the lighting)

Ring finger: Essie Luxeffects Set in Stones

All other fingers: Orly Star Spangled on top of OPI Color So Hot It Berns

(Sorry about the chipping nails, I took this picture on Friday after my nails had been painted for a few days).

This is what I wore on the 4th of July except when I was at the parade and festival, I had jean shorts on.

The red pants are from Abercrombie & Fitch and the striped shirt is from Forever 21.

On Friday, I worked during the day and then hang out with friends in the evening. Here are some pictures from Friday: 

         

Here is my outfit from Friday:

My shirt is from Urban Outfitters and my black shorts are from American Eagle. I wore black braided flip flops from American Eagle as well.

On Saturday, I had a dinner party with some friends at my house. I made tacos for dinner with brownies for dessert. Afterwards, we swam in my pool, got in my hot tub, and had a bonfire. The sunset was really pretty, so we decided to take some group pictures. 

***I forgot to take pictures of the food so unfortunately I cannot share what it looked like. Also, I will only be uploading pictures of me at this time. Since my friends do not know about my blog, for their safety, I do not think it is fair to upload pictures of them at this time.

That was my weekend, I hope you guys had an amazing weekend and have a great start to your week! Also, feel free to share what you did this weekend!

xo, Nicole

50 Random Facts About Me

Since I feel like you guys don't know me very well, I might as well share some facts so you can get a better idea of who I am as a person. So without further ado, here we go...

1. I have 2 younger sisters (one has a blog as well Dani's blog).
2. I'm not afraid of bugs or any type of insect.
3. I have never broken a bone (knock on wood...).
4. I've never had a normal pet (besides fish, I've only had a guinea pig).
5. When I was young and actually even now, I compare people to animals or just other things that they might look like...I know, I'm weird.
6. I really don't like heights especially inside.
7. I almost always crave chips and salsa.
8. My least favorite color is orange.
9. I hate the sound of nails clicking together.
10. One of my favorite foods is ice cream.
11. I've been to 13 different countries.
12. Some people think I come across as stuck up but I'm actually just shy.
13. I'm love everything mango but especially just cut up mango.
14. I wore limited too until 8th grade.
15. I used to be obsessed with diet coke then I switched to sprite and now I'm not sure which one I like more.
16. When I was a baby and in day care, I was the only baby who wouldn't sleep when it was nap time because I was so curious about what everyone else was doing.
17. I don't paint my nails as much as I'd like to because I feel like they grow out or chip too quickly and that it isn't even worth it sometimes.
18. I think it would be cool if I could travel through time and spend a while in all the different decades of the 1900's.
19. I took French in high school because I liked the Madeline tv show and books.
20. I have a freckle on my lip and I don't like it.
21. I have a little scar on my forehead (that my bangs cover up) from when I had the chicken pox in 4th grade.
22. Sometimes when I was younger, I wished my hair was either brown or blonde.
23. I really don't like mushrooms.
24. I think my hair looks better curly instead of straight.
25. My first kiss was in kindergarden...on the bus.
26. I have a serious problem with being on time to things, I could wake up 10 minutes earlier and still be late.
27. Macaroni and cheese was my favorite food growing up and it is still one of my favorite foods now.
28. I organize things by making lists.
29. One day I want to either live in Italy or spend a few months there.
30. When I was little, I said that I would marry Barney, yes, the purple dinosaur.
31. I haven't been on a roller coaster since I was like 7 years old.
32. When I was little, I didn't think much about a career that I wanted to do, I always just thought I'd be a stay-at-home mom and that is something I still want to do, but now I do want a career first.
33. Growing up I did these sports: cheerleading, dance, tennis, t-ball, ice skating, gymnastics, and soccer.
34. Even though I did all of those sports I wouldn't say that I'm really athletic.
35. I wish I had stuck with ballet or dance growing up.
36. I have always loved photography and cameras, I even remember my very first camera, a yellow crayola camera that required film.
37. I have a major sweet tooth.
38. I started developing an interest in food and travel at an early age because I loved watching 40 dollars a day with Rachael Ray.
39. If I could be any female celebrity I would be Jennifer Aniston, Emma Watson, Kristen Bell, or Diana Agron.
40. The Proposal is one of my favorite movies and I could quote just about every line from it.
41. I donated my hair to locks of love when I was in 7th grade and I have wanted to again ever since.
42. It is on my bucket list to be in a real music video one day.
43. A lot of people have described my style as preppy.
44. I can be extremely indecisive and I over-think everything.
45. I'm very in tune to emotions and how other people are feeling.
46. I hate food being bland so I love all types of sauces.
47. I especially love these sauces: sweet and sour, honey mustard, and ranch.
48. I still love all disney movies. 
49. I strongly believe the quote,"everything happens for a reason".
50. My astrological sign is virgo.

Things I'm Loving (Month of June)

Hi girlies! In honor of today being the last day in June, I figured that it would be the perfect day to share what I've loved all month. 

Clothing & Accessories:

-Turquoise Merona Emily Braided Strap Gladiator Sandals from Target Here's the link

-Forever 21 Harem style pants Here's the link. I couldn't find the exact same pair online but these are very similar.

-Victoria's Secret Push-up Bikini Top. I couldn't find the link to this (I bought it a few months ago) so I'm not sure if they are still selling it.

-Forever 21 Woven Fedora. I bought mine a few years ago but here is a similar one

Beauty & Hair Products:

-Aussie Hair Insurance Leave-In Conditioner Here's the link

-Bath & Body Works Tiki Beach Candle. Unfortunately, they are no longer selling this online. 

-Yankee Candle Sun & Sand Candle Here's the link 

-Covergirl urban basics eye enhancers 4-kit shadow Here's the link

-Simple Cleansing Makeup Remover Wipes Here's the link

-Essie Nail Polish in Peach Daquiri Here's the link

-Pacifica Color Quench Mineral Lip Tint in Blood Orange Here's the link

-Burts Bees Watermelon Lip Shimmer Here's the link

-St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub Here's the link

Miscellaneous: 

Food: Pistachios 

Drink: Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino

TV Show: Full House & Friends

Genre: Country

Songs (because I can't pick just one):

Round Here -Florida Georgia Line

Jump Right In -Zac Brown Band

19 Somethin' -Mark Wills

I Want Crazy -Hunter Hayes

Young and Beautiful -Lana Del Ray

xo, Nicole

                                                             

Welcome to my blog

Hello to anyone who has stumbled along to my blog! I'm Nicole and I'll tell you a little bit about myself and what to expect in the future. I'm a college student with a love for all things fashion, photography, traveling, and cooking, so expect those sort of things on here. Coffee shops, reading a good book, and spending time with my friends and family are some of the things I enjoy the most. Currently, it is summer, but I am doing an internship full-time as well as taking an online class. Even though my life is busy, I think it is important to live every day to the fullest and to do things that make you happy. That is  why I have created this blog, to focus on those things and to bring you guys along for the ride.

xo, Nicole