seeing red again

Whoa.
This is my first time experimenting with red lips. Very red lips.
Revlon lip stains are amazing - they are bright and stay on for hours. The last kind I bought was Passion (hot pink) and I love it. I decided to go with Flame (bright red with orange undertones) this time. Hopefully this is sexy vixen and not creepy vampire.

Opinion?

I really love the red lips and naked eyes look - very elegant. It reminds me of a pin-up girl. This is the look I'm really going for. I think it's beautiful if you can pull it off.

My lips aren't the only red this holiday season brings. 

I've gathered some of my bright christmas gifts and goods.

Strawberry cheesecake, Starbucks travel thermos, Melitta Ready-Set-Joe coffee brewer, little red baking ramekin, twizzlers, and thai chai spice tea.

Love.

New hair cut...the "modern shag."

BEFORE:

AFTER!

This picture doesn't really show all of the layers, especially in the back.  But I really like it. This is me after being cooped up in my parents' house trying to heal from my tonsillectomy for a week and a half so far. Me crazy.

pain, pain, go away

This week has been err....difficult to say the least. I got my tonsils out about a week ago and it's been pure agony. However, I've been feeling the most loved lately and for some reason very content despite my pain. Perhaps this is because I'm enjoying the last bit of pure free time I have before I start my new full-time job. Sleeping a lot, watching lots of HGTV and movies isn't too bad, I guess. I made my bed extra comfy and I've been spending plenty of time in it, with my dogs.

Christmas was good! Except for a major medical setback in the morning after, I was pleased with my gifts and company. My sister went overboard on some adorable owl stuff - which I will post another day. And I finally got a faux leather cross-body satchel purse. Yippey!

This is the extent to which my body will tolerate food. Today I had my first cup of coffee in over a week. Make that my first four cups of coffee...whatevz.

wrap up with a good book

 Infinity scarf from Etsy

enlightened

Found on Etsy

Silent Night

New camera brings me great joy. And the fact that I'm getting my tonsils out tomorrow has given me motivation to post lots of blog posts one after another since I will not be able to blog for a week or two. So, enjoy!

what to do with old t-shirs

Make a scarf necklace! Like these, found on Etsy for $10.
Or make them from your old, solid-colored t-shirts

On another note, my sister directed me to her Pinterest page (a webpage that lets you into the deep depths of someone's soul by means of material items that they hand pick for viewing pleasures - very nice). I have to say I LOVE these rings. A lot a lot

Vintage. 

baggage

ASOS Spring Floral Backpack

Proenza Schouler pouch bag

Moreover, I'm addicted to dark chocolate almonds lately. 

Actually, I always am. 

But they can be 8 bucks a pop, so I usually only try to find the deals, as in this case

Have you ever tried a tea that was good in theory,
but when you finally brewed it you were let down and disappointed in the flavor?
Too bitter? Too strong? No flavor at all?
What a bummer.

Well, this tea won't do this to you, I promise.
It's light, fruity, and at the same time bold and flavorful. Make sure to only brew it for less than five minutes so you don't over steep it - it will lose the light fruity taste.

World Market sells this tea for $3.49

ahhhh.

In other news,

I am very close to being finished with college 

as an undergrad. Feels crazy to say that. 

I can confidently say now I know what bittersweet feels like.

chocolate road test

Real Simple magazine has been a trusted source for all my food, decor, and personal needs. I read an article from the mag in which the staff tasted more than 180 luxe chocolate bars to determine which ones deserve a golden ticket. This is what they found, and if you are craving chocolate, I'd trust that these little blocks of love will satisfy.

Best 70% and up Cocoa (extra extra dark): Scharffen Berger Fine Artisan Dark

Best 60 to 69% Cocoa (extra dark): Chocolove Rich Dark Chocolate

Best Milk: Dove Silky Smooth Milk Chocolate

Best White: Perugina Premium White Chocolate 

Best Almond: Scharffen Berger Milk Almond

Best Hazelnut: I'm excited about this one - Trader Joe's Swiss Dark Chocolate with Hazelnuts

Best fruit and nut: Green & Black's Hazelnut and Currant Dark

Best Mint: Godiva Dark Mint

Best Caramel: Ghiradelli Milk & Caramel