Girl's Day Vlog

Hope you enjoy, have a fabulous day! 

XO, Lauren

My Sister Does My Makeup

I never knew my life would flash before my eyes while getting my makeup done. Or maybe that was just the mascara wand heading straight towards my pupil... Either way, I tried something new recently! I let my eight year old sister do my makeup! We filmed the hilarious process just for you guys, so check it out! It was a bunch of fun having some sisterly bonding time. How do you think she did? Is she ready for the runway? Anyways, hope this gives you a laugh and have a fabulous day!

XO, Lauren

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"A Hot Glue Gun Mess" Book Review

When I first heard that Mr. Kate was coming out with a book, I immediately knew that I had to have it. If you don't know who Mr. Kate is, she is blogger/ YouTuber/ jewelry designer/ interior designer/ just an overall creative and quirky person. My favorite are her DIY projects, which are really great because she shows you how to turn ordinary things, such as things you might find at a thrift store, into amazing pieces of decor, clothing and accessories! Super fun stuff babes, you must check her out! She is one of my biggest inspirations because she's just totally herself and super super creative! Anyways, back to the book! I purchased it at Barnes and Noble the day it was released and from the second it was in my hands, I could not put it down until I finished it that night. Basically, the book consists of funny stories from Kate's life and DIY projects inspired by these stories. Let me warn you though, some stories (more like most of them) contain topics that are a bit mature if you know what I mean, so either don't read them or don't say I didn't warn you haha. Overall it gave me a good laugh and it was interesting to see little tidbits of her life. Lets see...

My favorite story would probably be "Chapter 47: One Flew Into The Cuckoo's Nest," which is about one of Kate's cats, but that's all I'm gonna tell you because you should read it haha! It was super funny and cute, and I felt like I could relate because I'd probably have the same reaction as her! On the other hand, a few of my favorite DIY projects in A Hot Glue Gun Mess would be the Bleached Feather-Print Scarf, Barrette Epaulettes, and Wire Scroll Jewelry. It was hard to choose because I seriously want to try them all!! No joke. Anyways, just wanted to share this amazing find with you! Have a fabulous day!

XO, Lauren

100 Montaditos

Mozzarella, Tomato and Pesto Sandwich with Cheese Fries 

How most of my photos turn out...

Usually I'm not a sandwich person, but I found this new restaurant called "100 Montaditos" that serves these small sandwiches, and they are DELICIOUS! I ordered the tomato, mozzarella and pesto one because I wanted something light and it was only $2! Most of their sandwiches, which are pretty petite, range from $1-$3, but there are also some other options that are more expensive. My sister, mom and I went for a girls day out and it was so fun. They had been once before me and thought I would love it so they convinced me to try it. My sister even said "Lauren, the food is totally picture worthy, I promise!" Haha she was right. And, typical me, I had everyone wait to eat until after I took a picture... #bloggerprobs. Also I'm LOVING these blue lens statement sunglasses that I got from Forever 21! Anyways, hope you have a fabulous day! 

XO, Lauren

Dealing with People

Okay, to start off, I am a very organized and structured person. It stresses me out when people stray from the plan and purposely don't follow the rules, or they aren't deadline driven like me. But somehow I'm also creative and I can think fluidly. It's weird but that's just me. Anyways, being just out of high school, I've learned so much about different types of people. Everyone is different and sometimes you don't always see eye to eye, which can either result in something good or bad. I'm going to tell you about different types of people I've encountered, and how to get along with them so that it brings out the best in both of you!

1.) The "I'll just let you do all the work" people:

Description:

-Okay so I've had to deal with people like this throughout my whole school experience, especially when we are assigned group work and projects. These are the types of people who sit back, do nothing, and still get a good grade because you did all the work to prevent yourself from getting an F. Let me repeat... they did nothing and still got an A...

How to Deal:

-These people are either lazy OR they don't know where to start or are too shy to come up with a plan, but either way, you have to become a leader. Ask them what they would like to do and if they tell you, then make that their job. If they don't know what they want to do then tell them what they need to do to contribute to the group. Give them a task, make them feel useful, needed, productive, and included. This way, they will have earned their grade, you just became a more efficient group, and it might have opened their eyes at what they can actually accomplish.

2.) The "I'm better that you" people:

Description:

-I'm not sure about you, but I don't think I know anyone who likes people that think they're better than you or anyone else.  These people are self-centered, or at least they act like it. The truth is, they might actually be really insecure, and putting others down might be their way to cope with it. 

How to Deal:

-Alright, so first of all, don't give in to them. Don't let what these people say or do affect you in a negative way. My best advice is to try and get to know who they really are before you judge them, but if that doesn't work, just distance yourself from them. You don't need negativity like that in your amazing life. Don't be mean, just accept that other people have their own troubles and their own journey.

3.) Shy People:

Description:
-Okay so this was me until about two years ago in sophomore year. I was probably the most shy and quiet person in class. Shy people usually won't tell you what their thinking, they won't openly disagree with the group, and they won't be the first to start a conversation. It's not bad, but I'm so thankful I came out of my shell because it has gotten me new friends and opened up new opportunities. I'm still kind of shy now, but I'm definitely way more outgoing than before and not afraid to share my opinion.

How to Deal:
-If someone is shy, be nice to them and include them. They probably won't tell you if they feel left out and they probably won't do anything about it either. Make sure to ask them their opinion on stuff and make them feel comfortable. Maybe once you get to know each other they'll become more outgoing! Just remember, don't force anyone to do anything, they will do what they want at their own pace.

4.) People who don't listen:

Description:
-These are the people who don't actually pay attention to you when you talk, and I know we all do this sometimes if we have a lot on our minds already, but some people do it all the time. Also grouped in this category would be people who don't stop when you ask them to.

How to Deal:
It is extremely annoying and disrespectful, and even though you may be irritated beyond belief, you must keep your composure and deal with it respectfully. Confront them if it gets to a point where you just can't stand it anymore. Sometimes they don't realize that they're not listening because they're so wrapped up with the personal stuff they have to accomplish. For people who won't stop when you ask them to, you definitely have to tell them that you've asked them about a gazillion times to stop and they haven't. Just talk it out and if they continue then just distance yourself from them or tell someone if it gets really bad.

Alright so that's all I have. Just thought this would be a neat post to make because sometimes people don't know how to deal with other people who are different than them in a respectful way. I'm definitely still learning but this is what I've learned and come up with so far, especially as I get closer and closer to the real world and farther away from the sheltered life I've lived in for the past 18 years. Anyways, have a fabulous day and don't let any negativity from anyone get you down! And don't be the one to spread negativity either!

XO, Lauren

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Summer 2015 Playlist

Some songs I've been enjoying throughout the summer so far :) There's no real theme going on here haha, it's just songs I like. When people ask me what type of music I listen to, I'm just like "Hmmm well... Um.. I don't really know... I just um like whatever songs I like..." If anyone can tell me a general type of music that these songs, or a majority of them belong to then please share! I am definitely not a music expert. Also, share with me your favorite songs for the summer in the comments! Have a fabulous day!

XO, Lauren

Things To Do Before Summer Ends

The time of essays, homework, quizzes and tests is almost upon us ladies and gentlemen. Scary isn't it? Just kidding, but really, there are less than two months left of summer vacation so we MUST live it to the fullest! I came up with some fun summer activities to try out before summer break is over! I hope you enjoy them, have a super fabulous summer vacation!

XO, Lauren

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Breaking the Trend

I was going through my old computer when I came across a file named "Breaking the Trend." It sounded familiar and sparked my curiosity, so I opened it. To my surprise, it was an essay I had written for a class awhile ago. Expecting it to be a good laugh, I lightly looked over it. But as I read, I realized that it actually has a good point. So I decided to share it with you. My writing may be a bit repetitive at some parts, so I apologize ahead of time haha! Here it is:

 I find that teenagers, being a teen myself, often copy each other when it comes to fashion. Now, when I say copying, I don't mean exact copying, although some actually go as far as that. But I mean copying a style, following a popular trend. Whatever's popular, or supposedly "unpopular," that's what teens wear. And by the way, I'm not excluding myself from this because I do find myself lost in following the crowd sometimes, but I'm not grouping myself in either.

     Many teens interested in fashion, clothing and beauty are highly influenced by social media, especially in these times when technological advances are rapidly taking off with new phones, tablets, computers and more. We see celebrities wearing a new style of shirt or a new wash of jeans, anything, and that's what teens are going to start wearing. Tumblr comes up a lot, as well as Instagram. All of these picture sharing apps affect what is considered the "next big thing."

     Now, as someone highly passionate about fashion, I want to dress uniquely to express myself. I want to find ways to break away from trends and what's so called "popular." But, often times, once something unpopular is worn, that's what becomes popular again and you start looking for something new, never seen before. I want to break the trend. Not just a fashion trend, but the trend of teens being all cookie cutter and stuff. We are not all the same. Yes, we may like similar styles, but I think what it comes down to is self esteem. We dress like those people we want to be like. You see a someone on YouTube who does amazing beauty and fashion videos and she's just so popular and pretty and you just admire her and want to be like her. You start to dress like her because you want to feel like her. You want people to feel the same way about you that you feel about her. I think that's what it's all about in the end, even if you don't consciously know it. And yes, I do it. And I'm not saying it's bad, and I'm not saying it's good, I'm just saying it.

     What I want to do, is try to, again, break away from that mindset. I want to dress for me. I want others to dress for themselves. Yes, dress to impress, but keep yourself in mind. Pick clothes that you actually like, not clothes that the hottest celeb just walked out with. You are you, they are them. You will never be them. Yes, you can like their style. Yes, you can have similar outfits. But why are you dressing like that? That's the question. If it's for you, if that's who you really are, if you genuinely love it, and if that expresses who you are, then it's perfect. But if you're just doing it to be a player in the popularity contest, then it's not for the right reason. People don't like fake. Fake people aren't happy. They don't live their life because they set rules for themselves so that they only do what's socially popular and what's going to make them look the best. Real people have the most fun, and they are the happiest because they can be themselves without anything holding them back.

     Anyways, my point is, don't dress for them. Don't dress for popularity. Teens, we need to dress to express. Express who we are. Don't try to be like someone that you're not. I know this is hard, I have tons of people who's life I would love to try out but really, your life is your life and it will be forever. Work towards your own dreams and goals. Be unique! Break the trend!!

So what did you think? Obviously I'm not a professional writer, but I actually like how it turned out. I definitely still agree with everything I said. If everyone is the same, nobody is special. Be different! Have a fabulous day!

XO, Lauren

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