Okay so clearly I'm the worst blog-everyday-for-two-weeks- blogger ever. Sorry, I've just been super busy having on vacation here in FL. I'm having so much I couldn't possibly keep it all to myself, so I've decided to share it all with you guys.
This past week has been pretty laid back, nothing super hectic happening, but I managed to go to the beach and I will have a beach vlog up sometime soon! For now here's a photo from Madeira Beach in Treasure Island just to tease you.
Later on in the week I went back to The Shops at Wiregrass you may have seen in my last vlog. I didn't buy too much, but I took a lot of selfies.
Once back from shopping, my brother, Derek, and my Dad and I went on our little paddle boat around our canals. The water was beautiful, but it was the houses that stole the show.
Yesterday Mom and I went to the beach again leaving me with yet another sun burn. We also BBQ'd with the G-parents, but sorry no pictures I got too lazy.
And that brings me to today. Dad and I went to Busch Gardens which is like one of the other theme parks in FL that is strongly overlooked because of Disney. No shade, but we have more fun here. We went on all tolerable roller coasters and the sky ride where I snapped this picture of some elephants and of course took more selfies.
So yeah, that's basically my week. I leave tomorrow back to NY and as much as I loved this vacation,I'm so excited to get back. This was a great start to my summer and it's only going to get better with the million and one things I have lined up. I will of course keep you posted on all the excitement.
Last night's BBMA's was nothing shy of exciting! The show took place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and it couldn't have been further away from me, but I still caught the excitement on TV as did the 11.1 million other people that tuned in last night. The show included show stopping performances from Iggy Azalea & Brittany Spears, Nicki Minaj & David Guetta, Imagine Dragons, Van Halen and Kanye... the list goes on and on. Allow me to give you my top 5 highlights from the show in case ya missed it!
5. One Direction Takes Home 2 Awards
One Direction were nominated for Top Duo/Group and Top Touring Artist and won both awards! Honestly every time they showed the boys last night I lost my cool so, you can only imagine how I felt when they won *insert crying emoji here*. I'm just super proud of them considering all their drama as of late and totally impressed by the length of Harry's hair. I just wanna touch it.
4. Simple Minds Perform
It's been 30 years since the biggest movie of the 80's, "The Breakfast Club", was released and stole our hearts. I mean it didn't steal mine until a few years ago, but thats another story. In honor of the anniversary, Simple Minds performed an epic tribute to the movie with their song "Don't You Forget About Me" as made popular by the movie. The performance was presented by Molly Ringwald who played Claire in the iconic movie.
3. Meghan Trainor Cries
Meghan Trainor actually broke me last night after winning Top 100 song for "All About That Base". She was so shocked and happy she won that she started to cry! She was very humble about her win and it was very refreshing to see a new artist like her so amazed by their own success. She even got me to shed a tear for her and had Charlie Puth balling. Trainor went home with another award last night for Top Digital Song.
2. Sam Smith Sends The Cutest Message
Sam Smith was not in attendance last night due to his recent vocal surgery. So when he won for Top Male Artist, he gave the cutest video message thanking Billboard and the fans via cue cards. He even sent a few messages for Taylor Swift to leave 100 on Black Jack, Nicki Minaj saying "OMG Look at her bum", and to Ed Sheeran telling him that he organized a special dance for him at Chippendale's. Sam Smith, you are bae.
1. Taylor Swift
T-Swizzle had so many moments last night that I actually can't even pick one to highlight. From kissing Calvin Harris the 3+ times she won an award last night, to premiering her new bad ass music video for "Bad Blood" at the start of the show, Swift was sheer FIRE! First of all, I couldn't even keep up with the amount of celebs in her video, including her homie Selena Gomez who played her arch enemy in the video. Secondly, she actually made a song I can bump to in the car. After "1989", I can officially consider myself a fan, I think. Lastly, UM HOW CUTE ARE HER AND CALVIN HARRIS?! We'll see how long that lasts.
So there ya have it, my top 5 highlights from the 2015 Billboard Music Awards. Did you watch it? If so what was your favorite moment of the night? Let me know in the comments!
Yesterday I went to a water park with the fan and of course I come home with the worst sunburn ever. I'm serious like I can't raise my arms. Now personally I have my own method of dealing with the red burn of doom, but during some research I found a couple other helpful methods. I'm sure these will come in handy throughout the summer for all of us 'cause let's face it, we all hate re-applying sun block.
1. Green Tea Compress
Brew some green tea then let it cool. Soak a cloth in it and the apply to your burn. Green tea contains natural skin loving ingredients that soothe your sunburn and reduce the inflammation.
2. Aloe Vera
A method I used to use. Applying aloe really helps to cool down the skin and yet again includes natural ingredients that help heal the skin. You can either apply the natural leaf to your skin or you can get the gel form from the store. I suggest the gel, only because it gives that cooling effect I talked a bout before.
3. Cocoa Butter Lotion
This is the new method I'm on to that I've been using since yesterday. Supposedly cocoa butter is great for keeping the burn hydrated as well as soothing it. That way it doesn't crack and peel and get all annoying and flaky. I'm trying it now and so far so good. I'm still burning red, but I am pretty hydrated. If you use this I suggest applying every 4- 6 hours.
Hope this all helps! Let's just hope this sunburn thing only happens once this summer 'cause honestly,
While most people my age are out and about on a Friday night, I'm usually at home cuddled up on the couch with a good movie. Or if I'm talking the last three months, cuddled up on my dorm bed with a good movie. Anywho, on Fridays I take it upon myself to relax and end the busy week I've had in the best way I know how. This way may not be good for everyone, but with minor modifications, you can use my "techniques" to help you wind down on a Friday as well!
Once I know I'm in for the night, there's nothing better then coming home, ripping your bra off and getting into your comfy clothes. Your undressing shouldn't stop there, though. If there's one thing I love it's washing my face and doing a face mask. I prefer the Origins line and I specifically love using there Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask. It's perfect for acne prone skin and clearing out those clogged pours. It's just super refreshing to do a mask at night to really help your skin rejuvenate itself after a tough work/school week. Other options: Freeman's Feeling Beautiful Charcoal Mask, Clinique's Pore Refining Charcoal Mask, any other mask of your choosing for your skin type.
2. Make a savory snack.
For me this ranges from popcorn to lasagna. It depends on the week I've had. Lately I've been eating healthier so popcorn or apples and peanut butter or some pistachios and fruit. If I really feel like doing myself in; popcorn with extra butter, apples and peanut butter with chocolate chips, or pistachio ice cream. I'm watching a movie so I have to eat something good with it right? Other options: Cheese & crackers, pizza, or Nutella with anything.
3. Pick a Movie!
This is the hardest job for the night. There is so much out there you really just have to base it on your mood. As of now I'm feeling "Fifty Shades Of Grey" and yes I was that person watching it on the plane down to FL. Ain't no shame in my game. So yeah, I would probably have no problem picking that. I actually just base all movies I watch off the heart throbs that are in them (i.e. "Maze Runner", any One Direction movie, "The Amazing Spider-Man"). I suggest going off your mood and how much wine you've drank. Which brings me to my next point.
4. Drink LOTS of Wine.
There's never an inappropriate time on a Friday to drink wine. Unless you're like 18 or younger. Otherwise, you deserve it. Indulge, this is your night, you will thank me. I opt for a Chardonnay usually and after four glasses if I wasn't watching "Fifty Shades of Grey", I am now. (There's no reason I'm so obsessed I never even make it to the end, but Jamie Dornan is so hot and well yeah, let your mind run free.) Other options: Pino Grigio, Vodka & Cranberry Juice, hot tea.
Like I said, this type of Friday night isn't for everyone, but this is what I've been doing as of late. If you do anything cool/ better on a Friday, which I'm sure you do (or don't if you're not drinking wine), then leave your suggestions in the comments!
I just received in the mail today an invitation to my cousin's baby shower and of course the first thing I think is "BUT WHAT WILL I WEAR?!" For some this may be an easy task, but if you're like me there's a lot that goes into picking the perfect outfit for these types of summer occasions.
This isn't as simple as throwing on a summer dress and calling it a day. You want to make a statement, be comfortable, and look appropriate for the occasion as well. My cousin's baby shower just so happens to be at a nice restaurant with a country club feel to it, so I needed something new. I took it upon myself to do some online shopping today and had to share these looks from Forever 21. They are absolutely perfect for any summer party, graduation party, bridal/baby shower, whatever you got going on this summer that you could use a nice outfit for!
$24.90. Includes floral print and buttons down front middle.
$37.90. Lace print. Does not include top & bottom.
$17.90. Simple boho printed bottom. Layered.
The only thing I can make a suggestion on is that in the black sheer dress that you wear a black body con dress underneath to class it up, otherwise it's a great statement dress. I love all these dresses and think they are so sweet for any summer occasion, even as everyday wear.
These are just a few looks I've narrowed down on my search. I came to Forever 21 'cause I knew it would be affordable and still very stylish. Hopefully these looks can help you make a decision on what you want to wear to your summer party. Now, if only I could decide!
As you may know a few months ago I was down in Florida for Spring Break. Well I finally went through footage to make a vlog of it. I know it's old. Get over it. When you are in college you have time for nothing, not even breathing. Maybe after this vacation I'm on now here in FL, I can have another vlog up quicker.
In this you'll find footage of my flights, my boyfriend, my many shopping escapades, and my family. I'm hardly in this at all, but that may be for the best ;). This vlog also contains one of my favorite songs "Big Jet Plane" by Angus & Julia Stone. If you don't know it or haven't heard of them do me a favor, after you're done watching my vlog please, I beg of you, check them out. They're amazing.
Hope you all enjoy this video and let me know what you think!!
I'm happy to say that lately I've been slaying the gym game. I don't mean to brag 'cause trust me I haven't lost much weight, but I do take the time out to go at least 4- 6 times a week. Currently I'm in Florida so I haven't been able to hit my gym, but I'm still going for runs on the daily to keep it up. I've noticed the songs that have kept me going throughout my runs have actually helped motivate me to keep going and push myself harder (I did an 8 minute mile-- beating my own time!). I thought I would share with you some of the songs I listen to and maybe they will help give you that extra push on your runs or during your time at the gym as well!
It's come to my attention that I'm never not in the mood for Lana Del Rey. It's extremely rare to find an artist that can make you feel everything, every emotion, all at once. That's usually how I feel listening to her. She's by far one of my favorite artists right now. Lana's sound is particularly melancholic and according to some friends, very sad. Yes, I agree, but there's a lot more that I get out of it.
Her music is what you listen to when you're in a mood and if you're not in a mood it will put you in one. Honestly, I just listen to her angelic voice and I'm like how can you not love this? She could sing the saddest song (and I believe she does), and I would just smile (then cry) because I'm listening to one of the most beautiful voices recorded ever. Idk, I'm just in love with Lana Del Rey and her music. It's simply amazing to me. Just for clarification, not all of her music is sad, some of it is particularly snarky, spiteful, and believe it or not...happy. I think the people to get it most are the ones who have been in love or at least tried to.
This is turning into something like a Lana appreciation post so, if you haven't heard Lana before here's a list of the songs I play most on repeat in no particular order.
To make up for lost time, I've decided that for the next two weeks I would blog every day. Why two weeks? Well I'm currently visiting my parents in Florida, so I figured this is the perfect down time to really spend on my blog and myself in general.
As it is my first real official start of summer, I thought I would start my two weeks off with a summer wish list. This is just a compilation of all the things I essentially want (and need) just in time for these hot summer months ahead. So without further ado, my Summer Wish-list.
1. A new bathing suit
Particularly this one from PINK. I usually opt for all black, but this year I'm starting to branch out with colors, at least on my nails so why not spring for the orange and pink straps. Let's just hope the ta-tas fit.
2. Cover FX Custom Cover Drops
This may be my perfect makeup for the summer, but I don't know for sure until I try it. Apparently you just pop a few drops of this bad boy into your favorite moisturizer or face oil and this provides the perfect coverage to your face. Shout out to my girl Brittany for showing me this 'cause I'm dying to try it. This is great for the hot months when you don't want to wear heavy foundation, but you still need coverage. The Custom Cover Drops seem like a summer necessity to me.
3. New Work Out Gear
Like all these goodies from Forever 21's activewear line. A good pair performance shorts, seamless leggings, and a seamless tank are great for summer morning runs or even just hitting the gym. Seamless work out gear is great in the summer only 'cause seams tend to rub and could particularly be uncomfortable with all that heat and sweat and stuff. Plus, when I have new work out clothes, I'm more inclined to go work out. Especially when they're cute.
4. Ombré
I've had it before and now that it is officially all out of my hair, I want it back. I suppose you always want what you don't have, amiright? I think it'd be a nice summer look.
5. Money.
So I can actually go out and get all this stuff this summer. Maybe that paid summer internship will help.
So yeah, that's pretty much all I want atm. I'm a minimalist during the summer as I normally wear A LOT less makeup and A LOT less clothes, but honestly who doesn't do that in summer. Anyways hope you enjoyed, oh and real quick HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO MY HOME GIRL MOMMY. She's the best.
Samantha Jo is a YouTuber and Blogger based out of New York, She hosts two radio shows at her college radio station mywcwp.org and enjoys nights out in NYC, traveling, and DJ-ing. Dorota is her queen.
