Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Autumnal Make Up {Gold Smokey Eyes & Berry Toned Lips}

Yes, it's that time of the year... in fact, it's my favorite time of the year. Autumn is the time when football games begin; you can wear leggings, sweaters, and combat boots, or steal your boyfriend's sweatshirts if that's your cup of tea; or my favorite, the make up! I love wearing brown or gold smokey eyes and a dark red lip. Yes... that's the stuff. 
(This make up suits everyone!)
Here's the make up that (if I ever get the chance) will be worn during this time of the year. P.S. Be ready for some wonderful facial expressions from yours truly.

Starting off, I use Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser as a primer and to help make the pores on my face less visible. 

Then I begin with my Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer {Ivory & Buff}. I use Ivory on my under eye circles and around my nose and apply Buff to any spots I have and blend that with a Real Techniques Domed Shadow Brush.

For foundation, I use True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Foundation {Porcelain/Light Ivory} and buff that into my skin with a RC Cosmetics foundation brush. 

Moving on to the eyebrows, I use my lifesaver, Too Faced Brow Envy Shaping & Defining Kit and apply the brunette shade to darken and define my eyebrows. I think the bold brow looks really exquisite during this time of the year.
Once the eyebrows are looking flawless, I move back to the face. First, I use Clinique Blended Face Powder {Transparency 3} to set my concealer and foundation. Then I apply bronzer and blush. I use the Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer {Light/Medium} and Clinique Powder Blush {Berry Delight-Limited Edition}. I apply the bronzer with a RC Cosmetics Contour Brush and for the blush, I use the Real Techniques Buffing Brush. This dazzling duo make the world a difference, giving anyone a sheer, autumnal glow.

For the eyes, I use the Urban Decay Naked 1 Palette. I applied a few layers of Buck on the entire lid, stopping at the crease. Blend. On top of Buck, sweep a heavy layer of Half Baked. Blend. The gold tint complements any eye color and works very well during this time of the year. In my crease, I blend toasted 2/3 of the way starting from the outer corner, working my way in. Blendy-blend-blend. For the outer-V, I applied Hustle. Blend. To add a smokier effect, I applied Half Baked along the lower lash line from the inner corner to the middle, then on the outer corner to the middle, apply Hustle.
Curl those lashes! Lift up while clasping top lashes for better results. Then apply a layer or two of Volum' EXPRESS® PUMPED UP! COLOSSAL Mascara {Classic Black}. This mascara is amazing for lots of volume! Not kidding. 

And the part you've all been waiting for... the lips. I'm using COLOR SENSATIONAL Lip Stick {435:Plum Perfect}. I start by lining my lips with this lip stick and a Real Techniques Detailer Brush. It helps to line them first to prevent from making mistakes and having to take the time to clean up around your lips. Once lined, fill them in. If you want a more dramatic look, go ahead and apply the lip stick straight onto your lips.

There's a new look for you to add to your faves! Hope you enjoyed! How do you wear your autumnal/fall make up? Let me know in the comments! 

xx Amanda
Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

Want other make up tutorials? Check out...
How to Fill in Your Eyebrows
My Summer Make Up Routine

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Dorm Tour & Essentials

     Hello, all! Well... I did it. I made it through my first week of college. Here's a few updates for you: I haven't gained any weight, my roommate doesn't hate me, I haven't failed any of my classes (yet), and the dorm life isn't too shabby (but I could really use some AC). I think I can call myself quite accomplished.

     Speaking of the dorm life, I figured I could show you all what my new home looks like, along with what I think are essential tools to have in your dorm. The things I list are in no way required for you to have for college, they are just my take on what I think is important to make your dorm feel homey and comfortable, and also functional.

"The Office"


Yes, I am endeavoring the journey of the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy.
Thanks for noticing.
     I have been supplied with the world's smallest desk. Therefore, I have to make very good use of my space. My desk typically consists of a large desk organizer, a box of tissues, my laptop and mouse, headphones, some books, a desk lamp, a small mirror and make up brushes. I know a mirror and make up brushes are irrelevant to have on a desk, but, much like the desk, I have limited space and that's where those things fit. 

     I also have a large bulletin board hanging behind my desk. It is covered with pictures of those who are near and dear to my heart. There is a large calendar to record when important assignments are due, special days of the year are coming up, and other specific appointments that must be attended. I think the calendar is so important for keeping yourself organized throughout the year. I also write on mini sticky notes as reminders and put them on the calendar. It's really satisfying to rip one off the calendar when you've completed that task!

     What I find to be important in a work space is a desk lamp. I will tell you now, that the lighting in my dorm room is down-right pathetic. There are two lights, which are on the same side of the room. We also have a window that shouldn't be considered a window... it's so small. The desk lamp is an easy solution to a dark room, making completing assignments much easier.

Links

"The Bedroom"
 
     The bed is an essential to the dorm life. It is the place where you wake up to endure another stressful day, where you finally lay to rest at two o'clock in the morning after studying for a test, it's really the only place that you can call your own. 
     
     I think it is so important to invest in a really good mattress pad. I also have a memory foam pad that really increases the comfort of the mattress. Along with a comfortable mattress, I have a large plush pillow that forms to my head so I'm always supported. I also brought a large bear to cuddle with because... why not?!

     Along with comfort, it's good to have a stylish bedspread. I know mine seems quite boring at the moment, being navy and white, but with neutrals like this, I now have the option to spice it up with some fun pillows! I will do that as soon as I can be bothered to leave my bed.

     I don't know about you, but I am a night reader. After a long, tiring day, I slowly climb up the ladder to my lofted bed and read. It's a good way to take my mind off of things, and it also helps me to fall asleep. I bought a bed lamp that clasps to the sidebar of my bed. It works terrifically when I want to read and my roommate wants to sleep!

     Going along with the "limited space" theme, my closet is half the size of my closet at home. Not being pre-informed of this, I brought a myriad of clothes ranging from t-shirts, sweaters, blouses, tank tops, jeans, capris, shorts, and leggings. My mother (bless her soul) brought this miraculous invention: a hook with 5 hangers. With this tool, I was able to deposit the lot into the minuscule closet. It's truly a lifesaver! 

Links

"The Living Area"
     Oh the wonderful living space... on the ground... not in the air. There is truly a difference. The futon is an exceptional place to relax, watch some tv, surf the web, do other things... okay, moving on. As you can also tell, we store our shoe supply underneath (you have to work with what you got). It really is nice to have it when girls from down the hall want to hang out and you don't want them on your bed.
     
     Because I'm still lacking the room to store my sweatshirts, I purchased a miniature ottoman so I can chuck them in there when they're not in use. It's also great for when guests arrive and want somewhere to sit, or they can put their feet up. There are also pockets on the side for extra storage. What should I put in those?
     Don't freak out that we have candles in our room. We are fully aware that we should not light them. They are just a nice way of making the place feel more at home, and they add a bit of character. They also double as air fresheners because of the strength of their fragrance.

Links
Futon-Donated

"The Kitchen"
     This is undoubtedly my favorite part of the entire room because... well... I love food, like, a lot. Like, if I didn't have food in my life... I would die. Okay, Amanda, get back on track... you're embarrassing yourself.

     Okay, I have a basket full of snacks such as pretzels, nuts and chocolate, Ramen noodles (the ultimate food for college students), and Luna Bars. Any little snacks like that are nice to have while I'm studying and need to hold myself over until dinner or if I wake up in the middle of the night and I'm starving. 

      I'm not sure why I'm showing you these but I just wanted to reassure you we have a fridge and a microwave. To be honest, there isn't a lot in the fridge, but the one thing I do love is the Pür Water Filtration System we have. It's nice to be able to fill the jug up with water from the sink and be reassured it's clean when you consume it. I'd rather not die because I'm trying to be healthy and it backfires.

     Next to the snacks is my baby, the Keurig, which is a must. I am not an insane coffee drinker, but I do like the occasional cup of Joe. I mostly drink tea or use the hot water for oatmeal. Regardless of your intentions with it, it's just a handy appliance to have in the dorm.

Links

     That's my room for you! I know it was really long, but regardless of the size of the room, there is still a lot that puts making a dorm into a comfortable living environment. I hope you get some ideas of what to put in your dorm, or maybe even your apartment/home. Do you have any tips/tools that will help me with my college experience? Let me know in the comments!

xx Amanda
Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Spa Day: Face Mask, Green Smoothie Recipe, Nail Polish

     Hello, friends! Today was a very relaxing day. I spent the day with my very best friend. Don't you love those days? We went out for breakfast, came back to my house, and were at a loss of what to do. We decided that a spa day was the best way to just hang out and have some fun.

     We started by researching (fun, right?) about what makes a good face mask. This is what we came up with:
Face Mask
1 Cucumber, diced and pulsed in the blender, reserve 2 slices for your eyes!
1 Egg White
1 Tbsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Honey

Instructions
Slice cucumber. Dice all but the 2 pieces reserved for your eyes. Once diced, throw in the blender and pulse for a 10-20 seconds. Make sure the consistency is not thin and soupy. You want a thick, green substance. While blending, put egg white it a bowl and mix until frothy. When the cucumber is finished blending, add to the egg white, mix well. Finish off by adding baking soda and honey. Rub on your face and leave sit for 5-10 minutes.

     From personal experience, make sure your mask is thick. As you may be able to tell, there is hardly any substance to our concoction, and we look like we had a fight with bits of cucumber. It was still a pretty good start, though. Lots of laughs!

     Next, we got a bit hungry so we made a green smoothie! We of course had to improvise and drive to the store because the food was lacking in my abode. This is what we created:
Green Smoothie
4 handfuls frozen strawberries
1/2 stalk kale
1/4 cup oat bran
1 green apple
2 bananas
1 handful of purple, seedless grapes
1/2 cup almond milk
2 handfuls ice cubes

Instructions
I think the directions are pretty simple. 
Chuck ingredients in blender. 
Blend. 
Drink. 
TA DA!


So, I'm not sure if this is really qualified as a
"green smoothie", but it was still tasty!
     If you want to see another green smoothie recipe, click here!

     To end our lovely spa day, we did our nails... or I guess, Jadyn just painted mine. I wouldn't trust me to do someone's nails either. This is what she used:

Nails
Revlon Colorstay Gel-Smooth Base Coat
Essie Nail Polish {Bikini So Teeny}
Revlon Colorstay Gel-Shine Top Coat

Instructions 
Paint one layer of base coat.
Paint two layers of nail polish.
Paint one layer of top coat.
Don't f*** them up.


     All in all, it was a pretty fabulous day! Hmm... Why haven't I thought to end all of my posts like that? I don't know... I'm not creative enough. Oh well. I hope you enjoyed this little spa post. I hope you have a chance to experience fun times with your friends in these hectic times! What do you do on spa days or just to relax? Have any DIY recipes I should try? Let me know in the comments! 

xx Amanda (& Jadyn)
Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Panic Attacks & Natural Solvents

     Hello, everyone! As so kindly pointed out by my long-lost boyfriend, I have not blogged in almost a week; I am ashamed. Getting ready for college gets really stressful, along with keeping in touch with friends that have dispersed all around the midwest, and upholding this lovely blogging community that bonds us together. 

     As I said, these are very stressful times. Making sure everything is organized, still trying to make sure I'm not forgetting anything, and just flat out, packing my clothes is a difficult task for me to complete. I'll just let you in on a little secret: I am a bit of a perfectionist. I may not be organized 24/7, but I definitely appreciate when things are in their places. Having this little dilemma makes my life more stressful than needed.

     I have had several panic attacks within the last 3 months, all beginning with graduation. Graduation was a chore in-and-of itself. Why make such a big deal out of graduating from high school? Just give me the dang diploma and let me continue with my life! Then I was "required" to attend 8 zillion graduation parties beginning in early May and ending in late June. My stress level increased so quickly, I didn't even want to attend my own party... that's saying something. 

     These anxiety instances continued through the summer while I began my first job at the pool. The environment seemed so carefree and relaxing, but in reality, the manager's office was a horrifying place while trying to handle money and balance the drawer. I allowed myself to slip into a haze of not caring, and I got disciplined on a weekly basis because I wasn't doing my job correctly; I could always improve. I wanted to show that I was a good employee, but being told I'm not good enough made me frustrated. 

     Managing college affairs was also a difficult part of my summer. From answering several emails, taking placement tests, writing checks and watching money drain out of my bank account like the water from my last shower, it was, and still is, a very overwhelming time of my life. 

     Along with the fact that I have to go to college, my friends and my boyfriend had to depart as well. The love of my life has slipped through my fingers. We talk almost daily, but it gets really unnerving to read a text from him saying, "I have to go to class. Talk to you later." It gets hard having to wait around. I spend this time by going on Facebook and scroll through pictures of my friends making new friends and experiencing the collegiate life. I'm still home for 4 more days with two friends in town. Woohoo.

     Fortunately, my panic attacks are getting a little more bearable. My doctor-sister-lady (my sister, who is a lady and doctor) has acquainted me to many, many natural solvents to relieve stress, and they're all natural products! Woohoo! *How redundant!*

     Below is a list of all the products I have been using the past week and a half to help control and settle my anxiety through this tough journey.
From Left to Right: Arctic Cod Liver Oil, Pea Protein Powder, Vitamin Code Raw B-Complex,
Aura Cacia Essential Oil, Solaray 5-HTP Hydroxytryptophan, Vitamin B8, Now Magnesium Citrate
Arctic Cod Liver Oil
     Arctic Cod Liver Oil has several benefits for those with high cholesterol, heart diseases, arthritis, woman who are pregnant, children, and people like me who are nut jobs... KIDDING! But it does help with mental conditions including Alzheimer's disease, psychosis, ADHD, or bipolar disorders.
     Suggested Serving: 1 Tbsp per day. I pour it into a shot glass and chase it with some orange juice. For children, I suggest just mixing it into a glass of orange juice. I suggest obtaining a citrus flavored oil so it is more bearable to take.

Pea Protein Powder
     I'm not sure if this is well known, but peas are a highly bioavailable protein and they have no major allergens. This makes it an excellent source of post-workout nutrition for those who have trouble or cannot obtain protein in other manners.
     Suggested Serving: 1 level scoop per day. I like blending this in with a green smoothie every morning as a part of my breakfast. If you are in a hurry, mix in with juice or any other beverage in a blender bottle.

     There are a variety of benefits to this one vitamin. It helps maintain a healthy heart and blood, supports the immune system, increases metabolism, relieves stress (yay!), and stabilizes mental and physical energy.
     Suggested Serving: 2 capsules per day. I usually take them with dinner so they work in my body overnight. I usually drink water with them. If you cannot handle the taste, drink a flavored beverage.

     Essential oils are a great way to relieve stress. Opting for a calming scent can really relax the brain in busy and stressful times. I prefer lavender because it's refreshing, calming, relaxing, and it's light. On the rare occasion that I have a massage, I ask the masseuse to use lavender oil, if available. 
     Suggested Serving: I guess it depends on how you're feeling. When anxious, I rub a bit on the back of my neck or on my wrist. You can also apply the oil on the bottom of your big toes before bed.

     L-5 is widely used to help with obesity/dieting, PMS, migraines, depression, anxiety, insomnia and addictive behaviour. 5-HTP increases production of serotonin. Decreased levels in serotonin have been associated with obesity, PMS, migraines, depression, anxiety, insomnia and addictive behavior. Serotonin plays an important role in controlling anger, aggression, body temperature, mood, sleep, human sexuality, and appetite.
     Suggested Serving: 1 capsule per day. Similar to the Raw B-Complex Vitamin, I take it 
at dinner time with a glass of water.

     Also known as inositol, this powder is a really convenient way of getting your daily dose of Vitamin B8. It really helps with keeping your mood and cognition stable and also maintains healthy cells within the body. 
     Suggested Serving: 6 tsp per day, can be separated. On days I do not use the Pea Protein Powder, I use this in a smoothie or a glass of juice. 

     If you're not interested in all the vitamins and solvents to help decrease anxiety, at least pay attention to Magnesium. Magnesium is a panacea of most body functions. It helps with anxiety, depression, insomnia, headaches, insecurity, irritability, restlessness, talkativeness, sulkiness... the list goes on. If you're going to get anything out of this post, please don't neglect taking Magnesium on a daily basis.
     Suggested Serving: 2 tsp per day. It already taste like oranges, so what better way to take it then in a fresh glass of orange juice? You can mix it in whatever drink you'd like, just don't forget to take it, please?!

     Wow, that was a bit longer than I expected. I help you all benefit from this post by making your lifestyles a little easier... aka... less stressful! I hope you have a great day! What do you use to relieve your stress? Let me know in the comments because move-in day is going to be insane!

xx Amanda
Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

Thursday, August 21, 2014

How to Fill in Your Eyebrows

     Hello, lovelies. I hope you all are having a wonderful week. Today, I'd like to talk to you all about something that (in my opinion) is very important when it comes to doing your make up: the brows. 

     I'm sure that most of you have seen those edits of celebrities without eyebrows. They're a bit disturbing, right? Well, when you cover your eyebrows with foundation, powder, and whatever else, you look like that. I think it is so important to fill and define your eyebrows. They shape your face and give your face a much more defined look.

     ***Note: Everyone has their own preferences on products, tools, and techniques. In this post, this is just what I prefer to do, and I am in no way saying you are required to do anything I do in order to achieve pristine eyebrows. 
Products/Tools:
Brow Filling (powder, pencil, gel)
Concealer

A Highlighter (highlighting powder, translucent eye shadow)
  • If you're in a hurry or just lazy with your eye make up, I suggest using a highlighting powder (less products to apply). I use Physician's Formula: Powder Palette {7B: Mineral Glow Pearls}.
Detailing Brush
Eyeshadow Brush
What To Do:
     I start by swiping on a bit of the setting wax included in the Too Faced Brow Envy: Brow Shaping & Definig Kit. You don't need a lot, just enough to set the hairs in the direction you want them to be in. Then, I use the spool included to comb and make sure they look just right. Also, tweeze any stray hairs.
     Next, I take the tiny angled brush and apply the brunette shade to my brows. The trick is to use the most powder where there is already hair, and use the left overs on the parts that are more sparse. This will make the brow look more naturally full, and not pencilled in like your grandpa's pocket calendar. Once my brows are filled in the way I like, I brush a final layer of setting wax, just to be sure they stay in place.
     Now that my brows are filled, I like to make them a bit more defined by outlining them with my highlighting concealer and blending with my detailer brush. This really makes your brows stand out and the brightness of the concealer adds that extra "oomph" to your brow bone! 
     Once you've concealed, I take my eyeshadow and my flat eyeshadow brush and run a bit of eyeshadow on top of my brow bone for an instant brow lift! Who needs botox?! It really does make all the difference!
RANDOM QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Eyebrows are sisters, not twins." 
Don't be too troubled if they are not exactly even.

     I hope this helps you one your journey to beautiful brows. What products, tools, and techniques do you use to create perfect eyebrows? Let me know in the comments!

xx Amanda
Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

Monday, August 18, 2014

Open When... Envelopes (Long Distance Relationships)


     Hello, friends! This post is going to be slightly different than what I usually do, but I hope you get some inspiration from this. I think I've made it clear that I am headed to college very soon. Many of my friends are already gone, beginning their journey into adulthood and making friends. I am stuck in town for another two weeks. TWO WEEKS! *Sigh*

     On the other hand, I have been happy to leave later enabling spending time with my boyfriend for a few extra days. However, he is still leaving tomorrow. We will be between 3 and 4 hours apart. I'm sure there are some of you screaming at your computer, "My significant other is on the other side of the globe, and you're complaining about being 3 hours away?!" I definitely sympathize those of you who feel that way. 

     Let me enlighten you: We met in school, we both live in town, we see each other almost on a daily basis. This is the first time in our relationship that we will be apart for a significant amount of time. Now I hope you understand my dilemma. 

     The worst part of not being together is being able to be there for your other half. I decided it might be fun to write letters to "be there for him" when I cannot be there physically. I'm sure he'll enjoy reading them as much as I did writing them. It's fun to share inside jokes, old memories, thoughts, etc. 

     Don't get me wrong, we're still planning on visiting each other, calling, texting, and Skyping, but if there is ever a time when it is inconvenient to contact one another, he can just read the designated letter to feel a bit more at ease.


Here's a list of all the topics/occasions I wrote about:
Open When...

  • You receive these letters
  • It's your birthday
  • It's Valentine's Day
  • It's our 2 Year Anniversary
  • Things get rough between us
  • You need a study break
  • The distance between us is killing you
  • It's the day before you come home
  • I'm back in your arms
  • You want to take a walk down memory lane
  • You have doubts
  • You are jealous
  • You need God
  • You are angry/upset
  • I make you mad
  • You make me mad
  • You can't sleep
  • You are imagining our future together
  • You are bored
  • You forget how amazing you are
  • You're having a bad day
  • You are stressed
  • You need some motivation
  • You want to know some things that remind me of you when I get lonely
  • You're missing me
  • You are sick
  • You are happy
  • You want to know how happy you make me
  • You need a laugh
  • You're finished reading these letters

Bound the letters together with some twine.
     What do you think of a gift like this? Have you done something similar to this before? If not, would you do it for someone? Let me know in the comments! 

xx Amanda
Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

Friday, August 15, 2014

My Summer 2014 Favorites

     Hi, friends. Sorry it's been awhile since I've written. It's surprisingly been a busy week...and of course I don't have plans on a Friday evening. It's normal. 

     Anyway, it's getting close to the end. I don't mean to be dramatic, but summer is almost over. However, I thought this would be an excellent opportunity to share with you the things I have loved throughout Summer 2014!

Aveeno Active Naturals: Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer (SPF 15)
  • This moisturizer does wonders for my skin. It has a light feel, not heavily fragranced, and helps my skin feel smooth throughout the day. I also love that there is SPF in there, especially during the summer months!
Tree Hut: Shea Extra-Rich Moisturizing Lotion {Tropical Mango}
  • I was given this lotion as a belated Christmas gift this year from a close friend of mine (hey, Jay!). I love putting it on my legs after shaving and on my elbows since they get quite dry. It's light, goes on easily, and it's not sticky. It's a one-of-a-kind lotion, and I will definitely buy another bottle when this one is empty!
Burt's Bees: Beeswax Lip Balm {Vitamin E & Peppermint}
  • This is a lip balm that never gets old. I've been told it's weird to use a lip balm in the summer: "Who's lips get dry in the summer?" MINE DO! The get dried, sunburnt, cracked...everything! This lip balm makes my lips soft without peeling, and the chilling sensation from the peppermint keeps them cooled!
Suave: Moroccan Infusion Weightless Dry Shampoo
  • Have you ever heard that it's bad to wash your hair frequently? Well this is true, and something I live by (also, I'm kinda lazy when it comes to washing my hair). Dry shampoo is a staple during the summer: I may get sweaty or a bit of sunscreen in my hair that may result in greasy-looking hair, but dry shampoo always leaves my hair shiny and voluminous. 
TRESemmé: Thermal Creations Mousse
  • I am in love with the idea of adding volume to my hair while I am styling it with hot tools. It makes the job a lot quicker and more bearable. Once I get out of the shower, I let my hair air dry a bit, then I just pump about a nickel-sized amount of mousse into my hand. I just apply most in the center down to the end; leftovers go on the roots to avoid any crunchiness. 
Real Techniques: Blush Brush
  • How have I only discovered this brush within the last two months? I regret not having this in my possession sooner. It makes applying blush onto my face with much ease and makes it look... dare I say... FLAWLESS. The fibers are so soft and now I always desire to put on blush just to feel the bristles. 
Almay: Intense i-Color Shadow Stick {Brown Eyes}
  • I'm just a child and like drawing on myself. Kidding! No, not really, I'm not kidding at all. If you're lazy with your eye make up, like me, this is the way to go. I love using the natural color for a lovely, shimmery base. On occasion, when I'm feeling a bit rebellious (not often), I'll apply a bit of the green in my crease and blend it in for a nice, colorful look. It looks amazing and fierce!
CoverGirl: Nail Polish {Coral Silk 240}
  • I've really been loving coral this summer. I am in no way able to pull it off, but I don't mind. I love wearing this nail polish. It's so bright and well... Summer-y. Plus this nail polish is so shiny, it truly looks like I've just come out of the salon when I wear it. I'm going to have to stock up on more colors!

Ulta: 3-in-1 Beauty Smoothies {Yum Yum Yumberry & Berrylicious}
  • This stuff works great and smells so good. Like, I can't stop smelling myself... Okay, moving on. I love this product because it's a triple threat: shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath. I usually use it for just shower gel and bubble bath, but I've heard it leaves your hair clean and smelling fresh, as it does your body.

LUNA Bar: Peanut Honey Pretzel
  • I have sort of a busy schedule, and I usually don't have time to eat real meals often. I usually pack fruit (which is not filling at all). I like bringing along one of these LUNA Bars. They are so tasty and healthy for you, as well. There are so many flavors to try, Peanut Honey Pretzel is just my current fave.
AriZona Beverage Co: Green Tea
  • This tea has a different taste, but I'm so in love with it, I can't stop drinking it. Yes, I do realize there is a bit more sugar than needed, but that does not change the way I feel about this beverage. It's so refreshing, and is just fun to drink. The bottles and cans are so adorable!

EduSkate
  • EduSkate is a skateboard shop that I was introduced to a day ago. For a belated birthday gift, my boyfriend took me to this shop to get me my first cruise board.The owner, Nate, was great; a perfect fit for this store he gets along with everyone. Just so you know, I am a very awkward individual, but we had over an hour conversation with this man and I felt like I've known him for forever. If you ever get the chance, do pay him a visit. No need to buy a board, just say hi, and the shop looks so cool!

Ed Sheeran's Album: X
  • So I'm only a little very obsessed with this album. Ed Sheeran has his own style, but within his own style, he has several unique sub-styles. Every song is related in the slightest, but the songs all are so different and still good makes this album so irresistible. 
Troye Sivan's EP: TRXYE
  • For those of you who don't know, Troye Sivan is a part of the YouTube community. I discovered him while Zoe (Zoella) Sugg waxed his legs in a video of hers. I've been subscribed to him ever since. He recently released his first single "Happy Little Pill" which is a slower but very powerful song. Let's just say, I've played it 218 times and it hasn't been on my iPod for more than a few weeks. His full album "TRXYE" was just released today, and all of the songs have already been memorized. It's been a productive day. Whatever. I 100% recommend it to you all. Give it a listen!

Ellen Degeneres' Book: Seriously...I'm Kidding
  • I personally am not the biggest fan of reading. I have to get really into the book or have had to have heard a lot of good reviews on a book to keep myself focused. This book got me hooked instantly. I've always looked up to Ellen and watch the show often. She just has the best sort of humor, and this book is literally for everyone. I kid you, not. There are coloring pages in it for the little ones, there are chapters about tweeting and "teenage" slang, and there is adult humor, too! I don't care if you hate reading, if you check out this book, it will feel like you are just talking to Ellen, herself, and who wouldn't like that?

     So that concludes my summer favorites. Do you like or use any of these products? What do/did you enjoy this summer? Should I do proper reviews on any of these products? Let me know in the comments.

xx Amanda
Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore