Tuesday, September 25, 2012

We're gonna skip around here.

I decided to start this post off with a picture of a quote I adore. The woman who said it is just one of my favorite actresses. Especially, for reason's like this:
 
 
Can I get an amen?! I'm not big, but I know I'm not skinny. And you know what? I like where I am. I still need to shed just a few pounds, but I eat healthy foods and portions (for the most part) and I try and make sure my body gets the nutrients it needs. I'm not a workout nut (and there's obviously nothing wrong with being one), but I'm getting my workouts at physical therapy right now, and then I like to take walks around my beautiful apartment complex with the boy. There is so much pressure of being skinny, but just like Jen states, I feel like once a lot of people get to a normal/healthy skinny, people are so quick to judge and blame anorexia or bulemia. It's just not right, and I found this picture and I wanted to share. How do you ladies feel about the topic? Have you ever been told you were "too thin" or "too fat" and then you lost or gained weight, and were told the opposite? It's happened to me on more than one occassion.
 
 
 
On a completely different note, Brandon and I are re-doing our master bathroom. We picked the shower curtain and the mat from the picture above. We really like the idea of the cart, but we still can't find one we feel will work! Anyway, it's exciting to me, and I'm just glad that Brandon actually cares and he isn't just like "Do whatever, babe, it's just a bathroom," because then it gives us even more stuff to do on the weekends together. That picture above is from kohls.com. Have I ever confessed my love for Kohls? I seriously wish there wasn't one JUST around the corner. It can do some damage to your wallet if you're not careful!
 
For those that have been keeping up with the car accident drama, I got the MRI of my brain done last Monday, and then yesterday I got all of my nerve testing done. WOW! Okay, talk about not fun at all! First, they kept sticking needles in my arms and legs and moving them around to see (WHAT?! to see if it hurt me? Haha. Of course it hurts!) how my nerves were reacting. The second test was worse, though. They just kept shocking me in so many different places on my arms and legs. I wanted to scream, but I just closed my eyes and tried so hard to focus on something else. The last test was the easiest. They put a bunch of gunk in my hair and then 21 electrodes on my scalp and monitored my brain waves for a good thirty minutes. Car accidents...yeeeeeeesh. They take it out of you, for sure. I get the results of those tests next week, and then we move from there. I'll keep y'all posted. I know it's exciting stuff!
 
Today is one of those days (and really it's only 11:30, so I've still got time to get organized) where I could use one of these bad boys:
 
(Mine is on the right. Java Chip Frapp!)
 
 
Perhaps if I had one of those, this post would be a little more put together and not all over the place. I apologize for that, but if you're still reading, thank you. :) I gotta say, it never gets old having new readers and followers. I still love my old ones, too! I'd be completely lying if I said that your comments didn't make my day. So thanks to everyone who stops by on a regular basis and leaves some lovin'; it makes me so happy! If I could have that, and the picture below again right now, I'd be in heaven:
 
 
...siggghhh.
 
Next post will for sure be more organized with a set topic. I just wanted to say hi to my readers and that I haven't disappeared. :) Have a great day, ladies! I'll see ya really soon!
 
 
 
 
 

Friday, September 21, 2012

Fashion Fridays



I have been waiting to get to do one of these "Friday Favorites" or "Fashion Fridays", and today I finally had the time to sit down and create and outfit for y'all that I just LOVE! I try to be more of a bargain shopper right now, so this stuff isn't too crazy expensive.

1) Dress: LC Lauren Conrad Handkerchief Chiffon Dress (found on kohls.com)
    On sale: $24.99 Original Price: $64.00

2) Boots: Apt. 9 Fringed Ankle Boots in "Gray" (kohls.com)
    On sale: $50.99 Original Price: $74.99

3) Fedora: Mossimo Supply Co. White Shine Packable Menswear Fedora (found on target.com) $12.99

4) Bracelet: Zig Zag Bracelet (target.com) $9.99

5) Necklace: Matte Pendant Necklace (target.com) $14.99

6) Lipgloss/Shine: Maybelline Super Stay 24 color in "Constant Coral" (find at your local drugstore; prices may vary) $9.99 (I own this & I looooove it!)

Thoughts? Would you wear this outfit? Anything you'd change? Sound off in the comments! I had a lot of fun creating this. If I could afford to go out and get every single one of those items right now, I totally would. Hopefully that outfit I created as least inspires you. ;)

My favorite blog this week to stalk was: Bubby and Bean ::: Living Creatively

I am mostly excited that it is FINALLY the weekend and that means I get to spend all my time with this handsome man:

 
I am such a lucky girl! Super stoked! I wouldn't mind if you decided to follow my blog or gave me any feedback or lovin' in the comments. I'll be changing Fridays up every time, so who knows what's in store for next weekend? This was my first fashion post, so I hope I did okay. I hope you like it! Have a great weekend, ladies! Laugh, love, dance, give hugs (the bear kind), and...have a drink (if you're of age, of course!)
 
 
 



Thursday, September 20, 2012

You have a great face for make-up, darling.


Hi, lovelies. It has been a little while since I've done a beauty review post. I've just had so much going on! (You can read more about that later, if you want.) I suppose I should explain the title of this post. I found it on a funny ecard this morning, and laughed a lot inside and decided it was time to blog. As for me, I've been busy doing nothing, yet somehow remaining to stay busy. Does this make sense or am I the only one this has happened to? I'm busy doing nothing, as in I'm unable to leave my apartment unless someone comes to pick me up (for doctors' appts and such) but I am constantly looking for a job, on the phone with insurance companies, trying to get this done and that done so we can get the ball rollin'! I'm aware that car accidents (especially more...severe ones) can take a long time to get settled, but I guess I hadn't quite prepared myself for what that meant. All I can do now is pray and ask for patience and healing. Those two things are a must right now.
 
                        TIME FOR BEAUTY PRODUCT REVIEWS!!!!
 
 
1) Neutrogena Naturals purifying pore scrub: So, back before I got into this car accident, I wasn't really stressing all that much. This is not a good ACNE face wash. But, if all you want to do is wash your face, I love this stuff! I used it before I started breaking out everywhere (and that was honestly purely stress-related). It "gently scrubs away impurities that can build up in pores to improve complexion for fresh, clear skin." They have lots of great products, and I love their moisturizer, too!
 
2) Fekkai Glossing Cream: I was introduced to this stuff when I was working at Sephora. It's a little pricier than other items, but if you're like me, you'd go crazy in that store if you could...especially with a discount. This stuff works for ALL hair types! It has pure olive oil that helps eliminate frizz, and adds moisture & shine. All you do is wash your hair, and when it's damp or dry, apply a "pea size" amount. Works wonders! I highly suggest. I am BIG on sleek, frizz-free products with my hair type.
 
3) Axe Anarchy For Her: Okay, I must admit. I NEVER thought I was going to try this stuff. I thought it was just really weird that Axe had spray for females, and it sorta weirded me out. I would never use this as a perfume to actually go out anywhere, but say you're going to the gym (I said say. Whether you work out or not is totally up to you haha) and you're actually doing a great workout, especially because you're trying to impress Mr. Hot Bench-Pressing Man over there. Oh c'mon, I've done that soooo many times!) You don't want to reek when you're leaving, so if you don't have time to shower, go in the bathroom, spray some of this goodness on (not too much! It tells you how on the back!) and if you happen to run into eachother upon departure, he won't be giving you the stink eye. My boyfriend actually really likes the smell, but I refuse to wear it as an actual perfume. To each his...ahem, her own.
 
4) Redken extreme anti-snap leave-in treatment for distressed hair: Phew. Long name. I actually went into Ulta one day and got this stuff on accident. I was looking for another Redken product, but glad I found this one! Talk about protection for your hair! You will apply a small amount to towel-dried hair, especially in the damaged areas. This stuff will give your hair the heat protection it needs (Hi, I'm Brani. I straighten my hair A LOT!) It also triples with protecting against breakage and split ends. Basically, no matter how much crap you do to your hair, this stuff will do its best (and in my opinion, a darn good job) of strengthening, keeping it healthy & shiny.
 
...phew! I hope you enjoyed those reviews and consider buying at least one of them. If you already use any of these products, let me know! If you plan to purchase one, let me know that, too! The comment section is there for a reason.
 
 
I just wanted to leave you with that quote. It's been a trying few weeks for me. Never forget how beautiful you really are, ladies! Please. :) Don't let anything bring you down. As a good ol' friend said to me yesterday, "When you're in the darkest of dark, it'll be only that much more beautiful when the light finally starts shining." Amen! One more? Okay, since you asked.
 
 
Okay, okay...for real, ONE last thing! Please go visit my best friend in the world (since sophomore year of high school who lives in NYC and left me stranded here in FL, though I do still love her. We are thinking about working on a project together...hmmm. Anyway, her blog is pure awesome, she's a talented writer, and she has a wonderful fashion style. Go visit Amanda over at Wible Bible, you can follow her if you want (on the interwebs. No street stalking!) Perhaps we'll tell you of our new project soooooon! Have a lovely day!
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me...

Oooh ladies, let's get real! I could not stay away from you all for THAT long. I sure do have a lot on my mind lately, but in the end, I realized that blogging is a bit like stress relief for me. If I can't have my own personal masseuse or calming yoga instructor, so be it. I realized that writing my thoughts down is a great healing technique. It has been extemely therapeutic, because it gets me to hush all of the many negative thoughts. That way, the things that aren't worth worrying about, I realize that--and, well, worry about them later...when there is an actual reason to. So, I move along and pay attention to the things that ARE worth worrying about. Such as making plans with friends for the week, or what I feel like cooking for dinner that night. Speaking of friends...I posted the other day that I am currently reading this awesome book, MWF seeking BFF. I have only put it down when I am forced to go to my doctor's appointments or when I'm blogging. It took me a couple chapters to really get into it, but I can relate to the author so much because of my own two best friends recently moving to different states and leaving me behind. I am happy for them, because their careers have both taken off and lots of other great things have happened for them both, but I still miss them like crazy all the time. The feeling better be reciprocated, ladies! So, I didn't feel like doing too, too much of a crazy post tonight. Earlier today I'd asked Brandon to answer a questionnaire I'd discovered on another blog that said "free to steal", so I did. And here it is...
 
 
LET ME GO AHEAD AND BE PERFECTLY CLEAR HERE: I am not wearing make-up in this picture. It was hard for me to put this one up, but it is hard for Brandon & I to get good pictures together...soooo, whatever. Now you have seen me without make-up. Eeeeek! Q&A time. (Feel free to steal this; I stole it from someone else's blog!)
 
Q: She's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen?
Brandon: Honey Boo Boo Child!
Me: No doubt. That show, however pathetic, is hilarious. It makes me feel really, really good about myself. I actually don’t even like to watch TV, but that show…man, did I say it makes me feel really good about myself yet? But don’t let Brandon try and fool you into thinking that he doesn’t watch it sometimes with me! He gets a kick out of it just as much as I do.
Q: You're out to eat, what kind of dressing does she get on her Salad?
Brandon: Italian. Always. She’ll ask for Italian dressing instead of Caesar for her Caesar salad.
Me: Yup!  I’m a little weird, but you’ll see why in the answer below.
Q: What is one food that she does not like?
Brandon: Meat.
Me: True. I am a vegetarian, after all. This was an easy question for you, babes.
Q: You go out to eat and have a drink, what does she order?
Brandon: Sex on the Beach!
Me: Yes! Such a tasty drink; this has been the usual lately.
Q: What size shoe does she wear?
Brandon: No clue.
Me: I’m not surprised. I’m an 8-8/12.
Q: If she was collecting anything, what would it be?
Brandon: Memories. She saves all the stuff from our dates and vacations. Cards from holidays, you name it. She saves that stuff.
Me: Aww. He’s right. I do. I really want to find a cool looking memory box somewhere…or just make my own.
Q: What is her favorite type of sandwich?
Brandon: Veggie Sub, that’s the only kind she can get.
Me: Yup! I can’t get meat on it. The only thing from an animal that I will eat is cheese. I could never, ever give up cheese! This was an easy one for you.
Q: What would she eat everyday if she could?
Brandon: Tofu Crumbles.
Me: Umm, well I do love those and put them in a lot of my meals. However, I’d probably say French fries. Tofu Crumbles is a good answer though, seeing as how I put them in my tacos tonight to substitute for the beef. ;)
Q: What is her favorite cereal?
Brandon: She doesn’t eat cereal.
Me: I don’t. Good job! But if I ever did, it’d be Lucky Charms.
Q: What's her favorite music?
Brandon: Indie. She loves Lana del Rey.
Me: I do love Lana del Rey. She’s amazing. I guess you could say I really do love a lot of “indie” music. But I also love classic rock & and alternative rock.
Q: What is her favorite sports team?
Brandon: Gators.
Me: Go Gators! Too bad he loves The Noles. It hasn’t gotten in the way of our relationship yet, though. :P
Q: What is her eye color?
Brandon: Brown.
Me: Yeah. Boring brown!
Q: Who is her best friend?
Brandon: Me. :)
Me: Aww! That is the cutest answer. Yeah, pretty much. But I do have some great girlfriends, too. :P
Q: What is something you do that she wishes you wouldn't?
Brandon: Leave the Brita filter empty.
Me: Correct! I just want you to put more water in it when you see it’s almost empty. Haha. I don’t think that’s too much to ask for.
Q: What is her heritage/where is she from?
Brandon: Somewhere in Europe…
Me: I’m mostly Romanian. Nice effort, baby. I’ve got some Cherokee blood in me. I’m German, and I think also Polish and maybe a little bit…I dunno. I’m so many things! I’m a mutt.
Q: You bake her a cake for her birthday, what kind of cake is it?
Brandon: The wrong kind.
Me: I pretty much only like ice cream cake or cookie cake. For my birthdays, I always request an ice cream cake for my birthday dinners. I’m just not the biggest fan of birthday cakes…
Q: Did she play any sports?
Brandon: Yes, all of them. Dancing, golf, horseback riding.
Me: Yes, I did! I played a bunch of sports. The above that he mentioned (I was really pretty great at golf. I wish I would have stuck with it. I played basketball for a little bit, did gymnastics, swim team, tennis. What didn’t I play is the better question. Horseback riding was always my favorite, though. I competed in English, though I rode both English & Western.
Q: What could she spend hours doing?
Brandon: Blogging. Crafts.
Me: True! Or eating. Haha! I knew he was going to say blogging.
Q: What is one unique talent she has?
Brandon: She is The Animal Whisperer. She saves all kinds.
Me: I guess so. On our first date, I told him I’d saved a turtle crossing the road that day. He has loved me ever since. :) I also sing, dance, and act and have since I was little.
 
So basically, he knows me REALLY well. Almost better than I know my own self. Thanks for agreeing to do the survey, babes. If you get your men to do it, ladies, let me know in the comments, so I can come read the funny responses! Okay. I am sooo extremely tired for once. It's 1:42AM and I'm up about to go to bed for the first time in days. I have a great post coming tomorrow or the next day with a bunch of beauty purchases & reviews! I am so excited to share them with y'all. If you are a first time visitor, please follow me with the link or on the side and comment so that I know. I love finding new blogs, so I definitely would love to check out yours! Goodnight. Errr...good morning?
 
 
 
 

Friday, September 14, 2012

Taking a quick breather!

I'm sorry that I haven't blogged in a few days. Those of you that know me are super aware that I've had a rough past 3 years...and 2012 hasn't been easy at all lately. The last thing on my mind the past few days was blogging. I've got so many scary tests to do in the next few days for my car accident issues, and then a bunch of other crap happened, and...well, I'm sure at least some of you can relate. My next post will be a really great one, and until then, I'm gonna tide you over with some pictures of randomness. Enjoy! I will be back super soon, loves.
 


\

--------> This pic is from a photoshoot I did that was 70s themed. Very fun. Extra points if you know what song those lyrics are from!
 
(And just a few more). I've been told that V. Hudgens is my doppleganger. I posted that pic (the last one) as my profile pic for about a week and my friends commented on it, really thinking it was me. Heheeeeeeeeeee.
 



 



 



PS. While I am away for just a short while (like a few days), check out these awesome blogs I have recently discovered and become obsessed with:
 
 
Then there are my favorites, just because not only do they have great blogs, but these are some of the sweetest girls I've met since I started blogging:
 
Love, The Skinnys (I simply ADORE Deidre. Obsessed with her blog.)
A Lovely Little Blog (Lyndsey is my best bloggin' buddy & and she's lovely.)
Oh, Pish Posh (Breanne is the beautiful girl that finally inspired me to begin blogging.)
Helen Hearts (Helen is as sweet as an angel, with awesome taste.)
Wible Bible (Amanda is my real life BFF. She's new to the big blogging world,
so PLEASE show her some lovin'. Her blog is amazing!)
 
Have fun visiting those & have an amazing weekend, darlings!
 
PS. I just had to add...I've been getting a lot of sweet comments from some of you all about getting my tests done and asking how I'm feeling from the accident. You'll never know how much that means to me. I have the best followers EVER, and if you're following me, you better comment and let me know, so I can follow you! Lotsa love <3
 
 

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Yes, I bought these flowers for myself. Sooo what?

Today's picture of a crazy look I tried with a BUNCH of make-up I got pretty much all at once: (Haha, did it work out or shall I never try this look again?)

When you get into a really bad car accident (even if you're not found at fault) it can be really taxing on your mental well-being, not just the physical (which umm, for me, that's not great right now either). The process of going to physical therapy 3 x's per week is not what gets me. The bi-weekly appointments to my orthopedic surgeon don't bother me, either. And today, well--this one scares me a little. I have my first appointment with a neurologist because I hit my head...how shall I put this...really FREAKIN' HARD during the accident. So, with help from my family and friends, I too, have realized I am suffering from severe memory loss. It would be unfair to say my memory has always been fabulous, because it hasn't. But I do know that it's much, much worse now. So when you try to weigh out what's worse: the emotional roller-coaster ride of recovering from a bad car accident, or the physical recovery? 98% of the time (and don't get me wrong, I'm hurtin') the emotional toll it has taken is worse.
 

 My boyfriend (let's post a picture or two of him so you all can see what a looker he is. I'd like to say he's a mix between Heath Ledger and a young Richard Gere) always gets me flowers at all the right times. Valentine's Day, my birthday, Father's Day (because my Dad passed away 3 years ago and he knows how hard that day is for me) and he even got me flowers (well, the kitten we both own got me flowers) on Mother's Day. He's pretty amazing! But sometimes, when a girl is having a rough day/week/month and she is at Publix standing in line waiting for a prescription and looks to her left at the beautiful assortment of flowers, she thinks, "I am sooo going over there. Even if I don't buy anything, I deserve to take a peek." Of course he looked at me sorta strange when I came home with them and I could tell he wanted to ask, "Soooo, uhhh, who are those from?" but I immediately explained my day and thus, the conclusion of the pretty new flowers in our apartment. They look beautiful, don't they? I don't think there is really anything like a fresh boquet of flowers to put in your house/apt/condo/whatever to pretty it up a bit. Everytime I look at them, they put me in a good mood, just like when my good friend Jenna brought me some about two weeks ago and I smiled every single time I saw them. One more picture of him, because I can't get over how much I adore him. (Plus I want my viwers to understand just how in love I am. :) Then my flowers!
 
 
In my opinion, neither one of those two are bad on the eyes. Hahaha! So, ladies, I don't think there is ANYTHING wrong with buying yourself flowers on a day where you feel like no one in the world could possibly understand. :) I have some interesting posts coming up soon, just like I promised. My brother's sister-in-law who is the manager of a Forever 21 will be guest blogging, I'll have more reviews on products I just tried, and some fashion and DIY stuff. I'll try to get it up soon!
 
Would anyone be interested in being pen pals? I'm being so completely serious. I'd like to start off with just letters and then gradually (once I'm working again) be able to send eachother beauty products & stuff that we think the other person would like. Because the best thing about this blog so far, are the friends that I'm making. I want those relationships to become even closer, too! So let me know. Write about it in the comments, or write about whatever in the comments. And lastly, I am now on twitter. You can find me @branilaine. Have a wonderful day! I'm off to a neurology appointment... until then, lovelies.

PS. Wow. It's the 11th anniversary of September 11th. I will never forget where I was that day when I found out, or how it affected me and still does. I was sitting in biology class freshmen year of high school when they turned all the TVs on to let us watch. Most of the school went home, and I remember just crying and crying. When I came home we got ahold of our relatives in New York, and they were fine, but this day will never be a good day for me. There's so much sadness to it. Thank you to everyone who has put their own lives on the line to help out then, since then, and now. I could never show enough appreciation. Where were you when you found out?
 
 
 

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Get by with a little help from my friends...& products.

First and foremost, I have to thank Helen over at Helen Hearts for designing a fresh new look for my blog. It is beautiful and clean; exactly what I wanted! Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. You are such a sweetheart, and if you have not yet been to her page, please go visit! If you would be so kind to follow my blog now, I'd be forever grateful. I've added information on the "Sponsor" page all about button swapping and such. :) I am not at all picky about swapping buttons (and for free). So I don't leave you with the shortest blog post ever, I wanted to share with you some AWESOME stuff! Here are some cute menu planning & grocery lists I found via blogs online.
Those are from the blog A Feathered Nest. Go there so you can print them out. I promise you, having cute meal-planning and grocery shopping lists makes those pesky tasks a little bit more fun. Now, onto my reviews for some more products that I love. Again.
 
 
 
DuWop LIP VENOM lip plumper & gloss repulpant
 
This product is a MUST. You can get the look of injections in your lips, without the...well, without the injections! It will burn a teensy bit at first (but that means it's working) but the result is SO worth it! You can wear this product as a lipgloss itself, or under your normal lipgloss. Trust me when I say, this is the closest you will get to having the perfect pout without having to stick needles in your lips. Love it!
 
Formula 10.0.6 SERIOUSLY SHINE FREE Mattifying Oil-Free Moisturizer
 

This matte-finish moisturizer is so light-weight. It's perfect to apply after washing your face to keep it smooth and shine free all day. It has Aloe Vera (which helps soften the skin) and Bamboo extract (which absorbs the excess oil). It will not clog your pores! Definitely one of the best moisturizers I have tried in quite some time.
               Formula 10.0.6 KEEP ME CLEAN Clarifying Facial Wipes
                                       
These babies are awesome for on-the-go facial cleansing, or when you are just so extremely tired at night that you simply cannot go through the whole tiring routine of washing your face (big no-no, by the way...but if you must). They include cucumber & witch hazel. They remove dirt, oil, and makeup. The witch hazel tones your skin while the cucumber leaves your skin feeling refreshed (and smelling good, might I add). Like the label says, "Use whenever a good wash is hard to find."
 
 
And now before I leave you today, I am going to go completely off topic and recommend a book that I've been reading that I just can't put down! Rachel Bertsche provides a hilarious look into her life while searching for a new BFF (since her two best friends are in completely different states now). The reason I believe I love this book so much? I am in the exact same predicament...minus the friend dates. I haven't exactly tried that yet. I hope these products & this book give you something to look forward to purchasing this coming week!
 

Also, I purchased these products tonight:


 

Can't wait to give y'all a review on them! (If there's one thing I'm good at, it's beauty on a budget.) Pretty please do me a favor and leave me a comment if you have used any of these products or plan to try them out. They are all pretty affordable. Also, if you've read this book, don't be afraid to leave a review in the comments, as well. NEXT WEEK! My boyfriend's sister-in-law is the manager of a Forever 21 in Destin, FL and will be guest blogging with some awesome fashion tips & ideas. You won't want to miss that! Happy Sunday, y'all! Please don't forget to follow this blog. And if you do, comment that you are and leave your blog address. I promise I'll visit!
 
 

Friday, September 7, 2012

Design yo' blog, design yo' face!

    I realized I don't have the knowledge anymore to design this blog on my own. I was hoping someone out there in the blog world could comment with a link or two (or five) with some blog design sites. The cheaper, the better. This girl is on a budget! I know that a big part of actually having regular viewers (followers, if you will) is having a nice set-up; and let's be real--I do not have that yet. ;) So any help would be greatly appreciated! I have got to get this thing going. If you are a blogger and you just so happen to stumble across 'That's Just Lovely...' and decide you'd like to help, my appreciation would not go unnoticed.
    Anyway, I've recently been on a crazy budget (that...let's be real, I've never been on before) due to this car accident and the fact that I'm recovering. I don't have buttloads of money to be spending on makeup or beauty products at all. The most expensive new item I got (you'll see that first picture below), my boyfriend was nice enough to buy for me. I wanted to share with you all just a few of my favorite beauty products! I'd be lost right now without these.  They are completely affordable for ladies that don't have extreme amounts of cash to go on a splurge at Sephora. Don't get me wrong (I did work a summer as a makeup artist at Sephora), it is the heaven of all makeup stores and if I had a giftcard for $(insert massive amounts of numbers here), I'd be like a kid in a candy store. Only I wouldn't have to ask my mom, "Mommmmyyyy, can I puhhh-leaaasseee get this? I neeeeeed it!" I'd just get whatever I wanted. I'm getting off topic. Here ya go:

CLINIQUE acne solutions liquid makeup $27.00
                             
This foundation is absolutely fabulous! I am prone to acne when I am under lots of stress, and this stuff actually helps fight acne while you wear it. It has salicylic acid in it to fight blemishes and keep them from coming back! It's light-weight and has a fresh feeling. I highly recommend it!

Maybelline Volum' Express-- The Falsies $??.??

 A dream mascara if I've ever found one. If you apply it just the right way (more on that in a later post) it actually appears that you have false lashes on! Even my own mother didn't believe me when I told her I was only wearing mascara, not falsies. This stuff is great. I can't give you an exact price on it because it has been different at every store I've gotten it at. It's not too horrible on your pocketbook, though.

Bare Minerals-- Warmth All-Over $19.00
                         
 Nothing is better than a sun-kissed glow and this bronzing powder does the trick for me. I used to use a lot of Bare Minerals products (and I do love them) but this is the one I have stuck with because after applying it on my cheeks, forehead, chin & nose (all the areas that normally get sun) I feel beautiful! I still highly recommend all other Bare Minerals products, but if I have to name just one...this is it!

COVERGIRL Outlast Lipstain-- $??.??

 This product is AMAZING! Pick a color that works for you. The application is super easy (it's like a marker, afterall) and it really does last. I didn't have to re-apply...this stuff stuck to my lips and gave me a perfect pout! Prices vary at different stores, I believe, but this stuff is an investment well worth it.

 That's enough products for now I think. I'd love to be able to post pictures of everything that I currently have in my makeup bag, but I really just wanted to tide you all over with something while I continue to get this blog designed, sponsored, and out there. Before I go, though, I found my NEW favorite blog, so of course I feel the need to share it with you beauty lovin' ladies. I'm seriously obsessed with visiting it every single day to see what's new. Please go visit Nykki over at Nykki's Mane Blog. You will not be disappointed.


Until next time! (which includes a Q&A sesh)

Monday, September 3, 2012

A baby bird attempts to fly...

    Last week, I discovered a bird's nest in the palm tree right outside our window. The mama bird was feeding her two babies. They were Mourning Doves. I just had to point it out to my boyfriend, as it was the most exciting thing that I had witnessed in quite awhile; being that I was in a bad car accident last month and have not witnessed much lately besides the inside of our new apartment. It was such a simple thing, however happy it made me. I realized at that moment that I do enjoy the simple, small, beautiful things in life.
    To add to the excitement, I decided this morning to check up on them, only to realize that one of them had attempted to fly and failed (poor li'l guy was on the ground, but not injured) and the other was preparing his wings to give it a go. I have been thinking and thinking about what to write my first post about. What would be interesting? What would attract readers and followers? Why do I love the blogs that I visit on a daily basis and how do I take something from each of them and create my own that is just so lovely that people decide to follow it? I decided that it was a little like a baby bird attempting to fly. Here I am, giving this blog thing a go, putting my life out there and hoping to somehow begin to inspire and grab someone's attention. It's a little scary, as I imagine flying for the first time would be.
    I want 'That's Just Lovely...' to be about fashion, beauty, DIY, and also to be able to write about the events in my life that might somehow be interesting enough to have a viewer think, I like this girl's blog...I am going to save it to my favorites and come back to see what she has done with it. Of course I'm working on the design, gathering ideas, planning and scheming (I've even got my handy-dandy notebook sitting next to me) to make this baby a good one. Until then, I'd love to share some of the blogs that inspired me to begin this journey.
    Melisa from Pie N' The Sky, for her beautiful design and enjoyable topics of discussion, was the first. TheBloggess.com made me laugh so hard, I couldn't resist saving it to my favorites. FRANKIE HEARTS FASHION because that woman's fashion sense makes me oh-so-envious. Happy Brittany made me think, Not only is this girl beautiful, but she has one hell of a blog, too! The amazing design skills of Lauren from The Perfect Pear made me want to sketch out designs right then and there. And lastly, the cuteness and near perfection of Breanne from oh, pish posh was the last straw. I just had to begin! So here I am, world. Hello--my name is Brani Laine, and welcome to 'That's Just Lovely...'I can only hope you love my first post enough to come back! Oh, and if you're interested in swapping blog buttons, I'd be more than happy to. Shoot me an email at branilaine@gmail.com and I promise to respond!