March Favorites

Although we're only a couple of weeks into March, this month has brought me so many good products that I couldn't help but share. Thanks to lots of retail therapy and the fact that I finally have more than $20 in my bank account, here are some of my favorite products this month so far.

Bralettes: the cutest and most feminine way to accessorize. These two are some of my absolute favorites, I picked them up this month at Urban Outfitters and Free People. You can shop these looks here and here! 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette

Anastasia Beverly Hills x Nicole Guerriero Glow Kit

I spend a ton of time and money on makeup and am somehow still not good at it, but it makes me feel better about myself, so what the hell.

I had my eye on these two products for quite some time, so I decided to splurge and pick them up and I am so, so, so glad that I did. 

You can pick these beauties up here and here.

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a sucker for lipstick. I'd say that the majority of my money in life goes towards new lip products. I used to only purchase darker shades, but I came to the unfortunate realization that nude tones are a bit more practical for every day wear. Here are my top favorites:

Wet and Wild Liquid Catsuit Lipstick in Nudie Patootie

NYX Lingerie Liquid Lipstick in Baby Doll

Too Faced Melted Lipstick in Melted Chihuahua

Sephora Cream Lip Stain in Marvelous Mauve

Lime Crime Matte Velvetine Lipstick in Cashmere

Jeffree Star Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick in Sagittarius

Gerard Cosmetics Hydra-Matte Liquid Lipstick in Iced Mocha

I have been so into skincare lately, and these items have been my holy grail products. 

e.l.f Cosmetics Illuminating Eye Cream

Sephora Collection Green Tea Face Mask

Sephora Collection Avocado Eye Mask

L'Oreal Pure Clay Face Mask

Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvinator 

Ponds Evening Soothe Moisture Clean Towelettes

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel 

MDSolarSciences Daily Anti-Aging Moisturizer

Mario Badescu Facial Spray

Lush Cosmetics The Kiss Lip Scrub

Trader Joe's Tea Tree Oil 

I have had less time to read lately than I'd like, but I recently decided to reread Nasty Galaxy by one of my all-time favorite chicks, Sophia Amoruso. This book is described as a "life bible" by Sophia, founder of Nasty Gal. It's a guide on how to make sure that you leave your mark on the world, with wonderful stories from powerful ladies who have done so themselves. It is part scrapbook, part inspirational stories and completely lovely. Sold here!

Let me know if you try some of these out and share your thoughts on them/other products that you've loved this month! :)

Onwards and Upwards: 20 Important Daily Reminders

I know things have been a bit slow around these parts, I apologize for that. With a full-time job and a part-time job on my plate, it's safe to say that I have had some difficulty finding time to do a lot of the things that bring me happiness. This issue, I have found, has prompted me to realize that I could really benefit from taking my own advice. On this outlet and in my every day life, I am constantly preaching about the importance of always making time for the things that you love, no matter how hectic life may get. Often times, this mantra may be a bit easier to practice before you're launched into the real world. When things keep piling up on your plate, it can be tough to find a way to balance it all, but that's life.

As I continue to adjust to this transition and my new life as an actual adult (better late than never, right?), I often find myself succumbing to the pressure. An important reminder I think that we could all benefit from is this- you are the person who decides if you are happy or not. No one is going to wake up every morning and make that decision for you. You cannot depend on others to supply you with that feeling- they are not responsible to do so for you, they must do it for themselves. You have to choose happiness and keep choosing it. We must wake up every day with the idea that these 24 hours will matter- they will be important, for we will see to it to make them that way.

If you are proud of who you are, what you are putting out into the world, the impression that you are leaving on others and the work that you are doing, what else matters? In true Alissa style, I've compiled a list of 20 daily reminders that I think all of us could resonate with.

1. Don't go searching for things that will upset you.

2. Accept that some things are not meant to last forever.
3. Let people go if they want to go. Appreciate what they brought into your life, even if their role was short-lived and ended before you were ready for it to.
4. Have faith in the fact that if people are meant to be in your life, eventually, they will be.
5. Don't spend your days grieving. Wake up and acknowledge all of the things that you do have in life.
6. Don't try to convince people that you matter- that's something that they should know without a reminder.
7. Know that every situation- all of the bad and all of the good- is necessary if you want to grow.
8. Talk to someone with a different set of beliefs that those that you hold- they may teach you a thing or two.
9. Wear the clothes that you feel best in. Spend the extra money if you want to. Shamelessly take that selfie and be comfortable with who you are.
10. Wake up early in the morning. Don't check your phone right away- social media will continue on without your incessant checking in, I promise. Stretch, make yourself tea, sit down, listen to music and just relax.
11. Take care of yourself and the people who take care of you.
12. Do something today that your future self will thank you for. Try to make your time here matter- it can very easily fade away with nothing to show if you let it.
13. Write this down and remember it- you are worth knowing, finding and loving.
14. Don't compare your life/story to others. There is enough sun for everybody. Someone else's success does not rob you of anything. Cheer for people, encourage them, really, truly, sincerely desire to see them happy.
15. Don't get stuck in the past. Don't try to fast-forward into a future that is not yet yours. Give today all that you can- get to a point where you can climb into bed at the end of the day and feel like you made your time worthwhile.
16. Make a playlist of all of the songs that make you smile. Listen to it on a solo drive with no destination. Roll down the windows and sing your heart out.
17. Hug, smile, kiss, love, meet new people, show them things that you think will make them happy.
18. If you want something to happen- go out and make it happen. Beautiful and important things won't fall into your lap without any effort.
19. Know this: everything is happening exactly as it should- it may not seem that way now, but you'll realize it one day.
20. Forgive yourself and forgive others. It's so easy to be upset these days- it's not so easy to make changes and to really understand- but it's so, so incredibly important.

2016: A Wrap Up

One week into the New Year, it is safe to say that 2017 has already been more than incredible to me. Looking back on 2016, I am thankful for all of the highs and the lows. I received my college degree, a beautiful little goddaughter, two incredible jobs, met new people, explored new places and found out a hell of a lot about myself. All of the rejection I faced in the past year has led me to where I am today- a place that I could never have imagined I’d ever be. Reflecting on what was the most life changing year for me yet, here’s a list of some of the things that I am thankful for.

When the things that you love are not traditional. The fact that I have a family that supports my dreams (and the amount of time that it takes to achieve them). The coffee shops I spend hours on end in- alone, writing, listening to music. Finding comfort in the unknown. The fact that I went from unemployment to now having two of my dream jobs in the fields I am most passionate about- PR and fashion. Being able to share what I love with others and having them do the same with me. The world of endless opportunities that we have. The creative individuals that I have in my life. Finding inspiration in everything. Not taking the easy way out. The fact that working hard for things makes them all the more rewarding in the end. Being able to express myself through my favorite outlets of all- fashion and writing. Meeting like-minded individuals. Finding that rejection always, always, always leads to something better. Growth and the people who support it. Friends who are genuinely happy to see you succeed. People who reciprocate effort. Learning new things- about yourself, others and the world at large.

Life happens in exciting ways. Focus on your passions and chase them until you reach them. Life is short, it is meant to be lived and it is yours. Don’t do things just because you think that you are supposed to, do things because you actually want to. Realize that the easy way is not always the right way. Create a career path that you will be proud of. Know that it is okay to outgrow both people and places. Find the strength to move on from the things that are no longer beneficial in your life. Be picky until you find exactly what it is that you are looking for. Never be embarrassed about the things that you are passionate about. Make it a point to attempt to learn something new every single day. Work your butt off and find the importance in treating yourself. 

Don’t waste time on things that drain you- people, jobs, relationships, etc. - the right things in life will not. Make playlists and listen to them in bed. Shut your electronics off and spend time with your family. Buy a journal and dedicate it solely to your dreams and goals. Realize that there really is beauty in everything and open your eyes to it. Give people second chances- not two hundred. Know your worth and don’t accept anything other than what you deserve. Learn that three sleeps can fix just about anything. Realize and accept the reality that some people do not have your best interest in mind and move on. Look out for yourself and those in your circle and forget about the rest. Be good to people- genuinely and completely good. Don’t do things because you want them done for you in return, but know when to draw the line and realize how crucial it is to not give all of yourself to those who don’t appreciate/value you. 

Take pictures of the things and people that make you happy. Look at them when you are upset. Appreciate the time it takes to get to where you need to be- every single second matters. Your journey is uniquely yours and it is a beautiful one. Make a list of the things that really, truly matter and stop worrying about the rest. Make your year what you want it to be. Vow that 2017 will be a year of growth, love, happiness and success. Then get up, go out and make things happen.