Tournament today

Hey guys 

So I'm currently in the car going to a volleyball tournament. These things usually last all day, so unfortunately I will not be able to write a post for you guys. *tear*

With love,

Samantha

Goodbye 2013!

2013 has honestly been an amazing year. It flew by so quickly. From starting club volleyball earlier this year to starting this blog and meeting a lot of amazing people. I also learned to manage a busy schedule and deal with stress better. My New Years resolutions are:

1. To improve my grades

2. Improve time management skills 

3. Be more consistent with my blog posts

4. Be more active within my school e.g. join some clubs

I'm so thankful for each and every one of you. 

Without your support, this blog would not be possible.

THANK YOU!!

With love,

Samantha

How was Christmas?

So sorry for the long hiatus, there was just so much to do before Christmas: shopping, cleaning, cooking, baking. I promise to be more consistent.

Anyways, how was Christmas? I hope you all enjoyed spending time with family and received/gave some great gifts. I know I had a great time and even received some of the items on my wishlist like Hunters.

I would love to hear about how your Christmas went. Comment below!

With love,

Samantha

Less is More

Even from a young age, I have always loved makeup. I have vivid memories of coaxing my mom into being my "client" and letting me put lipstick or mascara on her. I wanted to wear makeup every chance I could, but she urged me not to until I got older. 

Now, at 13 I understand that the best makeup a girl can wear is her smile. But, sometimes you need a little something extra. That's where makeup comes in. Sometimes a little blush or mascara can give a girl the boost of confidence she needs to be herself. However, makeup should never be so overdone that it looks "caked on". The motto of preppy makeup is "less is more". Its main focus is to accentuate your natural beauty. This means it should look like you aren't wearing any makeup. 

Here are some examples of classic/preppy makeup:

 

 

All three of these ads show "fresh faced", natural looking models. 

To achieve this look (this is what I do), don't use foundation. Instead, use concealer on blemishes and under the eyes. The concealer under the eyes should be a shade lighter than your natural skin tone to brighten that area. Next, a bit of eyeliner(in brown or black) on the top lids and eyebrow pencils to frame your face. Add some pink, nude or red lipstick and you're ready to go! If you want, you can also use eyeshadow as long as it's nothing too bright (think peaches or nude colors!). For more formal occasions or during the winter, you can wear a bit of bronzer and blush for that "glow". Again, don't be too heavy handed with the bronzer, you don't want to end up looking like a Kardashian. ;)

What's your beauty routine like?

With love,

Samantha

Studying tips + How to Combat Stress

There's nothing I like more after a stressful week of school than to sit back, relax with my cup of hot cocoa and Pin or Polyvore away. I only recently discovered these and they have already become my new obsession. I'm still learning to navigate these sites so it may be a while before I post anything else (other than my last post) from these sites.

Speaking of tests, I recently developed some ways to study more efficiently and to reduce school stress and since midterms are coming up, what better time than to introduce these tips now?

Tips for Studying

1) Start studying ahead of time- If you are given advanced notice, use the time to plan your studying out. You won't be as overwhelmed if you study 45 mins for 4 nights instead of 3 hours in one night.

2) Make sure you have all the notes you need- Compare notes with a trustworthy friend and if you are missing any notes, make sure to get them from your teacher as soon as possible.

3) Ask your teacher for help- If you're having trouble with anything, make sure you ask your teacher for help in a timely manner.

4) Have a study buddy- Sometimes studying with someone else is more helpful than studying individually. You'll keep each other from procrastinating(hopefully) ;) and will get more work done quicker. Lastly, your study buddy can help you with something you may not understand and vice versa.

Fight Stress!

1) Study in spurts- Study for say, 30 mins and take a break. Then, go back to studying.

2) Don't get (too) overwhelmed- If you feel yourself getting too stressed, take a bubble bath and when the water goes down the drain, imagine all your worries going down the drain. 

3) Study with music or a candle- Study with your favorite scented candle or your favorite music in the background (on low)

 4) Make time for time with Family and friends- Remember that this test isn't the end of the world and don't let it consume your life. Be confident in your abilities. 

5) Don't skip meals- Skipping meals to study is probably the worst thing you can do. It'll make you moody and irritable and keep you from studying efficiently. Eating your favorite meal will also be a nice comfort.

That's all I have for you today! Like I mentioned before, 
BE CONFIDENT IN YOUR ABILITIES!! YOU CAN DO IT!! I believe in you.

With love,

Samantha