Take Me Out, I'm Done.

Look what the cat dragged in... I took a rather impromptu departure for about two three weeks, which I'm pretty sure is the longest I've been without blogging. With the semester drawing to a close, all my teachers got the fabulous idea to give us a crap ton of projects and papers. Me being the wise one that I am, failed to schedule any posts to go live during these hectic last weeks, resulting in radio silence over here on Standard T. 

While I wasn't blogging, I spent a good portion of my time being stuck at my uncle's house when my parents were out of town, staying up doing work, and crying over physics, but we won't talk about that last one. 

I'm the kind of kid that constantly worries about rankings, my gpa, SAT prep, and getting into the college I want. I'll stay up all night and survive on coffee alone, I'll rush to finish essays and turn them in right before they're due, and I'll always keep tabs on my ranking, because if I'm not in the top 10% (which is only 6 people, mind you), I'm basically a piece of lint on that ugly sweater you got for christmas three years ago. 

I didn't turn in my english paper that was worth 10% of my quarter grade because I literally couldn't get my thoughts out no matter how much I tried or cried, but I managed to survive physics, rock my Pre-AP pre-cal final (only God knows how I got 100 on that one), and barely pass my AP bio final with a 76. As far as i'm concerned, I finished the semester emotionally stable which is a HUGE improvement from the week leading up to finals. I got to the point where I stopped caring about my grades because I was under so much pressure to do well, mainly from myself, that I couldn't handle it.  

I know I said that I wanted to end this year with a bang, but I think this year is gonna end with a sizzle at best. But hey, 2014 is a new year, maybe I'll actually get my ish together. 

Maybe.

12 Holiday Dresses

1. Girls Geometric Boatneck Dress 2. Metallic Cream Embroidered Dress 3. Silky Scallop Hem Dress 4. Peach Skin Lola Dress 5. Nylon Tricot Figure Skater Dress 6. Twirl of Opportunity Dress 7. Sweet Sunsets Dress 8. Pretty Beaded Dress 9. Bombshell Sequined Dress 10. Dazzling Doll Fit & Flare Dress 11. Dazzling Sequined Dress 12. Darling Striped Dress

Here's a bit of inspiration for all the holiday parties, you'll most likely be attending! I love dressing up and getting festive around Christmas time so I picked out 12 dresses that fit the bill. I might pick up the first dress if they have my size, and I love the back of the third dress. 8+12 are festive, but still appropriate all year long. 9+10 however, scream glamorous and would be perfect for New Year's!

15 Gift Ideas Under $5

1. ELF Lipstain >> 2. Feather Necklace >> 3. Socks (Left, Right) >> 4. Creaseless Hair tie >> 5. Tattly Tattoos (Elephant, Make It Happen) >> 6. Earring Set >> 7. ELF Eyeliner  >> 8. Twisted Peppermint Lotion  >> 9. Pomegranate Lip Balm >> 10. Rad Hair Brush >> 11. NYX Lipstick >> 12. Mini Marshmellow Fireside Candle (My all time favorite!) >> 13. Winter Candy Apple Sanitizer >> 14. Makeup Bag >> 15. Hair Clips

December is here, and holiday shopping is in full swing! If you're like me, you have a lot of people to shop for, but not that much cash to dole out on each person. If you're a bit tight on cash this holiday season, I think that a small stocking stuffer gift along with something more personal, like a card or homemade cookies, makes the perfect gift. Another great idea would be to buy a cute makeup bag and fill it up with a few goodies. I'm all for bold lips and eyeliner, so that would be an easy combination for any brave beauty lover out there. Hair ties, bows, or a brush works perfectly for that one friend who is obsessed with her hair, and everyone can appreciate a tattly tattoo. I've had Mr. Le Phant on my ankle for awhile now and I absolutely love him.

Look out for more gift guides for different price ranges, as well as my wish list!

Submission to IFB Project #125

Hello, December

 I know I'm not the only one who felt like November went by way too fast. One second, it's halloween, and the next second we're getting ready for christmas. I'm pretty sure that we skipped a week or two in November because it definitely doesn't feel like December.

The fact that it's currently 72 degrees doesn't help either.

Although I'm excited for Christmas and my cousins from England coming to visit, now that it's December all of my deadlines just got real. It's easy to say that something is due next month, but now it's more like something is due next week, or the week after. As I count down the days until the semester is over, I realize how many papers, projects, labs, and tests are happening between now and then. Nonetheless, I'm excited to start decorating for christmas! I've been working on some gift guide posts that I hope y'all will like and I want to end this year with a bang.

 Top: J.Crew >> Skirt: H&M >> Ring: c/o Ruche

Moy + Toy Style

I truly am lucky to have such a wonderful brother. I know that most people feel that way about their siblings, but they don't realize is that my brother is about a million times better and cooler than their siblings will ever be. Sorry 'bout it.

Not only does he take amazing pictures, make ballin' graphics, and edit spectacular videos, but he also dresses well, a cause near and dear to my heart. My brother is the one person who I can go to for almost anything. He gives me help when I ask for it, he critiques me when I don't want to hear it, and as much as I might hate it in that moment, I know that he's only trying to push me to my full potential. I look up to him despite being taller than him and the fact that he's doing so many crazy and amazing things is, well, amazing. Whether we're blasting M83 in the car, watching movies all night, talking about cameras, or shopping at J.crew, I know you'll always be my best friend, no matter how far we are. 

My Outfit | Top and Skirt: H&M >> Cardigan: Zara >> Shoes: Aldo

Dry Skin Saviors

 Around this time of year, my skin goes crazy and refused to stay moisturized. With all the dry air from the heater, and the long, hot showers every morning, my already dry skin gets even worse. I've had a hard time finding moisturizers that I could apply once in the morning and not have to worry about reapplying later in the day. I needed the perfect balance between something that was thick and kept in moisture, but also didn't make me feel greasy and coated. A moisturizing body wash was also crucial so that I didn't feel as guilty when I subject my skin to the hot water I use in the shower. Even though I've convinced myself that it's really not that hot, high temps can draw out moisture, and harsh soaps only make matters worse.

 I've been using this Dove Go Fresh body wash for a few years now and it is honestly my favorite body wash. It's nice and creamy, and creates a good lather as well. I've used Bath and Body Works shower gels before, and while they don't strip my skin, they don't feel as moisturizing or creamy as this one. Best part about his body wash is that they come in various of yummy scents, and they are available in bulk at places like Sam's Club. The bottles are pretty big and last for a few months, so it's nice to not have to constantly be purchasing body wash. Nectarine and white ginger is probably my favorite scent, but the cucumber and green tea is nice as well.

And now my favorite part, moisturizers! The Body Shop Vitamin E body butter and the Eucerin body creme are great at keeping my skin soft and moisturized all day. I prefer the scent and texture of the body butter, but the body creme is a bit thicker and more hydrating. For extra moisture, I'll use a bit of The Body Shop Moringa oil. I like to add a few drops to my moisturizer, or use it by itself. A little goes a long way, and I literally use one drop of this oil for my face morning and night. It soaks in quickly and leaves my skin feeling soft rather than oily.

I've yet to find a hand cream or chapstick that keeps my skin moisturized, so if you have any recommendations I would love to hear them! How do y'all keep your skin in check with the drop in temps? I'd love to know!

Round Up

> Watched Skyfall twice this week. In my defense, it's a beautifully made movie, and the fact that Ben Whishaw and Daniel Craig are in it doesn't hurt.

> Rearranged my room once again. Digging my new setup. I might even do a little room tour!

> These outfits from Nicole and Jessica are making me want more emerald and fur items.

> Bethany's photography style is exactly what I aim for. Gorgeous pictures!

> The whole YouTube and Google+ integration pisses me off. Evelyn's video perfectly describes how I feel.

> This weeks episode of The Mindy Project had me squealing every two seconds. SO MANY FEELS.

> Finally got signed up for driver's ed! You should all be very afraid...

> My principal asked me to be the emcee at graduation this year. I'm not a fan of public speaking, but that gives me an excuse to buy a new dress.

> If you haven't heard of Batkid yet, you should really read this article. Not only does Miles have superb taste in superheroes, but the amount of love and support he got is absolutely incredible.

> I'm getting braids for this first time in a looooong time in an attempt to get my hair to be healthier and give it a break. I'm excited for some change!