Get Ready With Me: Harvest Ball

Hello everyone,

On November 20, my school hosted our annual Harvest Ball dance. It was so much fun! I spent the night getting ready with my closest friends and dancing the night away with my date. I had an absolute blast!

On Thursday, I went to Ulta where I not only purchased a new red polish, but I also got my haircut. I've been meaning to get it cut since the beginning of the school year, but I've never been brave enough. I said goodbye to seven inches! My hair feels so much lighter! I love it! With that being said, I just straightened it to enhance it. 

LIVINGSTON | ZOYA

As for my makeup, I typically keep it the same for every school dance. I don't like to go to the extreme, simply because it's not who I am. Bold lips can be a little much for me, so I go with a sheer gloss.

DAILY PROTECTION MOISTRUING FACE LOTION | EUCERIN

DREAM MATTE MOUSSE IN CLASSIC IVORY | MAYBELLINE NEW YORK

DREAM WONDER POWDER IN CLASSIC IVORY | MAYBELLINE NEW YORK

READY BLUSH IN THE INDECENT PROPOSAL | BAREMINERALS

EYESHADOW PRIMER POTION | URBAN DECAY

EYESHADOW QUAD IN ROMANTIC | ULTA

AMPED LASHES MASCARA IN JET BLACK | ULTA

BROW TRIO | ULTA

ALL-NIGHTER MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY | URBAN DECAY

Now onto my dress! I am in love with this dress. It was my first time taking it out. I purchased it from Macy's. I adore the silver emelishments at the top of the dress and the lace detailing right above the abdomen. I think it makes my LBD a little bit more "stand outish". For shoes, I went with a pair of black heels. They look absolutely great with the red polish. For accessories, I went with silver studs and a black and silver bracelet.

That concludes my 'Get Ready With Me: Harvest Ball' blog post. If you're interested in seeing more pictures from the dance, follow me on Twitter @guilianna13.

Once upon a time, I fell in love with the idea of being fearless. I hope you do too.

XOXO,

Guilianna

Sweater Weather Tag

Hello everyone,

I hope you're all enjoying the fall season. It's gotten to the point where it is much too cold for me to enjoy it anymore, but I am still falling in love with the colors; that's the only part I seem to find good in. Today I have a quick tag for you all: The Sweater Weather Tag. I had a lot of fun recording my answers and improving my photography skills. I hope you like it!

Favorite candle scent?

I love absolutely anything that smells of cookies and other sweet treats. I don't have a specific favorite because I don't burn candles too often; my parents have a fear that I may burn down the house or something.

Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?
I am definitely a tea person. I drink at least one cup a day- I know it's not the healthiest choice, but it is very necessary.

Do you switch up your makeup routine for the season?
Yes, yes, and yes! I love switching up my makeup routine depending on the season. For the fall season I typically exchange my BB cream for a matte foundation. I love a matte finish for the fall time. With that being said I also go for some matte, yet neutral shadows for my lids. I love Ulta's quads. And lastly, I love going for a bolder lip; berry and red lips are a fun way to play with my look.

Favorite Thanksgiving food?
I am all about the turkey. My grandmother puts together a marvelous meal for Thanksgiving. I am so thankful,

Hats or scarves?
Definitely scarves! I have so many scarves in my room. I love adding a chunky scarf to my over sized sweaters; the look screams fall to me. I currently have my eye on some cashmere ones from a local market.

Most worn sweater?
This year it would have to be my most recent purchase from Roxy. I've warn it three times already, I think. I also have a maroon sweater from American Eagle Outfitters that I got last year; I simply abused that sweater, but it's still in good condition.

Must-have nail polish for fall?
Anything bold; I typically lean towards deep reds or browns. They're so flattering!

Football games or jumping in a pile of leaves?
This is a tough one; I'm a little bit of both. Friday nights you'll find me cheering at the games, and Sunday afternoons you'll find me jumping into a pile of leaves.

Skinny jeans or leggings?
I used to be a huge fan of leggings. I thought they were everything. I still wear them, don't get me wrong, but I just feel as though they're a little revealing. Wouldn't you agree? I love wearing dark skinny jeans, sweaters, and a bold lip; it looks effortless.

Riding boots or UGGS?
I love wearing riding boots for the fall season. I think they look so chic. My favorite pair are by Lauren Conrad.

What's your favorite thing about fall?
I love watching the leaves slowly change color; it's absolutely stunning.

What song really gets you into the fall spirit?
What song other than, "Sweater Weather" by The Neighbourhood would be appropriate for this question? I also like "Autumn Leaves" by Ed Sheeran and "All Too Well" by Taylor Swift.

What is the fall weather like where you currently live?
The weather is still a bit all over the place; one day it could be 50 degrees, and the next it could be 77. Right now, it's been getting a lot colder. (I don't like it. My family is ready to move to Florida.)

And now it's your turn to complete the tag! I hope you enjoyed something a little different on my blog this week; I love doing tags.

Thanks for reading,

Guilianna

De-Stressing Routine + Products

Hi everyone,

So, let's face it: School. Is. Stressful. There's no doubt about it. Keeping up with honors pre-calculus, doing community service, attempting to "flirt" with my crush, and balancing a social life is the definition of stress.

*I typically like to take the time to do this on a Sunday night because Fridays and Saturdays are pretty busy for me.

Here's my de-stressing, or pampering routine:

1. I draw my bath. A bath full of bubbles is perfect to detox the body. You can't forget bubbles! They're the best part!

2. While my bath is running I remove all makeup from my face. Because the bath is so warm, the makeup will seep into my pores. 

3. I love using face masks while I'm in the bath, but because my skin is so sensitive right now I stuck to just using my prescribed cleansers. This duo has been working wonders for my skin, but they can't seem to keep up with all of the excess oil that's produced right before a certain time of month.

4. Giving my hair a treatment instantly makes me start to feel relaxed. I recently ran out of my favorite deep cleansing conditioner, Ojon's Rare Deep Blend conditioner. It leaves my hair feeling super soft! To achieve the same affect, comb the conditioner through your hair and allow it to sit for awhile.

5. Shave! I think shaving can be an inconvenience, but its definitely a mega confidence booster. With smooth legs I feel invincible. I first exfoliate my legs, then I follow with a sharp blade. After the bath, I take the time to generously apply lotion.

6. After the bath, I like to pluck my eyebrows and paint my nails. Doing these little things make me feel a lot more confident in the person I'm presenting.

Checkout my "Nails" pinterest board: https://www.pinterest.com/guilianna13/nails/

7. I like to keep my self-pampering/de-stressing routine to a minimum. After I finish treating my body, I like to get cozy with some warm fuzzy blankets and catch up on my favorite fall TV shows and YouTubers. I'm obsessed with Aspyn and Parker's vlogs!

And that concludes my de-stressing routine. This is perfect for Sundays after a long day of studying. Or even a mid-week vamp up. It will make you feel more relaxed and confident when taking exams.

Thanks for reading,

Guilianna

How To: Take Notes & Study

Hello everyone,

Because the first semester is already half way done, I thought I would help you guys prepare for your finals. I have two upcoming semester finals this year: Concurrent Enrollment Basic Nutrition and Concurrent Enrollment Spanish III; I'm so nervous!

I also have mid-terms for my regular classes like honors pre-calculus and honors American studies. I've been reviewing my notes like crazy to prepare myself for my upcoming tests. Please note, most of the notes I am showing you are from my Honors Modern American Studies class because it's a heavy note-taking class, but you can use these tips for any class!

Here are a few of my tips on taking notes:

Notes are a crucial studying tool. I definitely like to take the time to organize my notes after class to make sure they're in order and they make sense while the content is still fresh in my mind.

• color code
• date
• highlight
• organize

Here are what my history notes look like:

Honors Modern American Studies Chapter 7 Section 2

Tip #1

Label your notes. Include the chapter, section, and date you took them. It's much easier to study notes when you know what you're studying. You can even include page numbers if you're referring to a certain text book. Then, when you go back to study your notes you can reread the chapter or section if you desire.

Tip #2

Take your notes in pen. I take my notes in black pen the night before. When I get to class, and my teacher goes over the notes, that's when I add anything extra in purple. By changing up the color, I know the points my teacher added an emphasis on. Perfect for test time! I always remember to include those points in short responses or essay questions.

Tip #3

Make charts. I love comparing and contrasting different topics and people. In my notes you can see I made a chart full of causes and effects of the Teapot Dome Scandal during the 1920s.

Now onto the official study tips to make sure you get an A:

1. Make a study guide.

I cannot tell you how much this helped me on my first history test of the year. Too many people suggest to do this, but they don't explain how to put it together. Here's how I put my study guides together:

Include the chapter and section, theme, and key points. Then go back and add to it. By explaining the topics you'll know what you need to spend the majority of your time reviewing. 

Honors American Studues Chapters 6 & 7

Honors American Studies Chapter 9

Honors American Studies Quarter 1 Assessment Study Guide

Making a study guide is extremely helpful, especially for quarter assessments and midterms. I included the term, definition, and significance of it. This helped me out a ton of the benchmark. Say hello to A's and relief!

2. Make a mind map or timeline.

This works really well for science classes, but I also did it for my history class. Simply take your ideas and map them out. See how one event lead to another. When you're done add short definitions to it. It's such a convenient study tool to pull out right before the test. 

Honors American Studies Chapters 6 & 7

3. Flashcards!

Flashcards were always my go-to study method in elementary school and junior high. Now that I'm older I have a few more classes, with that being said the vocabulary lists are much, much longer. Making 300 flashcards a week is a bit ridiculous. Make flashcards for your "important" classes and classes you're struggling in. I typically make flashcards for CE Basic Nutrition and Honors English 11. I recently had a test on SAT vocabulary; I don't know how I would have done if I didn't make flashcards. They're the perfect study tool!

4. Use an index card for quizzes.

When I'm in a pinch, I use an index card and record all of the information I need to know for the upcoming quiz or test. This is super helpful because I'm writing down the information and I can review it whenever.

Honors American Studies Chapter 6 Section 4

5. Listen to music.

I've always tried listening to Taylor Swift in the background, but now that my content is more in depth and complex, I listen to classical music. I specifically listen to Brian Crain's album Deep Focus Piano Study Play list. It doesn't distract me from my goals.


If you're looking for more study tips check out my All Things School board on Pinterest. I am constantly pinning study methods, tools, and any other things that will make my school life much, much easier.

What are some of your note taking/ studying tips? Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading,

Guilianna 

My 17th Birthday Photo Diary

Hello everyone,

Yesterday I officially turned 17; I can't believe it! Awhile back, my mom and I discovered this local Mexican restaurant, I've been dying to go there ever since. It was so delicious!

Outfit Details:

Sweater: Abercrombie

Jeans: American Eagle

Boots: Lauren Conrad

Earrings: Pandora

Bracelets: Alex and Ani


On Friday, my mom put six special goody bags in my lunch for my friends and myself. My mom always puts something cute and fun together for my birthday. Last year, I got a huge card that sang the chicken dance song; and let's not forget the confetti that fell all over me when I opened it. She's so sweet!

On Saturday, we actually celebrated my birthday because my family had "soccer" plans. We went to this local Mexican joint, it was delicious!

My parents also surprised me with my favorite kind of cake. I get this cake every year; it's my favorite!

What would an autumn birthday be without pumpkin picking? We went to this farm, which is about an hour a way. It's so cute.

And on Sunday, the big day, we took it easy. I did a ton of homework and my parents gave me my gifts. I am so thankful for everything; they went above and beyond. 

I hope you enjoyed this photo diary of my 17th birthday. I'm getting so old! When is your birthday?

Thanks for reading,

Guilianna

Autumn: Beauty and Fashion Lookbook

Hello everyone,

This week I have a mini fall lookbook for you with some pictures my sister and I got professionally done. I absolutly love how they turned out, especially the first one of Natalie and I. It's my new profile on most, if not all of my social media profiles.

In this post I'll include two outfit options and some makeup products to keep you looking trendy this autumn:

Natalie's Outfit:

Blouse: American Eagle Outfitters // Not Available

Leggings: Aerie //  $15.95

Boots: UGGS // $205

Bracelets: Alex & Ani // $28

My Outfit:

Sweater: Roxy // $59.50

Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters // $39.95

Boots: Lauren Conrad // $99.99 

Transitioning to fall with makeup is so much fun. Say hello to smokey eyes and berry lip; and let's not forget a matte foundation!

Makeup Products:

Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion Fragrance Free 30 SPF by Eucerin

Dream Matte Mouse in Medium Beige by Maybelline

Skinclearing Blemish Concealer in Fair by Neutrogena

Skinclearing Mineral Powder in Natural Ivory by Neutrogena

READY Blush in The Proposal by Bareminerals

Eyeshadow Primer Original by Urban Decay

READY Eyeshadow in The Escape by Bareminerals

Amped Lashes Mascara by Ulta

XXXL Shine Lip Gloss in Fabulous Fushia by Essence

All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray by Urban Decay

Wonderstruck Enchanted Perfume by Taylor Swift 

These are definitely my go-to fall products. I love how all of these products are very natural, yet you can still build them up if you're looking to intensify your look a bit. Next week I'll be posting a day in my life since it will be my birthday this Sunday. I'm super excited!


I hope you all enjoyed this post. Thanks for reading,

Guilianna xoxo

My 17th Birthday Wishlist

Hello everyone!

Today I have a super exciting post for you all. Since I'm turning 17 on October 25th, I thought I would share with you my birthday wishlist. Let me know what you think I should put at the very top of my list! 

You Can Never Be Overdressed or Overeducated Notebook by Kate Spade

This notebook is super cute! In general, I found myself needing a new journal since I filled up my Taylor Swift spiral. I'm thinking of going with something a little bit nicer since I plan on keeping my journals from here on out. (I actually have some "journals" that I wrote in 6th and 7th grade. My writing was tremendous, yet my thoughts were hilarious. I can't believe I still have them!)

The Taylor White Headphones in White/Rose by FRENDS

Every beauty guru on YouTube has these headphones and they seem to really enjoy them. I'm not much of a beats person-they're way too big, but these are fashionable headphones. I can definitely see myself wearing these in place of the typical apple earbuds. 

Sterling Silver Quietly Spoken Ring by Pandora

I am a lover of all things Pandora. I currently own two rings from the Pandora collection. This one is very simple. I love the fact that it's called Quietly Spoken because I'm not much of a babbler in the real world. It definitely defines my personality.

Scorpio Bangle by Alex and Ani

For my 16th birthday I received my first Alex and Ani bangle with a heart on it. It goes with everything in my wardrobe. For Christmas I encountered two more. I love the way they look on my wrist and the versatility of them. I came across the zodiac bangles awhile ago on Pinterest... I love them!

Ruby Murray Nail Laquer Vernis by Butter London

Every time I go into Ulta, I always make my way over to these beautiful polishes, but can't ever force myself to buy one for $15. I've read so many fantastic reviews and I can't wait any longer; I must get my hands on them!

Cable Knit Sweater Dress in Beige by Chicwish

Lately, I've been loving the sweater dress trend. I remember I had a few sweater dresses in the third/fourth grade, but I never repurchased them because they weren't considered "cool" by my classmates. Now that I'm older, I'm falling back in love with the trend.

*Checkout my Pinterest board, 'On The Wish-List' for things I pin despite the ocassion:

https://www.pinterest.com/guilianna13/on-the-wish-list/

Thank you so much for reading,

Guilianna xoxo