A Different Type of Christmas

I always feel very fortunate to be the person I am, to come from the family I come from & to have the material items that I have. I am in no way wealthy, or even "comfortable" but I know that if I need help with a utility bill or want to consider furthering my education, I can get that help & I have the option to think about more school. I am a very lucky person to have a roof over my head, money in the bank to pay the bills & the occasional extra dollar or two for a Dr. Pepper.
That is why when Christmas rolls around I honestly get very stressed out. I can't afford to buy all the presents that I want to buy for my amazing family & friends & those same amazing people don't actually NEED anything.. Why am I stressing to buy things I can't really afford for people who are just as fortunate as myself?

Well this year my family made a much needed change! 

This Christmas my family & I decided to buy no presents for each other: except for the young kiddos of course. Instead the focus was on sharing a warm, delicious meal & great conversation. The money that is normally spent around the holidays went to much greater places. My students & I created over 100 cards for hospitalized children, my mother & I "adopted" two foster children & fulfilled their Christmas wish lists, & other family members donated toys & money to the local Youth in Need shelter.
Now I am not saying that this different type of Christmas is for everyone & I don't even know if this will continue to be our new tradition but the lack of stress I felt this year and the joy of giving to those who really need it... It is an irreplaceable feeling.
If you are feeling charitable here is the link for Cards for Hospitalized Children: Cards for Kids
This is a great, year round program that distributes cards to kids in hospitals all over the country!
This is the Ambassadors for Children link where we "adopted" foster children for Christmas but they have many programs! Have an old prom dress? Donate it so it can be reused! They accept new infant clothing as well! And many other programs! Ambassadors for Children
I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas.
Do any of you have any unique holiday traditions?

The Drama is Back!

FINALLY! Finally an episode that I was just on the edge of my seat about. 

1. I feel so horribly bad for Katie. To have your relationship constantly attacked by not only your boyfriends' friends but they also happen to be your coworkers?! I feel bad for anyone who is in that situation. Now the cheating thing... I don't believe at all that Tom would actually go all the way with another woman when he is in such a committed relationship with Katie but it is heartbreaking to know that he even made out with another woman. By my calculations that means that Katie and Tom were already 3 years into their relationship... that's a big deal!

2. Stassi and Kristen and a real conversation?! I must have missed it if that seen was apart of previews because I was literally floored to see Stassi sit down across from Kristen. It was refreshing to see two old friends that had experienced so much hurt actually be able to have a conversation but it also was so sad to know that they could still be friends had Kristen not made that horrific mistake. Kristen is human, it's normal to make mistakes but (speaking from personal experience) I know that the pain Stassi has had to endure because of that mistake is just too much. Props to both of them for being mature and sharing some wine and gossip together.

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Bravo Roundup

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I'm not sure if anyone knows this or not but... my name is Shelbie and I am a Bravo-holic. Honestly if I am the last person watching the TV, when it turns back on... It's Bravo.. If I'm watching the TV it's more than likely... Bravo. I have been absent lately with my Vanderpump Rules dishing but honestly I haven't been highly impressed with the episodes but next week looks pretty juicy! Right now I am going to live blog about Real Housewives. Yes, this is one day after it premiered but I was taking a final last night so here we go!

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Pay Attention to Me 

1. That title is everything. It sums of all Housewives franchises and honestly.. me!
2. "I guess it's good to be over the 5... No it all sucks, I hate it all!" Love hearing Lisa Rinna talk about aging, absolutely hilarious. She's become an instant favorite of mine.
3. GIGI!!! How can I be her?? She is not only beautiful but her jet set lifestyle seems so dreamy.

4. "We need to get some friends that are a little fluffier." -Kyle Richards... isn't that what we are all thinking? Oh just me?
5. Brandi's ex wants child support?? She is trying to be independent because he left her high and dry and now he is suing her?! I just can't...

6. O.M.G. "Looks like a black tie" "Has a cocktail waitress look" DO YOU KNOW THE DESIGNER IS STANDING BEHIND YOU??? How horrible...
7. On the Brandi and Lisa argument: I have Lisa's back 100%. I think that Brandi totally messed up and that phone call was absurd. "Well if you don't want to talk then we don't have to." Can we please not be passive aggressive? Grow up Brandi. 

I'm excited to learn more about this new wife, Eileen, next week!

A Time for Thanks

This is a time of year when the leaves start to change and fall, the weather gets colder, the scarves get thicker and an overall sense of gratitude fills the air. I believe that mid-November through the New Year is a time of year when people are given time off for so many holidays that there is a sense of togetherness and love that you just can't avoid. It doesn't hurt that trees are on display and lights begin to guide your dark drive home. I for one absolutely love this time of year. My birthday was not too long ago and I like the time spent together with friends and family. I hate the cold. Hate the snow. And hate scraping ice off of my car. But otherwise.. it's not too shabby.

I decided long ago that I would not let sale prices and extended hours ruin my holidays or warm spirit. I pledge not to shop at all on Thanksgiving and if I don't have the time on "Black Friday" either.. oh well. I used to work at a place that would open at midnight Thanksgiving night. For me, those extra hours absolutely killed my holiday spirit. I couldn't sleep correctly, I was stressed and worst of all I couldn't even enjoy my holidays because I knew work was looming.. only a few hours away.
I hope that all of you are able to enjoy your holidays however it is that you enjoy them. Maybe that is by shopping, maybe you even shop with your family! Or maybe you stay in with your boyfriends' family, in your PJ pants and play board games ;) either way, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

My List of Thanks: 

•  My education, and that I have a great assistantship
• My family, for always being there & giving me many laughs
• My boyfriend for dealing with my high highs and my low lows and for never his never failing love 
• The blessing of having the means to pay the bills, turn on the heat and eat a good meal

2014 AMAs... Or really the 2014 Live Concert with Awards

I can't help but consider the American Music Awards a live mashup concert with some awards in between performances and great outfits. Anyone else feel this way? We all have that one radio station in town that plays just the top hits from country, rap, R&B, hip hop etc. and the AMAs are when this radio station gets to come to life! Without further ado, here are my hot and not lists from the show. I must say... I was less than overwhelmed this year. 

My Hot List:

  Selena in Giorgio Armani Prive

 I know this was just an on stage dress but I think Taylor rocked this fringe mini like no ones business!

 Fergie in Halston Heritage - to me this is a classy slit, unlike my not list slit!

 -

My Not List:

Yes... seriously... all 3 of them are on my not list. Of course the dresses are made by fabulous designers and they each fit the girls like a glove but all 3 of them are just.. WHAT ARE THEY?? Are those safety pins? Can we not see your entire thy.. for one? And what's with the mesh? I just can't.



What looks were you loving and hating this year?

& the Years Go By...

Well another year has come and gone and it's crazy to watch as time just continues to speed by.
Today I turn 24 years old and it seems completely surreal. I kind of love the fact that I am growing up, becoming more independent by the day, and learning more about life but it is crazy to know that I will never be this young again, I will never again turn 16 and get my license, I will never be 8 years old at my clown birthday party again, those moments are gone and now it's time for new moments.
Now it is time to be a 24 year old young adult figuring out life.
I think this is going to be a really positive year. I hope to get a dog, possibly move in with my boyfriend, graduate from graduate school and really progress with my blog. I vow to be happy, live in the moments and not dwell on the past. 24 is a new year and I plan on making it a good one!

To all you fellow Scorpios: Happy Birthday! 

          

 A big thanks to these ladies for celebrating with me!

Birthday Outfit: 

Navy blue and black lace shift dress: Target 

Vanderpump Rules is Back!

I can barely contain my excitement! I am a reality TV junkie and am seriously too excited to have the SUR gang back in action. I will quickly admit that Stassi is my favorite part of this Bravo hit even though many people find her to be way too harsh and... well.. rude. I however think Stassi tells it how it is and is a strong woman who doesn't allow men or "friends" to treat her badly. I think it takes a certain kind of person to really understand Stassi and I happen to be one of those people and I have no shame!
In honor of my favorite show coming back to the air I plan on listing my reactions as they come!

1. How has NO ONE noticed after 3 seasons that those SUR uniforms are heinous?! Come on Lisa.. give these girls an update.
2. Stassi is looking better than ever! That hair.. her clothes.. her sarcasm.. all on point!
3. WHOA! The receptionist at the plastic surgeon.. The lips.. if you missed them, rewind that DVR and check em out!
4. "I can't cry because these eyelashes are mink." -Scheena
     No comment.

I'm hoping this season gets a bit juicer but a top 4 list is better than nothing!
What did you all think of the season premiere?! Will you be tuning in?

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Ulta is easily one of my "happy places". I love that they offer such a range of products. You can look at the high end products like Too Faced and Urban Decay but then you can also go to the drugstore side and get your favorite Cover Girl BB Cream. Not only do I love the makeup options but the fact that you can buy the big bottles of your favorite salon brand hair care products is just too much!

                Just yesterday I had time to stop into my local Ulta and ended up with the least amount of items I have ever purchased BUT they are all fantastic! I have linked the items above but wanted to let you know a little about them.

                The new Miss. Manga mascara that everyone is talking about right now was the first thing on my list. I was so excited to see the display that I accidentally grabbed the “brown black” shade instead of my standard “blackest black”. I still ripped into the packaging and tried it out last night and dare I say.. it’s my favorite drugstore mascara? Only time will tell. 

                The sunscreen is a little random but I really wanted a new kind that doesn't have the thick, white, smelly consistency. So once I saw this pale orange, shimmery one I knew I had to have it and then when I smelled it… yup.. mine! It’s not the average sunscreen smell.. much more fruity.

                L’Oreal Infallible shadows have been popping up on all of my favorite YouTube guru stations so I knew that I wanted to give it a try. The colors freaked me out a little because they all look so frosted and usually I go towards matte shades. I thought that the Iced Latte looked like the safest option for my warm color preferences. I think the Endless Pearl shade will be a fantastic brow bone highlight and the Golden Sage looks like such a wonderful transition color for fall.

                Last but not least:  Not Your Mothers Way to Grow Long and Strong Shampoo and Conditioner. I don’t know much about the products yet except for the unbelievable price point and a really clean smell.

                More information to come! Let me know what your favorite Ulta finds are so I can try them out too.

ONE      TWO     THREE     FOUR (shampoo)    FOUR (conditioner)

Currently Obessing Over: Pretty Little Liars!

      Yep... Pretty Little Liars has me and just about every other girl on social media absolutely hooked! Mandi Line, the costume designer for PLL has done an incredible job creating 4 distinct looks for Aria, Hanna, Spencer & Emily (of course the looks for all the other characters are incredible too but lets just stick to the top 4 shall we?). I love how each girl has a personality that resonates through her clothing choices. Mandi has basically made these girls just as envied as the characters of Gossip Girl but on a much smaller budget. Cheers to that! I personally would love to do a large haul of Hanna's closet and then maybe a small trip through Spencer's. The girly, fashion forward side of Hanna and the classic, preppy side of Spencer really speak to me.

Here are some of my favorite looks of all the girls:

 That fringe dress above that she wore to a dance in season one was absolute perfection! 

Hanna wore another fringe dress in a later season but this version was more casual and belted. Obviously I have a thing for fringe.. and so does Hanna! 

The white lace dress with the multicolored blazer is to die for. I remember watching that episode and being so envious of this outfit. 

Aria's style is absolutely the girl I wish I could be but just could never actually pull off. The skull shirt above started a skull obsession for me (that is still going). 

Then when Aria wore this 40s inspired costume on that scary train ride I just thought she looked so put together it was inspiring. 

My next favorite piece from Aria is this cheetah print trench coat, which needs no explanation.

Emily always has the best outerwear. The structured jacket with the leather sleeves is the perfect fall accessory. 

When Emily wore the cut out shirt that was a bit fitted and baggy I thought she still looked casual yet so put together. 

The hamsa hand tank with the white vest over.. so Emily and so cute!

Oh Spencer! The white eyelet skirt with the black silk bow and white flouncy top is too perfect. I could think of tons of places to wear this exact look. 

Another of my favorite looks is from the Masquerade ball. The best part was the black, lace, dainty mask. It gave her a mysterious look. 

Lastly, those black pencil leggins, nude heels, and side braid. This look can be recreated for so many occasions. It's timeless.. like all of her ensembles. 

Well now that I officially need to go shopping and watch this Pretty Little Liars marathon I hope you are all as excited as me to watch this premiere! What are your favorite looks from these leading ladies? Whose closet would you love to shop around in?

                                                                             -Shelbie

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So this is blogging...

So what's next?
This is the question that anyone in their early 20s probably hears more often than "will that be cash or charge?". I began to hear this question during senior year of high school until I chose a state school to go to for my 4 year degree. The questions ceased for a while. Then came my junior.. or senior year of college and once again "So now what? What are you going to do with your degree? Why did you choose that major?" I honestly didn't really have answers for these questions until I decided to continue on at that same school for my Masters. I am currently about to start my second and final year as a Masters student and I am 98% sure that I can not keep adding on degrees to satisfy the never ending "What's next?" question. Law School is always an option though.. right?
I try to truly think about what I want in life basically every second I can. I want to be happy, I want to be successful, I want to be comfortable and I never want to look back and think "man I wish I would have tried that."
So after many conversations (most of them with myself) I realized that when I have downtime I am reading blogs, when I am on Instagram I am looking for new bloggers to follow and new posts to like, when I am on Pinterest I am looking for real inspiration for outfits to wear or for things to tell people about. But I had no real platform to tell these people about these wonderful things! Your friends only want to hear about the cute outfit you saw or the great paper supply company you found so much.. they too have their interests and the love has to be shared. It then became clear that I had to at least TRY to blog. I needed to see if I could handle the demands, create a platform and preach the fashionable word! 
So here it is! My blog and my first blog post. 
I am a 20 something student who loves reality television, magazines, fiction books, makeup and of course shopping. I want this blog to feature outfits of the day, new lip gloss finds, maybe a recipe or two (probably only one.. I can't cook) and other random posts that I enjoy reading so much. Maybe give you ideas on a good book to read, show you an easy way to make your own glitter monogram and updates on life as a Masters' student!

Here is what I am currently reading:

Love a good mystery! Soon to be a movie!

Incredible story of the rise of Nasty Gal.

My can't miss shows!

Really ALL of the housewives!

My favorite beauty finds:

Great colors, really phenomenal blending

An E35 Sigma blending brush

A liquid highlight. 

Too Faced Better than Sex mascara.. just get it!

Now you know just a little bit more about me! Let me know if you have any great book recommendations or a new show for me to check out!

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