What’s in My Purse?

I thought I’d share a few of my essentials I lug around with me on a daily basis. My purse is constantly bursting at the seams, but when I remove all of the receipts, excess change, and random trinkets (I’m not sure who really needs five pens, a pair of flats, three necklaces, and old magazines), it suddenly becomes much more manageable. I didn’t include my school books, but I typically carry 1-2 condensed forms of my textbooks along with me. Let’s begin!

1. Valentino wallet, a delightful birthday gift from a good friend. 2. iPad + cover, I typically bring this for school and WordPress purposes. 3. Elizabeth and James sunglasses. 4. Bright Ideas Notepad + Pen. 5. Prada business card holder, accompanied with the wallet. 6. iPhone + Kate Spade case. 7. Trident Splash gum. 8. Planet Blue hair ties which are my favorite hair ties because they don’t rip your hair and look amazing in the hair and as bracelets. 9. Kind Almond & Coconut Bar. 10. Post-its notes. 11. Headphones. 12. Target keychain. 13. Band-Aids. 14. Forever 21 cosmetic case. 15. Products (from left to right): Urban Decay Kohl Liner, Issey Miyake roll-on perfume, Korres lip butter, Time Balm concealer, Nail file, Oribe serum (sample), Nars illuminator, Rosebud Salve, Estee Lauder Lipgloss. I typically switch out perfumes seasonally. I have been obsessed with Marc Jacobs Daisy spray-perfume lately,

What’s In My School Bag & Tips For School Success

To finish up my back-to-school series of posts, I thought I would show you what is exactly inside my backpack for college. Someone actually requested this via Twitter. I usually carry general items so this could even work for someone who is in high school or just wants to revamp their purse. I will also attach some tips and tricks that will lead you on the path of organization and success for the upcoming school year. Let’s begin!

I got this backpack from Forever 21 and I probably won’t use it again this year but I just prefer plain backpacks. First, I will start with the hefty objects and they are my books. Some classes make you bring certain books to class so make sure you have a backpack that has enough space. You don’t need 20 million folders. Just bring the things you know you will use. If you find school to be difficult, then here is your tip: buy a planner! I have one that my school hands out yearly at orientation and it has the holidays listed, the rules, and any cool information. Bring your school I.D. and your wallet. Your school I.D. will get you into the classes and give you discounts at local places. Don’t forget your car keys, shades, and  phone, obviously. I bring gum because if I get bored I will start to zone out, so gum keeps me focused on the task.

For makeup, I keep it in a small bag that I got from Macy’s with a makeup bundle. I bring the basics. Just blush, lip gloss, lipstick, an eyeliner, and a translucent powder for touch-ups. Blotting papers are really important too. I keep these in my little blue pocket folder and they are Clean & Clear blotting papers that don’t mess up your makeup. A camera is also a necessity because as frustrating and boring that school can be at times, it will end and you are going to want to have snapped some good memories. And finally, my personal favorite, don’t forget a snack. Those late night study sessions are worthless if your growling stomach is distracting you. I usually grab some crackers or roasted almonds for a quick bite.

For tips for success, don’t get carried away. Go to the football games, paint your face, attend all the events to make it memorable, just don’t forget about your work. Either you or your guardians is paying for your schooling, so don’t mess it up because you wanted to see the basketball game. Creating a routine and finding out how you study is key before you start school. Show interest and talk often in class and to one another. I know it can be hard. I was the shy one, too. But you aren’t going to be fun if your only friend on campus is your roommate. Stay humble, work hard, laugh a lot, and enjoy your experience. And yes, these guys go to my school.

BlushlyBeauty Update & Giveaway News!

Hello all Beauties,

Ashley here, and I bet you are wondering what this whole thing is about. Many of you have noticed that I haven’t really been active in the WordPress community for a while. I have just been so overwhelmed lately that I can’t pull myself to the keyboard. What could it possibly be? The thing that wraps my brain and torments me at night. The thing that most people fear more than fear itself: the unknown.

Everything started a few weeks ago. I visited my local doctor for my routine check-up and noted to her that I have been feeling a slight ache in my chest. Nothing much, I thought. Maybe just some heartburn or I slept wrong last night and pulled a muscle. The practitioner felt around my chest and then abruptly stopped. I stared at her intensively wondering, what? She rushes over to the computer and starts asking about my family history with cancer. The dreaded “c” word. A cold sweat broke out on my neck and I started stammering about an aunt  who I never met but died of breast cancer.

The cold handed women then lies me down on the examining table and proceeds to investigate more. My doctor then starts feeling on particular place and says the most painful thing ever, “you have a lump here”. I felt tears build up in my eyes. How? I’m so young, though! Only in my 20’s! But I have my fall semester starting in a few weeks. This can’t be..

She ordered me to get a mammogram, ultrasound, then blood work for a metabolic scan. I had to wait a week to get these done to go to my brother’s graduation.  Afterwards, I talked my folks, distraught with fear of the unknown test  results.

A few days ago I got the call containing the test results. Thankfully, nothing that I have 2 days to live showed up, but I do need to undergo major surgery. I will still try and post while recovering.

I truly want to thank all of you beauties who have stuck with me and supported me. 🙂 And that’s why I might possibly perhaps maybe offering a giveaway. It will contain 10 of my favorite beauty supplies. This could be makeup, hair, face, or nail products. I am still forming it together, but will keep you all updated.

Finally, my last words of wisdom for you beauties, is to live your life. These 3 words have been said to every one, but not every one abides by it. This upcoming surgery and whole process has really taught me to cherish the ones around you. Every one has a story or is dealing with some form of pain. Judging them won’t ease the ache. The number of likes you get on a photo or post won’t subside the pain. You are only as young as you are right this second. Live your life. Succeed in your work, but don’t let it consume your happiness. How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.