Polka Dots and Cowboy Boots

Polka Dot Sweater - Old Navy
Jeans - Levi
Boots - Xappeal
Scarf - Pashmire (Christmas gift from a friend)
Bag - Gap

New Years Resolutions and New Starts

Barista Training

I've been meaning to write this since... well, New Years day. But of course the past month has been crazy and I haven't really had time to blog as much as I would like. I had finals, family coming into town, getting really sick before Christmas, and I got sick again and now I've had a cold for almost a week and a half.

2012 is totally looking up so far, though. I gave in a two-week notice to my old job, so this next Wednesday is my last day there! Now I'm training for my new job, which makes me super excited, and I'm also starting a new school semester this next week. I'm pretty happy about having some of these new starts.

And now, for my new year resolutions =)

1. Write more - This is so needed. Not only is it something I love to do, but it's also one of the best ways to make me feel better after a bad day.

2. Be more crafty - In other words... learn how to sew and crochet. These are things I've wanted to learn how to do for a really long time now and I figure sooner is better then later.

3. And last but definitely not least is to drink more water - I had to throw a healthy type of resolution in here... although, I'm pretty sure this has been one of my resolutions every year for the past 3 or so years. I do drink a lot of water, but it never hurts to make sure that you're staying hydrated and getting all the water you need for daily intake.

I'm pretty sure I wrote down plenty more resolutions somewhere, but those are my main three. I'm really excited about this new year and I can't wait to see where it takes me.

What are some of y'all's new year resolutions? Leave a comment below!

Judgment.

 (Posted this to my Tumblr originally: http://alyarmstrong.tumblr.com/)

I hate when people feel the need to hate on or judge people just because they just so happen to not like a few things someone says or does or even likes.

Really? Why are we spreading all this hate around? What gives us the right?

Posting judgmental comments or hateful things doesn’t make you look like a better person.. it honestly just makes you seem insecure.

I’m not saying that I’m perfect and have never been judgmental before (that would be so ridiculously hypocritical of me). I can be pretty mean sometimes… everyone can be, but it’s what we choose to do with that. If we would stop and realize the things we’re saying may be hurtful or judgmental then would we be thoughtful enough to not spread that hate around as much?

I bring this up because I’ve had my fair share of hearing that people think certain things about me (at work, school, or just everyday life) and sometimes they choose to be judgmental, when they don’t really know me or they don’t know all of the facts… or they choose that they have nothing better to do then to bring someone down that day. And I’ve also seen people do that to other people all the time (in everyday life or on the internet). It doesn't make sense why people feel the need to put people down so much.

What would happen if, before we said something really hurtful, we actually stopped to think about how our words could affect someone? I think it would make a world of difference, and I would hope that a lot of the negativity would stop.

I know this is kinda random, and not really normal for my blog, but I felt like it was just something I wanted to write about.

New Years Nails

Essie's Coat Azure + Ulta's Pinata-Yada-Yada = Super sparkly New Years nails (pictures don't do the sparkle justice). I love this combo, I've used it before this past Summer.

You  could use O.P.I.'s color Rainbow Connection as a substitution for the sparkly top coat.

Yes to Blueberries: Smoothing Daily Cleanser Review

I was looking for a new cleanser a while ago and came across an article saying that this product was the best for dry/sensitive skin and wouldn't cost a thousand dollars for 4 ounces. I went to my local Target and picked one up to try and now I use it every single day.

This cleanser has ingredients like coconut oil, which leaves skin soft and without the tight skin feeling that other cleansers can leave behind, blueberries which are high in anti-oxidants that can repair damaged skin, and other ingredients that cleanse skin of dirt and grime and leaves skin brighter.

Another pull to buy this product is the fact that it is 95% natural. It doesn't contain parabens, petroleum, or dyes and has 100% natural fragrance and is also animal cruelty free.

There are 4.5 ounces in one tube, but it will last you a long time if you don't use too much. This is the second time I have purchased this cleanser and my first one lasted about 4-5 months.

Yes to Blueberries product line is meant for rejuvenating aged skin, but that doesn't mean anyone of any age can't use it. It a great cleanser for all age types and could potentially protect skin from fine lines and wrinkles down the road.

All in all this product is the best cleanser for dry/sensitive skin I've ever tried, and I love it.

You can pick this cleanser up for $9.99 at Target (http://www.target.com/p/Yes-to-Blueberries-Daily-Cleanser-4-5-Fl-Oz/-/A-13051311#?lnk=sc_qi_detaillink) or Yes to Carrots official website (http://www.yestocarrots.com/category/age-refresh?category_id=0000026).

Have you tried this product before or do you plan on picking one up to try? Let me know in the comments below!

  

Skirt - Lily White (Nordstrom - http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lily-white-banded-skirt-juniors/3137776?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=1780)

Leopard Print Tank top - Old Navy

Cardigan - Ann Taylor Loft

Tights - Worthington

Shoes - Mossimo Supply Co.

Bag - Target a long time ago.

Finals Playlist

The semester is almost over, and of course that means that I have projects and finals to finish... so here are just some of the songs that are getting me through to the end:

1. Countdown- Beyonce
2. Don't Kick the Chair - Dia Frampton & Kid Cudi
3. Santa Fe- Beirut
4. Run Every Time - Gavin Degraw
5. Animal - Elle Goulding
6. How'd You Like That - The Kooks
7. Eat That Up, It's Good For You - Two Door Cinema Club
8. Love Lost - Temper Trap
9. Right As Rain - ADELE
10. Skinny Love - Bon Iver
11. Fire Escape - Fanfarlo
12. Mercy - Duffy
13. Anti-D - The Wombats
14. Fly - Nicki Minaj & Rihanna
15. Take Care - Drake & Rihanna
16. Till I Get There - Lupe Fiasco
17. Why I Love You - Jay-Z, Kanye, & Mr. Hudson
18. The End - Best Coast

You can listen here on Spotify -  http://open.spotify.com/user/121789150/playlist/4EUD5mpcgb19Dsd9Bfbcsq

Hope y'all are having a fabulous week!