Hi loves! I hope all is well in your life and that the universe is giving you all the support and guidance you need. As I'm sitting here I am deciding why I feel the need to write this blog post. It's nothing beauty related, no fashion tips will be found here. And yet, writing things out is how I find clarity.
So maybe amongst this jumbled rambling of my own thoughts you will find something that you identify with. We all hold on to toxic things in our lives. It could be a person, a group of people, a community, a lifestyle, etc. But the truth is there are always those aspects of our life that, let's face it, take away from our happiness.
Without getting too into detail (don't think I'm ready to divulge the grim details quite yet) a person, a very important person in my life, has traveled down a very lonely road. For years and years and years I have played the game of completely letting this person fall out of my life and needing to keep them close to me.
It has been a learning lesson, one that has prepared me for many other situations I have faced in life. A model of how not to live, how not to treat others, and most importantly how not to treat myself. Through all the heartbreak, the turmoil, the devastation there have also been very happy memories. Memories I could never think back on without a smile.
It would be unfair to say that this person has always brought me unhappiness. But, the unhappiness speaks volumes compared to the happy times. So... now what?

Take Time

Look Inward

Coping with the Loss

Welp. Bye August of 2016 it was nice knowin' ya! We are finally finally FINALLY in the month of September woo woo woo woo. I spent an incredible holiday weekend up in Lake Arrowhead and it was literally the perfect transition weekend into Fall. The air was chilled and when the fog rolls up the side of the mountain and spills onto the streets and houses around the lake it feels like you could be living in a cloud. I was able to wear my new bomber jacket (which shall be put in my favorites below!) and actually not feel crazy for bundling up.
We also went to the resort for a cheeky little massage and gaaahhh it was pure heaven! I think I will need to do a good post for Lake Arrowhead the next time I'm up there...
Without further ado here are my August loves

Clothing// 

Makeup //

Accessories// 

Misc. //

So I feel like I kind of hit a wall in the blogging section of my mind. Honestly, the problem is that I have so many more ideas for fall and winter posts that this awkward, uncomfortably hot, everlasting summer time is just trè trè uninspiring. As I was racking my brain I realized that I have never done a celebrity/blogger/youtuber style post. I have an ENTIRE SECRET Pinterest page just dedicated to celebrity fashion. I have no clue why I keep it on private but Hey we aren't here to ask questions about my weird quirks right? Right.
So as I mentioned in my July Favorites (which can be devoured here) I read "Grace & Style: The Art of Pretending You Have It" and it made my internal gospel choir rejoice. Not only is Grace Helbig unreal gorg but her style tips are so frustratingly sensible! I feel like my style is never ever ever the same and literally changes with my moods so I have a crap ton of random pieces in my closet.

Example:
1. a Woodstock T-shirt for when I channel the flower child vibe
2. button up collared blouse for when I channel my inner preppy vibe
3. vintage dresses from when I wanted to be Zooey Deschanel

It's such a mess and is truly an example of my inner self but I'm telling you the book made me really rethink my shopping habits (as well as a crisis when I literally screamed at my closet for not having anything I liked). So here are some of the pins I have collected of Grace and her fab sense of fashion!

Hey humans behind their computer screens! So for some reason last week I subconsciously wanted to spend way too much money/satisfy my film lover side and saw three movies in theatre. Yes, ALL IN ONE WEEK!
As a sort of unspoken rule most summer movies just tend to be blegh. It's the same with summer television like props out to Netflix because with the Bachelorette ending (I know. Someone throw a Starbucks at me quick) there is literally nothing good until September. If it's all a ploy to get people outdoors all I can say to that is YES I WILL CONTINUE WATCHING NEXT EPISODE.
So not to get too sidetracked here... the three movies I watched are:

1. Ghostbusters
2. The Legend of Tarzan
3. Star Trek Beyond

If this post is finally going live it means, my friends, that I have been successful in finishing my endeavor of reading all seven of the beloved series in a row. It was something I had been wanting to do for well... a very long time. I think anyone who has read the series or watched all eight films knows that these books are truly magic.
I can't deny that 2016 has been a year of change in my life. When I made the decision to read the series it was April 8th and I was a little more than a month away from graduating college. There was so much uncertainty in my future. So much that I, frankly, felt out of control of most everything that was coming my way. Choosing to read HP was possibly one of the best decisions I made in the past few months. With so much pressure on the decisions I was making when my education was coming to an end, there needed to be something that was a distraction.

So hello all! I'm here with my review of Zoella Beauty's new product launch aptly titled Sweet Inspirations. It's been probably close to a month now that her products have been out on the market but of course living aaaaallllll the way in California it took Feel Unique a few weeks to ship them out to the ends of the earth. And the Bath Latte was sold out when I went to purchase the items I wanted (and that was at the top of my list) so I put my name on the waitlist and anxiously awaited for the restock email. Lucky for me it only arrived a day after the other products had come in the mail.
I feel I should share how I came across Zoe and her products in the first place because A) I feel I'm slightly older than her main demographic and B) I'm a little out of region if ya get what I mean. I believe it was back in September or October of last year that I found Zoe's youtube and instantly liked her bubbly personality, genuine sense of humour, and also a similar taste in fashion and general lifestyle. When December hit and Zoe's vlogmas & main channel videos were literal Christmas Cheer I was hooked! I had bought other products before but was happy to finally be on the same timeline with the new launch (as last year when the line launched I was blissfully unaware of Youtube in general).
Moving on to le products in question here, I purchased:

• Le Fizz Fragranced Bath Fizzer
• Double Cream Body Cream
• Bath Latte Bath and Shower Milk

I chose these three because I am super picky about fragrances and already have far too many body mists that I don't wear to add to the collection. I didn't get the two bags because I had recently canceled an Ipsy subscription and am now bombarded with makeup bags that are literally unused in a cabinet in my bathroom. And unfortunately the Body Fondant wasn't even listed on Feel Unique when I went to buy it sooooo that's that.
I absolutely adore the packaging of these products and the minute Zoe presented them (especially the Bath Latte) I was drawn to the whole color scheme. The 1920's patterns with glistening gold and vibrant pastels were too adorable to pass up.


You can't help but crack a smile at the sticker on the packaging saying "Do Not Eat" because it really does resemble a Willy Wonka-esque chocolate bar. And the interior (besides being stark white) is cut in tiny squares just like a bar of chocolate as well! As I am a thorough investigator and had to try all the products before I reviewed them I popped two of these puppies in the bath and watched them fizz away. Not big on the whole bath bomb craze myself I did love the scent of the water after these were dropped in. I was also pretty clueless to how a macaron would smell but I have to say I am pleasantly surprised at the scent. Especially how the scent lingered long after I had dried off from the bath.


This scent is very similar to the Bath Fizzer but put into a wonderful lotion! Again the scent was one I had to get used to as it wasn't a typical vanilla, citrus, or coconut scent that 85% of body lotions have. I have to admit the initial scent is a little overwhelming and not entirely appealing but after about 20 minutes, when it is completely absorbed in the skin, it leaves a pleasantly sweet aroma. And the consistency is wonderful as well. As my art teacher in elementary school used to say "A little dab will do ya" and this is very true for the body cream. I like that a little goes a long way as I moisturize everyday and run out of lotions like it's my dang job!


Honestly saving my favorite for last! I can't get over the packaging on this one. From the price, the look, the scent, the BUBBLES... This is a product I would purchase over and over again. And just like the Body Cream a very small amount makes a whole lot of foamy bubbles! I'm going to be a sad human when this runs out but I will definitely be keeping the bottle to use for some other DIY look. The scent is different from the Fizzer and Body Cream but still just as delicious smelling.

After testing these products I am definitely curious to see how the Body Fondant complements the collection...

Thanks for reading and if you've tried any of these products I would love to hear what you thought in the comments! Xoxo Sam

Heya! Well it has been a very eventful week here and I am just sort of beginning to wrap my brain around it all. Without getting into detail, I will be (and already have been) interviewing for possible job positions in some great businesses. Now I won't be saying what they are but I am extremely hopeful and can't wait to see what comes of them.
However, I know all too well how anxiety-inducing interviewing can be. Especially if it is a higher level position than a typical retail or restaurant job. Not that I am an expert in any way, shape or form, but I am learning different things that have helped me get through them.
I can get horrible social anxiety in situations that I feel are out of my control and one of the most important tasks for me is realizing that interviews ARE in your control. Here is my typical routine before any interview:

1. Be Prepaaaarrreeeddd (Lion King reference lol)
This tip will come up on pretty much any google search of "how to prepare for job interviews" but it means something different from my perspective. When setting up dates for an interview I always set it for a time in the early morning. Why you may ask? because then I'm not sitting around panicking all day long and psyching my self out. Once the interview is set (hopefully with at least three days of mental preparation) I start rehearsing. I will literally stand in front of a mirror and answer questions that you can find online.
At first it is awkward to try to come up with what makes you so wonderful right off the top of your head. And that's okay! That's why you are practicing now. And really take this time for some inward reflection as well. Don't say "I have no hobbies" or "Strengths? Who me?" (two thoughts I have literally had on multiple occasions). And I don't lie and say "My hobbies include making media strategies in my mind" because they know that ain't the truth. Just be yourself!

2. Talk It Out
Whether it's with friends, family, a roommate, a random stranger at Starbucks, tell someone about your nerves. 9/10 times they know exactly how you are feeling (or at least to some degree) and may have helpful hints that they themselves have learned from their previous experiences.
I will literally call up anyone I can beforehand and ask for advice or just vent about how the process is making me feel. They will always be supportive of you.

3. Walk it Out
Exercise can be such a great stress relief, especially with anxiety. I, my friends, am not in great shape so if I go out for a run chances are I am thinking too much about my collapsed lung than my job interview. Or go take a class, just get your mind away from things and sweat it out! Before one of my big interviews last year I took a Zumba class the night before. It was EXHAUSTING and completely hilarious (um 6'2'' Sam out dancing like a mad woman? A very high form of comedic release). That night I slept like a baby and the next day just kept that same mentality and was completely relaxed.

4. Go to Bed!
I am definitely a self-proclaimed insomniac ESPECIALLY if I'm nervous about an event the next day. So what do I do? Be home by 7 and start to wind down, put on some relaxing music, fill up a warm bath tub and sink in. After that do your whole bed time routine, pop a melatonin in (a natural sleep aid) and hop right into bed. Oh it's only 8:30? tough cookies, get in bed. Grab your interviewing notes and skim over them. Don't do practice runs, just browse over the notes you've made and put them away. Light a candle (or if you are like me, incense) and lower the lights. Close your eyes and vision yourself doing amazing at the interview. See them shaking hands with you, throwing cash at you as you walk out the door, starting a parade in your honor for greatest interview ever, whatever makes you happy! Keep your eyes closed no matter how awake your brain is, keep. them. closed. And don't get mad at yourself for not falling asleep just stay relaxed and keep envisioning success.

5. Know Your Worth
So you are all ready for the interview, nice and well dressed, arrived 10 minutes early, said your hello's and they ask you the first question... you draw a blank. Hey guess what, it happened to me. They said "tell me about yourself" and boom darkness. Don't let this get the better of you! Instead take a deep breath, smile, and continue on with the next question. You are an amazing person with incredible skills and knowledge... LET THAT SHINE THROUGH! Don't be intimidated by a professional because they were in the exact same spot at some point in your career.
And even if the interview was horrible and you know you won't be getting the position, don't lose that sense of how great you are. There will be other interviews and opportunities that will be exactly right for you.


So onward and upward my friends! Let me know if you have any tips/tricks that help you get through interviews :) xoxo Sam

So I can't believe I have never done a baking post on this blog even though I really love to bake sweeties! I think because our apartment in New York had such a small kitchen, I was never really inspired to bake anything unless it was a pop in the oven type of product. Being home I get to use my parents glorious kitchen and all of their supplies and ingredients and it makes it so much more fun!
I've had the cook book "The Craft of Baking" for a long time (I bought it when I wanted to go to culinary school... oh how time changes those dreams) and I never really baked any of the recipes in it besides the Banana Tarte Tatin which actually didn't turn out as awful as I expected.
This cook book is definitely not a beginners book as it requires a culinary expertise that, let's just face it, most people don't come equipped with unless you are a true and devout baker.
Today I decided to bake the Banana Cupcakes recipe because my sister is
going to stop by and she loves anything banana. The Peanut Butter Buttercream was a risk... I really didn't know how it would turn out. But in the end it is absolutely scrumptious!

Cupcakes 
Ingredients (MAKES 1 DOZEN):
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil (like who has grapeseed oil waiting in the cupboards???)
3/4 cup mashed banana (about 1 1/2 medium bananas, mashed with a fork)
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda 
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176.7 degrees Celsius). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar and oil. Whisk in the banana, egg, egg yolk, buttermilk, and vanilla.
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Using a whisk, mix the flour mixture into the banana mixture until just combined. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling them three quarters full. Bake, rotating the tin halfway through, until a cake tester inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Invert the cupcakes onto a wire rack, turn them top side up. and let them cool completely.

Buttercream
Ingredients: 
2 large egg whites (1/4 cup)
1/4 cup sugar
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, at room temperature
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 teaspoon pure vanillla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

To make the buttercream, fill a medium saucepan with 2 inches of water and bring it to a simmer. In the bowl of an electric mixer, whisk together the egg whites and sugar. Set the bowl on top of the saucepan, and whisking constantly, heat the egg mixture until it is warm to the touch, about 3 minutes. Transfer the bowl to the mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, and whisk on medium speed until the whites become translucent and shiny and form a soft peak, about 5 minutes more.
With the machine running, add the butter, a cube at a time, and mix until combined. Increase speed to medium-high and add the peanut butter, vanilla, and salt. Scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary, beat until the buttercream becomes shiny and creamy, about 10 minutes. Spread the buttercream over the tops of the cupcakes, swirling it decoratively.



Enjoy! Xoxo Sam

So I have to admit I have a love of vintage clothing. I think my obsession with the 50's-70's has always inspired my own outfit buying decisions. Well the other day I was browsing ModCloth and came upon a number of pieces that I am dying to get my hand's on! I thought I would share some of them with you all.