25 Days of BlogMas | Day 6

Hey Guys!

I totally slacked yesterday. I was on the go from the moment I woke up til the moment I went to sleep. Please, don't kill me, but I'm finally getting Day 6 of BlogMas up. Day 7 will be up later tonight. 

I woke up almost as good as new. No cough, no fever, no soar throat and no stuffy nose. And I didn't even have a headache! Woohoo!

I had breakfast (some toast and coffee) and answered lots of school and work related emails. 

2 o'clock rolled around and Brendan picked me up to go to the mall. Can we just talk about how this weekend was the first December weekend of the Christmas season. You could say that the mall was a bit... crowded. 

This will be our third Christmas together. Our first, we wnt the traditional route and surprised eachother with gifts that we really thought about. For me, because I stress about everything in life, buying gifts for someone is SUPER stressful! I compulsively over think and worry that there is a chance the person would hate the gift.

Now, no matter the holiday, we give each other a rough list of what we would like. Not something spur of the moment, but maybe something we've had our eyes on for a courple months and just havnet gotten around to getting it.

It's much easier this way. There's no stressing about not knowing if the person will genuinely like it, and you also don't need to stress about trying to figure out what they want or would like in the first place.

Our first Christmas Dec. 2012

Totally the way to go when buying gifts for anyone.
Find out a few things they're had their eyes on and from there, pick the ones that fall into your budget.

This way, you know they'll love it and it will still be a surprise.

Anyways, we spent a couple hours at the mall, just browsing stores in search of potential Christmas Presents for friends and family members.

We shared a milk shake and just spent quality time catching up with one another.

I've been a lame, tired and a depressing slug all week, so I'm happy I finally have enough energy (physically and mentally) to enjoy his company. 

After the mall, we went back to Brendan's and caught ourselves up on The Walking Dead. We still have one more episode to go, but we will save that for some night during the week.

For the first time in two weeks, I didn't lay down and automatically fall asleep.

We ordered Chinese takeout and finalized out vacation in January. We are going on a Caribbean Cruise (Brendan's graduation gift to me) so we had to pick out the shore excursions we wanted to do.

The one I'm most excited about is the snorkel/scuba mix!

Eventually I fell asleep as Brendan rubbed my back. It was exactly what I needed. About an hour later, I really wanted a snack, so Brendan ran out to the store with exactly what I needed. 

Brendan's seen how tired, stressed and totally drained I've been for the past two weeks. He's been wonderful. Not once has he been frustrated or expressed being annoyed. He understands that I'm overworked with my 15 hours days. 

I hear too many horror stories from girlfriends' about how the guys in their lives complain and just don't understand.

I'm one lucky girl to have a guy that most people spend their whole life searching for.

Well, when he got back from the store, I was in the mood to watch Hercules.

And I got Brendan in the bandwagon. 

And so that's how our nigh ended.

We watched Hercules while eating out snacks.

Eventually he drove me home and I went right to sleep. 

Sunday I'm going to need to clean my room and upload a lot of assignments to my online portfolio. Thankfully, I only have one week left of my undergraduate college career!

Thanks for reading :-)

Until next time,

XOXO Ines

Sunday Rewind: My Week in Review

Happy Sunday everyone!

Raise your hand if you aren't quite ready to head back to work yet…

Can you believe that in just about a week in a half, we will all be sitting down to a turkey dinner? December is right around the corner and there's nothing more I'm looking forward to than Christmas and finishing my last undergraduate semester! 

Woop woop!

Let's take a look into my week in review:

Row One

Last Sunday, I woke up to the smell of pancakes bubbling and bacon sizzling. When I finally got the energy to get out of bed, I was greeted by my boyfriend and an amazing cup of coffe. Can you see why I'm never letting this one go? He never arises to amaze me. 

On Monday, Brendan came over for a little bit. We caught up on AHS and watched the new season. That's when the other man in my life, Willie my cat, decided to join in on the night. 

The next morning I woke up feeling great and decided to dress a little more casual and laid back for work. Although it snowed lightly, boo, my zip up and vest were all I needed. 

Row Two

Later Tuesday night Brendan came over again. Of course we were created by a different feline this time. Reba made herself right at home in his comfy shoulder. Sadly Brendan hopped on a flight the next day to Florida and is currently on a caribbean cruise. #jealous!

The week continued and not too much happened. This past Friday I went to West End Johnnies, in Boston with a girlfriend. I guess you could say that we are spoiled because we get to dance up on a stage, protected by a wall of guys. I can be such a home body sometimes, antisocial and lazy, so I'm glad that I put myself forward and actually went out.

Row Three

This week, abc family played reruns of Molly Ringwald movies. If you don't know who Molly Ringwald is, I give you permission to go google her now and then come back. The Breakfast Club is my absolute favorite movie. I binge watched it happily in my pjs on the couch. If you've never seen it, I highly recommend it!

This past week I also got the privilege to create my first guest blog post for HumbleBeauty. Tab, who runs the blog, was an absolute pleasure to work with. I've been an admirer from afar for the past few months so when she said she would love to feature me, I was overcome with so much happiness and excitement!

Want to checkout my guest post? Click here.

Finally this past week I was able to yet again stop being anti social and go out with my hometown friends. We went to dave and busters and I had a few drinks and laughs. I'm always happy to go out with absolutely anyone. I love all my friends and I love going out. But I've noticed after my year of being 21 and binging out on going to bars, I've become totally exhausted and prefer staying at home.

I forget sometimes that I still love going out to bars. I think it has something to do with students teaching all day, going to work all afternoon and then going to class… should be interesting to see how I feel come January when I won't have to students teach or attend classes anymore...

Until next time,

xoxo Ines

10 SIGNS HE'S A KEEPER!

1) You know he's a keeper because he cares for you.

When it's that time of the month, he invites you over to cuddle to the point where you fall asleep from him rubbing your back. When you've had to much to drink and can't drive home, he's at the bar in 15 minutes because you called him for a ride. When you're childhood pet passes away and he's there to hold you as tight as he can until you stop hysterically crying. When you have a fever and have been throwing up all night, and he shows up at your door with medicine. When you've had the worst day possible and he listens to you recount every detail, no matter how busy or pressed for time he may be.

2) You know he's a keeper because he's a gentleman.

He respects you whole heartedly. I don't just mean he's nice to you either; we are NOT in middle school. He genuinely supports all your decisions, even if they aren't exactly what he wanted. He's there for you when you need someone to cry on and won't be insensitive no matter the situation. He respects what you think. He appreciates your opinions. He opens the door for you. He pays for the movie or dinner. He respects your personal belongings and your well-being. He's also a gentleman because he treats his mother the exact same way as he treats and spoils you.

3) You know he's a keeper because he's sensitive to your needs.

There's nothing worse than an insensitive jerk who won't even give you a comforting hug when you're crying. Let's face it, he laughs in your face and calls you a baby. You don't need that and he's definitely not a keeper!

A keeper is someone who can empathize with you and try to understand what your going through. He is there on your best and worst days. If you need time with you're family and need to cancel plans last minutes, he's understanding and supportive. He knows when to give you your space and when to smother you with love.

4) You know he's a keeper because he lets you be your own person. 

There's nothing worth than a jealous possessive person, let alone a jealous possessive boyfriend. We all have that friend who's boyfriend doesn't let them go out with the girls without him dragging along behind. It's like having your own personal stalker. EW!

You know he's a keeper because he understands that you are your own person just like he is his. Sometimes you just want to stay at home, alone in your room watching movies. Other times you want to get all dressed up and go out drinking with your girlfriends. Whatever the case, he supports what you want to do. There's never a reason to fight just because you want to go out with the girls and he wants to go out with the guys. The best part is that when you are together next, you'll have something to talk about and share, only strengthening the bond and happiness in your relationship.

5) You know he's a keeper because he gives you and respects your space.

He understand that you don't always want to hang out when you get home from work. He knows that after hanging out a few days in a row, you need downtime to catch up on what you had going on in your life apart from him. He knows that after getting in a fight with family, you sometimes don't want to see or talk to anyone. He knows not to fuel the fire when you're angry and instead lets you take a walk to cool off. He gets that when you have plans and you suddenly get sick you need to call them off. He's okay with that.

6) You know he's a keeper because he gets along with your friends and family. 

Even though a lot of us like to deny the fact that they "don't care what friends and family have to say when it comes to a significant other" deep down inside, it really does matter. Being able to invite your significant other over for family dinner or to parties and get togethers not only improves your bond, but also makes you feel good and happy to see them getting along with everyone else who is use as important to you in your life. When friends and family don't approve of the person you are with, not only does it put some strain on you, but it also puts strain on the relationship. It could potentially lead to unnecessary argument. Take for example that one friend who doesn't get along with your significant other. I've heard of situations where that friend refuses to even hang out in a large group, just because the significant other was invited. Who needs that bs?!

7) You know he's a keeper because he respectfully argues with you. 

I believe there is no legitimate reason to ever fight with the person you are dating. Unless they are being sneaky, cheating or lying (in which case you shouldn't even be with them in the first place), then there's no excuse to fight.

He's a keeper because he listens to your side before he shares his. He doesn't scream, swear, punch a wall or get angry while you argue. He tries to find a compromise if you two aren't seeing eye to eye. Likewise, you need to be the same way, or you'll never find a keeper.

On days where you made plans but you get sick and have to cancel, it's important to notice how he reacts. You didn't get sick on purpose. Sometimes it happens. If he gets angry that you've canceled, get rid of him because that's only the start of your troubles. If he gets understandable upset but quickly brushes it off and asks if you need anything, you know right there that he is a true keeper.

8) You know he's a keeper because he's affectionate.

No matter where you are, he isn't afraid to be affectionate. He kisses you and holds you in front of friends and family. One of his favorite things to do is flaunt you, too. He tells you how beautiful you are. He brings you flowers for no reason other than he wants to see you smile. He surprises you with little things that make you happy just because.

9) You know he's a keeper because he listens.

When you've had the absolute worst day at work or in class and he's there to take the full force of your stress, he's a keeper. Even if he has no idea what to say, and he still sits there with his eyes on you, you know he's a keeper. If he's suppose to meet his buddies for hockey or golf, and takes 10 minutes to sit down with you or comfort you, then you absolutely know that he is a keeper. No matter what he is doing or about to do, if he is able to calm you down or take the time to quickly listen, you know you have someone very special in your life.

10) You know he's a keeper because he goes the extra mile.

When you've finally passed a test that you've been stressing out about, he takes you out to celebrate over dinner. When you've had a rough day, he calls you later just to check in with you. When you've been on the hunt for a specific dress you saw in a magazine, he shows up at your house with that dress in a bag. He helps your family with little jobs around the house and doesn't mind sacrificing his own time to be with you.

Date Night Makeup 8.6.14

For this look, I used: (List of products will be added shortly)

Face Primer:
Chapstick:
Lid Primer:
Eye Shadows:
Eye Liner:
Foundation:
Highlight Stick:
Contour:
Blush:
Highlighter:
Mascara:
Setting Spray
Lipstick:

*Pictures can be found at the end of this blog post. Thanks!

Anyone else find that their make up comes

out the best when they're not trying at all?! 

I literally had the worst lighting, the smallest mirror and the least care for how my makeup was being applied. I was in a hurry and my babe was already on his way over.

And of course, with minimal time and the least care in the world, my makeup came out amazing! I know if I try to recreate my effortless look with time and patience later during the week, it won't come out as good. Womp Womp Womp!

Anyways, I created this look in about fifteen minutes. That's not bad, right, considering I applied a primer, foundation, contoured and created a subtle smokey eye?

I applied my makeup in the order that I listed the products above. I used costal scents, sigma, mac, and real technique brushes for the entire look.

Regardless of how my makeup comes out, what my hair looks like or what I am wearing, my honey always finds the sweetest words to compliment me. He truly is the most wonderful person I've ever come to know and love.

Our date-night was exactly what I needed after being away from him for three weeks. Everything was perfect, and the night was wonderful!

If you want a tutorial on this look,

leave it in the comments below!

Does your makeup come out the best when you're in a rush, too?

Tell me all about it! 

Until next time, 

Ines xoxo

CLOSE UP:

Casual: FULL FACE, NUDE LIP

 

Dressy: FULL FACE, PURPLE LIP, Chunky necklace



I WANT TO BE YOUR GIRLFRIEND! #tbt

This was the first picture Brendan and myself ever took together!

It was March 7, 2012 and it was my 21st birthday. Only two of my other girlfriends were 21 so I invited Brendan out with us to dinner then drinks afterwards. We had been dating for about 4 months at that point, but I was extremely nervous to have him there with me. 

Talk about butterflies in my stomach all night! 

I feel as though once you invite the person you are somewhat dating out with your friends, or to a family party, you're pretty much silently screaming

                                      I WANT TO BE YOUR GIRLFRIEND! 

I was falling hard for him. We had been dating 4 months. I had met his parents and friends. I had gone out with him and his friends. I opened myself up to him and became vulnerable. He was (and still is) wonderful. I was ready to take the next step.

And sometimes, because I am so nice, I tend to accept and trust everyone too easily. I end up misinterpreting other people intentions or I get completely taken advantage of.  Then, I'm left with feeling let down and hurt. 

Back in high school, me and Brendan briefly dated for maybe 3 months. It was never anything serious and being a naive 17 year old girl, I misjudged his actions and what he wanted. He wasn't as serious as I was. I started to develop feelings but he didn't feel the same way. A few days before I had planned to tell him exactly how I felt he told me he was interested in someone else.

But that's okay!

I'm glad it didn't work out between us back then. I was an unstable lunatic who had never had a real relationship so I know for a fact I would not have been able to handle Brendan. Plus, now that I've gone through some rough patches in my life and I know what I want and I can appreciate him and everything he is and does whole-heartedly.

It's funny how you meet someone, exchange numbers and quickly start to develop feelings for them. You can't wait for the next date, the next opportunity to dress up, hold their hand and get intense butterflies.

With more butterflies comes more anxiety; Am I what he wants? Does he actually like me? Is he only trying to get into my pants? How long will we date until he asks me to be his girlfriend? Should I actually tell him how I feel, or will that freak him out?

Should I wait for him to tell me first?

First time around did not go so well, but this time, he made up for it. He apologized for the past, admitted his wrongs and told me how much I meant to him.

About a week after my birthday Brendan asked me to be his girlfriend. I am so grateful for that day. And, I can tell you with the biggest smile on my face, two years later I still get butterflies in my stomach and in my throat every time I see him.

Love is out there for everyone, you just can't go looking for it.

It needs to find you.

.

If you found this blog post at all helpful, make sure to share, follow and give it a +1!

Until next time,

Ines xoxo

#ConcertSelfie

Yesterday, on May 31, 2014, Brendan and myself went to the George Strait concert at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro and we had a blast! Of course our night consisted of singing, dancing, drinking beers and #concertselfies.


We went with one of Brendan's work buddies and his group of friends. As soon as we got into the stadium, I didn't even look at the beer; I hand had my heart set on a burger. Can you say #glutton ? HA!

So, there we are waiting in a ridiculously long line of drunk idiots. Of course one of them walks directly up to us and said that he would buy us our beers if he could cut us in the line. 

How could we argue with that logic?! 

Of course we said no problem. Had he been a douche, I'm pretty sure we both would have told him to take a hike, but surprisingly he was really nice, and how can you pass up free beer?

Faith Hill and her hubby Tim McGraw made an appearence, both starting the show off as well as singing duets with George Strait later in the night.

Having grown up listening to those legends on the radio, as my dad drove us to and from school, I was thrilled to create more memories around them. I loved being able to add Brendan to those memories, too. It was also exceptionally special to me because George is on his last tour round the US. The show last night in Foxboro was his second to last before he retires. That's pretty awesome to be apart of. 

George was fantastic live. He performed a set of songs every diehard fan knew and sang them just as if you were listening to him in the car, possibly even better. He's been around since far before I was born so I can only imagine trying to fit decades of music into a two hour how. 

Quite honestly, I thought I would know more of what he played but at times I felt a little lost in the crowd. 

But, that's when I's look around and realize I was also one of the youngest, being 23, in the crowd. 

Nontheless, even though I didn't always know they lyrics, I still listened, swayed my hips, and joined in on the chorus, while wrapping my arms around my very own cowboy :-)

What's your favorite part of the concert experience? 

Until next time,
Ines xoxo

Alaska, here we come!

On June 17, 2014 I will have the pleasure of joining Brendan and his parents on a Royal Caribbean Cruise to Alaska.

Last year, I was fortunate enough to join the professional cruisers on a trip to the Caribbean; so when they asked me where I wanted to go next, of course I said Alaska next!

In elementary school, I was infatuated with the 49th state. Three years in a row I chose to research Alaska for our unit on the 50 states. I had always wanted to visit the state, so of course I jumped on the chance to make that childhood dream come true!

I'm excited to see the glaciers, enjoy some hot chocolate on the deck, go white water rafting and of course fish for some Salmon.

In the past two years, I've seen and done more than I ever could have imagined, with Brendan by my side. One of the reasons I really wanted to start blogging was to document everything I was going through.

I want to use this blog to showcase and highlight all the wonderful memories that Brendan and myself create and share with each other as well as to share past, present and future experiences with all of you!

I can only hope that the happiness I write about and that the photos I share with all of you spark some of your own ideas to share with that special someone in your life. I have something so special and rare that if I can help other couples create their own special memories, then I am forever greatful.


Until next time,
Ines xoxo