Celebrating 3 years with the love of my life...

On March 15, I had the honor of celebrating my 

three year anniversary with the love of my life!

Originally, we had planned to go away that weekend and spend time skiing and enjoying each other's company but because of a dance audition, we had to cancel last minute.

Regardless, we had a wonderful night. 

We went to one of our favorite restaurants in downtown Boston, Abby Lane, and enjoyed delicious gourmet cuisine.

If you are ever in the Downtown Theater District of Boston, I highly recommend Abby Lane. Especially in the spring and summer month, I suggest sitting upstairs because they open all the windows!

Anyways, we spend the majority of our night enjoying wine and beer, talking and laughing.

Because of my crazy dance schedule lately, Brendan and I hadn't gotten a lot of time to hang out, catch up and just chat like we usually do.

He's the most understanding, flexible, supportive person I've ever met and I'm lucky to have him in my life. 

It's funny because when we hit out 1 year anniversary, I can remember thinking, "Wow, it feels more like 5 years have gone by!"

But not that it's our 3 year anniversary, I find it hilarious that now I'm thinking, "Wow, it only feels like 1 year."

The reason I say this is because it literally feels like just yesterday that I met him 6 years ago in high school. Or that it feels like just yesterday when we had our first kiss outside my house 3 years ago when we started dating.

I find it interesting that in the beginning it felt like time was going so slow and that it felt as though years and years had gone by, and now I'm looking at out relationship and I honestly can't believe it's already been three years.

It's been three years of nothing but joy, laughter, support, love, listening, affection and any other synonym I can think for any f these words.

My only wish is that more people in the world got to experience what I experience with Brendan everyday. 

I love him to the moon and back a thousand time and I always will.

Until next time,

XOXO Ines

The Perfect Relationship

He works. She Works.

They split the bills.

He has friends. She has friends.

They get along great.

His hobby is fishing. Her hobby is dancing.

He leaves her to her hobbies. She leaves him to his hobbies.

At night time, they order in, 

and catch up on their favorite TV shows.

They joke about how stupid people can be.

She gives him a back rub. He makes her lunch.

He gives her a back rub. She makes him lunch.

Their sex life is unbelievable.

They don't want anyone else.

Ever.

She gets along with his family. He gets along with her family

She wants a Pug. He wants a Mastiff.

They settle for one of each. 

He opens up to her. She opens up to him.

They tell eachother everything.

No secrets.

Ever.

Amazing sex.

All the time.

Yes.

He tells her how annoying his friends are.

She tells him how annoying her friends are. 

But seriously, they love their friends.

He's her support. She's his support.

They respect one another.

Always.

Together they go fishing.

Together they go dancing.

He can be honest. She can be honest.

No judging.

He can't stand that she is always late.

She can't stand that he's always early.

They love eachother for it.

He knows her coffee order.

She knows 

He has a bad day. She has a bad day.

They never take it out on eachother.

He hates cooking.

She hates cleaning.

Nothing a little compromising can't fix.

It's never worth a fight.

The most important thing is that,

He loves her. She loves him.

They are perfect for each other.

One Year Milestone | Anniversary

Brendan and myself celebrated our one year anniversary on March 14, 2013.

It was more than I could have ever imagined an anniversary to be.

 

It was amazing! 

 

 

 

My relationship with Brendan is the healthiest, most supportive and loving relationship I have ever

experienced.

 

To me, having an amazing one year anniversary was a minimal detail because the past 365 days with him had already been so amazing.

 

But, because I am such a people pleaser, when he did ask me what I wanted to do to celebrate, you could say I was a bit indecisive.

 

Usually, I tend to lean towards doing what others want to do as opposed to what I want to do because of just how much of a people pleaser I am. I put my desires to the side.

One of the things I love most about Brendan is that he wants to do what I want to do.

 

He will sit there until I finally speak up and tell him what I want to do; and I'm glad he does because he knows deep down inside I have an idea of what I want to do but I'll put his wants before mine.

 

 

I need someone like him in my life. 

 

 

What we eventually decided on was to get dressed up, get dinner in downtown Boston, go dancing and stay over night in the city. 

The night was more than I could have imagined.

 

 

...It was like something out of a movie...

 

 

He picked me up from work and we drove into the city.

 

When I walked into the hotel room he let me go first. There were rose petals all over the bed, champagne chilling in the corner and a gift perfectly placed in the middle.

 

 

#PrinceCharming

 

 

 

We quickly got dressed and headed over to what is now one of our favorite restaurants, Abby Lane.

 

Located in the heart of the theater district in Boston, I was taken over by the breath taking view and the lounge-like feeling. 

After dinner, we headed over to a place where everybody knew our names.

 

No I don't mean Cheer's!

 

I'm talking about the Bell In Hand on Union Street.

 

Over the past year of our relationship, Brendan and I would get drinks and dance the night away at the oldest bar in America.

 

Of course, it was a plus that at one point Brendan had about 6 best friends working the doors as bouncers.

 

Regardless, we knew that we wanted to head on over to 'our spot' to end the night.

After a couple hours of dance, kissing, laughing and drinking we walked back over to out hotel room and ended the night enjoyed strawberries and chanpagne and each others company. 

 

It's true what they say,

"when you know, you know..."

 

Until Next time, 

Ines xoxo

Liebster Award

Thank you Jasmina Mujagic for nominating me for the Liebster Award. Lets answer some questions!

What is your go-to makeup look for a special occasion?

My go-to makeup look for a special occasion is definitely a defined contour, subtle smokey eye, light dusting of blush, on top of medium coverage foundation and a deep cranberry lip.

Whats your fave season, Summer or Winter?

Hands down summer. Although I'm from Boston where up here in New England the weather is different literally everyday, We get really really harsh winters that I could totally do without. Plus it doesn't help that even in the summer time I get the chills walking outside on a windy day. So winter is just not my cup of tea.

Whats your favorite makeup brand?

Oh, it totally depends on the type of makeup I am using.

Primer: Benefit PoreFessional

Foundation: L'Oreal True Match (W6)

Bronzer: theBalm Bahama Mama

Eyeshadow: Makeup Geek

…to name a few

Whats your reason for starting a blog?

I'm a teacher and this summer I didn't work. I did a lot of traveling. In between traveling I had a lot of time on my hands that I simply didn't know what to do with. And although I'm not a strong writer, I thought this would be a great way to pass the time. I also love giving advice to people and making new friends. This is more than I could have hoped for! I'm having a blast!

You see Leonardo Di-Caprio casually walking down the street, what do you do?

Literally cry historically from FanGirling so hard. Leo is beautiful! I wouldn't be able to contain my excitement!

If there was one makeup look you had to stick with for the rest of your days, what would it be?

I wear normally the same look every day, I just switch up the lip color. I made a blog post about my go-to day time makeup look here. But if I could pick one lip color I would pick cranberry because I can get away with the look without lipstick at all but if I want to dress it up I can add that lip color.

Whats your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is when people are driving and you let them go ahead of you by waving your hand at them to go, and they don't thank you! It makes me want to get out of the car and scream in their face "Do you have manners?"

Who is your inspiration?

Good question. Do you mean beauty wise? I idolize Nicole Guerriero, Jaclyn Hill and CutePolish.

Celebrity Crush?

Oh gosh, that's so hard. Am I allowed to narrow it down to 4? LOL 

1. One of them is absolutely Leonardo DiCaprio. 

2. But seeing as I'm from Boston I also have to add the Funky Bunch's Marky Mark (Mark Wahlberg). 

3. I'm also 100% Portuguese so it's pretty much mandatory for me to include Cristiano Ronaldo. 

4. And last but not least, I have to add Julian McMahon. He played Cristian Troy in Nip/Tuck & Cole Turner in Charmed. He is the definition of beautiful! 

Whats your favorite TV Show?

They are and always will be (yes, more than one) Friends, Boy Meets World and Charmed.TV Now just isn't the same as it was back in the 90's and early 00's.

Who's your fave Friends Character?

OMG why would you do this to me?! lol. I love all the guys more than I love all the girls. If I had to pick only one, I would have to pick Ross. Everything he does and says makes me pee my pants laughing.

Awesome questions Jasmine! Thanks again :-)

I nominate the following bloggers:

Wafaa Abo El Ela

Brenda Michelle

Kuri Pie

Justyna Janus

Claudine Fessey

Sinead Gray

Irene E.

Cassandra Monroe

Lieza Jordan

MsDailyLife

Be LadyLike

Here are my questions for you ladies:

Green or Red apples?

Do you prefer showering in the mornings or at night before bed?

What is your favorite food?

What is your go-to lipstick?

If you won 1 mil, what's the first thing you would do?

Where are you from?

What is your favorite type of drink?

What is your blog all about?

Do you have any siblings?

In 10 years, where do you see yourself?

Top 3 favorite movies, go!

Don't forget the rules:

1. Link back to the person that nominated you in your post.

2. Answer all questions they have given you.

3. Nominate 11 more bloggers with less than 200 followers to nominate for the award.

4. Think up 11 of your own questions for your nominees to answer.

Good luck and have fun!

Until next time,

Ines xoxo

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

5 ways to look good for your man while rocking your pjs:

Everyone, myself included, has days where all they want to do after work is change into their pajamas immediately after getting home and just lounge around. After going to class all morning then running to work until 6pm M-F, I usually pig out infront of the TV and relax for the rest of the night. The best is when me and Brendan do that together. 

I always want to look good for my man, but that doesn't mean a full face of makeup, my louboutins, and so much perfume you can hardly breath should be required every time I see him. There are other ways you can look good for your man while still being able to hang out together in pjs. 

Here are 5 things you can do to look good for your man while rocking your pajamas: 

1) Manicures are like accessories that last up to two weeks. They take any outfit, no matter how drab or fab, and make you look 100x more put together. Even if your guy doesn't notice your manicure, it can make any woman feel more confidence in themselves and how they look while lounging in those pjs. 

This week's manicure: 

2) Men notice when you change your perfume, whether he tells you or keeps it to himself. Each time I switch things up from my COACH original scent to any other scent, he's pointed it out. It usually follows with "I love it!" 

If you plan on lounging in your pjs all night next to your man, go ahead and spritz one of your favorite scents behind your ears or onto your wrists. He will be pleasantly surprised and you will be too at how much he noticed it!

My go-to scent: 

3) Ever have one of those days where you wake up, throw something on and rush out the door? Do you feel 'off' all day and get home feeling run down, tired and kind of gross? Every once in a whole I have those days and feel like the most unattractive woman in the world!

How do I fix this you ask and feel sexy for my man? I jump into the shower quickly and as soon as I get out, I indulge my face in a Lush Cosmetics facial exfoliate. The smell puts you in a good mood, the exfoliating beads wake you up and soften your face, and your skin looks healthy and bright. 

Even thought I know Brendan loves me for who I am no matter what I look like, sometimes I lack self confidence. After washing and exfoliating my face, I look in the mirror and all my confidence comes rushing back. 

My favorite exfoliate: 

4) A few times a month I have the absolute worst hair days. I've either curled my hair and slept on it so now it's a birds nest of tangles, or I've used dry shampoo too many days in a row. 

I look in the mirror and I'm a hot mess, but my long hair doesn't exactly give me a great looking messy bun. 

My solution? A super high pony tail and my favorite head band!!

Why does this work? Usually, once I get my hair into the pony tail I can smooth out the fly always and conceal the tangles and grease. HAHA! Plus headbands don't get in the way of lounging around and make me feel like I'm dressed up, even in my pjs. 

My favorite headbands usually come from Forever 21 and always have a thin band and a bow, like this one:

5) Number five is my favorite and I personally think it's the best way to look good and impress your man. 

Tell him that you love him and that you love sharing your lazy nights with him. 

Not only will this put a smile an your face but you will also instantaneously put a smile on his. 

To hear myself say I love you to Brendan and to hear him say it back melts my heart every single time. I could be having the worst day, I could feel like the biggest hot mess on the entire planet but as soon as we exchange those three little words, I feel so connected and loved, and I know you will too!

My favorite tv watching, pajama filled, lazy-night pictures of us: 

What do you do to look good for your man while rocking the pjs? Leave it in the comments down below!! :-)

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