1 Year Blogaversary!

One year ago today I decided to finally take a leap of faith and do something I had always dreamed of doing. I had no idea what I was doing and kept it relatively secret from everyone.I didn't want them to judge me or think I was just trying to be like everyone else. I wasn't sure how to or even where to start. I wanted to put out good content and something I was happy with. I did a couple of posts but even those go deleted before anyone saw them. I knew it would be hard and it would require a lot of dedication which I didn't really have in the beginning. There have been so many times I have been filled with self doubt and thought maybe I should just scrap my blog completely but what would I gain from just giving up.

I know I have been out of the posting game the last month and its because I've been dealing with a lot of different things. But I am grateful for this full year of being a blogger and although I haven't accomplished everything I have plans for this upcoming year.

I want to post more.

I want to be a better blogger.

I want to learn different techniques. 

I want you guys to know me.

There are going to be days where I doubt myself again and think I can't do this but I will remember how much I have grown this past year.

I know this is a random post but I just wanted to thank all of you who have supported me or even read these post the last year.  

THANK YOU!

until next time.

Noshka XXO

Spring FabFitFun

Subscription Box Update!

Last month I posted about finally subscribing to FabFitFun. This box isn't monthly like I previously said it is annually. The Spring Box came out at the beginning of March and I finally received my box.
There where a couple of bumps in the road with this box which I would like to talk about before we get to the contents of this box.

• contents of the box revealed before everyone received their box 
• charged before sent shipping notification or tracking

Even though those are only two things it seemed to be a common cause for concern for a lot of us seeing as we were charged but had not been notified. I also noticed that a lot of people were having trouble with the customer service but my experience was completely different. I emailed them and got a response the next day. I'm sure that's not the case for everyone but they do seem to care about their customers. 

Now that the rant is over....let's get to the goods!

Here is an over view of what was in the box. For this box they have partnered with the nonprofit I AM THAT GIRL which helps girls dealing with self doubt turn that doubt into self love. They work to create a healthier and more empowering world.  Check out I AM THAT GIRL  HERE!

Retail Value: $35

The first thing I noticed was this Kitchen Herb Garden DIY kit. Now I've never been one who has a green thumb or anything but I can always give it a go right? lol. This kits includes all the tools needed to grow thyme, basil and mint. Seeing some mojitos in my future if they end up growing lol. It also includes the plastic pots plus every time you purchase a MakersKit it donates school supplies to a public school in their partnership P.S ARTS.

Visit http://makerskit.com/  to purchase one for yourself. 

Retail Value: $14.99

I then noticed this bright pink Mat Strap Plus.  I wasn't really sure what it was so I read the description that came in the booklet. Its an all in one strap. It can be used as a resistance cord for strength training or an alternative mat bag. This is a really good concept for people who go to yoga or are having trouble holding a pose which would include myself. Maybe this will make me more of a yoga enthusiast. 

Visit merrithew.com to purchase this or other items!

Retail Value: $28

The Bath Bomb Trinity is a set a bath bombs obviously lol which are made up of organic ingredients and essential oils. With scents of eucalyptus, peppermint and lime, and lavender, chamomile,ylang ylang, jasmine, rose, and sandalwood. One to wake up, one to distress and one to feel the love. Pop them in your bath for a relaxation you'll never believe. 

This was one of the products I was most excited about! This contour kit is the debut product for Joey Maalouf and FabFitFun. It comes it both Light/Medium and Medium/Dark. Each palette includes a highlighter, blush, bronzer and contour.  I have yet to use this yet but I am super excited to try it out and let you guys know what I think. This retails for $32, and if you would like to get your hands on one just check out ishbeauty.com and use the hashtag #IMSMOKINGHOT

Retail Value: $9.98

If you like to have spa nights or pamper nights than this product is definitely for you. This is an all in one hand an foot treatment that strengthens your nails and moisturizes your skin and lets be honest who doesn't want that especially with the warmer weather coming soon which means sandal season. I will definitely be using these.  

Check them out at keratingloves.com !

Retail Value: $22.99

This argan and hemp seed oil is suppose to leave your hair feeling silky smooth, healthy and frizz free which is all great things for someone who has been suffering from frizz since well forever lol.  I always feel uneasy about hair oils because I always seem to use to much and then it makes my hair greasy so I'm going to have to pay attention to how much I use but I look forward to being frizz free lol :) 

Retail Value: $19.95

Because the weather is starting to get warmer it means we have to shave again. Not that we ever stopped shaving just cared less about it since we were wearing layers of clothes. This product is suppose to be the best shaving cream ever lol. Its a mix of body lotion and shaving cream and a bit of "blade butter" to give you the nicest smoothest shave ever experience. Since I rarely use shave cream anyways which I know is bad I can already tell that its going to be better than what I'm use too. Hello Smooth Legs..

Retail Value: $65

This Jook & Nona tag necklace  is a plated 18k gold stainless steel engraved necklace. Not everyone got the same engraved necklace they do have different saying like Love, Happy, Inspire and of course Dream. With these inspiring necklaces you are sure to have a positive outlook with this dainty necklace to remind you every time you look down.

Visit jookandnona.com to check out their amazing selection.

There were also two gift card included in this box which one was to 31 Bits which is handmade jewelry from artisans in Uganda  to help them rise above poverty and create a better life for themselves. Check them out HERE!

The other gift card was from Sterling Forever, which has a mixture of fashion runway trends, celeb favorites, and high end jewelry designers. Check them out HERE!

Total Retail Value:  $282.91

I have to say for the two boxes I've gotten so far I'm very impressed with FabFitFun! They pick out a great mix of items and also partner with some great organization to bring us the very best. I can't wait to see what is in the next box. 

If you would like to try FabFunFun, here's my invite link and enjoy $10 off !

http://xo.fff.me/dASCd

Until Next Time

Noshka XOXO

Target/ Old Navy Haul

Hello Everyone,

Spring is in the air and with that I've done some spring shopping. I know typically your suppose to do spring cleaning but what can I say lol. I didn't get an enormous amount of stuff but I thought I'd share what I did get. 

So lets start with Target...

We all know that even if you go to Target to browse you always end up with a couple of thing and that's just what happened. It like you get in a trance and want to just buy everything, the WHOLE store. 

The first thing I picked up were these adorable DV Ella Espadrille Sandals. (Click Here) They are perfect for spring and summer and you can wear them with essentially anything because they are nude. I picture them with some boyfriend jeans and a light weight white shirt for a casual look or pair it with a Maxi Dress for a fun night out. They are also super comfortable which is a plus!

If you know anything about me it is that my favorite movie is Peter Pan SO when I saw this pillow case I about DIED! Its everything that resembles Peter Pan. I can't wait to put it on my bed. They have a variety of different sayings and adds a cute touch to any decor. Click Here!

Those are the only thing I got from target but I'm sure I'll go back soon and pick up some more stuff. (Let me know if you would like to see those in the comments below)

When I went to Old Navy they were having a 40% off sale. I don't usually buy things unless they are one sale or there is sale going on. So I had to take advantage of this sale. lol 

I didn't realize it but I ended up putting a whole outfit together. 

The first thing I picked up were these adorable Ballet Flats. I like to go for more neutral tones in my shoes so I can wear them with everything but I saw these and instantly fell in love. I think they will add the perfect pop to any classic neutral outfit. 

I always wanted printed pants. I just never thought I would look good in them especially Pixi pants. I've tried them on before but they just didn't seem to sit right. Then I realized I wasn't trying on the right size, silly me. So although these were excluded from the sale they were clearance so I ended up getting them anyway. 

Theses Silver and Black Houndstooth pants were the PERFECT fit. They were classic and simple BUT still add some interest and pattern to the outfit. 

The last thing I got was this Swing Pintuck Top. Its a simple shirt but you could dress it up and dress it down. Pair it with some ripped up jeans and some wedges or dress it up for work. Its nice and flowy and has some beautiful details.

These are the few items I picked up from Target and Old Navy I thought I would share with you guys. Have you guys done any shopping recently? Have any favorite items? Let me know in the comments below.  

Until Next Time..

Noshka XOXO

Spring Break on a Budget

Hello Everyone & Happy Spring Break!

There are plenty of us who have never gone away to Spring Break. Some of us work or just don't have enough money to go away. There are plenty of options for those of us who don't go away. I've come up with this list of fun and some realistic things to do on a budget because let's be honest we don't want to spend a ton of money. Let's jump right in!

1. SLEEP 

If you are in college and you are not going away for spring break, I would recommend you catch up on sleep because chances are you just finished midterms and you are wrecked lol

2. Netflix

Who doesn't want to binge watch shows in their pjs with a bowl of popcorn?

3. Pool Day

If you live in an apartment complex and they have a pool or a hot tub use it! You are paying for it right?!. If you don't live in an apartment complex check to see when your pools open. Let's be honest everyone wants to get some sun during spring break.

4. At Home Spa Day

Pamper yourself or a group of friends with an at home spa day. 

5.Bake

Who doesn't want to make mountains of chocolate chip cookies ( i do)?!?!?

6. Try something new

It could be anything, food, hobby, a new restaurant, so many options.

7.Hike

If you like to be outdoors you can easily find a trail or go to your favorite spot for a hike. 

8. Cocktail Hour

If you are of legal age have some friends over and have a some drinks and watch some cheesy movies and just laugh.

9. Local Events

Look up events in your area and go to them. They are usually free and you can usually find something interesting or fun.

10. Relax.

You honestly don't have to do anything if you don't want too. Take the time for yourself and relax. Enjoy being off from school or work and do what makes you happy. 

Do you have anything you like to do on your time off?

Until Next Time,

Noshka XX

5 Spring Break Essentials

It's almost that EXCITING time of year again!

SPRING BREAK! Woooo!

I know a lot of you are tired of the colder weather and just ready to be in the sun, I know I am and Spring break is the perfect reason to be in the sun. To help you prepare for all the FUN you will be having (I'll be working) I've complied a list of 5 essential products you will need because lets be honest during Spring Break less is more! These are things you can use for all your beach travels or even during the summer. I don't know if anyone else likes to pack but I love to back so lets jump right in to what you will need.

1. Sunglasses

This doesn't have to be an expensive pair of sunglasses, in most cases it should be a cheaper pair just in case you party too hard and they broken or lost. I would say you should be safe with two for a whole week and I know target has some rather cheap ones they even have some in their dollar section which don't look awful. These are just some of the ones I have and I prefer the over sized sunglasses.

2. Bathing Suits

Bathing suits are essential if you are going somewhere tropical or to the beach which who doesn't want to go to the beach. I wouldn't take all the bathing suits I own but it would be best to take one or two especially if you can mix and match them. It gives you versatility and different looks without trying too hard.

3. Over-sized Lounge Wear

You don't want to wear your fancy clothes to the beach or pool. It would just be easier to take some over sized school shirt like the ones above away with you. They are easy to just throw on and walk around with.They don't have to be sleeveless like the ones above they can also be long sleeve in case you go out earlier in the day and its a bit chilly. Plus they are a comfortable.

4. Sandals/Flip- Flops

I would opt to take two types of sandals (flip flops). One for beach wear and then one for when you go out and dress up. I wouldn't recommend heals because lets be honest who is really going to go all out when all you want is to slip something on and off without all that hassle. The ones pictured above are some Lauren Conrad from Kohls and the Sam & Libby ones are from Target. Nude is perfect because it goes with everything.

5. Versatile Outfits

The picture on the left is a romper and its an all in one outfit you throw on and your good to go. I would also bring a maxi dress in case you go on a night out and you want to dress up. You want something flowy and loose plus if you get a sunburn it wont hurt as much. 

*Bonus* 

If your going to the beach I would suggest bringing a portable speaker that way you can listen to your own playlist. Have your own party in the sand. If your with a group it can make for a more enjoyable experience.  Plus you can jam out!

Do you have any Spring Break Essentials? Are you going somewhere fun? Let me know in the comments below!

Stay Safe & Have Fun

Until Next Time

Noshka XX

Update: Where have I Been?

Hello Everyone,

I'm sorry I haven't been around lately and haven't been posting as frequently as usual but I started my internship 4 weeks ago and its been very busy since then. I've been wanting to post but I haven't had the time to sit down and really focus on making a good content blog for you guys.

So I wanted to fill you in on what's been going on and how my internship is going.

A little background: as you know I graduated college in December. I knew I had the MIT internship before then; MIT is Manager in Training. I was anxiously waiting for where I would be headed to complete this internship. First they wanted to send me a little more than 2 hours from my house. I knew that wouldn't work for me since I hadn't been working and I didn't have too many resources to rely on and it was short notice to find an apartment in so little time. I contacted my recruiter and she was able to make it a location that was only an hour away from home. That made me a little bit happier because I knew I would be able to drive if I wasn't able to find an apartment (which I didn't).

As my internship started I was nervous, nervous at the fact that I would be meeting new people I had never met before. That I had to become a leader to a team of all new associates who would wonder who I was and why I was there. I was scared. Scared I wouldn't fit in and that they wouldn't accept me. That this team had worked together for so long that there would be no chance of me finding my place.

The first couple of weeks were rocky, for me at least. I lacked the confidence I had in my previous internship and reverted to being shy. But I knew that I needed to take control of that situation. I knew that if I wanted everyone to like me then I would have to take the first step and reach out to them to learn about them and thus they would want to learn about me. So that's what I did I talked to some of the associates asking them how long they had been with the company and so forth and I noticed that they wanted to learn more about me.

They were finally starting to like me when the store manager mentioned that she had heard something I had said. My words had been twisted! I felt as though my trust had been broken and that they weren't interested in me, they were interested in what I knew and what I was going to know. It shocked me that someone would take my sign of friendship and break it so easily in the time I had been there. It was hard for me to accept, after all I am going to be a leader to them soon.

It's still hard to accept, how do I become a leader everyone can trust but also take seriously?

I guess that's what I have to work on. Being confident in my skin, in my knowledge and in MYSELF.  Knowing that these next couple weeks will fly past whether I'm ready or not, whether I want them to or not.

But, I will be ready! I am going to kick butt! ( I hope lol)

So that't what I've been up to the last 4 weeks. I'm sorry I haven't been able to post as much as I've wanted to but I'm working on finding a schedule that works better. If you have any suggestions please let me know it the comments below.

I know this was a rambley blog but I hope you guys still enjoyed it!

Have you ever had to deal with broken trust? Has something happened that shocked you?

Let me know in the comments below!

Until Next Time

Noshka XX

Valentine's Day Series: Outfit Ideas

Hey Everyone!

This is the 3rd and final installment in my Valentine's Day series. I really enjoyed doing this series and hopefully you all enjoyed reading it. For this post I'm going to share with you a couple of Valentine's Day outfits. These are outfits I would personally wear. Its all about comfort for me anyways. Remember: its all about confidence and if you don't have a date you can still ROCK these outfits. Lets jump into it!

Casual Outfit

For this outfit I decided to go for comfort. This is something I could wear to work or just on a day date. The Old Navy Pixie Pants give a pop of color while keep all other aspects neutral. The chambray and white shirt give the look a more laid back feel while the nude Steve Madden flats pull the look together. I added some jewelry pieces to dress it up a little but you could opt out of you wanted too.

Dressy Casual 

This look is still casual but I dressed it up with these nude strappy heels from Nine West. I also dressed it up with a hot pink scuba shirt. Plus the added costume jewelry. I love the look of this outfit and I would definitely wear this on a night out.Jeans can be very versatile. You can dress them up or use them for a casual day. It all depends on you.

These are just some of the outfits I came up with that were easy for Valentine's Day and these looks can be easily recreated with anything you have in your closet.

I hope you guys have an AMAZING Valentine's day, whether your single or in a relationship remember that everyday you should be shown that you are loved not just on the holidays.

Any special Valentine's Day Plans? Comment them down below!

Until Next Time....Happy Valentine's Day <3

Noshka XOXO 

Valentine's Series:Pampering Yourself

With Valentine's Day just around the corner ( 3 weeks and 4 days) I decided I wanted to do a little mini series leading up to the big (for some) event. Valentine's Day isn't or shouldn't be about how much you love someone and how you can prove that love by buying all these gifts and chocolate, (although chocolate is appreciated). It's about spending time together, or spending time pampering yourself. Let's be honest I think everyone hates those couples who are all lovey dovey and think they are better than everyone. You don't need anyone to know how much you are loved, it all starts with LOVING YOURSELF!! That's why I am starting with that..you can do these things on V-day or include it in your life every time you need a pick me up. Enough with the rambling and let's jump right into these fun things to do!!

1. TREAT YOURSELF

           Buy something you have been lusting after for a while. Take the plunge and do it! It will be worth it in the end, plus it will make you happy. You don't work hard for nothing, right?

       
2. GET YOUR NAILS DONE
       
           If you do this regularly it may not be as big of a treat but for someone who rarely gets their nails done I think if would be nice to not have to walk on eggshells waiting for my nails to dry.

3. TAKE A BATH

          Baths are great for soothing and relaxing, but don't take any old bath, no take a LUSH bath. If you don't know what LUSH is, they are a company who produces organic and some vegan products.



As you can see they have a variety of luxurious bath products that will help you relax and relieve some of that stress. If you would like to check out some more of their products just click HERE!

4. HAVE A CHILL DAY

       Netflix and Chill? It could be that but it could just be buying your favorite movies/book, Cuddle up on the couch with your favorite blanket, some popcorn, some chocolate, and just forget the rest of the world.

Some of these tips could be used for everyday or on special occasions like this. You don't need anyone to make you feel special when you are special.

I hoped you guys enjoyed the beginning of this Valentine's Day series! Do you have any tips on pampering yourself? Leave them in the comments below!

Until Next Time :)

XOXO Noshka

Dressing For College: Expectation vs. Reality

Hello Everyone,

As you all know I'm a senior in college, my brother who is younger than me is a freshman in college. like many other young ones they tend to dress up for their first year of college. My brother doesn't like that I like to wear the workout clothes to school, he doesn't understand why I wear it or how I can just wear it all the time and not care what people think. To be honest, I was one of those people who after dressing up everyday for high school thought it would carry over to college. For the first two years that I went to community college I did dress up. After I transferred to a real university I thought I would have to keep up dressing up especially with my major in fashion merchandising. So for the first couple of weeks I did dress up, I saw some people who really took dressing up seriously Then as the temperature started to get colder I realized I just wanted to be comfortable especially in fall when you can layer so many things. I continued to dress up for school but not as much as I was doing in the beginning of the semester. By the spring semester I was over it. I wanted to be comfortable and I realized nobody cared what I was wearing. Which leads me to the expectation of dressing for college:

Expectation: 

It comes from you! You believe that you should dress a certain way for college and that everyone around you cares what you wear. You dress up everyday, you have to be professional, you have to be fashion forward.

Reality:

No one cares, and everyone wants to be comfortable. People wear gym clothes/workout clothes every day of class. In this Texas heat everyone wants to wear the least clothes as possible. It's easy and you waste no time in getting ready in the morning.

Final Thoughts:

It's all about you and being confident in yourself. Sure there are some times you will need/want to dress up for class especially if it is a guest speaker or a potential job opportunity. You want to dress to impress, but if you rather spend and extra 5 minutes having breakfast rather than doing your hair or make up go for it. Everyone is worried about themselves and worried about class that chances are they don't care if you have the latest trends. Plus we know as a college student you can't really afford the newest trends. If you don't dress up for school don't stress about it too much, you'll give your face a break from all the make up and let people see the real you, plus when you do decided to get dolled up you will receive more complements which will boost your already growing confidence.

What do you think the expectation and reality of college dressing is? Let me know in the comments down below!

Until next time!

Closet Clean Out!

Hello Everyone..

Long time no post...Sorry about that I've been really busy with my Internship but it will be ending in the next couple of days which means I will have time to post.

Today's post is going to be about well you guest it from the title cleaning out your closet. Since I've been super busy lately and I'm going to have to move out of my apartment soon I'm going to have a great number of things in my room. Which brings me to think about doing a HUGE clean out. I want to get rid of things that quite frankly I don't wear or even use. It's time to de-clutter my life/ room sort of speak. The last could of weeks while I'm on break I turn to Pinterest to look up organizational tips and trick to keeping my little world clutter free.

Here are a few of the articles I found helpful:
(Plus I like looking at that pictures of the transformations)

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/317363104968192311/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/83035186856335275/

There are a lot of other articles out there that talk a little more in depth about closet cleaning but this is definitely a progress type of project. Once I start doing this I will break it up into different sections and then try and finish each section and do a donate pile, throw away pile and keep pile. I'm not a hoarder but there are just some items that you feel attached too. Hopefully I am able to get ride of a lot of thing at least that is the plan. 

If you guys have any suggestions leave them in the comments below..

Thanks Everyone and See You Soon (hopefully)

Perfect Nudes??

Hello Everyone!

I hope you guys are having an amazing start of the week so far. I recently went to Ulta and picked up a few things. So you can sort of kinda say I have a mini Ulta haul for you all. I may have a slight addiction to makeup, maybe slight is an understatement because its a HUGE obsession. I don't really wear foundation which is something I'm trying to get into but we will see. I do venture into eyes and bronzer and blush but rarely do I buy lip products. I have really sensitive skin and even then my lips tend to be REALLY sensitive. I do have a couple of lip products but mostly its been just Vaseline and that's about it. I have always to finish off my look so to speak with the lips but I also wanted to find that "perfect nude." with that in mind this is what I picked up at Ulta!

From left to right: L'OREAL Paris Jennifer's Nude,Essie Topless & Barefoot, NYX High Voltage Lipstick in Flutter Kiss, and NYX Lip Liner in Natural

I picked these up because they had more of a pink tone to it and I would prefer a pink tone to a brown one. I have tried the nail polish and well I'm addicted to that or any nail polish in general. I haven't had the time to try the lippies yet but I have swatched them and they are only one shade different from each other so I'm sure they will work well together. But I'll give you guys an update when I do end up trying them out. 

I hope you guys enjoy this small haul and let me know what you guys think in the comments below. 

Thanks and See you Next Time!

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. All products were purchased with my own money. 

Business Casual: What is it?

Hello Everyone!

I know I haven't posted in a while but I've been super busy with my summer internship...That's why this post is going to be in that direction. At my internship the dress code is business casual. Now there are a lot of different ways people interpret business casual. Being a fashion merchandising major I'm guessing my interpretation is much more dressier than casual; but then again I have always been that way (especially being Hispanic BUT that's another story)

Here are a couple articles that I have found that explain a little bit more of what business casual really is:

• http://www.businessinsider.com/what-business-casual-really-means-2014-8
• http://humanresources.about.com/od/workrelationships/a/dress_code.htm

So whether you dress up your business casual or dress it down, depends on your work place environment. Make sure you feel comfortable in what your wearing because ultimately that is the main goal to feel comfortable in your own skin. Of course there will be those days were you just aren't feeling it that is totally okay because I feel the same way; plus I'm still on the search for my perfect style. Remember don't give up and always try new things even if they don't work.

Alright Guys Until Next Time

Let me know if you guys have any topics you would like me to talk about

P.S. Would you guys be interested in seeing internship ootds? Let me know in the comments below! Thanks

Subscription Boxes: Must or Not?

Hello everyone and welcome back!

 

        Today's post is going to be about the ever growing trend that is subscriptions services or boxes. Why this topic? Well yesterday my sister got her Stitch Fix, which if you don't know is a monthly subscription box. You just create a profile and take a style quiz so your stylist can get to know you sense of style and you get 5 handpicked items sent to your door. You can keep what you want and return what doesn't fit or what doesn't work for you. So, when it came yesterday I politely ( more excitedly) asked my sister if I could open it while she was at work. Of course she said yes but that I had to send her pictures of what is in her box.  I felt like a kid a Christmas not knowing what would be in the box and since I usually help my sister pick clothes for herself I was excited and intrigued to see what someone who has never met her would pick. All the items she got were AMAZING. They fit my sisters classic style to a T. I knew after seeing all the contents in the box that she would want it all. I sent her the pictures and she sent me a text with not one but 3 heart eyed emojis. She had to have it ALL, and well that was the end of that.

         After I opened the Stitch Fix I started to think of all the other subscription boxes that are available to us. With my slight YouTube obsession ( slight? yeah right) I have seen my fair share of unboxing hauls and even though I may not have the box I am still excited to see what others get. To me subscription boxes seem to be like a great idea to try something you normally wouldn't or in my sisters case have someone pick out items they see fit for you and take your feedback on what you think about the items. Sometimes the items wont be as good as the time before but my sister sure has found some great quality and staple items she has that she can mix and match to make her perfect style.

So my question is, Do you guys have any subscription boxes? Recommend?

Leave your thoughts and comments down below and as always

Until Next Time!