12. Four Inspirational Ladies

Here are mine - if you comment let me know who your inspirational people are! 

1. Denise Bidot. Her face is familiar to most and it took me forever to figure out who she actually was. All I knew when I shopped through Macy's Junior Plus and Forever21+ was that she had the most beautiful face and body. She's been in much more than clothing catalogs, including magazine covers for plus size women and the new television show 'Curvy Girls' (which I have yet to watch). She's a full-time single mother and her career is an always on the go job. She has really gave me inspiration in understanding I can be a plus size and still be beautiful. Granted I could really shed some weight, I could never give up being a curvy girl. 

2. Ellie Goulding. She is my whimsical lady. I have a thing for loving singers who really have their own style of vocals and she's on the top of my list for sure. Her music is the kind I go to when I feel in a mellow mood or just need that emotive kick, because she portrays it so well. 

3. Lana Del Ray. I love her voice and her style. It is so fresh. I can't say I ever really liked the Americana theme before until she incorporated it into her music and videos. She is very strong and an independent lady. It's stories like hers that show how the past has really shaped her future, turning some misfortunes into positives. 

4. Adele. Probably my biggest role model to date. To be honest, I hated her music in the beginning and all I ever heard was that I looked just like her (during this time I never knew what she looked like). Suddenly one day a light bulb just clicked and I could not stop listening to her music. Her voice is incredible! I have done several songs by her on karaoke nights out, though I know my vocal talent could never compare to hers. She is a strong lady, never fazed by the media and proud to be everything she is.  Ever since I found out we share the same birth date, people have even called her my English twin. I've seriously been stared at while cruising through Torrid and was finally approached by the sales associate who went on about our look-alike features. I think they are the best compliments ever received  since Adele is such a beautiful woman to begin with. 

11. DIY Cheap and Easy Interior Design

Between the hours of work and Spring semester, I've created a little hobby that I'm really enjoy doing. I've been slowly sprucing up my bedroom and wanted to share with you guys what's been done so far and some tips on how you can update the looks of your home as well!

I have an idea of what I want in my head and have looked at swatches of paint for a nice color pop on two sides of my room while keeping a neutral on the other two sides. So far I'm leaning towards an orange peach shade. 

My mother has also been into Feng Shui and in the top right hand picture, I have my mirror placed so that I can see my doorway when I look into it and have two pretty peonies in the right hand corner of my computer to represent relationships. 

I also have a new friend! His name is Paua. 

This house was built brand new when my family moved in and it's been almost sixteen years. Things can start to look a little faded, discolored and out of date in such a period of time. My room was never painted as a child, so the walls have been looking dirty and the carpet needs replacing - hey, children are messy, right? 

Currently I am working with plain white paint. The goal is to repaint all closet doors, archways, trim, and windowsill area with just this color. As you can see in the picture, I already have one closet door done! 

You can also replace all handles, knobs, and switch plate fixtures. I've found this is an easy method to look more modern without burning holes in your pocket! So far, I've replaced all door handles and knobs with a satin nickel finish and have purchased a new curtain rod in the same material. Still need to get the switch plates! 

Fresh flowers or fake flowers can always change the mood of your room too. It's one of my favorite things to add in. 

What do you do to add some flair with your bedroom or home? 

10. New Hair-Do & Coach Fragrance

Things have been pretty hectic in my world lately - but it's been a good hectic I think! The last few weeks, I've been preparing for spring semester and my work schedule has been all over the place. My new work schedule that is. That's right, I finally found a new job! Currently I'm being cross-trained, but my permanent position will be as a night auditor. It's starting at the bottom level, but I have a lot of time and room to work my way up. All I said before was I wanted to get my foot in the door and start when I begin my hospitality classes. Luck decided to be on my side (and good timing). I'm working with a couple girls I know and went to school with, so I've settled in pretty well. 

Downside is the same old uniform every day, but it's a bit of a blessing in disguise. I won't be tempted to go clothes shopping, which will save $$$. 

I also got a big hair-cut!! I really like the short length and I've always been a big fan of short curly hair. So I went in today for a trim and a style. My curls are finally holding up now that a bunch of weight has been lifted. I'm so happy~! 

My current Coach Poppy Flower is about used up and I was able to get a great deal on the Coach Poppy Blossom today! Our JCP does not have a Sephora counter, so when we receive items from Sephora that are returns, we mark the item half off. So I bought it and with my employee discount, I ended up paying $12 for a $45 item. WHOA....

I really love both fragrances! The Poppy Flower is more floral and girly - sweeter I guess is the best description. The Poppy Blossom is floral but more mature -- I would say most similar to Clinique in Bloom. It definitely has the' springtime is here' scent.  

Well, I'm off to class now. Ciao~! 

09. Xmas & New Year's

I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas and New Year's! I think I was pretty pleased with mine. A lot of being very busy with family and work, but now I am relieved that things are slowing down. This will mostly be a picture post for the past holidays. Enjoy. :) 

My mini tree I put on my desk - it's a dessert theme.

From Ben's family: Coach wristlet - Portable ipad Charger

Ben: Pink Stylus, Living Proof Style Extender Primer, Lush Bath Bombs

My Family: Knitted Scarf, Starbucks GiftCard, Yankee Candle

Ben took me Christmas shopping after the holiday and went to see Djangon Unchained (really worth seeing BTW) and then hit up Johnny Rockets afterwards. Date night, I have to savor every moment, because he doesn't like to get out much. Big ol' homebody. 

FOTD: Date night. 

I totally matched from wristlet to scarf to jacket.