Best of 2013

I've gotta say 2013 has been pretty good to me. I'm sad to see it come to a close, but I'm ready to take on whatever 2014 has in store for me! It's going to bring adventures in Paris, hopefully another half-marathon, and lots of hurling. So without further ado, here is the Best of 2013 according to me:
(warning: this is the longest blog post ever)

Skincare: 

La Roche Posay Gel Cleanser
I came across an end cap at my Target featuring La Roche Posay and was super pumped because I'd always wanted to try it. It was pretty hard to come by in the States until recently and snatched it up the moment I saw it. It's super gentle, smells clean and fresh, and has made my skin so smooth and soft. Definitely a top pick for 2013.

Korres Rose Sleeping Mask + Vitamin C
This has been a longtime favorite of mine and I'm pretty sure I've purchased at least 3 of those glorious little pots. It lasts forever and is a miracle worker on dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Bonus points because it smells lovely.

Coconut Oil
I've been using coconut oil as my daily/nighttime moisturizer and my skin thanks me for it. It smells like macaroons and, as I've said before, is a multi-purpose product.

Neutrogena Hand Cream
This is another multi-purpose product as it doubles as an ultra-moisturizing hand cream as well as an amazing lip balm. If you've never tried it out I highly recommend it.

Neutrogena Moisture Wrap Body Lotion
I've had this lotion for quite some time, but rediscovered it this year. Netrogena is my favorite skin care line because they create gentle, but hard working products. It's does wonders for dry elbows and legs.

Makeup:

Josie Maran Coconut Water Cheek Gelee in Poppy Paradise
I've spoken about this before, too. It's such a light and natural blush that gives an effortless flush. It's easy to swipe on without a brush and I will have to repurchase this quite soon because I've flown through it.

Wet & Wild Mellow Wine Blush
This blush is my favorite for fall and winter time. It's a nice, soft peachy color with a bit of shimmer. It's not quite "mellow wine" as the name suggests, but I love it for a winter flush.

L'Oreal Voluminous Eyeliner
I love this soft kohl liner because I've started to line my waterline on a daily basis. It's easy to flick out for a simple cat eye. I think this will always be my favorite liner. I've tried so many, but I've never loved anything more than this!

Wet & Wild Eyebrow Pencil
I'd never filled in my brows until this year and I've finally seen the light. It's not necessarily the best thing ever because now I've added a step in my makeup application, but boy, does it make a difference! Eyebrows really frame your face! I have such light brows that I'd never realized it would make me look complete.

Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in Honey
I'm not much of a lip product person, unless we're talking chapstick, but I really love this stain. It's natural enough to keep me feeling comfortable, but it adds a hint of something special if I want to dress up an outfit.

Maybelline Colossal Lashes
I'm fickle with mascara, but I've been sticking with this one during 2013. It gives my lashes a nice curl and it's a good middle ground between falsies and au natural.

Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadows in Tough as Taupe, Barely Branded, and Bad to the Bronze
These shadows were a hit for 2013 and there's no doubt I jumped on the bandwagon like everyone else. I love the combination of the above shadows, but the great thing is that they can all stand alone as well. I'm pretty easy to please when it comes to eyeshadows, but I think these are pretty great.

Benefit Sunbeam Highlighter
I don't use highlighter on a daily basis, but when I do, I reach for Sunbeam because it is a golden shimmer that adds some warmth to my face. Love it and will keep it going in 2014 as well.

Neutrogena Blemish Concealer
Perfection. There's just not much else I can say about this concealer. For a brief (very, very brief) period in 2013 I thought I'd found a new love, but I came running back to my favorite concealer and will continue to love this forever.

Hair:

OSiS Texture Powder
I received this product in an Influenster VoxBox and was very skeptical about it at first, but after numerous weeks of playing around with it I decided I can't live without it. It adds volume to my flat hair and I'll always need products like that.

Tigi Catwalk Sea Spray (not pictured)
I've repurchased too many bottles of this, but I #cantstopwontstop. It smells like a lovely spa hair salon and I am convinced this is what adds texture to my hair because without it I swear I have nothing but slick strands that won't even hold in a clip.

Pantene Aqua Light Shampoo and Conditioner
I'm fickle with shampoos and conditioners, but I've repurchased this three times. If that doesn't mean something, then you obviously don't know me!! It's lightweight, smells nice, and keeps my locks looking fabulous.

Pantene Hair BB Cream
Before this product I always wondered if my hair needed something extra. I'd always get a bit of frizz after blowdrying and couldn't fix it with anything. This is my savior product. It claims to have 10 benefits including heat protecting and strengthening characteristics. So if it even does these two things then I've gotten my moneys worth. And I have.

Perfume:

Marc Jacobs Daisy
I can't say this has been a favorite of 2013 because I just received it for Christmas, but I can say that I've been pining for it since about May. So it made the list because every time I'd step into Sephora or Ulta I'd run to the perfumes and spray myself with this. I love it and it will definitely be a favorite for 2014, as well.

Versace Bright Crystal
This is my favorite fancy perfume. If I'm going out on a date night, attending a special event, or just feeling fancy, this is what I reach for. I'm not even going to attempt to explain what it smells like, but if you're interested I have a post dedicated to my perfume collection.

Philosophy Falling in Love
I especially love this perfume for winter and spring. I know that isn't usually a pairing that people put together. It's often spring/summer and fall winter, but this scent has warm vanilla notes perfect for winter and a splash of berry essential for spring. I also love this perfume because my mom gave this to me as a gift and said that it smelled like me! How nice it that, having someone smell something lovely and think that it matches my scent preferences.

Books:

The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth
If you like the Hunger Games series, you'll love Divergent. It's a dystopian survival book set in Chicago (which I love because who doesn't love the Midwest?!). I read all three of these books in 2013 and they have moved near the top of my favorite books of all time list.

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
I don't often reach for self-help books, but this was recommended to me and I quickly learned that it was far from self-help. It's more like a memoir encouraging everyone to be happier. It's one of the first books that I still think about in depth months after I finished reading it. I'll hopefully do my own Happiness Project sometime soon. Perhaps starting in January, as the author did. I think everyone can be happier and this uplifting account of Rubin's journey to more happiness was inspiring.

Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder (not pictured)
I read this book for my Literary Journalism class this semester. I'm as surprised as you are that a book I was forced to read made my favorite books of the year list. I know. It's unheard of! But it's true. I love this book, I love the message, and I fell in love with Deo and his unbelievable story of hope and strength. It's a must read.

Movies:

Monsters University
I'm a big fan of Pixar and really any animated film. I loved Monsters Inc. so I'm definitely glad they came back to revisit some of my favorite characters.

Secret life of Walter Mitty
This was my family's Christmas Day movie of the year and I'm so glad we chose this one. Much better than sobbing through Les Mis last Christmas (although I love Les Mis and would gladly sob through it every day). It's uplifting, inspiring, and an all around great movie.

Frozen
I would have to say this is probably my all time favorite of 2013. I loved the songs, the animation, the story, the characters (read: Kristof), and, of course, the adorable snowman Olaf. GO SEE IT. You will not regret it.

About Time
There's always gotta be a favorite chick flick of the year and this was mine. I love Rachel McAdams and she did a fabulous job, as always. It wasn't a super lovey dovey movie, my boyfriend came along and enjoyed it, as well. Sort of sci-fi slash romantic comedy makes a great date night movie.

Television Shows:

Downton Abbey
This is the best show ever. That is all I need to say, but I'll say more. The cast is splendid, the story line is intriguing episode after episode, and I've become completely invested in the lives of the family and the help. After some devastating happenings in the past few series, I'm happy to say Series 4 ended with happiness. There's always a bit of drama, but this season was spectacular and I didn't end up bawling by the end of the Christmas special. Can't wait until September for Series 5.

Breaking Bad
I suppose there can't be a Best of Television 2013 without mentioning Breaking Bad. The writing is unparalleled and the ending was INSANE. If you haven't seen it, the entire series is on Netflix and I'd recommend a binge watching weekend.

Honorable Mention:
Orange is the New Black
This show is a Netflix original series and I watched the entire first season in about a week. I know it's not as impressive as a weekend, but I had school and other shows to watch. I am looking forward to season 2 in the coming year. Watching Piper venture into the unknown world of prison made for quite an interesting program. The character development was great and every episode built on the last.

Best 20113 Memories

- Feeding giraffes at the zoo for my 21st birthday

- Daily runs by the Mississippi River

- Ran my first half marathon. Planning for my second in May!

- Became obsessed with Pilates (so obsessed that I'm going to be training to become a certified Pilates instructor in 2014!)
-NACBs Camogie in Cleveland
-Meeting the Mayor of Galway County at Milwaukee Irish Fest

1: Councellor Liam Carroll Mayor of Galway, 2: My best friend and I enjoying a Christmassy night, 3: Getting ready for a thrown in for the MHC U7s, 4: At the starting line for my first half-marathon, 5: KT Tape models at NACBs in Cleveland, 6: Fall Family Fun Day in October

1: MHC Opening Day 2013, 2: Bran-pants sleeping like a cutie pie, 3: Being silly with my silly guy, 4: Getting ready to feed giraffes

October Favorites 2013

October is done and there are so many products I've been loving. This month was wonderful and I got to spend a lot of time with my family (2 weekends in a row!). Even though it was crazy and full of all of the October fun I picked out my top 10 favorite things to share with you! I'm excited to see what November will bring, like eating turkey and pumpkin pie and playing in the leaves! 

Paleo Pumpkin Bread

I made this paleo pumpkin bread twice in October. Such a tasty treat and it made me feel so festive. I was skeptical about a paleo version of one of my favorite recipes because sometimes they can go terribly wrong. To my surprise, this was delicious and I posted about it here.

Bath and Body Works Pumpkin Cupcake Candle

I am a sucker for pumpkin candles and an even bigger sucker for the 2 for $22 candle sales at BBW. I picked up this candle to finish out the fall season because it smells like I'm baking actual cupcakes every time I light it. I know Leaves is a cult favorite (and a favorite of mine that I'm hoarding until November), but Pumpkin Cupcake is a close second.

Beast Mode Water Bottle from Blogilates

I got this water bottle back in September when I ordered my Pilates Power Ring from blogilates.com. I love that it comes with a shaker ball so I can break up my chia seed drinks with ease. I love the "Beast Mode" and I love the color. This bottle has come everywhere with me this month from the gym to class and all the way home to Wisconsin. It's a must have item for me. Also, it's a plus that I'm drinking more water because of it.

SuperFeet Inserts

I can't believe it took me so long to buy proper inserts for my shoes. If you've read any of my previous posts, you'll know I have plantar fasciitis and without proper support in my shoes I'm not making it any easier on my feet. I'd previously ordered SuperFeet inserts for my hockey skates, but they have a special heel cup made for sports where you may be leaning forward. I needed to buy regular inserts that can fit into all of my shoes. I won't go anywhere without these now. I highly recommend them to anyone who has foot problems.

Korres Pomegranate Lip Balm

I'm pretty sure this has made it into multiple favorites posts from me, but there's a reason. It's so easy to apply, it smells pretty good, and the color is effortless and lasts quite a while for a balm. This is an every day product that sits on my desk because I always want it on hand. 

Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in Honey

As we move into colder months, I've been trying to wear more lip products because I feel like summer is just my time to be free of complicated makeup application. Yes, to me, lip products are complicated. That being said, I love this color. It's a "my lips but better" shade and it has a pretty good staying power. The balm stains are not drying and last pretty well even through eating and drinking.

Pantene Hair BB Cream

I'd have to say this is my number one favorite out of anything I've chosen for this month. It's a miracle worker. It also smells amazing, like classic Pantene product smell. I try hard to not have to blow dry my hair every time I wash it, but sometimes a girl on the run needs to dry her hair quickly so it doesn't freeze when she walks outside. Unfortunately, when I do dry my hair, the front finer hairs get all frizzy. This product has solved that problem and my hair is shiny and soft all day long. Amazing. I love it.

Coconut Oil

Gotta love coconut oil. It's a triple threat! Makeup remover? Check. Moisturizer? Check. Serum? Check. Coconut oil is great for your skin and even has SPF properties. I wouldn't use it as a sunblock, but any bit can help. I use this morning and night as a moisturizer. And occasionally, I'll use it as a cleansing balm to remove eye and face makeup.

  

Twilight Woods Body Lotion from Bath and Body Works

I've used up two travel size Twilight Woods lotions this month. It takes me back to when I was reading the book Shiver by Maggie Steivater. I love the woodsy warm scent for fall.

Super Random Favorite:

Sriracha

What can I say? Who doesn't love Sriracha? I've been splashing it on everything recently. It's amazing and I don't think any pantry is complete without it.

Song

I haven't always been a Katy Perry fan, but her new album, Prism, just hit it out of the park for me. I absolutely love Roar. It's so empowering and fun. But my favorite is "This Moment." You can listen to it right here!

5 Steps to Healthier and Glow-ier Skin

Sources:1, 2, 3, 4

I can't be the only one searching for the one skin care product that will change my life. And I mean singing-to-the-heavens-kissing-the-ground holy grail magical product. One product to top them all. Sadly, the world doesn't work that way and we're stuck roaming the skin care aisles (which I actually like doing so I'm not sure why this sounds like I'm complaining...) never knowing if the next product will be the best thing in our entire lives. 

Although I've tried every skin care product in those aisles, I've found that the most simple, natural products work the best for my skin. It's gentle, it's safe for any skin type, and it's actually cheaper than any fancy cream I've ever tried. My five steps for healthier skin are simple and effective. Follow these steps for healthy, glowing, and radiant skin.

A glowy skin selfie taken on a random Saturday

1. Cleanse Morning and Night
This step is super simple. Taking a few minutes to cleanse your face of impurities and clean off the makeup and grime from the day is a step that cannot be skipped. Many people are too tired before bed and just wait until their morning shower to clean off the makeup, but the two minutes before bed can save your skin (and your eyelashes if you're a mascara lover!).

2. Drink Lots of Water
Another easy step! Always have water on hand. If you have it with you, and make it a habit, drinking water is one of the easiest ways to make your skin glow. There are also loads of cute water bottles in every store that make toting water around look like a fashion statement. There's no excuse for not drinking water. It's easy, it's free, and it's for your health! Not only will your skin thank you, but your entire body will be healthier because of it.

3. Moisturize with Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can be found in most supermarkets for about $10 per 15oz container. Pretty good for how long a container will last you! A little bit of oil goes a long way. Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial and antifungal, it's an excellent moisturizer because the fatty acids can penetrate the skin, and it smells like cookies. Doesn't get much better than that! (Here's a bonus makeup tip: Using your finger, swipe a tiny bit on your cheek bones after you apply your makeup as a highlighter!)

4. Apple Cider Vinegar and ACV Tablets
Believe me, I know apple cider vinegar isn't the most appealing sounding skin care remedy, but it's really worth it. Used as a toner, apple cider vinegar can clear acne scarring, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation. It's also helpful in maintaining a healthy alkaline pH level, "research shows that higher acid levels (lower pH level) leads to a lack of energy and high incidences of infection" (MindBodyGreen.com). Apple cider vinegar's benefits play out in more areas than just your face! If you're a wimp and don't want to stink up your face with vinegar, like me, then you can opt for the still effective apple cider vinegar tablets instead.

5. Don't touch!
Another very easy, and very important step in healthy skin, is not touching it! The oils, dirt, and germs from your hands can be very easily transported to your face and into your pores causing breakouts and redness. If you keep your hands away from your face, and resist the urge to pick at breakouts, your skin will thank you!

What are your tips for glowing healthy skin? Please share! I'd love to hear what has helped with your routines.