Anthem of the Week #5 | Marianas Trench

This Canadian band is one of my favorites!  I saw them over this past summer, and it was quite an amazing experience.  I've been listening to their song Acadia all week long, and it brings up a lot of nostalgia.  It's an amazing melody, and the lyrics will make you smile!

Every memory comes on

When I hear that old song 

That we used to sing

with the words all wrong.

Current Obsessions #5 | TV Version

I'm packing things up to take home for Thanksgiving already, so I thought that I would do a TV obsessions today instead of digging through my bags!  These are shows that I'm obsessed with at the moment, but I must warn you: I am a huge TV addict.  If there was a rehab for too much TV watching, I would need to go!  But it's how I like to spend my time.  

One of my many guilty pleasure shows: Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (or RHOBH for those of us who don't want to say that long-ass name).  I've been a fan since it started, and the two new girls, especially Carlton, add a bit more to the show.  Yolanda is definitely my favorite!

WHO WATCHED LAST NIGHT'S EPISODE!?  WHAT, WHAT WHAT?!! If you guys haven't watched any seasons of American Horror Story, have no fear.  You can just catch up on this season, because the other seasons don't have anything to do with each other.  Although the first season is still proving my favorite, I love what they're doing with the now seemingly overdone concept of witches and magic that we seem to see everywhere these days.  They're breathing new life into a very old concept to make it interesting.  And the plot twists have you screaming at the television every single episode.  What I love about the show (well, besides Evan Peters) is that each episode is packed with action.  There aren't any filler episodes - every episode is important and contributes to the story.  

Misfits is one of those shows that has me laughing out loud all the time.  From Alex's power to tortoises to Rudy's calling Finn Finley, the show is always funny.  I can't describe how much I love Rudy.  Without him, I probably wouldn't be watching the last season of this wonderful show.  It makes me sad that no one from the first couple seasons remain, but I love this cast nonetheless.  I'm crushing a little bit on Alex From the Bar, I must confess.  

Dracula by Bram Stoker is one of my favorite books.  So when I heard that it was becoming a show, I felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension.  You're always nervous about how one of your favorite novels will get adapted to television or the movie screen.  But I was pleasantly surprised with this show.  I've always loved Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and I'm a huge Katie McGrath fan (even though I'm still getting used to her being blonde!).  I love how they kept the bones of Stoker's story but gave the show almost an entirely new storyline.  Yes, the concept is the same - it's all about a very old vampire - but the relationships and plotlines are different.  It always gives me a show to look forward to on Friday nights!

Million Dollar Shoppers is my ultimate guilty pleasure show.  There's just something so entertaining about it, from the shopper's personalities to the buyer's personalities to the outrageous closets.  I look forward to this every single Thursday!  So yes, after I finish writing this post, I will go put on my comfy pajamas and settle in to watch.  My favorite by far is Gregg.  I think he may be my soul sister.

I also have to give a shoutout to Sleepy Hollow, which I talked about last week!  I still have to watch Monday's episode!

What are your favorite shows of the moment?

Taking Care of Skin During School: A Study Guide Part 2

Here's Part 2 of the stressful skin series!  Let's get right into it.

When you're too busy studying, and when you get so incredibly into it, you forget to eat or drink (once again...extremely guilty!).  I'm not going to say "remember to eat healthy and have plenty of fruits and vegetables," because we all know college students live on Ramen Noodles and Pop Tarts.  All I'm saying is: don't forget to eat!  It's happened many a time to me where my head is throbbing and I just feel faint and then it dawns on me that the only thing I had to eat all day was a Clif bar.  Don't fall into that trap!  I also recommend having a bottle of water by your side at all times.  It reminds you to drink just by seeing it, and it's an easy way to stay hydrated all day long.  

Lastly, take breaks.  Don't kill yourself studying for hours on end (trust me, it doesn't work).  Take a shower, relax, put on a face mask, listen to music. Clear your mind.  

I know this isn't too much more about skin, but keeping yourself hydrated and taking breaks to calm yourself down will greatly help your skin. 

Now stop reading this and go study! 

Taking Care of Skin During School: A Study Guide

The week before Thanksgiving break is always pure hell for anyone in school.  The professors work together to jam as many tests and papers and all kinds of evaluations into this one week, resulting in many a stressed student.

It's so easy to let yourself get caught up in the stress and the all-nighters and completely forget about your skin (guilty!).  It's easy to go to bed without even taking your makeup off (also guilty!).  But you need to take care of your skin during this stressful time, because a stressed out you equals stressed out skin.  Without further ado, here's how I take care of my skin during this hellish week!

Let's face it: even though we may not have stressed out skin in the beginning of the week, we just know that it'll be stressed later.  So, be proactive!  Instead of using an acne spot treatment once a day, do it twice a day.  Spray some hydrating spray throughout the day that will also keep zits at bay (was that a rhyme?) - my favorite is Caudalie's Beauty Elixir.  Make sure you use a toner!  Use once a day, if not twice a day.  It'll balance out your skin tone, combat redness, and also keep breakouts from happening.  And it's time to break out that eye cream, especially the de-puffer!  We know we won't be getting much sleep this week.

And now the three most important things.  First, wash your face!  Cleanse in the morning and at night.  Second, take your makeup off!  If you do nothing else at all, take your makeup off.  For me, I don't see the effects of sleeping with my makeup on for a couple of days, but those breakouts last for a long time.  It's just not worth it.  All you need is a cleanse.  But a step further (which is oddly my favorite part of my nightly skincare routine) is using a cleansing water.  I actually like to use a cleansing water after I've washed my face, just to make sure that I've gotten the last bit of makeup off my face.  It's scary how much makeup can still be there even after you've cleansed!  My absolute favorite is Caudalie's Cleansing Water.  It smells so fresh and earthy.

Stay tuned for Part 2 tomorrow!

Monday Motivation #4 | Nothing is Permanent

This is the cover of my "Words of Wisdom" Pinterest board, and I thought I'd share it with you guys.  I forget which show I was watching last night, but someone said "It can't rain forever," and this is along the same lines.  If you're going through a hard period in your life, whether that be a bad breakup, getting laid off from work, or dealing with depression, always remember that this isn't a permanent thing.  It can't rain forever!  It might pour for awhile, but the sun will always come out again.  Always.  Have faith in that.

Anthem of the Week #4 | Bastille

If you read yesterday's post, you'll know that I am completely smitten with Bastille's new album, Bad Blood.  Although I've been listening to all of their songs over and over each day, one has stuck out to me.  Oblivion is the first song I click on when I'm in the Bastille mood (which is pretty much always these days...).  It's such a calming song, the melody is fantastic, and it just gets you thinking about things.

Are you going to age with grace?

Are you going to leave a path to trace?

Current Obsessions #4

It's that time of the week again!  My favorite time of the week actually...and I have quite a smattering for you guys.

This tray from Target is a real life-saver!  I don't have a lot of space in my dorm room, and waking up for early classes while trying not to make any noise (because your roommate is sound asleep) can be quite tricky.  I put all of my every day makeup necessities in here so that I can just sit down at my desk and have everything I need right there.  It's so convenient!

I am becoming more and more obsessed with this TV show by the minute.  I've always been a fan of Sleepy Hollow - from the book by Washington Irving to the Johnny Depp movie - so this was a must watch for me from the getgo.  This version involves a lot more supernatural aspects, which I love!  Plus...Tom Mison.  Need I say more?

I can't describe how much I am obsessed with Bastille. I listen to their album at least twice over every single day.  My favorite songs of theirs are Bad Blood, Oblivion, and Flaws.  If you haven't heard anything by them, seriously - give them a listen!

This Knock On Wood palette from Wet 'n Wild hasn't left my lids for the past week.  It's the perfect simple trio for fall.  The bottom cranberry color is absolutely gorgeous, and the brown shade for the crease isn't too shimmery.  It's a great blending color.  The cotton candy pink softens things up for a romantic, easy look that can be worn night or day.

Lastly, my newest staple in my foundation routine: Rimmel's Stay Matte powder.  I have the translucent shade and apply it with a big fluffy powder brush to set my foundation.  I have very oily skin, so this is a lifesaver, especially when I'll be in class all day!

Review | Marc Jacobs Genius Gel

Hey guys!  I thought it would be a good time to tell you that I have a YouTube channel, called KayandYou (but I'm pretty sure the name will be changed soon; I'll keep you updated!).  I do all sorts of things on there, including what I like to call "two-minute reviews."  Here's a recent review I've done: the hyped-up Marc Jacobs Genius Gel!

Oh...what an attractive face!  Enjoy, ya'll!

Monday Motivation #3 | Comparing Yourself

Alright, ladies.  We all know that comparing yourself to someone else is incredibly unhealthy, but we all do it.  We're all guilty of wishing we were someone else, and we're all guilty for beating ourselves up because we aren't like another group of people or one specific person.

Everyone grows up and learns about themselves (or just learns in general) at different paces.  It's so hard to start anything, just because you compare yourself to people who are already past the finish line.  Example time!  So many people don't start YouTube channels, because they compare themselves who are YouTube famous.  They figure no one will pay attention to them, so they already write their own channel off and don't even start it.  You do what is right for you.  Because you'll get there!  You will!

But you have to start first.

Anthem of the Week #3 | Pentatonix

I was planning on doing a Bastille song today, but when I heard the Daft Punk Medley by Pentatonix, I knew this had to be my anthem of the week.  I have listened to this piece too many times to count, and it just came out a couple days ago.  Guys...you have to watch their video.  Just do it.  Just do it!  I said so!

Look at how easy I'm making it for you: 

We've come too far to give up who we are.

Current Obsessions #3

It's that time of week again!  I have quite a mixture of things to share with y'all, so let's get started!

My Lilly Pulitzer Jumbo Planner finally arrived!  The design is amazing, the inside pages make me so happy, and it gives me enough room to plan everything.  This is a HUGE planner.  I had the medium-sized one last year, but found that I needed some more room to write things.  This is perfect, if a bit heavy.  The designs are cheeky and cute, and they get you excited for each month! Oh and bonus: there are stickers :)

I devoured The White Queen on Sunday, but I just had to share it with you guys!  I saw the White Queen show, fell in love with it, and decided to read the book.  I got it for $1 at a used book store (what a steal!), and having read Philippa Gregory before, I knew this book wouldn't disappoint.  It certainly didn't!  This follows the ambitious  Elizabeth during the time of the War of the Roses.  If you love any type of historical drama or historical fiction - acted on the screen or written in the pages - I highly recommend this!

I am in love with this ribbed infinity scarf!  It's what I call a "transition" scarf.  It's too heavy to wear during the summer, but too light to wear for winter.  So these transitional fall months are perfect to wear this knit piece!  The material feels wonderful against your skin, and I got it at J. Jill of all places.  I just happened to walk in there with my mom and fell in love with this scarf.  They have a few other neutral colors, but I thought that black would go with everything.  It's easy to throw on over any outfit, and it definitely keeps you warm!

I have been wearing this jumbo lip color  NONSTOP.  This is one of Tarte's LipSurgence Matte Lip Tints in the color Envy.  This matte shade is a berry color.  It goes on a bit sheer, as in you will be able to see a hint of your natural lip color shine through once you apply, but don't get me wrong: the color shows!  It just doesn't go on like a matte lipstick.  I think it's a perfect balance if you want a shimmer-free lip color but not a full-on matte lipstick.  

I am obsessed with L'Oreal's Color Riche Eyeshadow Quad in the shade Perfume ID.  I love purple eyeshadow, so I was naturally drawn to this specific quad.  I also loved this palette because you can do simple day looks as well as dramatic night looks with it, so there's definitely a versatility factor there.  And I can't even begin to explain how much I love the formula of these shadows.  I wore this for about 8 or 9 hours, and I'm not lying when I say that the color had not moved - at all.  The only thing I applied underneath the shadows was a primer.  My eyes looked exactly the same that night as when I applied them that morning.  I'm so excited to pick up more Color Riche Quads!!

Wednesday Motivation?

Sorry everyone!  It's been a whirlwind of a week, but I thought I'd just start the blogging week here.  Here's some motivation to get you through the rest of the week!

Think of something you love to do, or someone you love to be with.  You know that feeling when you lose all sense of time, because you're completely lost in that activity or that person?  Draw strength from that feeling and try to bring it into other aspects of your life.  Use that feeling to drive you when you can't be with that person or you can't be doing that activity you love to do.  It makes the day go by so much faster, because it gives you something to look forward to.  This feeling is something to cherish, because not everyone can feel it.

Anthem of the Week #2 | One Direction

Alright, don't judge me.  I love One Direction.  And I love their new release, Story of My Life.  My roommate and I have been jammin' all week long.  It's definitely a different, more mature sound for them.  I could get used to this.

Written on these walls are the colors that I can't change.

Yeah guys, be yourselves.