Giants Causeway

Right after crossing the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, the tour headed over to Giants Causeway to see the natural and rather interesting rock formations by the sea. These formations are actually basalt columns that were formed by a volcanic eruption. According to legend the site is the remnants of a bridge built by Fionn Mac Cumhaill (or Finn McCool) as a causeway over to Scotland. The two giants fought amongst one another and Fionn tricked the other giant into smashing the bridge so that the two would not fight again. The landmark is a World Heritage Spot of UNESCO and was just a blast to climb on.

I've never seen a rock formation quite like this and it was enjoyable to take in the natural rocky landscape.

Shannon

Daily Make-up Routine

When it comes to beauty, I'm usually talking about what new things I've received in my Birchbox. But for today I'd like to share which products I use on a daily basis when I'm getting ready to go to class or out and about. I've done this before in 2011, but my routine has changed a lot since then.

Kiehl // Abyssine Cream // It's winter and so moisturizer is my best friend. Generally I choose one of the million different moisturizers I have from Birchbox because I'm usually given a generous sample that has stayed with me for a long time. The Kiehl's just happens to be my favorite of them all.

Almay // Intense I-Color Defining Liner // I like to just do a quick line on my top lid. I've forgone the bottom lash because I wind up smearing around my make-up that way. I also like to use Mocha so it's not to harsh and can go along with the eyeshadows I like to use.

Covergirl // LashBlast Volume// I'm currently using lashblast as part of my routine, but I hate it. I'm very picky when it comes to mascara. I need a full brush so that I can focus on each individual eyelash. That's why I prefer using Maybeline's Volume Express One by One

Urban Decay // Primer Potion // I sometimes forget to use the primer potion, but recently I've been coming back to it since I've noticed it really makes a big difference. Basically, I use this when I want my eyeshadow to really standout.

MAC // Eyeshadow // I have a few different groupings, my purples and greens. Lately I've been using Naked Lunch as a base then doing Green Smoke as the crease and Nylon as the highlight.

MAC // Matchmaster Foundation SPF 15 // It's no secret that I've got dry/sensitive/red skin so in order to remedy that I love using this foundation since it helps even everything out, especially undertones. This has really been a life saver.

MAC // Light Mineralized Skinfinish// This powder is great and even though I use it everyday I can't even see a dent in it.

MAC // Powder Blush // I never thought I'd need to use blush since I do that naturally, but this is great as like a bronzer/blush that helps me not look too pale. Also Coppertone won't make me look too Jersey Shore.

fresh // Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Balm // My lips are chapped and they hurt real bad so this is the best thing for them now.

So there's my daily's. Let me know what you use and if you have any suggestions on products I should try that you absolutely swear by I'd love to hear.

Shannon

P.S. Don't forget to fill out this survey to let me know what I need to do to improve the blog. If you're a new reader you're input is just as useful and I'll be having this out there for the whole week.

Confidence

I've never been one for inspirational quotes, but lately my tastes have changed and I'm enjoying the company of words of wisdom. This week I'm hoping to focus on my confidence. I want to take chances I'm too nervous to take. And in order to believe in myself and not worry too much I'd like to keep this little mantra in the back of my head, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."

I created a little graphic to keep at my desk to remind me throughout the entire week. If you're feeling like you might need a little push go ahead and use this too.

And don't forget to take this survey so I can figure out what you guys want to see on this blog.

Shannon

Sunday Social

Yesterday's post on Blog Goals has really helped me get the blog engine in my head running. All the comments from yesterday were super helpful. I found some new military blogs to follow as well as two new linkups to join, like this one Sunday Social from Ashley and Neely. With this I'll be able to connect with other bloggers and answer a few questions weekly.

1. What is your ideal way to relax?

I paint my nails (right now I'm rocking Essie's A-list), put on a mindless and shameless show (Bravo or TLC), and skim through magazines.

2. Where is your favorite place to be?

Now this will get three answers because all are true. First, is Ireland. It's been a month now since I've left and I miss the scenery and the nightlife so bad. Second, is where I am now--my room wherever that is (home or dorm.) I am a mix of an extrovert/introvert where I love to be around people, but definitely need my time to recharge by myself. And lastly, I'd just love to be in Pensacola again with Gerred or really anywhere I can see him face to face.

3. Who do you consider your biggest role model?

I talked about this with my cousin, Kacie, yesterday. "Who is your role model?" "I'd Say Marilyn Monroe because she's a sex bomb" "Well I'd have to go with Nancy Drew" "Of course" See, I just think Nancy Drew is like the number one role model. She's independent, clever, and courageous. 

4. What does your life look like in 3 years?

I'll be married to Gerred by then. It's crazy to think that by the time I'm 23 I'll already be married. Wow, that's when I'm going to be really learning what it's like to be a military wife. Also, I'll probably have a legit job by then if the job market is kind.

5. If you could go back and change one decision, what would it be?

I don't really believe in the whole "if only" thing. Dwelling can be bad, but I'd probably just go with the "I wish I tried harder in high school" thing. But you know I didn't do half bad and I got into college.

6. What is your biggest accomplishment in life so far?

Whoa, hmm biggest accomplishment academically was winning the Sophie Kerr Scholarship as an entering freshman at Washington College. My other biggest accomplishment (that I would rank higher than academics) was making it through a wonderful semester abroad on my own where I took risks and learned more than I ever thought I would.

Go ahead and answer these as well with Social Sunday. I'd love to see your answers.

Shannon

Blog Goals

With this new year I've seen a lot of inspiration from pinterest and other bloggers to get organized and creative with blog building. Now I'm going to take what I've seen and incorporate a few things on my own blog. Specifically these few things:

Pinterest: I'd like to make my posts more pinnable. I'll try to incorporate a pin this button somewhere. 

Be Social: I need to remember that this is social media. I need to step outside of my blog and read more blogs and comment.

Research: I need to find more bloggers with my interests. I want to find more military spouse blogs, wedding blogs, craft blogs, college blogs. So if you know of any I should read let me know in the comments.

Round-ups: I want to do weekly round ups, of what I've done here and what I've seen out there in the "sphere"

Readers: I need to keep my readers in mind as well when I write so for the last thing. I ask you all what you want to see out of this blog. So if you could take the time to fill out this survey that would help me cater to posts that you all want to see more.

I'm excited to incorporate some new things soon! Let me know what you think.

Shannon

Internship at Bayside Bride

Tons of wonderful things happened over break and I love that I finally get to share them with you like my Spring 2013 Internship with Bayside Bride. Now I've been a big follower of the annapolis wedding site for years now and well the timing could not be better to intern with them since I'm newly engaged. So far I'm loving that I'll be learning about the wedding industry as well as the blogging world.

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One of my first assignments was to familiarize myself with Bayside Bride and find 10 of my favorite posts. I've linked them up here so you can check them out as well and see the blog for yourself.

DIY Nautical Totes

Ireland | Honeymoon Destination

DC Boathouse Engagement Session

Natalie & Huey's Proposal

Layers of Lovely | Signature Wedding Cocktails

Rhode River Engagement | Tara Peddicord Photography

Creative Wedding Playlist

Nautical Wedding Inspiration Shoot | Krista Leigh Hurst Photography

What To Do Once You're Engaged

Out of Town Guest Bag

I'm beyond excited and cannot wait to see what I'll be learning this semester from Natalie and Krista.

Shannon

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

I wouldn't say I have a fear of heights, but when I'm crossing a rope bridge hanging 98 feet drop above the atlantic ocean I'm going to be a little scared. The moment I heard about the bridge, I knew I had to cross it even if it was terrifying. When I stepped on the bridge I kept thinking of all the different ways I could fall off or be blown over, but I inched forward and made it across. Looking back, I'm not sure how I did it or even managed to get back.

Crossing the Carrick-a-Rede bridge is definitely something I can now check off my list of fears I've overcome.

Shannon

Double September Birchbox

While I was abroad I still kept up with my Birchboxes. I had them delivered to my house and my parents wrapped them up and placed them under the tree for Christmas. So, that Christmas day feeling I get when I opened them up was even more real. I went through so many boxes that I'm now starting way back with September. One of the cool things that actually happened for September was that I was sent two boxes by accident. Then Birchbox gave me 100 points for their slip up. Meaning I got two boxes full of different goodies and I got to walk away with $10 worth of credit in the Birchbox shop. I'll have to redeem those points soon, but for now let's see what I walked away with for the Double September Box.

1. Boscia // Purifying Cleansing Gel // I tried this last night and was blown away. I have some serious dry and sensitive skin so most face washes are too harsh on me. This however was soft and kept all the moisture in.

2. 21 Drops // Aromatherapy Blend Focus // Aromatherapy smells are the best to soothe and de-stress. I just dab a bit at my temples and wrists and smell the rosemary, peppermint, and frankincense and I am instantly relaxed.

3. Twistband // Hairties // Oddly this was one of the most anticpated item I've wanted to recieve in a Birchbox. I've wanted to try the twistbands out for so long and knew that Birchbox would be a great way to try it before I buy it. And well, I think I'll be buying some more. I was lucky to recieve one in each box (orange and teal) and they have been my go to for buns and ponytails. These are awesome because they don't form kinks in hair when you take them out and don't cut off circulation on your wrist.

4. Kate Spade // Twirl // I'm obsessed with Kate Spade and of course this perfume. It is my absolute favorite and I was glad to get two this time. This is a very cheery fragrance as it has notes of watermelon, blackberry, red currant, orange blossom, jasmine, and magnolia. This by far is my favorite fragrance ever.

5. Mighty Leaf Tea Company // Teas // This came with an assortment of different teas Green Tea Tropical, Vanilla Bean, and Chamomile Citrus. These are perfect right now since it's terribly cold outside and everyones getting a little sick. I did only try Green Tea and wasn't the biggest fan though.

6. Color Club // Tweet Me and Status Update // These colors are so different. On one hand you've got a the bright green which can be a little overpowering since it looks like Nickelodeon slime. And on the other a nice grey slate that I think is great for a statement nail. Between the two I would choose the grey one and save the green for halloween.

7. Tili // Bag // This was a Birchbox extra and at first I wasn't sure what this was for. It's a fancy looking bag, but its intended purpose is to stow the small make-up and liquids when traveling. It keeps them sealed and won't break and of course looks cute while doing it.

This double box mistake has been wonderful. Fingers crossed this happens again. If you're looking to sign up for a Birchbox I'd check it out here. It's only $10 for boxes and free shipping.

Shannon

Northern Ireland

Now that I'm back to my regular Maryland college life, I've been reflecting on my trips abroad. I experienced so much, but forgot to share most of it. I did a lot of traveling with Student Tours Ireland. First to the Ring of Kerry in October and then again at the end of November to Northern Ireland. Basically, the trips were fantastic because they were run by just a few guys from the college. They rented a bus and booked us hostels at a great price. If you wind up studying abroad at all find something like this to travel with.

The bus driver on the Northern Ireland trip acted as a tour guide as we drove around. As soon as we crossed the border the "tension" in Northern Ireland could not be ignored. It's generally been thought of as a Catholic vs. Protestant battle, but it's mainly about borders and territory. It just so happens that religion lined up with border lines.

Belfast is known for building the Titanic and these two giant yellow cranes used to hold the ship. They are named Sampson and Goliath, and were compared by the boat tour guy as monuments similar to the Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I'm not sure if I agree or if I would have been proud to have built such an infamous ship. But then again I was reminded that they built a ship, it was the captain that sunk it when he hit the iceberg full speed.

There was also the Titanic Studios set in the same location where the Titanic was built. For now some of the Game of Thrones scenes of Northern Ireland are filmed here. That's pretty neat.

While up in Northern Ireland I got to visit Carrick-a-rede bridge as well as Giant's Causeway. Those adventures are soon to follow so stay tuned.

Shannon

I'm Back

Back to Maryland, Back to campus, and of course back to blogging. I've enjoyed taking a break from blogging for Winter Break. I got to really soak in all the moments with my family and friends I've missed while away without checking in with all the technology. Such a great cleanse, but now I'm ready to return and boy do I have a lot to share.

I haven't even shared half the trips in Ireland, Christmas, my trip to Florida, my new internship, and of course my first steps in wedding planning. I'll share all of this soon, but for now I'd like to share with you all my new room at Washington College.

This year I'm not an RA and after a sentence of two years in Minta Martin I've finally moved away to the Western Shore. College already feels different living here. I'm living in a suite-style dorm and I have my very own single. I'm digging the vibe so far and loved decorating the room. I'm definitely cozying up in here and ready to see what this semester brings!

Shannon