A Trip Into a Fantasy

Sometimes I like to think of what I would do if I had unlimited funds. Wouldn't that be fun? At least for a while. I had a dream once that I was able to go shopping anywhere I wanted and buy anything I liked. That prompted me to create my Ultimate Wish List board on Pinterest. Surely, I am not the only one who has done this. I would love to hear what your ultimate dream list is. Here is mine.

Monthly Spa Day 
I would go to a nice spa each month for a mani, pedi, facial, massage, and other body pamperings. The spa would have a nice changing room and sauna. I want a nice relaxing experience. I have been to The Apothecary Spa close to where I live, and I would love to be able to go regularly.

Fabulous Wardrobe

I don't spend a lot of money on clothes. I would rather put that money toward nice face products and make-up. I tend to shop - when I do shop for clothes - at Old Navy, Tommy Hilfiger outlet store (great sales plus military discount), Target, and sometimes Macy's when they have awesome holiday sales. Plus, the Style & Co. brand of jeans fit me very well and are under $30. If I had the money, I would shop at Banana Republic, J. Crew, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Reiss, Ted Baker, Burberry, and unique boutiques. 

Diamond Earrings

My only diamonds I ever had are on my engagement and wedding rings. I would love to have a pair of solitaire diamond earrings that are one carat each. And having them from Tiffany & Co. would be the dream.

Jimmy Choo or LK Bennett Shoes

A nice pair of heels would be great. Jimmy Choo is by a woman, so they will feel great. Kate Middleton is a fan of LK Bennetts, so you know they are comfortable since she does all of those walk-abouts. 

Burberry Trench

In addition to the ultimate designer wardrobe from above, I would love a Burberry trench coat. It is the ultimate for me. I have wanted onefor years. I love Burberry, and witht he funds, I would have a killer amount of clothing and accessories from the label.

Louis Vuitton Luggage
LV started out making luggage in the 1850s, and the quality has endured ever since. I want some luggage. These pieces would never be checked; they would be carry-ons only. This is beauty.

Products I Want To Try

I love trying new beauty products. Sometimes, I'll find a product and stick to it, but it is always fun to change it up every now and then. Plus, as you get older, move, go through different things in life, your wants and needs change. Heck, few years after college, my skin changed, so it isn't like you have to be in your 40s before you need different products.

I love reading magazines to learn more about products and how to effectively use them; my favorites are Glamour and InStyle. Glamour tends to have more budget-friendly products and clothes than InStyle. Another great resource is Ulta to read reviews on the products you like before you buy. I did that recently when I needed to buy some dry shampoo.

Here are some products I either just got or really want to try when I run out of what I already have.

1. Bobbie Brown Shimmer Brick Compact - Rose - Gives a soft, rosy glow for checks.
2. Brightening Finishing Powder - Nudes - Instantly illuminates all over.
3. Estee Lauder Pure Color Lipgloss - Nude Rose - I just got this, and it's the best color.
4. Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Treatment Foundation - A foundation that helps skin glow with radiance.
5. Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Dry Shampoo - I love their Beach Waves product, so I thought I'd try this. Just got it today.
6. Aveda Stress Fix Soaking Salts - I like to use bath salts on my hands before I put lotion on it. It makes them very soft.

Fashion Inspiration: The Devil Wears Prada

So, I'm completely in love with the movie, The Devil Wears Prada. I honestly never tire of watching it. If it's on TV, I'll watch it. I love it! I hate the novel. Gag. It's the only film that is better than the book.

Why do I love it so much? Well, I love the characters, but I love the fashion the most. Plus, New York: who cannot love a movie with fashion that takes place in New York? Another big reason I love it is that I've always wanted to work on a magazine. I guess I live vicariously through Andy and Miranda.

Let's take a moment and look back at some of the best outfits. A time for some style inspiration!

If I Only Knew Then What I Know Now...

The other day, it hit me. I have been out of high school for ten years. Good night. TEN YEARS! I remember the atmosphere of high school and how it seemed like what everyone thought mattered. Then I went to college and grew up. I enjoyed my high school years, but I am glad to be through it and an adult. My biggest surprise after high school and then after college was how much time I had available in the day. Yes, I was one of those who was constantly doing something, usually school or work related. After college graduation, there seemed to be so much more time during the day. No deadlines, it was very weird.

But during this big revelation of the years that had past, I did reflect on what I wish I knew then that I know now. That said, I decided to think on what I would tell my younger self, and then I would actually do it in my current life. What good is it to reflect on what you wished you had known if you aren't going to actually do it?

So, I present to you my epiphanies on life and what I wish I had done sooner.

• Be goal weight and strong enough to fight - I have always valued the importance of physical conditioning as a way to not only be healthy but to also be able to survive if put into a dangerous situation. The world is crazy, after all. As I have gotten older (I feel so old at 29) and moved around the country, I have lost this passion I once had. This past month, I have realized how lax I had become and how I had gotten away from this drive. Was I ever skinny? No, sadly. Have I always wanted to be? Oh, yeah. Well, it's time to stop wishing and start attaining. I loved my weight in high school; back then, I thought I was sooooo fat. Turns out, I was a good weight. Isn't it interesting how teenagers view their weight so differently than they will ten years down the road?This past month, I've actually started running...and like it. So weird. Now that I know I can do it, I don't want to stop. Fear in yourself can be so crippling.

•  Take archery lessons - I have always wanted to learn archery, but I never knew how to get started. Plus, the equipment costs a lot when you first start. Luckily, I moved to a place where there is an archery range available and a place to buy equipment. I've started out on my own, but I would really love to find someone to teach me. Step one of getting started is complete. Step two of becoming proficient hasn't begun, but hopefully it will soon.

• Study martial arts - I wish I had gotten into karate sooner. I started in my junior year of college and loved it. I stopped after two years due to needing to focus on my first year of teaching. Sadly, I never got back in it. I am hoping to start up again one day. I am not a big fan of grappling, so I tend to stay away from jujitsu and judo, but I might try judo since I have a place to practice for free. I've just haven't tried it yet since I don't feel in shape enough to join. I might in a month or two.

•  Monthly facials/spa treatment - it is amazing how a monthly facial can make you feel and look. I had a facial each month once I got my first real job post-college. I lived in a place where cost of living is low, so it was easy to afford. Not so much on the West Coast. I still find ways to get some treatments in, and my new budget focus is on including monthly pampering.

•  Don't be afraid to follow your passions - so many times I have shied away from following a dream because I thought it was too unrealistic and would never come true. For me, it is writing. The fear of failure and ridicule keeps so many of us from living our best life possible and fulfilling our potential. I think it's time for me to embrace my artistic self instead of trying to be someone else. The world needs art and expression, after all.

So, just a few things I wish I had done sooner. Time for me to start doing them.

The Healing Power of a Shower

DIt really is amazing how a good shower can improve how your days is and how you feel. I've come to really love my shower times. Before, it was just a chore to get done. Now, it is so therapeutic for me. I love leaving a warm shower feeling refreshed and scrubbed. It makes the day seem a little bit more manageable.

For me, a great shower experience depends one good products for my body. Not expensive, but good feeling and smelling.

I like a body scrub at least once a week, so I use Tree Hut's scrub that I get at Wal-Mart and a body wash scrub from Mary Kay. I highly recommend Summer's Eve for your lady parts. It keeps her fresh and isn't harsh.

I discovered Village Naturals bath wash. It's around $4 and doesn't test on animals. It foams up so nicely and smells great. I love it. When it comes to my hair, I will invest more money. I love Aveda. This is my first time to try the Brilliant line; I usually go for the Smooth Infusion line.

Neutrogena has an amazing naturals line of face products. I use the daily face scrub and the cleanser that also helps remove makeup. I will use the scrub in the shower since it is easier to wash the beads off. Aveeno's shaving gel is smooth, and the bottledoesn't rust, which I really like. The gel also goes a long way, so you get your money's worth. 

Loofahs are a must. They getrid of dead skin and leave you feeling refreshed. A foot brush in the shower is a quick and very easy way to smooth soles and remove rough skin. I got mine at Wal-Mart!

Finally, I will finish off with a body oil. Neutrogena's is very light and smells like a spa. Apply to damp skin with the bathroom door closed to keep the steam in. Now that cold weather is here in the Northern Hemisphere, it is important to protect skin from drying out. A body oil will do that. 

As you can see from what I use, you don't have to spend a lot to pamper yourself. All but the shampoo and conditioner can be bought at Wal-Mart or Target. 

Few of My Favorite Things

One of life's simple pleasures for me is a trip to a coffee shop. I like to go to read and write. I feel more productive there than at home sometimes. There are two coffee shops I love: Starbucks and Whidbey Coffee, a local coffee place. When I lived in San Diego, I enjoyed Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, but sadly, there isn't one around here other than in the airport.

This time of year is a great time for a latte. I love pumpkin spice, gingerbread, and peppermint mocha. At Whidbey Coffee, I can have those flavors year-round, which is another reason why I love it so much. This morning, I had a decaf, non-fat gingerbread latte and read and wrote. I started writing an exposé on my workplace (long story). It was a nice, relaxing morning.

Black Friday Sales Galore!

Black Friday has turned into Black Weekend. I love it! I made out like a bandit. Luckily, this year it feel at the end of the month, which was payday for me, so I could afford to go out and find some great deals. Another really good part for me was it was my birthday month, so I had coupons from stores to add.

My first, and most favorite, purchase was the new iPad Air. I have been wanting an iPad for months, and I knew that Black Friday was the day I was going to make my dreams come true. Getting up at 4:20 A.M. to be at the Navy Exchange by 5:00 A.M. wasn't as bad as I had feared. The adrenaline was what helped. The whole shopping experience was very calm and very organized. I bought the iPad for $449; since it was at the NEX, I didn't have to pay tax on it. A Belkin case from Best Buy completed the happiness.

After much needed sleep, I went to the mall the following day. I had a gift card for Macy's, so I loaded up on sweaters that were 50% off! Yeah! I also found the perfect pair of black jeans.

After searching and trying different shampoos, I have found the best for my hair: Aveda. Pricey, but so worth it. My hair now always looks great with these products. While at the Aveda store, I picked up the Brilliant shampoo and conditioner, hand relief lotion (amazingly good), and a hair brush. I'm one happy girl with these.

My shopping extravaganza was complete with a trip to Old Navy. With a 40% off storewide sale, I was in Heaven. It was wonderful. Needless to say I have all the clothes I need for the winter. Well, maybe another pair of warm pants.

I don't always go this crazy while shopping, but I found some great deals. Sometimes buying the right things can really make you feel great. Until you check your bank account.