Thursday, December 31, 2015

January 2016 Playlist

Happy Sweet '16 New Year! Here are a few of the songs I've recently been playing...

https://open.spotify.com/user/1265165104/playlist/5lMqT3TkUCZDVyKXV8xlpi


I hope to re-launch my blog later this year. Stay tuned...








Sunday, November 1, 2015

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

October 2015 Playlist

My favorite month has arrived! Here is a playlist to add an atmospheric soundtrack to this beautiful time of year!

https://open.spotify.com/user/1265165104/playlist/3jTUxBe6V5QY0eNGkBpxVv


And for fans of the literal, I should be adding a Halloween set very soon. Stay tuned!










Tuesday, September 1, 2015

September '15 Playlist

My September set can be heard via Spotify by clicking here: http://open.spotify.com/user/1265165104/playlist/2VfuUfCdKDdAUEqipN28Fj

I've recently been addicted to adding what seems to feel like every song I have ever heard and liked. Be sure to check out the rest of my playlists as well. I add new songs just about every day and frequently create new categorized playlists- looking forward to the Halloween music! I'm enjoying rediscovering old favorites and finding brand new loves. Nothing makes me happier (or keeps me more sane) than being able to play my own, uninterrupted music when I'm away from home- be it at work, in the car or at a friend's place. Digital streaming has introduced me to so many new artists that I otherwise might never had the pleasure of hearing. Grateful for my little collection!
































Sunday, August 2, 2015

August 2015 Playlist

To listen to some of the songs I've recently been playing, check out my August playlist and others via Spotify:

http://open.spotify.com/user/1265165104/playlist/4gTlHnqzYgiTsUbzoi74qH





Wednesday, July 1, 2015

July '15 Playlist

To check out my July playlist and several others, visit my Spotify:

http://open.spotify.com/user/1265165104/playlist/5HknTyNMeZbiDbw4M2wrQO








Monday, June 1, 2015

June '15 Playlist

A few songs that are currently in my rotation. Be sure to check out my other playlists as well, including my Summertime Set which currently has well over 600 songs that carry a warm energy in my mind...

June '15 via Spotify:

http://open.spotify.com/user/1265165104/playlist/3I7DmNZXsPiEk18vRAciPj








Thursday, April 30, 2015

May 2015 Playlist

To take a listen to some of the songs I've been recently playing, check out my May playlist via Spotify:

http://open.spotify.com/user/1265165104/playlist/4GYgX2OHaMmEyC0PhE22lF









Tuesday, March 31, 2015

April '15 Playlist

To check out some of the songs I'm currently listening to:

http://open.spotify.com/user/1265165104/playlist/2tEXkg2ZZm4c0V2n8JColc

Monday, February 23, 2015

29 Things About Me: Random

1. Loves a thunderstorm and listening to the rain
2. Have usually had a shih-tzu in my life (3 since birth)
3. Stray cats always find me, follow me home, etc.
4. Predicted specific things that have come true
5. Reads conspiracy boards and watches their documentaries
6. Goes to concerts or movies alone if no one will come with me
7. Was a cheerleader for about 10 years
8. Average bed time- 4am
9. Scared of bees
10. Team won the Super Bowl on my birthday (Steelers 2/1/09)
11. First kiss was in pre-school
12. Usually had a boyfriend until college
13. Won a dance contest by beating a male breakdancer
14. Dark sense of humor, laughs at most things
15. Aspired to be a fashion magazine editor as a child
16. A dream job is to name cosmetics
17. Wants to write screenplays
18. Would rather have children later in life
19. Went to a small Catholic school from K-12
20. Went to WVU for college- majored in broadcast news
21. Loves aviator style sunglasses
22. Listens to Coast to Coast AM radio
23. Enjoys trivia at pubs
24. Favorite candy is red flavored tootsie rolls
25. Usually cold, low body temperature
26. Favorite season is Fall
27. Candles make any room better
28. Comes up with tons of ideas, bad with following through
29. Guy crazy- love to look at men







Now Playing: "Fresh Blood" by Eels
*Heard this on HBO's The Jinx (fantastic program)

Friday, February 20, 2015

29 Things About Me: Quirks

1. Nocturnal- extreme owl
2. Semi-Vegetarian since birth
3. Left-Handed
4. Natural redhead, the only one in the family
5. Wiggles toes when comfortable
6. Can't hide feelings- expressive face
7. Blushes/Flushes/Burns
8. Extremely sensitive- cries easily, empathic
9. Highly intuitive, pseudo-psychic
10. Picky eater but will drink almost anything- no milk
11. Worked for an indie radio station before knowing what alternative music was
12. Legally blind
13. Wasn't named until 3 days old
14. Never forgets a birthday from anyone ever met
15. Been to Europe but not NYC which is somewhat close
16. Longterm single- as in solo since the Bush administration
17. Failed driver's test 3 times, perfect driving record
18. Catholic/Spiritual/New Age/Liberal
19. Introverted INFJ
20. 138 IQ yet failed multiple courses in school
21. Would rather wear a hat then style hair
22. Collects and loves makeup but often goes without it
23. Quadruple Aquarius but has Water-dominant chart (Cancer Rising, Scorpio Moon)
24. Detached yet omnipresent
25. Checks for body language cues from men
26. Orders things online, purposefully forgets so they're surprises
27. Tells dog "I love you" multiple times per hour
28. Usually drinking a bottle of FIJI water
29. Equally loves luxury and thrifting







Now Playing: "Open" by Rhye

Thursday, February 19, 2015

29 Things About Me: TV Shows I've Never Watched an Episode Of

1. American Idol
2. American Horror Story
3. Glee
4. Big Brother
5. The Amazing Race
6. Breaking Bad
7. The Wire
8. The Sopranos
9. Arrested Development
10. House of Cards
11. Dexter
12. Homeland
13. Curb Your Enthusiasm
14. Seinfeld
15. The Big Bang Theory
16. The Shield
17. Friday Night Lights
18. Frasier
19. Everybody Loves Raymond
20. Boardwalk Empire
21. Masters of Sex
22. Veep
23. Jane the Virgin
24. Downton Abbey
25. The Killing
26. ER
27. Gossip Girl
28. Pretty Little Liars
29. 30 Rock







Now Playing: "Hurricane" by MS MR

29 Things About Me: Movies I've Never Seen

1. Star Wars
2. Ghost
3. The Sixth Sense
4. Spider-Man
5. Scarface
6. The Godfather
7. Guardians of the Galaxy
8. The Avengers
9. Frozen
10. The Lord of the Rings
11. Transformers
12. Pirates of the Caribbean
13. Despicable Me
14. The Hobbit
15. Inception
16. The Sound of Music
17. Interstellar
18. Fight Club
19. Indiana Jones
20. Saving Private Ryan
21. Gladiator
22. The Departed
23. Braveheart
24. Inglourious Basterds
25. Fargo
26. Into the Wild
27. No Country for Old Men
28. 12 Years a Slave
29. The Terminator







Now Playing: "Free" by Rudimental ft. Emeli Sande

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Lenten No-Buy!

This year for Lent, I've decided to attempt a no-buy! For someone who is surrounded by material goodies at work and play, this is rather challenging. But alas, rules were made to be broken so I have allowed a bit of a pre-designated cushion (a few things I've wanted that haven't been released yet, exchanges, if I run out of something, etc.). I won't get too much into the details but from February 18th (Ash Wednesday) through Easter Sunday (April 5th), I am not going to buy any clothes, shoes, purses, accessories, makeup, skincare, etc. I am even going to try and cut back on drinks, food and other worldly things. I love to shop so this little endeavor will be interesting. May the force be with me!






Now Playing: "Mourning Doves" by Mikky Ekko

29 Things About Me: Interests

1. Pittsburgh Sports- Mainly the Steelers & Pens!
2. Reading- love books, magazines, quotes, and the web
3. Politics
4. Astrology/Tarot/New Age
5. Drinks- beer, wine, champagne mostly
6. Music- always listening
7. Concerts- happiest at a live show or festival
8. Travel- I'd go away every other month if I could
9. Purses
10. Antiques/Vintage Finds
11. Makeup/Beauty/Skincare
12. The Paranormal
13. Conspiracies
14. Film/Television/YouTube
15. Nail Polish
16. Writing
17. Humor
18. The Universe
19. Houses/Interior Decorating
20. Architecture
21. Photography/Art
22. Thrifting
23. Nature/The Four Seasons
24. Holidays- always festive
25. Animals- obsessed with my shih-tzu
26. Dancing
27. Fashion/Style
28. Anything girlie or sparkly
29. Romance










Now Playing: "Video Games" by Lana Del Rey

Monday, February 16, 2015

29 Things About Me: Celebrity Crushes

1. Shia LaBeouf
2. Gerard Butler
3. Ryan Gosling
4. Sidney Crosby
5. Mark-Paul Gosselaar
6. Bill Maher
7. Ben Affleck
8. John Slattery
9. Jimmy Fallon
10. Jonathan Rhys Meyers
11. John Krasinski
12. Bradley Cooper
13. Ashton Kutcher
14. Liam Neeson
15. Ryan Phillippe
15. Jim Sturgess
16. Dylan McDermott
17. Henrik Lundqvist
18. Luke Pritchard
19. Jared Leto
20. Jack White
21. David Gandy
22. Paolo Nutini
23. Alexander Skarsgard
24. JFK Jr.
25. John Cusack
26. Zak Bagans
27. Tom Hardy
28. Jason Segel
29. Leonardo DiCaprio







Now Playing: "Stars" by The xx

Sunday, February 15, 2015

29 Things About Me: Turn-Offs from the Opposite Sex

1. Arrogance
2. Unintelligence
3. Bad hair/Inability to grow facial hair
4. Poor sense of humor
5. Smoking
6. Drugs
7. Disrespect to women, animals, people in general
8. Immaturity
9. Dislike for Pittsburgh
10. No sports knowledge
11. Extreme foul language
12. Conservatives
13. Close-minded
14. Boring
15. No sense of style
16. Shorter than me in heels
17. Dependent/Clingy
18. Hunting/Guns
19. Unattractive voice
20. Doesn't drink- especially beer
21. Bad taste in music
22. The male basic bitch
23. Inability to do things for themselves around the house
24. Spoiled, preppy, rich boys
25. Southern frat boy types
26. No ambition
27. Atheists
28. Poor grammar/Command of the English language
29. Non-worldly/Lack of travel






Now Playing: "Shadow" by Wild Nothing

29 Things About Me: Turn-Ons From the Opposite Sex

1. A sexy voice
2. Nice hands
3. Intelligence
4. Charisma
5. Full head of dark hair
6. Blue eyes
7. Facial hair
8. Good taste in music
9. Successful
10. Ambitious
11. Weirdness
12. Creativity/Talent
13. Sense of humor
14. 6'2"
15. Owns a Pittsburgh Steeler Jersey
16. Liberal
17. Well-traveled
18. Open-minded
19. Strong calves
21. Defined arms
22. The lower v
23. Handy- DIY types
24. Well-read
25. Kindness to animals
26. Irishmen
27. A backwards hat
28. Well-placed & chosen tattoos
29. Nice smile


Now, where is he? ;)








Now Playing: "Midnight" by Coldplay (Giorgio Moroder Remix)
*Fits my mood perfectly

Friday, February 13, 2015

29 Things About Me: Places I've Been

1. New Orleans
2. Boston
3. Chicago
4. Nashville
5. Philadelphia
6. Miami
7. Charlotte
8. Las Vegas
9. Phoenix
10. Sedona, AZ
11. Salem, MA
12. Niagara Falls, Canada
13. Paris
14. London
15. Brussels
16. Amsterdam
17. Manchester, England
18. Manchester, TN (Bonnaroo)
19. Jacksonville
20. Baltimore
21. Columbus, OH
22. South Carolina
23. Savannah, GA
24. West Virginia
25. Buffalo, NY
26. Cleveland, OH
27. Fort Lauderdale
28. Tampa (+Most of Florida)
29. Pittsburgh ;)









Now Playing: "29 Years" by The National
*How apropos for this series, eh?

Thursday, February 12, 2015

29 Things About Me: Places I Want to Visit

1. Ireland
2. Greece
3. Egypt
4. Italy
5. Australia
6. Montreal
7. Austria
8. Switzerland
9. Norway
10. Scotland
11. Vancouver
12. San Francisco/Napa Valley
13. Seattle
14. New York City
15. Washington, DC
16. Los Angeles
17. Aspen
18. Alaska
19. Japan
20. Germany
21. Vermont
22. Nova Scotia
23. Peru
24. Louisville, Kentucky
25. Utah
26. South Africa
27. Portland, Oregon
28. Austin, Texas
29. Space



Hoping to cross a few more off the list within the next year or so!









Now Playing: "Calgary" by Bon Iver

29 Things About Me: Movies I LOVE

1. Clueless
2. Titanic
3. The Great Gatsby
4. The Notebook
5. Goodfellas
6. A Bronx Tale
7. The Princess Bride
8. Steel Magnolias
9. A Christmas Story
10. The Wizard of Oz
11. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
12. My Girl
13. Sixteen Candles
14. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
15. Hocus Pocus
16. Before Sunrise
17. Ever After
18. Independence Day
19. The Family Stone
20. The Parent Trap
21. Silver Linings Playbook
22. Eyes Wide Shut
23. The Silence of the Lambs
24. Zack and Miri Make a Porno
25. Now and Then
26. Meet the Parents
27. Gone with the Wind
28. The Next Three Days
29. Mean Girls










Now Playing: "Help Me Lose My Mind" by Disclosure ft. London Grammar

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

29 Things About Me: TV Shows I Enjoy

1. Mama's Family
2. The Golden Girls
3. Daria
4. Full House
5. Saved by the Bell
6. Sex and the City
7. Summer Heights High
8. Girls
9. The Walking Dead
10. The Bachelor
11. The Real Housewives
12. Real Time with Bill Maher
13. Jeopardy!
14. Ghost Adventures
15. Modern Family
16. The Middle
17. The Brady Bunch
18. Forensic Files
19. South Park
20. Ancient Aliens
21. Unsolved Mysteries
22. Sister Wives
23. The Girls Next Door
24. The Office
25. Boy Meets World
26. Four Houses
27. Fashion Police
28. Roseanne
29. Married with Children









Now Playing: "Say It Right" by Nelly Furtado
*A blast from the not so distant past.

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Sunday, February 1, 2015

29



The last year of my 20s. This decade has brought many highs and lows. Some of the best times of my life as well as the darkest. I feel this overwhelming sense of pressure to make this year count. As my birthday falls exactly one month to the day of the official start of the new year, I always view January as a bit of a warm up period. My new year starts today. Here are just a few of my resolutions for my 29th year...


  • Save money. 
  • Enjoy the things I have. Purchase less.
  • Simplify my wardrobe.
  • Improve my career.
  • Redecorate my space. 
  • Travel as often as possible. 
  • Strengthen my relationships.
  • Be open to dating.
  • Update this blog!
  • Write. Write. Write.
  • Eat less. Exercise more.
  • Make a difference.
  • Don't speak ill of others.
  • Read more. 
  • Practice my spirituality.
  • Continue to learn new things.
  • Have fun. 
  • Love.
  • Be courageous.









Now Playing: "Gold In the Air" by Jesse Woods

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Update

I wanted to post a quick update about my lack of blogging. I haven't stopped nor do I ever plan to quit. I love sharing my inspirations with the world. When I started this blog several years ago, I never attempted to garner mass attention or any sort of monetary compensation from it. I post because it's an incredible feeling to know that something I shared, informed or created was appreciated and viewed by someone else- anyone else. The fact that people from all over the world visit this site on a daily basis is enough for me. I don't need millions of followers. I'm grateful and humbled that even one person would enjoy a peek inside my psyche.

That being said, my computer has a few issues. I'm particular about writing from my PC as opposed to my phone. It's just easier for me. I might attempt to work from my device but I can't promise anything. I have a feeling that the layout would be less than satisfactory. It's a new year so perhaps a new way of posting should be embraced. I have a lot of content that I want to share with you. We shall see.

Thank you for continuing to check in with me. In the meantime, I'm still posting regularly on Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram. :)

Love Always,

Krista








Now Playing: "Age of Consent" by New Order

Thursday, January 1, 2015

The Cosmo Awards: Best of Beauty 2014!

Untitled #67



I really wanted to get this post up before the start of the new year but better late than never! As I work in cosmetic sales and represent various high-end brands, I'm fortunate enough to try just about every product you can think of. As a makeup collector, my love for cosmetics seems to grow deeper each year. While one of my major new year resolutions is to "shop my own stash" as much as possible and to purchase only when necessary, I still have to share my 2014 faves! Without further ado, here are the beauty products that I enjoyed the most this year!


MAKEUP

Eyeshadow Primer: Urban Decay Primer Potion
Eyeshadow: MAC/Gucci
Eyeshadow Palette: Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette/LORAC Mega Pro

Eyebrow Pencil: Clarins (Shade 02)
Eyebrow Powder: Billion Dollar Brows
Eyebrow Gel: Benefit Gimme Brow/Anastasia Beverly Hills (Tinted)/Billion Dollar Brows (Clear)
Eyebrow Product: Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade

Eyeliner Pencil: Urban Decay 24/7
Eyeliner Liquid: Lancome 24H

Mascara: L'Oreal Miss Manga/L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes/Tarte Lights Camera Flashes

Concealer Primer: Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer
Concealer: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind
Foundation: Urban Decay Naked/Dior Star
BB Cream: Dior Diorskin Nude
Face Primer: Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Primer

Blush: Charlotte Tilbury/MAC
Bronzer: NARS Laguna/Benefit Hoola
Highlighter: Chanel Holiday/Becca Moonstone/Hourglass Ambient/Bobbi Brown Holiday Shimmer Brick Copper Diamond

Powder: MAC Studio Fix/Gucci/Chanel Les Beiges/Wet 'n' Wild Color Icon Reserve Your Cabana
Translucent Setting Powder: Tarte/Makeup Forever
Setting Spray: Urban Decay All Nighter/Chill

Prep Spray: Evian
Contour: Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit/NARS Laguna

Lip Balm: Burt's Bees/Chanel Hydra Beauty Balm/Maybelline Baby Lips
Lip Exfoliator: Philosophy Kiss Me Exfoliating Lip Scrub
Lip Liner: Urban Decay/Milani/MAC
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury/Gucci/MAC/Chanel
Lip Gloss: Revlon HD/L'Oreal Colour Riche/Maybelline Elixir/Clarins Instant Light
Lip Product: Liquid Lipstick- Shiseido, Various Brands/YSL Volupte Sheer Candy

Eye Brush: MAC 217
Face Brush: Crown Brush Fan/it Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Powder Brush/Real Techniques Blush Brush
Tool: Beauty Blender Sponge/Stainless Steel Mixing Tray


SKINCARE

Makeup Remover: Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover
Cleanser: Clarins Water Comfort One Step Peach Cleanser/Bioderma/Dove Beauty Soap
Toner: See Softener
Softener: Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Resit Enriched Softener
Serum: Shiseido Future Solution
Moisturizer (Day): Clarins Hydraquench Gel
Moisturizer (Night): Shiseido Future Solution
Eye Serum: Clarins Extra Firming
Eye Cream: Clarins Super Restorative Eye Cream/Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream/Shiseido Future Solution
Neck: Clarins Extra Firming Neck Cream
Exfoliator: Clarins One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser
Shower Gel: Philosophy/Victoria's Secret/Bath & Body Works
Bubble Bath: Philosophy
Body Lotion: Clarins Moisture Rich/Clarins Extra Firming
Body Oil: Clarins Tonic Oil
Mask: Sheet Masks (Epielle/Shiseido)

HAIR

Shampoo: Pantene Moisture Renewal
Conditioner: Pantene Moisture Renewal/Macadamia Deep Repair Mask/Aussie 3 Minute Miracle
Hair Oil: Orofluido


NAILS

Nail Polish: OPI
Base Coat: Butter London
Top Coat: Dior Gel Top Coat
Remover: Chanel/Anything!


OTHER

Fragrance: Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black/YSL Manifesto/Gucci Guilty
Deodorant: Donna Karan Cashmere Mist
Toothpaste: Crest 3D White
Candle: Diptyque Feu de Bois
Tweezers: Tweezerman/Billion Dollar Brows
Etc: Shiseido Cotton (for makeup removing, cleansing, softener, nail polish removal...)














Now Playing: "Lights and Camera" by Yuna
*Perfect song for such a vain post ;)

Quoteworthy


"Don't ever empty the bucket of mystery. Never let people define what you do. It's not about zigging when you should zag. It's not about doing something unprecedented and unpredictable. It's just about never being a word, or something that is not in the process of transformation."
-Marilyn Manson

















Now Playing: "Poetic Justice" by Kendrick Lamar

Blog Archive

My photo
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
I'm living life in beautiful Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I hold a journalism degree from West Virginia University. I have worked in television news, fashion marketing, PR, and cosmetic sales. My love for writing and sharing with the world my various passions is strong. One of my many ambitions is to be published and continue creating in the fields of digital and print media, literature and film. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, going to concerts, reading, following Pittsburgh sports and traveling as often as possible. Some of my favorite things include beauty, style, architecture, books, tarot and astrology, thrifting and my shih-tzu, Ireland. I’m engaged to the love of my lifetimes and we look forward to starting our next chapter together. If you have any questions or comments, I would love to hear from you!