Fifty Shades of Seattle

Yes, my girlfriend and I went to see the infamous Fifty Shades of Grey today. As steamy as the scenes are and as hot as Christian Grey may be, the most captivating thing about the movie (for me at least) were all the beautiful shots of Seattle.

It is true when they say you don't know what you have until it's gone. The words "Seattle is a place for retirement" actually came out of my mouth at one point in time. But now that I've moved to Dallas, I finally realized what a wonderful place Seattle really is. 

Not only is it the home to the Seattle Seahawks, this city has probably the most to offer just about anyone. Though everyone knows Seattle for Starbucks, the guys throwing fish at the Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and not to mention RAIN, there is so much people don't know about this city that I call my home. From the hole in the wall restaurants to the underground city that I've yet to see for myself, Seattle is truly amazing. There are things to do for those that want to stay indoors; shopping, eating, coffee drinking, But the one breath-taking thing about Seattle is all the natural parks and outdoor activities it has to offer. Now there really is no excuse to not stay fit and healthy. 

On the topic of healthy, Seattleites are all about eating healthy and living healthy. We are what we put in our bodies.. So Whole Foods and Trader Joe's are always filled with the stay at home mom picking up groceries for dinner and the busy Sales Executive picking up a quick lunch before heading back to work. 

It's almost been a year since I've relocated to Dallas, but I'll always be a Seattleite at heart. There's nothing more satisfying than rocking my blue and green on game day. But thankfully, I have found my home away from home, McFadden's in Addison, to watch every game. Once you walk in, you see a sea of Seahawks jerseys walking around.

With endless cups of coffee being poured every hour, you can already tell this is the city that never sleeps. Or have we all become so caffeine tolerant that it doesn't make a difference anymore. Either way, regardless you are going to grab your usual at the nearest Starbucks, which is probably a few blocks away, or you're trying out the hole in the wall coffee shop that your friend once told you about, you know you are going to enjoy that smooth cup of joe.

In short, I'm just thankful to have been raised in such a beautiful city where the seafood and coffee is fresh, just ask Joe at the Pike Place Market, and the people are more than friendly. I know I will eventually make my way back to this beautiful city I call home. But until then, I'm happy visiting once a month... I mean, they do say distance does make the heart grow fonder. ❤

Cheers

Read More

[REVIEW] Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes Rebel Black Waterproof

Okay, you know how it goes. You give things a second chance because either you really have faith or you just can't remember if you like it or not the first time.

That's what happened with this mascara. I've just ran out of my favorite Maybelline Pump Up mascara so I needed to restock. However, while I was standing in the aisle deciding either I should just stick with what I know or try something new/old, I made the conscience decided to pick up the Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes Rebel Black mascara. The package stated there was a new formula that is even darker than the original. Now, I blame on my curiosity because when I see 'New', I have to try it.

I knew I've tried this mascara before, but with my Alzheimer kicking in, I kid, I can't remember my reaction. So what better opportunity to give it a spine?!

Okay, I have to say, it is an "alright" mascara. Nothing about it screams 'BUY ME!' but if you have nothing else, it is an alright mascara. The only downfall that I have to mention is that it somehow makes my lashes more vulnerable. I notice this because whenever I take off my actual falsies, it also pulls out my real lashes; and that is just something I can't afford! Hello?! I already wear falsies, I can't have my already sparse lashes pulled out when I remove my falsies.

That whole sentence sounded like an oxymoron.

Regardless, I like the mascara. And I will admit, the new formula is very dark and makes your lashes look very bold. And it is a two-in-one; you'll get both a top and bottom lash mascara for the price of one.

Read More

So .. Are we dating?!

The other day as I was scrolling down my newsfeed on Facebook and I came across this article on thoughtarticle.com, so you know it's legit, talking about how people date now days. Though I just made a small joke regarding where the article came from, I have to agree with it what it had to say.

People in this day and age never want to solidify anything. Girl likes guy. They have sex. And then what?! We aren't together. We aren't boyfriend and girlfriend. We are just in this limbo that has no category or title. Hello?! Nobody says, "Yeah.. I'm in a situation where I regularly see and have sex with a guy but we aren't dating" ... What is that?! Talk about a conversation starter!

But what can you do? That's what "dating" is like now days. And it goes both ways now. Girls have just as much of a right to not claim a relationship as the guy now. We have our own lives and are independent enough that we don't necessarily need someone; though it would be nice after a nine hour all-nighter flight from Sao Paulo.

Regardless, this really got me thinking. I've seen the people that have relationships after relationships, paving the path to their marriage; I even have friends that are like that. But is that really the life for everyone?! My parents were never the ones to teach me to "dream" to get married. They were very modernize in that aspect in that they thought if I could take care of myself, why get married?! As modern as that idea is, it would still be nice to have someone to come home to. To have someone wait for you and to warm the bed up for you when you come in at 6 am. But as I get older, I don't even see myself in that picture... that's kind of depressing.

It isn't as if I'm against the idea, but it just with how things are going with the new rules of dating, it hard to imagine a life with someone when they can't even agree to be boyfriend/girlfriend. Don't get me wrong, there are still people out there that want and love to be in a real relationship; I just haven't met them yet.

I know that one person is out there for me. I just haven't met them yet. Or maybe I have but timing was wrong. With age, I've also learned that timing is EVERYTHING. But until then, I guess I'm going to have to crawl into bed alone; which is fine since I have a very comfortable bed!

Read More

[REVIEW] Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet

Chanel has done it again! They've officially came out with a new foundation and I must say I was instantly drawn to it.

As I was strolling through the department store the other day, I went directly to the Chanel counter with a purpose. I had the full intent to buy the Satisfaction Lipstick that I've been desperately wanting but, of course, they were all sold out. Clearly I wasn't the only one that was in desperation for it. However, just as I was about to leave, since I obviously didn't need anything else, something shiny caught my eye.

(sorry, the lighting is weird in my room)

Dun, dun, dun! Please help me welcome the Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet Foundation!

As you can see, the design of the bottle of this foundation is very similar to the Chanel Vita Lumiere Aqua. And we all know how much I love that foundation; so right of the bat, I knew this would be a keeper! You know what they say, the best things come in small packages. It's sleek, chic, and just great for travel. Especially if you're going to London and you don't want to check in your luggage. This will definitely fit into that zip lock bag along with all your other liquids.

Just by the title, you can tell the Perfection Lumiere Velvet foundation has a matte velvet finish. Which means that it is great for those with oily skin. Pointing at myself. After using this, I realize that you will not have to use a setting powder after apply. And just to prove how great this foundation is, I wore this one day when I had to do a Honduras Turn. If you're a flight attendant, you'll understand how long of a day that is and you're on the plane the entire time in that dry, recycled air. But even after work, my makeup still looked amazing, not oily at all. Though my eye makeup was a little questionable. [insert panda emoji]

I really love the finish of this foundation because it makes your skin look flawless. However, it does this without making you look as if you're applied pounds on makeup on. The velvet-ness of the foundation allows you to remain looking like a real human while removing any shine on your face.

Though it is still a little early but I might be bold enough to say that this could replace Vita Lumiere Aqua's place in my heart. Yes, both are able to make your skin look flawless but the Perfection Lumiere's Velvet finish pushes it to the top.

I'd definitely recommend this foundation to everyone. Especially if you travel often or plan to in the future. The lasting power of this foundation is amazing and helps you stay shine free throughout the day. Yes, ladies... It isn't too good to be true. On top of everything, it smells so good!

Happy Shopping!

Read More

Review: LUSH Oatifix Fresh Face Mask

It's no surprise that I love me a good face mask. But finding an awesome mask can sometimes be harder than expected. 

Though I do favor cloth face masks most times, I think I've found something that will forever be in my skin care regiment. And if you can't already tell by the title, it is the LUSH Oatifix Fresh Face Mask. Not only does this mask make my skin feel so refresh and soft after just one use, it's made of all natural ingredients. 

I've tried other masks from LUSH before but I'm going to have to say that this is by far my favorite. It's made mainly with bananas and oatmeal (hence the name) so it targets towards dry and sensitive skin.

Since I've been flying more often than usual, I noticed that my skin was really irritated and dry. Let's be honest, my skin was pretty much yelling at me. I needed something to calm it down; which is how I cam across this! Knowing that oatmeal helps with irritations, I decided to give this a shot! And boy oh boy am I glad. 

The consistency is very thick. Once you apply it on your face, it'll clump together, which is fine because as you're washing it off, it'll help act as a exfoliator. But personally, I like to generally apply a thin layer but lather up on areas that I have bigger pores, i.e around my nose area. After which, I let it sit for about 15-20 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water; scrubbing along the way. 

Immediately you'll notice a difference. Not only is the redness gone but your skin feels so soft! It's seriously amazing. Then I just apply my normal toners, moisturizers to end the night. And the best part is the next morning, the softness of your skin remains and you feel like you have new face to brace the new day! I've also noticed that this really helps when you are having a break out attack! I've noticed after a long trip, I'll have a slight break out. That's when I bust this baby out and it really tones everything down and helps my skin repair more quickly! 

It's safe to say that I recommend this face mask! It's seriously amazing and I don't say that often. I don't think there is a bad thing about this product that comes to mind. Besides the fact that the pot is too small! HA 

Enjoy!

Read More

London, Are You The City For Me?!

Life is all about exploring and adventuring new places. Some we stay for a short period of time and others we want to stay forever. 

Visiting London has always been a dream of mine and I'm lucky enough to have a career that allows me to do it on company time. Not only do I get paid to fly here, I also get paid to venture the city and do some long awaited sightseeing. 

London reminds me of a lot of places all mixed into one. The busyness and tube makes me think of New York. Everyone's constantly on the go and slow walking is unacceptable. The windy weather and overcast reminds me of my home, Seattle. The brisk air is almost conforting.

 

This ultimately makes me wonder, is London the next city that I should "adventure" for longer than 26 hours?! Walking around the city and becoming more and more cultured with every step, I can't help but want to accidentally miss my trip home and stay a little longer. 

And maybe it's their mesmerizing accents, but everything seems much more glamours here than back at home. I mean, com'on; nothing can sound bad with a British accent! 

I know that dropping my life and moving to London is definitely not in the plans right now but a girl can dream. And speaking from experience, dreams do come true!

Keep dreaming 💋

Read More

How Forward is Too Forward

Being a single gal in a new city, meeting new people and making new friends seem to always be top priority. Which shouldn't be a surprise. I am a very extroverted person that loves making new friends. I am a Gemini for goodness's sake. (HA)

But my question is, being a girl, how forward is too forward that can turn a guy away? More importantly, how forward should one be without making a fool of herself; avoiding the rejection feeling.

Since I've been here, I've met people here and there but there is only one person that I'm a little more interested in than the rest. Wanting to get to know him better is on my to-do list but it would be nice to know whether or not if he's actually available first; then we'll work on whether or not if he's interested. Honestly, why can't guys just be more forth coming with information like this. This uncertainty is what I really hate about "the hunt".

"I like you, but I don't know if you feel the same so I'm not going to say anything" ...

 great, it looks like we're not getting anywhere ...

I've talked to friends about this issue and have gotten a mix of responses. 

Carlos (just think of him as my Stanford in Sex and The City) and his partner advised me to just come right now and ask him. According to them, he'll appreciate my straight-forwardness. And if he give me the response that I don't like, he's automatically gay. Now, I'm not quite sure how much I like this idea that either he is interested or he's gay, but could they be right? Should I just come out and text him (yes, this is the texting world now) and say something along the lines that I am interested in him and if he doesn't have a girlfriend, we should grab drinks. Doesn't that sound too forward, coming for a girl nonetheless?

Now on the other side of the spectrum, Kelly mentioned that she would never have the courage to do something like this. Though she isn't a Debby Downer, but she does make a valid point. What if, after I send this daring text, not only is he not gay, but he's just not interested. Clearly me asking him whether or not he has a girlfriend is a sure fire indicator that I would want to pursue something. If things to unfold this way, it could get awkward after that and I would feel completely rejected.

Now I have to ask myself, there really is no harm in asking now is there. Besides, I'll never actually know until I muscle up the courage to say something and guessing is only making my head hurt to be honest. The worst that can happen is he says no and both of us go on about our business. ... 

What do you think, should I or shouldn't I? Regardless, wish me luck! 

Read More