Monday Morning Gossip - Homesickness

I received a little surprise package from my mom and that's what was in there.

Sour apple rings (my absolute favorites) and grape sugar, literally.

No one understands this so I'd say it's glucose/dextrose.
You can still roll your eyes in amazement that you don't get me here...I have tried to find something close to it here in the US and have so far been very unsuccessful. Let's just call it sugar...to keep your levels and energy going. Love it right before a test or a heavy time of work that won't allow me to grab extra power aka fuel of some kind. Needless to say, it's an energy booster. 

Pardon the wrinkled green tablecloth and what not...but that's the only photo I took.
I took it and sent it to my mom to thank her.
What she doesn't know is that the second I opened the package and saw what was in it I started crying.

And the waterfall continued to stream down my face. 

I have no idea why this happened but it did.

I know I miss my mom, my friends, and places I love and all...

...it's not the first time that I have been away this long...

so, bursting into a heavy and almost unstoppable crying fest wasn't expected and certainly wasn't on my calendar today.

I guess I am more homesick than I let myself realize.

With technology so advanced these days it's a lot easier to stay in touch.W

ith free texts (hello iMessage, or even WhatsApp messages via wifi) it's certainly been fun.
Also, facebook and skype have helped to stay in touch.
It is never the same though.

It makes you feel close for a few seconds or minutes. You talk to a person and in a few seconds you get a response back. This makes it real, and feel so close. Almost intimate.

However, we are miles and a whole ocean and sea apart.

Crazy.

So, besides an interesting heat wave in Southern California (and enjoying it immensely) I am beyond homesick. It's been a great start into this week, really.

Happy Monday everyone!!!

xoxo

P.s. Linking up with Monday Morning Gossip with Leeann and Kimberlee

My Love For April

Guys, can you believe that we are already into month number four of this year? Where did the time go?
In less than two months I am going to celebrate my birthday and half of the year will be gone and over. Wow!

This season has a special place in my heart. It's between summer and winter and marks the beginning of new beginnings, of new opportunities, more energy and longer days. Spring is just a fabulous season sans the rainy days but rain is needed so I won't complain. 

While I constantly update my birthday list and reschedule a trip to Europe (I want to go back and visit my mom and friends, but cannot find the right time between all my school and job plans) I am longing for some quiet time. This season offers this. The flowers, the grass, the bees and birds...the brighter and more fun wardrobes...what more do I want?! 

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Do you like this season?
What do you or don't you like?!

I want to make the apartment look pretty and spring like. I know since I am sharing the apartment with roommates I cannot fully evolve in turning my spring ideas into reality. Hopefully, once I move and so-to-speak own my own place (with or without my favorite person) I am boss (haha) and can do whatever. In the meantime I get inspiration from magazines, blogs, pinterest and can just dream. However, right before Easter my roommate will have a party and I am planning on making a few Easter baskets for the event. It will be a Mary Kay event (yes, don't frown, she's having a blast and enjoys it immensely) and I am going to help her out as long as I am around. Proud of her. So, since I cannot decorate the apartment I am trying to make her party people happy by providing some spring fun.

Any ideas on how to make this basket?
It has been ages since I organized goodie bags/baskets for others.
HELP.

Appreciate every idea/input/suggestion.

Happy Friday and happy weekend!

xoxo

The Move - QOTD #24

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“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
― Albert Einstein

****

I never thought I would say this but I think it is time to move.
No worries I won't move far away.
Just far enough for me to miss Southern California enormously.

I have grown to love this place I have called home for over ten years.
I might have left it for a while but always returned.
Now I think it is time to move up north.
I'm a little concerned, nervous, scared, excited, and just unwilling to accept that I must move.
It's not just the prices down here in SoCal that force me to leave but the opportunity that calls.
So, stay tuned.
As far as I know I will be moving - just haven't fully figured out when exactly yet.

However, one thing is for sure, it's going to happen this summer.

Eeeeeeeek!!!

xoxo

Three Outrageous Elements to Add to a Kitchen Renovation

If you’re considering renovating in order to create your dream kitchen, the sky is the limit for dreaming and brainstorming about elements you’d like to add. Take some time to create idea boards and brainstorm through the appliances, décor, colors, features, and layout that would make your kitchen a joy to be in. Do a bit of research, as many of the options available to you may not be things you’re immediately aware of. Here are a few ideas of outrageous items for your kitchen that may just be exactly what you’re looking for.

Popcorn Machine

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Perhaps you’re a family of movie-lovers that can’t get over the unique, unforgettable flavor of movie theater popcorn. Why not put a popcorn machine right in your kitchen? It will make the at-home movie experience absolutely perfect – there’s nothing better than watching a film on your own couch, in the comfort of your own space, with real movie theater popcorn right there for you to enjoy. Popcorn machines are also iconic in appearance, so an at-home popcorn machine will add a lot of charm to your kitchen décor. Purchase some reusable popcorn holders as well to truly capture the essence of movie theater popcorn.

A Soft-Serve Machine

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Fast and durable soft-serve machines that serve ice cream and yogurt are available in a variety of types, including stand-alone and counter-top. If you’re a family that loves its ice cream or yogurt, a soft-serve machine might be a great appliance to build into your kitchen renovation. Parties will no longer be complete without an ice cream topping bar, and your children’s friends won’t be able to wait to get to your house to enjoy the creamy goodness. Follow the machine’s special instructions for reloading and operating.

A Coffee and Tea Bar

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Gone are the days when just a little automatic coffee machine on a counter top did the trick. Hot beverages are essentials for evoking a sense of community and warmth in your home, and many different flavors and additions are available to cater your warm beverage precisely to your tastes. Take a small space of your kitchen and create a coffee bar, complete with an espresso machine, variety of coffee, flavored creamers, extra elements like chocolate and vanilla syrup, and a variety of tea options. The bar will become a hub in your home and add to your peace and relaxation.

My Influenster UniVoxBox

It has been a while that I shared my VoxBox experience.
Well, today I want to change this. I received the University VoxBox with little extras that will help any girl going to school to get through the day or even month. I am not entirely sure how and when I will use the nails but my roommate may have fun with those. Will use everything else though because spring to me is the time to use color and step out of the comfort zone and try something new. I am excited. 

Broadway Nails imPress Press-on Manicure

Just peel off, press on, and you are done. No glue needed. That's definitely something for me. I want it easy, simple and without any hassle. 

*did not like them. the color was great, but the nails didn't last a day. :( 

Expert Last Lip Color in Forever Fuchsia

I am ready to take my lips to the next level I guess. So pink. The shine should last up to six hours so let's see.

Pilot Acroball PureWhite

This pen should give me smooth writing. Note taking will be fun again.

*love this pen. it really writes smoothly!

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation

I got it in Ivory which surprised me but I am ready to try this lightweight mousse that should leave my skin shineless, and cakeless.

*my skin dried up even more. i might have to put tons of moisturizer on it first.

Playtex Sport Fresh Balance

I have to wait a little longer to try this one but I'm curious. It's not my brand at all.

Red Rose Real Tea Premium Water Enhancer

Very looking forward to this product. It apparently makes boring water taste tea-rrific with real tea. 

I'm mostly looking forward to the water enhancer, the pen, and the mousse foundation. Wish me luck!!!

You might see my rants or happy surprises on Twitter or Instagram...or even on the blog. :) 

Stay tuned!!!
all marked with * are updates to these products...

xoxo