Happy Things

I'm feeling a little sappy today.  I'm not sure why but I just feel very lucky and blessed.  I think of all the amazing people I have in my life and I seriously almost weep.  I spent the weekend with my group of friends who I feel so lucky to have.  We're a rowdy bunch and we rag on each other but we laugh hysterically and when it all came down to it....I know they'd be there for me if I needed them.  I love our Tuesday night bowling nights and our Sunday "after hours" chats.  Bonfires, movies, games.....they're good eggs.

Friend dinner!

 Bonfires in the mountains....

Saturday lunch club

 Karyn made me a survival kit for gift....

 Conference watching, Facebook hacking, food making...we did a lot this weekend

We take better selfies than Ellen does

And NOW I get to spend the rest of the week with my family!  We're taking a vacation to California to visit more family and I'm so excited!!!!

Ahhhh life is good.

Who are you thankful for in your life.  Tell them.  

 I'm thankful for all of you too!  Your comments make my day so thank you thank you.

xoxo

V

Weekend Collage

weekend collage by vanessanelson featuring Clinique

Hello!!!  How was your weekend?  Mine was fantastic!  I had the weekend off and the weather was GORGEOUS so of course I went shopping ;)

Some of my FAVORITE things of the weekend were the new Lash Power Feathering mascara by Clinique especially paired with my all time favorite eyeshadow palette "Neutral Territory 2" and Cheek Pop blush in "Berry Pop" also by Clinique!  I went and visited my favorite former co-worker Natalie (y'all should check out her blog too....she and her husband are INSANELY talented musicians) who now works for Laura Mercier and picked up one of my all time favorite lip glosses "Opal" and a new one called "Azaela" that I'm OBSESSED with :)  

I listened to Miguel's song "Simplethings" pretty much on repeat all weekend.  I'm so glad the weather is warming up and we could drive with the windows down, break out the maxi skirts, and SANDALS.

I hope the weather is nice where you are too :)

Hopefully I have time to post this week.  We are going into gift at the Clinique counter which, as my long-time readers know,  is the time my brain starts to malfunction, I live on Diet Coke and crackers, and I self-medicate with NyQuil sooooo basically.....it's the Hunger Games.  

But I love these crazies I work with so it makes it worth it!

Leave me a happy little note about your weekend :)

xoxo 

V

A Night at the Jr. High Dance....

You know those nights that just take you back?  Back to times of barefoot summers playing in sprinklers, passing notes in class, and hoping that your crush notices you at the dance?  I have vivid memories of those Jr. high dances.  Everyone dancing hard and fast to "Tubthumbing" and then panicking when a slow jam comes on.  In my case the songs that created the most sheer horror and panic through my 13 year old body were....Boyz II Men.  Those soulful romantic songs...wishing my crush (I won't tell you his name....still too soon) would ask me to dance.
I got to relive those glory days as well as fulfill many a pre-teen fantasy by going to a BOYZ II MEN CONCERT.
Oh yes.  This happened and it was glorious.

 This little kid next to me was my favorite person on the planet.  

I don't think he liked me but I took at picture with him anyway.

We felt 13 again

Any moments that had you re-living your preteen days???

I'd love to hear about them!  Comment below! :)

xoxo

V

BONUS VIDEO

My favorite Boyz II Men song ever

Hi Friends

That's kind of how I feel about this post today. You know those weeks that just get away from you because you're stressed or sick or anxious and getting over that is literally all you can think about?  That's the kind of week I had last week so I apologize for lack of posts.  I'm gonna keep it low key today and give you a playlist (which I'm actually super excited about because I've found some awesome new music lately) and do some more fun things later this week.  In the meantime I hope you're all doing well.  If you are share a happy story in the comments and if you aren't....you can share that too.  This is a circle of trust.
xoxo
V

• Miguel: Simplethings
• Boyz II Men: End Of The Road
• Lea Michele: Empty Handed
• Foster The People: Coming Of Age
• Mimi Knowles: In The Mood
• HAIM: Forever
• Mourning Ritual: Bad Moon Rising
• The Black Keys: Fever
• Cher Lloyd: Sirens
• Ray LaMontagne: Airwaves
• The Pretty Reckless: Heaven Knows
• Cam'ron: Hey Ma 
• Bryan Adams: Please Forgive Me
• New Found Glory: The Promise

• Arcade Fire - Reflektor
• John Mayer - Wildfire
• Phillip Phillips - Raging Fire
• Thirty Seconds To Mars - City Of Angels
• The Corrs - Summer Sunshine
• Garth Brooks - More Than A Memory
• Dean Martin - Someday (You'll Want Me To Want You)
• Beyonce - Best Thing I Never Had
• Sara Bareilles - 1000 Times
• Taylor Swift - I Almost Do
• Fleetwood Mac - Gold Dust Woman
• David Bowie - Heroes
• When In Rome - The Promise

Currently

I haven't done one of these for awhile so I think it's about time.  Besides I wanted something light and fun after my post yesterday....

Reading: "Where'd You Go, Bernadette" by Maria Semple.  I JUST started it and love it so far.  I'll keep you updated.

Obsessed With: PINK  I know I mentioned this already but seriously....it makes me feel like Spring really is coming...

Waiting For: Easter.  It's one of my very favorite holidays.  PLUS I'm looking forward to trying out some cool new things that I've pinned on Pinterest like these lovely Easter eggs.....

Loving: my new ring I just got.  It makes me feel way cooler than I actually am.

Watching: 90's action movies including: "Heat", "Independence Day" and "3 Ninjas".  I know guys...I know.  I just can't help it.  "Heat" with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro will always be one of my all time favorite movies.  

Excited About: The BOYZ II MEN CONCERT TICKETS I JUST BOUGHT.  Yes that's real!!!!

Wanting: These adorable Converse....I mean...could you just die?

Feeling: Wanderlust.  I want to go exploring....

Listening to: "Rock" music from the early '00s.  Takes me right back to high school including songs like "Addicted" by Simple Plan, "My Paper Heart" by All American Rejects, and "I Just Wanna Live" by Good Charlotte.  Makes me want to roll down the windows playing it at full blast after hanging out at Steak 'N Shake with my friends before we inevitably decide to do a drive by....ah memories.

Laughing About: This resolution as I was flipping through one of my notebooks.  I have no recollection of writing this.

What are you "currently"???  Let me know in the comments and if you do your own link me and I'd love to go check them out! 

xoxo

V

Let's Chat

So normally I do my weekend collage but due to the events of the weekend....I'm just not feeling up to that....so I'm going to do more of a chatty little post if you don't mind.  We're all friends here so I know you won't.
This weekend was a strange one.  I'll spare you the details but we had a bit of a family emergency and then I ended up fighting off a major migraine and just wrapped the weekend up with a panic attack.  Delightful right?
I haven't had a panic attack in quite some time so this one totally took me by surprise....well most panic attacks take me by surprise. All of a sudden I couldn't breathe and I was crying for no reason. That's just one of the many reasons why a panic attack is the queen of all mean girls.  She teases you, hurts you, makes you feel like you will never feel okay again and her timing is a bitch!  Tonight it happened right as I was about to go hang out with some friends.  I hate when that happens.  One of the reasons why is that when it happens like that, all of your friends who don't understand just chalk it up to you being "anti social" or "boring".  That's not it at all.  I wanted to be social.  I wanted to have fun.  Unfortunately I was a little busy remembering how to breathe.  You can't just tell people that either because they think you're seeking attention or being dramatic.
I'm quite an extroverted person....I just happen to be an extrovert with severe social anxiety.  And I don't know how to explain that to my friends or how to explain it to anyone really.  So I just pretend I'm tired and hope that no one thinks I'm lame.  I found this quote on the internet and while it's a little dramatic it's the closest I've ever found in explaining how this anxiety or how a panic attack feels

I don't suffer so much from the depression side of it although I know a lot of people do.  It's hard.  All of it is hard.  We're all just trying our best and we want to feel "normal".  So be kind to each other out there because you have no idea what anyone else is going through or why they do the things they do.

Other than all of that my weekend was great ;)

Tell me your happy weekend stories....or not so happy.  I don't mind listening to either.  

xoxo

V

Pretty Polishes

I have a complete obsession with nail polish.  Which is weird since if you remember from my "50 Things About Me" video....I hate painting my nails.  At least I am a consistent contradiction.  

When I look at all my nail polishes, several different brands are represented.  OPI, Essie, Clinique, etc...however one brand stands out superior.  Butter London.  

The colors are phenomenal, the wear is fantastic, the names are adorable....there is nothing to complain about.  

L to R: Disco Biscuit, Cake Hole, Fruit Machine

L to R: Teddy Girl, Fairy Lights, Kerfuffle, Silly Billy

L to R: Lucy In The Sky, Champers, No More Waity Katie, Fiver

 I just thought I'd share a little of my Butter London nail polish collection with you.  If you're interested in swatches or more info let me know in the comments and I'd be happy to oblige!

Do you have any favorite polishes or colors?  I'd love to hear about them.  Enable my addiction people! 

xoxo

V

1. Coldplay - Magic
2. Celine Dion - The Reason
3. Electric Light Orchestra - Do Ya
4. Ray LaMontagne - Supernova
5. Bastille - Pompeii
6. Lea Michele - Don't Let Go
7. Regina Spektor - Fidelity
8. The Temptations - I Can't Get Next To You
9. Whitney Houston - How Will I Know
10. Willie Nelson - Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground
11. Ryan Adams - Come Pick Me Up
12. The Killers - When You Were Young
13. Katie Herzig - Hey Na Na

Be Soft

I stumbled across this quote again recently and it's always been a favorite of mine.  It always makes me stop and think.  A few years ago I had a tendency to be very abrasive, hard, maybe a lot little like a word that rhymes with itch and has a B at the beginning?  Maybe just at bit......

 I saw sweetness and gentleness as weakness.  That if I was nice or friendly then people would think they could just walk all over me.  I'd be the "sweet girl" and I wanted to be the tough chick. I don't really know what changed.  Life experiences?  Maturity?  Both? I am now the person who annoys the group of friends because I can't just judge and bitch about other people anymore.  I always see the other side to everyone's story.  I used to be the person who my family called a robot.  Now it hurts me when they say that because I feel things so strongly with and for other people.  I CRY WATCHING SWIFFER COMMERCIALS.  I'm soft.  I don't mind being sweet because I no longer equate it with being weak.  I equate it with being strong.  Strong enough to be soft and know that it's ok because I'm still confident who I am.  

I think it's something we all learn eventually.  I used to want to be the girl that people were afraid of because of how much I didn't care.  Now I just want to be the girl that anyone could talk to and who everyone can say "she's so nice!".  I don't mind being that person and I challenge everyone to be the same.  It's ok to be nice.  It's ok to be approachable.  Be strong, be confident, be sweet.  It's all ok.  I heard another quote that has quickly climbed the ranks as an all time favorite of mine

"We need women who are so strong they can be gentle, so educated they can be humble, so fierce they can be compassionate, so passionate they can be rational, and so disciplined they can be free."

-Kavita Ramdas

I love that.  That is what I aspire to be.  Any thoughts you have on the topic?  Any other thoughts on your mind?  Let's learn and grow together! :)

Leave a comment! 

xoxo

V

Weekend Collage

weekend collage by vanessanelson featuring nars cosmetics

Hello hello!  How are you all doing???  I thought I'd share my weekend activities with you in hopes that you will forgive me for being missing last week....life you know?  It always ends up busier than expected.  This week I have some fun things planned that I'll mention at the end.  As for this weekend I really enjoyed PINK.  Like bright pink.  It's such a fun trend right now and NARS has their "Final Cut" collection (pink and more pink) which is to DIE FOR (as most Nars always is.....) and Estee Lauder just introduced a new line of lipstick that I'm loving!  As usual Butter London is my all time favorite nail polish.  I recently discovered the color "Teddy Girl" and it's the perfect babydoll pink.  It's currently on their "Last Orders" list so it's HALF OFF.  You're welcome :)

And my favorite perfume is by Philosophy....surprisingly enough.  I've never really loved anything from them before but this fragrance is my fave.  It's sweet and feminine and lovely and it's aptly called "Falling In Love" which I have done for this fragrance.

DID YOU WATCH THE ACADEMY AWARDS???  I'm going to do a post on all the shenanigans but WOW everyone looked amazeballs.  Also this week I have been blasting Lea Michele's new album non-stop.  Whatever personal feelings I have for her aside....the girl can sing!  My current fave is "Burn With You"  check it out....you'll be blasting it too!

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend!  I'm really excited for the things I have planned this week. A fun post on nail polish, a wicked playlist, and some personal thoughts as well.  While we're on the topic...feel free to share anything you'd love to see more of or anything new you'd love to see too!  

And my video editing is still acting out like a 15 year old girl so.....sorry about that.  Working on it! 

Share anything fun, new, exciting, or just thoughts in the comments! 

xoxo

V
P.S. Feel free to follow me on Instagram (@vanessanelson) as well for a more timely update on the craziness of my life.....

• American Authors: Believer
• Beyonce: Grown Woman
• The Vamps: Wild Heart
• Lea Michele: You're Mine
• Bastille: Pompeii
• R. Kelly: Ignition (Remix)
• One Direction: She's Not Afraid
• Nico Vega: Fury Oh Fury
• Mariah Carey: Obsessed
• Arctic Monkeys: R U Mine?
• Electric Light Orchestra: Long Black Road
• Tyler Ward feat. Kina Grannis: Demons

Ta Da!

Decided to continue 2014 a little lighter....

....and I chopped most of my hair off and dyed it blonde again.  I'm loving it so far and I have a feeling life is about to get a little more fun....

xoxo

V

Weekend Collage

Untitled #58 by vanessanelson featuring flat shoes

Hello there!  How was your weekend?  Mine was a seriously great weekend as far as weekends go.  I seriously don't think I've laughed as hard as I did this weekend in a VERY long time.  Isn't that the best feeling?  That laughter that makes your head pound, tears streaming down your face, can't breathe type laughing?  Ah.  It's so therapeutic.  I've also been doing some serious Olympic watching as well.  I always swear I'm not interested and then end up getting suuuper into it.  Every 2 years.....

Do you guys listen to Arctic Monkeys?  If not....you should.  Such a great band.  I've been listening hard core all weekend.
I taught our lesson at church on Sunday which went so well.  I love teaching.  Sundays are also probably my favorite day of the week.  So relaxing.
 Nothing really else of much significance.  I went shooting guns for the first time ever which was SO fun....but I'll do a separate post on that.  

Hope you had a great weekend whether you were spending some quality looooove time with a significant other or just chilling with friends or family I hope it was spectacular! 

Share any cool stories in the comments!

xoxo

V

To My Valentines.....

I really do adore you all.  Thank you for your comments and likes and blah blah blah.  I really appreciate it all.  I hope you have not only a day but also a LIFE full of love.

xoxo

V

Love Songs

Crazy Love - Van Morrison

I can hear her heart beating, for a thousand miles, and the heavens open every time she smiles

Turning Page - Sleeping At Last

Your love is my turning page, where only the sweetest words remain, every kiss is a cursive line, every touch a redefining phrase

Kathy's Song - Simon & Garfunkel

The only truth I know is you

True Love - P!nk

But without you I'm incomplete

Maps - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Wait....they don't love you like I love you

Fall Apart Today - Schulyer Fisk

Don't forget you love me today

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Roberta Flack

The first time ever I kissed your mouth, I felt the earth move in my hand

So Contagious - Acceptance
When I'm around you I'm predictable cause I believe in loving you at first sight

Baby I'm Yours - Arctic Monkeys
I'll be yours until two and two is three, yours until mountains crumble to the sea, in other words, until eternity

My Girl Tonight - Jon McLaughlin
I used to think my heart just healed to break

More In Love With You - Jason Reeves feat. Nelly Joy
I will dream with you until they all come true....and I will spend my whole life through falling more in love with you

When They Fight, They Fight - The Generationals
When they fight they fight, when they come home at night they say, I love you baby

How Long Will I Love You - Ellie Goulding
How long will I be with you, as long as the sea is bound to wash upon the sand

When You Love Someone - Bryan Adams

You'll shoot the moon, put out the sun, when  you love someone

Love You Madly - Cake

When I kiss your lips I want to sink down to the bottom of the sea

I Was Made To Love Her - Stevie Wonder

I was made to love her

Eavesdrop - The Civil Wars

I can't pull you closer than this just you and the moon on my skin

Home - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes

Home is wherever I'm with you

Mirrors - Justin Timberlake

The vacancy that sat in my heart is a space that now you hold

1000 Times - Sara Bareilles

A hundred and five little blades in a line from your skin to mine 

Hold You In My Arms - Ray LaMontagne

When you kissed my lips, my mouth so full of questions it's my worried mind you quiet

Love Like a Sunset Pt II - Phoenix

Where it starts it ends love like a sunset

Last Request - Paolo Nutini

Grant my last request and just let me hold you

Cosmic Love - Florence + The Machine

I took the stars from my eyes and then I made a map and I knew that somehow I would find my way back, then I heard your heart beating you were in the darkness too, so I stayed in the darkness with you

She Will Stay Beneath The Moon - Adam Barnes

The kind of love to make your heart go numb

Pull Me Down - Mikky Ekko 

We could be king and queen of the moonlight

A Sunday Kind Of Love - Etta James

My arms need someone, someone to enfold

Bleed To Love Her - Fleetwood Mac

And how she takes my breath away pretending that she don't miss me

I Would Do Anything For You - Foster The People

I've fallen in love and it's better this time than ever before

Flaws - Bastille

You have always worn your flaws upon your sleeve

Inevitable - Anberlin

I want to be your last first kiss 

Hold Onto My Heart - Graham Colton

You don't know how you look in imaginary white but I do

Start of Time - Gabrielle Aplin

When you walked into the room just then it's like the sun came out

All Of Me - John Legend

Cards on the table, we're both showing hearts

My My Love - Joshua Radin

I've been without you too long

Ho Hey - The Lumineers

I belong with you, you belong with me, you're my sweetheart

You're My Home - Billy Joel

I need you in my house cause you're my home

Hazy - Rosi Golan
If I forgot who I am will you please remind me, cause without you things go hazy

Let Love Stand a Chance - Charles Bradley
All the walls we build around us let them fall to the floor

Can't Take My Eyes Off You - Lauryn Hill
The sight of you leaves me weak

Romeo and Juliet - The Killers
You said I love you like the stars above I'll love you till I die

Hey Na Na - Katie Herzig
I've got a little secret too, I've got a mad little crush on you

Let's Do It (Let's Fall In Love) - Ella Fitzgerald
Let's do it, let's fall in love

Fix You - Coldplay
Lights will guide you home and ignite your bones and I will try to fix you

Northern Wind - City and Colour
You're the other half, you're like a missing piece

Kiss Me - Ed Sheeran

I was made to keep your body warm

State Of Grace - Taylor Swift

Love is a ruthless game unless you play it good and right

Cannonball - Damien Rice

There's still a little bit of your face I haven't kissed

XO - Beyonce

In the darkest night I search through the crowd your face is all that I see I'll give you everything baby love me lights out

I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - The Proclaimers

When I'm dreaming I know I'm gonna dream I'm gonna dream about the time when I'm with you

Look After You - The Fray

You've begun to feel like home