anybody still there?

Hi guys!!!  Sorry for my absence....but let me explain.
I came home from work about 2 months ago and went to use my computer.
And.....smoke started coming out of it.
I thought I was hallucinating.
Then I smelled the electrical fire.
It was real.
So that being said....I haven't had a computer since then BUT thanks be to heaven I just got a new one!
So how about we do a little update?  Yes?  Yes!

I finally moved!  And kind of un packed!

 I started selling Bath and Body Works products from my bathroom

(business is going really well)

I got sick :(

but the good news.....

We got a new roommate!

He helps us with our homework!

But he has to sleep on the couch

I disowned all my friends!

I continued to live my life in the same manner as a closeted 16 year old boy

My little baby Jenna got married!

I made this face while watching "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo"

I became Employee of the Month

We celebrated my Mom's birthday!

Bub partied too hard.

I sat outside and made this face

I watched Game of Thrones in a Snuggie.

(don't tell me I don't understand realness.)

While babysitting my siblings I was almost eaten by a MONSTER.

I took pictures with my dog

I got a shirt signed by MY FAVORITE HUMAN IN THE WORLD.

nbd

I watched football with my brother

I talked my cat down from what was clearly a suicide attempt

I drank Diet Coke out of a Butterbeer mug which basically makes me immortal

AND I BECAME A WIZARD

That pretty much sums it up.

What have you been up to lately?  Anything good?  Let me know!

But really.....you probably can't trump becoming a wizard.

xoxo

V

Weekend Collage

my weekend by vanessanelson featuring logo t shirts

Hello hello!  I'm a day behind this week....mostly because I spent all day yesterday MOVING.  Ugh...isn't moving the absolute worst?  Yes.  Yes it is.  I'm completely exhausted and spent the entire weekend in comfy clothes and flip flops...with the exception of one day.  One very special day...one of my best friends in the whole world got married on Saturday!  Pictures to come...it was perfect.  

While we're (kinda....) on the subject of moving, let's have a quick discussion as to why I should not be allowed to live on my own:

1. I packed more Diet Coke than anything else

2. I have 2 cosmetics bags completely full of lip gloss

3. I had a Level 5 meltdown in Target because I couldn't figure out what kind of jelly my Mom buys. 

Just to name a few..

Do any of you all watch "Big Brother"???  Let me know.  This season has gone CRAY.

Hey guess what else?  I also read some books!  I know what you're thinking...."Vanessa actually turned off Here Comes Honey Boo Boo to read???"  Yes yes my dear readers...I did.  TWO books actually (The Fault In Our Stars & The Land Of Stories) and they were fantastic!!!  Highly recommend them both!

Anyway...that does it for this update.  How was your weekend?  Anything I need to be updated on since it's been awhile? 

Let me know! 

xoxo

V

Life Update With Instagram

Some things that have been going on as of late...

• I bought this necklace.  I now hide in a cave with it whispering "my preciousssss"

• Celebrated my Dad's birthday.  Don't even get me started on how stingy they were about the sprinkles.

• I became an artist.  

(can anyone guess what the word was?)

• My Queen made her television debut

• I made this face about it.

• My brother made this face.  We are related.

• My sister and I put tater tots on our frozen pizza.  U mad?

(it was amazeballs)

• Has anyone seen my lip gloss???

• Found it.

• Bought this shirt. 

• Read this book.  

(SOBBED FOR DAYS)

(you should read it)

(seriously)

• Packed some boxes and found pieces of my childhood.

(awwwwww)

Well that's about it!  Hope everything is going good for you!  What have you been up to lately?  Let me know!

xoxo

• Mumford & Sons - I Will Wait
• Conor Maynard - Vegas Girl
• Grouplove - Colours
• Nico Vega - Beast
• Sugar & The Hi Lows - Stubborn Lover
• Walk The Moon - Shiver Shiver
• Ghost Beach - Empty Streets
• Conway Twitty - Hello Darlin
• Renee Olstead - She's Got Your Name
• Fabolous - You Be Killin Em
• Passion Pit - Carried Away

Hey guys!  I've missed you!  I've been super busy packing and moving but I'm finally just about there!  Thought I'd pop in real quick and give you some music I've been listening to!  Hope you're having a good one!

xoxo

Quick Hi!

Hey guys!
Sorry I've seemingly dropped off the planet.  Life is insanely busy at the moment and I've neglected the blog because I've just had too much going on such as

• Work
• Being a manager at work now (whole different ball game)
• Packing
• Moving
• Listening to Taylor Swift's new song on repeat

SO that being said....I should be back later next week.  Thanks for sticking around! (Hopefully....I mean....you are sticking around right?  RIGHT??)

xoxo

V

Elephantiasis

So....some girls have blogs where they pose like super cute and they can be in super awkward positions and they still look FLAWLESS and they're laughing at the camera and their mermaid hair is flowing and the caption will say "just woke up!  decided to take some super unplanned pictures of me!  no make up! LOL!"
1. no one wakes up like that
2. if you want pictures like that (full of lies), this is not the blog for you

Because today I will be sharing with you the exact opposite of cute.  And by that I mean something so horrific you may have nightmares.
WARNING: THESE PHOTOS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR CHILDREN OR YOUR GRANDPARENTS OR ANYBODY ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH AND CERTAINLY NOT YOU JON HAMM BECAUSE IF YOU SEE THESE YOU WILL NEVER MARRY ME.

So *deep breath* here we go.
I was at work last Wednesday just minding my own business when all of a sudden, while just walking around, I twist my ankle.  And I think "ow that was kind of uncomfortable" and continued on my way.  Well let me tell you....it continued being uncomfortable and then it continued to swell.  And by swell I mean it grew to be the size of a six year old's head.
And from there I'd like to give you a timeline of "The Foot That Wouldn't Stop Growing"

Day 1  - can barely see my ankle!  SUPER CUTE LOLZ!

Day 2 - Super sexy ace bandage wrap!

Day 3 - After unwrapping the ace bandage.  Having no ankles is like....way in this year!

p.s. it's ok if you just threw up in your mouth.  I certainly did.  

Day 4 - umm...this got super weird

Finally after an entire week of rest, ice, compression, and elevation, my ankle is back to normal!  No more Elephantiasis.
There are 2 morals to this story
1. Be careful when you walk.
2. DON'T EVER GOOGLE ELEPHANTIASIS.
And seriously Jon Hamm....I told you not to keep reading this.

• Jewel - Angel Standing By
• Amy Kuney - Blower's Daughter
• Dixie Chicks - You Were Mine
• The Avett Brothers - I and Love and You
• Kate York - Begin You
• Sufjan Stevens - To Be Alone With You
• Willie Nelson - Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground
• Amos Lee - Arms Of A Woman
• Garrett Hedlund - Timing Is Everything
• The Fray - Rainy Zurich
• Mumford & Sons - I Gave You All
• Bon Iver - Skinny Love
• Rachel Yamagata - Duet

Weekend Collage

weekend collage by vanessanelson featuring chanel cosmetics

Hey gurl hey!!!

How was your weekend??  Mine was crazy!  I sprained my ankle at work (story and gruesome pictures to come) and spent most of the weekend resting up!  HERE are some things I'm obsessed with right now though!

1. Animal print - I used to avoid it at all costs because I thought it looked cheap but I have discovered in my older age that animal print can look super sexy and classy when done the right way!  And now I love it.

2. Pops of color.  LOVE pairing a bright color (pink is my fave) with your neutral tones.  Makes you feel fun and feminine

3. Clinique 3-Step skin care.  If you guys aren't using 3-Step PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE go to your local Clinique counter and get skin typed.  This is PROVEN to be the absolute best skin care out there.

4. La Vie Est Belle by Lancome - this new fragrance is super sexy and flirty.   Love it.

5. The Bachelorette - Don't tell anyone.

How was your weekend?  Any new favorite discoveries???  Share your happy weekend stories in the comments!  I love to hear happy weekend stories ;)

xoxo

Vanessa

• Marina and the Diamonds - Primadonna
• Beyonce - Countdown
• Oh Land - White Nights (one of the coolest music videos)
• Needtobreathe - Something Beautiful
• Electric Guest - The Head I Hold
• Mariah Carey feat. Jay Z - Shake It Off Remix
• The Lumineers - Flowers In Your Hair
• Of Monsters and Men - Dirty Paws
• Jay Z, Kanye West, and Otis Redding - Otis 
• Civil Twilight - Quiet In My Town
• Awolnation - Guilty, Filthy, Soul

Weekend Collage

Weekend Collage by vanessanelson featuring chanel

Helllo everyone!! What a busy weekend I had!  I hope you got to enjoy yours more than I did.  Some things I'm obsessed with right now!

1. Bows - LOVE bows

2. Naked palette by Urban Decay - literally every color is perfect.  The best $50 I ever spent. 

3. Robyn's song "Dancing On My Own" has been playing constantly.  On Spotify, on my iPod, at home, at work, in the car...everywhere.  I can't get enough.  Such a fun song to turn up loud and dance around to when you've had a long day (and I've had a few of those recently!)

4. Rainbow Sherbet - IN ALL FORMS.  Just discovered that Extra has made a Rainbow Sherbet gum!!  Yes you read that right and it is AMAZEBALLS.  Go get some immediately.  

5. Big Brother is back!!!!  And I could not be more excited...especially because one of my all time favorites - Britney- is back!  Yay!! Anyone else out there a Big Brother fan??  Let's share excitement!

Anything you're obsessed with?  How was your weekend?  I'd love to hear some great and happy stories from your weekend to brighten my day!

xoxo

Vanessa

currently

reading: "Most Talkative" by Andy Cohen.  For the 3rd time.  Laugh out loud funny.  He really is my future best friend who doesn't know it yet.

watching: So You Think You Can Dance.  Amazing this year.  I love almost all the dancers and they are so incredibly talented.  In honor of the show I wanted to show you some of my favorites from past seasons...



also watching lana del rey's music video for "national anthem" over and over.  it's one of the smartest and most well done video i've seen in a long time.  love the retro yet modern feel.

and....white collar returned last night.  just..the best show.

loving: this nail polish color called "flip flop fantasy" it's this gorgeous neon coral/pink.  fantastic and summery

anticipating: my big move.  buying things for the new apartment and getting so excited.  also (as lame as it sounds) anticipating the return of my favorite summer guilty pleasure..."big brother"

listening to: i've been listening to a lot of different bands non-stop!  as you have probably all figured out...my music taste is all over the place.  my current list of favorites include
marina and the diamonds...the whole album is so so good
oh land....such a cool sound
the zomibies....i love 60's rock music
imagine dragons....just perfection
willie nelson....he is magic

laughing about: how I always try to take pictures with the dog and he always licks me.  every single time.  he can't help it.

How about you?  What are you up to today?  Post your own "currently" and then link to your post in the comment section so we can all check it out!

1. Oh Land - Numb
2. Ed Sheeran - Lego House
3. Scissor Sisters - Baby Come Home
4. Awolnation - Not Your Fault
5. Fleetwood Mac - Bleed To Love Her
6. Lana Del Rey - National Anthem (absolutely obsessed with this music video btw)
7. Santigold - Disparate Youth
8. Dragonette - Let It Go
9. Haim - Forever
10. Calvin Harris - We'll Be Coming Back
11. Marina & The Diamonds - How To Be a Heartbreaker
12. Sorcha Richardson - Alone (click that link!  Sorcha is offering a FREE download of her EP!  Do IT!)
13. Maroon 5 - One More Night

Some of these might seem redundant buuuutttt.....it's what I'm listening to right now!

Anything new you're listening to? Let me know!

xoxo

Weekend Collage

Weekend Collage by vanessanelson featuring coral dresses

Hello hello!  I can't believe how fast last week went for me!  How was your 4th of July?  I spent it working...and then in true Vanessa form, I came home, took a pain killer and went to bed.  I did watch some fireworks and of course the GREATEST FILM OF OUR TIME...Independence Day.  Classic.  The painkillers did give it a new spin though...

Some things I'm kind of obsessed with

1. Coral/Teal color combo....OB-SESSED

2. "One More Night" by Maroon 5...has been on REPEAT - such a fun summer song

3. Diorshow Iconic mascara - I've talked about this before and how I was looking for a cheaper alternative to this hefty $28.50 buuutttt.....I haven't been able to find one that I like as much!  I'll keep trying but for now..this is my ultimate favorite mascara I've ever used.

4. Seychelles sandals - guys.  I die.

5. This Anthropologie butter dish.  I bought it this weekend and it is ADORBS.  I bought the matching Salt/Pepper shakers too.  I know, I know...I'm 83 years old.  

AND

I'm also obsessed with my friend MORGAN and her post over at HowSheDoes AND the fact that she was asked to be a regular blogger over there!!!

Head over to Morgan's blog "The Dime Diary" and congratulate her and be sure to leave nice comments on her guest post :)

Well since it's not a holiday week...we'll be back to normal posting.  Also at the moment I'm open to suggestions for posts...I don't want my blog to get stale.  Any thing you're dying to see or me to write about?  Anything I haven't done in awhile that you miss?  More Jon Hamm posts??? (YES...the answer to that is always yes.)

Let me know!

xoxo

Vanessa

P.S. You can always follow me on Twitter for a horrifying stream of my consciousness and other shenanigans.   

Weekend Collage

Weekend Collage by vanessanelson featuring chanel nail polish

Hello!  How was your weekend?  Mine was pretty good.  We've had a LOT of fires around us in the last week and adding all that smoke on top of my regular allergies...I've been miserable.  Lot's of allergy/sinus medicine which makes me a little cray cray.  So...it was pretty low-key for me.  Watching some of my favorite movies and pampering myself a little with a nice foot soak and pedicure.  My feet needed it!

A couple things I'm obsessed with this week...

1. The summer Bombay collection from Chanel.  This all over glowing powder is STUNNING.  It's super super pricey but gorgeous. 

2. Lip glosses from Bath and Body Works.  NOT pricey at all...so cute and I love them!

3. Sparkle skin by Clinique.  I know I've already raved about this so...have you bought it yet?  You won't regret it.  Shaving with it with give you the closest shave of all time and it lasts forever!

4. Oh Land's new album....OMG can not stop listening to it.  I'm obsessed!!!!  Go download it!  

5. Betsey Johnson starfish earrings.  So cute and fun for summer.

Hope your weekend was great!

All my U.S friends....stay safe this week celebrating the 4th of July! 

xoxo

Vanessa

Friday Letters

Dear Mr. Rogers, 

Did you leave directions to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe before you died?  Has anyone even checked on them!?  I'm very concerned.

Vanessa

Dear Debbie Downers,

I really hate when people are a total bummer like we don't live in a world where you can listen to Prince songs ANYTIME YOU WANT.  Chill out and listen to "Purple Rain" y'all.  It's on YouTube.  FOR FREE.

Sincerely,

Vanessa

Dear Brain,

Sometimes after I've gone to bed you're all "Hey I'm awake let's party!" and I'm all "Shut up we have to get up at 6 AM" and then you whisper "Shhhh no we don't, we have to wikipedia whatever happened to the music group All-4-One" and that's exactly what we do.

Ugh.

Vanessa

Dear Camels,

I totally envy you because you can spit on ANYONE, and then shrug it off like "Don't blame me, bro.  I'm a camel.  We spit.  It's a thing."

Jealous.

Vanessa

Dear Andy Cohen,

I love you.  I want to be your best friend.  Thank you for all you've given me.  And thank you for your hilarious book which is the best thing I've ever read.  If I had a nightlight, it would be a little rotating paper lamp with cutouts of Real Housewives scenes glistening on my wall....in your honor.

Love,

Vanessa

Dear Broadway,

You should create a reality show competition to cast the Spice Girls musical called "If You Wannabe On Broadway".  Yes?  Yes!

From,

Vanessa

Dear Target,

Sorry for the Level 10 meltdown I had when I couldn't find the Advil.  I wish I could promise that it will never happen again but I'm clearly emotionally unstable.

Still love me?

Vanessa

Dear Readers,

I hope you have a great weekend!  Thanks for sticking with me!  I adore you.

xoxo,

Vanessa

Nora Ephron

Nora Ephron will be greatly missed.  She was always like a female version of John Hughes for me.  So incredibly talented.  Her movies taught me how to feel....and coming from me who has the heart of the Grinch (pre-growing 3 sizes), that is a big deal.  In her memory I thought I would share some of my favorite moments brought to us by Nora.

1. When Harry Met Sally  - Ending

"I love that you get cold when it's 71 degrees out.  I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich.  I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts.  I love that after I spend the day with you, I can smell your perfume on my clothes.  And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night...I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible"
Tears.  Every single time.

2.  You've Got Mail - Ending

"I wanted it to be you.  I wanted it to be you so badly"
Ugh.  Feelings!

3.  Sleepless In Seattle - Ending

"Shall we?"
Uggghhhhhh

4.  Mixed Nuts - this is just one part...the entire movie is just...amazing

5.  You've Got Mail - What If

"Hey...how about some coffee or...you know drinks or, dinner, or a movie...for as long as we both shall live."
I cried just watching that again.  You guys....

Such an amazing voice.  I could watch her movies over and over and never get tired of them.  

Thank you Ms. Ephron for sharing your talent and passion with us. 

"All this nothing has meant more to me than so many...somethings"

-You've Got Mail

Just a quick note...

Hey guys!  Just a quick post to let you know I'm now on Bloglovin so you can follow me there!  Yay let's follow each other everywhere!
Seriously...I'm super co-dependent.  I need you.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

One Tree Hill - The Playlist

So FINALLY here it is!  This is my ultimate OTH playlist.  Most of the music I listen to has been influenced by the music I heard on this show.  So many memories flood through my mind when I hear the bars of certain songs.  It's funny when I was making this list I was able to see what seasons or episodes of the show I connected with more and where I was at emotion-wise during certain periods in my life.  This was a very fun project for me...so here we go!

Season 1
Gavin DeGraw - I Don't Wanna Be
Dashboard Confessional - Hands Down  1.00
Gavin DeGraw - Belief 1.01
Switchfoot - Dare You To Move 1.07
Belle and Sebastian - If She Wants Me 1.14
Ben Jelen - Come On 1.14
Five For Fighting - 100 Years 1.16
Snow Patrol - Run 1.21


Season 2
Tyler Hilton - We all know how I feel about every Tyler Hilton song.  I'm putting him by himself (no specific song...I love them all) on Season 2 because that's when we first saw him
Keane - Everybody's Changing 2.02
Doctor Kosmos - Holiday 2.08 (I added this song just for nostalgia reasons...my sister and I still crack up every time we hear this song.  And I KNOW you can picture the scene this song plays in the second you hear it...)
Patty Griffin - Rowing Song 2.09
Rachael Yamagata - Be Be Your Love 2.09
Jimmy Eat World - 23 2.10
Anna Nalick- Wreck Of The Day 2.12
Citizen Cope - Son's Gonna Rise 2.19
Ray LaMontagne - Hold You In My Arms 2.20 (this show introduced me to Ray LaMontagne and I couldn't be more grateful.  No other artist's music touches me the way his does...)
Tegan and Sara - Walking With a Ghost 2.21
Audioslave- Be Yourself  2.23

Season 3
MoZella - Light Years Away 3.01
Nada Surf - Always Love 3.03
Marjorie Fair - Empty Room 3.04
Shout Out Louds - Please Please Please 3.06
Bethany Joy Lenz - Halo 3.09
Jimmy Eat World - Disintegration 3.09
Strays Don't Sleep - For Blue Skies 3.09
The Replacements - Here Comes A Regular 3.13
The Weepies - World Spins Madly On 3.13
Michelle Featherstone - God Bless The Child (I put the actual scene for this one because I don't think there is anything more powerful) 3.16
Slow Runner - Break Your Mama's Back 3.17
Devics - If We Cannot See (I put the actual scene for this one too...because it gives me chills and makes me sob) 3.17
Iron and Wine & Calexico - He Lays In the Reins 3.19
The Fray - Look After You 3.20
Michelle Featherstone - Coffee and Cigarettes 3.21
Susie Suh - Seasons Change 3.22
Augustana - Boston 3.22
Led Zeppelin - Babe I'm Gonna Leave You 3.22

Season 4
Placebo - Post Blue 4.03
The Wreckers - Lay Me Down 4.08
8MM - Forever and Ever Amen  4.10
La Rocca - Non Believer 4.10
Priscilla Ahn - Dream 4.11
The Kooks- Naive 4.12
Mother Love Bone - Chloe Dancer/Crown Of Thorns 4.13
Vega4 - Life Is Beautiful 4.15
Paolo Nutini - Last Request 4.20
Ray LaMontagne - Within You 4.21

Season 5
Missy Higgins - Where I Stood 5.05
Band of Horses - No One's Gonna Love You 5.06
A Fine Frenzy - Ashes and Wine 5.08
Susie Suh - Give Me Heart 5.08
Eric McCarley - Pitter Pat 5.08
Jeff Cohen feat. Bethany Joy - Leaving Town Alive 5.14

Season 6
Civil Twilight - Quiet In My Town 6.03
The Black Keys - Psychotic Girl 6.07
St. Lola In the Fields - Don't Say 6.11
Edith Backlund - Sincerely Hope It's You 6.14
Rosi Golan - Hazy 6.14
Skyler Stonestreet - My Favorite Song 6.20
Manchester Orchestra - I Can Feel a Hot One 6.20
Rosi Golan - Come Around 6.24
Marshall Tucker Band - Can't You See 6.24
Kate York - Begin You 6.24
Wakey! Wakey! - War Sweater 6.24

Season 7
Noisettes - Never Forget You 7.04
The Avett Brothers - I and Love and You 7.07
Noah and The Whale - Blue Skies 7.12
Everly - Flying Machine 7. 13
Fay Wolf - God Knows (if you ever get a chance to re-watch the scene that this song plays in...it's the one where Taylor comes back to talk to Lydia before she dies, it is the scene I most relate with in quite possibly the entire series.  I have always felt very much like Taylor and this scene breaks me to pieces.  It's beautiful) 7.18
Olin and the Moon - Not In Love 7.20
Wakey! Wakey! - Light Outside 7.22
Mumford and Sons - Timshel 7. 22
Nashville Skyline - Carry You Home 7.22


Season 8
Ry Cuming - Home 8.02
Bowerbirds - Crooked Lust 8.08
City and Colour - Northern Wind 8.15
The Civil Wars - Poison and Wine 8.18
Ok Sweetheart - Home 8.21
Christina Perri - Arms 8.21

Season 9
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - If I Had A Gun.. 9.07
Damien Rice - Cold Water 9.08
Brooke Annibale - I Believe 9.11
Michael Logen - Goodbye, Goodbye, Goodbye 9. 11
Cary Brothers - Free Like You Make Me 9.12
Rosi Golan - Everything Is Brilliant 9.12
Blind Pilot - Half Moon (HAD to post the actual scene for this one...it's the reason why this song also makes me cry and get a knot in my stomach) 9.13
U2 - One Tree Hill (oh my heart....) 9.13

Well there ya go!  I hope you enjoyed it!  Sorry it took forever but...can ya see why?  This show literally shaped my entire world of music.
Anything you want to add?  Let me know!
xoxo

Weekend Collage

Weekend Collage by vanessanelson featuring rhinestone drop earrings

Hello hello!  I hope you all had a great weekend!  I'm on my last couple of days of vacation and I'm so sad about it....going back to work after vacation is always the worst.  I did get to enjoy a fun night at a beautiful wedding reception and fun times with my friends Jack and Karyn.  We always have a blast when the 3 of us are together.

Right now a few things I'm obsessed with:

1. The neon summer nail colors by Dior....LOVING neon polish!

2. 7 Day Scrub by Clinique...the BEST exfoliator in the entire world.  Seriously amazing.  

3. Covet by Sarah Jessica Parker...an old fragrance but one of my absolute favorites!

4. Ed Sheeran....have any of you listened to his music?  I downloaded his album last week and can't stop listening.  Wonderful, beautiful, highly recommend.

I got a comment last week from a reader asking about my One Tree Hill music playlist post....it's coming tomorrow!  Sorry it's taken so long but there is a LOT of music from OTH and I've been trying to sort it all out and how I want to break it down etc...it's been a longer work in progress than I thought!

Hope you all had a great weekend as well!

xoxo

Vanessa

A Jon Hamm Moment

And now we interrupt your regularly scheduled blog viewing for a Jon Hamm moment

Look at his stupid face sitting in that stupid boat with his stupid comics section and his stupid bare feet and his stupid hair and his stupid plaid pants and his STUPID PERFECT FACE.  And he's all "Hey, I'm Jon Hamm, I was just sitting in this boat reading the paper like I don't give any cares....and I'm saving a spot for you...."
ugh.

This has been a Jon Hamm moment.  As you were.

1. Sorcha Richardson - I Heart NYC
2. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Man On Fire
3. Regina Spektor - Don't Leave Me (Ne Me Quitte Pas)
4. Whitney Houston - How Will I Know
5. Scissor Sisters - Only The Horses
6. Karmin - Brokenhearted
7. Alex Clare - Too Close
8. Grouplove - Tongue Tied
9. Cage The Elephant - Shake Me Down
10. Jon McLaughlin - Falling
11. Carrie Underwood - Two Black Cadillacs
12. Grace Potter & The Nocturnals - The Lion the Beast the Beat
13. John Mayer - Fool To Love You

Yay an actual playlist!  I've been listening to some really really good music lately so I'm happy to share it with you!  

Doesn't being a grown up kinda...suck?  I'm working like CRAZY and I just signed contracts to move into an apartment!  Not the first time I've lived away from home buuuuttt...the first time I've paid for it by myself! 

Too many grown up things.

I'm exhausted.

xoxo

Weekend Collage

Weekend Collage by vanessanelson featuring a lip treatment

I hope you all had a great weekend!  Been super busy at work but I did get to have a night of fun on Saturday.  My friend Karyn and I ran around all over town and then hung out with some of her friends and watched "Lady In Black"....um...did y'all see that movie???  I had to sleep on the couch it gave me such a bad case of the spooks!  I ALWAYS get peer pressured into watching scary movies and I always regret it.  We did have some good laughs though!  Now I'm getting ready for my vacation starting on Wednesday!!! I'm so excited. 

So...hopefully....look forward to a whole week of consistent blog posts! :)

Have a good one!

xoxo

P.S. Are you as obsessed with the bubble necklace in my collage as I am?  Did you know that right now you have a chance to win one in an amazing giveaway?

Check it out HERE and good luck! :)

First Birchbox!

Hey guys!  Sorry it's been awhile.  You know that saying "Mo money, mo problems!"...well it's true.  Life has been INSANE the last couple weeks with my new job so I'm gonna be honest...I probably won't be posting as much....(wahhhhhhh).  BUT I have something fun and exciting to talk about and share with you!  I got a suggestion from a follower on Instagram, Anecia, to post about Birchbox.
Birchbox is fantastic and a must have for any makeup/skin care/beauty lover.  So let me tell you all about it...
Birchbox is a monthly box of samples, goodies, and even full size products that show up right on your front door step.  It's 9.99 a month but it's well worth it!  Each month has a different theme and the goodies inside the box with go with that theme.  AND there are a variety of different products for each box, so your box may differ from a friends box each month.  You fill out a profile and they do try to tailor samples to your specific wants/needs/etc...
So I got my first Birchbox for June and let me show it to you!
It comes in a pink box (adorbs alert!)

And then inside there is a super cute box too (double adorbs!)

And then your samples!

This month I got....

Hair Rules Volumizing Shampoo

2 La Fresh Oil-Fre Face Cleanser wet wipes

theBalm cosmetics Stainiac in "Beauty Queen"

it's a two-in-one lip and cheek stain!  Super cute!

tili Bag for travel...also SUPER CUTE

Set of winks by Georgie false lashes!!!  Amazing!

It also comes with a little card describing the theme

 and then on the back it tells you about the products and how much they are each worth which is great because you see the value of your 10 bucks!

I HIGHLY recommend signing up!
Just click on this link HERE and it will show that I referred you!
And from what I'm hearing about the JULY BOX you are DEFINITELY going to want to sign up before then!
Let me know if you sign up and what you think!  I would love to hear your feedback.  So far I'm incredibly happy and wouldn't share it with you if I didn't think it was worth it!
xoxo

ALSO  I know a lot of you are already following THE DIME DIARY but if you aren't, get yourselves on over there and start!  Morgan is doing a PHENOMENAL giveaway right now.  Like seriously....it's an item I've been coveting for FOREVER.  So follow!!!!  And tell your friends on Facebook and Pinterest!  She needs 100 followers to keep the blog going and keep doing awesome giveaways!
Y'all are the best!!! :)

Weekend Collage

Weekend Collage by vanessanelson featuring clinique lip gloss

I hope you all had a great weekend!  I had my last day at Lancome.  Bittersweet.  Lancome is an amazing company to work for and I will miss everyone there but I"m excited to start my new adventure at Clinique!  Had a very low key Sunday, watching ER and the NBA finals (GO CELTICS!)

How did you spend your weekend?

xoxo

Vanessa

p.s. if you haven't already downloaded Regina Spektor's new album....DO IT.  So good!