End of the Year Life Update.

Oh 2013, you were so lovely to me.

Can you smell all the sarcasm that's running through that sentence ?

Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, 2013 was THAT bad but collectively it wasn't that great either.

I guess you can say it 50/50.

The first third of the year was great for me. Then somewhere in the middle, I apparently lost myself (which you can read all about here) and somewhere towards the end was just a roller coaster mixture of the 2,

 but when I think about it I guess isn't too bad.

Isn't there a saying about the good outweighing the bad ?

I'll just take it as the not so great happens to make you appreciate when good does come into your life. 

But rather than focusing on the negative that may have happened, I'd rather focus on the positive that has come out of this year.

So these are just the top thing that happened in 2013.

Starting with the more recent,

We temporarily had a puppy. The whole situation with the puppy was a little bit chaos but I loved it. I've always loved animals, so for a week it nice knowing that we had a little puppy that was ours. Rewind a little, the puppy was my brothers but he works during the day so I was watching her, which at the time we thought was a "he" because of what the owner of the puppy's mother and vet told us ( I guess neither of them should be doing what they for not knowing that "he" was a she), and I saw 'was' because we no longer have the puppy. Christmas day she got really sick and had to go to the Animal Hospital, which is where we found out "he" was a she, this is where we found out that she's considered a 'special needs' puppy and needed to go to someone that would be able to give her 24/7 attention. Lucky enough our cousin rescues animals and she's currently with her. So who knows hopefully if she gets stronger we can have her back in 2014 ! (Fingers crossed)

On December 20th, one of my best friends gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, who I was able to meet the next day. And waiting to hear that she gave birth, it was crazy for me to think that in the blink of an eye that everything can change. It also occurred to me that this was the turning point, everyone I know, went to high school with, college with or met, this is where we turn from singles to couple to families. Just made me really curious to see whose next.

The main topic that started the Decisions, Decisions, Decisions post has finally been resolved. After sitting down and think about it, weighing all my options, pros and cons, battling through all the "What If's" and thinking about all the things and places I want to go and do after college I made a choice on what I was going to do come Spring semester.

Which I guess also in the back of my head I knew I was going come to this decision. Since my Father lives in Jersey I could stay with him during the semester to help lower my tuition by being considered an in-state student, rather than a out-state student. And in the beginning of December I was able to visit the school again and pick my classes. For Spring Semester I'll be taking Social Issues, The Black Experience Through Music, World Civic (an 8am which I'm dreading) and Music Fundamentals, with no classes on Monday and Wednesday, I was really hoping for Fridays off but I'll take whatever I get. Either way I'm just ready to get back. You don't realize how much you miss being in school until your not in school for a long period of time.

Another highlight of 2013 was our road trip to Florida. The only thing that mattered was enjoying ourselves. It was such a carefree vacation and that point it was exactly what I needed. Getting a chance to see family that I hadn't seen in awhile, while just visiting places that I went to when I was a lot younger. It was during this trip that I realized it's essential to go away for awhile, every few years. It helps to keep you sane.

Overall I would say one of the biggest things for me this year was starting this blog. To some people share their ideas, thoughts, and sometimes things that happen in their life is a weird and scary thing. 

For me it turned out to be a little therapeutic, being able to talk about the things that I love, what I'm listening to, different things that are happening in my life is nice. It's also great to know that I can look back down the line as see the different things I said, did and liked.

Looking back on it there where was a lot to come out of 2013 from big life changing moment to the little things to help my grow into a better person. Completing my first year of college, when everyone else thought I would fail, gaining my independence, repairing relationships with some family members and friends, and even getting rid of some of negative friendships. I guess when I think about it 2013 wasn't that bad.

Was 2013 a good year for you ? 

What are some of your 'Highlight' moments from the year ?

-JustANewYorkGirl

 

EP of the Week.

If you're a fan of the Ed Sheeran or the Singer/Songwriter vibe, then this is definitely the EP and artist for you. I found about Lewis Watson a couple months ago playing around with the iTunes Radio and I'm so glad I did. I'm just waiting for the day he releases a full album cause based on what I've heard so far, I know it's gonna be really good.

Asides from this EP he has 4 others that you can check out here,

 and you'll be very glad you did. 

'Some Songs With Some Friends' has 3 songs featuring "some friends" and 1 that was orignally on 'Another Four Sad Song' EP, but this version sounds a little different. Each song bringing something different to the EP.

Here are 2 songs from the EP for you to check out.

What do you think ?

What are some other artists in the singer/songwriter category that I should check out ?

And I hope you all had a very Happy Holidays !

-JustANewYorkGirl

Liquid vs. Gel Eyeliner.

I've been gone for too long. It's only been about 3 weeks but it feels a lot longer. At first it started out that for about a week or so the Internet was out. How convenient for me it went out right when got the writing bug. I was coming up with a couple of ideas of what to write next. Then last week I had orientation for school, which I will talk about at a later date.

But either way,

I'm back.

 And recently I decided to pick up gel eyeliner in hopes that I would be able to apply it better than I do with my liquid eyeliner.

Yes, I know that it's "easy" to apply liquid eyeliner with a bit of practice, but I've had the Maybelline Master Precise liner for about a year and I'm still not able to successfully put on my eyeliner. It also doesn't help that I have shakey hands. 

So for me liquid eyeliner is a no-go. 

So when I first tried the gel liner I just knew that I wasted a year trying to work with liquid eyeliner. I was able to apply the amount that I wanted, to spot where I wanted. With the gel, I was also able to stop and comeback when my hands started to feel shakey without the line I created coming out crooked.

So if you are someone who has un-steady hands and has a difficult time applying liquid eyeliner, you should try out gel eyeliner. I think that the Maybelline Eyestudio Gel Liner is definitely a good starter. But at the same time it really all up to preference.

What are some really good brands of gel eyeliner ? And if you have shakey hands but can apply liquid eyeliner well, what are some tips you have for those who can't ?

-JustANewYorkGirl

Review: Rimmel London ScandalEyes Mascara.

*Disclaimer: I was not contacted by any company to give a review on this product so these my honest thoughts and review.*

Recently, I ordered a free sample of mascara from a relatively new site called PinchMe.com, and if you haven't heard of it and you wouldn't mind trying something out before you commit to buying it, then I definitely recommend you checking out this site.

The sample that I decided I wanted to try was Rimmel London's ScandalEyes mascara. This is one of those brands that I've actually seen a lot of commericals for and have seen products in the drugstores but for so reason I've never tried out any of their products, but after trying out their mascara I think I might just start trying out more of their products.

I actually really like this mascara a lot.

And because the mascara arrived without any packaging just the tube I don't know exactly what it's "claims' are besides from what is on the side of the tube.

When I first applied it, I only applied it to one eye so that I would be able to compare the difference.
But right of the bat I was able to notice things that I liked.

The first thing that I was able to notice how smoothly it was able to coat each lash, usually I have to use to the brush to tug on my lashes a bit so that they all get evenly coated.

Another thing that I really like is that the formula isn't as clumpy as other mascara's I have tried.

Yes, the label so say "No Clumps !" but let's face it there's so many mascaras that claim they don't clump but even those clump just a little.

Something else that I like about this mascara is that my lashes still look really natural. It doesn't look fake or like I put mascara on at all. Which is nice for when you want to go for a more natural look or if you have to run out really quick but want just something on your face.

I also love that this mascara leaves your eye lashes touchable. It wasn't something I particularly look for it mascaras but it's nice to be able to touch my eyelashes without them feeling "crunchy". And because you don't get that "crunchy" feel after putting on a coat of mascara, you can put on more than one coat without getting that weighed down feeling on your eyelashes.

The only thing I didn't like too much about the mascara is the brush. I just wish that the tip of the brush was just a little bit small to make it easier to coat the lashes in the inner and outer corner or the eyelid.

Other than that I really like this mascara, the formula's really good. 

When I reach for mascara I think I'm gonna start reaching for this one a bit more over the other ones that I have currently been using, and I definitely think that before this tube runs out I will be purchasing a new one.

If you have tried any Rimmel London mascara's or any other brand of mascara, which one is your favorite ? 

-JustANewYorkGirl

My Top 8 Fall Nail Colors.

These are my Top 8 polishes that will be on nails at one point or another this Fall.

Starting with a color that I'm currently wearing,

- Avon Nailwear Pro in the color Midnight Plum

 Midnight Plum is a very dark and deep plum color. This color is a couple shades away from black and depending what lighting your in it can look just like that. This is one of my go-to colors when I want to wear a dark polish but not black. It is also one of those colors that looks fine no matter the color of your outfit.

A swatch of Midnight Plum

- Sinful Colors in the color Over Easy

Over Easy from Sinful Colors is a dusky rose color and to me it had a nudish feel to it. And because it has a nudish feel to it, this is also one of those polishes that looks good with any outfit. Over Easy is a perfect nail color for Fall if your one who isn't a fan of dark polishes.

A swatch of Over Easy

- China Glaze in the colors Stella and Drive In

Stella, to me, is a lighter version of Midnight Plum with a lighter purple and pinkish shimmer. It also has a goldish tint to it. The color is more on the darker side, but it's perfect when you want a darker color without wearing black.

A swatch of Stella

 

 Drive In is a bright ruby red with a shimmery orange and gold tint to it. I love this color and think it's perfect for Fall. Red, to me, is such a Fall shade and then with the orange and gold gives me a summery feel. Because this polish is so bright it's perfect if your not a fan of the dark shades.

  A swatch of Drive In

- Nicole by OPI in the color Khloe Had A Little Lam-Lam

Khloe Had A Little Lam-Lam is a dark bluish, greenish color. Again it's another color that's dark without being too dark. This is definitely one of my favorite Fall colors and the color that I've been reaching for the most.

 A swatch of Khloe Had A Little Lam-Lam

- Essie in the colors Jazz, Merino Cool (both of which I previously talked about here), and Licorice.

 

Jazz is a neutral, creamy beige color. This is usually the color I reach for when I, 

1. Want a very natural, close to nude shade on my nails, 

2. I just want to lighten it up,

or

3. I don't know what color I don't want on my nails.

 

Merino Cool is a purplish, grey color. This is another color that I will reach for when I want to lighten up my nails or when I want a purplish color without the darkness of Midnight Plum or Stella and when I want a color darker than Jazz.

Licorice, one of my favorite colors ever, is just your typical black nail polish. When I wear darker polishes I just feel that my nails look clean. So I tend to always reach for this color no matter what season it is.



A swatch of Jazz, Merino Cool, and Licorice

 

What are some other nail polishes that are perfect for Fall, or 

perfect for wearing year round?

-JustANewYorkGirl

Review : Organix Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Line.

For while I've been researching ways to help my hair become healthy so it can grow.

And with every search I have somehow always found my way back to Biotin, which is a vitamin to help with hair growth as well as other things.

And for awhile I thought about adding the vitamin to my every day intake, but I knew that me taking a pill everyday was something that I wouldn't be able to do, especially since I've forget to take vitamins on a daily basis.

So I looked into it more and I found this line of hair products from Organix.

I decided to look it up on YouTube to see whether it actually worked or not.

But this is one of those products that affects each person differently. For some, they say it made them breakout really bad, some say it help their hair grow like crazy, and others say that it didn't do much.

To me it all depends on the person, but I really like these products.

So about 2-3 months ago, I decided to order them. But before I did, I didn't realize that the shampoo and conditioner are sulfate free.

I have a tendency to stay away from sulfate free shampoo only because I feel that when I don't get a good lathering when I wash my hair that it's not 100% clean. But the shampoo lathers up really well to me. Although I do occasionally switch off between this line of shampoo and conditioner and my Aussie Moist line of shampoo and conditioner.

One week I use the Biotin and Collagen shampoo and the Aussie 3-minute Miracle Conditioner, and then the next week I will use the Aussie Moist shampoo with the Biotin and Collagen conditioner. If you want to see my review on the Aussie Moist line you can check it out here.

Besides from the shampoo and conditioner this line also contains 2 products to use after wash, a amplifying lotion and a root boosting spray. I like using the amplifying lotion right after I get out of the shower and towel dry my hair a little, and then use the root boosting spray after I blow dry and flat iron my hair, on my roots.

I feel that when I do use all these products together my hair feels soft and that it contains a whole lot more volume.

But another thing that I have realized is that since I've started using it my hair has grown a lot faster and it appears to be a lot thicker. I usually get my hair professional done every 3 months but at 2 months since I've been, I feel like it time for me to go back to get my hair done.

After 2 months or so of using these products, I found that I really do like them.

It's something that I would definitely recommend trying out if you want to try it out the samples or travel sizes before you get the full size to see whether or not you'll break out. But I do think that if you want to help your hair grow without having to ingest something every day this might be the product for you.

And if you have tried it out or plan on trying it out let me know how it works for you.

Until Next Time,

JustANewYorkGirl

Tunes Tuesday !

I knew that today was gonna be a pretty big music release day, but I don't think I actually realized exactly how huge and all over the place, genre wise, it was gonna be. 

First up are a couple of albums and EPs that have been released that I'm really feeling.

I'm so glad that Tori is finally getting recognition and more original music out. I've been following her from her YouTube for a couple years now. Now she's releasing her first, signed to a label, EP, but second EP. You can check out the first one here. Self-written and produced, she can only go up from here.

I really love all the songs on this EP but definitely the ones that I find myself playing back again are 'Rocket' and 'Paper Hearts'.

But 'Dear No One' will still have a very special place in my iTunes library. And this song is actually iTunes Single of the Week, so you can check out the song before you check out the EP here.

           
                           

3 years since Teenage Dream, Katy Perry has definitely made this album a step up. If she wanted to, any one of these songs on her album could be a hit single.

And with that being said I'm finding it really hard to pick one song of this album that I would call my 'favorite'. Even though I've listened to the album a couple times, I still feel as if I haven't actually heard it all thru yet. With a couple more listens I know I'll be able to pick a favorite.

As of right now, I'm really liking this album, and you can see the growth from her last album to now.

She deserves all the success she's has and will receive with Prism.

You can get Prism here.

This one is dedicated to the luck people in the UK that were luck enough to get not just one but basically two albums from Lawson, and rest of us around the world that are just sitting and waiting. Chapman Square Chapter II is basically a super deluxe version of Chapman Square. Containing the original 14 songs, the group has added 6 new songs, and 3 new acoustic versions of their songs.

These new 6 songs are definitely a different sound for them giving them a more Pop/R&B kinda of sound, especially with the song 'Love Locked Out', which I have to say is one of my favorites from the new 6 songs.

And if you haven't heard Chapman Square you can check out the original songs and the new songs below.

  

Next up are my picks for singles of the week.

First in this section is Fifth Harmony, 

And yes I do realize that they also released an EP today as well.

But I was just excepting something a little different, I thought it was gonna be a bit more mature but I just feel like it's aimed more towards their younger fans. But out of the 6 songs on the EP, the one song that stood out to me is 'Leave My Heart Out Of This'. To me this is what I expected in terms of it sounding mature. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Check out the rest of the EP and let me know what you think.

Was it what you expected or where you looking for something different ?

My next pick for single of the week is Trevor Jackson with his new single, 'Superman'.

Okay, so I don't even remember how I stumble upon him but I'm glad I did. The first song I heard was Drop It, and I just gravitated to his voice. And for some reason he reminds me of a mash-up of Chris Brown and Trey Songz (vocally). But this is an artist that I can see big things happening for them in the near future. But I definetly recommend checking out both songs, if you haven't heard of either.

Superman - https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/superman-single/id725115546

Drop It - https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/drop-it-single/id673524838

And their's probably so many others that I haven't mentioned like Love Don't Die from The Fray, Long Live Rock & Roll from Daughtry, The Keeper from Kina Grannis & Marie Digby and a bunch of others. But if I did add everything else, this may just become the world's longest post in blog history.

Let me know of some albums, EPs, or singles that you think I haven't check out.

Damn this was a busy Tuesday,

But,

Until next time,

JustANewYorkGirl

Single(s) of the Week.

Making up for my lack of posts recently with 2 singles this week,

The first song being, Old School Love by Lupe Fiasco featuring Ed Sheeran. Now usually I'm turned off of rap music because a vast majority of today's rap music is all about "fucking bitches" and "getting money". I don't know about anyone else but after awhile that all gets really old, and I'm not trying to say that's all rap music (because it's obviously not) but because of song like that I'm not usually a fan. So I decided to check this song out for 2 reasons, 

1. I know that Lupe Fiasco isn't that kind of rapper.

And 

2. The song features Ed Sheeran, who is one of my favorite artists.

It took me a second listen to determine whether I actually liked it or not, but every time I listen to it now I find and hear something that I didn't before that I really like.

You can give the song a listen here.

I am what they would call an undercover belieber, (well it ain't so "undercover" NOW is it) and this is  another song that I've been feeling this week, Heartbreaker from Justin Bieber, and yes I do realize that the song was released last week. 

This song is apart of a 10 week song release, "Music Monday", leading up to the release of his movie.

But this song to me is different that what he's released before, and I really like the new sound. I'm really liking this song right now, and i genuinely can't wait to see what else he has to offer within these next 8 weeks.

If you haven't heard Heartbreaker yet, you can listen to it right here.

 

What are some songs you've been listening to and loving lately ?

Until next time,

-JustANewYorkGirl

My Fall Fashion Looks.

Fall, that lovely season where today it could be what is considered as Summer weather and within the next 2 days you have to leave your house with a jacket (well it's like that here).
These are just some pieces that I picked out that I feel will be perfect for the Fall time.
These are all pieces that can be mixed and match depending on your exact mood for the day or what the weather outside is like.

Because the weather has been so flip flopy lately, I love the way how a pullover sweater and a skirt look and fit together. I feel like a pullover sweater is perfect for those days when it's not hot, it's just a perfect fall day, a little breezy but the sun is out. It's so easy to add a pair of tights and a beanie for the days when it's a bit colder.

Recently I purchased the striped blue cardigan from American Eagle pictured above, and this has to be my go to cardigan. I love to wear it with a pair of jeans, a white tee or tank top, a blue scarf, and a pair of combat boots. With the scarf and cardigan it's easy to take them off or put them on depending on whether it gets hotter or colder throughout the day.

With shoes, one of my Fall favorites are my Moccasins. I purchased a pair last year and ruined them and was excited when the weather got cooler to purchase another pair. These shoes can help dress down an outfit and make it feel so comfy, a feeling that I strive for in the Fall. As well as Converse, the one pair of shoes that I can honestly wear year round. They don't make your feet too hot or make them feel too cold. And with booties, I feel like they're the perfect shoe wear for Fall to dress up an outfit or give it that extra ummph !

But Fashion is all about adding yourself into the outfit that you choose and just because it's getting colder doesn't mean that you can't add a bit of your personality to what you wear.

Hope you've enjoyed some of my pieces for Fall, but until next time.

- JustANewYorkGirl

Single of the Week.

Yes, I do realize that technically this song isn't a "new" release but this week Tom Odell's album was released here in the US and I thought, why not.

Over summer this song became one of my most played songs. His voice is so amazing that you can't not stop and listen to it. And yes this song is really good but live, it gets taken to a whole different level. Recently, Tom got to open for Elton John at the iTunes Festival and hearing 'Can't Pretend' left me with a new appreciation for the song, seeing how he put his all into that performance. To check it out, go into iTunes and click on the tab for the iTunes festival, and while you're there check out the rest of Tom's album here.

-JustANewYorkGirl

My "Everyday" Makeup Look.

Recently I purchased Tarte's neutralEYES Volume II palette and ever since I got it I have been reaching for it more often for my "everyday" makeup look. I say "everyday" because when I get ready to go out it depends on whether or not I feel like actually wearing make-up that day.

So to start this off I prime my eyes with my Urban Decay Primer Potion in Original. I apply this all on my eye lids and the inner corner of my eyes.

I then go for the first color, shimmering plum smoke from my Tarte neutralEYES volume II palette, which is just a nice shimmery lavender color. I pick that color up on a brush and I pat it onto my eye lid up to my crease.

Then I go for the color Tiki from mark., which is a shimmery golden brown color, or the matte espresso color in that same Tarte palette, which is a matte dark brown color, and blend that upwards into my crease leaving enough space for a highlight under my brow.


Afterwards, I go back into the color plum smoke and pat that onto my lid again until it stands out enough for me.

    

I then go into the color matte soft beige, a matte nude color, or any color lighter than my actual skin tone and use that as a highlight underneath my brow bone.

Take a clean blending brush and blend out all the harsh lines, just so that all the colors all blend in well with each other.

Now comes the eyeliner, I line my lower lash line and my outer tear duct with my avon eyeliner in the color charcoal (U10), a silver color.

  Then I go and coat my lashes with my Benefit They're Real mascara, and if you haven't checked out my review on the mascara check it out here.

And last but not least I finish this off by going for my mark. kiss therapy lip balm in the color shimmering coral.

This is a very simple look that help my eyes stand out, so this is definitely one of my go to looks, and with a few changes it would be very easy to make this a night look.

Hope you get to try this look out with the same or similar colors.

-JustANewYorkGirl