I’m totally watching the Grammys right now and didn’t anticipate that it would be 3.5 hours of not being productive. In the words of Rick Perry, “Oops.”

- This photograph of Monty Alexander makes me laugh.

For those of you who don’t know, I started working with a  songwriter/singer last summer named Taylor Bolibol. I sort of took it on as a new project not knowing where her and I would go with it, but now looking back, it has been an incredible and rewarding experience for the both of us. In the time that we’ve been working together, (about eight months,) Taylor has played numerous shows and released an album! To see her grow as an artist and develop this strong stage presence and confidence is extremely moving. I don’t know if I have ever been more proud of someone, but this is also an accomplishment that I am most proud of.

Last night we both were thrilled that the Hard Rock Cafe in Seattle booked Taylor for a show! Check out her cover below of Jessie J’s “Domino,” and if you’d like to hear more from Taylor, feel free to purchase her album on iTunes or Amazon  and visit her Facebook page. We appreciate everyone’s support!

I attended my first “fashion” event in Seattle the other evening celebrating a new line by “Built For Man!” The event took place at Bako on Capitol Hill and was publicized by Social Werks Communication. Since this was my first time attending one of these, I really had no idea what to expect. Michelle and I mingled with our friends nearby and took advantage of the complimentary drinks. I even sampled a few of the appetizers provided by Bako and they were extraordinary! Char siu pork? Keep it comin’ please! Every guest received a small gift certificate for attending the event to be used when they return and I cannot wait to use it.

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I just started listening to Kelly Clarkson’s latest single, “Stronger,” because Taylor will be covering it this Friday at her show and I haven’t ever listened to the entire  thing. It feels SO good  to be blogging this morning and to be back on schedule. I have almost officially survived midterms week. Technically, I’m only halfway there, but the last half is kind of no sweat.

Readers,

I’ve got so much news to tell you! First off, I managed to do a Space Girl photo shoot in the midst of this hectic week! I also attended an event last night that I’d like to tell you more about. In addition to that, I will be introducing a new original post to all of you very soon with help from my senior friends here at school and from my high school. Other than that, life is busy as always and I am “surviving.” – the same response that I got whenever I asked, “How are you doing?” to someone this week.

I’m on a marathon of midterms ie) the worst kind of marathon to be on. I would say that I’d rather be preparing for an ACTUAL marathon, but who am I kidding – we all know that’s a big lie.

I don’t usually like to cram for my midterms, but that is exactly what I did this weekend, yesterday, last night (or early this morning,) and this morning for one midterm. I’m actually about to do the same exact thing for  tomorrow too. Oh the life of a college student is bliss! I don’t like to talk about study habits with people because I like to think that there are other conversations to be had, but I find it funny how much study time actually gets put into a session. For myself, I know that if my study session is 5 hours, there will be an hour and a half of consistent study time, with the rest being shenanigans.

What shenanigans might occur you may ask?

• pinterest – because you can never have enough pins
• snack break
• write ideas for blog posts
• attempt to study in bed
• accidentally take a nap
• listen to one song repeatedly for 17 minutes on loop because it sounds really pretty and you feel like taking a reflective break
• clean your makeup brushes
• make a cup of tea
• pat yourself on the back for doing such a superb job at studying

Wake up in the morning. Freak out.

Alright it’s honesty time. What are you guys doing when you are “studying?”

Product: CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Blasting Mascara

Been Using It For: 4 years

How Did I Find It?: I believe I decided on my own that I wanted to try this product after reading recommendations for it in a few magazines. There was a period of time though, however, when I also used Dior ‘Diorshow’ Mascara. Both are great. One is a little bit more expensive than the other, but it’s been tricky for me. I guess I’m not exactly ever sure what I am looking for in a mascara. For one, it should do what it says – make my eyelashes appear longer and it shouldn’t be clumpy. At the same time, both brands get rave reviews so now I’d like to ask you guys what kind you use and what you could recommend to me.

I am so so proud of my friend John! Not even a week ago, John reached out to his friends and family to ask for donations for an extracurricular baseball program that he wanted to bring to his students and today he has finally reached his goal. With the help of his friends, he was able to raise $1,085 for students and now they will have all the equipment they will need to play baseball.

I am very lucky to have someone like John in my life. His dedication to his students and kind heart are just two of the many qualities that I am impressed by. Readers, I am very glad that I have had the opportunity to introduce him all to you.

Congratulations John! I hope you know how much everyone here in the community cares for you and how often we are thinking of you!

To continue following John’s adventures in Detroit, check out his blog here.

With a week of midterms ahead for Seattle University students and the combination of not wanting to study for those midterms and gorgeous Seattle weather, all I wanted to do was take a stroll. Yes – Cyril and I took a walk today right down to Urban Outfitters. For the last year, I have been wanting to purchase a pair of white denim pants and today I finally took the plunge! I knew that I wanted to buy them through Urban Outfitters because I already wear my gray denim and black denim pants religiously. It just made perfect sense. I know that this isn’t going to be a purchase that I will regret and with spring creeping up on us, I’ll finally have the chance to wear them.

Product: Physician’s Formula Eyebrightener Brightening Liquid Eyeliner

Been Using It For: 5 years

How Did I Find It?: This product was recommended to me by my mother! She’s got great taste when it comes to beauty products slash I am always willing to try them through her first because that means I don’t have to buy it myself. Sorry mom! In my routine, this is the second kind of eyeliner that I use. The first one as previously mentioned before is a Stila one that I use in emerald for my lower waterline while this one is a black liquid eyeliner used only for my top. What I love about this eyeliner the most – aside from it being inexpensive – is that it dries so quickly after application. The biggest problem that I have run into in the past w/ previous eyeliners is getting that excess eyeliner stamped on my eyelids or leaving a noticeable mark after using it. With this, I don’t have to worry about that…unless I’m crying or my eyes get wet for whatever reason.

I know it’s a little strange for me to be using two different types and colors of eyeliner on my eyes, but it’s whatever. It is what it is. I mean I think with beauty routines, you get so comfortable in what you’re using that there isn’t much of a need to change that.