♥February Favorites♥

Can you guys believe that February is already over?  This year is going so fast!  It's time to tell all of you my monthly favorites.  I want to know what you guys were loving too!  Let me know below!

Music:

You've probably noticed by now that I'm addicted to music.  I narrowed it down to three which was so hard.  I bought tons of new music this month.

The first song is I Would by Justin Bieber.  If you haven't bought the acoustic album yet then you are missing out!!!!  It is so amazing!  This is my favorite though.

My next song is One Way Or Another by One Direction.  This is probably no surprise.  I did a whole blog post on it.  I've had both the song and video on repeat for days!  If you haven't bought it yet, go buy it and support a great cause.

The last song is Anything Could Happen by Ellie Goulding.  I first heard this song when Fifth Harmony performed it on X Factor and loved it.  Then I heard it on Glee so I finally bought it.  I can't stop playing it now.  Check out the other versions I mentioned too.

TV Show:

I've been watching Revenge since season 1 and I was instantly addicted.  It isn't typically a show that I'd watch but my grandma said I should.  This season has been so crazy!  I can't wait for the next episode.  It has tons of drama and lies.  Plus I kind of have a crush on Josh Bowman.  You can catch up on the show on Netflix or Hulu.  You won't be disappointed!

Movie:

I saw so many movies this month.  I'm addicted to movies.  My favorite was by far Safe Haven.  I went to see it with my mom and younger sister for Valentine's Day.  I read the book back in high school and I loved it.  I love Nicholas Sparks so I was glad another movie came out.  The movie is about Katie and how she is starting a new life in a new town.  It is very good.  Be warned you will cry!  I'm actually re-reading the book right now.

Food:

I'm in LOVE with these Dark Chocolate Pretzel Slims from Trader Joe's.  I'm not a fan of Dark Chocolate at all.  When my friend offered me one I honestly didn't think I'd like them.  I was surprised at how delicious they were!  It is the perfect mixture of sweet and salty.  I am now hooked.

Random:

I had been hearing of Tumblr for awhile before I finally joined.  I probably joined in October of last year but I've recently had an unhealthy obsession.  I check it at least every half hour.  If you don't know what Tumblr is, it's basically a picture and video blog.  You post many GIFS and pretty much anything you want.  If you want to follow of just check out mine then Click Here.  Be warned it was about 99% focused on One Direction.

YouTube Video:

If you've followed this blog for awhile then you know I may have a slight obsession for YouTube.  This month I discovered the Harlem Shake videos.  I can't stop watching!  They are so funny!  I don't have a favorite because honestly I love them all.  I want to do my own but I haven't yet.

Quote:

This quote is actually from my Tumblr.  I fell in love with this right away!  Everybody should live by it.  We can't just live out lives waiting for the right moment.  Get out there and just do it!  If I kept waiting for a perfect moment then I wouldn't be writing this blog right now.

Moment:

Every month I pick my favorite moment that happened.  Mostly so at the end of the year I can look back and remember.  Valentine's Day was my favorite this month.  It was an awesome day.  I had lunch with my grandma who gave me conversation hearts.  My grandpa gave a heart full of chocolates.  Then my mom made me cupcakes plus had a bouquet of cookies sent to me.  My older sister baked me cookies.  And lastly I got a teddy bear and a singing Justin Bieber from my friend.  I loved it.

Looking Ahead:

I've decided to add what I'm looking forward to next month.  This will also let you guys know what I'll be doing.  It is going to be a very busy month.  I'm seeing Maroon 5 on Sunday front row!  Plus I'm going to see Taylor Swift on opening night for her Red tour!  That's just a tiny preview of how my March will be.  Don't worry I'll bring you all along with me.

xo,

Jerica

DWTS Season 16: Cast Reveal!

I am so excited for this post!  If you followed my blog last year then you know Dancing With The Stars is my all time favorite show.  I never miss an episode!  I will be recapping each week on this blog again.  Today the new cast was announced.  This is always my favorite part because I decide who I'm going to vote for.  I haven't looked at the list until this moment.  So lets find out!

Aly Raisman and Mark Ballas

Andy Dick and Sharna Burgess

D.L. Hughley and Cheryl Burke

Dorothy Hamill and Tristan MacManus

Ingo Rademacher and Kym Johnson

Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnoff

Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough

Lisa Vanderpump and Gleb Savchenko

Sean Lowe and Peta Murgatroyd

Victor Ortiz and Lindsay Arnold

Wynonna Judd and Tony Dovolani

Zendaya Coleman and Val Chmerkovskiy

So far I have noticed changes.  There are many new pro dancers which could be interesting.  I don't know many of the celebrities but I still have favorites.  I'll probably vote for Aly and Kellie because I love their partners.  I might be surprised though.  The season start March 18 on ABC.  Keep coming back to get recaps every week!

xo,

Jerica

Music Friday: Kiss Me

Happy Friday everybody!!!  Can it please just be summer already?  We just had a massive snowstorm in my area and I hate it.  Luckily it's Friday though so that makes it a little better.  Today's share is one of my favorite songs EVER!  I'm obsessed with it!  It's is Kiss Me by Ed Sheeran.  Awhile back I shared my obsession with him and I love him even more now.  I get to see him live in 3 weeks when he opens up for Taylor Swift's Red tour.  I love all of Ed Sheeran's music.  I mostly discovered him because of One Direction.  His lyrics are so meaningful and genuine.  This song is so beautiful and gives hope.  If you guys have any recommendations, let me know!  Have an awesome weekend!

xo,
Jerica

New One Direction Video!!!

I couldn't wait until Friday to post this!  On Sunday, One Direction released the song One Way Or Another which helped raise money for the Comic Relief charity.  I bought it right away and it has been on repeat ever since.  All week they have been teasing clips from the video.  Now it's finally here!!!!!  It is honestly my favorite video so far!  It really shows their personality which is why us fans love them.  You can buy this single on iTunes right now.  You won't regret it and it's for a great cause.  Tell me your thoughts on the video in the comments!

xo,

Jerica

Music Friday: When I Was Your Man

I'm so glad Friday is here!!  I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day.  I know I did.  I got tons of cookies, cupcakes, and of course candy.  Let me know what you guys did.  I'm sad that Valentine's Day is over though.  Don't worry I'll still have tons to post for you guys.  Today's song is my current obsession.  I can't stop listening to it!  It is When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars.  I usually don't like slow songs so I'm very surprised that I like it.  It's sad but also romantic.  I'm still looking for new British artists to listen to so leave some recommendations.  I'm going to post a movie review sometime this weekend so check back.  Have an awesome weekend!!!!!

xo,
Jerica

Be Mine Series: Happy Valentine's Day

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!  I hope you are all having a great day so far.  Sadly it is the last day of this series.  If you guys want more series like this please let me know.  I have always loved facts and trivia.  So today I decided to share some facts about Valentine's Day.  Have an amazing day!!!


More than 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are sold for Valentine's Day each year.

About 8 billion candy hearts will be produced this year; that’s enough candy to stretch from Rome, Italy to Valentine, Arizona 20 times and back again.

Worldwide, over 50 million roses are given for Valentine's Day each year.

Richard Cadbury invented the first Valentines Day candy box in the late 1800s.

The Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare's lovers Romeo and Juliet lived, receives about 1,000 letters addressed to Juliet every Valentine's Day.

In addition to the U.S., Valentine's Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, France, Australia, Denmark and Italy.

In the 1800s doctors commonly advised their heartbroken patients to eat chocolate, claiming it would sooth their pain. To this day, many women find comfort in a box of chocolates when dealing with heartbreak.

Cupid is a symbol of Valentine's Day. Cupid was associated with Valentine's Day because he was the son of Venus, the Roman god of love and beauty. Cupid often appears on Valentine cards and gift tokens holding a bow and arrows as he is believed to use magical arrows to arouse feelings of love.

In the Middle Ages young men and women drew the names from a bowl to see who would be their Valentine. They would wear this name pinned on their sleeves for one week. This was done so that it becomes easy for other people to know your true feelings. This was known as "to wear your heart on your sleeve"

xo,

Jerica

Be Mine Series: Valentine's Day Tag

It's finally Valentine's Day tomorrow!!!!!  Today I decided to do a Valentine's Day tag.  I want all of you to do it too!

1. Which is your favorite Valentine's Day treat sweethearts or chocolate covered strawberries?  I'm not a fan of strawberries.  I love sweethearts though.

2. What was your favorite Valentine's Day memory? I have many favorite memories.  I always loved making my Valentine's Day box for school because my mom always came up with cool ideas.  My mom would also ask if we wanted to hand out candy or cupcakes for school.  We'd always choose candy and the night before we would want cupcakes so she'd stay up late to bake them for us.

3. Twilight or Harry Potter Valentine's? Neither.  I can't stand Twilight and I'm not a huge Harry Potter fan.  I'd choose One Direction!

4. What celeb would you not mind having as your Valentine?  Justin Bieber or Louis from One Direction

5. Do you have a special someone to celebrate Valentine's Day with?  Nope!  I'm actually going to see Safe Haven with my mom and maybe my little sister.

6. Which restaurant would you prefer for a Valentine's date Cheese Cake Factory or Ruby's?  I love the Cheese Cake Factory!  I've never had the food though.

7. Red or Pink lips on Valentine's Day?  Pink.  I don't like red and I don't think it would look good on me.

8. Dress or cute top to wear on a Valentine's Day date?  It would depend on the date.  I'd probably go for a cute top if it was a more casual date.

9. Perfect date dinner and movie or dinner and walk on the beach? Dinner and a movie.  It's the classic choice and you can't go wrong.

10. Hair up or hair down for Valentine's Day date?  Down.  I like wearing my hair down and curly when I go out.

Tomorrow is the last day!!!!!  I hope you have all enjoyed it.

xo,

Jerica

Be Mine Series: Valentine Puppy Chow

I can't believe Valentine's Day is only days away!  Today I have another recipe for you guys.  I wanted to share something that required absolutely no cooking.  Some people just don't enjoy baking or cooking, so this is the perfect way to give somebody you love.  This one of my go to snacks but I found a Valentine's version on Pinterest.  Let me know if you try it.

Ingredients:
5 ounces white chocolate chips
5 ounces red candy melts
1 teaspoon shortening
5 cups chex cereal
1 cup strawberry cake mix
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 package valentines chocolate M&M's

Directions:

1. Start by dividing the chex mix into two bowls. (2 1/2 cup in each)
2. In microwave safe dish, melt the 5 ounces white chocolate chips. Add 1/2 teaspoon shortening so that the chocolate will spread evenly. Microwave 30 seconds at a time and be careful not to burn the chocolate. Dump this in the first bowl of chex and mix evenly to coat all of the chex cereal.
2. Melt the red candy melts next also checking and stirring the candy melts 30 seconds at a time. Once this is melted, pour this over the second bowl of divided chex and mix until coated.
3. In two gallon size ziplock bags, put 1/2 cup strawberry cake mix and 1/4 cup powdered sugar in each bag. Dump each bowl of chex mix in each bag and shake until coated with the powdered sugar and strawberry powdered cake mix.  Then add 1/2 package of Valentine M&M's and shake again.

There's only two days left!!!!!!!  Check back tomorrow!

xo,

Jerica

Be Mine Series: Date Night Out Ideas

I already gave you guys some date night in ideas.  Some of you may not want to stay home though.  I came up with a list of things you could do on Valentine's Day.  You can do them as a group or alone with your date.  Let me know your plans in the comments.

1. Go Bowling
2. Go Ice Skating
3. Romantic Dinner
4. Go for a Walk
5. See a Play
6. See a Movie
7. Watch the Stars
8. Have a Picnic
9. Have a Bonfire
10. Get Coffee and Talk

I'm having so much fun doing this series!  Check back tomorrow for more!

xo,

Jerica

Be Mine Series: DIY Heart Leggings

I love DIY projects.  I saw a really cute and inexpensive project on YouTube that is perfect for Valentine's Day.  It is heart printed leggings.  You can really customize them however you want.  Send me pictures if you try it out.

What you'll need:
Leggings (can be new or use your favorite pair)
Fabric paint (any color you'd like)
Paint brush
Heart stencil

Steps:

1. Pour some fabric paint onto a paper plate
2. Choose which size heart you want from the stencil and lay it on one leg of your leggings
3. Using the paint brush, fill in the heart completely and continue down the rest of the leg
4. Let it dry before doing the other leg
5. Repeat these steps on the opposite leg

You can also do the back if you'd like but it's up to you.  I hope you guys enjoy!  Check back tomorrow!

xo,

Jerica

Be Mine Series: Love Songs Playlist

Who doesn't love music?  Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to enjoy some love songs.  Love songs are kind of my guilty pleasure.  You can listen to these on your own or share it with somebody you love.  It'll just put you in a loving and happy mood.  Tell me your favorite love song in the comments.

1. Today Was A Fairytale by Taylor Swift
2. What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction
3. This Kiss by Carly Rae Jepsen
4. Everything by Michael Buble
5. Teenage Dream by Katy Perry
6. She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5
7. I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston
8. This I Promise You by *NSYNC
9. Always Be My Baby by Mariah Carey
10. As Long As You Love Me by Backstreet Boys
11. No Air by Jordin Sparks feat. Chris Brown
12. One Less Lonely Girl by Justin Bieber
13. When I Look At You by Miley Cyrus
14. Kiss Me by Ed Sheeran
15. Love You Like A Love Song by Selena Gomez
16. Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars
17. We Found Love by Rihanna
18. When You Look Me In The Eyes by Jonas Brothers
19. Stickwitu by The Pussycat Dolls
20. Irresistible by One Direction

Tell me what you want included in this series.  Check back tomorrow!!

xo,

Jerica

Be Mine Series: Pink Champagne Cupcakes

Happy Friday everyone!!  Valentine's Day is less than a week away!  I can't believe it!  Today I have another cupcake recipe.  It is for Pink Champagne cupcakes.  These are my all time favorite.  You guys will love them too!  This is a Betty Crocker recipe it includes champagne frosting.  Let me know your favorite cupcake flavor below!

Champagne Cupcakes

1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® white cake mix

1 1/4 cups champagne

1/3 cup vegetable oil

3 egg whites

4 to 5 drops red food color

Champagne Frosting

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup champagne

1 teaspoon vanilla

4 to 5 drops red food color

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.

2. In large bowl, mix dry cake mix and champagne. Add oil, egg whites and food color. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed 2 minutes. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.

3. Bake 17 to 22 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

4. In medium bowl, beat frosting ingredients with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Frost cupcakes. Sprinkle with garnishes. Store loosely covered.

Check back tomorrow for more!

xo,

Jerica

Music Friday: Change Your Life

It's finally Friday!  I'm so ready for the weekend!  This week went by so slowly.  Today's music share is by my current favorite girl group.  It is Change Your Life by Little Mix.  If you have followed my blog for awhile then you probably aren't surprised by this.  I'm kind of obsessed with British artists right now.  If you guys have any recommendations then please let me know!  I've been listening to Change Your Life for the last week.  I just love how it's all about being yourself.  They dedicate it to their fans which I love.  I wish they were popular over here in America.  I'm sure they will be soon!  Have a great weekend!!!

xo.
Jerica

Be Mine Series: Valentine Fashion

Hey everybody!  Today I thought I'd help you out with what to actually wear on Valentine's Day.  I found a couple of shirts that feature hearts!  If you can't tell I'm obsessed with the heart trend right now.  Let me know your favorite thing to wear on Valentine's Day below.

I've been loving the denim trend right now.  So this shirt is perfect.  This shirt is from Target and cost $22.99.  I love how it slowly fades to white.

This one of my favorites.  It's super simple but still really trendy.  This is from Delia's and cost $24.50.  You could even wear this for your date night in.

I'm obsessed with this shirt!  I may have a slight owl obsession right now.  This is also from Delia's and cost $19.50.  Most of the time Delia's have a buy one get one 50% off, so you should check them out.

I really love this shirt.  It really fits Valentine's Day or just everyday.  This is from Aeropostale and cost $9.75.

Check back tomorrow for more!



xo,
Jerica

Be Mine Series: Valentine Nail Polish Colors

I love to paint my nails.  Especially if there is a holiday approaching.  Today I'll be sharing my top 3 favorite pink nail polish colors.  I don't ever really wear red polish so I decided pink is the next best thing for Valentine's Day.  There are so many ways to make your nails even more festive.  You could add a glitter top coat, add a few rhinestones, or add a heart on your nail.  Let me know your favorite nail polish colors below.

This is called Knockout Pout by Essie.  I like that it is the perfect shade of pink.  I like to call it Barbie pink.

This is called Hawaiian Orchid by OPI.  This is more of a paler pink.  It is a perfect color if you just want a subtle look.

This is called 24/7 by Sinful Colors.  This is what I'm currently wearing.  This is a bright neon pink and my personal favorite.


I hope you all check these out.  Tune in tomorrow for more!


xo,
Jerica

Be Mine Series: Movie Night

Today is all about movies.  If you are staying in then movies are an essential.  I've come up with a list of romantic movies to enjoy on Valentine's Day.  You can watch them alone, with your Valentine, or just a group of friends.  Let me know your favorite romantic movie in the comments.

1. The Notebook
2. Valentine's Day
3. The Lake House
4. A Lot Like Love
5. P.S. I Love You
6. 27 Dresses
7. Wedding Date
8. The Last Song
9. Definitely, Maybe
10. Friends With Benefits
11. Sweet Home Alabama
12. The Proposal
13. A Walk To Remember
14. The Lucky One
15. The Vow
16. What Happens In Vegas
17. Titanic
18. The Time Traveler's Wife
19. Save The Last Dance
20. Life As We Know It

If I missed any you think deserve to be on the list let me know.  Check back for more tomorrow.

xo,

Jerica

Be Mine Series: Delicious Red Velvet Cupcakes

I love cupcakes!  Most people buy them which is a nice thought.  I find it much more personal if you make your own.  You can make this for anybody.  The recipe is from a Paula Deen cookbook.  To make this more Valentine's Day themed use cupcake liners that have hearts on theme.  This recipe includes a cream cheese frosting.  I use sprinkles as my garnish instead of fruit.  Let me know if any of you bake this.

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 pound cream cheese, softened
2 sticks butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
Chopped pecans and fresh raspberries or strawberries, for garnish

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with cupcake papers.

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a large bowl gently beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla with a handheld electric mixer. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet and mix until smooth and thoroughly combined.

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins about 2/3 filled. Bake in oven for about 20 to 22 minutes, turning the pans once, half way through. Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth. Add the sugar and on low speed, beat until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy.

Garnish with chopped pecans and a fresh raspberry or strawberry.

Cook's Note: Frost the cupcakes with a butter knife or pipe it on with a big star tip.

I hope you guys are enjoying this series!  Come back tomorrow!

xo,

Jerica

Be Mine Series: Date Night In Idea's

Now that we have an outfit idea for a night in, it's time for some ideas on what you can do.  I came up with ideas that you can do with a group of friends or your girlfriend/boyfriend.  I hope you enjoy them!

1. Game Night
2. Bake/Cook Together
3. Watch Movies
4. Just Talk
5. Karaoke
6. Order Heart Shaped Pizza and Drink Wine
7. Indoor Picnic
8. Watch A Whole TV Series
9. Eat Junk Food
10. Dance Party

Let me know your favorite thing to do an a date night in.  Come back tomorrow!

xo,

Jerica

Be Mine Series: Night In Outfit Idea

Today is all about a night in.  Whether it's with your significant other or just some of your best girlfriends.  I actually prefer nights in for Valentine's Day.  It just makes everything more personal.  Plus I like to dress comfy and casual.  Leave a comment telling me what your perfect night in outfit would be.  I hope you like it!

First I chose a striped pink baggy sweater.  I know red is more common for Valentine's Day but I love pink more.  I've been obsessed with the baggy sweater tend lately.  They are so comfy but you still look cute.  I paired it with some skinny jeans.  If you want to wear a colored pair I'd suggest white or black.  Too much color will be overpowering.  I love dark wash because it'll go well no matter what color you are wearing.  For shoes you want to choose something comfy.  I love TOMS, not only are they super comfortable they also help a great cause.  For every pair purchased a pair is donated to children who have no shoes.  I wouldn't wear much make up with this look.  Baby Lips is perfect because it add a tint of color and moisturizes at the same time.  For eye shadow I'd go for a really light shimmery look.  I don't like wearing too much jewelry if I'm staying in.  Go for a simple necklace and a chunky watch or bracelet.  Painting your nails is optional.  If you do, go for a hot pink with white polka dots.  It's really simple and looks cute too.  Now finally how to style your hair.  I love wearing loose side braids.  If you don't like braid you could do a sock bun instead.

I hope you enjoyed my outfit idea.  Come back for more tomorrow!



xo,
Jerica

Be Mine Series: Decorate Your Room

Welcome to my first ever Valentine's Day series!!!!  I'm excited to share it with you guys.  Every day through Valentine's Day there will be a new post.  It will include recipes, gift guides, date ideas, and more.  Today is all about getting in the spirit.  I love to decorate my room based on whichever holiday is coming up.  Valentine's Day is the easiest because the decorations can be left up all year.  I'm going to share some inexpensive ways to make your room more festive.

1. String of Lights:
This is my favorite decoration.  You can add a string of lights around your window or the headboard.  Some stores actually sell heart shaped lights.  If you you don't want to spend any extra money though you can use what you already have.  Use red or white Christmas lights instead.

2. Window Clings:
This is always my go to item when I'm decorating.  They are super cheap too.  I usually buy mine at the dollar store.  It's so easy to do and a way to be creative.  It will make you feel very festive too.

3. Pillows and Throws:
You can never have enough pillows and blankets.  Some beds can cause your holiday decorations to clash.  So why not just change it up too.  Buy a pink or read throw blanket along with a few heart pillows.  Depending on where you shop will determine the price.  It just gives your an extra Valentine's touch.

4. Picture Heart:
I've been seeing this all over Pinterest lately.  This can be left up no matter what time of the year it is.  All you need to do is print off a bunch of a bunch of your favorite pictures.  It depends on how big you want your heart to be on how many pictures you'll need.  After you have all your pictures printed you need to arrange them on a flat surface into a heart shape.  Once you have your arrangement start taping them on to the wall  exactly the same way.  You final product should be like this:

I hope you all enjoyed my decorating tips!  Check back tomorrow for more!!  Let me know which ones you do.



xo,
Jerica

Music Friday: Skyscraper

It's the first Friday of February!  Today starts my Valentine's Day Be Mine series, so check back later today.  Today's share is a little bit older but I love it.  It is Skyscraper by Demi Lovato.  I love the message behind the song.  It's very empowering and encouraging especially for girls.  Nobody should bring you down to their level.  I went to high school with a bunch of girls who were bullies and lots of people were hurt from it.  We need more songs like this.  There is no reason to be mean to people.  It's time to stop bullying!  I hope you all have a great weekend!

xo,
Jerica