I'M BACK!!!

It feels SO good to be writing this!  I AM BACK!!!!!  I haven't posted in almost a year but I finally feel ready.  I really just needed time to figure everything out.  Don't worry I'll tell you guys all about it soon.  This is mostly just an announcement post but I have LOTS of content and ideas coming.  I should probably tell you what to look forward to since I've been away for FOREVER.  We'll be talking about music, fashion, makeup, food, and so much more!  My first "official" post will be a 50 question get to know me.  It will going up on Monday.  I plan on posting 2-3 times a week.  I don't want to put too much pressure on myself.  If you have anything you want me to post about then you can email me or tweet me.  I'm always open to suggestions!  I'm really excited to start this new adventure and be blogging again!

10 Bath And Body Works Scents To Buy During The Sale!

One of my biggest guilty pleasures is Bath And Body Works!  I could honestly live in that store!  Let's be honest though, it can be pretty expensive.  Every June and December is when Bath And Body Works have their semi-annual sale.  Who doesn't love a sale?  That's why now is the perfect time to stock up and maybe even discover a new signature scent.  I put together 10 scents to check out while everything is on sale.  What is your go to scent?  Leave me some recommendations!  If you pick up any of these tell me what you got.

1. Watermelon Lemonade

2. Cucumber Melon

3. Black Cherry Merlot

4. Fresh Sea Salt Mango

5. Peach Bellini

6. Magic In The Air

7. Waikiki Beach Coconut

8. Happy Vibes

9. Wild Rose And Apple

10. Sweet Pea

My 2018 Reading List

Every new year I always set one goal that I want to accomplish.  My goal is that I want to read 12 books within the year.  Seems simple right?  It's only a book a month!  By the end of the year I'm nowhere near my goal.  Last year I only read ONE BOOK!!!!!  This year I've decided to try a new strategy.  The hardest part for me is committing to the book I want to read.  So I wrote down all 12 months and picked a book for each one.  It could still change depending on what books are coming out this year.  I decided that I wanted to share my list with you all so you could follow along if you wanted.  Should we start a book club?  Let me know!  What books are you reading this year?

January: Turtles All The Way Down by John Green

February: Once And For All by Sarah Dessen

March: Caraval by Stephanie Garber

April: Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart

May: Woman In Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware

June: In The Unlikely Event by Judy Blume

July: Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

August: Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins

September: After You by Jojo Moyes

October: Good As Gone by Amy Gentry

November: How To Stop Time by Matt Haig

December: Journey Back To Christmas by Leigh Duncan

DIY Lip Scrub

Now that the cold weather has appeared everything is dry.  I HATE having dry and chapped lips.  It's the worst feeling ever!  While hanging out with one of my friends we decided to make our own lip scrubs.  A lib scrub gets all the dry skin off so when you apply chapstick it actually works.  They can be a bit pricey so this will save you money.  You could even give them as Christmas gifts!  It's SUPER easy and you probably have all the ingredients already!  If you make this tweet me pictures!  Enjoy!

What You Will Need:

2 cups white sugar

½ cup coconut oil

5-7 drops of orange essential oil

A jar with a lid

Pink food coloring

Directions:

1. Begin by mixing the sugar and coconut oil in a bowl. You can use a wooden spoon or food processor.

2. Add in the orange essential oil. You can use any flavor you want.  Also add a few drops of food coloring if you'd like.  Mine is bright pink but you can skip this part if you want.  Continue to mix and blend until the sugar scrub is the consistency you wish.

3. Store the sugar scrub in a glass jar with lid to keep it fresh.  To use your sugar scrub, just apply it to wet skin in a circular motion and rinse.

Book Haul

Winter is my favorite time to read.  I just find it so relaxing during all the hustle and bustle.  Plus what a better to spend a snowy night.  So I recently decided to buy some new books.  It's been awhile since I did a haul so I thought this would be the perfect time.  Maybe you will discover some new books.  I will link to a summary so nothing gets ruined.  What books are you loving?  Let me know!

First up is Girl Online Going Solo by Zoe Sugg.  This is the third and final book in the series.  I just love Zoe so of course I had to have the book.  I'm currently reading the second one so I can't wait to read this.  For a summary click here.

This is Two By Two by Nicholas Sparks.  I mean do I really have to explain???  His books are my obsession!  I have read every single book.  This one looks like a total tearjerker just by looking at the cover.  For a summary click here.

This is Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert.  I can't say too much about this but if you want to find out the secret make sure you follow my blog.  It will be revealed next week!  For a summary click here.

This is Bloom: Navigating Life And Style by Estee Lolonde.  I love Estee SO much!!  She is probably my favorite Youtuber so when she announced her book I immediately bought it.  I can't wait to read this.   For a summary click here.

Lastly is Good As Gone by Amy Gentry.  I had heard nothing about this book until I stumbled on it.  It was compared to Gone Girl which is one of my favorite books.  Plus this cover just draws me in for some reason.  For a summary click here.

Weekly Obsession!

Happy Wednesday!!!  This week has been going so fast!  I promised you I would be back with more obsessions.  It's a little different then usual.  My weekly obsession is... PeruseProject!!!!!!!!  You probably have no idea what that is.  It's a Youtube channel by a girl named Regan who talks all about books.  I discovered her maybe 2 weeks ago and I can't stop watching!  I LOVE to read and she makes you want to read books that you didn't even know you wanted to.  I love all her recommendations. She is a little bit quirky which I really enjoy.  She honestly reminds me of myself.  Go check her out!  What are you guys loving?

♥DIY Donut Pumpkin♥

One of my favorite things about Halloween is carving pumpkins.  This year I wanted to do something different.  The new trend is painting pumpkins so that's what I did.  I LOVE donuts!!!  I went to Pinterest to find some inspiration.  I think my pumpkin turned out pretty adorable.  I think next year I'll do a few more.

What You Will Need:

-A pumpkin of any size

-A pencil

-Acrylic Paint (any colors you want)

-Paint brushes

Directions:

1. Pick the pumpkin you want.  I went with a small one so it would be more realistic.

2. Then I took a pencil to outline the frosting.  Take gray paint and go over the outline.

3. Paint the top part of your pumpkin light pink.  Then paint the bottom portion a tan color.

4. After everything is dry use multiple different colors to make sprinkles.

It is that easy!  Did you decorate any pumpkins this year?  I would love to see them!  Tweet me pictures especially if you try this design.

4 Last Minute Halloween Costumes From Your Closet

Most of us will probably be going to some sort of Halloween party this weekend.  There is no reason to go spend $80 on a costume because all you'll need is your closet.  If you are like me then you probably have no clue what to be.  Don't worry I've got you covered!  I came up with 4 costumes that you already own.  Let's get to it!

First up is a scarecrow.  All you'll need is a plaid shirt, preferably red, some ripped jeans, and brown boots.  You can add makeup and a straw hat if you would like.  All you need is a braid and your look is complete.

Next up is a witch.  All that you will need is a black dress and black boots.  Any dress will work as long it's black so just pick your favorite.  The only thing you'll need to but is a witch hat which is less than $5.  If you are crafty then make your own.

Next is a flower goddess.  You'll need a flowy white dress, sandals, and a flower crown.  Think Coachella vibes or the Snapchat filter.  This my favorite for sure.

Last up is a fitness girl.  All you need are yoga pants, a exercise top, and sneakers.  This is probably the best one.  You can go straight from the gym to your party.  Plus you will be super comfortable all night!

Well that is what I came up with!  What was your favorite?  Also, let me know what you are going to be for Halloween in the comments!

What I Eat In A Day | Weekend Edition

Hey everybody!  I love reading and watching What I Eat In A Day posts.  I just find it really interesting and it gives me ideas of things to try.  Today I thought I would do a What I Eat In A Day but for the whole weekend.  It was a pretty chilled weekend but I thought I'd share anyway.  If you want more of these let me know.  What was your favorite dish this weekend?

Friday:

8:15 AM: I went out for breakfast today.  My friend and I decided to meet up every Friday for donuts and to catch up.  This morning I had a fudge cronut with some apple juice.  A cronut is a cross between a croissant and a donut.  I highly recommend it!

10 AM: For a snack I had a banana and some water

12:30 PM: For lunch I made a giant salad.  It had cucumber, chicken, bacon, cheese, a boiled egg, and croutons.  I used ranch for my dressing.  I also had some Mountain Dew and water.

2 PM: I had a piece of cake for a snack which wasn't that good

5:30 PM: For dinner I had fish, potato salad, and peas.  I drank some Dr. Pepper too.

6:15 PM: Dessert time!  I had banana bars that my grandma made.

9:30 PM: While catching up on some TV I had popcorn and M&M's.  Also Dr. Pepper to drink.

Saturday:

8:30 AM: For breakfast I had a boiled egg, hash browns, and toast.  I had orange juice and water also.

11:30 AM: I had some grapes and water as a snack

1:30 PM: My mom and I went out to a late lunch.  I had lasagna and breadsticks.  I had a root beer to drink.

5:45 PM: For dinner I had chicken strips and fries.  I drank cherry flavored water.

9 PM: For dessert I had cookie dough ice cream

Sunday:

8 AM: For breakfast I had scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast.  I also had a glass of orange juice.

10:15 AM: I had an apple with peanut butter and water.

12:20 PM: My grandma made fried chicken, potatos, and green beans.  To drink I had raspberry tea.

1:15 PM: I ate a red velvet cupcake which are my favorite

5:35 PM: For dinner I had leftover lasagna with a salad.  I had water to drink.

6:30 PM: For dessert I had cookies that I made

10 PM: Before bed I had brown sugar cinnamon poptarts




xo,
Jerica

New Year Fail?????

The last post you saw from me was my 2016 goals.  I said I'd be blogging 4-5 days a week and then I just disappeared!  I got a horrible flu/cold thing so I spent a lot of time sleeping and some sneaky online shopping.  P.S. don't online shop while on cold medicine it's not worth it!  I'm slowly on the mend so starting tomorrow I'll be back on schedule!  I'll still be doing Quiz Tuesdays and Weekly Obsessions but I also want suggestions from YOU!!  You can leave a comment saying what you'd like to see or send me an email giving suggestions.  It can be anything you want!



xo,
Jerica

My 2016 Goals

Happy 2016!!!  It's that time again.  It's time to set goals that we want to accomplish.  Last year was the first time I actually made goals for myself.  I didn't do very well but I didn't fail either.  If you want to see them go here.  2015 had a lot going on and I loved it!  I did decide to go back to school which did change what I had planned.  I'm in the groove now though so I hope to make my 2016 even better!!!  What is a goal you have for 2016?


Read 12 books: I failed to read 10 last year so why would I add more?  I really want to challenge myself.  A book every month shouldn't be hard.

Start a podcast: My friend and I are in the process of learning how to start it.  So hopefully in 2016 we can launch it.

Blog 5 days a week: I did pretty well last year so I'm going to keep going with it!  I want to do deeper topics so if you have any ideas let me know.

Get a tattoo: This might seem random but I'm going to be 27 this year.  I'm terrified of needles so this will be a big step for me.  I'm ready!

Take a vacation: I didn't do this last year.  I think this Summer we will finally do it.  I'll go anywhere!

Journal: I found a 5 year journal but I didn't want to commit to that.  I'm going to try a year instead.  I think it will be fun to look back on.

Take more pictures: I love photos but I always forget to take them.  I'm going to capture  more memories this years.



xo,
Jerica

10 Reasons Why I Love Fall

It's finally beginning to feel like fall time!  Even though I love summer I'm ready to enjoy cooler weather.  I thought I would share my top 10 reasons that I love fall.  Living in Nebraska we get to experience every season.  Since I've been here my entire life sometimes I don't take it all in.  So that's why I decided to do this post.  What is fall like where you live?  What do you love about this time of year?

1. Hoodies

2. Football

3. Bonfires

4. Hot Chocolate

5. Changing Leaves

6. Baking

7. Caramel Apples

8. Carving Pumpkins

9. Crisp Air

10. Boots

xo,

Jerica

Quiz Tuesday: Which Subtle Tattoo Should You Get Based On Your Zodiac Sign?

Happy Tuesday!  I always get so excited for these posts.  They are a lot of fun and I love seeing your answers too!  Today's quiz is something I've been thinking about a lot lately.  It's called Which Subtle Tattoo Should You Get Based On Your Zodiac Sign?  I am OBSESSED with tattoo's but needles freak me out.  I've decided in 2016 I will get a tattoo!  I'm interested in the results because I have one in mind already.  You can take the quiz by clicking here.  Share your results in the comments!

My zodiac sign is Cancer.  I got a black cat on my ankle.  The description says: You are friendly and approachable. Much like the black cat, you have multiple lives. You are resilient.

The description fits me perfectly but I'm not a cat person.  I do like the ankle idea though.  I'll keep you guys posted!



xo,
Jerica

5 Tips To Stay Motivated

Hey guys!  Today's post is something that can help us all.  We all struggle with staying motivated.  It could be with work, school, or even life.  I thought I would share some tips that I use when I feel in a slump.  If you have any tips to share I would love to hear them!  I hope I helped you in someway.

Take A Break:

Sometimes taking a step back can give you a whole new frame of mind.  You can take as long as you need.  I don't blog when I don't feel motivated because it reflects in my posts.  I wait about 3-4 days and I feel better about my content.  For school, you can use a reward system.  Set goals and you complete it you can do something you enjoy.  For example for every 30 pages you read you can watch 2 YouTube videos.

Set A Schedule:

Every Sunday night I plan out my week.  Writing down everything that you want to do makes you actually want to do it.  Figure out when you are most productive.  I work better at night so I write blogs, do homework, and read emails.  It really does help!

Get Inspired:

Sometimes we just run out of ideas.  There are a TON of ways to get inspired.  Go outside.  Listen to music.  Watch a movie.  Try something new.  Basically just get out and away from whatever you are working on.

Think Positively:

Don't be so hard on yourself.  Just do the best you can and look at it positively.  If you are negative then it will reflect on your work.  Look at every situation with an open mind and just enjoy it.

Be Yourself!:

This is the most important tip.  Being true to yourself is all that matters.  Don't worry about what other people want you to do or what you think they will like.  Do what feels right for you.  There is only one you so be the best you that you can be!




xo,
Jerica

My Thoughts On The Pretty Little Liar Finale

I've been waiting to do this post for awhile!  I was waiting so that I didn't ruin anything.  If you haven't watched yet be warned that there will be spoilers.  Let's get to it!

I've been ADDICTED to this show since the very beginning.  They really hyped up this season calling it the summer of answers.  We were FINALLY going to find out who A is!  I thought it was going to be Bethany.  She has been connected to Alison's family quite often plus we knew that A was related.  I didn't have any crazy theories or predictions like a lot of other fans did.  I honestly had NO idea who it was but I was 90% sure that Sara had something to do with it.

I really loved the episode!  It was super suspenseful and it did answer most of the questions that we fans wanted to know.  I did not think that A was going to be CeCe Drake.  When she turned around my jaw literally dropped.  She just hasn't been on the show in awhile.  Some people didn't like the transgender storyline but I honestly didn't mind it.  It actually made sense and I can't believe we didn't figure it out with all the clues!  Also Sara Harvey was red coat AND black widow.  I was on to her!

The end jumped ahead 5 years and showed the girls warning Alison that he was following her.  Who is he?  How can they leave as hanging like that?  Also, did the moms ever get out of the basement?  We won't find anything out until January!  That's too long!  Did you watch the finale?  Let me know your thoughts.




xo,
Jerica

Weekly Obsession!

I am constantly looking for new things to be interested in.  This week has been an old obsession that I've revisited.  My weekly obsession is...podcasts!  I have been loving podcasts lately!  I find them to be interesting and relaxing.  I like to put them on while I'm getting ready for the day or while I'm writing blog posts.  I really like TED Talks because it's about 15-20 minutes long.  Plus the topics are SO fascinating.  It's educational but it doesn't drag on so you won't get bored.  I usually just go on iTunes and find something that I think I'll like.  There is LITERALLY a podcast for every topic you can think of.  The best part is that they are free.  What are some of your favorite podcasts?

4 Tips For Surviving Monday's

Let's be real Monday's can be rough.  It's nobody's favorite day of the week unless it's a holiday.  Unfornately it's not going away so we might as well make the best of it!  I have 4 tips that will make your Monday's just a little bit better.  Hopefully they will help some of you!  Share your tips as well!

1. Create A Playlist

Waking up is always hard for me no matter what day it is.  Somehow Monday's are especially hard!  I have a playlist on my iPod that I set as my alarm.  Pick songs that are upbeat and fun because it will set your mood for the day.  Mine includes One Direction, Taylor Swift, and Maroon 5.  I also have a lot of 90's songs.

2. Have A Good Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  There are SO many quick and healthy options to choose from.  One of my favorites is oatmeal with fruit in it.  It really is filling and makes me feel more energized.  If you don't have time to sit and eat just make a smoothie.  It works just as well!

3. Plan Your Outfit

Having everything ready for your day will make you feel less stressed.  Rushing around in the morning can make you forgetful.  Lay anything you'll need out the night before to prevent that.  It just makes your day go super smooth.  Plus you can sleep an extra 10 mintues!

4. Tidy Your Space

This is something new I've started doing.  Coming home to a clean room and a nice bed makes you feel releaved.  If you had a bad day you can just come home and turn on Netflix.  You don't have to worry about cleaning because it's already done!  It only takes a few minutes if you do it daily.

xo,

Jerica

My 4th Of July Style

Can you believe that 4th Of July is tomorrow?  I'm SUPER excited because it's one of my favorite holidays.  We spend the day hanging out and eating way too much food!  At night is when all the fun begins!  Today I thought I would share what I'll be wearing for the holiday.  What are you wearing for the 4th?  Let me know!

This year I'll be wearing a romper for sure this year!  It's perfect because it looks like you spent a ton of getting ready but you didn't.  I love anything that cuts down my getting ready time.  They are really comfortable and not too tight.  This is perfect because then you can eat as much food as you want!  Also it's shorts so you will stay covered if it gets windy!

I'm OBSESSED with gladiator sandals this year.  I feel like they go well any outfit.  They are really comfortable as well.  I spend most of my day outside playing with my nieces so I don't want my feet hurting.  The only downside is you can get crazy tan lines but I don't mind!

Since I'll be outside most of the day I'm going to need sunglasses.  I've been loving the round style this year.  I wear prescription glasses but I normally wear non-prescription sunglasses.  My eyesight isn't that bad but now I can buy these.  These sunglasses are from Salt City Optics which is a prescription sunglasses site.  There are many styles, brands, and colors to choose from.  Check them out!

Hats are always a must during summer.  There are so many benefits!  It shades your face so you don't get a sunburn.  It also keeps your head cool which is always good.  This hat is from Forever 21 and super patriotic.  Go America!

I love fringe anything!  It just really makes me feel like I'm at Coachella when I'm not.  If I'm using a purse I prefer using the crossbody style.  It keeps your shoulder from hurting and it also helps prevent somebody from stealing.  I like the smaller sizes because them you are only carrying the essentials.

I wear bracelets with everything!  I love the odd shapes ones especially.  You can be as creative as you want and create different combos.  This set is from Forever 21 and I'm in love!  You can where them separately or all together.  You could even mix them with other bangles.



xo,
Jerica

Weekly Obsession!

If you saw my recent summer nails post then you probably saw this one coming.  My weekly obsession is...white nail polish!  This is actually Marshmallow by Essie.  I bought it on sale and now I can't stop using it!  Typically during summer I wear my bright neon colors.  White polish is SO underrated in my opinion.  The best part is that you can wear glitter, neon, or plain.  There are just a ton of options to do that don't look boring.  It also makes your tan pop more.  I've been trying a lot of different ideas so if you want to see them let me know.  What is your current favorite nail polish?  Let me know!


xo,
Jerica

New Series Idea

Hey guys!  I want to thank all of you for following my blog.  It really means a lot to me!  Today's post is all about all you!  I really want to start a series where we can discuss any topics. I've been watching a TON of videos like this on YouTube so I thought it would be perfect to blog about.  I want to be a debate/discussion series. I love thought provoking topics and it will help me get to know you guys better. It can be about life, pop culture, or just anything really. If you have suggestions leave a comment or email me at jerica.berner@gmail.com.  I really look forward to hearing all your topic ideas!


xo,
Jerica