Nik's Favorite Beauty Products

Hello my fellow beauty babes! I am no make up artist by any means, but I do love makeup and try to buy the best and most affordable products I can for myself. I know everyone wants a different look, has different skin types, or just wants a simple/minimal effort for their daily routine. All of these products I have used, loved, and recommend to anyone looking for a new make up brand or product if you haven't found one that you LOVE for yourself! Its taken me a while to find brands I like, that are long lasting throughout the day and that work with my skin type as well. I am happy to share these beauty finds with you! I am only sharing a few of my top favorites, if any of my fellow makeup enthusiasts have questions about my beauty trials or other products I didn't mention below, please comment or reach out to me, I'd love to share more makeup/product secrets!

$36.00

I have always used Smashbox as my makeup primer for the past few years. The original photo finish primer is the one I have started using most recently. Before this I was using the Smashbox super light and smooth primer. (white bottle/cream) The super light formula I felt didn't work with my skin, didn't give me the base I needed to keep my makeup lasting all day, and it was a bit oily for my skin. The original photo finish primer I now use is a thicker gel formula and gives me a better base before my daily makeup routine. This primer is still light weight, oil free, vegan, and cruelty free!

$34.00

I always have used liquid foundation but with bare minerals I found it to be light weight, the coverage never fails me, and it lasts all day. I use two different shades throughout the seasons but I am always able to find a shade that works perfect for my skin tone. BareMinerals barepro gives me complete coverage but doesn't make me feel like my makeup is caked onto my face. This formula has SPF 20, is oil free, and Dermatologist tested. If you have any skin issues or allergies and haven't tried bare minerals, I would completely recommend giving this product a try!

$31.00

I typically do not use just powder foundation but when I have a spray tan, sometimes I prefer to use a powder instead of liquid. I like having the option of powder or liquid and often use both daily. This powder doesn't dry out my skin or irritate my skin while wearing it all day. BareMinerals barepro powder foundation has multiple shades and is a 12-hour long wear foundation. This powder gives  full and smooth coverage, in addition to also being hypoallergenic/Dermatologist tested. 

$27.00

Daily I use three shades of this Tarte shape tape contour concealer. I use one color under my eye lids and two for contouring. I am not the best at contouring, but tarte shape tape contour concealer gives me multiple shades where I can use them for under eye coverage or full contouring. Ive tried using powder and cream contouring kits, and non have worked 100% for me. I never liked how they looked or blended with my skin type/shades. I use 35N medium shade, 44H tan, and 47S tan deep sand. This concealer gives full coverage, has a matte finish and super easy to blend! Not to mention all Tarte products are vegan, dermatologist tested and cruelty free, who doesn't love that?!

$40.00

Anastasia Beverly Hills collection is one of my favorite makeup brands. This is my second highlighting glow kit I have used and I am in LOVE! These kits last me FOREVER and have stunning shine. The Sun Dipped Glow Kit has four ultra fine formulas and they all have plenty of sparkle. My current favorite of the four options is Summer and its flawless!

$10.00

Ulta velvet blush has multiple rich colors and is my favorite blush I use. I own this deep purple and another peachy pink shade. They last throughout the day and have some sparkle to most shades. Ulta now has their blush collection called flushed blush or mineral blush. This majestic shade is currently out of stock and I believe is getting discontinued completely which is truly a bummer! I hope to find another Ulta blush shade I LOVE when the two shades I currently have run out! 

$20.00

I never obsess over my brows or have used liners for them. I never really have drawn them in, dyed them or done anything besides wax them until this past year or so. I have thicker dark brown brows so for me shading them in or giving them any extra attention didn't seem necessary. Even though my brows are thicker, most recently I have noticed smaller spots I wish were darker or looked more evenly full throughout my whole brow. The makeup forever brow gel is light weight, has minimal shades (easy to find your right color), and the brush gives you the perfect control to spread the formula evenly.  This brow gel strengthens your brow hairs and is a more natural look compared to other brow fillers. I use the intense brown shade for my brows.

$24.00

First off I loved the name of the mascara so I said what the hell, lets try it! I also liked the texture and hourglass shape of the brush. I am super picky on mascara brushes and want to ensure the brush can evenly separate my lashes when applying. I normally wear false lashes but when I don't, I apply two coats of this formula on. I love the length and volume it gives me, on top of that Too-Faced is cruelty and vegan free! If you'd like to give this a try, Ulta right now is offering a free gift with purchase! (Travel size of the Better than Sex mascara is currently $12.00 if you'd like to just test it before committing to a new mascara!)

$25.00

I alternate between Lancome and Too-Faced mascaras in my daily makeup routine. Both mascaras have big brushes and have creamy formulas. Lancome's Monsieur mascara gives my lashes thickness, length, and theres absolutely no smudging! I apply two strokes per eye and I get the full volume look I love. This formula also lasts me through a full day of work and I never have to re-apply before a night out.

$6.99

When it comes to fake lashes, I do not like anything heavy, too thick or unnatural looking. ARDELL lashes are in-expensive, have a wide range of styles, and offer discounts often which makes them even more affordable. I do prefer strip lashes over single lashes, from experience strip lashes are easier for me to apply. I normally get the twin packs of ARDELL Demi 120 lashes or ARDELL Studio Effect Demi wispies. Demi 120 lashes are a more natural everyday look. These lashes do add light volume, but I do add mascara when I wear these. Studio effect Demi wispies are still a natural look but they are fuller and give more length. (no mascara needed) 

$6.49

I use and prefer the duo blue package lash glue, but have tried the green package as well. I personally do not like the brush given for applying in the green package of DUO lash glue. Both glues have the same texture and dry time, but the blue package lash glue has longer lasting wear for me.

$21.00

If you aren't a lip color type of gal, I'm thinking you may want to re-consider and try too-faced melted collections. I have tried there glosses, matte lip colors, and most recently there matte-tallic liquified lip color, I AM OBSESSED! Too-faced lip colors are priced a bit higher than other brands I have tried but all the shades I have are long lasting (through drinking/eating), smell great, and are cruelty free! This particular collection has 14 colors to choose from and I purchased two of the metallic shades! My current favorite I am using is FAKING IT. Ulta is also offering a gift with purchase if customers make the purchase online!

$16.00

Ulta now has Kyle cosmetics and this is so convenient for any makeup lover that hasn't tried her products yet or is obsessed with the lip kits! I never really had any interest in Kylie cosmetics, but a friend of mine bought this lip color for me and I ended up liking it! I love the wear of this liquid lipstick and it lasted longer than I thought it would, the color also goes on smooth and stays vibrant. I ended up buying another color from her collection shortly after I tried this basic lip matte color. 

$32.00

I just recently bought this setting spray and I am in love! My makeup lasted all day and the spray is so light weight on my skin! This spray helps prevent smudging or melting of your makeup with the proprietary temperature control technology! Did I mention the all nighter setting spray is vegan and is selling on urban decays website in a duo pack for only $39 right now?!

Xo Nik

Happy Galentines Day

You don't need a boyfriend or significant other to enjoy flowers, sweet treats or eat a delicious meal on Valentine's day! Turn V-day into ME-day or G-day, hang out with your besties or just treat yourself! Here are some fun last minute ideas for you and your favorite gal pals!

For your bestie who loves taking selfies or just creating cute memories with her girls! This rose quartz Instax Polaroid camera is $10 off right now at Target! 

This large heart marble jewelry bowl is perfect for any small rings, dainty necklaces or just everyday jewelry you want to keep safe at the end of the day. Francescas is doing a sale online 50% off one full priced item and BOGO 50% off in store! Free shipping on $60 or more orders online too.

For your bestie that is always your personal makeup artist, this Friends TV theme makeup bag is so cute & perfect for any makeup enthusiast! I mean come on, who doesn't like FRIENDS? Use GIFT15 today (February 13th 2019) to get 15% off your online purchase! 

Which gal pal is the foodie of the group? Maybe even your friend that is creative and loves to relax, this coloring book is the perfect stress reliever! Pies,Fries, and Ice-cream is a fun activity to do at home while having a snack or glass of wine. Amazon Prime users, FREE shipping for orders $25 or more right now, go add this to your cart!

Who doesn't love to dance all night? Your girl will love this crystal clear retro bluetooth speaker  for those late night jam sessions! This speaker is perfect to get the party started anywhere.

Coffee-holics where are you? These personalized mugs are adorable, & not to mention perfect for those morning chats after a fun & late girls night out!

Everyone has that one bestie that always brings the "tea" and loves every minute of it! Show your chatty bestie why you love her & of course stir the pot to see what else she has to spill! 

Show your bestie you love her to the moon & back with this Astrology relationship book! This Astrology book is perfect for any relationship or friendship! This book talks about how to improve any relationship & understand each other better! 

For your Girl Boss bestie that is single as F**K and doesn't need a boy! This phone case is hilarious and come on, boys suck sometimes right? Check out there website for this phone case and many more fun products to choose from! Website sale is going on until midnight tonight (February 13th 2019) with code HEART30, you get 30% off entire site!

Xo Nik 

Date Ideas for Valentines Day

Creative Date Night Ideas

1. Recreate your first date!- Go back in time and enjoy your first date again together! Go to the same restaurant, bar, movie theater, etc.

2. Cook dinner for your partner- Pick out all their favorite foods from appetizers to dessert. Show them you know what they like and you want to enjoy it with them. If you have a partner that loves to travel, make the dinner travel themed, each course is inspired by a different country!

3. Rent an Expensive Sports Car- Car lovers and adventure seekers, rent your dream car for a day/weekend and go on a day trip together! Drive fast and have fun in a different place you both haven't been before.

4. Spa Day/Night- Treat yourselves to relax with massages and facials together. Enjoy time together, but also be able to relax and just have quiet time away from the everyday stresses.

5. Memory Lane- Print your favorite photos from the previous year of dating and create an album. Cuddle up by the fire with a glass of wine and plan new adventures together while admiring your old ones.

6.  Foodies- Try out a new restaurant or cocktail experience. Even consider a wine or beer tour, try some new drinks together and test out a new environment, maybe you'll find your new favorite place for date night!

7. Turn up the Music- Visit a club or speak easy with live music, enjoy a jazz club or rock club. Have a drink and listen to music you both like. Enjoy conversation and one on one romantic time you may not normally have.

8. Roses are Red- Rose themed scavenger hunt. Use rose pedals/flowers to create a scavenger hunt at home. Use previous events/fun facts in your relationship as the clues to lead your partner to a romantic dinner/after dinner sweet treat.

9. Too Cold Out- Create a romantic picnic dinner inside! Cozy blankets and pillows in your living room, have your favorite food delivered and pop open a bottle of wine! Who said you can't enjoy a picnic in the winter?

10. Movie night: Better than Netflix & Chill- Rent a big screen projector and use your living room or basement wall as your movie screen! Pop some popcorn, grab your favorite snacks, and of course some wine! Stay in, cuddle, and enjoy a movie marathon!

11. Did you say brunch?- Breakfast in bed can be a romantic gesture to start off valentines day and not spend as much money if you were to go out for dinner. Grab some fresh fruit, pastries, champagne, and roses for her! I'd say thats a pretty good way to start my day!

12. Need a good laugh- Take your partner to a comedy show! This is low key and more casual if your the kind of couple who doesn't want to be so serious for your date. Grab a bite to eat, your favorite cocktail and sit back together to enjoy a good laugh!

(Disclosure: Photos being used are found on Pinterest, not my own)

Old Ways Won't Open New Doors

Thanksgiving came quick this year in my eyes and I can't believe how much has happened in this past year. 365 days sounds like a lot, but blink once and the year is pretty much gone. I know a lot of us this time of year are stressed out, hard on ourselves, or struggling to do everything we need to before this year ends. One thing I know for sure, you can't always accomplish or do everything on your plate alone. I am a firm believer of just counting on yourself and not relying on others, but sometimes you have to know when to ask for help. This time of year I always get overwhelmed with daily tasking, and my own personal expectations I have for myself to finish off a successful year, but there is something bigger on my mind that overpowers all.... There are others in life struggling way worse than myself.. We sometimes are so busy with our lives, we don't see the bigger picture. Many of us just focus on the current moment, not thinking about how we can effect the future or others. The energy, efforts, and love you give will always make full circle back to you. My goal is to spread positivity, comfort, and kindness to whoever I can for the rest of 2018. I just want to see all my loved ones taken care of, happy, and healthy, but this time of year for my family there is always a piece missing and I know my family is not the only one that struggles with this heartbreak. I lost my cousin to cancer in 2007, he was only 5 years old, I would never wish this feeling of emptiness or sadness on any other family.  I am writing this post to remind everyone to be thankful for special moments because time flies and to show love because life is short. Let's all come together and help families who need it, Starlight Children Foundation offer entertainment, education and technology to critically, chronically and terminally ill children. I work for a Retailer Garage, we are a teenage girl brand that is raising money to help these families and any amount helps them!! Garage helps multiple charities and local foundations all year round with our Make a Difference program. Click on the link below to help donate and make a difference this holiday season!

Donate today!

Believe in the Power of Positivity

Positive thinking and visualization are important details to a successful, positive and happy lifestyle. Being successful has different meanings to every person, but to me it means a few things. Being successful is creating happiness for yourself without depending on someone else. Being successful is being financially stable on your own and having financial freedom without guilt of always having to owe someone. Being successful is waking up everyday proud of yourself because you found something you love and your actually doing it! Being successful is having a balance in life between your career and your personal life.  Being successful is allowing yourself to enjoy moments and in those moments creating memories with people that mean the most. I haven't always been the most positive person, but if you are a seeker for success like myself, there are things you need to remember to get there. You need to remember that your feeling or definition of success comes with you visualizing it for yourself and you believing that its possible. Its you remembering to feed your mind and soul with positivity to support your goals. Its you not being afraid of failure, if failure happens its a positive lesson and that takes you down another path in your journey. People are always feeling under pressure to be in a certain spot in life or feel unhappy with their lifestyle or feel their goals are untouchable, but it's your mindset that is creating that roadblock. It's your lack of positive thinking, your lack of planning, and your lack of thinking small that are creating this imaginary roadblock for yourself. Remember these few things and just maybe they will change your mindset.

1. Always think big. Never downgrade or aim low for yourself.
2. Find what you love and actually do it!
3. Make a plan and follow it! If you get to a bump in the road, go around it, don't just stop!
4. Find your balance in life, figure out what works best for your journey.
5. Feed your mind and soul with positivity everyday, envision yourself as being successful and happy!

There is so much negativity in our world. Let's create positivity for ourselves and spread it throughout our personal life journeys. Help yourself and maybe while your doing that, it is contagious enough to help others. Your positivity and happiness may just help someone else you didn't even know needed it.

Believe in the power of positivity. 

Fall Fun in NY

I think I speak for most of us New Yorkers when I say we barely had a summer! We had one month of super hot days and the rest of the summer was pretty mediocre unfortunately. I honestly am ready for the transition into fall considering it didn't feel like Summer this year anyways. Every year for Fall you do the same thing right? Haunted hayrides, apple picking, pumpkin carving, Halloween parties etc, I'm ready to spice it up and try something new for Fall. Lets experience new food, drinks, music, stories, or any activities that you may never have heard of or maybe you have always wanted to try but haven't yet. Well why not try them this Fall, our year is almost over, try as many new things as possible and enjoy it with people who are open to the new experience with you! Here are some events/activities that are coming up as soon as this weekend (September 8th 2017) in the Upstate/New York City areas!!

1. Saratoga Wine & Food Festival and Concours D’Elegance

CAPITAL-SARATOGA, SARATOGA SPRINGS

Sep 08, 2017 - Sep 10, 2017

2. Hudson Valley Hoptember Harvestfest

HUDSON VALLEY, LAGRANGEVILLE

Sep 09, 2017

3. Adirondack Nationals Car Show

ADIRONDACKS, LAKE GEORGE

Sep 07, 2017 - Sep 10, 2017

4. Tap It Forward Festival 

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

Genesee Brew House

Sep 08, 2017

5. Key Bank Rochester Fringe Festival

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

September 14th, 2017- September 23rd 2017

6. Fairport Oktoberfest 

Fairport, NEW YORK

October 6th 2017- October 7th 2017

7. Kettle Fest

KETTLE RIDGE FARM VICTOR, NEW YORK

September 16th 2017

8. Cider Week

New york, New York

October 20th 2017- October 29th 2017

9. Giant Pumpkin Weekend

bronx, NEW YORK

October 21st, 2017- October 22nd, 2017

10. Haunted Lantern Tours

Queens , NEW YORK

October 27th, 2017- October 28th, 2017

Back to What?

This time of year many of our friends or family are getting ready for their new routine. Maybe there going back to school, getting ready for their first year of college, or starting a new job after being a college graduate. What if you are past going back to school or its been long past you being a college graduate, what are you transitioning to this fall?

Are you in the same job you have been complaining about for months, have you been considering going on a diet and joining a gym but haven't "had the time" yet, or maybe you have been struggling with your finances and still can't find a solution for you to build up your savings account?  Whatever the situation maybe, its more than half way through this year, don't you think its time to make some moves? Think to yourself, if your still having the same issues you were when this new year started, maybe its time to change something your doing right? We all want to make these life-changing choices, but we are all too worried about "what could happen" or "what if I can't do it," instead of clearing our minds and being confident in starting fresh, your psyching yourself out!

We are all so worried about failing or who might be affected by these choices, which don't get me wrong are valid thoughts,  but they are creating roadblocks to where you want to get to. If only we could stop worrying about what others want, or what you think you should do and change your mindset into doing what you need to do, maybe things would get accomplished don't you think?

Those goals you made for yourself at the beginning of this year, where did they go? That mind set you had that first month of the year getting yourself pumped up for success and a fresh start, where did that person go? Yes the year is going by fast, but that doesn't mean that your goals or fresh start is long gone. There is always room for improvement, always room to make things better, and always opportunities that will come your way, but you have to take advantage of it and not just keep putting things on the back burner.

Prioritize your life, stick to the goals that you want, and do what you need to do to get there. The power of negative thinking and self doubt is huge to your success and happiness in life, get out of your head for a moment!! Take time to really gain the patience you need to set yourself straight and spend more time focusing on your positives and less time on self-sabotage.

Nik 

Stop Seeing Competition, Start Seeing Opportunity.

I'M BACK!

Sorry everyone, I feel like at some point of the year I am always going MIA for a bit. You know how life is, trying to figure out what you want for yourself in life or even day by day, even though I can barely even figure out what kind of coffee I want in the morning. Transforming and growing into my mid twenties brings a lot of different stresses, opportunities, emotions and obstacles that I never even thought of before. Honestly, I didn't think I still would be living in NY where I grew up, I made a goal and promise to myself by this time I would  be moved back to Los Angeles California by the age of 25 with the perfect plan that I would have reached and accomplished, and unfortunately I haven't made it there yet. I have defiantly progressed into becoming more successful and closer to the ending career I want for myself, but I am not even close to feeling fully fulfilled and happy with my career and life choices yet. I can lie and say I don't have regrets, but I do have some, but doesn't everyone? I am trying now to think outside of my imagination and really look at the reality of my life considering in reality, time is ticking and I don't want to waste anymore of it. Moving forward in life your suppose to change your way of thinking, come up with new solutions, try different avenues to get to where you see yourself, and yet all these things unfortunately can't come all at once. People always say, "your doing the best you can your not alone.", or"it takes time you'll get there"! Well yes of course things take time and yes of course others in there mid twenties may feel this way or may be in the same boat, but I don't want to be in that boat. I want to be on my own yacht for crying out loud. I want to be able to say I'm achieving all my goals and living my dreams because I have worked hard for it and I've earned it. I know many older generations think millennials just want things handed to them, but in the end we are the next generation that is going to be that success in the business world and will make a difference, if you give us that chance and have faith in our choices we might actually give you a run  for your money. I don't want to be the 40% or more of millennials that are just thriving for something more,  sitting at a boring 9-5 desk job waiting for it just fall in their lap, ACTUALLY DO SOMETHING TO MAKE IT HAPPEN! I want to get what I want not just dream about it or wish for it. I am sure you are reading this article and thinking whatever I have seen this before or I feel this way but its not going to change. Unfortunately,  thats the exact attitude and mindset of why it won't change! That is why other generations think we are lazy or un experienced or not driven enough because we think we are doing "our best" but we haven't even hit the tip of the iceberg of what we are capable of. This isn't college anymore, this is real life, you have rent you need to pay right, you have travel plans to explore the world, or you have those shoes you have been dying to have for months right or wait how about those high ass student loan payments that are not going away? Mommy and daddy's wallet can't always save you, its time to fucking grow up! Well none of these are just going to happen if you don't get your ass in gear and prove to yourself you have what it takes. Let's be real, we are in our mid twenties now, party time is over, its now time to be kick ass at what most people call being an adult!

Xo Nik

New Year, New Closet.

It's a New Year and normally everyone is saying "New Year new me," well this year I'm saying "New Year new clothes." I am ready to clear out my closet & start fresh, create a different look for myself for the amazing year ahead of me. 2017 is for new beginnings and new shoes, not clutter and old sweaters from three years ago. Keep the past in the past and make some space for some new digs. My "Spring cleaning" is starting early this year, I plan on moving again this year in a few months and definitely don't wear half of the clothes in my closet. You know how you just keep clothes thinking you will wear them again or say hey this might come up, I'll need this.. and it never does, well half of my closet is like that! SO to make room for my newer and chicer wardrobe, I have to reorganize, sell or donate all these extra pieces! Here is my best advice to you on how to clean your closet to make room for those new Christmas presents and for those New Year purchases!

1. Clean and Take everything out of your closet, YES I SAID EVERYTHING! Have your closet be completely empty, see the space your working with!

Extra tip: Place dryer sheets or air freshners on the sides of your closet or in your dresser drawers, it will keep your closet/space smelling great.

2. Create 3 piles for your clothing. Keep, Store, Donate/Sell.

Extra Tip: If you don't remember when you bought the shirt or you haven't worn that dress in a year, donate it! Don't hold onto something that in the back of your mind  you know you will not wear again!

3. Color Coordinate. You might think this is crazy, but I do this and it helps me so much when I'm trying to decide my outfit choices daily! I normally have a color in mind I want to wear based on my mood or what I plan on doing, so color coordinating may take some extra time but will be totally helpful in the long run.

Extra tip: Pick one color scheme for your hangers, I know it sounds excessive but your closet looks so much more organized and clean when there aren't a million different types of hangers.

4. Placing items back in your closet. Now that you know what you want to give up, what you need to hide away for this season, and what you want to actually keep, its time to place them where it makes most sense to you!

Extra tip: Any clothes you need to store for another season/occasion, place up high in plastic bins with labels, or my favorite way to store my out of season wardrobe, vacuum packed storage bags, they keep your clothes fresh and take up a lot less space! Any clothes you wear most often keep in the "prime area of your closet." You want your "go to" outfits to be front and center and your lesser used items put below.

5. Don't forgot about shoes and accessories! Use small fabric or clear shoe cubby bins/organizers to keep track of your shoes.

Extra tip: Shoe organizers are also great to store leggings or lingerie.

Extra tip: Put those old magazines to good use, roll them up and stick them in tall boots to keep them from falling over, and to keep there shape looking new! Use shower curtain rings to loop around racks in your closet to hang scarves, small handbags, or belts, it helps save space and keeps you organized!

P.S.
Here are some methods to help you avoid clutter and feeling better about buying new clothes!

• Buy a pair of jeans, donate an old pair you haven't worn in the past 6 months! 
• Need new socks? Buy two pairs of socks, throw out those old ones with holes! 

Can't remember when you last wore something? Use the "flip hanger method," Make all of the hooks to your hangers facing towards you, when you wear the item you put it back the opposite way. Continuously do this for a few months, after some time goes by, you will notice hangers you haven't touched or turned around, that means its time to give those clothes away! Don't hang onto something for those "what if" moments, make room for clothes that will become your new favorites!

xo Nik

Accessories are Key this Fall

Let's spice up more than just your coffee this Fall! It's finally that time of year, sweater weather! I love when seasons change, its a new time for you to change as well, not just with your wardrobe but with your life style as well. I know when fall begins I am over joyed for the change and of course to shop for new items to refresh my fall wardrobe! Now to all my fellow fashion enthusiasts, we finally get that opportunity to re vitalize our personal fashion collections! Our wardrobes and styles completely flip, we get to pick our new favorite seasonal piece or our new "go to" for fall. I'm more than ready for my style to be effortless but still stay chic and fashion forward. Sweaters, bombers, leggings, fur vests, and many other endless clothing possibilities are everywhere to choose from, but I'm the most fascinated with my accessory game this Fall!

Bring on the fall fun, I'm ready to be the accessory queen this season! Knitted beanies, thigh high boots, sheer scarves, oversized bags, chokers and of course we can't forget the fur! With these bold accessories come bold colors and tons of layering. Burnt orange, navy blue, champagne nudes, coffee browns and deep maroons are bursting out this fall and are making a huge pop anywhere you look. Observing trends from fashion magazines, retail stores, trunk shows and recent fashion runways will prove to you that these colors are crucial and apparent additions this year for everyone. Let's clean out our closets and make room for new Fall favorites.

Millennials Need to Embrace the Unknown of Their Future

Our twenties are for us to find out who we are and discover our purpose in life right? We are still being adventurous, trying to figure out what we look for in a partner, and trying to figure out where we are meant to plant our roots and spend our life. You have to be young and stupid in order to be old and wise.

I know not being exactly where you want to be in life is discouraging. You aren't making enough money in your eyes for what you want or you're not working in the ideal company you've dreamed of but you know what thats okay. Being in your twenties is that great awkward time to experiment, make mistakes, and be an idiot. Don't punish yourself for trying to figure your life out. Being unemployed or not having an exact direction can sometimes actually be more helpful rather than hurtful. Enjoy the free time you have while you can, you just finished a degree and now have more time to explore the world around you, take full advantage of this!

Use this time to intern with a company that has possible growth, or intern in addition to a job. Keep working at your job, but have an internship thats another interest or possibility for you. Give yourself options, interning doesn't always have to feel like a "waste of time" if your not getting paid. It's an experience in itself, its letting yourself gain more knowledge to figure out where your meant to go. You never know what can come from an internship, you can meet so many people that can influence your future or guide you in the direction of your goal. Network, be outgoing, and ask endless amounts of questions!

Not only can you intern, you can volunteer your time, help others if you can't exactly help yourself. Never pass up an opportunity to put yourself in an unfamiliar environment and see how you handle it. Be a problem solver, listen to your gut, and make your own path. Volunteering can give you the opportunity to meet new people and open your eyes to a different way of life.

Being jobless or not having an exact plan or direction is not a bad thing. Sometimes you need to regroup, refocus, and discover your passion again. Refuel that passion and really figure out what you want in life. After all, don't you want to be young, wild, and free as long as you can?

Xo, Nik

Life After College

It’s finally Summer! Isn't summer suppose to be a small break from reality, stress free even? Well, this summer is quite the opposite for me personally, I just graduated from college. Being a graduate changes a lot about your next steps into adulthood. Your coming from this routine of homework, dealing with deadlines, studying, group projects, internships, etc. Now all of that goes away and your left with debt, a degree, and no job offers.. Where do you go from here?1. Networking/Social Media: Networking for our generation is crucial! Knowing what social media fits best for you and the industry your looking to be apart of. Watch what you post, no drinking and tweeting anymore! This is the time of your life where all your hard work has paid off and you are waiting for those job offers to come piling in! Don’t mess up that chance because of that drunk photo from the weekend or that stupid drunk tweet from last night. Pay attention to what social media your favorite companies are using, make sure you have accounts on these platforms and know how to use them! Selling yourself is crucial, make your self seen and your name heard.
2. Update & perfect your resume: Double and triple check that resume! Make sure there are no small errors, everything is in place and all your information is up to date. Double, triple, even quadruple check it. Make sure your cover letter and resume are cohesive, you want to make sure you look put together on paper or they wont even bother considering you in person. Making   a good impression without them physically seeing you can be tough, so don't let something small like a spelling error make or break this next job opportunity.
3. Create business cards, put yourself out there: Put a face to your name. Get yourself out there, be social! You are aloud to go out and have fun, mind as well network while your doing it! You want people to remember your name and be able to put your face to it, be outgoing, interesting, sociable and intelligent. Talk about what you know, don't brag, but show your confidence! Give business cards to possible people you think maybe valuable to you in the future. You never know who could help you down the line, don't burn bridges.
4. Get on a budget (You don't want to live at moms forever): OKAY we all DON’T want to live with our parents until were 30, but sometimes those loans and credit card bills start piling up all too quickly. Make a budget for yourself, know what you need to have monthly and give yourself a time frame on when you want the debt paid off. Work on one credit card at a time in addition to your other bills/loan payments. Focus more on one credit card, put more than the minimum on this card each month, on the other cards do the minimum. After you have got that one credit card down and paid off, move onto the next card. Have a plan, pay attention to your spending, ad budget! If you have a strategy and a goal, your going to pay your debt off faster, trust me!
5. Work to get experience & to gain more skills: If you don’t have your ideal career yet don’t get worked up about it. Work where you can right now, doesn't mean it will be forever. You may work your way up in the company or you may only work for 6 months then get another job offer and move on. Dont turn down opportunity that can give you experience and knowledge for your future. Take the offers you know you will excel at and that you are confidence with. Dont sell yourself short, you will get there at the right time.Timing is crucial, when your meant to get there you will, not a minute or second sooner. Be patient  with yourself. What’s for you will not pass you. All your hard work will pay off. Give yourself a break and some time to enjoy your summer too, you are a graduate now! You are a young adult who has accomplished something big, don’t forget that!