I feel very fortunate to have never been a victim of sexual assault. I've experienced the everyday sexism of cat-calling, mansplaining, and struggling to find decent pockets in my pants. I've been groped while out at a bar or a party, but I've been lucky enough that when I pulled away, rolled my eyes, or yelled "fuck you" I wasn't attacked or further violated. I wish my experience could be what every woman experiences, but I know that's not the case. I've had friends who've been assaulted. I've read stories of women (and men and nonbinary people) across the Internet every time a new celebrity or politician is accused of sexual misconduct, assault, or rape. I stand by those people because I know it happens, and it is through some fortunate circumstances in my life that I haven't been a victim.
I wasn't born yet when Anita Hill testified against Clarence Thomas. With the local news, I can imagine how terrible of a circus that was, and how brave she was for speaking her truth. I'm disappointed that so many didn't believe her, but I respect how she stood up. She paved the way for Dr. Christine Blasey Ford to testify today, and I am grateful for Anita Hill.
I believe women. I believe sexual assault survivors. Talking about one's trauma is incredibly difficult, and I know I would be terrified to speak to Congress on national television about my own personal trauma. How women, and other victims, have the courage to do this is incredible. They will receive no glory and accolades. They've already received death threats and slander in the news. Nevertheless, they persist, in an attempt to make this world a little better. I am listening to these stories, and I hope everyone does too. Listen with empathy, and try to understand that this is not something any single person would do lightly.
I believe Dr. Christine Blasey Ford.
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Saturday, September 22, 2018
a mid september wishlist
I've made an effort to curb my spending the past month because frankly Sephora was taking way too much out of my bank account. This leaves me with a growing list of things I wish I could buy but instead will just watch it slowly languish in my my shopping carts online. One day my sweet darlings!
To help myself (or maybe hurt myself), here's somethings at the top of my wishlist that I receive a sudden windfall I will be happily purchasing! (You can venmo me @ali-mccaffrey if you wanna help a girl out).
I spent 100 of my Sephora points on a trial size of this, and I adored it. And then it went through the washing machine... This color is so gorgeous and I love the formula. I will get you back!
I got this as a trial sample from Sephora (this post is revealing the manipulative relationship I am in with Sephora...). I adore this scent, and am trying so hard to savor it. It's flowery without being sickly sweet, and it wears so nicely.
I've made it very clear that I love Huda Beauty Obsessions Palette, so is it a surprise that I want more? I'd happily accept any of the Obsessions Palettes, but of the new Precious Stones collections, I've got my eye on Ruby. I might send my mom a link to these for Christmas. Also runners up: Amethyst and Smokey.
A $129 eyeshadow palette? Yeah I'm never going to own this unless my fairy godmother gifts it to me. But these colors are so stunningly beautiful, and the reviews are insanely positive. I'll just watch it lovingly from afar.
I have one Becca highlighter and I adore it, so I would love to add to my collection. This is an easy way to grow my collection with just one piece! Plus, I really want to try some new blushes.
Oh I like things other than makeup? These editions are so freaking gorgeous and I would love to own them. I own the US Hardcovers and the audiobooks, so yes I would like a third version of Harry Potter!
A local art store sells these brush pens, and I am obsessed! I only have a couple colors but I would LOOOVE the whole collection. I have so much fun with them, and they make your writing look like watercolors.
Chrissy Teigen makes another appearance on my list! I want to get more into trying more recipes, and I would love to try her cookbooks. Currently I have the Smitten Kitchen book, which I should delve into before trying new cookbooks. But I adore Chrissy Teigen and would love to support her.
Look if I get a sudden influx of money, I should really make some payments on my student loans... but isn't Internet window shopping so much more fun???
To help myself (or maybe hurt myself), here's somethings at the top of my wishlist that I receive a sudden windfall I will be happily purchasing! (You can venmo me @ali-mccaffrey if you wanna help a girl out).
I spent 100 of my Sephora points on a trial size of this, and I adored it. And then it went through the washing machine... This color is so gorgeous and I love the formula. I will get you back!
I got this as a trial sample from Sephora (this post is revealing the manipulative relationship I am in with Sephora...). I adore this scent, and am trying so hard to savor it. It's flowery without being sickly sweet, and it wears so nicely.
I've made it very clear that I love Huda Beauty Obsessions Palette, so is it a surprise that I want more? I'd happily accept any of the Obsessions Palettes, but of the new Precious Stones collections, I've got my eye on Ruby. I might send my mom a link to these for Christmas. Also runners up: Amethyst and Smokey.
A $129 eyeshadow palette? Yeah I'm never going to own this unless my fairy godmother gifts it to me. But these colors are so stunningly beautiful, and the reviews are insanely positive. I'll just watch it lovingly from afar.
I have one Becca highlighter and I adore it, so I would love to add to my collection. This is an easy way to grow my collection with just one piece! Plus, I really want to try some new blushes.
Oh I like things other than makeup? These editions are so freaking gorgeous and I would love to own them. I own the US Hardcovers and the audiobooks, so yes I would like a third version of Harry Potter!
A local art store sells these brush pens, and I am obsessed! I only have a couple colors but I would LOOOVE the whole collection. I have so much fun with them, and they make your writing look like watercolors.
Cravings and Cravings: Hungry for More both by Chrissy Teigen
Chrissy Teigen makes another appearance on my list! I want to get more into trying more recipes, and I would love to try her cookbooks. Currently I have the Smitten Kitchen book, which I should delve into before trying new cookbooks. But I adore Chrissy Teigen and would love to support her.
Look if I get a sudden influx of money, I should really make some payments on my student loans... but isn't Internet window shopping so much more fun???
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
stuck in a slump
For the last month in a half, I've been a big reading slump. I'm not sure how it happened! I've been doing so well at reading this year. I've been kicking ass at both my Goodreads challenge of 100 books (I'm 15 books ahead of schedule) and my PopSugar Reading Challenge (33/50). I read far more than the average person just in general. I also did a couple themed reading months! I've been doing really well! And yet, I'm so disappointed in this slump.
I hesitate to pick up new books. I don't feel as much enjoyment when I'm reading. I feel anxious when I see an e-loan from the library is about to expire and I haven't even touched it. I don't know what's happening. Sure, I went on vacation and spent my free time hanging out with my family instead of reading. Sure, I had surgery on my ankle and was too exhausted to read and spent hours watching YouTube videos instead (shout out to Dr. Pimple Popper, the SacconeJolys, and vine compilation videos). I have all these excuses and I don't think anyone would chide me for my slow down on reading.
I know this is my anxiety acting up. I know that it's not a big deal, and I'l get back into my reading pace quickly. Slumps happen! But I feel so incredibly guilty, and the guilt leads to more anxiety and I just start to spiral.
I'm not sure how to get out of this slump. I finished a book I'd been slowly reading for a couple months and the next book in a series by a new romance novel author I enjoy. I liked both books, and had a good time. I should feel proud! But I'm not. I'm really disappointed still.
I'm not looking for a solution (although suggestions for getting out of a slump are greatly appreciated). I'm not looking for sympathy. I just wanted to express how I felt, even though I know I shouldn't feel that way. I'm hoping after I post this, some of my reading motivation will return and I'll be back on track with how the year started out. But I guess I'll have to see, and listen to endless podcasts in the meantime.
(Taking a podcast break my be my first start at making more reading time)
I hesitate to pick up new books. I don't feel as much enjoyment when I'm reading. I feel anxious when I see an e-loan from the library is about to expire and I haven't even touched it. I don't know what's happening. Sure, I went on vacation and spent my free time hanging out with my family instead of reading. Sure, I had surgery on my ankle and was too exhausted to read and spent hours watching YouTube videos instead (shout out to Dr. Pimple Popper, the SacconeJolys, and vine compilation videos). I have all these excuses and I don't think anyone would chide me for my slow down on reading.
I know this is my anxiety acting up. I know that it's not a big deal, and I'l get back into my reading pace quickly. Slumps happen! But I feel so incredibly guilty, and the guilt leads to more anxiety and I just start to spiral.
I'm not sure how to get out of this slump. I finished a book I'd been slowly reading for a couple months and the next book in a series by a new romance novel author I enjoy. I liked both books, and had a good time. I should feel proud! But I'm not. I'm really disappointed still.
I'm not looking for a solution (although suggestions for getting out of a slump are greatly appreciated). I'm not looking for sympathy. I just wanted to express how I felt, even though I know I shouldn't feel that way. I'm hoping after I post this, some of my reading motivation will return and I'll be back on track with how the year started out. But I guess I'll have to see, and listen to endless podcasts in the meantime.
(Taking a podcast break my be my first start at making more reading time)
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
one palette three looks: Colourpop Dream St.
Last Christmas, I was browsing makeup online (as I often do), and was going through different lipstick shades on the Colourpop website. I had heard a lot about how the lipsticks were really comparable to Kylie Cosmetics, but way cheaper. They were having a deal that if you spent a certain amount, you could get a free Golden State of Mind palette. Well, I love a good deal, so I ending up buying some lipsticks, some brushes, and the Dream St palette in order to get another free eyeshadow palette (yes, I have a problem. I'm so aware).
Both of these palettes were pretty impressive, but Dream St ended up being the more versatile palette. This was made in a collaboration with YouTuber Kathleen Lights, who I had never heard of, but I've since watched a few of her videos. Dream St has a combination of matte, satin, and shimmery shades. There's some great neutral brown and golden colors, as well as some really fun shimmers and blues. There's a lot to do with this palette, so I was super excited to dive into three different looks for this blog!
A quick note: you NEED primer for these shadows. When I first ordered the palette, it was when I was sitting on a couch recovering from surgery. I played around with the palette just for fun, and it creased like crazy. I don't even have particularly oily eyelids! But with my holy grail primer, the shades stay all day and look great!
Both of these palettes were pretty impressive, but Dream St ended up being the more versatile palette. This was made in a collaboration with YouTuber Kathleen Lights, who I had never heard of, but I've since watched a few of her videos. Dream St has a combination of matte, satin, and shimmery shades. There's some great neutral brown and golden colors, as well as some really fun shimmers and blues. There's a lot to do with this palette, so I was super excited to dive into three different looks for this blog!
A quick note: you NEED primer for these shadows. When I first ordered the palette, it was when I was sitting on a couch recovering from surgery. I played around with the palette just for fun, and it creased like crazy. I don't even have particularly oily eyelids! But with my holy grail primer, the shades stay all day and look great!
The packaging on this palette is MAGNIFICENT. Seriously, it's absolutely stunning.
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