October Non-Beauty Favorites!

Hello, friends! I hope you had a great month! This month was nice, because it was a total fall month, but there were definitely some bumps down the road. Anyways! I have a ton of non-beauty favorites for you guys!

Music

• Dearly Departed by Shakey Graves: This is my all time favorite song of the moment! I absolutely love it! It always puts me in a good mood, and it's so nice to listen to.  I randomly stumbled upon this artist, and I absolutely love him. Shakey Graves has a really nice, raspy voice. I looove it.
• Cry For Me by Jersey Boys: I still love this song! The whole Jersey Boys album has been my power music for the entire month. Yes, this music is old, but the music is so good. This song is especially one of my favorites!

TV

• New Girl: Of course! I love New Girl so much! It's my favorite pick-me-up show, and it always makes me laugh.
• Carrie Diaries: Carrie Diaries, season 2 is finally on Netflix! I'm obsessed with it. The plot is so amazing, and has a lot of twists and turns. However, my favorite part is seeing all the 80's fashion.
• Gilmore Girls: This show is so good! I also watch this on Netflix, and it makes me so happy. It's not that funny, but it's cute and makes me really happy that it's fall time.

Movies

• Gone Girl: I just saw this movie, and it was so good! I cannot recommend it enough. It's about this woman who goes missing, and people are pointing fingers at her husband. The movie is so suspenseful and takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride. However, it is definitely rated R, so go with caution.

Apps

• Instapray: I recently discovered this app, and I really enjoy it. It's a community where people post prayers that they have, and you can see the prayers and pray for them. You can also post your own prayers and have people pray for you. It's really nice and gives you a world view perspective.

Activity

• I have been obsessed with jogging this month! It's a great way to get active, without having to use any special equipment. I really look forward to my evening run every day.

Alright guys! I hope you enjoyed my October favorites. I'm really looking forward to November, as it is one of my favorite months. Let me know in the comments what you're going to be for Halloween, which is tomorrow!

-Love Ling

My Day

  Hello, friends! Today was a pretty great day and I would like to share it with you.
  For the first half of the day, I was working. I had some stuff to take care of, but it was all over by 10:30, which was nice. After working, I got Indian food with my dad. Never doubt the power of Indian food. It is all kinds of amazing. After eating, my dad helped me wash my car and clean it up a little bit. Believe me. It needed it.
  In addition to the automobile tidy up, I went to Target and browsed around a bit. I came out of that store with a new book, hand cream, and scented car things. I'd say it was a successful trip.
  For the rest of the day, I hung out a bit and went on my fourth run of the week. I think I covered about two miles, and it was great fun! I'm really enjoying running, you guys. I encourage you to try it sometime, because it;s really not as bad as you'd think. 
  In the evening, I got ready for a Halloween party. I was to dress up as "Rosie the Riveter". I will totally do a post about that Halloween costume if you'd like. Basically, it was me in red lipstick, my hair pulled back in a bandana, and a chambray shirt. Pulling it together was so easy! As for the party, it was really fun. I bird-danced a bit, hung out with some great friends, shoved a cupcake down my throat in under 2 minutes (terrible, I know!), and got to meet some new people. I would say it was a good day in the world of Love Ling. 

  That's my post! I hope you had an amazing week, and I will be praying for you guys this weekend! Love you!

-Love Ling

My New Favorite Foundation Brush

Hello, friends! You guys, I have an obsession. It's with the Real Techniques Buffing Face Brush. Let me tell you a little bit about this brush and why it is my favorite.

Background: This brush is part of the Real Techniques line, and I believe that it comes in the Core Collection Set. It claims to buff mineral and powder foundation flawlessly, but it does so much more than that.

Price: The whole set together comes with four different brushes, running at a price point of $18. That means that each brush would be worth about $4.50 each. Not bad at all.

Packaging: I love the packaging and how sleek it is. The brush is very light weight, with nice, dense bristles/hairs.

Usage: I use this to apply my foundation. I usually pair it with the Covergirl 3 in 1 Outlast Stay Fabulous Foundation. The brush is really soft and just melts the foundation onto my face. For my foundation, I put one little pump on my fingers, dot the product on my face, and blend it out with this brush. The foundation just disappears into my skin, leaving me with a smooth and silky finish. The brush blends the foundation so well, and gives my face that flawless, airbrushed look.

I just wanted to gush a little bit about this brush, because I absolutely love it. I definitely recommend looking into the Real Techniques brushes, because they really are of supreme quality. Not only are they reasonably priced, but the quality of these tools is absolutely incredible.

-Love Ling

September Beauty Favorites

Hello, friends! I'm totally late on my September Favorites! I'm so sorry! This month has been absolute craziness, and I definitely got off track on my blogging schedule! Here's my September beauty favorites.

• Essie Boy Blazer: This color was on my nails almost the whole month! I'm totally obsessed with it. I love wearing darker colors in the fall, and this is a refreshing shade against all of the dark reds and wines, that you typically see on people's nails. I think it's the most beautiful navy color, even if it does show up black on my nails! It also wears a long time, which is amazing.
• Baby Skin Primer: I loved this primer! It does a great job of preparing and refining my skin before foundation. It has a very light, silicone finish. However, it can be a bit on the greasy side.
• Pupmkin Spice Latte Hand Cream: This hand cream smells so good! It smells very spicy, yet has that nice bakery aroma to it, as well. Whenever I'm out and about, people smell it and are always like "Do I smell pumpkin?", and I'm like, "Yep! That's me!". It's so great for when my hands dry out on these cold fall days.
• Clinique Blush in Sunset Glow: This is my favorite fall blush. It's a beautiful plum-y color, with a teeny bit of a golden shimmer. It looks amazing on the cheeks and blends really nicely. Despite what the blush looks like in the picture, the blush is actually no more. It shattered somehow, and I had to throw it away. Sad face.
• Up&Up Oil Absorbing Sheets: I love these! My skin is so oily, and I can use these throughout the day to blot the excess oil off of my face. I've noticed that my breakouts don't occur as often, as I'm controlling the amount of oil build up.
• Real Techniques Buffing Brush: This brush is so amazing for applying foundation. It allows the makeup to just melt into your skin and gives a beautiful finish.
• Loreal Butterfy Mascara: I'm pretty sure I used this mascara everyday for the month of September. It works so well! It lengthens my lashes, adds volume, and flares out the ends of the lashes. My lashes have never looked the way they do when I use this product. It's incredible.
• Clean and Clear Morning Burst Facial Wash: The final product on my "Love List" is this face wash, which is amazing for the morning. It has a citrus scent that really wakes me up, and it cleanses my face very well. The scent isn't too harsh and the product is very gentle on my face, leaving it radiant and clear.

I hope you guys enjoyed my September beauty favorites! Again, I'm so sorry that I posted this so late. You will definitely be seeing new posts soon!

-Love Ling

I Ran Today?!

  Hello, friends! Something crazy happened today! I ran! For the longest time, I was anti-jog, anti-run. I try to exercise a little bit everyday, and on this particular day I decided that I wanted to try going for a jog. Usually when I run, I feel a mix of angry emotions and exasperation. Though, today I was just in the zone. Once I got started, my thoughts and worries just melted away. I didn't have to think about the stresses of everyday life, I only had to focus on running down the road. It really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, and I quite enjoyed myself. Afterwards, I had so much energy and I felt simply amazing! I encourage y'all to try jogging, if you haven't yet. You never know! You might enjoy it! 

-Love Ling

Ways To Pamper Yourself

Hello, friends! We all live crazy, chaotic lives. We're always doing things for other people, working, and stressing out about work that needs to be done. Though it's important to do what needs to be done, make sure to treat yourself! Love yourself! Buy yourself flowers! Live a little! It's absolutely fine to think of yourself sometimes. Here are some simple ways to pamper yourself:

1. Read a book before bedtime: Have a bit of "me time". Before going to bed, read a bit of a good book. I'm currently reading "City of Bones".
2. Take an extra long shower: Don't be afraid to turn up the heat on the water a bit! Indulge in a nice, cozy shower.
3. Add whipped cream to your coffee: Turn your everyday coffee into an indulgent drink. Add a bit of whip to make it extra sweet.
4. Have an all pajamas day: PJs are so comfortable! Why not wear them all day long?
5. Netflix: It's a go to.
6. Face Masks: Give your skin a little treat and use a face mask. They're so fun and really help with any skin problems you may have.
7. Paint your toes: Give your nails a bit of TLC. You deserve it.
8. Buy something crazy on amazon: Send yourself a little package! It'll be like Christmas when you receive your purchase.
9. Light some candles: Candles add warmth, ambiance, and fragrance to a room. Go ahead and light some! Allow yourself to sink into a soothing atmosphere.
10. Buy yourself flowers: Don't follow the superficial norms of flower buying! Buy flowers because they're beautiful, and you deserve to keep some around your house.

I hope that these ways to pamper yourself help! They're cheap, easy, and are sure to bring a bit of luxury into your life.

-Love Ling

When God Closes A Door, He Opens A Window

  Hello, friends! Hazaah to the end of yet another week! October is just flying by, oh my goodness! Live it up folks, winter will be here before you know it. Today I want to talk about God. I am a total advocate for freedom of religion or lack thereof. It really doesn't matter to me what religion you practice, I love you anyways. However, personally I am a Christian, and I am of the belief that when God closes a door, he opens a window.
   I want to remind you that life isn't perfect. You're going to have bad days when things aren't going right. You're going to have opportunities that you want to take advantage of, but don't always work out for you. I want you to remember that there will always be another opportunity, and not making the track team or not getting the job you want isn't going to be the end of the world. God knows what you're going through, and has a plan for you. I believe that when these things happen to you, God intended for them to occur in order to make you stronger and present you with a better alternative. 
   I recently applied for a job to work at a party occasions place, where I would get to work with kids. I thought it was the perfect job for me. Unfortunately, I didn't get the job. However, the next week I got three babysitting jobs. Another time when I was under this whole door/window belief was when I got cast as the lead in that play I was telling you guys about. Do you remember how excited I was for that? As it turns out, the play got cancelled. It's not going on. Instead, I got the opportunity to direct a Cabaret, which I am in the process of working on now. If it wasn't for the play getting cancelled, I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing now, which is working with amazing people and sharing what I love. God is wonderful. 
  Friends, I want you to know that even if there are things in your life that have let you down, wait it out. You will be provided with something even greater.

-Love Ling

3000 views?!

 Hello, friends! I recently logged onto my blogger account and realized that Love Ling has hit 3000 views! Ah! Thank you so much for taking the time to read what I write. It means the world to me! I love you so much! Thank you guys!

-Love Ling

September Non-Beauty Favorites

Hello, friends! September literally flew by! So much happened, and I was so busy throughout the entire month. I found it difficult to remember what I loved, but I'm going to do my best!

Music

• Shake It Off by Taylor Swift: I've been obsessed with the song. It's so fun, and always puts me in a good mood! I'll be a Swifty forever!
• Somewhere Only We Know by Keane: This is such an amazing song. It's perfect for fall time, and I never get tired of it.
• Cry For Me from the Jersey Boys  Soundtrack: I love Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. They're so amazing, even if they were a 60s band! I saw Jersey Boys (the movie and show inspired by the group), and I became obsessed with this song. I don't know why, but it makes me so happy.
• You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban: Who doesn't love this song? It gets me pumped for the day and really lifts my spirit. Josh Groban is amazing.
• Do You Love Me by The Contours: This is a typical 60s song, but it's so fun to dance to! Do you remember in Dirty Dancing when they were having that grinding party? They were dancing to this song.

TV/Movies

• New Girl: The New Girl obsession has yet to cease. No show has made me laugh as hard as I have in this show. It's about a really quirky girl who shares a loft with three other guys and they basically become besties. I love how quirky and funny this show is, and also a lot of it is improvised! Hilarious!
• The Hundred Foot Journey: I saw this movie this month and I loved it. It's centered around this Indian family who start a restaurant in France. They have really amazing food, but are challenged by the gourmet restaurant across the street. This show is heartwarming and funny, as well as hunger-inducing. I love it.

September was a crazy month full of ups and downs. It wasn't great, but I did discover a lot of cool music. I hope you have an amazing month and expect a new blog post to head your way soon!

-Love Ling

Things That Make Me Happy: Part 4

Hello, friends! Every now and then, when I'm feeling down, I like to make a list of all the positive things in my life. This way, I can appreciate the joys that life brings, rather than focusing on negativity. Here are 10 things that make me happy :)

1. Blasting my music in the car!: There is nothing better than driving down the road and turning up that bass! It's very soothing and makes driving so much more fun!
2. Teaching: I love to teach. I'm a Sunday school teacher at church, and it brings me so much joy to be up in front of kids teaching them about Christianity.
3. Donuts: Donuts are so wonderful, and I love them a lot. Ah! I just love them.
4. Coffee Shops: I love coffee shops! The atmosphere is so soothing, and it's so nice to sit, listen to music, and share a cup of joe with a good friend.
5. Painting my nails: I love changing out my nail colors, and painting my nails is really relaxing and fun to do. It's like a mini art project!
6. Talking to people: I think it's so fun to talk to people and get to know them. I'm so happy when I get a chance to meet a new person, or get to have a nice conversation with a friend.
7. My friends: I loooove my friends! They make me so happy and always lift my spirit.
8. Writing: I'm a writer at heart. I love writing, and it makes me happy to be able to express my thoughts and ideas through the word.
9. Dancing: Dancing is one of my favorite things to do. It gives me such a rush to dance and feel graceful and beautiful! I love it!
10. PJ pants: They're just so gosh darn comfy! They make me happy! I especially love my Elmo pjs. 

I hope you enjoyed this post! See you next time!

-Love Ling