Thanksgiving

  Hello, friends! I hope you guys had an amazing Thanksgiving. I know I did! Remember to be thankful for what is around you and appreciate the little things.  Thank you for reading about what I was thankful for each day and going on this Thanksgiving journey with me. Have a blessed day!

Beauty Cleanse

Hello, friends! When I went to church last week, my pastor had a great sermon on contentment. It's important to be happy with what you have and not be worried about new things. I know it's very popular in the beauty community to always have the next big thing and to buy, buy, buy. I used to take that approach, but I've slowed down a bit over the past couple of years. Sure, it's nice to buy yourself the occasional lipstick or mascara, but having six of the same product in different colors is extremely excessive. 
  The other day, I took the time to go through my cabinets and draws and rid myself of any and all beauty products I deemed to not be beneficial to me. I threw away old mascaras, lip products I never use, face products that I don't like, etc. I got rid of anything that I didn't immediately use. I don't need clutter to cramp my space. It was really refreshing to get rid of a ton of products that I didn't use and focus on products that I know and love. I think it's better to have a couple key products to rely on, than a bunch of other crap that doesn't do anything other than take up space. 
  I encourage you to look through your belongings and rid yourself of things that aren't helping you. Get rid of the old eyeshadows that "You swear you're going to use someday" or the hairspray that "Isn't great but it's there just in case". Trust me, you'll be better off.

-Love Ling

Thankful-ling: Day 13

Hello, friends! Here's what I was thankful for today/yesterday. I'm so sorry! I was late on my post!

1. My family: I'm really thankful that my family coming in for Thanksgiving wasn't delayed on their flight.
2. Coffee shops: I took my family on a tour of the city I lived in, and showed them my favorite coffee shop. They make such good coffee, and I'm really thankful for it. 
3. Mini cheesecakes: I have some left over mini-cheesecakes from my party last weekend, and they are so delicious! It's basically a little cheesecake triangle covered in chocolate. Ahhh!
4. Blow-up mattresses: I gave up my room for my aunt to sleep in, so I'm really thankful for the blow-up mattress that I ended up sleeping on. It was that or the floor.
5. Nice waitresses: My family and I went out to dinner at this local Italian restaurant. The waitress we had was so nice and made the whole experience really enjoyable.

This is what I was thankful for on the day before Thanksgiving! I hope you have an amazing Thanksgiving, you guys! Eat as much as you can and remember to be thankful for what you have.

-Love Ling

Thankful-ling: Day 12

Hello, friends! Here's what I was thankful for today:

1. Not being late: There was some really bad traffic this morning and I managed to get my destination without being late. Thank goodness!
2. Coffee: On my way home, I stopped to get a coffee at a local coffee shop, and it was really nice to treat myself. I like to treat myself to a coffee once a week.
3. My grandparents: My grandparents came to visit me for Thanksgiving, and I'm really thankful that they got here safely.
4. Tea with my grandma: I got to drink tea and have a nice conversation with my grandma this evening, and it was really nice to sit and talk with her.
5. My dogs: For those of you who don't know, I have two dogs and I'm really thankful for them. They're soft, cuddly, and loving. I just love them!

I hope you enjoyed what I was thankful for today! Only two more days until Thanksgiving!

-Love Ling

Thankful-ling: Day 11

Hello, friends! Thank you to those who have clicked on this post to know what I was thankful for today. Here's what I was thankful for:

1. My car not being frozen: A lot of times when I get out to my car, it's completely covered in a sheet of ice. That was not the case today, and I'm really thankful for that!
2. On point Pandora: It's always a good day when my morning Pandora station plays good music. Way to go Pandora, way to go.
3. Gorgeous weather: The weather was so gorgeous today! Instead of being completely dreary, the weather was sunny and warm. What is up Mother Nature...
4. Caramel Apples: I had a big ole candy apple covered in chocolate and caramel today for a snack. It was one of the most delicious treats I've ever tasted.
5. Fireplaces: I sat by the fire and did some work this evening and it was really nice. I'm really thankful for it.

I hope you enjoyed all that I was thankful for today, and that you can find something in your day that you were thankful for! Thanks for being awesome.

-Love Ling

Thankful-ling: Day 10

Hello, friends! Here's what I was thankful for today:

1. Church: I went to church this morning, and I felt like it was a good service overall, so I'm thankful for the opportunity to go to church and learn about my faith.
2. Swedish meatballs: After church, I got lunch at Ikea and had Swedish Meatballs. Let me tell you, if you've never tried their meatballs, you are missing out. They're delicious.
3. I found a monologue!: I've got auditions for a show coming up, and I'm thankful that I found a good monologue to audition with. This way, I can be prepared and worry more about performing it than finding once auditions draw nearer.
4. Cake pops: I had some cake pops left over from the party last night, so I took full advantage of them today. They were delicious.
5. Broadway music: I was listening to a lot of Broadway this evening, and I just love it. I'm really thankful for that kind of music.

This is what I am thankful for today!

-Love Ling

Thankful-ling: Day 9

Hello, friends! I'm so excited that Thanksgiving is almost here! Here's what I'm thankful for today:

1. 5Ks: I actually ran a 5K today! My neighborhood put one on, and I'm happy to say that I completed it without having to stop, so I'm very thankful for that.
2. New Girl: I was watching a really funny episode of New Girl today, and it just brightened my day.
3. Performing: I'm currently directing a Cabaret right now, and I got to show off my cast with the community and have them perform at a nursing home. I don't know how they felt about it, but I hope everyone had fun.
4. Baked Ziti: I had a party tonight, so I ordered a huge thing of baked ziti that I plan on eating until the day I die. It will take me so long to finish it off, but I'm very thankful for it.
5. Party: I hosted my birthday party tonight, and I invited a bunch of my friends over to celebrate with me. I'm really thankful that it went so well and that it was a great time!

Thank you for reading this post! Have a great day!

-Love Ling

Thankful-ling: Day 8

Hello, friends! Here's what I was thankful for today:

1. Friends getting smart phones: One of my best friends just got a smart phone, and I'm so happy for her! I'm thankful that she got such an awesome phone!
2. Zaxby's: I'm so thankful for Zaxby's. I'm so sorry if you don't have one where you live, but it's the best chicken fast food place with the most amazing chicken and fries. I went there for lunch today with some friends, and it was the bomb.com.
3. Good conversations: I love being able to have good conversations with people. It's nice to get to just talk to people and catch up.
4. Target: I went to Target today to pick up some stuff for a party tomorrow, and I'm so thankful it! Target one of my favorite stores and has a ton of Christmas decor out right now. Score!
5. Christmas music: I know that we haven't gotten past Thanksgiving yet, but I'm just so excited for the holiday season! I was listening to Christmas music in the car today, and it made me so happy!

I hope you enjoyed this post! I'll see you guys tomorrow!

-Love Ling

What I'm Currently Loving About Fall

Hello, friends! As you all know, fall is one of my favorite seasons. There is so much to love about it, and I'm going to be describing these things to you today!

1. Chilly weather: I love that the weather isn't scorching hot, but it isn't freezing either. The fall weather has a bit of a nip to it, and I love it.
2. The trees: I just love all the trees in the fall! They're so beautiful with their red and gold colors.
3. Riding boots: I love wearing riding boots in the fall, and it's totally acceptable to wear them everyday. They're really comfortable, and they keep your feet warm.
4. Cozy blankets: Now that the weather has cooled down, I'm finally able to snuggle up in my favorite cozy blanket. Forget what you know about cozy blankets. The blanket I have is the softest, most wonderful blanket in the world, and I am loving it for fall.
5. Dark lips: This is a beauty essential! I'm usually pretty conservative when it comes to lip color. I'm pretty boring when it comes to wearing lipstick usually, but in the fall I like experimenting with dark red and rasberry colors.
6. Dark nails: I only wear dark nail colors in the fall time, and they make me really happy. I feel very fancy and sophisticated with a dark red on my nails.
7. Coffee and tea: I love drinking hot coffee and tea in the fall time. It's the perfect way to feel all warm and cozy while enjoying a delicious drink.
8. Indie music:I feel like fall time is the perfect time to listen to raw, acoustic indie music. It must be the change of the weather or the nature, but it's the perfect music to listen to right now. I've been listening to Shakey Graves a lot lately. I definitely recommend listening to him if you haven't.
9. Pumpkin everything: I love pumpkin with a burning passion. I will use pumpkin anything, and I can't get enough.
10. It's a busy time of the year: I know that there's so much going on in the fall, with sports events and festivals, but I love how busy it gets! I think people come together in fellowship more in the fall and it brings people closer together.

I hope you enjoyed this post about my adoration for the season of fall. Feel free to leave what you love about fall in the comments! Love you!

-Love Ling

Thankful-ling: Day 7

Hello, friends! Welcome to day seven of Thankful-ling, where I am here to tell you what I was thankful for today!

1. My car not being icy: Yesterday my car was basically a giant icecube. I'm really thankful that when I left home today it was not frozen. I didn't even have to defrost it!
2. Pandora station: I was listening to Pandora all morning, and I was so happy with the music today! It put me in a good mood for the morning.
3. My trench coat: I wore my trench coat today, and I'm really thankful to have it. Not only is it fashionable, but it keeps me so warm! It's definitely needed in the frozen tundra of an environment I'm living in. Just kidding. It's only like 20 degrees.
4. Sunshine: Though it was really cold today, what made it somewhat bearable was the gorgeous sun. I love it when it's sunny, because it makes me more productive and in a better mood overall.
5. My best friend: I'm so thankful for my best friend, Savannah! I know I've mentioned her a thousand times on my blog, but I just love her to death! She is auditioning for a spot in a prestigious band today, and I'm thankful that she received this opportunity. Please pray for safe travels and strength for her! 

I hope you enjoyed what I was thankful for today!

-Love Ling 

Judgement

  Hello, friends! I am coming to you today with a problem. There are a lot of people in this world that want to tear you down. They want you to feel bad about yourself, so they'll tell you certain things about yourself that you don't want to hear, analyzing every movement that you do. Let me tell you, it sucks. Being judged all the time sucks. I should be able to dress the way I want, say what I want, and simply do the things I want without being questioned. How can you judge someone or criticize them when you're not perfect yourself? If you are not perfect, then you have no right to criticize someone for being who they are. Set your judgements aside, and accept the fact that not everyone is going to do what you want. People will be themselves, and if you're not okay with who they are, you need to do some soul searching. Friends, I tell you that judgement must come to an end. The times when I worry about what people think of me must come to an end. The times when I am criticized for the music I listen to must come to an end. The times when I am rebuked for the words that I say must come to an end. I ask that you put forth more love into the world and less hate. Let me tell you, it's about darn time that the negativity and crappiness ceases. 

-Love Ling

Thankful-ling: Day 6

Hello, friends! Today was a bit of a rough day, but here's what I was thankful for

1. Monologues: I'm auditioning for an upcoming show, and I found a really good monologue to use for my audition! I'm so thankful that I found a good one!
2. Throat Coat: I just discovered the beauty of "Throat Coat", which is a tea sent from the heavens for singers. It's made out of licorice, and has a very sweet flavor, without being overpowering. My voice always feels better after drinking it.
3. Shane Dawson: I watched a bunch of his videos today, and the man made me laugh so hard! I'm thankful for his joy and goofiness.
4. My mom: I love my mom! She made me pasta tonight, and I'm really thankful to have such a caring mother.
5. Car defrosting spray: I needed it this morning! My car was absolutely frozen! I'm really thankful that I have this now. It's definitely going to make my life much easier.

I hope you enjoyed what I was thankful for today!

-Love Ling

Thankful-ling: Day 5

Hello, friends! Here's what I was thankful for today

1. Productivity: For the first part of my day, I feel like I worked hard and got a lot done. I'm really happy about that.
2. Almond milk: It's just so delicious. It's the perfect way to start off the day.
3. Chikfila: I was able to eat there for lunch today, and it was absolutely delicious. I always get the chicken sandwich, because it's the best!
4. A good laugh: I laughed a lot today, and that makes me happy, because I love laughter! It's healthy to have one of those good laughs where you can't control it and it keeps coming back!
5. My dad: I'm so thankful for my dad. He's one of my favorite people in the world, and I think he's great.

I hope you guys enjoyed this post! I'll see you tomorrow!

-Love Ling

Thankful-ling: Day 4

Hello, friends! Here is what I was thankful for today:

1. Protected Green Lights: If these lights were not in my favor when driving, I would be late to everything. I am so thankful to be able to have the right of way at a light when I am in a hurry!
2. Productivity: I like to think that today was a pretty productive day. I'm thankful for all that I got accomplished.
3. Laughter: I reckon that I laughed a whole lot today. I love to laugh and I'm grateful to be able to do that a lot. The people I surround myself with just bring me a lot of joy.
4. Friend Tire Guys: I had to get my tire air checked today, and the guys working at the tire place that I go to are just so friendly and so nice. No matter when I go in, I always receive the sweetest service and they always brighten my day.
5. Chai Tea: I just had a chai tea latte tonight and it was delicious. I'm so thankful for it!

I hope you enjoyed reading what I was thankful for today! I love you!

-Love Ling

Thankful-ling: Day 3

Hello, friends! Here's what I was thankful for today:

1. My dad coming home safe: My dad was recently out of town for a business meeting this week, and I'm very thankful that he came home safely.
2. Pot luck lunches: It is a good day when my church has a pot luck lunch! I love eating a plateful of comfort food with no shame.
3. Movie days: It was really nice to just sit back and relax today. I watched "Father of the Bride 2" and "17 Again". Zac Efron, guys. Zac Efron.
4. Hot Chocolate: I had a nice hot cup of hot chocolate tonight and it was wonderful. I used unsweetened cocoa powder, water, and a hint of chili powder to give it a kick!
5. Warm PJs: As I'm writing this post, I'm wearing the warmest of pajamas that I'm so thankful for. It's crazy to think that there are people in this world that would be lucky to have a flip flop, rather than warm Forever 21 PJs. I'm thankful.

I hope you enjoyed this post! Check back tomorrow to see what I'm thankful for!

-Love Ling

Thankful-ling: Day 2

Hello, friends! Here are 5 things I was thankful for today:

1. Good friends: I got to spend most of the day with my best friend, which was really nice. I love her to death!
2. Getting to perform for residents at nursing home: Today my friends and I went to a local nursing home and played some music for them, which was really fun. It's always good to give back.
3. Getting your package in the mail: I love getting a package that I ordered! I got surprised today with a facial sponge that I ordered from Target. I'm so excited! I'll review it later!
4. Character shoes: I went to a party tonight wearing my character shoes that I wear in theatre. Not only are they cute, but they're functional. I danced for four hours in those babies!
5. Parties: I'm so thankful for the party I went to tonight! I danced the night away and  hung out with some awesome people.

I hope you enjoyed the five things I was thankful for today! Remember to give thanks for your gifts!

-Love Ling

October Beauty Favorites

Hello, friends! I am coming to you today with my October beauty favorites! I hope you had a great October and are having an even better November!

• St. Ives Green Tea Scrub: I have been using this product for a very long time now, and I have to say that it's one of my favorites. I use it a couple times a week to exfoliate my skin, and the product leaves my face feeling clean and purified.
• Smashbox Photo Finish Primer: I have been using this primer pretty much every day this month. I hated it when I first got it, but it grew on me. It helps my foundation stay on much longer and provides a smooth base for the products on top of it. My foundation looks flawless when I apply this primer. I love it!
• Loreal Gel Eyeliner in "Mocha": I may have talked about this product last month...I don't know quite honestly. I do know that this product is amazing and works so well. I love the brush that it comes with, and I'm able to get a really nice, smooth line.
• Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Leave In Conditioner: I heat styled my hair a little bit this month, and this really helps in moisturizing and replenishing my hair. I leave it in for about a minute in the shower and rinse it out to reveal the softest of hair.

These were my October Beauty Favorites! I'm sorry I didn't add pictures, but I hope you enjoyed!

-Love Ling

Thankful-ling

   Hello, friends! I hope you're having an awesome day! Thanksgiving is coming up, and I'm so excited! This is a time of fellowship, friendship, and festivities. To get into the spirit of the season, I'm starting a new series on my blog. This is called "Thankful-ling", in which I post five things that I'm thankful for each day leading up to Thanksgiving. It's so important to remember what we've been blessed with and to try and share our blessings with others, as well.

1. Campfires: I was recently at a church bonfire with some of my friends tonight, and it was an absolute blast! I'm so thankful for their friendship and the opportunity to hang out with them over s'mores and hot dogs.
2. Opportunities: I've been blessed with a lot of great opportunities, and I'm really thankful that I have been able to take part in them.
3. Cozy blankets: What would I do without my cozy blue blanket? It's been really cold lately, and I'm glad to have it!
4. Heating systems in cars: When I drive, it can get really cold. I'm so thankful for the heating in my car!
5. Warm showers: Showers are basically the best thing ever. It's the perfect way to wind down after a long day. Love it!

I hope you enjoyed this post, you guys! Have a great day!

Real Techniques Facial Sponge Review

Hello, friends! Ah! I'm so excited! Most of you know about the Beauty Blender. It's a cute, pink sponge that you use to apply foundation. It's gotten really great reviews and people just rave over this product! However, the Beauty Blender is $20, which is absolutely outrageous for a sponge. I found a dupe for this product, and I'm so excited to share it with you! While shopping at Ulta with my friend, I came across the Real Techniques Facial Sponge, bought it, and took it home to try it out. Let's see how it fares:

Price: The sponge is $5.99 at Ulta

Packaging: It's very simple orange sponge. It has a pointy side for smaller areas of the face, as well as a flat side for larger areas of the face. The product feels very soft and plushy.

Application: I ran it under water first so that it wouldn't absorb the foundation I was going to apply. I noticed that when submersed in water, it's nearly double the size of the product when dry. The foundation I used was the Covergirl 3 in 1 Foundation, and I just dotted the product all over my face. I then took the sponge and blended the foundation onto my skin. I used a patting motion, and I noticed that the sponge felt really nice and soft on my face. It just bounced all over, very plushy and pillowy. The final outcome of the foundation was amazing. It blended into my skin like a dream, with no cakiness at all. 

Final Thoughts: I absolutely love this product! It works so well and makes my foundation look absolutely flawless on my skin. It is very comparable, if not better than the $20 Beauty Blender. Whether or not this product should be purchased is not a question. It's a $6 sponge that allows makeup application with ease! I love it!

-Love Ling

Body Image

  Hello, friends! When browsing through Pinterest yesterday, I came across this image. 

  I must say that seeing this really upset me. If you'll notice this model's waist line, you'll find that it's smaller than her head. Her legs are about the size of her arms. I just wanted to let you know that this model is not real. Yes, this is a real person, but it is impossible to have a body like this. This, friends, is the work of a society that values unrealistic body expectations and distorts images to achieve this. This is the work of cropping, slimming, shading, and blurring an image. No one looks like this.

  For those of you that are insecure in what you look like, because you see images like this, know that the body of this model is a lie. No one looks like this. 

-Love Ling