via

Happiness

1. Y'all already know that I'm a huge fan of the musical Hamilton. Well, this week, one of my tweets was liked by Leslie Odom, Jr., who originated the role of Aaron Burr. I nearly went into shock and passed out. He's probably my favorite actor in the show. There was so much screaming. 

2. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel. My parents gave me some for my birthday, and I love it. It looks and feels really nice, and it's supposed to last like a gel manicure from the salon. I doubt it will last that long, but I'll be happy if it lasts a week!

3. Today is National Dance Day!!! Definitely one of my favorite days. Throwback to pointe shoe fittings. I love those shoes so much.

4. I woke up today to find my mom making chocolate chip Mickey Mouse waffles. It was a good morning. Because I'm obviously still #TeamWaffle.

5. Both Canva and PicMonkey now have apps. My life is made.

- - - - -

What's making you happy? 

The Best of Broadway Playlist

(Not my image)

If y'all know anything about me, it's this. I love theatre. I love it so, so much. And one of the (many) reasons that I love it is because of the amazing music. Broadway soundtracks are seriously the best, guys. But I know that if you haven't really listened to any soundtracks before, it could be kind of overwhelming. There are so many- where do you begin?

That's what I'm here for! 

I've decided to compile a playlist for you all of some of the best Broadway songs, from tons of different shows. I've thrown in some that are very popular fan-favorites, along with some lots of people haven't ever heard of. Every show is different, they all have a different sound. If you're not a huge fan of one song, I can almost guarantee that there will be another on the list that you'll love! So please, sit down, put on some headphones, and enjoy!

P.S. I know this is super long- sorry. The sad thing is, this is the trimmed down version, too. But hey- if you ever want more songs, you can always hit me up! ; )

Burn-Hamilton

Maybe- Next to Normal

Dyin' Ain't So Bad- Bonnie and Clyde

First Date Last Night- Dogfight

Santa Fe- Newsies

Non-Stop- Hamilton

Defying Gravity- Wicked

My Shot- Hamilton
Popular- Wicked

Seasons of Love- Rent

Goodbye Until Tomorrow/I Could Never Rescue You- The Last Five Years

He Lives In You- Lion King

Happy/Sad- The Addams Family

Some Things Are Meant To Be- Little Women
You Love Who You Love- Bonnie and Clyde

Consider Yourself- Oliver

A Million Miles Away- Aladdin

Tell Me On A Sunday- Tell Me On A Sunday

Proud of Your Boy- Aladdin

With You- Ghost

For Good- Wicked

Finale- Les Miserables

Who Lives Who Dies Who Tells Your Story- Hamilton

Sixteen Going on Seventeen- The Sound of Music

Ten Minutes Ago- Cinderella
Safer- First Date

I Dreamed a Dream- Les Miserables

There Are Worse Things I Could Do- Grease

Seventeen- Heathers

Someone Like You- Jekyll and Hyde

Forget About The Boy- Thoroughly Modern Millie

Who I'd Be- Shrek

You Can't Stop The Beat- Hairspray

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

So what did YOU think? Do YOU like Broadway? What was YOUR favorite song on this playlist? Do YOU have a favorite show? Are there any songs that I missed? Let me know in the comments! Let's chat!

January/February Favorites!

HELLO BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!!! Aren't favorites posts fun? I love them. The last few months I haven't managed to get one up, though, so I'm making this lovely gigantic one with January AND February favorites.

Creating this post may have partially involved repeatedly asking my mom and my sisters, "What have I been obsessed with lately????" Because I have a terrible memory and literally can't even remember my own life. Go me.

Beauty:

I needed to try a new foundation, and ended up liking the Maybelline Fit Me in Porcelain. I had to switch because the Ivory TruBlend was too dark...I'm so pale, guys. It's terrible. Sometimes I feel like Porcelain doesn't even match. I really need to get a tan this summer. It's bad. 

I got this eyeshadow trio in a Target beauty box, and I really like it! I'd never tried anything by Pacifica, but I love the quality. It has nice pigmentation, and it doesn't crease, either. Plus, THE PACKAGING IS SO PRETTYYYYY. Gah. Love.

I'd been wanting to try EOS in stick form for forever. I got the vanilla one for Christmas, and the mint for Valentine's Day, and I love them both. The consistency is great, and it's so much easier than the big sphere that's the typical EOS shape.

This Bed Head curling wand was a Christmas present, and since then I haven't used my old curling wand once. It gives your hair these absolutely GORGEOUS, natural curls, and they really hold, too. Plus, the glove that comes with it works wonderfully. Can't recommend this wand enough.

Books:

These are basically books & journals all wrapped up into one and I'm obsessed. I'm also quite proud because I've kept up with them quite well. And if you know me, I'm terrible at keeping up with ANYTHING.

I read The Old Man and the Sea for school, and I really enjoyed it. Well, I enjoyed reading it the first time, anyways. Then I had to write this essay on the symbolism within the book and started to lose my mind. But the book itself was good!

Randomness:

The obsession is hardcore, guys. I'm almost finished with season 1- it's so great!

One of my friends managed to get almost the entire high school at our co-op obsessed with Color Switch. Myself included. It's sooo addicting. I've kind of gotten sick of it now, but it was a definite obsession for a while. 

I've absolutely loved watching this continuation to Full House. It's so cute, and since I grew up on Full House, seeing everyone grow up has been super fun. 

It's taking over my life, guys. I'm involved with helping with a production of the show coming up soon, and I could not be more excited. It seems like lately all I ever am thinking about is Aladdin! 

Music:

SURPRISE! The musical that has taken over my life. I literally cannot say enough good things about this show and its brilliance. It is honestly a piece of art.

Songs I've Been Loving:

Seasons of Love- Rent
Happy/Sad- The Addams Family
Kiss Me- Ed Sheeran
21 Guns- American Idiot (Original Broadway Cast)
When We Were Young- Adele
Safer- First Date
The Hanging Tree- Mockingjay
Homeless- Ed Sheeran

-----

What have you been loving lately?

Weekly Wrap-Up

Hey everyone!! How has your week been? Mine has been alright, fairly busy. But that's life lately I suppose, haha! Lots of rehearsals, trying to catch up on school, etc. There are worse ways to spend a week, though!

I don't really have any interesting stories to share with you all. Which is kind of pathetic. Hmm. Like I said, most of the week was spent going to rehearsals and getting random stuff done. I can't think of anything stupid that I did either, so I can't really entertain you all with that.

OH! I somehow burnt pasta. How in heaven's name I managed to do that I don't know, but a bunch of the spaghetti I made had burnt ends. Cooking isn't my thing. At all.

Also, HOW IS JANUARY ALMOST OVER???? It's so weird. In a way it seems like New Year's was ages ago, but at the same time I can't believe that it's almost February and time for Valentine's Day. So weird.

Made Me Smile:

Phone calls, FaceTimes, and texts from my friends who were at competition this weekend. They actually FaceTimed me during the competition so that I could watch!!! They're seriously the best. ♥♥♥

Getting to chapter four in my novel!! I'm getting to the point where it doesn't take as long to write, because I know how I want it to work. It's so much fun!

Pizza dinners:)

Having a class that you reallyyyyyyyyy don't want to go to get cancelled. Best. Feeling. Ever!!!

Ugh:

Early morning rehearsals that aren't close to my house. Agh, mornings aren't my time of day.

Waking up randomly sore? Like, why?? Did someone attack me in my sleep or....?

WHY IS EYELINER SO HARD? One minute I'm thinking I have plenty of time to get ready and the next I have a black eye and two minutes to get out the door.

I keep thinking about how hard it's going to be to get this glitter nail polish off and I'm already dying. 

Headaches.

Loving:

The Hamilton soundtrack. Oh. My. Gosh. I am hardcore obsessed. 

Hot glazed doughnuts *insert heart eye emoji*

Fuzzy socks

The fact that it hasn't been *quite* as cold lately!!

Re-reading Pride and Prejudice. It's so perfect.

Pinning:

I'm kind of obsessed with these

These are just so pretty! They make me think of spring:)

Can I please have her hair?

This is such a cool ring

Ouch

Gosh I love this kitchen

---------

How was your week?

September / October Favorites!!

Hello, everyone!!! First off, I am SO sorry that I never posted my September favorites. I had the majority of the post written up, but things just got super crazy and time got away from me. Sorry about that. Anyways, I decided to combine my September favorites with my October favorites, so that I could show you all everything that I've been loving over the course of the past two months.

Is it just me, or has autumn gone by super quickly? The fact that it's NOVEMBER, and Halloween is over, and it's almost Thanksgiving...that's nuts! Time, can you please slow down??

I don't have a ton of new beauty favorites, I really need to go shopping. I've only been to Target once recently, and it was at like, 11:30 p.m. haha, so that didn't count.

I MISS YOU, TARGET!!!

*cough* Annnnyway...

Y'know what, let's just forget my awkwardness and get into the favorites...

Beauty:

I believe that I mentioned this polish previously, in a Weekly Wrap-Up post. My friend gave it to me, and I've fallen in love! It's by Essie in the shade "borrowed and blue". The quality of this polish is crazy, it lasts for SEVERAL days (Usually my nails chip after like, a day), and it dries super fast. It doesn't get really sticky and gloppy, which is nice. It makes painting my nails much easier! The color is gorgeous, it's this really pale blue, and it looks great on my nails. Now I want to get some more Essie polishes!! Oh, how I wish they were cheaper. I would buy them all!

I purchased these burgandy wedges at the beginning of the season at Maurice's, and I'm seriously obsessed. They're perfect for autumn, I love them so much! The color is a lot more reddish in person, a lot darker. I'm not sure why I couldn't get that on photo better. 

I feel like such a stereotypical blogger, but I just love plaid! I picked up this shirt at Ross a few weeks ago, and I think that it's super cute. Plus, plaids are so cozy! They're seriously the best. I'm definitely wearing plaid a ton!

Nivea hand cream. This stuff is AMAZING! I originally got it in a Walmart Beauty Box, but at the time I didn't use it. Lately, my skin has been SUPER dry thanks to the weather, and I decided to try this cream. Oh my goodness, it's seriously the best stuff ever. I love it! It's super moisturizing without being greasy. Love it.

Books: 

I've raved about Catching Fire on here before (I read it in September), but I had to include it. I'm still planning on doing a post devoted to The Hunger Games (I don't want to publish it until I've read Mockingjay- which is currently in my possession! I'm going to read it this week. Let the tears begin.), but let me just say, I loved Catching Fire. Yes, it crushed my soul. A lot. But I loved it nevertheless!!!

I know that I already reviewed this, but I had to include Secret Letters in my favorites. Honestly, this is SUCH a good book, guys, I can't recommend it enough.

Randomness:

As I'm sure that you all could tell by my posts, I'm loving this season of Dancing With The Stars! It's been great so far. I really miss Len, though. It's just not the same without him! I wish he'd come back, even just for a few episodes. It's been a good season though, if you ignore the lack of adorable British-ness...

Scones have quickly become my newest obsession. They're such a great breakfast. My mom makes the best scones- I need to try making them sometime! Let's face it, I'll probably crash and burn, but if so, it'll be an interesting blog post for you all! (Note: Since I originally wrote up this post, I did try making scones- AND I SUCCEEDED!! I was quite proud of myself. Usually cooking and I don't get along too well.)

Yes, this is a Disney show. And yes, sometimes it can be a little bit cheesy. But I have to admit, I love it. I absolutely adore Boy Meets World, and now I've gotten sucked into the sequel. It's actually a good show, once you get into it. Plus, Lucas + Maya = Perfection!!!

Hand-lettering. I showed you all the original version of this in my Weekly Wrap-Up, and while my version is far from perfect, it turned out better than I expected it to. I'm working on getting better!! 

Music: 

I think that I've mentioned this soundtrack in one of my Weekly Wrap-Up posts, but it definitely needs to be a part of my favorites. IT IS SO GOOD! Oh my goodness. I've been listening to this soundtrack constantly lately, and I'm in love. My favorite song on here would probably have to be Dying Ain't So Bad, but there are so many good ones! I'm a bit partial to that piece because a friend of mine sang it for a competition, and it was INCREDIBLE. Her voice is absolutely gorgeous. There are lots of other great songs on there though- Picture Show, How 'Bout A Dance, Bonnie, and You Love Who You Love (which my sister and I might do for a competition!). Overall it's just a really great soundtrack. Bonnie and Clyde is such an underappreciated musical- it only ran for four weeks, which is crazy. Definitely go listen to it!

This is kind of weird, but I've been loving the Tarzan soundtrack!!!

Favorite Songs:

I See Fire- Ed Sheeran
Chasing Cars- Snow Patrol
Human- Christina Perri
Fight Song- Rachel Platten
I'm Not The Only One- Sabrina Carpenter (Originally Sam Smith
Try- Colbie Caillat
Rocketship- Shane Harper
Let Her Go- Passenger
Hello- Adele

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What were some of your favorites?

Weekly Wrap-Up

Hello, lovely people! How has your week been? Mine has been busy, but it's been a good week. Lots of school, lots of rehearsal, but lots of fun. Isn't it crazy that October is almost over? The months seem to go by faster and faster lately.

Today is really a lovely day, weather-wise. The temperature is absolutely perfect, not cold or hot, and it's really cloudy. The leaves are changing and all of the trees are orange and yellow. I'm not a huge nature person, but I've got to admit, it's gorgeous out. We went on a walk with a friend today, and I took a ton of pictures. I also somehow ended up accidentally taking a couple of videos while my phone was in my pocket, one of which is just a three-second snippet where you can hear me say, "I am literally obsessed with the Sound of Music," before it cuts off again. Haha, if one video sums up my existence, it would have to be that.

I spent three hours doing the Charleston yesterday, and I'm definitely feeling it today. I'm so sore! If anyone ever says that dance isn't a workout, please send them to me. I'd love to bring them to one of my rehearsals... DANCE IS A SPORT, GUYS!!!

I'm trying to think if I have any other interesting snippets to share with you all, but I'm coming up a bit blank. My life isn't all that interesting, I suppose. I'm going to a murder mystery party tonight though, so I'm excited for that! Those are the best. : )

Made Me Smile:

MY BRACES ARE OFFICIALLY OFF!!!!!!!!! That's right guys, I'm officially free of my metal teeth-cages. FIVE YEARS LATER. Agh I'm so happy about this!! I don't think that I stopped smiling/jumping up and down all day. My family kept commenting that I'm never that hyper! I went to get my flu shot that day too, and I was still in an ecstatic mood. It's kind of hilarious when not even needles can dampen my happiness.

My friend gave me this ring that wraps around your finger and looks like a cat, and it's literally the best thing in the entire world. No kidding. It's perfect.

Playing games with friends outside in the pitch-black darkness.

Taking the craziest selfies ever with some of the craziest, best people ever.

Re-reading Harry Potter.

Long walks around the lake.

Ugh:

Is it seriously almost Halloween? That is absolutely insane I swear October has flown by. 

I've been crazy busy lately and school is kind of drowning me. I WILL GET AHEAD AGAIN, I SWEAR.

I'm really frustrated because I feel like I'm not blogging enough and I really need to get better about that. I've been posting twice a week but I really want to post more than that. I'll work on it!!!

Cold weather. It seems like I'm cold constantly, which isn't exactly my favorite thing. 

Loving:

The Bonnie and Clyde soundtrack. I'm literally obsessed with it oh my gosh.

Hand-lettering. I hadn't done it in much for a couple of weeks but I've been working on it again, and I really love it. 

LOOK AT THESE DOUGHNUTS! I really talk about doughnuts too much...

My army green jacket from T.J. Maxx. It's super cute and it's also really warm, so it's kind of perfect.

Pinning:

I seriously love these watches so much, they're so cool!

Anastasia and Dimitri are one of my favorite fictional couples gah I love them so much.

This outfit is impeccable..

This little bird is adorable!

I will forever love ballet..

I actually lettered this the other day and it didn't turn out half bad, I was happy.

~~~~~~~~~~

How was your week?

Weekly Wrap-Up

Hello, everyone! Gosh, writing these posts up makes me realize just how much of the week goes by in a blur! I keep having trouble remembering what happened over the past week. It's kind of sad, to be honest.

This past week has really been crazy. School, rehearsals, PSAT... It's insane. I have a ton of stuff to work on this weekend, which I can't quite say that I'm looking forward to. Not that I'm procrastinating that schoolwork by writing this or anything. 

I'm going to try to fit some fun stuff in this weekend, too. I'd really rather not go insane with stress. Maybe I'll read some Harry Potter once I finish some of the work. Which Harry Potter book is your favorite??

Made Me Smile:

Finally getting the hang of really awesome choreography. It's the best feeling!!

Paula and Mark's dance on Dancing With The Stars last week. It was literally the best, funniest thing ever!

My local library has finally ordered a copy of Graceful by Wendy Mass! I seriously can't wait to finally get my hands on a copy!

I know that I'm constantly recommending Hallmark movies, but YOU NEED TO SEE THIS ONE!! It's called Love on the Air, and it's seriously SO cute. Oh my gosh. I'm obsessed.

Ugh:

PSAT. Ugh, ugh, ugh. I am SO glad that it's over! The math portion was pretty terrible. Although I've got to say that the PSAT jokes going around the internet now are kind of the funniest things ever. So much for "do not discuss the test"! 

Mornings. They are not my friends.

I've somehow managed to do something to my ankle with all of the rehearsing lately. So that's fun. 

It seems like I'm constantly stressing myself out about getting everything done. Need to work on chilling out a bit...

Loving:

Girl Meets World. Yes, I'm aware that this is a Disney channel show and I'm in high school. But I love Boy Meets World, and the tie-ins are amazing. There's a three-part episode going on this weekend that I'm both excited and terrified for. As I'm writing this, I haven't watched any of it yet, so it may not go under Loving for very long.. (Edit: I have officially watched Part 1. I need the next two parts!!)

Sleep. It doesn't exactly happen much...

Broadway soundtracks. I could literally listen to them 24/7.

Harassing my sister about reading Harry Potter. She still hasn't read it, AND SHE NEEDS TO!!! Am I right???

Pinning:

This is such a cute outfit!

"How 'bout a dance? Let's make a start. Music like this can really throw you. You'll lose the blues, and you may lose your heart. Tonight is the night I've been waiting for. Even the moon looks just right." - Bonnie and Clyde. I love this show so much! 

This is such a cute outfit!

This is so funny yet so true...

She took the midnight train going anywhere...

Oh my gosh, I love this so much...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How was your week?

July Favorites!

 Did anyone else feel like July was kind of a weird month? Like, in a way it seemed to be really fast, but at the same time I think back to the beginning of the month, to the Fourth of July, and it seems like it was ages ago. Time is kind of a weird thing. It's so slow, but at the same time it's so fast. Right now, I just wish that things would slow down. Everything seems to be moving super fast. We're already three weeks into August, school is about to start...it's so weird.

I'm sorry that this favorites post is kind of late! Between party prep, the actual party, test prep class, life in general, and all of the other posts that I've had to work on, I haven't had time to get this out yet. (Agh and it's almost September...I'll accept my bad blogger award now.) But hey, I guess it's better late than never!!

Let's get into the favorites!!!

Beauty:

This flat iron spray. Oh. My. Word. I'm pretty sure that I posted a bit about it at the beginning of July when I bought it, but I had to include it in this favorites post, too. This spray is an absolute life saver. It keeps my hair straighter, cuts down on frizz, helps keep my hair from going crazy with all of the humidity, AND it smells good. What more can you ask for??

I've been super obsessed with my Naked 3 palette!! It's so beautifullllllllll! Love ya, S ;)

This shadow has been one of my go-to makeup items for July. I've worn it almost every day, unless I was using my Naked palette. It's just so shimmery and pretty, I adore it. I really need to go back to Target and look at these again....

Music:

 I seriously love this album so much. Oh my gosh, the music is just so incredible. GO LISTEN TO IT. Noooooooow. 

Especially during the beginning of the month, I really enjoyed this album. I'll admit, it's kind of bubblegum-pop, but I actually like it.

As you all could probably tell from my Photo A Day challenge, I listened to this album a TON during July. It was kind of a month of throwback T-Swift music!

Randomness:

This one is super random, but I seriously love the musical It Shoulda Been You. Oh my goodness, it's so funny! I wish that I could have actually seen it live, but it closed. I'll have to stick to longing over photos on Instagram, I guess! If you want to see a taste of it, Google "It Shoulda Been You Today show". So. Funny!!!! (Granted, the fact that I first saw this first thing in the morning before an early rehearsal might have something to do with the fact that I couldn't stop laughing, but that's totally irrelevant.)

I didn't have a picture for this favorite, but four words- Butter Pecan Ice Cream. For some reason in July, I was reallllllllllllllly in love with it! So yeah. That's slightly random. ^But that's why it's under randomness, I guess!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you haven't yet had a chance, I would really appreciate it if you checked out my last post and answered a couple of my questions in the comments. :)

What were some of your favorites during July??