My Tattoo

Hi guys!

Long time no see/ talk!! I'm sorry I've been MIA for the past few weeks- finals week was pretty stressful and I had to finish up my honors thesis. Now that all of that is out of the way, I should be able to blog more often (if something interesting happens haha). Anyways, on to the point of this post. 

I got a tattoo last Friday! I honestly never thought I would get one simply because it's "unacceptable" (especially around here) for teachers to have visible tattoos. I just decided that I really didn't care anymore- if I have to cover it at school, that's perfectly fine with me. I wanted something that I could see every day.

Ok, there's a bit of a backstory behind the tattoo. I'll try not to go too in depth (sorry, this is probably going to be a long post). Last June, I fell into a pretty deep depression- that led to self-harm and suicidal thoughts. I was in such a dark place, and it just seemed like there was no way to overcome it. I stated going to group therapy once a week after I told my family what had been going on. There wasn't a quick fix to this problem; some days are harder than others. I've been struggling to overcome this for almost a year, and I can honestly say I feel like I'm in a completely different place now. A healthy and safe place. 

Skip ahead to this year. I just recently discovered Thirty Seconds to Mars, and have become completely obsessed with their music. I really don't know why, I just absolutely love the band- their music is incredible and the Jared, Shannon, and Tomo are amazing musicians. I was listening to the "This is War" album in my car one day, and the song "Alibi" came on. It sounds so cliche and cheesy, but I heard the lyrics and started crying. One line, in particular, stood out to me: I fell apart, but got back up again. The way Jared sings it still brings me to tears (I'm talking ugly-crying, guys); there's so much pain in his voice, but by the end of the song, it turns to determination. I can honestly say that no other song has ever had such an impact on me. I knew this song was special the moment I heard it, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. I went through so much pain (emotionally and physically) that I knew I needed this line somewhere where I could see it each and everyday. It's more of a reminder than anything. A reminder that I have overcome so much, and I can continue to get past whatever struggles may come my way in the future. 

My tattoo is on my right forearm. John did such an amazing job, and I'll definitely go back to him for my next tattoo (I'm thinking of getting the MARS logo on my left forearm). 

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You made it to the end of my (super) long post!! Congrats!

Thank you so much for reading :) Hope to talk to all of you again very soon!

Keri<3

Uni VoxBox Unboxing

Hello everyone!

If you've been reading this blog for awhile, you will know that I'm part of the Influenster program. Basically, Influenster sends you complimentary samples and are asked to review them (and it's completely free!). This is the fourth box I've recieved from the company. 

As always, this is just an unboxing post, meaning that I haven't opened or tested any of the products yet. I will do a follow-up post with reviews and swatches within the next month or so :)

Just for reference, here's a little timeline for this box: 

February 10: recieved an email stating that I qualifed for the Uni VoxBox

February 25: recieved an email asking me to pick a makeup shade that would match my skin tone the best

March 25: recieved an email containing the tracking number

March 28: recieved the Uni VoxBox

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DISCLAIMER: I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.com. This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 

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The Box

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-On Manicure ($5.99 for colors/ $7.99 for patterns)

I recieved this same product in my last VoxBox, but I'm glad they sent me a patterned set this time. This pattern is called "Straight Up" (these are the short length nails). I absolutely love these press-on nails because they're so easy to apply, they last for a full week, and they come in a ton of cute colors and patterns. I can't wait to wear these!

Expert Last Lip Color ($1.99)

NYC claims that this lipstick is moisturizing, silky smooth, had a velvety finish, and wears for up to 6 hours. Hopefully, this lipstick is as good as it seems to be! I love the color, and I can see myself wearing this day or night. It's a great spring color, in my opinion. This color is called "Forever Fuchsia (447)."

Pilot Acroball PureWhite ($4.59 per 3-pack/ $6.24 per 4-pack/ $7.49 per 5-pack)

I don't know if I'm weird or not, but I really like pens. This pen is supposed to be a sort of hybrid between a gel pen and a ballpoint pen; the company says it writes smoothly like a gel pen, but dries quickly like a ballpoint pen. I'm a lefty, so quick-drying ink is a must for me! I like that the pen grips were inspired by the Spring Pantone colors. 

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation ($4.99-$5.49)

I've been wanting to try this foundation for ages! From what the company says, this foundation is lightweight and keeps skin matte throughout the day. I think this is the lightest shade in the range ("Light Ivory (091)"), and hopefully it'll be a good color match for me :)

Playtex Sport Fresh Balance ($3.99-$4.99)

This is the only product in the box that I probably won't use; I'll probably end up giving these to friend and asking their opinion on them. I don't use tampons, so I don't feel like I'll be able give you guys an honest opinion of this product. 

Red Rose REAL TEA Premium Water Wnhancer ($4.49)

I just recently started drinking tea, so I was excited to see this in my box! I didn't even know a product like this existed. I received this in the flavor "Blackcurrant Raspberry." There are supposed to be 24 servings in this little bottle. 

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Thank you for sticking with me all the way to the end! Again, this was just an unboxing; I will have a review blog up sometime in the next month or so :) Hope to talk to all of you again very soon!

Keri <3

What I'm Reading 2014

RE: re-read

* : read for school

Just an FYI- my reading goal for this year is 45 books, plays, epic poems, etc. I've also included a few graphic novels just because I think they still "count" as reading. 

Another little note: I have a project for class that requires me to read 45 children's books by the end of the semester. I've included the chapter books, since some of them are pretty lengthy, but I left out the picture books. I didn't think it would be fair to include picture books in my reading challenge :)

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1. A Clash of Kings (GoT #2) by George R. R. Martin

2. A Storm of Swords (GoT #3) by George R. R. Martin

3. Melanie, Bird with a Broken Wing: A Mother's Story* by Beth Harry

4. A Feast for Crows (GoT #4) by George R. R. Martin

5. The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien 

6. The Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson

7. Titus Andronicus* by William Shakespeare 

8. King Herny IV part 1* by William Shakespeare

9. King Henry IV part 2* by William Shakespeare

10. A Midsummer Night's Dream* by William Shakespeare 

11. King Lear* by William Shakespeare

12. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

13. A Dance with Dragons (GoT #5) by George R. R. Martin

14. Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane

15. House at the End of the Street by Lily Blake

16. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

17. Edge of Tomorrow (aka All You Need is Kill) by Hiroshi Sakurazaka 

18. The Giver by Lois Lowry

19. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (RE) by JK Rowling 

20. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (RE) by JK Rowling

21. Mockingjay (RE) by Suzanne Collins

22. Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry

23. Ella Enchanted* by Gail Carson Levine

24. Charlotte's Web (RE)* by E. B. White 

25. The Whipping Boy (RE)* by Sid Fleischman 

26. The Tale of Despereaux* by Kate DiCamillo

27. Bridge to Terabithia* by Katherine Paterson

28. Gray by Pete Wentz

29. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut 

30. The Invention of Hugo Cabret* by Brian Selznick

31. Holes (RE)* by Louis Sachar

32. Doll Bones* by Holly Black

33. "Chrono Crusade Vol. 1" (RE) by Daisuke Moriyama

34. "Chrono Crusade Vol. 2" (RE) by Daisuke Moriyama

35. "Chrono Crusade Vol. 3" (RE) by Daisuke Moriyama

36. Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George

37. Esperanza Rising* by Pam Muñoz Ryan

38. Sarah, Plain and Tall* by Patricia MacLachlan

39. The Summer of the Swans* by Betsy Byars

40. The Friendship* by Mildred D. Taylor 

41. Shoeshine Girl* by Clyde Robert Bulla

42. Death Punch'd: Surviving Five Finger Death Punch's Metal Mayhem by Jeremy Spencer 

43. "Chrono Crusade Vol. 4" (RE) by Daisuke Moriyama

44. "Chrono Crusade Vol. 5" (RE) by Daisuke Moriyama

45. "Chrono Crusade Vol. 6" (RE) by Daisuke Moriyama

46. "Chrono Crusade Vol. 7" (RE) by Daisuke Moriyama 

47. "Chrono Crusade Vol. 8" (RE) by Daisuke Moriyama 

48. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

49. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

50. Flawless by Sara Shepard

51. Perfect by Sara Shepard

52. Unbelievable by Sara Shepard

Life Update, GoodReads Challenge, and Books I'm Reading

Hey guys!

I have a a few updates for you all today :) I know I haven't blogged in awhile (I'm really sorry...)- school has been really hectic lately, and I haven't had a ton of free time. I feel like this semester has been nonstop since it started. Oh well, at least Spring Break is right around the corner!

Anyways, let's get to the point of this post. I just recently found a job!! I'm currently a pet sitter/ dog walker with That Crazy Dog Lady! This job is absolutely perfect for me- the hours are super flexible, I get to hang out with dogs, and I get some (much needed) exercise/ fresh air. Plus, having some extra spending money is always nice :) My boss also asked me to start a company blog, which I am so excited about! I'll make a separate blog post with the URL and info about that blog as soon as it's up and running.  

Ok, switching gears again. If you've been following my blog for a little while, you'll know that I'm a huge bookworm. Last year, I kept a list of all the books I read throughout the year, and I thought I'd start a list for 2014. 

I have a GoodReads account so that I can keep track of all my book-related stuff (look up Keri Tichenor if you want to friend me on GR!). They just added a yearly challenge to the website- basically, you pick the number of books you want to read within the year, and GoodReads keeps track of your progress. I've set my goal at 35; hopefully I'll reach my goal!! 

If you are interested in what I'm reading, check out my very next post :)

Thanks for reading!! Hope to talk to all of you soon!

Keri <3

Kiss Brand Challenge Package

Hey guys!

I completed the Kiss Brand Challenge (on Influenster.com) awhile back. My prize package came on the mail a few weeks ago, so I figured it's past time that I did a little post about it. 

Here's what was inside the envelope. I received a set of Impress Press-On Nails, a pair of false eyelashes, and a tube of lash adhesive. A letter from Influenster explaining the products was also included. 

Let's start with the lashes. These are the Kiss #03 lashes, and as you can see from the picture, they look pretty natural. They're not too long or overly voluminous- perfect for me! I've never really worn falsies, so I think this will be a good pair for me to play around with. These are supposed to be really simple to put on since they're on a little string. I'll let you know in a future post what I think about these lashes once I wear them a few times :)

I'm glad Kiss provided lash glue!! I haven't heard much about this particular glue, but it's supposed to be precise and easy to use. I like that this glue dries clear. 

And finally, I received a set of Impress Press-On Nails. I absolutely love this neon pink color!! The nails have a matte finish (love it!), and are shorter than most press on nails I've used in the past. I like the length. There are a ton of different sizes to choose from, so I found a good match for each of my nails. 

Here's a picture of the finished manicure:

I took this with the flash on, so these look a lot brighter than they do in real life. Either way, I love how these look. They still look a little fake to me, but they don't look horrible. I would definitely repurchase these :) 

I wish I would have left these on until they fell off themselves, but I wasn't able to wear them for more than a few days. I play the piano, so fake nails are not my friend (most of the time). I should have saved these for a special occasion but I was really excited and wanted to put them on as soon as I opened my package. Oh well, maybe next time. 

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That's it for now! Thanks for reading, and as always, I hope to talk to you again soon!

Keri <3