||contains affiliate links||

I've got an array of favorites for you this month from makeup/skincare, to food, to vape juice, to books.  October was a fairly decent month for me.  Had some issues with my POHS, but that is to be expected.  I was veryyy busy for most of October which kept me from some of my favorite Halloween traditions.  That's nobody's fault but my own.  I had to take some time to create a concrete work schedule for myself to keep me from becoming too overwhelmed.

Before we know it, it's going to be Thanksgiving then Christmas.  I love this time of year and it seems to go by faster && faster every year... Ahh I can't think about all of that right now ahah.  Too much to do before Christmas!  Well grab a cup of tea or coffee, and let's check out my favorites!

I was sent this product for review and I fell in love!  I've been using this for about 2 months && I've seen a noticeable difference in my skin.  It's firmer, more even, and overall just healthier looking.  I've mentioned before that I don't really get impressed by skincare products, but this HAS impressed me.  I use it every single night during my nightly routine.  It's made such a huge difference in my skin.  I will definitely be purchasing this on my own when I run out... however, I don't know what that will be because this is a big bottle and it appears to last forever!  You can find SANO Vitamin C Serum on Amazon for under $20 && a free eye gel comes with it.

Aldi has these amazing bags of chopped dates.  I used them A LOT in october.  They're perfect to throw into a smoothie [you only need a little bit] for added sweetness.  I've made homemade granola with them, && even sprinkled them atop salads.  These chopped dates have been a perfect sweet tooth cure for me.

This month I have been enjoying Ecto Cooler by Mt Baker Vapor for my all day vape juice.  Ecto Cooler is a sweet and tangy citrus vape, with hints of orange, tangerine and sweet and sour candy.  It's been a nice fruity break from the pumpkin spice that I was vaping daily for awhile.

I've been using the NYX eyebrow kit for quite awhile now.  I really like the wax that comes with it.  The powder works great too.  I use my real techniques eyebrow brush for a flawless application.  A newer addition to my eyebrow routine is the Anastasia Dipbrow pomade.  I absolutely LOVE this stuff!  It can either make or break your look though.  There's a learning curve.  It's pretty potent stuff.  Once you get the hang of it, it's fantastic.  I use my Mirabella brow brush with it.

I was sent this book for review.  I usually decline offers from companies for book reviews.  I have a reading list a mile long, and I don't want to add to it by accepting books that I have no interest in.  I did accept this one though.  [I received the book for free, I do not receive payment for my review.]  I accepted this book because I have an obsession with all things "marketing".  Honest.  I used to want to go to school for marketing [before I realized I'm not programmed to participate in college lol].  I really enjoy learning the ins and outs of marketing.  It is useful knowledge for all facets of life.  This book, Kama Sense Marketing was very informative.  Taking theory from the Kama Sutra and using it in marketing.

According to the ancient Kama Sutra, "Love is where physical, emotional, and spiritual experiences meet for the purpose of strengthening relationships."  Isn't this what modern marketing is all about?  Love is, in fact, the very peak of emotional marketing. Putting this philosophy into practice is not only a revolutionary concept, but it's also a guaranteed platform of success.

I can't say that I agree with all points mentioned in this book, but I found Levy's theories fascinating.  I really enjoyed reading his approach.  I highly recommend the book if you're into marketing like I am.  At .99 cents, this book is a steal.  You don't often find educational or informative non-fiction that cheap.  It's a great read.

That's my favorites for October.  What were your favorites of October? <33

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Confessions of a Blogger

I don't do a lot of link up posts, but I thought this one was adorable.  I had to get in on it, aha!  There is so much that goes on behind the scenes of being a blogger most people don't know about.  That is what myyy confessions are going to be about...  what goes on behind each && every post.  Enjoy! 

||1} I'm NOT a photographer.  I haven't invested in a quality camera yet because all of my "extra" money has gone to medical bills [suck].  I actually put in a lot of overtime during the summer at my non-blog job and was going to buy a camera with the extra money.  Then my POHS started acting up && the Dr took my money [suck].  This means that each picture is taken with my Samsung Galaxy Note 3 phone.  I pull out A TON of lighting, white poster board, && clear plastic bins to get the best shot I can.  You should see it... it's hilarious.  I'm wrangling lights, my phone, and trying to keep the cats away at the same time.

||2} 99% of the time I'm sitting at my laptop in sweatpants [or yoga pants], no bra, myyy hair is in a hella messy bun or pony, && there is no makeup on my face.  Unless I was lazy the night before and didn't remove yesterdays makeup...  It's NOT a pretty sight.  I love everyyy minute of it! Aha! <333

||3} I have 2 cats, but Quorra is the "helper".  No matter what I'm doing, she wants to be up in it assisting.  9 times out of 10 I'm writing while trying to keep her off my keyboard, keep her from playing with my laptop power cord, sticking her face in my coffee, knocking my pen off the table, etc etc etc....  This cat doesn't like it when my attention is not on her.  When I was taking photos today [holding a light in one hand, my phone in the other, and standing on a chair] she decided to sprawl out on my feet.  There will ALWAYS be a cat behind the scenes of every single post.

||4} I chain vape && drink copious amounts of coffee while blogging.  I keep my giant Starbucks reusable cup full of water by me or the only liquid to cross my lips would be coffee.  I'm an ex-smoker && I love vaping.  Especially in the morning with my coffee, because when I smoked that was a special "me" time.  Coffee && ciggies.  Since I start blogging the minute my morning coffee has brewed, I vape along. [#vapelife]  

||5} I'm BIG into planning && I can't live without my planner.  However, blogging is another story...  I'm working really hard lately at getting a bunch of posts scheduled and pre-written.  I like the idea of having posts scheduled for weeks or months, I just haven't gotten there yet.  Most of my posts are written the day they go live.  This week has been the first week that I had the full week scheduled && ready to go.  I'm hoping to continue on that way, aha!

I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into my every day blogger life!  Thanks to The Nerdy Girlie for the link up && idea! <333

knitting [love]

I've crocheted since I was about 12 years old.  I never quite got "great" at it.  My projects were uneven, if I made 2 of the same they never matched, and I had issues with reading patterns.  I'd pick up again every now and then && try to give it a go.  It always left me frustrated.  

I've always preferred the look of knitted things, but figured if I couldn't crochet there's no way I could do knitting!  The thought of maneuvering 2 needles at once scared me away.  Well a few weeks ago we ran into Michael's for something, and I grabbed a cheap $12 beginner knitting kit.  I haven't put the needles down since!  I took to knitting so easily.  I'm veryyy excited about it!  

In the picture above I have my e-cig && my Kindle.  I still suffer some cravings for the ciggies, and wanted to take up a hand craft to keep my hands busy.  So far, so good.  I'm still going strong with my MVP2 from Mt Baker Vapor [there's a special coupon code for my readers in the side bar].  

I use an app on my kindle called "Knitting & Crochet Buddy" to help me keep track of rows && stitches.  You can input all the info into the app on the project you're doing.  It also has a ruler for measurement && other random helpfuls.  I use my kindle instead of my phone, because I'm usually running Pandora on my phone.  I also use it on my Kindle because I keep my patterns on my kindle as well.  I upload the PDF documents to it.  

[not my photo: taken from the pattern]

I found an adorable Christmas Tree decoration idea on Pinterest, and I've been whipping them up like crazy.  I ultimately want to try my hand at hexipuffs [I purchased the pattern already, so that I have it for later].  I really like the idea of having an on going project quilt made from little hexipuffs so that I feel a sense of accomplishment after each hexipuff.  

I've since gone back to Michael's and purchased several more skeins of yarn, and a few more needles.  Michael's had a sale this week [4 for $10] on certain yarn brands.  So I grabbed some yarn for more trees.  

I'm going to make some of the Christmas Tree decorations for gifts.  I'm very fortunate to have family that appreciates handmade gifts [I know some people don't].  I have a family of artists, && they know the time and hard work that goes into creating something.  I thought these trees were perfect for my first gift project.  I haven't purchased the embellishments yet.  I'm going to make all my trees first, then take one of each to the store to pick out the embellishments.

I've purchased yarn in Alma Mater colors for this purpose.  As a KU fan, it's going to really hard to make up these K-State trees!  The yarn is beautiful though...  You can't really tell from the picture, but the Purple & Silver yarn above are sparkly <333  I also have Yellow && Black yarn for Jess's brother [Wichita State].  Don't worry, I'm about 99% sure her family doesn't read my blog aha!  As for my family... I don't believe that anyone that will be receiving these trees read the blog either =] maybe 1 or 2... meh.  I wanted to share my project! Ahaha!

I really REALLY loved the aqua && green shade!  They're beautiful together.  I plan on making myself something out of those.  Don't know what, but I'll figure it out.  I might even make myself tree decorations out of those for my own tree! <333

I've also whipped up chair socks.  Jess has been sitting at the dinner table doing her college studies, and her "nervous" && "frustrated" fidgeting has caused my dining table chair to scratch my wood floor.  I remembered seeing a chair sock pattern on Pinterest and thought it was dumb... well now it's a necessity.  

[not my photo: taken from pattern website]

These are what the original pattern looked like.  I just quickly knitted up some with a color I had on hand, so they're not fancy.  Once I see how they do, I'll get some coordinating colors and make them cute.  If I have to have them, I might as well rock them right?

It's been fun sitting on the couch watching movies, knitting, and vaping.  Sometimes I'll listen to an audio book or music.  My favorite way to enjoy knitting has been to listen to 90s Alternative Rock or 2000s Indie Rock on Pandora.  It takes the "old lady" feel of it out when I'm rocking some Incubus, Foo Fighters, or some Arcade Fire and Death Cab for Cutie.  

You know how big of a reader I am, so I thought "if I could knit and read at the same time, life would perfect!".  So I tried listening to an audio book, idk if I like it.  My mind wanders too easily.  The biggest struggle I've had since knitting is Quorra... she's been naughty trying to get my yarn aha! <333

Here's the projects I'm currently working on:


Follow Emilee's board .current knitting projects on Pinterest.

labor day vape sale

The folks over at Mt Baker Vapor were kind enough to offer a discount today!  Hop on over to Mt Baker Vapor to get your 13.901% off!  I'm using the discount today to take advantage of restocking some e-juice && trying some new ones as well.  My shopping cart currently contains:

• Lemon Bar E-Juice in 12mg & 2 Flavor Shots
• Mimosa E-Juice in 12mg & 2 Flavor Shots
• Blue Moo E-Juice in 12mg & 2 Flavor Shots
• Hawk Sauce E-Juice in 12mg & 2 Flavor Shots

You could also use this discount as an opportunity to upgrade your device, purchase new tanks, or get a starter kit to begin your vaping journey!

...and remember, every order over $15 comes with a free bottle of e-juice

My Current Vaping Stats:

*70 days vaping*

*1762 ciggies avoided*

*$440.50 not spent on tobacco*

>>Coupon Code && Link Below<<

current favorite juice [guava]

This month I have been looooving Mt Baker Vapor's Guava.  It's a delish blend of tropical fruit.  I've actually blended it in my tank with a TAD bit of menthol for a reallyyy refreshing summer vape.  It's been hot as hades in the midwest, and this has been a lovely treat!  

Also, Mt Baker Vapor was kind enough to offer a coupon code just for my readers! 

Another awesome thing about Mt Baker Vapor is: when you spend $15 on anything, you get a free bottle of ejuice!  So hop on over and take advantage of myyyy coupon code && get yourself a free bottle of juice with your $15 order!

Top 6 Android Photo Editing Apps

||UPDATE 07/24/2015||

This post is now over a year old.  While I still love the apps in this post, please note that there may be other apps out there that better suit you.  Technology advances so quickly!  I have a tutorial on my current favorite photo editing app, Afterlight, which you can view here.  The popularity of this post on Pinterest has been amazing, and I just wanted to provide an update for those still pinning this post.  Thanks for stopping by!!!

................................................................

I've mentioned before how I do about 90% of my photo editing on my phone.  I take pictures with my phone, so the pictures are already there.  I spend A LOT of time running my family around.  I'm in my car A LOT.  I usually utilize this time to do photo editing.  I have found the perfect mix of photo editing apps for my Samsung Galaxy Note 3.  

1.]  Photoshop Express: I mostly use this one to clean up photos.  It has a great auto-enhance feature.  The best auto-enhance of any of the other apps.  It has the basics- cropping, straightening, rotating, flipping.  Adjust brightness && colors.  Plus, in app sharing option to all social medias.

Free

2.]  A Beautiful Mess: I love love LOVE this app.  It's my go-to app for Instagram pictures, and Pinterest pin-worthy photos [like the one at the beginning of this post].  The options are endless with this app.  I love the adorable doodles you can add, and the versatility of the fonts.  I use this app primarily for my watermarks too.  I can't recommend it enough.  

$.99

3.]  InstaMag: This is a new addition to the mix.  It's a lot like another app I will be discussing, but offers a slightly more modern spin.  InstaMag makes collage pictures.  Offers over 10,000 possible layouts.  It's been my go-to app for the collage style lately.

Free

4.]  PhotoGrid:  Here's my second collage maker in this list.  This one was my favorite prior to the newly available InstaMag.  I still believe that PhotoGrid has it's purpose though.  It's great to make a collage without too much fuss and distraction.  It's simplicity offers a sleeker collage.  It also has a video maker quite similar to "Flipagram", for Instagram.

Free

5.]  PicsArt:  This is probably my favorite true photo editor.  This app has every function you could want.  I use it frequently to edit my son's blemishes, enhance picture quality, remove unwanted objects from the background of photos, blur objects out in photos, etc etc etc...  It really does offer just about anything you could want from a photo editor.  

Free

6.]  Pixlr-o-matic:  This is a fun app to add random artistic touches to your photos.  This is myyy favorite app for filters.  It has sooooo many.  Seriously, if you can't find a filter that suits you with this app, there isn't one that will.  Not only does it have a plethora of filters, it has fun overlays that can add sparkle, drama, neon words, and more.  One of my favorite pictures of myself of all time [ahah okay, maybe not all time, but I use it a lot] is the one in my About Me section.  I edited this phone 100% with this app.  I highly recommend this app.

Free

**BONUS APP**

I've recently become obsessed with this app!  It's not reallyyy for photos, but you can use photos in it.  Magisto is a really cool video editor.  You select the video files and pictures from your phone, then choose a theme, and a song.  Then Magisto makes your movie for you.  I used it a few posts ago to create a quick unboxing video for Mt Baker Vapor.  I've had a lot of fun with this app.  It makes some fun little videos for ya.

Free

There ya have the top 6 BEST photo editing apps available on Android [according to moi].  I can't recommend these 6 apps enough.  They're great and easy to use for anyone from novice to professional.  What are your favorite photo apps?