I live in a small town. So small in fact, that we typically have to go out of town to do any good shopping. We have the basic stores but nothing special (I'm talking about chain stores here - we actually have a pretty good local retail scene).

We just had a Sephora open here not too long ago and this girl is super excited about it! I can finally get my hands on some of the most raved about beauty products without having to pay extra for shippping.

One of my favorite things to buy when I go cosmetic shopping are palettes. There's nothing more convenient than having everything you need in one little palette. They are also perfect for travel! When I'm packing my cosmetic bag for a trip away I don't have to worry that I forgot something, as long as I have my palettes.

Hello, friends!

I haven’t done a catch-up with you since April - wayyyy too long in my opinion.

The past few months have been both stressful, relaxing, full of motivation, and a little discouraging all in one. Overall, this summer has been pretty great though.

I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve been reading a bunch of non-fiction, “self-helpish” type books or what - but I’ve been really focusing on a self-discovery of sorts. Sometimes you need to take a good hard look at yourself and decide whether or not you like what you see (not just in a physical sense). Are you REALLY the type of person you’d describe yourself as to someone else? What are your priorities? What are your dreams? Are you following them?

It’s not easy but man, is it ever worth it.

Enough of that seriousness, let’s catch up!

Is it seriously August already? I'm a huge fan of Fall time, but seriously, this summer has gone by way too fast. I haven't even had a bonfire yet! Time needs to slow down.

Even though time has been moving too fast, my nights have been moving way too slowly.

For awhile it was the heat keeping me up (I don't have a/c) and then it was a whole bunch of things rolled into one. Usually, I'm the type of person that falls asleep 3 minutes after her head hits the pillow, but these past few weeks have been a different story.

It's the worst feeling - lying there in bed, not being able to sleep, counting down the hours until you have to get up in the morning.

Luckily, there's a number of things you can do to help yourself fall asleep faster and have a better quality of sleep as well.