Life is Really Good at Not Going as Planned

I began Sarah Grapes with the intent of it being a fashion blog, though I think we both know that it's not. What began as makeup reviews and winter coffee photo shoots, has now turned into a messy website that harbors all of my jumbled thoughts and life adventures. I'm not in any way disappointed that this has not gone as planned. (Though I really don't know why you read my messy words and opinions...maybe some people actually find me interesting!) It just goes to show how incredibly difficult it is to plan things in life.

Falling in Love with Fall

Hello friends! It's been quite a while since I last wrote anything on here and I miss it a lot. I've just been incredibly busy with school stuff lately that I had to put Sarah Grapes on the back burner. But now, it's a new season (my favorite season, actually) and I figured it time to just sit down and write a new post. I can't promise posts every other Saturday. because I'm about to get even busier, but maybe after November I'll be able to pick up that regular schedule again. So, to start off, I'm just going to share some photos and what I've been up to lately.

The Promise of Tomorrow

This evening there's a slight cool breeze outside and the leaves of the trees are damp with the remnants of the storm that passed through earlier today. The smell of wet gravel fills the air and for some reason I'm reminded of fall. Perhaps I'm just eager for a change in weather or maybe I'm just really excited for fall fashion, (I think we both know it's the latter.) either way, as most minds work, one thing led to another and I began to think about why I love new years so much.

I actually find it a bit peculiar that I love that holiday so much. If I'm completely honest, most of the time it's no different than any other cold, winter day, except that I spend an exceeding amount of time in front of the television to watch times square. So, I suppose it isn't the actual day that I adore, more so the idea of it. That meaning, I find it's promise of new beginnings, opportunities, experiences, and adventures intriguing. After all, it's New Years! There's a whole 365 days ahead of you! Anything could happen! So much can change!

Why I Wear Fake Glasses

Well look at that! Perhaps that's some new information for you regarding my eyesight ability! In quite a few of my photos I tend to wear glasses. To an unknowing soul, they look like real, normal, prescription glasses. However, to myself and many others whom I've informed, they look like and are indeed fake, non-prescription glasses. But Why? you ask. When you have perfect eyesight, why would you bother with glasses? Well, I'm about to tell you exactly that.

Chicago in the Summertime

 

It's been seven years. Seven years since I've been to what I call my favorite place, despite only visiting once. Sven years for the memories to fade. And now I've finally returned to Chicago; the place I'll forever continue to call my favorite.

 

 

The Beauty in Being by Yourself

I. CAN'T. BREATHE. For the past week or so I've had either a cold or dramatic allergies. I'm convinced it's allergies because I don't feel all slow and gross like when I have a cold, so I suppose I may never know. Either way, I've become a mouth breather which causes eating to be more like a work out and I'm hoarding tissues in pockets, purses, and there's even a small tissue mountain forming on the floor next to my bed. Sorry, I know that's disgusting and you probably didn't want to know that. ANYWAYS, just thought I'd catch you up a bit on the happenings of my life.

And now, while I attempt to keep myself from falling asleep because my allergy medication makes me sleepy, I'm going to tell you about the importance of spending time in the sweet company of yourself.

How To: Contour...But Still Look Natural!

When it comes to makeup, I'm not afraid to try new things. Although, for some reason unknown to me, when it came to contour, I avoided it. I may have avoided it because it's easy to apply terribly wrong and I didn't want to end up looking like a clown with dirt on my cheeks or maybe it's because I just didn't own any contour makeup. Either way, I finally gave it a chance and liked what happened! Now, I'm going to share with you what I did!

Life Update!

Hello! Today has been quite the productive day! This morning I walked to the coffee shop in town and sat outside with an iced coffee while I read one of my favorite blogs, Man Repeller. Then I came home and wrote a blog post for Saturday that I'm actually really proud of and excited to show you! Next (with a nap in between) I cleaned my room and FINALLY unpacked my suitcase from the vacation I just took! Now, I'm sat on my bed with a candle lit in my salt crystal candle holder and Lorde playing in the background as I sip lemon water and write.

Currently Reading: Looking for Alaska

Majority of the books I read, I enjoy. Especially when those books are written by John Green, my chances of enjoying them are vastly increased. (Although for some reason, I just can't seem to get into An Abundance of Katherines.) John's writing is so insightful and enlightening, I sometimes wonder if he's human. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if he's some sort of prophet disguised as a thirty-eight year old male author, who's sole purpose is to teach us more about life and how to navigate it.

Does Luck Exist?

I'd like to start off by apologizing for not updating on Saturday, but it's been a crazy weekend and I'm just going to leave it at that. Also, I'm making up for it now.

Luck: success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one's own actions.

Throughout my life I've witnessed many events that I consider to be caused by luck. I suppose it all could be considered just one big coincidence, but isn't that what luck is?

How To: Winged Eyeliner

Hello again! It's been a long time, hasn't it? Instead posting every Saturday, I've allowed myself to post every other Saturday, which makes it easier on me and I enjoy writing posts more this way.

Anyway, today I thought I'd write a "How To" on winged eyeliner. It's taken me years to be able to draw a decent black line with a flick on my eyelid and it's still not perfect, but I'm happy with it. There are plenty of different ways to do this too, but today I'm just going to tell you how I've been doing lately. Actually, my technique has changed many times and will continue to. Okay, enough talking... let's get to it!

My Current Favorite Nail Polish

For years and years and years I had the bad habit of biting my nails until they were just chewed up little nubs at the ends of my fingers. It was unsightly, painful, and embarrassing. My parents would constantly tell me to stop doing it, but I just couldn't help it. And due to my nubs, I wouldn't ever paint my nails, frankly because I didn't have any nail to paint. Eventually, however, I stopped biting them and allowed my nail beds to heal and my nails to grow. Now I actually love my hands and my nails, and occasionally like to show them off. So, now I have the pleasure of sharing with you, my favorite nail polish colors.

A Day at the Green Houses

Hello! Has it really only been a week since I last posted?! It feels like it's been much longer! With a busy week behind me now, I spent today exploring many green houses with my sister and was in absolute heaven. There's nothing better than being surrounded by millions of flowers! So, I thought I'd this into a picture-diary sort of post today because I definitely took many photos while I was there.

Current Read: The Selection by Kiera Cass

It feels like life lately has been on fast-forward. So much was happening each week that before I knew it, I found myself facing the end of the school year, which is crazy! I was ready to slow things down a bit to enjoy more of what was happening in life, so what better way to do that, than by reading?!

The Benefits of Wearing No Makeup

Coming from a girl who loves makeup with all her heart, it's a bit strange to be talking about ditching the products every once in a while. However, there are some great benefits to doing so and maybe writing about it will help me feel comfortable going a few days without makeup because that's definitely something I struggle with.

Recipe for Happiness: Positivity // Happy Easter!

What?! Another blogpost?! Two days in a row?! Well, because it's Easter, I thought I'd treat you with another blogpost. Also, last night I was feeling inspired to write. So while I sit and watch Steel Magnolias, here ya go!

 

Positivity. It seems that as time moves on and the world becomes more and more advanced, we should become more positive as well. After all, a lot of things are created to make our lives easier. This, however, is not the case. In fact, it seems that now people tend to be more negative. It's never quite enough and we settle with being pleasantly unhappy because it's the new norm. 

Vance Joy in Concert and Meeting Jamie Lawson

Instead of doing my usual, in which I either write about makeup or happiness, I'm going to do a bit of a journal entry. Earlier this week I was lucky enough to go see Vance Joy's Fire and the Flood concert.

My Favorite Mascara

A lot of times when it came to makeup, I didn't give eyelashes as much attention as they deserved. I mean, when I first started putting on makeup I just skipped mascara all together. Then eventually I realized your makeup doesn't look complete without it and just used whatever mascara was cheap and easy. Now, I have one mascara in particular that I absolutely love and can't live without. And that would be Maybelline's Lash Sensational!

What is Normcore?

Normcore. I had never heard of the word before Tuesday, but it's been a huge part of my wardrobe and Pinterest for a loooooooong time, I just never knew it! It's basically the blandest, most boring, and painfully average trend which seems to have made the fashion world rewind about two decades.

Recipe for Happiness: Wellbeing

A HUGE part of being happy is being healthy. That's why there's that little saying, "happy and healthy." If you don't take care of yourself, you won't feel good, and if you don't feel good, you won't feel happy. It all goes hand in hand.

My Most Used Foundations

I think all makeup lovers can relate to the never ending search of finding the perfect foundation. So many different things factor into what may be considered "perfect." These factors include coverage, lasting power, color, and price. Although I'd love to try out high end foundations, I tend to use the ones found at most drugstores. This way I can get a pretty good price for good quality products.

Recipe for Happiness: Connections

Today the weather is absolutely beautiful and I got up, showered, and then went out for coffee with my sister. When I got home, despite having a cold, I felt so incredibly happy and I just want to share it because I believe that happiness is contagious.

Love & Beauty by Forever 21

All the time we hear about the big names in makeup such as, Too Faced, Urban Decay, MAC, and Estee Lauder. Although those brands are of great quality, they often leave a very big dent in your bank account. So, when you choose the products with drastically lower prices, you tend to lose quality. I, however, find that you don't need the best quality and most prestigious products to have a beautiful makeup look. In fact, there's a range that's recently been brought to my attention, that I'm very happy with.

Choir Tour 2016

Choir is a huge part of my schooling experience and I thoroughly enjoy it. I'm lucky enough to go to a school that has an incredibly large chorale program and every year we go on a tour to a university and usually stop at a high school along the way. I had such an amazing time, I thought I'd share a few pictures with you. Sorta like a picture diary!

Free Marc Jacobs Products?!

It's my birth month! And what better way to start it off than celebrating with a little bit of Marc Jacobs' beauty products?

Selfies Good for the Soul

 

There's nothing like taking a good selfie. You simply just can't beat the pride you feel when the lighting is perfect, your makeup is on point, your hair is tousled to perfection, and that you have a picture to document the moment. I don't know about you, but selfies make me happy. They make me feel confident and in this world, confidence is key.

Easy Frozen Coffee Recipe

It's an abnormally warm day for January today, however I'm definitely not complaining. I could honestly do without all the cold and snow. With the warmer weather here, I feel more inclined to actually do things and not be a sack of potatoes on the couch with a blanket. So, I thought it'd be nice to share with you a frozen coffee recipe I like to make. My friend, Vivian (remember her??), actually gave me this recipe and I love it!

The Holy Grail of Facial Masks

I'm someone who doesn't take as good of care of my skin as much as I probably should. Most of the time I tend to do the bare minimum by washing my face before I go to bed and moisturizing. That's about it. Luckily, I don't get too many blemishes, but I know I can do better.

Me, Myself, and Fashion

Fashion has always been a part of my life. And I don't mean that in an extraordinary way. My mom wasn't a model or a fashion journalist and my dad wasn't a designer or fashion photographer. In fact, fashion has found its way into my life in the most common and sometimes overlooked ways.

Spicy Mondays Aren't So Bad...

If you ask the common American about their thoughts on Mondays usually you'll hear something along the lines of... horrible, dreadful, miserable, and unpleasant...(notice how they're all synonyms of bad?) I don't think I've ever met a single person who's favorite day of the week is Monday.

Coffee Date for Four

Me and my lovely friend and photographer, Vivian

 

With midterms coming up this week, I've been drowning in all of the packets and studying, so it was nice to get work done while also relaxing. (I didn't even know that was possible!!) I had joined a group of friends for a "coffee date" in which we all sat around working on our U.S. History packets in the sweet company of each other yesterday.