Practicing My French

Hello, again!

One of my goals for 2016 is to become fluent in French. With 4 years of French study under my belt, I assumed this goal would be easy to achieve in a year’s time, and I’m incredibly determined. In the past month, I’ve researched numerous ways to practice my French, and I thought I’d list them for you because these techniques are proving fantastic to brush up on the language, and I think they’d also work spectacularly for people who want to learn French or any other language!

1. Duolingo

- I discovered this website (and their app) sometime mid-last year, and I spent about a month doing nothing but practicing my French. It’s an amazing resource for learning languages, and I was immediately intrigued with the idea that I could test out of certain sections. It combines reading, writing, and comprehension to quickly move you through the basics of the language before working towards conversational phrases. I love that the app gives you the option to speak into your microphone, because actually speaking the language in the accent is the most important part of using practical French!

2. 365 Days of French Expressions

- In my research, I discovered this book by Frederic Bibard, which shows an example of a French expression for every day of the year. It’s a delightful insight to French idioms and phrases, and I’ve learned a lot so far about the quirky differences between French and English expressions. I would, however, not suggest this book for new French learners, as some of the verb conjugations could be confusing for a new speaker.

3. Reading French Literature

- I’ve added “reading a book in French” to my list of goals for 2016 because I honestly believe it will help me in comprehending the language and how it works. Even reading and deciphering individual sentences using context clues can really strengthen someone’s fluency. I’m going to start with a book I know and love, so I don’t have a difficult time understanding plot points. I’ll start with Harry Potter or The Hobbit and work my way up to the classics like Les Miserables and Le comte de Monte Cristo. I’ll keep you updated on my progress!

4. Watching French films

- Listening to the beautiful language when paired with English subtitles is a fantastic way of learning any language. I remember watching numerous films in high school, some of my favorite being Les Choristes and of course, Chocolat. While I’m watching, I like to pause and repeat sentences just as they said them. Besides, foreign films give you incredible insight into the culture of these native speakers.

5. Local Meetups

- As I mentioned before, speaking the language is half the struggle of becoming fluent in a language. Having studied French, I can easily comprehend words I’m reading, and I’m decent at conjugating my verbs, but I need to gain some serious confidence in the conversational aspect of the language. I had this idea to speak to a native French speaker, to meet up and discuss the weather or attempt to use the language from a practical, yet casual standpoint. One of my coworkers is dating a Lebanese guy who grew up and studied in French schools his entire life! I was so overjoyed at the idea to speak with him, that when I asked her to hook us up, she informed me he ran a local French club where people could sit in and carry on casual conversation because he didn’t want to lose the language while living in America. Excited by this prospect, I googled local meet ups in Portland, and was immediately prompted to a few websites, including meetup.com, where people post regularly scheduled meetups! I now am incredibly looking forward to meeting up and speaking French with other passionate individuals because it will undoubtedly help in meeting my goals of fluency. 

I hope this list was helpful to you all, and I highly encourage you to go out and become fluent in languages of your own! I will keep you updated on the process, and hopefully this time next year, I’ll be on my way to France, confident in my use of the beautiful language!

What are languages you’ve always wanted to become fluent in? What tricks did you use to learn the languages you know? Let me know in the comments below!

xo

-Amanda Jean

Things I'm in Love with Right Now

Hello, again!

Here are some things I’ve been absolutely in love with recently!

Afternoon Tea ☕️🍪

A photo posted by Amanda Jean (@amanduhpones) on Feb 10, 2016 at 1:51pm PST

Earl Grey and my London Mug

- I recently discovered Starbucks’s London Fog latté, which is essentially Earl Grey with steamed milk and a few pumps of vanilla. It’s actually to die for. I’m absolutely obsessed. I’ve started making earl grey every morning (sometimes two cups) with just a touch of soy milk, and it’s my new favorite. It’s a great way to get a caffeine boost without overloading my system. 

- Sean bought me this mug from Anthropologie for Christmas, and it has become my new favorite item. Covered in illustrated sights and foods of London, this little mug is inspiration and reminder of my goals every single morning. It’s also the exact perfect shape to warm my hands up as I drink. I just absolutely love it.

Yoga Camp was fun and is available year round! Creating new yoga practices for you today! Back to our regular programming • free yoga videos every Wednesday! #yogawithadriene #findwhatfeelsgood

A photo posted by Adriene Mishler (@adrienelouise) on Feb 4, 2016 at 4:18pm PST

Yoga with Adriene

- I’ve been feeling incredibly confident in my weight recently. I even went out a bought a few little body con dresses, which is incredibly unlike me. That being said, I’ve been looking to tone up my muscles, making my frame, arms, and legs appear just a tiny bit more slender. So, I decided to pick up yoga again. I bought a fabulous pink mat from Target, and I searched for yoga lessons on YouTube. That’s when I came across Yoga with Adriene. I’ve just started her 30 Day Yoga Challenge, which I definitely recommend for anyone looking to ease their way back into yoga. She has the perfect balance of goofiness and determination, and she definitely encourages me to push my boundaries and stretch out those weak muscles. 

Harry's come to work dressed as Ace Ventura today

A photo posted by Lou Teasdale (@louteasdale) on Jul 4

Harry Styles

- I know what you’re thinking, I’m always in love with Harry Styles, and this is incredibly accurate. His 22nd birthday was this week, and I thought I’d celebrate by dressing up in a flowy pajama top and skinny jeans over some black booties. Harry has been a styling inspiration of mine for years now, and I think he really should be an icon for all of us. I mean it, if we could all feel half as confident rocking the Ace Ventura look, we should!

#Regram @jobae_91 ・・・ X-files attempt #2 #mulderandscully #xfiles #scifi #sketch #illustration #drawing #art #portrait #ink #pendrawing #wip

A photo posted by The X-Files (@thexfilesfox) on Jan 29, 2016 at 3:32pm PST

The X-Files

- As you all probably know, in December and the beginning of January, I binge-watched every season of The X-Files on Netflix. What started out as a mild interest developed into an obsession, and Mulder and Scully are definitely my OTP. I just love the dynamic of love and friendship between the two characters, and the writing has definitely inspired characters of my own. Last week, Fox released a new 6 episode mini-season of the hit show, and though they aren’t as great as the originals, it’s fun to watch the older versions of the characters I know and love! I’m three episodes in, but I’m looking forward to what monsters the next three episodes have to offer!

Secrets are kept in here 📓❤️🖊

A photo posted by Amanda Jean (@amanduhpones) on Feb 12, 2016 at 12:36pm PST

My Notebook

- Another amazing Christmas present from Sean (he’s hit it out of the park this year!), I got this beautiful leather-bound notebook. It’s the absolute perfect size to carry around with me everywhere I go, but not too small to comfortably write in. Every single day, I fill a page with to-do lists and blog post ideas. I have pages full of travel goals and career goals. It’s just the perfect outlet for my creativity, and I have no idea what I’d be doing without it.

We don't know about you but this is where we want to watch the #SuperBowl 🏈 | 📷: @kristofer_johnsson

A photo posted by bloglovin' (@bloglovin) on Feb 7, 2016 at 6:54am PST

BlogLovin’

- Every night before I go to bed and every morning when I wake up, I get on my phone and open the BlogLovin’ app. This app has provided so much inspiration and insight to the blogging world, and I’m incredibly thankful I stumbled across it. My absolute favorite blog at the moment is Career Girl Daily, and I always read their blog posts first before stumbling onto the “Explore” page and looking at the most popular categorized blog posts for the day.

What have you been loving lately? Anything I should check out? Let me know in the comments below!

xo

-Amanda Jean

-- 2016 --

Happy 2016!!!

This year (and all years in the foreseeable future), I plan to:

- Exercise my language skills.

- Work out the kinks in my art skills.

- Begin crafting and DIYing like a Pinterest pro.

- Sing more. Play more.

- Become a plant-mom, and maybe prove I can raise a living thing too. (Like a goldfish)

- Perfect the housewifery skills of cooking and organization. 

- Explore Oregon and all this beautiful state has to offer me.

- Learn to use social media in ways that benefit myself and the blog.

- Practice a healthy routine to get enough sleep, exercise, and nutrients.

- Travel, travel, travel! See the world!

- Most importantly, be confident. Have confidence in myself, in my body, in my skills, in my mind. Flaunt my confidence, and stay confident for the years to come.

I’m so ready for this year. I’m excited to accomplish everything I’ve been hoping for. I’m enthusiastic about the positive changes I’ll be making in my life. 

And, as always, I’m so grateful for all of your love and support. What are your plans for this new year? Are there any skills you would like to exercise?

Please follow along as I meet my goals, and I hope you choose to experience new things with me!!!

Thanks so much for stopping in, and I’ll definitely speak to you again soon!

xo

-Amanda Jean

P.s. - Please check back in Wednesday for a very exciting post about a new me!!!

Fall Lipstick Favorites

Hello, again!

It’s that time of year again, where a deep, bold lipstick really pulls an outfit together. Being as lipstick obsessed as I am, I couldn’t leave you guys without knowing what some of my favorite shades are for autumn! Here are just a hand full from my collection that I love to use this time of year!

The Mauvey Nudes

Everyone loves a good mauve toned nude for the fall. It’s like your lips but better and deeper and more sultry. A good mauve softens any smokey eye, and I particularly love mauve because I feel like it really accentuates the blue in my eyes. Mauve is definitely one of my go-to colors for every relaxing, autumn day spent sipping hot tea and knitting. I’ve really been loving Revlon’s Lustrous Lip Color in Mauvey Night for it’s incredibly smooth texture and shine, it’s perfect to chuck on when I need to make a Target run, or if I want a pouty look for a quiet night out. I’ve also been obsessed with Kat von D’s Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lovesick. It has some cool-toned, lilac undertones that are really on trend at the moment, and the staying power of this lipstick is phenomenal. 

The Spicey Nudes

What’s pumpkin season without some good spice? I’ve been a lot of warmer tones this fall, orangey eyes and cheeks, and these brown-toned nudes are the perfect complement. It’s great to warm up your face in the chilling fall weather. I love to throw on an orangey brown lip on my trips to Starbucks to work on my blog. I grab my Ewok keys, and I’m out the door! I’ve really been loving the (aptly named) Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color in Touch of Spice because it really is the perfect matte nude. It glides on in that beautiful, 90s browny nude and stays matte and perfect all day long. I also adore Revlon’s Lustrous Lip Color in Rum Raisin because the color and formula is just as delicious as the name suggests. It’s rummy and buttery and amazing.

The Reds and Berries

You can never go a season without a classic red and a cat-eye. I’m a sucker for a bold, red lip and a striped dress, and I loved the idea of bringing it to autumn with deeper, berry shades and accessorizing with an olive, felt hat. NYX’s Round Case Lipstick in Snow White has been a favorite of mine for a while now because it’s a deeper version of the classic red, making your pout perfect for those chilly, autumn shopping trips. I recently discovered Sonia Kashuk’s Velvety Matte Lip Crayon in Berry Nude and I absolutely love the creamy texture. The color is the quintessential berry that everyone needs in their makeup bag for fall.

The Vampy Lips

And, of course, I couldn’t survive autumn without those sexy, vampy lipstick shades. Does anyone else throw on a dark lipstick and just feel right at home? I love how sexy I feel with such a bold statement. I love throwing a deep lip on with my favorite leather jacket and a fun statement necklace for a night out. I’ve also been accessorizing with a thin scarf, wrapped in my hair à la Harry Styles circa 2014, and I absolutely adore the bohemian vibe.

Narrowing down my selection of vampy lips was, of course, impossible, but here’s a little taste of my collection. My very, very favorite bold lip is Revlon’s Lustrous Lip Color in Black Cherry. As you can probably tell, I have an obsession with this lipstick line. I love the creamy application and amazing pigmentation of all of these lipsticks, but Black Cherry is by far, my favorite. The color is just the perfect Cherry Coke Red for my lips in autumn. Or in Spring, if I’m feeling daring. Maybelline’s Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color in Burgundy Blush is a relatively new favorite. I discovered that it’s the exact same color as the blanket scarf I mentioned in my Fall Favorites so, naturally, I wear them together as often as possible. I’m just so in love. Kat von D’s Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Vampira is another classic, browny red shade with stunning wear time. It’s probably the most subtle of my vampy lip colors. The name is fantastic for the Halloween season as well. And last, but certainly not least, the deep plum of NYX’s Matte Lip Cream in Transylvania is to die for. This almost black, buttery lip shade does go on a little patchy, but if you throw on a lip pencil, the color of this is absolutely stunning. It’s the perfect, witchy way to make such an amazing statement. I feel like Wednesday Addams every time I wear it, but like an adult, super sexy Wednesday Addams. I’m obsessed.

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What are some of your favorite lipstick colors to wear in the fall? Are you more of a mauve-y nude or a vampy and bold? Let me know in the comments below!

Stay tuned Monday for a fun Autumnal Outfit Look!

xo

Amanda Jean

Mermaid Halloween Makeup Look

Hello, again!

This is part two of my Halloween makeup looks, and it’s one I’m really, really excited about!!! This is my Mermaid look!!!

It was sooooooooo easy to do, guys! I literally only used four products! 

First, for the eyebrows, I thickly drew in my eyebrows with this dark teal eyeshadow to define the shape and add volume. Then, to define each hair and to look less like a cartoon character (yeah, right!), I combed through my brows with this mint colored mascara, the same mascara I used on my eyelashes!!!! 

I carved out my eye sockets, similarly to the Tim Burton tutorial I made last week with the same teal eyeshadow I used for my eyebrows. I really wanted to define the crease, but still keep my eyes pretty bright. Mermaids usually lure sailors in with their eyes, right? So you want to keep them as bright and sultry as possible.

Then, for my face, I used the exact same teal eyeshadow to contour my face! I used it in a “3-formation”, focusing the majority of the product in the hollows of my cheeks, my temples, and under and around my jaw. 

For effect, I also focused the contouring into the hollows of my collar bone. Depending on your costume, you could use the teal eyeshadow all over your body! 

((Fun tip: To find the hollows of your cheeks, just make a fish face!!! Very fitting for this look.))

Now for the fun part: Highlight. I love a good highlight, whether it be for an every day makeup look or something mystical like this. I think I’m just really attracted to glitter. Either way, this highlight was so much fun for me! I found this incredible, iridescent green eyeshadow, fittingly called “Mermaid”, and I took that on my fingertips, smudging it into the high points of my face. I used it across the tops of my cheekbones, along the top of my forehead, down the bridge of my nose, and my chin.

To really brighten my eyes, I used the same highlighter under my brow bones and in the corners of my eyes. Also, pat some of it onto the center of your lids, making your eyes appear larger.

To make my lips appear poutier, I used the same highlighter on my cupids bow. My lips were actually my very favorite part of this look! I had this fantastic blue lipstick which actually inspired this whole look! It already has bits of blue shimmer in it, which make it look fantastic in the light. To make it more teal to match the look, I actually patted that same highlight shadow all over my lips!

To tie off the whole look, I plaited my hair in a fishtail braid. How fitting, right?

I’m absolutely in love with this look, and I can’t wait to do another one!!! Stay tuned next week for another Halloween look! Also, check back in Friday for my Fall lipstick favorites!

What’s your favorite mythical creature? Let me know in the comments below! Or tag me on social media!

xo

Amanda Jean

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What I used on my face:

Teal Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Electric Palette in Fringe

***Here’s a cheaper Alternative: NYX Hot Singles Eyeshadow in Dare

Colored Mascara: NYX Color Mascara in Mint Julep

Highlight Shade: NYX Prismatic Shadow in Mermaid

Lips: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Paint

Autumn at the Oregon Coast

Hello, again!

My best friend, Lacey, and I traveled to the Oregon coast town of Cannon Beach to enjoy the rainy and windy weather of the coast in autumn! It was absolutely beautiful. Despite my ears freezing off, I had an amazing time.

Isn’t she beautiful? I initially dragged Lacey along with me to help take some outfit post photos for this blog. The mixture of wind and rain and my hair and laughter made it almost impossible for us to keep straight faces. It was so much fun!

I thought lots of layers would definitely help in this ridiculous weather, so I opted for a huge wrap scarf and a big, canvas Anorak jacket to keep my nice and cozy! I also really love the look of skinny jeans tucked into fluffy socks like these glittery grey ones. And I couldn’t leave the house without my combat boots to keep my feet warm and guard against the sand! Despite the freezing rain soaking my coat and pants, I actually managed to stay pretty warm! I just wish I’d remembered gloves and ear muffs! It was really, really cold!

After traipsing around the beach with our oversized, polka dot bubble umbrella, Lacey and I walked around the little shops along Hemlock St. It was a wonderful day, and I can’t wait to do it again soon!

Have you ever been to the Oregon coast? What was your favorite thing to do there? Let me know in the comments below! Or tag me on social media!!!

xo

Amanda Jean


P.s. - Stay tuned! Wednesday is my next Halloween makeup look!!! I’m really excited about this one!!!
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What I wore for a “typical” Autumn day at the Oregon Coast:

Scarf: Angelina Frayed Wrap from Francesca's

Jacket: Target Anorak (Similar)

Pants: Urban Outfitters BDG Twig High Rise

Socks: Target Grey Glitter Knee High Boot Socks

Boots: Target Gwen Combat Boots

Autumn Favorites

Hello, everyone!

Welcome to the abridged list of my Fall Favorites! I say abridged because there are so many more things I love this time of year. I chose to omit the obvious things like falling leaves and pumpkin spice and the beautiful, Oregon rain, because those are my favorites every year. But here are some other things I’ve been loving in this beautiful season.

This autumn is my first living in my own apartment, where decorating is entirely up to me, and I decided to bring a touch of fall lovin’ to my tiny place by purchasing these adorable sparkly pumpkins and this cute felt wreath. Both have a little bit of sparkle, and you know I can’t resist that. 

Also, for the first time, I’ve decided to burn candles. My house needed that touch of autumn smell, and these candles from Target were perfect. As you can see, Autumn Harvest and Be Thankful are well loved. I especially loved burning them at the same time. A little bit of pumpkin with a little bit of spice makes a lot a bit of happy Amanda.

My next autumn favorites are under the fashion and accessories category, and you have no idea how hard this was for me to narrow down. I’ve been wearing different variations of a similar outfit for a couple of weeks now, and I think it’s comfy and perfect for the changing weather outside. 

1) This olive green trapeze dress is absolutely gorgeous and flattering on all figures. I’m so attracted to olive green this fall, and this is definitely not the only piece in my wardrobe. I’m all about that life. The trapeze style dress is also one I have in numerous colors. I love the cozy chic vibe you get from a girly, flowy dress made of such a comfy material.

2) Oh My God, don’t even get me stared on this moto jacket. My mom and I stumbled upon this little beauty at Sloan Boutique in Northwest Portland, and we both loved it so much I convinced her to buy me one too. I don’t even know what to say about this piece other than it makes me feel stunning and glamorous, but also super badass. (Sorry about the language!) But I’m honestly infatuated with this. I’d wear it to sleep if I could.

3) Recently, I haven’t been able to leave the house without a huge, fabulous blanket scarf. This one from Forever 21 is the perfect, deep burgundy. It really makes my freckles and blue eyes pop, and we know I love to make those pop! Really, though, this is so cozy and wonderful. It makes me feel like I’m at home under the covers no matter where I am.

4) Some other accessories I’ve been totally obsessed with are over-the-knee socks and booties. Over-the-knee socks like these ones from Forever 21 are the perfect pair with a cozy, autumn dress. They show that little cheeky bit of thigh when you walk, and they still manage to keep you warm and comfortable. I also can’t resist a good bootie like these from Target. These are a gorgeous, gold-effect platform, and I’m in love. I’m going to have an entire post about booties in a few weeks, so keep an eye out for that!

5) Last, but not least, are my favorite beauty items. I’m not going to lie to you, this is the ultra condensed version. My favorite thing about autumn are the amazing options for makeup! I recently went back to wearing nail polish, and I discovered this amazing, Galaxy green and gold from CND Vinylux at Ulta. The price is high but absolutely worth it because the staying power on this nail polish is ridiculous. Also, as we all know, I love a great lipstick. This Revlon lipstick in Rum Raisin is my favorite pop of orangey nude to throw on. I’ll also be posting a fall lipstick post in the future! Stay tuned for that as well!

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And of course, I couldn’t post an autumn favorites without some random things I’ve been loving! So please check these out as well!

1) Twin Peaks - The first two seasons from the 90s are up on Netflix, and I’m absolutely hooked. Can’t wait for the next season in 2017!

2) Infinity - One Direction’s bonus download from their upcoming album Made in the AM. This is my jam

3) Baking Encounter - One of my very best friends has a baking blog!!! I love her adorable use of GIFs, and her personality really shines in this blog!

4) Geeky Girl’s Guide to Living a Creative Life - Another of my very best friends has created some Ace content about being a nerd and rocking it!

5) Sean Slaugh - My boyfriend (and roommate) started a YouTube channel where his sarcastic wit meets dorky challenges. I’ve had the spotlight in a few videos too!

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What are some of your favorite things this autumn!? Let me know in the comments below! Or tag me on social media!

xo

Amanda Jean

P.s. - New autumn outfit post coming Monday! I’m very excited to show you my favorite pieces to wear!