#ManCrushMonday

You're probably asking, "What even is this, Instagram?  Pssshhh."

I know, I know... this is a blog, not Instagram, but it's MY blog and I'll give in to current trends on social media, hashtags, and posting photos of incredibly attractive men if I want to.

Ever since seeing "Neighbors" with my lovely friend Stephanie last month (link to her blog here), I have been drooling over Dave Franco.  I've always thought he was a cutie since seeing him in Superbad as Greg the soccer player (I seriously have a thing for soccer players, what is it?!), and definitely took notice when he played that high school jerk in "21 Jump Street" and the ex-boyfriend in "Warm Bodies", but after seeing "Neighbors"... Good heavens.

There's something about him that is so boyishly charming. 

source: www.duchamplondon.com

 Those big ol' brows...

source: buzzsugar.com

I'm having a hard time handling it.  Why hasn't any nurse I've ever had looked like this?!

source: http://imagenes.in/board/363/

The man loves cats.  Like, honestly really loves cats. That's all that matters.

source: mtv.com

And of course, let's not forget who he's related to... Good looks run in this family.

source: google images

Alright, haha... time to wipe up any unsightly drool that dribbled on your keyboard now.  Hope you enjoyed this slightly silly post and let me know if you want more #ManCrushMondays in the future! ;) 

Until next time!

xoxox

No Regrets, Right ...?

So we all know this famous saying...

source: google images

Meaning just what it says.  Live life with no regrets.  Don't look back on anything you did in the past and think "I wish I didn't do that..."  It's pretty good advice, actually (unless you're about to do something like rob a bank and say "No, it'll be totally fine because like, no regrets!  YOLO, yeah guys?" Umm... no.  Put the gun and the black ski mask down.  Because you're gonna regret this).

But in all actuality, we probably all have some things in our lives we regret.  I truly am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and that God honestly does have a much bigger plan for us and for the world than our little minds could ever even begin to comprehend, and that everything is working out the way it is supposed to for a purpose.  I guess you could say I believe in fate instead of sheer coincidence.  But even so, I have regrets.

I have a handful of regrets; a good-sized lump of regrets.  And I'm here to share them with you so maybe you guys don't have to learn the hard way and avoid the mistakes I made.  Take my situations and apply them to your own lives, by all means, have at it.

1.)  My first regret is not walking in to that audition when I was four or five years old in New York City.  I was a ham when I was younger: loved the camera, loved preforming, loved being the center of attention, knew from the second I could even form thoughts that I wanted to act and sing forever and ever and ever.  I was not a shy child.  So why, oh WHY did I refuse to get out of the car when my mom drove to the city so I could audition for some commercial or some agency or some children's clothing catalog thing, I don't even remember.  I was so excited on the drive over, but all of a sudden, I became scared and I cried as we parked in front of a big brick building.  I don't know why and this is my biggest regret to this day because I could've stuck my foot through the door at a very young age or I could have at least just gotten experience.  Things might've been very different for me and my family growing up and now I'll never know.

2.)  I regret not getting over my Zac Efron lookalike crush all throughout high school.  Granted, he looked like Zac Efron so that made it a little bit more difficult, but seriously.  Homeboy was playing me like I was a yo-yo.  We liked each other but he would date other girls, and when they broke up, I would always come back to him, just like a yo-yo.  He still had me on a string for so long!  And even when I knew we'd never date and he wasn't really that into me anymore, I still liked him.  For like, four or five years! He's a perfectly fine, nice, sweet guy now and such, but boys are silly in high school.  (And college. Actually, all the time.)  So yes, I regret not getting over him the first time he started dating another girl right after flirting hardcore with me on our youth group's annual ski trip because then I would've been more open to other great guys who liked me during that time (sooo, all of high school).  I would've gone on more fun dates and just enjoyed my whole high school experience more than pining after this one dude (who looked like Zac Efron).

3.)  I regret not standing up for myself as often as I should have.  In middle school and high school, I had a lot of bossy friends.  I guess that was just their personality types, and that's fine.  I'm sure they have transitioned their bossiness into good leadership skills by now.  I had some friends who I was intimidated by, and one or two friends that I was just kind of downright scared of.  I walked on eggshells around these people, just wanting to please them and make them happy -- while, in turn, the friendship was draining me.  I allowed myself to be walked on and taken advantage of a bit.  I felt like I had to drop everything when people wanted me to or else I wasn't a good friend.  When I had to tell my friend that I couldn't hang out because I was spending time with my family and they acted ticked at me because of it, I felt a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach all day long, and became a bit depressed because I thought they were mad at me.  I should've gotten over it and realized that my life is not ruled by other people.  I only give people the power to hurt me if I let them.  I should have rid myself of the toxic relationships and then worked on the savable ones by overthrowing my doormat personality and just said "no" to people more often.

4.) I regret not spending more time with my mom.  I love my mom so much.  And I know she loves me like crazy.  After two sons and two miscarriages, she had me at 38 years old.  I'm her only daughter.  I'm her little girl.  And throughout high school and college, she has supported me with everything I've wanted to do... including this blog and my soon-to-be YouTube channel.  I wish I made more concrete plans with her like I did with friends.  I wish I went out to lunch with her more and talked, or went to the movies to see the latest rom-com more, or went shopping at the mall more -- all the things I would normally plan to do with a friend, I wish I made more plans like that with Mom.  We love each other, we get on each other's nerves, we argue, we make each other laugh.  And now as we both get older, I really am going to try to make an effort to do that.  Starting with Thursday, when we're both going to try out a new salon in town and get our hair done. :)

So those are just some of my regrets... and did you notice anything that they all have in common?  I never regret the things I have done.  Like I said, everything happens for a reason.  But my regrets are things that I did NOT do.  I regret not taking these risks and these chances that would have improved my life and probably others lives as well.  So the next time you're wondering if you should do something, just go and do it!  Ask yourself if you will regret doing it or NOT doing it more... chances are, the answer is pretty much always going to be the latter.  That way, you really can say you've lived a life with no regrets.

DISCLAIMER: Okay, obviously have common sense about it, people.  If you're at a party and you know a guy has a girlfriend but he's really cute and flirting with you and you're thinking to yourself, "Welp, Desiree said to just live with no regrets and to just go for it whenever you're hesitant, so I'm going to kiss this guy" -- NO.  DON'T DO IT.  That's hedonistic and selfish and you'll hate yourself afterwards and if you don't, you need to go make some posters for your missing conscious.  If you're driving along and your car breaks down and some dude drives up and offers you a ride and you have a sinking feeling in your stomach and it just seems sketchy, DON'T say to yourself, "Welp, you always miss 100% of the goals you never try for or whatever that sports related saying is that can also relate to everyday life" and DON'T GET IN THE CAR.  If it could cause harm to you or others, then just no.  Because you definitely will regret that.

source: google images

Until next time!

xoxox

Beautiful Day on Daufuskie Island

Today was an absolutely wonderful day spent with old and new friends.  I left my house early this morning to meet up with my best friend Katie, our friend Matt, and Abby, who I've never met before (but she was lovely and I look forward to hanging out with her more over summer!)

We were very lucky and got to spend the day on Daufuskie Island, which is a little (and I mean little -- like, 5 miles long little) island off the coast of Hilton Head.  People can only get to it by boat, and no cars are allowed on the island, only golf carts to get around.  There is one church, one general store, two restaurants, one elementary school... you have to take the ferry to Hilton Head for anything else!  (I just keep thinking about what a hassle grocery shopping would be.  The ice cream would definitely melt during the 20 minute ferry ride!)  But regardless, Daufuskie is beautiful.  There are lots of golf courses and gigantic gorgeous houses all tucked away on this secluded subtropical island.

where the sky meets the sea...

the shell of a horseshoe crab

We also got to feel a little bit fancy and spend a couple hours at the clubhouse pool where we laid out, ate lunch, and had pina coladas... Mmmmmm.  I need to learn how to make these!

i could get used to this.

When we got done exploring the island, we hopped back on the boat and spent the rest of the day cruising around and soaking up the sun. 

We saw so many jellyfish and a ton of dolphins!  Some got very close to the edge of the boat.  I tried to snap a picture but no luck. :(

matt, me, and abby searching for dolphins... starring my big bum

One last crazy thing we saw was this woman on a jet pack... literally!  It uses water to push you up in the air.  Look how high she is!  I have GOT to try this one day!

So yes, today was lots of fun and I'm so thankful I got the chance to spend time on the lovely little island that I live so close to and hear so much about but never ventured, especially with great friends who make me laugh!  Although, I think we were all pretty tired from spending so much time outside and in the sun so I'm really looking forward to a nice sleep tonight (aka passing out on my bed and most likely waking up in a small puddle of drool.  Gross, I'm gross.)  Haha, until next time!

xoxox

Seven Summer Skin Tips

Summer is here, finally!  It is probably my favorite season.  I just love feeling the warmth of the sun on the tops of my shoulders, it's the best feeling!  As much as I love Summer and basking in some rays, this season can do a number on my skin.  Here are some tips for lovely, glowing Summer skin that will last well into Autumn.

*  Please note that in this post (as well as all of my future posts), if I feature a product, it will most likely be something realistically affordable for the vast majority of readers.  Let's be real -- I'm a young, broke college student with a part time retail job.  I can't afford luxury beauty items and designer clothes!  With the exception of the occasional splurge or gift, the items I feature on this blog will not break the budget.  Anyway... :)

Tip #1) I've found I've started to break out on my forehead lately, which is a place I don't usually get many zits... but I believe it's from the heat and sweating near my hairline (Yummm.)  Thankfully, there's this stuff:

source: http://www.cleanandclear.ca

Clean & Clear makes a facewash called Continuous Control that contains 10% Benzoyl Peroxide.  Most facewashes made specifically for acne contains only around 2%, so this stuff is STRONG!  I use it on my face and also around my chest, back, and shoulders in the shower (because body acne is the absolute worst, bleh).  But because it is so strong, it's also quite drying, which brings me to my next point...

Tip #2)  MOISTURIZE!  Summer can make skin dry, especially if you're using extra acne treatments.  Make sure you moisturize pretty much aaaalllllll the time.  And not just your face, but your body as well!  Last summer, I got very tan but never had to worry about peeling because I made sure to moisturize my body multiple times a day.  And I'm sure we all love getting a nice slight tan, but the sun = dryness and dryness = wrinkles, so make sure you slather on the lotion to avoid getting severe/premature wrinkles.

Tip #3)  What is my favorite moisturizer, you ask?  Well, I wouldn't exactly call it a moisturizer, but more of a miracle worker... Coconut Oil has literally changed my life, haha.  I'm serious!  I am sure you've seen a million articles about it shared on Facebook or a million pins on Pinterest, but it really is so healing and full of nutrients for your skin and body!  Slather it on your face at night to lock in moisture and prevent wrinkles.  Spread it on dry, cracked lips as a chapstick.  Use instead of shaving cream in the shower (this is my favorite way to use it -- my legs are insanely smooth and soft!)  Rub over sunburns for relief, and use it before a day spent outdoors for an all natural sunscreen.  This doesn't even begin to cover what this stuff can do!  I use it for everything, from skin to hair to cooking It makes for an amazing and gentle eye make up remover, too.  It will take off the most stubborn mascara and I swear, it makes your eyelashes longer and prettier!  This is the exact kind I get below at the local grocery store, and it runs for about $7 a jar... but it will last you a good while!

source: www.walmart.com

Tip #4)  I live in a super humid area of the US (seriously, just step outside and it's like you're drinking the air instead of breathing it) and I know humidity is not so great for girls with oily skin.  If you're prone to oily skin or combination skin (oily on the T-zone of your face), then you should invest in some oil blotting sheets, especially during the warm summer months.  Gone are the days of over-powdering your face!  I would suggest a specific brand, but I have normal to dry skin (ugh, the worst) so I've never really needed to use these!  Any thoughts?

Tip #5)  Use a makeup mist to keep makeup in place all day long!  I use e.l.f.'s Makeup Mist & Set, which has aloe, green tea, cucumber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E in it so not only does it keep your makeup on, it soothes skin.  And for $3, the price really cannot be beat.

source: www.google.com (review)

Tip #6)  To help me get that healthy summer glow, I use bronzer on my cheeks, near my hairline, my nose, and near my jaw.  On days when I'm not wearing my Bare Minerals and use Warmth for bronzer, I use Rimmel London Sun Shimmer Shimmering Maxi Bronzer.  It has some sheen to it to illuminate your skin, but it's not glittery, which I love!  I try to stay away from face powders or blushes with glitter in them, as they accentuate any acne.  

source: www.us.rimmellondon.com

Tip #7)  For smooth legs that you're not ashamed to show during summer, you should definitely use a nice exfoliator while in the shower before you shave!  The beads in the exfoliators help remove dead skin and lesson the chance of any ingrown hairs.  You'll be amazed at how much smoother and silkier your lovely legs feel after shaving now!  

source: www.thebodyshop-usa.com

My best friend, Zandi, gave me the Brazil Nut Body Scrub from the Body Shop and it is AMAZING.  It is creamy and rich, but the grainy beads are great to exfoliate my skin.  It smells so, so, so good.  I definitely want to buy the rest of the Brazil Nut products!

BONUS TIP:  Always a good idea to invest in a fabulous big hat with a wide brim to protect your face and décolletage from getting too much sun.  Plus, it will make your outfit look 10 times more glamourous than it already is.  

source: www.wheretoget.it

So there you have it!  Seven summer skin tips, plus one extra. ;)  Do you have any tips for troublesome skin during these sweltering months?  I'd love to hear them!  Leave them in the comments, if you please.  Thanks for reading, until next time!

xoxox

Hello! :)

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Hello, everyone!  Welcome to my new blog.  Not much to see now, but I really hope/plan to make something wonderful out of this blank space... the possibilities are endless!  This is just kind of a little obligatory introduction post.

First off, I should probably let you know who I am.  I'm Desirée and I'm a 23 year old college student (who is very ready to graduate...) 

If you want to know a little more about me, I highly encourage you to read my About Me page!  Also, please feel free to send me any questions you have and I would be more than happy to answer them.

This blog should be lots of fun and I'm really looking forward to posting at least multiple times a week. I have so many great ideas!  Keep checking back for make up tips, fashion and home decorating ideas, various hauls, tutorials, recipes, music recommendations, and just posts about my little life as I go day to day or go on any exciting trips.

So yeah, those are just a handful of the things you'll see on Little Arrows of Desire. :)  And definitely give me suggestions on what posts you'd like to read, as well!

xoxox

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