Franceazca: January 2015

1/15/15

Listen To: Dami Im

I discovered Dami Im completely by accident a couple of weeks ago... and what a lovely accident that was. I was literally going through my Twitter feed and a random Buzzfeed article popped up [Top 40 Most Underrated Songs of 2014] and boy was I in for a big surprise in the form of this awesome Aussie pop star.

image via

Safe to say, after I ran into Dami Im's song "Super Love" I spent a significant amount of hours watching videos of her (that's also when I found out that she was the grand winner of X Factor Australia's 2013 run). So all in all, I've literally been obsessing with this gal. She has such a smooth, and perfectly controlled voice... and let me tell you about her range, IT IS AMAZING. Also, I can't help but to find certain qualities of her tone and voice similar to Natasha Bedingfield (any thoughts? maybe it's just me... oh well). But anyway, this girl has got a lot of world class talent to offer. I'm really hoping she makes an amazing North American crossover, because people will definitely LOVE her.

Here's a few songs, both singles and X Factor Australia performances, that I've been replaying over and over the past few days.

I have been watching an unhealthy amount of Dami Im's performances on X Factor Australia, that I think I've seen every single one of them... BUT, Dami's version of Prince's "Purple Rain" is probably one of my favorites. This is so good that even Prince would like this.

Here's the video for Dami's "Super Love," which led to the rest of my discovery of this super cool Aussie. This song is so catchy, and wow what a HUGE chorus. Also, the video's really cute!

These last two videos are among some of Dami Im's acoustic renditions. The first is the acoustic version of "Super Love," and the second one is her cover of Dolly Parton's "Jolene," which is just lovely.

Please check this girl out, and take a look at her songs. I promise you, she will not disappoint.

So there you go boys and girls! Happy listening and I hope you enjoy miss Dami Im as much as I do.

-Frances

1/10/15

the (really) lazy girl's guide to being fit

NEW YEAR NEW ME! ha. ha. just kidding.
If any of you knew me personally, I AM THE LAZIEST PERSON YOU WILL EVER MEET. I'm the type of girl who takes the subway for ONE stop (which is usually a measly two-block walk). That is how lazy I am. I will find any excuse to stay at home, lay in bed, watch a movie, and eat snacks... for hours at a time. This also means that I have a hard time getting on a fitness routine that's made for how lazy I am. I usually get a workout in every now and then when I'm super motivated, but I never really keep up with it. Sad to say, motivation isn't really good enough for a lazy gal like me. I could be super motivated, get dressed in some comfy gym clothes, be super pumped for my upcoming workout session, and end up sitting on the couch eating a bag of chips (yes, this has happened before).

That being said though, these past few months I've been trying really hard to get some healthy habits in to get me fit. By all means, I'm not fat or overweight, but I'm definitely out of shape. I've definitely lost a lot of muscle and gained fat over the past 4 years because #college.

So, after that long winded story about how lazy and out of shape I am, here are a few tips/tools/habits for staying healthy and getting started on a fitness regimen made for US lazy girls.

1. Get your sh*t together and set a reasonable goal
This, is of course some simple no bullshit advice from someone's who is no fitness guru in any way shape or form.

2. Use an activity tracker.
No. I don't mean a tracker that counts how many steps you've walked, how many miles ran, or what work out you've done that day, but rather a tracker that keeps track of how much movement you've done throughout the day. Since I'm really lazy, it would be so pointless for me to use a fitness tracker with all these complicated features because I don't do much running, walking, or biking. So instead, I've been using this app called Human. Human is an activity and calorie tracker that gives you a simple summary of how many minutes you've been active, the overall distance you covered that day, and an approximation of how many calories you've burned. It also gives you very achievable 30, 60, or 90 minute goals for the day.

In addition, this application has a lovely (and super simple) user interface. Not too complicated to use or set-up AND you can connect Human to your iPhone's Health app. All you have to do is put it in your pocket or purse, and do your thang girl!

3. Drink lots and lots of water (and avoid soda!)
I've learned that soda is the creation of satan. STAY AWAY FROM IT

4. Take a short walk when you're at work or use the stairs whenever you can
Okay, so I sit on a desk for about 8 hours a day... which is really really bad for my whole 'trying to get fit' agenda... so sometimes I try to take a walk or avoid the elevator whenever I can.

5. Be mindful of your diet
You don't have to all of a sudden go on some crash diet or juice cleanse, but rather just be mindful and keep track of what you put in your body. Doing this has made me realize how much of what I consume is super unhealthy for me. That being said, it has helped me reevaluate what I eat.

6. Shop for some cute workout gear
This may not have anything directly to do with being fit, but I think it helps (in my own personal opinion). I'm always on the look out for super cute workout gear because it motivates me to ACTUALLY get my ass off the couch. It helps me feel good about the idea of working out, plus I get a hold of some really cute athletic wear.

7. Get enough sleep
It's scientifically proven guys. You can read all about it HERE.

8. Just move. that counts as exercise AND burns calories!

9. Make it fun
You can't be trying to get fit by doing some boring old work out right? Bust out that Zumba DVD and invite some friends over for a private Zumba class! Anything goes here, really.

10. Feel good about yourself and your body
Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. It's YOUR body.

So, am I #fitfam yet? LOL. just kidding.

Anyway, enjoy and I hope this motivates some of you to get up and get moving!

-Frances

1/6/15

2014 beauty round-up

I tend to hoard a lot of things (e.g. makeup, skin care products, shoes, clothes... I can keep on going) but I definitely hold on to things, especially beauty products, for quite a while when i really LOVE them. That being said though, I'm still very picky when it comes to makeup so when I find something that really works for me, I use it almost every. single. day. (seriously). I wouldn't do a very good job at doing those 'monthly favorites' posts because I'm very loyal to my beauty/skincare products and I'd probably be talking about the SAME THINGS every single month. So I thought, since I just wrapped up 2014, might as well feature all the wonderful products that I LOVED this past year.
(Disclaimer: Apologizing in advance, because this post is a bit long)

1. my Clarisonic Mia 2

This is a big one. I purchased my Clarisonic in the beginning of the year as an impulse buy (to my defense, it was on sale!) after watching reviews on youtube nonstop and gathering a lot of really positive feedback about it. Safe to say, I am IN LOVE with my Clarisonic Mia 2. This little baby has not only helped improve my skin (I have really oily, acne prone, sensitive skin.. SUPER problematic), but it's also really helped me with my skincare routine. It's so quick and easy to use that it's not so much of a hassle to take off my makeup at night and give my face a quick cleansing.

2. Guerlain Cosmetics + Skincare

I whole-heartedly blame Nordstrom for this one. Ever since I got my Nordstrom card, Guerlain has become my go-to cosmetics counter whenever I'm at Nordstrom. I really didn't know much about the brand other than the fact that it is a little pricier than what I'm normally used to. BUT, that did not stop me from giving it a try. If you guys want to know more about my love for Guerlain and their products, keep a look out for a more detailed post about my favorite products from the line :)

3. NYX products

So we all know about NYX right? They're a super affordable line, but I definitely did not know how great the quality of their products were until I started using them. I'm a big fan of their HD eye shadow base. It literally keeps my eye shadow from melting off my lids for hours and prevents it from creasing. Another favorite of mine is their matte bronzer and their extra creamy round lipsticks.
Don't worry, I'll try and do a detailed post on the NYX line in the near future as well!

4. Tarte Clean Slate Poreless 12-hr perfecting primer

I have really really oily skin. So using a primer is almost always a must. This one makes my face silky smooth and matte, plus it helps keep the oiliness at bay.

5. MAC Studio Finish concealer

I love love love MAC's Studio Finish concealer. I have terrible hyper-pigmentation in parts of my face, and I also have some acne scarring (like I said, I have super problematic skin) but this really does a wonderful job in providing much needed coverage. It's as if my face is perfectly even-toned.

6. Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express Mascara

When I'm not using my waterproof Maxi Lash mascara from Guerlain, I always grab this. The brush is plastic (which is my favorite), so it's great for separating my lashes and making it look super full. It doesn't do much lengthening, but I really don't mind since my lashes look so full and volumized when I have this on (because my Asian genes didn't bless me with long luscious lashes either).

7. Urban Decay Naked and Naked3 Palettes

AHHH. I am so so so excited to finally get a hold of the Naked palettes! I got the Naked and Naked3 palettes as a gift for myself this Christmas (#treatyoself!). I decided to skip on the Naked2 palette since I wasn't in love with the cooler taupe-y shades, and I didn't feel like I'd get much use out of it. I've yet to use these palettes for a particular look, but the colors and pigmentation is just lovely.

8. L'Oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner

This is my favorite liner ever! I know not a lot of people are big fans of these felt tip liners, but I prefer these much better than the brush tip version of the same formulation. I have a love hate relationship with winged liner so when I'm in the love phase, this liner is my tool of choice. Most especially when I'm trying to achieve a super dramatic cat eye.

9. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer

Since I don't use my MAC concealer under my eyes, I use this instead. I usually get this in the shade light so not only does it hide my dark circles, but it also helps highlight the under eye area. It's super light and not at all cakey under my eyes. This is definitely going to be a favorite for a while

10. Urban Decay De-slick Makeup Setting Spray

This is such a great setting spray, especially when used in combination with an awesome primer (e.g. the Tarte Clean Slate Poreless primer). My makeup normally melts off of my face after a couple of hours, but when I set it with UD's De-slick makeup setting spray it stays put on my face even after a long work day (which is about 8-9 hours).

**This post is not sponsored. All products were purchased by me and all opinions are my own**

1/2/15

A look back at 2014

2014 has definitely been a whirlwind of a year for me. From transitioning from undergrad life onto the real working world, I think this past year has been the most fruitful and exciting thus far. I've met new friends and lost in touch with a few, but despite all of the ups and downs there is just so much to be thankful about. So I guess this blog post is going to be a little wrap-up/'year in review' type of thing to remind me that despite the rough patches, I've accomplished more that I could ever imagine and I have successfully surrounded myself with the most supportive group of people. (I know, I know, this is such a cheesy post... very uncharacteristic of me, but whatever)

So here's a look back at 2014 (highlights of the year, and things I've learned along the way)

Having a stable career prospect (and also a bit of financial stability)

At the age of 22 and as a senior in college, being given a job offer in an industry that I actually have interest in is the best feeling in the world. Going from intern to associate in a matter of months was probably the most accomplished I've ever felt in a while It also gives me so much relief that after graduation, I won't have to fear being unemployed and be enveloped by the stress that comes with the potentially difficult post-college job hunt. I am very happy at where I am right now. Being able to pay for my own bills, buy my own groceries, shop for my own stuff... it's been great. I guess I had a pretty darn good introduction to adulthood this year.

A growing fervor to learn new skills

This year, I found myself wanting to dip my feet in so many things. I've also discovered that despite being a very impatient person, I need to take the time to learn in order to pursue certain endeavors. I went ahead and taught myself new software, typography, elements of graphic design, and even tried to take a stab at web design.

Meeting and getting to work with a new group of people

This year meant a new job, and the beginning of my senior year of college. In the past 12 months, I've had the opportunity to work and collaborate with people in the workplace, and also in a school organization that I recently took part in as part of its executive board (I joined Rutgers University's Public Relations Student Society of America, also known as PRSSA). This meant that I've exposed myself to a wonderful group of professionals, young professionals, and students. It's definitely been a wonderful experience and I continue to look forward to working with the same people this year.

Seven years with the love of my life

2014 marks my seventh anniversary with my boyfriend. We spent our 7th thanksgiving, christmas, and new years this year. I'm glad and always thankful to have my boyfriend by my side, and look forward to many more years with the most amazing guy ever.

Adulthood

Yes... this. I think 2014 just reaffirmed that I am now an adult and have to deal with adult things (I mean, I turned 22 this year soooo). Like my big girl job, my boyfriend moving to Austin, TX to pursue his professional endeavors (which I'm obvi super proud about, but also a bit sad about), the idea of graduating in May, and a lot of serious life-changing things. That being said, I learned to leave the 'party hard college student' mentality and move onto the 'happy hour with co-workers after work' mentality. lol, if that even makes sense.

Finally taking this blog a bit more seriously

I always try every single year to take this blog seriously, but 2014 was the year when I realized how much I like writing about random shit. It's really a great creative outlet for me.