spring break in NYC

Last week I went to NYC to visit my best friend, Sabrina, for Spring Break! 😊 Here’s some background: we’ve been bffs since we were super young, and our elementary-aged selves would’ve freaked out if we knew this moment was coming. Sabrina has always wanted to live in New York and finally said it was time to do it and moved out there about 6 months ago. Right away I knew I had to come see her, and this was the perfect time!

Let me just start by saying… I LOVE NYC. Being surrounded by people from all around the world with all types of backgrounds is so refreshing and different. I had so so much fun. 

I honestly don’t even know where to begin so let’s just take it day by day…

Day 1: Settling in/Exploring West Village

So I got in during the late afternoon, so Sab and I settled in and then went for pizza (which is a must in NYC 😋) and then went to a place called Dō which is cookie dough heaven and a MUST TRY for anyone with a big sweet tooth like me. Afterwards, we walked around Washington Square Park which is super close to her apartment and got serenaded, saw adorable dogs and enjoyed the (cold) weather.

Day 2: Upper East Side/Central Park

I definitely wanted to visit the Upper East Side and see where one of my favorite shows, Gossip Girl, took place 😍 It’s sooo pretty, and the buildings are so old & fancy I love it. This day was pretty cold, but it was still amazing to walk around Central Park. Again - adorable dogs everywhere. This day we went to Dylan’s Candy Bar, a cute little coffee shop and, of course, ate more amazing food.

Day 3: SoHo/Times Square

My favorite day! This day was packed, and I loved it. The shopping is great in SoHo, and Sab is so lucky to live right by it. We passed by the Rockefeller Center and NBC (for my journalism student needs). As for Times Square, it was a must on my list to go see. It’s so cool at night, and definitely worth visiting if you haven’t before! We also went to Black Tap, and let me tell you… I had the best burger ever and the most insane milkshake I’ve ever seen. It was delicious, and you need to 110% go!

Days 4 & 5: Flights Cancelled/Snow!

So there was some unexpected weather in NYC where it was snowing nonstop (in March 🤔). I’m not complaining because that meant a couple more days in this amazing city, and the sight was beautiful! These last couple of nights I stayed with my cousin in Midtown in a huge apartment right in the heart of the city with an incredible view.

Needless to say, this trip was amazing. I just loved walking around and looking at all the buildings, people and sights around me. I took a million and one pictures and had to narrow it down to these. 

Hope you enjoyed :) 

concert look featuring volume 11

Hi guys!

I’m working with my good friend Chandler on her music blog, Volume 11, which you should for sure check out and keep up with! She’s so talented, and I’m really excited to be collaborating with her!

This look is super simple and definitely a go-to for a concert. If you’re seeing a local band or even going to a big show, this outfit is perfect.

I’m contributing on more of the fashion side of concerts for her blog. I went with these ripped skinny jeans from Zara, a vintage band tee, leather jacket and black booties with a low heel. I would definitely wear this to a concert because it’s fashionable and super comfortable.

I also wanted to talk a little bit about my makeup look. Whenever I go to a concert, I wear a cool toned smokey eye because I feel like it goes the best with the leather jacket or grungier type of look I end up wearing. It’s also different from my everyday or typical going out makeup which is usually all warm tones.

The foundation/face makeup is pretty much the same thing I would do regardless of going to a concert, but I definitely change up the eyeshadow and lip color. 

For this specific makeup look, I used my tried and true Tartelette pallette. I’d definitely recommend it if you love cool tones & smokey eyes. For the lips, I used MAC Rebel which is one of my favorite lipsticks!

As for hair, I always straighten it whenever I go to a concert. It’s super easy, and I think it looks the best with what I’m wearing. 

I also wanted to give a shout out to Yasmeen for taking these photos! I love the way they turned out 😍  

Lastly, I wanted to mention I’m now an influencer for LIKEtoKNOW.it, an app that you download or sign up for through email to shop all the looks of your favorite bloggers and more by just liking their photos on Instagram and having the details sent straight to your inbox! It’s really easy, and I’d definitely recommend getting it! I’ve been using it for a while now, and I’m really excited to be partnered with them ☺️

Let me know if there’s another type of music or concert post you’d like to see!

Talk to y’all very soon!

5 easy ways to help combat stress & anxiety

Hi everyone!

I wanted to do another lifestyle type of post because OU’s campus is closed today, and I thought it would be the perfect time to do it! Classes getting cancelled allows me to catch up on the things I’ve been stressing out about lately, editing a video for class, getting a couple blogs written, working on all sorts of other assignments and more.

I’ve had an extremely busy start to the semester, and it’s already been flying by.. I can’t believe it’s almost March?!

Anyway, this was on my list of ideas to post about because I know the majority of people who read my blog are in college, as well, and could definitely use some tips on how to stay relaxed and manage your stress better!

These tips may not work for everyone, but you might as well give them a shot!

1. GET ORGANIZED

This is the main point I want to share. Getting organized will help you so much! If you’re feeling overwhelmed with school, work, etc. Write out everything you have to do each day and when everything is due in a planner. It’ll help you prioritize and most of all see that all that’s building up in your mind to stress you out may not be a lot once you write it down on paper.

2. CLEAN YOUR ROOM

I'm sounding like a mom 😂 This might sound silly, but being surrounded by a clean atmosphere when you’re trying to get stuff done or just relax will help your mindset so much more! 

3. CREATE A SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

I love music - especially Spotify because you can explore so many different artists, bands, podcasts and more with no limitations or extra charges. I have a specific playlist for when I’m trying to relax or chill out. Play it out loud, burn a candle and try to let go.

4. USE FACE MASKS AT NIGHT

Girl or guy - I don’t care, you’ve gotta try it out! I never really cared for them but a friend recommended the “Yes to Cucumbers” sheet mask, and I’ve been hooked ever since! I’ll use one after I shower at night and leave it on for 10 minutes. You’ll just have to lay down with your headphones in and eyes closed; it’ll also help you sleep at night. It makes your skin tingle, feel cool and refreshed. This will actually force you to relax and forget about the day!

5. WORK OUT

I feel like this is more of an obvious one for combatting stress. Getting your heart rate up, clearing your mind and doing something great for your body - you can’t go wrong!

If you have any specific questions about what I do or how I handle stress in more detail, please feel free to leave a comment or DM on Instagram! I’d love to hear from you :) 

Top 10 goals for the spring semester

Hi guys!

Instead of doing a goals list for 2018, I decided to do something a little bit different. Most of my goals for the year have been general and super common (working out, eating healthier, etc.) so I wanted to do something more specific. 

For those of you who don’t know, I’m a student at the University of Oklahoma and am currently in my second to last semester of my undergrad degree. 

I’m graduating a semester early which will be December of this year. My last two semesters are pretty difficult and definitely going to be time consuming - especially this one.

I know right off the bat this will be my hardest semester, but I know I can get through it. I wanted to list goals not only geared towards academics but also my social life and more.

Here are my 10 goals for the semester :)

1. Become better at managing my time

• Often times I’ll find myself laying in bed watching YouTube videos when I really could be catching up on school work in that free time so I’m not so overwhelmed later. I have to put myself in the right mood to be more productive in my down time.

2. Don’t be too hard on yourself

• I gotta remember to just do my very best, relax and not stress about grades so much. It’s not worth it, and I’ll be fine. It’s all about what I learn and the experience I gain in college. Don’t get me wrong, grades are important, but they’re not everything.

3. Spend more time with friends

• Last semester I found that I kind of excluded myself and spend the majority of my time alone. I really want to turn that around this semester and be with my friends more and just be able to enjoy my time here as much as possible.

4. Say yes more often

• Now this goal kind of goes hand in hand with the one I mentioned above. If my friends want to go out and do something, instead of being super hesitant or saying no, I’m just going to go for it. I don’t have that much longer here at OU, and I want to make the most out of what’s left here in college.

5. Get an internship

• Alright… this is the stressful one. I’m a broadcast journalism major, and it’s crucial to get an internship before I graduate if I want a job. I really need the experience and to discover if this path is really what I want to pursue in life.

6. Become a little more involved in my sorority

• I’m a Delta Gamma and love it, but I’ve found the older I get the more I drift away from the sorority and not be as involved. It’s expected, but I’d like to stay close with as many girls as possible. They’re the ones that lift me up here, and I’ve found some truly amazing friends. 

7. Maintain a workout schedule

• I know I mentioned in the intro that I wouldn’t talk about general 2018 goals, but this one ties in to my semester. I have a couple of roommates that workout regularly, and I have to learn to stay more consistent in going to the gym with them instead of just working out here and there. I’ve done pretty well so far!

8. Gain as much Journalism experience as possible

• With my major, there is SO much to learn and become skilled at. Being a part of OU’s student run newscast, I have to learn even more about all the roles off air and become better at the ones on air.

9. Don’t worry about what people think or say about you

• It took me a while to come to this realization, but I’m in the process of not letting others get to me. Whether it be within my major, regarding my blog or social life in general, it’s not worth it. Life’s too short to waste time trying to make others happy and not yourself. You’re living for you not them.

10. Stay strong

• Every semester is a roller coaster. No matter what happens, I’ll through it as long as I give everything my all and not let thoughts, emotions, stress & anxiety get the best of me. 

I know I can do it 😉

neutrogena healthy skin for the holidays

Happy (late) New Year, everyone!

I partnered with Neutrogena to create Nicole Kidman's look! #HolidayHealthySkin

I’m so ready to take on 2018 and anticipating all there is to look forward to. I’m determined to make this year the best one yet. I’m also kicking off the year with my first post in collaboration with Neutrogena!

Like I said on my Instagram stories, (give me a follow if you haven’t already: @shereen_michelle 😉) I’ve never worked with such a big company before, and it’s beyond exciting!

I’ve been realizing how much my blog has grown and all the amazing companies I’ve been able to collaborate and work with- especially Neutrogena! 

They sent me quite a few products and several shades of the foundation and concealers as well as a mascara, an eyeshadow palette, blush and a liquid lipstick. They were beyond generous! In the photos above, I just included the products I specifically used in order to create this look.

I’m so lucky to be a part of the Healthy Skin for the Holidays Program. This is inspired by exclusively Neutrogena makeup looks from Kerry Washington, Nicole Kidman and Eiza González on the red carpet.

Nicole Kidman’s look was the one I chose to recreate and was inspired by. I love the subtle smokey eye with a bold lip. It’s so timeless and beautiful.

What’s great about Neutrogena makeup is that it’s not only amazing quality, but it’s healthy for your skin and isn’t full of toxins and parabens that can cause irritation or breakouts. I’ve found that my skin has been breaking out a lot less since using my Neutrogena makeup, and I don’t think it’s a coincidence!

If you have any questions about a specific product, feel free to leave a comment on this post or DM me on Instagram. I’ll definitely get back with you and would love to talk about the line!

If you’re thinking of trying out any of these products, use the code: HEALTHYSKIN25 for 25% off any Neutrogena Makeup purchase through . 

I’ve loved having flawless #HolidayHealthySkin® and you should give the line a try if you haven’t already 😊

Thanks for reading!

velvet duster + happy new year's eve!

Happy NYE! 🎉

For my last post of the year, I wanted to feature an outfit I absolutely love. I used to not wear black too often, and now it’s one of my favorite colors to style. I love the way dark colors look on my fair skin, it’s definitely flattering on everyone. 

My favorite thing to do with a solid outfit like this one is to throw in a pop of color, whether it’s a red lip or this orange velvet duster I’m wearing in this look. One of my favorite YouTubers featured this duster on her Instagram, and I had to have it. I snagged it on Cyber Monday for an even cheaper price. It’s from Forever 21, so it’s already really affordable. I was worried about the quality, but it’s actually great!

I included a trendy belt and my new favorite earrings that I own from the best accessory site, Bauble Bar 😍 I highly recommend the gold and silver combination because they go with everything. I just got them in the mail less than a week ago and have already worn them three times; I’m that obsessed.

My Rebecca Minkoff purse and Cole Haan booties are my go-to’s when I wear black. They’re staple pieces in my closet. I also wanted to talk about my makeup. As I mentioned in my previous post about my beauty favorites, my number one is still the Jaclyn Hill x Morphe palette. It’s seriously the best eyeshadow palette I’ve ever tried. You need it in your life if you don’t have it already!

Finally, I wanted to also address why posting has been very limited in 2017. I had a year full of highs and lows, and I’m determined to make 2018 a much better one. Bottom line, I need to focus more on the present as well as myself and becoming a better version of who I’m ultimately meant to be (deep). Hopefully the better year ahead will include many more posts for my blog 😉

Have a fun and safe New Year! Talk to y’all soon :)