Classroom Friendly Supplies Review

I know I have been on a hiatus from blogging but I promise, I AM BACK!  I am very excited to present a review on this amazing product.  If you are an educator, parent, or a person who uses pencils, fasten your seat belts.  This product will change they way you write.  

Classroom Friendly Supplies is a company created and owned by an elementary teacher who was fed up with loud, disruptive pencil sharpeners that didn't work.  So, he created this quiet and efficient sharpener.  I first found this company on Pinterest when my sister put it on her Christmas wish list.  After some research and emails, I was sent a cool blue sharpener to try!

This sharpener is like no others.  It is a manual pencil sharpener that is cute, quiet, and easy to use!  Each sharpener is $24.99 with free shipping!  They come in a variety of colors and bundles that are very cost effective.  Another amazing aspect to this product is that you can purchase replacement parts for a low cost.

Click HERE to watch a short video demonstrating the purpose and use of the sharpener!

 There are two black knobs on the top that clamp the pencil in place.  The crank on the back turns the gears to sharpen the pencil and there is a clear bucket in the bottom that collects the shavings.

You just pinch and pull the knobs forward, insert a pencil and release.  Turn the crank on the back until desired sharpness.  I love this sharpener because it takes only THREE turns of the crank to resharpen pencils.  It is very easy to use and very discrete, perfect for the classroom!

Both me and my sister have fallen in love with this pencil sharpener and will definitely be using and repurchasing Classroom Friendly Supplies Sharpeners for years to come!  Thank you very much to May Viola and the Classroom Friendly Supplies team!

Life.

"Life gets in the way sometimes."  I've heard this saying over and over and never fully understood it until finals week.

You may have noticed that I have been absent from Bmore You the past few weeks.  I regret this and wish I could post amazing content everyday but I can only do so much.  I am in the middle part one of hell week.  Yes, pre-finals week.  Today is my last day of class.  Now I have one paper and three finals in between me and sweet freedom.

Between Christmas, finals, Alpha Gam, family, and sleep, I have had absolutely no time to be a real person.  I have barely texted people, gone out to lunch, or watched Netflix.  THAT is when you know you are busy.  Am I right?

But here I am.  In the final days of my fall semester of sophomore year.  Stressed out in sweats and a messy bun living off of coffee.  I am feeling quite accomplished that I managed to put on some eyeliner and chapstick on today.  (sad, huh?)  Today, I took two exams who kicked my butt.  At this point, I do not really know how to feel about school, or anything for that matter.

I have so many ideas planed for amazing blog posts and haven't had the time or resources to do them! I have already decided that this will be my main goal over Christmas break.  Prepare yourselves for some thrift hauls, holiday recipes, winter lookbooks, product reviews and much more!

I have been showered with love and support for my blog and I am sincerely appreciative of all of my readers. I do not know how to describe the feeling when people say how much they love reading your creations and how it helps them bond with their friends and family.  I started Bmore You because I am a person who HATES confrontation and attention.  I was embarrassed to tell people that I have a passion for fashion. I know it sounds silly but it is a personal thing that I was nervous how the world would perceive it.  So thank you for being so supportive and accepting of me.  The real, true me.  It blows me away that I am inspiring others to be themselves.  I am reaching my goal of connecting with others and I couldn't be more proud.

So, let me stop babbling and get back to studying.  Thanks for the support and stay tuned for some bomb content!

Happy studying! : )

Insecurities

I wrote this post a while ago.  Being harshly honest and open.  I never posted it in fear or the reactions.  Ironic right?  But today, I attended a screening of a new documentary called "The Illusionists" by Elena Rossini.  It prompted me to re-think this post and want to share it with y'all.
So, here it goes...

Everyone has insecurities.... right?

I scared myself the other day.  For the first time in my life, I had a "self hate" thought.  Sorority formal is coming up and I thought "hm, my outfit would look so much better if my stomach was flatter.  Maybe I'll eat less the week before so I will look good in pictures."

This stopped right in my tracks.  What was I thinking?  Starving myself to look "slimmer" in photos.  Harming myself.  Why?

All throughout my life, I have had low self esteem.  I have never been one hundred percent comfortable with my body and appearance.  But I had accepted that "fact" and was content with being "less than".  I tried everything.  Ate well.  Worked out.  Drank water.  Nothing made me feel completely comfortable with my body.

I have always hated how my stomach looked.  Always thought it was pudgy and big.  I have never worn tight clothing without covering up my stomach.  I do not own a body con dress.  Flowy is my friend.  I've learned how to dress for my body shape to draw attention aware from my stomach to look more flattering.

The fact that I have a fear of people looking at or touching my stomach is so sad.  But the fact is, most people have this.  Maybe its their teeth or toes or thighs or hairline.  Why though?  Why do we hate parts of our bodies?  Our bodies are amazing and unique.  No two stomachs are the same.  Why do we compare ourselves to actresses, singers, athletes, and our peers.

I am here to say that I love my body.  I love my pudgy tummy and my chicken skin on my arms and my uneven eyebrows and my long toes and my freckles on my legs.  I love my body and I pledge to uplift myself and accept my body.  I promise to stop comparing myself to others.

I invite you to address your insecurities.  Accept them.  Love them.

The Fashion Tag

I am going to complete the "fashion tag" and answer fourteen questions about my style and my view of fashion.  I hope you enjoy and learn a little something about my personal style! 

1.  What 5 words describe your style?

classic, comfy, preppy, practical, quirky

2.  What are your favorite jeans?

American Eagle Hi-Rise Jegging

3.  What is your most worn piece?

My most worn pieces for fall are vests.  I love to layer them with long sleeve shirts or sweaters and scarves or statement necklaces.  I have 6 and wear them way to much!

4.  What are your favorite shoes?

Keds.  I know they aren't traditionally the most stylish shoes but I wear them all the time.  I like to mix them with a feminine outfit to make it a bit edgier.  They give off  a chill vibe and are super comfortable! 

5.  What is your favorite store?

I go to Marshalls,Tj Maxx, and thrift stores the most because they are affordable and have great finds!

6.  What was your last fashion purchase?

I bought a romper from Nordstrom Rack two days ago for my sorority's formal

7.  Spend or save?

SAVE!

8.  What is your favorite winter outfit?

My go to outfit for fall is a sweater, leggings, scarf, and boots.

9.  Who is your favorite Youtuber?

Casey Holmes

10.  Who is your fashion crush?

Lauren Conrad has been my fashion crush for years!  I love how she rocks looks from romantically sweet to masculine chic.  She always looks put together and powerful, which is my goal.  Her line at Kohls is amazing and I want to raid her closet so bad! 

11.  Heels or flats?

Flats

12.  What is your go to bag?

Vineyard Vines Classic Tote  or my polka dot black cross body from target.  Just depends on the occasion!

13.  What is one splurge item you are lusting after?

I am saving up for a Kate Spade bag and watch

14.  What is your favorite season to dress for?

Fall and winter are my favorite because I love layering!  Vest, scarves, fuzzy socks, sweaters, flannels, boots!  Ah, the BEST

I tag Danielle of Beautiful Disaster!

Best drugstore finds

Some of my favorite and most used products are from the drugstore.  Even though I love Sephora and want to buy the whole store, doesn't mean that I can or would.  If you know what to look for, you can score products that are better than high end products!

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation

This is my most used foundation because of it's full coverage and blendability.  I have this in three different shades to match my skin tone year round.  I use the foundation brush in my Top Slurge Makeup post.  I have uneven skin with red patches and one layer of this covers it all up!  

available at CVS

Essence Silky Touch Blush

If you want bang for your buck,  this is the blush for you!  It costs a whopping $ 2.99! It is the silkiest, most pigmented blush that I own.  I have multiple shades in my collection an use them daily.  The only downside is that they are VERY soft so they will break easily.  But, they are so cheap so it is so worth it!

available at Ulta

L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara

I change my mascara all the time.  I have a love hate relationship with this mascara.  I love it only when it is about a month old a little dried up.  When it is brand new, it is too watery and doesn't give my nice thick, long lashes.   But, when it is old, it is perfect and gives me full, dramatic lashes that I love!

Insider secret : L'Oreal is owned by the same people who own Lancome and Saint Laurent.  A lot of their formulations are very similar, so you get the same results with L'Oreal products but at a lower cost.

available at CVS

e.l.f. High Definition Powder 

I have just recently started using this product but I am obsessed.  I use this powder to set my undereye concealer.  It is a very thin white powder that appears colorless on the skin.  It sets your makeup and matifies the skin.  e.l.f. is starting to be carried in stores like Target and CVS which is awesome because e.l.f.'s cosmetics are very cheap and good quality!

Available at elf cosmetics

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes 

These are the best makeup remover wipes I have tried.  They are oil free and lightly scented so they work well with my sensitive skin.  They are moisturizing so I do not wash my face after using them.  After using one, I have absolutely no makeup left of my face, including waterproof mascara. Yeah, they are pricey at $ 8 for 30 wipes, but they are so worth it. 

available at CVS

Maybeline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Treatment Concealer

I have used this concealer for about two years now without fail.  It is full coverage without looking cakey and gross.  The applicator tip is a squishy sponge-like circle that applies the product evenly.  I then use an elf concealer brush to blend it in.  

available at ulta

You know you're from Calvert County when

I'm a home grown Calvert County girl.  People resent Calvert County because of it's "unique qualities" but I have learned to love and appreciate my crazy little town that shaped me into the person I am today. 

You know you're from Calvert County when:

"Oh I live in Calvert County."  "Where?" 

you get off school for the county fair 

you know at least 5 places to get quality crabs at all times

Walmart is THE Walmart

you know the name  "Bobby Nutwell"

country music is the best music 

y'all and ain't are proper grammar

mullets and rat tails no longer make you giggle (just cry)

your school is in the middle of tobacco fields and horse farms

you can explain what cummins and duramax are

it's a game of whose truck is bigger

you know at least 15 people in the Walmart 

McDonalds is the place to be on a Saturday night

you learned to drive in a truck

camo is a neutral 

I still call my hometown home

- Kacey Musgraves 

Top splurge makeup

Being pretty isn't cheap. 

I am on a broke college girl budget but I still splurge on a few beauty products.  It kills me sometimes spending 30 bucks on one item but for some things, you just need too.  I am a very big advocate for smart shopping at the drugstore for makeup but some things are worth the price tag. Here are a few of my favorite splurge items that I will continue to repurchase!

Lorac Pro Palette

This is my most used and favorite palette ever!  It has 8 matte shades (top row) and 8 shimmery shades (bottom row).  They are all very neutral shades that are easy to wear day to night. It is the most versatile palette that I found, and it is on the less expensive side.
Available at Ulta

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner

This is a brush tip liquid eyeliner that is opaque black.  I use this on my top lash line for a very clean, precise line.  I have tried many different liquid and pencil liners from the drugstore and none come close to this one!  My last one lasted at least six months!  Definitely worth $ 19!  

Available at Sephora

Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer

This bronzer is made with real cocoa powder. 'nuff said. 

I use this to contour my face because it is very blendable to create a natural, slim look.  Some bronzers can look orange or muddy on light skin but this shade is perfect to fair complexions.  

Available at Sephora

Sephora Collection Classic Multitasker Powder Brush

I have used this brush for three years straight.  I know it says it is for powder, but I use it for liquid foundation. You could use it for powder, bronzer, or blush.  It has super soft bristles in a dome shape that distributes product evenly.  Buff foundation in with circular swirling motions to create a natural look.

Available at Sephora

Stila Eye Shadow

The shade "kitten" is by far my most used eyeshadow ever.  It is a light, nude, shimmery shade that looks good on every skin tone.  I use this shade almost everyday as a base.  It pairs well with matte or shimmery shades and can go day to night.  It blends well to create a flawless eye look. 

Available at Sephora

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pen

Everyone wants eyebrows on fleek, right?  I use this brow pen to shape and fill in my brows in a natural way.  It comes in two universal shades; light and deep.  It is very blendable and looks like natural brow hair.

Available at Sephora

Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot 

I use this product everyday.  Even when I'm not wearing a full face of makeup, this product is my go-to.  I apply this with my ring finger, all over my eyelids.  It primes the eyes and corrects discoloration. I have very veiny eyelids that make me look tired.  It is an immediate pick me up!

Available at Mac

An open letter to cancer

Dear Cancer,

You suck.  You are the most deceiving, condescending, sneaky, two-faced being I know.  You take innocent lives every day and release yourself from others.  How do you choose who you affect?

I have seen your mark on many who I love.  It kills me to watch a loved one go from a thriving mother of three who is kind and cheerful to bed bound and defeated.  You broke her down bit by bit for years.  She was too strong.  She fought you with every ounce of energy she had until you sucked the life out of her.  You.  You did this. You killed her slowly.  You put her through hell and back. Made her family watch, helplessly, as she declined again and again.  You made her reliant on medication and treatment for breath.  You made her miss out on many years of her children's lives. You took her away from her family.  Forever.  How could you do that?

On the same day you took her life, you released his.  He has been fighting you off and on for years. He was told he had two months left.... two years ago.  He pulled out a miracle and beat you once.  He has devoted his life to fight you.  He suffered chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple high-risk surgeries.  He is alone is his efforts.  His support system is lacking but that does not waver his strength.  You gave in.  Again.  You released him from his efforts and let him rebuild himself.  He is working again and happier than ever.  How did you do that?  How did you leave him after the doctors said you were there to stay?  How did you defy the odds and give him more time on this earth?

I sincerely hate you for everything you do and stand for.  You push people to their limits, physically and mentally.  Then you decide.  Stay? Go?  In the blink of an eye, in just one positive test, you destroy a life. I will never begin to understand your ways but I am begging you to stop.  Stop affecting the ones I love.  Stop pushing them to their breaking point.  Stop torturing their families. Stop lurking around the corner.  Stop being a possibility for anyone.

You better watch your back because one day, we will end you.

pumpkins

going greek

I was never told the benefits of joining greek life in college.  You see the movies about the stereotypical sorority girl.  She is a thin, blonde girl who has the best wardrobe and makeup.  She is the popular girl on campus but is failing a few classes.  Her only goal is to be popular and go to parties.  She gets black out drunk every weekend and has first pick of the frat boys.

 

Even though there may be a girl in a sorority somewhere that fits that criteria, there is SO much more to greek life than booze and boys.  So here is what greek life means to me:

always having someone to go to Chipotle with

being proud of wearing letters

having amazing photo-shoots

attending meeting every week to see my sisters

having 100 advocates

branching out and trying new things

having a tutor 

late night dance sessions 

sharing my love of country music

stealing each others clothes

being the mother duck 

crafting, crafting, and more crafting

always having something to do 

finding my people

growing into myself 

finding other crazy cat ladies

smizing

support in anything i do

a no judgement zone 

Greek life means so much more than the stereotypes so next time you go to say something bad about sorority girls, think twice

Thats my name, don't wear it out

So, I've been getting a lot of questions about the name of my blog - B'more You.  If you aren't from Maryland, you most likely won't understand, and I get that.  

I go to Towson University which is in Baltimore, Maryland.  B'more is a short nickname for Baltimore, or Bal-more as the locals call it.  Baltimore is an awesome city with so much beauty and history that people over look every day.  I have lived here for over a year and have not even scratched the surface of what this city has to offer.  It is a silent city with so much to say. 

B'more you translates to be more you.  I hemmed and hawed over what the word following B'more should be.  B'more Glamorous, no.  B'more Chic, no. B'more You.  Yes.  This phrase stuck with me because that is my daily goal in life; to find myself and to express myself.  I have had a hard time with embracing my authentic self.  Since I have moved to Baltimore, I have grown and learned so much about myself, good and bad.  I have learned to embrace myself.

I hope you are able to embrace yourself and B'more You! 

Why white girls love fall

All of sudden, everyone and their dog has become white girl obsessed with fall.  Yeah, I am one of those coffee craving, flannel wearing, pumpkin carving white girls who drool over October.  And all for good reason!  Fall is hands down the best season.  

Why you ask? 

Well for one, fall fashion is the cutest, warmest, comfiest, and most versatile of all the seasons.  Sweaters and vests and scarves and boots and flannels and cardigans.  Layering is my favorite fall trend because here in Maryland, weather is bipolar.  In the morning, it can be 40 degrees but by lunch  time it is 75 degrees.  I like to pair vests or cardigans with my outfits to add warmth and when it gets warmer, you can take it off without ruining your outfit.  

Pumpkin Spice Latte, or PSL if you are super white, comes back to Starbucks and Starbucks wanna-bes every fall and all the white girls HAVE to get one.  Sorry to disappoint, but I think it tastes like a Bath and Body Works Candle (which are also a fall essential).  No thanks.  I prefer the cinnamon dulce latte from Starbucks.  But anyways, PSL.  

Another reason why fall is bae...pumpkins.  Everyone loves a pumpkin patch with overpriced pumpkins and snotty nosed children running in and out of the corn fields.  Even if you go just for an adorable photo shoot and the apple cider, (cough cough.  me.) everyone is obligated to go to a pumpkin patch at least once every fall.  Its only American. 

Happy Fall Y'all