Favorite Things

{Miss Peregrine Box Set, Color Vibe 5k bandana, Frost Beard Studio candle, 

Floreal Polla Pride & Prejudice and Merlin stickers & Mix No. 6 flamingo flats}

Man, this month was a busy one, but a lot of awesome things happened! One of those awesome things was the Color Vibe 5k. Throwing packets of colored powder, getting covered in colored power, a touch but worth it 3-mile walk, an epic post-run dance party, and taking a million pictures with my friends. It's so much fun!

I also saw Les Miserables on Broadway yesterday! I haven't been to a Broadway show in years. I'm dying to see Aladdin since the Disney movie is one of my favorites. 

How freaking cute are these Pride and Prejudice and Merlin stickers?! I love that Elizabeth is sticking her tongue out. And even years later, I'm still bummed that Merlin ended. The show was so campy, but also so heart-warming. And the bromance between Merlin and Arthur as the best. Who else liked that show?

♥ A few fun links:

♥ 10 items to use as blog photography props

♥ How to be more present

♥ Non-alcoholic raspberry wine spritzer (WANT!)

♥ How to cope with a book hangover

♥ Instagram editing tips

♥ 10 holographic DIYs fit for a unicorn

♥ How to write the perfect bestselling novel ever!

♥ How to become an inspiration

♥ Writing for Hufftington Post

♥ If you're thinking about getting the Urban Decay x Alice Through the Looking Glass make up, here's a great review post. 

♥ Sponsors: So excited that Spruce Rose Apothecary is a sponsor this month because their Tea Tree & Ylang Ylang Body Butter sounds amazing! And it's all-natural!

♥ Swap friends: The Feminine Crusade, Foreign Geek, Libertine Journals, Dipped in Rococo & Styling with Sheila J. 

♥ Fashion faves: Chambray polka dot dress, striped and polka dot top, blue cardigan, "I like big books and I cannot lie" tote, mustard wedges, olive maxi dress, field jacket & brown gladiator sandals. 

Another favorite of mine is this cute Harry Potter picture I took. *pats self on back* 

Happy Friday!

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Favorite Things

{Thin Mints cookies, Marshalls journal, Marshalls teacup, 

Frostbeard Reading at the Cafe candle & Young Living essential oils}

Chocolate and coffee in a candle?! Yes, and it's the best thing ever. Every time I burn this Frostbeard candle it makes my apartment smell like a bakery. I used this little candle so much that I already ran out. I have several other Frostbeard candles, so when they run out I'm getting this one again. It's that good. 

In March, I got a starter kit from Young Living that came with eleven essential oils and a teardrop-shaped diffuser and I've used the oils every single day since I first got it in the mail. I like to put lavender, frankincense, purification, and peppermint in the diffuser to make my room smell good. I put some drops of lavender on my hands before I go to sleep. I use panaway on my muscles when I work out too hard. I use stress away when I'm feeling anxious. There are so many ways to use these oils and I love it!

♥ A few fun links:

♥ 7 hair confessions I hide from my stylists (so true!)

♥ A guide to mixing fashion and fandom

♥ How to avoid social media burnout

♥ Bookstagram hashtags

If you're thinking about going vegan, here's what to know

♥ How to throw a dinner party like a real adult

♥ Another reason why I love The Met (need to check this out!)

♥ 10 handmade Mother's Day gifts

♥ A Beautiful Mess shared some of their favorite podcasts

♥ Home decor items from around the world

♥ 5 blog photo mistakes I've made

♥ Swap friends: The Nerdy Fox, Dipped in Rococo, Keys to my Life, The Beauty In It & A Lady in France

♥ Fashion faves: teacup print dress, blue Alice in Wonderland tee, coral maxi dress, map necklace, hot pink dress, Ruff Life mug, black midi dress, striped tank & gold leaf headband. 

What's your favorite candle?

Have you used essential oils? 

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Favorite Things

{Marshalls travel mug, Lois Lane Double Down, 642 Tiny Things to Write About, Feather bookmark, 

Charming Charlie agate necklace, Patronus lip balm, Kikkerland feather pen & Bookworm Boutique pin}

Fellow book hoarders, you know that sadly not every book is a winner and that there isn't enough space for all the books we want to keep. When I want to get rid of a book I now use Paper Back Swap, which lets you swap books you don't want for ones that you do. I've already gotten a few books that I'm looking forward to reading.

I was SO thrilled to get an advanced reader copy of Gwenda Bond's Lois Lane Double Down this month! I loved the first one, Lois Lane Fallout, so it felt like fate when I won Double Down on Twitter. I devoured the second book in a weekend. And I just found out that Switch Press, who publishes Bond's books, are also now sending me Children of Icarus!

This month's OwlCrate was themed writer's block, which is perfect for this writerly gal! Three of my favorites from that box are the little book of writing prompts, the white feather pen, and the pin that says "Let's live in fictional worlds!"  

♥ A few fun links:

♥ Can there be too much diversity in one book?

♥ 10 secrets of a stellar blog post

♥ Journey to work/life balance

♥ 6 tips to handle anxiety

♥ 25 spring blog post ideas

♥ Is blogging declining?

♥ 7 secrets of confident people

♥ How to spring clean in one day

♥ Sponsor love:

• A Hundred Tiny Wishes is written by Tabitha, a woman who lives mascara, photography, writing, and believes a glass of wine can cure anything. She shared her favorite apps for blogging and 10 things she'll never do. 

♥ Swap friends: Beloved Bijous, Ello Honey, Pursue Me, Dipped in Ricoco & Living The Before. 

♥ Fashion faves: feather tee, orange cat bag, floral headphones, gold sandals, floral tank, cold shoulder top, brown wedges, striped top, floral romper, and off-the-shoulder blue dress. 

What are you up to this weekend? 

I'm planning on curling up and reading as much as possible!

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Favorite Things

I joined in on Novel Tea Book Club swap and my awesome partner Nicole sent me two books I've been dying to get (The Imposter Queen and If You Find This Letter) plus a Rapunzel Funko Pop and a ton of cute stationery! Thank you so much, Nicole! 

The past two months, I've delved into #bookstagram a lot more and I'm LOVING it! It's such a fun community and I've discovered that taking pictures of books and bookish things (like that really cool Alice in Wonderland legs bookmark above) is one of my new favorite things. So if you follow me on Instagram, you'll continue to see book nerd side!

♥ A few fun links:

♥ Why writing is the most important aspect of blogging

♥ 3 ways to enjoy winter

♥ Tips for flat lay photography

♥ 10 spring craft ideas

♥ DIY rose petal bar soap (would love to try this!)

♥ Ways to feel confident

♥ If you're looking for indie lipstick brands

♥ In case you're traveling, 7 ways to take better travel photos

♥ Self-publishing: the new paradigm

♥ How faithful should book to film adaptations be?

♥ Sponsors love:

• This month I worked with HalfTee in an outfit post. If you're looking for a cute way to layer without adding bulk, these cropped shirts are the way to go. I love mine and already want another.  

♥ Swap friends: Stay Gold Autumn, Pink Confetti, Sophster-Toaster, Living the Before, My Life as a Teacup, Starry Eyes & Coffee Cups, Novel Style & My Open Sketchbook.

♥ Fashion faves: sky blue wedges, off the shoulder lace top, pineapple cardigan, pretty scarf, chambray polka dot dress, floral dress, and tassel necklace. 

Happy weekend!

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Favorite Things {January 2016}

{Marauders Map iPad Mini Case, Beedoto Luna Bookmark, Glory Boon Concealer, Uggs, 

Forever 21 Lip Stain, Lasting Smiles Mint Lip Balm & Geek Fire Labs Lip Balm}

I feel like I've been looking for a natural-looking concealer for ages and I finally found it. Glory Boon's Heal & Conceal cover up is amazing! You'd think that a concealer that only comes in one shade would be too dark for me and too light for others, but it blends seamlessly while still covering up redness and spots. This thing is like magic! 

I love Luna Lovegood! She's strange and free-thinking and sees things that others tend to overlook, so she's also been one of my favorites, so I had to get this adorable magnetic bookmark of her. 

♥ A few fun links:

♥ 20 free resources for creatives.

♥ Secrets about Central Park.

♥ How to help someone who is grieving.

♥ Solo female travel tips: 20 things you should know.

♥ 10 ways to actually stick to your healthy eating resolution.

♥ Why I taught myself to procrastinate.

♥ Mascaras that live up to the hype.

♥ 10 books to make 2016 your best year yet.

♥ Sponsor Love:

I didn't have any sponsors this month, but I want to talk about two companies, one that was just featured and one that will be featured soon:

• Qtee is website where you can customize the colors on any piece of clothing; shirts, sneakers, hats, tote bags. I've worked with them a few times now and they're a laid back company with fast shipping. (Get 25% off with code "GETCUSTOM25.")
• Novelly Yours is a new shop with literary-inspired candles made with eco-friendly soy wax. One of the candles is called Loyal, which is based on Hufflepuff! (You can get $4 off four or more 8oz tins with code "STOCKUP4.")

♥Swap friends: Dear Wilderness, Highlights & Hashtags, Crazy Beautiful Weddings, Sediva Abroad & Below See Level. 

♥ Fashion faves: olive vest, mint laser-cut wallet, zig zag print dress, seafoam green dress, red lace dress, skull tee, layered necklace, brown bucket bag, wine-colored blouse & poppy print dress. 

Do you have any cute magnetic bookmarks? 

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Favorite Things & Ch-Ch-Changes!

{The Marvels by Brian Selznick, Efy Tal Owl Necklace, Read More Brooch, Life Is Tough Hoop, 

Mulan Funko Pop, Frostbeard Winterfell Candle & Beauty and the Beast Pop-Up Book}

I was already to start editing my NaNoWriMo novel come January 1st, but I came up with another novel idea and have been writing it nearly every day this week! It's a fairytale retelling -- as if there aren't enough of those, right? -- but when a fun idea comes your way, you just have to write it out, and I really, really love this story idea!

I know some really wonderful girls! I got so many cool gifts! One of the gifts my friend Avra gave me was this Beauty and the Beast pop-up book! Isn't it beautiful? I can't even imagine the amount of thought and talent that must go into creating one of these books.

I also got The Marvels from Brittany, a Life Is Tough Hoop from Naomi, and an adorable owl necklace from Martina! 

♥ A few fun links:

♥ Love this cute comic about resolutions.

♥ 5 affirmations for 2016.

♥ 3 ways to complete your New Year's Resolutions at home.

♥ Top posts for growing your blog.

♥ 12 perfect classic black pumps.

♥ Being more with less in 2016.

♥ How to set a clothing budget and stick to it.

♥ 12 ways to be happier in the new year.

♥ Twirling Page's favorite bookstagrammers.

♥ How to make extra money (by doing stuff you already do).

♥ 3 ways to get ready for 2016.

♥ Swap friends: Rissie, Such A Novel Idea, The Knotted Home, Below See Level & Nom Elizabeth.

♥ Fashion faves: lace dress, lace and floral top, mini satchel, lace burgundy dress, marbled dress, red scalloped dress, star print blouse, cat print dress, gray striped dress & hot air balloon sweater. 

♥ ♥ ♥

BLOG CHANGES COMING IN 2016!

I've had this blog for over four years now and during that time I've posted five times a week almost the entire time with only a few breaks. *pats self on back* Even when I went from being in grad school to currently working part-time, there have only been a few times when it got to be too much, and that's when I took a day or two off. 

Blogging still hasn't become overwhelming, but in 2016 I've decided to take things slower, so I'll only be posting three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). The main reason? I want to focus more on putting out quality content over quantity. AND I want to focus on my writing. I want to edit my NaNoWriMo novel and I want to write my new novel idea. 

So here's to an exciting and creative 2016!

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Favorite Things + 4 Year Blogiversary Giveaway!

{Out of Print scarf, Hello Quirky Harry Potter Brooch, Create Luv ring, 

MyBookmark Alice bookmark, Ban.do Stay Focused notebook & owl mug}

Whaaaaat?! I've had this here blog for FOUR YEARS now! 

I started it on November 30th, 2011 and it was originally called Build Castles in Air (a phrase for daydreaming). Then I decided to start taking it seriously and changed the name to what it is now. Four years later and I've met really awesome people both in real life and online, worked with fun brands, loved blogging and other times hated it, become a pro at managing my time, bought a professional camera and (somewhat) learned how to use it, and let's be honest gotten some really cool products all from having this blog. I've made this space on the Internet my own and I'm so glad you've taken this journey with me, whether you've been following for years or months or just days. 

I don't know how long I'll be blogging at Sincerely, Sara (maybe I'll keep typing here until I'm 80!), but I know I'll continue to make fun content for as long as I love it. Right now I still love it and I hope you do too! 

So my favorite things this month is my blog and YOU GUYS! Thank you for reading and commenting and making me smile every day! 

My second favorite thing this month was this trusty Stay Focused notebook. I came up with more ideas for my NaNoWriMo novel and I'm excited to put them in the story in the second draft. Now comes the editing part. Hooray! (That's sarcasm, by the way.)

How adorable is my new Harry Potter brooch?!

♥ A few fun links:

♥ 13 books perfect for Harry Potter lovers.

♥ How to manage your finances. (Sidenote: I just got the Pennies app and I really like it!)

♥ How to take book photos like a queen.

♥ Never run out of blog ideas.

♥ 10 amazing Etsy shops for holiday shopping.

♥ How to build a capsule wardrobe.

♥ How to budget for travel.

♥ Best books to read on a plane.

♥ This is cool: DIY house-shaped shelf.

♥ Natural ways to sooth an upset stomach.

♥ Sponsor love:
Sharing one thing I love from each shop:

• Stickt Clothing's embroidered "Not All Who Wander Are Lost" hoodie. (Code Sara10 for 10% off.)
• This three layered convertible necklace from Cait Johnson's Chloe & Isabel Boutique.
• CyKLu's adorable silver owl earrings. (Code CYKLU10 for 10% off.)
• Shop4Ever's this fun Christmas panda shirt. 

♥ Swap friends: Whacha-McCall-It, Simply the Beth, Rachel Lynn, Kateidoscope, and Crochet Concupiscence. 

♥ Fashion faves: color changing lipstick, knit cardigan, little porcelain elephant, brown moto jacket, wonderland whimsy bracelet, navy jacket, plaid top, velvet rabbit flats, long knitted cardigan.

November 30th is my 4 Year Blogiversary! 

I'm giving away all of these fun goodies! 

Giveaway open to residents of the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Since I don't want to leave anyone out, the giveaway below 

is for INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTS ONLY! 

(AKA if you live outside the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Favorite Things {October 2015}

{Fitbit Charge, Hello Notebook (gift), Hot Topic Phone Case, Hot Topic Alice Necklace, 

Form and Flux Dusty Bookshelf Candle, Harry Potter Illustrated, Owl Necklace (gift) & Pencils (gift)}

We need to talk about the new illustrated Harry Potter for a sec. Ready? OMG OMG OMG! I went to the store to pick up and right in front of me was a table covered in Harry Potter editions. It was like a golden light was shining upon it and angels were singing! Or maybe it was just in my head. I grabbed one, held it to my chest, and jumped up and down. The colorful illustrations inside are so beautiful and anyone who loves Harry Potter should get one. 

I got a Fitbit Charge last week in order to help track my health and I really like it. It tracks my steps, how many calories I burn, the distance I walk, calories in and out, how well I sleep, and more. I've also started walking on my lunch break in an effort to lose some weight. 

My dad got me that tiny owl necklace and it's my new favorite. Never. Taking. It. Off. 

♥ A few fun links:

♥ 7 organization tricks.

♥ On selfies and social anxiety.

♥ Why you need a mission statement for your blog.

♥ How to create a budget that works for you.

♥ How to improve your travel photos.

♥ This app will help you find your new favorite lipstick shade.

♥ 33 cute ways to cover your body in books.

♥ What a gender-swapped Harry Potter would be like.

♥ An incredible Harry Potter birtday party.

♥ Thoughts on creativity.

♥ How to use technology to stay organized.

♥ Sponsor love:

• Why have a boring, basic hoodie when you can have one that's beautifully embroidered? Stickt takes organic hoodies and embellishes them with intricate designs. My two favorites: Wanderlust and Constellations. 
• If graphic tees are your thing, you should check out the fun collection of tees at Shop4Ever. The bookworm emoji tee is my favorite. 
• You can never go wrong with handmade artisan jewelry from CyKLu, especially when it's inspired by nature. I can't get enough of this owl ring and these butterfly earrings. 
• The jewelry in Cait Johnson's Chloe and Isabel shop looks fit for a princess. And who doesn't want to feel like a princess? In love with this Bouqut Rouge Neckace and this Coastline Statement Bracelet. 

♥Swap friends: My Life as a Teacup, Starry Eyes + Coffee Cups, Novelstyle, My Open Sketchbook, Beloved Bijou, Fashionista Smile, Model Savings, 

♥ Fashion finds: Plaid cardigan, blue dress, black lace top, polka dot cardigan, wedge booties, olive jacket, plaid scarf, gold and white dress, and garden cardigan. 

Happy Halloween weekend!

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My Favorite Ipsy Products (So Far)

Can you believe I've been getting Ipsy for over two years now?! I have way too many cute zipper pouches from them stuffed in a drawer, though I did give some to my mom and used some for holding gifts. Anyway, getting these bags has helped me cut back on buying beauty products considerably since I know I'll be getting five products in the mail in the middle of the month. So why spend more money? It's only $10 a month for Ipsy. 

Of course, that hasn't stopped me from repurchasing my absolute favorite products (hello Stila Eyeliner in Lionfish and Benefit They're Real Mascara), and now and then I can't help but splurge a bit at Sephora, but I used to spend a lot more on makeup. 

The thing is I've accumulated A LOT of products from Ipsy. Many great. Most good. Some meh. A few horrible. The great ones I use almost every day and have been using them since I got them. Some I've had for over a year and some are newer, but I would highly recommend all of them. 

My favorite Ipsy products:
♥ Temptu's Champagne Shimmer Highlighter 
♥ Clarisea Sea Salt Charcoal Exfoliant 
♥ Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess
♥ Briogeo's Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray 
♥ Pacifica Natural Mineral Shadow in Ethereal
♥ tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara 
♥ NYX's Butter Lip Balm in Parfait
♥ Crown Brush Duet Brush
♥ Coastal Scents' Forever Blush duo in Fresh and Elegant
♥ NYX Love in Rio Eye Shadow Palette in Moonlit Skinny Dip 
♥ Chella Highlighter Pencil
♥ Prestige Mineral Eyeliner

Totally forgot to include NYX Butter Lipstick in Hunk, which is a wonderful berry lipstick. 

Do you have any favorite beauty brands or products?

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