Reddit Exchange | Arbitrary Day 2014

Recently I participated in Reddit's Arbitrary Day 2014 gift exchange. I signed up for the exchange because I really like making people happy and I consider myself a good gift-giver. They ask you to provide a bio and a list of likes and dislikes and favorite TV shows, movies, books, etc.

Here was my list (still current and accurate, by the way):

Likes:
-Movies
-Camping/Outdoors/Exploring/Travelling
-Makeup/Beauty/Skincare/Fashion
-Running/Fitness/Being active
-Coffee
-Beer
-Hot sauce
-Baseball
-US Navy Seals
-Austin, TX
-Breakfast Tacos
-Japan
-Sushi

Dislikes:
-Bacon
-Worms
-Seahorses
-Octopi

I was certain that my Secret Santa would look at my list and think, "Who is this person? Does someone who doesn't like bacon really exist??" But really, I'm just not a fan of bacon, sorry.

On the flip side, when I received my "match" as they called it, I was really surprised with how conflicted I got thinking of ideas for presents. My match was turning 18 in the middle of June; lived in Alamaba; and enjoyed hiking, camping, and long-boarding. My first instinct was to buy my match a GoPro because if I were 18 and liked all of those things, that would be something I wouldn't have/be able to afford. Honestly though, buying a stranger a GoPro is unrealistic, even if I enjoy making people happy and it was in theory, the perfect present. :)

Instead, I bought my match a few of my favorite adventure-type essentials: a Kleen Kanteen, an Epic Bar, some Shot Bloks, and a Poler Rucksack. I was really happy with what I bought and felt even better when my match thanked me for everything.

On to what I got!

I got a really nice compact mirror with a floral engraving on one side and a silhouette of Sherlock--yes, Benedict Cumberbatch Sherlock, on the other side. I actually keep it in my bag and have used it every day! (Found on Etsy here | $11)

Floral Side of Compact Mirror | Photo by KB

Sherlock Silhouette Side of Compact Mirror | Photo by KB

I also received a purple necklace pendant inspired by Game of Thrones--a purple dragon egg! I know what you're thinking, "How did the Secret Santa know KB was a closeted nerd?" I have no idea either. (Found on Etsy here | $20)

Purple Dragon Egg Pendant--iPhone quality, sorry! | Photo by KB

What I love about my gifts and this first Reddit Exchange experience as a whole, was that while I don't usually purchase TV/Movie/Entertainment-inspired things, these gifts are still so very much me. I can actually use them daily and they give a subtle nod to the things I love.

TL;DR I participated in my first Reddit gift exchange. I got a Sherlock-inspired compact mirror & game of Thrones-inspired necklace pendant--both really nerdy & I love them; overall great experience!

May/June Favorites

Good morning!
I really wanted to do a favorites post for May, but I couldn't compile enough that I wanted to talk about and I had just bought some new things at the beginning of June, so I wanted to see how those worked out as well.
So here we go, in no particular order because these are all really great:

Lorac Pro Palette | Photo by KB

Lorac Pocket Pro Palette | Photo by KB

1. Lorac Pro Palette | $40 & Lorac Pocket Pro | $15
I started my Summer break from school at the middle of June, so with more time on my hands, I generally resort to buying things. I caved and bought the Lorac Pro Palette even though I have the NARSissist palette ($79) which is a very similar but double the price. Little bit about me: I do my makeup in the car on the way to work and finish last minute eyeliner or mascara at my desk every day. That being said, I take all of the makeup I own with me on a daily basis--I know what you're thinking--but no, I don't own a lot of makeup! Anyway, I bought the Lorac Pro Palette because it was cheap and palettes are a lot easier to take on-the-go. After using it for about a month now, I think it's a great, cheaper alternative to the NARSissist palette. The shades are all neutral and wearable for both night and day. The shadows themselves are also really pigmented, so a little really goes a long way. There are definitely some shades I gravitate towards more than others like Taupe, Sable, Mauve, Nude, Pewter, and Espresso. I already knew toward the end of June that I would definitely run out of those shades first. In fact, I actually went ahead and bought the Lorac Pocket Pro mini palette off of Reddit that has Nude, Pewter and Espresso in a small, compact little palette. I love this little guy so much that I've now been leaving the Lorac Pro at home and have started bringing the Pocket Pro with me. Needless, both are great and I'm now eyeing the new Lorac Pro Palette 2 ($42)!

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm | Photo by KB

2. Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm | $30
You can have a favorite makeup remover, right? I picked the Clinique Cleansing Balm up at Sephora in May have barely made a dent since. So little goes such a long way and let me tell you, it works so, so well. My favorite eyeliner is the Urban Decay 24/7 Liquid Waterproof Eyeliner and that stuff can be just painful to remove. This cleansing balm just breaks it down so easily and quickly, I love it. I would say that this is definitely on the pricey side, but it's definitely worth it. On a side note, I've read good things about the Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter ($15) and would be interested in trying that as a cheaper alternative once I run out of this one.

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray | Photo by KB--hehe you can see me!

3. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray | $42
Last beauty-related item. It's like a dry shampoo, so it absorbs oil, but it also adds texture and hold--it's awesome! This spray gives you day 2 hair on day 1 and it also smells really, really good. I initially bought the travel-sized version but once I realized I was reaching for this product daily, I bought the full-sized version. I will definitely be packing the travel-sized one for all my future trips.

Topshop MOTO Leigh Jeans | Photo by KB

4. Topshop MOTO Black Leigh Jeans | $65
Black skinny jeans are pretty much a KB everyday staple. When in doubt, black skinnys, always. I bought theses with no expectations other than that Topshop has a good reputation and that I appreciate their style as a brand. Let me tell you: These jeans are like none other that I own. I actually bought two after I tried them on that day because they were basically black skinny jean life-changing. They're pricey, but I've purchased jeans that were far more expensive and I already love these more. These jeans are so soft and fit so well, I would like to think they were made specifically for me. I've since purchased some other black skinny jeans from PacSun and they're just not the same. Truly converted to the Leigh skinny jeans!

Sierra Nevada Summerfest--Drank it all, sorry! | Photo by KB

5. Sierra Nevada Summerfest
If you know me, you know that KB loves beer. Beer with pizza, beer with baseball, beer with BBQ--I'm there. It's really not Summer until I buy my first pack of Summerfest. While Sierra Nevada isn't my favorite brewery in life--which would be Anchor Brewing Co., I do give it to them that this is a great Summer brew. Perhaps it's the memories I have attached to this beer that's released once a year or perhaps it's just a good beer. Either way, this makes it to my favorites because it wouldn't truly be Summer without it. Yum. (Honorable mention I must add: Lagunitas DayTime).

TL;DR Things I've been really liking: Beauty-related products, black skinny jeans, beer.

Film Review: Godzilla (2014)

Godzilla (2014) was one of my most highly anticipated films for 2014. I've actually never seen a Godzilla film prior to this new one (shocking), so I really didn't have any expectations other than the pure anticipation of the giant monster fight scenes in the San Francisco Bay! I also knew that this new Godzilla in particular, was to the be the largest-depicted Godzilla in film to date.

This movie did not disappoint. It had movement, the characters had their story-arcs, and the beasts came alive. I appreciated that you could really feel how massive Godzilla was and that, on multiple occasions, were given the opportunity to view Godzilla from a child's perspective--curious and oblivious to danger or fear. The sound editing in this film was fantastic as well. I can still hear and feel the vibrations of Godzilla's scream. Roar? Rawr?

Aaron Taylor-Johnson was not the same curly-haired kid from Kick-Ass (2010). In this movie, he was a soldier, father, and husband. His character was believable and he carried out his role well. I would have wished to have seen Bryan Cranston and Elizabeth Olsen--I LOVE her; favorite Olsen hands down--more, but the movie's called Godzilla, right. If I were to get nit-picky, then I'd also add that the score was a little more symphony-driven than I would have imagined it to be. Perhaps I'm desensitized to more modern soundtracks full of electronic bass drops or whatever. lol

Needless, in an effort to not spoil anything, I will end this stating that this is probably the most action-packed movie of the summer thus far and that you MUST go see it. X-Men comes out tonight though, so a review on that soon!

TL;DR Giant monster fight scenes, Kick-Ass all grown up and manly, the better Olsen, SF Bay Area--go watch this flick!

KB

(Photo retrieved from Godzilla-Movies website: http://www.godzilla-movies.com/media/godzilla2014_poster2.jpg)

Blog Name

My old blog was called, "Evolving Beyond Planes," which was really fitting at the time as I was still in college trying to find who I was, what I liked, etc. I wrote a lot about my day-to-day, but also about living in London. Planes, eh-eh?

In restarting this blog, "Evolving Beyond Planes" still seemed to fit, in fact it probably will always fit as I tread slowly through this milky way of life, but I think that the KB from the old blog is much different than the KB I am now. 

When it comes down to it, the hobby that remains with me through it all, is watching movies. I love action thrillers with guns and heists and spies and fight scenes. "Good morning, Moneypenny" is how James Bond greets Eve Moneypenny, who is M's (James Bond's boss) assistant. If you know the story of James Bond and his relationship with Ms. Moneypenny, then you may see how they are like me and Zane. lol right. Let's talk more about this irl.

TL;DR The name of my blog is from James Bond bc I'm a movie geek and wish my life was an action flick.

KB

(Photo retrieved from Avec Amber blog: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPn88O_5UuCiO_GbaVTwcGHn0ki05LZQEPLd1cP81qMLg4ZNHSjHqxnn0dabCrp8zNxUXQ3Kkm0ml_rQsJAZJ4FYOUt8Ak3vqKcYAxDmhMwtEYpBy8hqP-qT78deLMZf1Dhl-9LVIncI/s640/skyfall_eve04.jpg)

About Me

Hey!

I figure I would do a brief about me as I've never done one and this blog has changed a bit since I started.

So,
I'm a 20-something grad school student with a regular office job. When I'm not procrastinating on schoolwork and stressed over my criminal clients, oh yeah, I work in criminal defense; I'm a wannabe fitness enthusiast/environmentally-friendly life-stylist/helpless-romantic movie-goer/avid food traveler-adventurer. Aren't we all though? 100% sure I got all of those hyphens wrong too, btw. I've also, more recently, delved into the world of beauty and (not really, but kinda) fashion. A girl's got to spend her hard earned money on something, right?

This blog began as place to jot down my random life events and travels. I wrote about my favorite movies; what I had done that day/week; funny things Zane (at the time, Alex) had done/said; and at the end of it before I stopped around four years ago, I detailed my experience studying in London. I realize that all of the photos from my old posts don't work, sorry. I probably will not fix them. Tear.

I've decided to resurrect this in hopes to do all of that again, really. I'm confident that through this blog, you'll be able to learn about my small likes and dislikes, from breakfast tacos (yum) to seahorses (YUCK). But mostly, because Zane and I do such exciting things, I know I'll want to go back and read through all of it again someday in the future.

Zane--first name Alexander, middle name, Zane--is my boyfriend! Odd to think that we've been trekking for about 7 years now (usual teenage/college breakups scattered between). He challenges me and brings out the best me. Pretty sure I read the same description of Nick by Amy in Gone Girl, but it's true. He's not the mac to my cheese or the ranch to my pizza slice or whatever people say, he's just, rad and I'm surprised everyday he's still around. Gross, right.

TL;DR I'm starting my blog again about me, my life, and my adventures with my bf, Zane. All posts before this are from my old blog--none of the photos work. Thanks for reading!

KB

(TL;DR = Too long; Don't read. I reddit.)

This is us circa 2008. lol

(Photo by Sarah Grunder)

Hi!

Been awhile, right? Years even. I've decided to resurrect this and start posting again--Exciting things to come!

KB

So far.

De Marillac 211 from Kiersten Bautista on Vimeo.

-kb2.

I'm home by the way.