Confessions of a Gleek: The End of an Era...

My god. I cannot believe that after six years, Glee is coming to an end. I'm still in denial that the cast and crew have wrapped up, and soon, I'll be crying as I watch its final episode. Ever. Just seeing their posts on Twitter and Instagram has seriously got me feeling down, and I can't imagine how I'll feel the minute the final credits roll. 

So fair warning, this is going to be a cheesy, but heart-felt, post on a show that changed my life. 

I'll admit, I didn't follow Glee the minute the series premiered. I was probably like, ten or eleven episodes behind until I got into it. I remember all my friends talking about the musical numbers and characters, and soon, I got sucked in pretty bad. A club that was all about misfits uniting and bonding over music? Characters who I could see parts of myself in and high school drama I could relate to? And you know, amazing numbers that make me want to burst out into song as well?

Count me in! 

Glee became my guilty pleasure - heck, it became an addiction once Season 2 rolled in and we were introduced to the Dalton Academy Warblers. Especially Darren Criss. I'd seen him before as 'Harry Potter' from the Starkid productions of A Very Potter Musical (if you haven't seen it yet, YOU MUST!), and my GOD, he's amazing. Is it obvious I've developed a serious crush ever since? Hah! That's not to say that the other guys aren't as good-looking. Or talented. Seriously though, you've got a whole bunch of handsome dudes with amazing voices. Like, seriously. Cheers to the ladies as well. I've got a huge girl crush on both Lea Michele and Dianna Agron, LOL!

Moving back to the point, I connected so much with the characters from Glee. Rachel Berry's drive and passion to follow her dreams, Santana's sassiness and wit, Finn's concern for his family and friends, Artie's smarts and leadership, Brittany's quirky one-liners ... I could go on for days. I laughed with them, cried for them, and sang along with them every single time. Heck, I still do the latter when a song comes up on my iPod. And as much as some of them frustrated me, I loved every single one of them, and it sucks so bad to know I'll no longer see them on TV regularly. 

Of course, that's not to say that Glee was perfect. I admit, there were a few episodes here and there that weren't as great, and Season 4 and the first half of Season 5 was a bit of a let down. Yes, I was one of those who weren't as thrilled with the new characters - especially as they were meant to 'replace' the graduated class to a certain extent. I wasn't too happy about that. But the new characters they introduced this final season? Damn! I wish we could get to know them for longer!

During the weeks I was struggling to adapt and adjust to university during my first year, I turned to Glee to calm me down. I watched and re-watched episodes (yes, I have all the episodes!) and constantly put their songs on repeat. What can I say, I'm a die-hard Gleek. I even have their Glee 3D Concert Movie poster hanging on my wall as we speak. 

And I did learn lessons from each one of the characters (and episodes) about life, love and following your passions. I learned to accept myself as I am - to accept the flaws and focus on my strengths. I learned to forgive and move on, because there's no point in dwelling on past mistakes. I learned that no matter what, true friendship is what matters, especially in times of struggle. I learned to not give up and to not take things, and people, for granted. And knowing that other people learned those same lessons, well, just goes to show how amazing and powerful this show was. 

I think the episode that sticks out the most to me would be the Season 3 finale, when about half of the members graduated - Rachel, Finn, Kurt, Mercedes, Puck, Santana, Quinn and Mike (is it sad I didn't have to look that up and knew who graduated off by heart?) Why you ask? Because I graduated that same year 'with' them. Only a few days apart too when that episode came out. All the emotions they were feeling, I felt. It seems crazy to say, but it was like the show - well, that episode - really got me. The fear, the excitement, the anxiety of having to leave home and face the unknown? Man, I remember crying pretty hard at that 'Roots Before Branches' number at the end. And I remember my parents coming home from dinner and walking in to the living room to find me with my swollen eyes and wet tissues. Yep, I was quite the sight. 

Glee had me feeling all sorts of emotions every season. I laughed so hard when Holly Holiday taught the Glee students about safe sex (or when Sue and Will would go at it like little kids), I squealed so much when Kurt and Blaine finally got together (then back together the countless times they did), I pumped my fist when Rachel received an amazing review after her premiere as Fanny Brice. And how could I forget that Season 5 episode, where they did a tribute to Cory Monteith? Gosh, that was a real tear jerker too. Heck, thinking about it know makes me sad. I remember watching the episode on my laptop and crying about 20 seconds into it. And then again every five minutes. Glee was a roller coaster of emotions, I can tell you that. 

So, as an ode to one of my all-time favourite shows, here's a playlist of my top 10 favourite musical numbers from the series:

Teenage Dream (Season 2, Episode 6 - Never Been Kissed)

Don't You Want Me Baby (Season 2, Episode 14 - Blame It On the Alcohol)

Roots Before Branches (Season 3, Episode 22 - Goodbye)

Cold Hearted (Season 4, Episode 16 - Feud)

Love Shack (Season 3, Episode 13 - Heart)

Hold On (Season 5, Episode 10 - Trio)

Don't Dream It's Over (Season 4, Episode 9 - Swan Song) 

Make You Feel My Love (Season 5, Episode 3 - The Quarterback)

For Good (Season 2, Episode 22 - New York)

Man in the Mirror (Season 3, Episode 8 - Hold On to Sixteen)

And as a bonus, because how could I not include this, 

Don't Stop Believing (Season 1, Episode 1 - Pilot) 

From one Gleek to another, I feel your pain on how this show that meant to much to us is sadly coming to an end. But let's remember all the good times we spent watching every single episode, and singing along to every song. And for the lucky ones who've actually seen them perform live (you lucky bums), remember the happiness you felt as you watched them sing their hearts out. 

And if you aren't as much as a die-hard fan as me, or just flat-out hated the show, well, don't diss my post. Cause it's coming from deep within my heart. And I'm sure there are things out there you love as much as I do Glee. But who knows? Why not give this show a second chance? 

I know this is quite the early farewell, but come March 20, when the characters take their final bow, I don't know if I can handle writing anything about it after watching. Too many feels, guys. I already know it. I'm going to need some time to recover. 

Don't stop believing, guys.

Arianna  x

7 Days, 7 Hairstyles

Because I've been on this 'making up for being so MIA' on here kick, here's another quickie post!

 Because I am quite the kikay (girly and somewhat fashion-forward slang in Filipino), I decided to challenge myself last week and come up with different ways to wear my hair everyday for the next week. I'd gotten so used to merely going about my day with literally an 'I woke up like this' hairstyle, that it felt like I needed to change things up a bit. Granted, that did require me waking up a tad bit earlier to get my hair looking more presentable, but it I think it worked out in the end. I pretty much discovered what hairstyles work for me, and what don't. Then again, what do you think? Hopefully this gives you a few ideas on a few looks to try out for the next week!

On a side note, I'm not one to use products like hairspray and mousse when it comes to styling my hair. Besides the occasional de-frizzing spray after I wash my hair and dry shampoo, I don't like using such products. Not that I'm a stickler for using such products, it's just that I like to keep my hair product-free as much as possible. I mean, considering the fact that it's been all bleached, ombred and stuff, I think I've done enough damage, don't you think?

Monday

 The classic milk maid braid. Nothing new with this really. I absolutely love this hairstyle, but it is a pain securing my hair with about a million bobby pins. But it's so worth it, and I think this hairstyle looks even better if you're currently rocking the ombre. Then again, I may be a tad bit biased. Lol. 

Tuesday

 The 'I-can't-be-bothered-to-do-anything-fancy-but-want-to-look-done' look. Essentially throw your hair into a messy bun, secure with a few bobby pins (a whole butt load if you've got thick hair like me) then put on a cute headband for a somewhat retro feel. Apply some eyeliner and a bright lip, and you're good to go. Done and done. 

Wednesday

 A mini french-braid on one side that merges into one big braid. Is there even a proper name for this? I call this my 'need-to-work-out-and-wash-my-hair-today' hairstyle. No joke. It's super easy to do (no bobby pins required, woop!) and looks pretty chic. It stays put as I go about my day, and keeps the hair at bay while I'm doing my pilates or what not before washing my hair. Hah!

Thursday

So you've probably noticed by now how much I love to rock my braids. This is pretty much the standard french braid on both sides, that wrap around a huge bun at the back. Nothing too fancy, but it sure looks like it. 

Friday

I'd seen pictures of this hairdo about a dozen times over on Pinterest, and thought, hey, when better to try it out than this week? And it's pretty darn easy, provided you've got a bigger mirror to work with than I did. Pretty much just separate your hair into three sections, braid each one, then wrap them up in a bun just below your head and secure with bobby pins. This looks definitely looks much better if your bobby pins actually match your hair colour, and you remember to remove any elastics you used (unlike me, darn it). Nonetheless, a very cute and super quick hairstyle to try out! Perfect for a date or a nice girl's night out.

Saturday

Again, this hairstyle was inspired by a couple of photos and tutorials I'd seen over on Pinterest. You pretty much part your hair into two sections, secure with an elastic band, then loop the rest of your hair through. Then so on until you get this sort of fish-braid effect. It's super easy (and man, I suck so bad at explaining how to achieve this look!) and an absolute no fuss. This hairstyle looks super cute and effortless, and what do you know, it really doesn't take that much effort to do. Perfect for a nice day out shopping or chilling with friends. Try it out - though I'd suggest you try using clear elastic bands unless you like that sort of look (like me!)

Sunday

This hairstyle has definitely got to be the trickiest I've tried, mainly cause of all my hair! The look requires you to wrap your hair around a headband for a chic and vintagey updo, but it is harder than it looks! For me anyway. I probably attempted this three times since during each try, my hair kept falling out of the headband before I could even secure it with bobby pins. LOTS OF THEM.  Nonetheless, once you've got the updo down, it looks so pretty and girly - perfect for a nice Sunday brunch or day out. I opted to use just a simple bronze headband, but I've seen this look done with floral crowns and bejewelled straps, so try it out with whatever you fancy. Perhaps a bit of hairspray or mousse can help keep the updo looking good and in place if you've got a busy day ahead. 

So that's my week done! I had a pretty great time trying out different hairstyles, and as challenging as some of them were for me, I'm super glad I've found what works for me! Try them out and challenge yourself style-wise if you've got the time!

Happy discovering!

February Faves!!

February faves time!

There hasn't really been any discoveries for me in the 'base' part of applying my make-up - I'm still reaching for either my Clinique Stay Matte foundation or MAC Studio Fix Fluid depending on my schedule - but I have been using Revlon's Photoready Skinlights face illuminator to brighten up my complexion a little bit more. It has definitely been doing wonders at making sure my face isn't dull looking, but at the same time not to sheeny shiny. I just apply it with my fingers and pat it on my cheekbones, forehead and tad bit on my nose after I put on my foundation, and voila. Done.

I've also really been loving the Cheeky Blush Trio from Make Up For Ever that came out as one of their limited edition sets for the 50 Shades of Gray franchise. The colours absolutely gorgeous and pigmented, and can double as eyeshadows! You can check out the rest of my thoughts about it here, as well as my review on the other sets part of the collection.

For my eye game, I've been reaching for my Anastasia Beverly Hills eyeliner in Lavish (a bronzy, metallic brown), Maybelline's new Lash Sensational mascara and the new Sephora XL eyelash curlers. These curlers are pretty awesome, and don't pinch my eyelids, so that's a plus! And of course, my Naked 3 palette has been my go to this month - what with my associating February with rose and pink toned everything. And I have fallen back in love with it! And as much as I do like the double ended eyeshadow brush it comes with, I've been using my Sephora crease brush (73) to apply and blend, and it is an absolute dream!

I particularly love Limit and Nooner from the Naked 3 palette together, and for a nice pop of colour, Buzz is amazing placed on the center of the lids!

Here's how they look applied on to the lids (and please don't mind the untamed, undone eyebrows!!!)

Limit all over the lid, Nooner in the crease/outer V, and a bit of Buzz in the center of the lids. 

For lips, I've seriously been on a pinky nude kick! Despite it being the season where almost every girl likes to rock a dark, vampy lip, I've been leaning towards the lighter scale with Make Up For Ever's Aqua Rouge waterproof liquid lip colour in the shade 3, MAC's Oxblood (from the Toledo collection), and BITE Beauty's matte cream lip crayon in Gavi. But you know, I can't resist a nice red as well, and I've been loving the NARS matte lip crayon in Cruella. Did I mention by the way that I'm loving matte finishes too? Hah!

Swatches (l-r): MUFE Aqua Rouge lip colour in 3, MAC Oxblood, BITE Beauty's Gavi and NARS Cruella.

Other beauty favourites have been my boscia Clear Complexion toner (which has really, changed my skin's life and I'm so glad to have it!), the L'Oreal Total Repair 5 hair oil to combat the dryness my hair's been facing with all this cold, and my Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede perfume. For nails, I've been loving the Nails Inc polish in Alexa Cashmere (a textured, light pinky mauve) and my Deborah Lippman polish in Ya Got Trouble (a metallic duo chrome bronze).

For non-beauty related favourites, I've really been loving my blanket scarf from ALDO. With the crazy weather getting to me, this baby has been keeping me pretty warm while I'm out, and I love the fact that it's large enough to use as a poncho type scarf when it gets a bitty chilly during my classes. Speaking of keeping warm, I've been loving Davids Tea's Cold 911 tea - perfect for when you've got a sore throat and feel down in the dumps cause of the weather. For sweet pick-me-ups I've also been treating myself to Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups from President's Choice (not that I don't like Reese's Pieces, but you know, this was on sale) and burning my Bath & Body Works Butterscotch toffee candle. I promise, these four things are absolute essentials for curling up in bed with a good book every night! 

My tune of the month would definitely have to be Neon Jungle's Louder. And my gosh, how have I never heard of them before? This music video came up on my recommendations playlist on YouTube, and my gosh, I'm in love. They're a British girl group that I believe started off on YouTube, and they are pretty kickass! Their single Louder is just amazing - the beat, the lyrics, the melody - just, everything about it I love!! Also go check out Braveheart, Sleepless in London and their cover of Lorde's Royals. Seriously, amazing.

And as a bonus, because let's face it, I can be quite indecisive, my other tune of the month would have to be Nick Jonas's Teacher. While the official lyric video does kind of make me cringe (it's quite sensual and creepy to a certain extent), I still love the beat! It's quite raunchy in its own way, but I can't help dancing to it the minute it comes up on my iPod. Love, love, love me some Nick Jonas. Haha!!!

So that's this month's round up! What have you been excited about this month?
Happy discovering!