MY 10 PERSONAL SUCCESSES

Hi everyone! Today's post is going to be a tad bit different because it is actually an assignment for the class I am taking at Disney called Creativity and Innovation. My teacher Ellen (hi ellen!) asked me and the rest of my class to highlight ten successes that we have experienced in our lifetime. Seeing as my blog is my creative outlet, I decided to post my ten successes on here for you all to see!

1. getting accepted into the disney college program

How could I leave this one out?! It has been a life-long dream of mine to work for Disney in some way or another, and getting accepted into this program is what made my dream come true! I worked my butt off to get to this point in my education and I am truly proud of all that I have accomplished.

2. graduating from high school

Woah, talk about a flashback! I never doubted for a second that I would graduate from high school (clearly, i'm a nerd) but it was a big deal considering the fact that I went to school for 13 years before I could do it!

3. getting accepted into college(s)

Psych! I didn't even get into this college (UCLA) but I wish I did...isn't it beautiful? I got accepted into three other colleges though, so not all hope was lost!

4. surviving my move across the united states

I don't have a picture for this one because at the time of the move I had no desire to document it. I didn't even want to acknowledge that it was happening. I had to leave the place that I loved, my long-time friends, my boyfriend at the time and his family. It was by far the hardest thing I have ever had to do. The successes that I have experienced as a result of my move by far outweigh the hardships I faced during that difficult time. Like...

5. studying abroad in england

need i say more?

6. being in a successful long distance relationship

We met in a slightly non ideal situation (i was leaving england approximately a month and a half after we met) and we are currently in a non ideal situation (mike lives in england, i live in america) however we make it work! And that in itself is a triumph. Or so I've been told by the dozens of people that have told me that they could never do it!

7. distinguished community service award

In high school I completed over 250 hours of community service in a variety of places! Volunteering at my local SPCA was definitely my favorite :)

8. sticking with french all four years of high school

I loved my French teacher and I feel like that was part of the reason why I stuck with it for so long! I don't think French has been too useful in my life just yet, however I did speak it when I went to France much to the dismay of the Parisians I encountered...

9. changing my major halfway through college

I wish I would have chosen English from the beginning but I guess it took me a while to realize that it was always the right path for me. Ever since I changed my major I have felt more confident in myself and my schoolwork.

10. starting this blog

As I have said before, I started this blog as a way to keep myself busy while Mike and I were apart. Of course, I also started this blog because I have a passion for writing and a love of beauty and fashion among many other things. I would consider Essentially Shannon to be a success and I only hope that it will continue to grow!

What are some of your personal successes? Let me know in the comments down below!

until next time,

DCP 2015: ON THE JOB TRAINING AND A SOLO TRIP TO EPCOT

Howdy y'all! Oh wait...hi everyone :) The past few days I've been training at my location in Frontierland so talking like a cowgirl is basically ingrained in my brain now! Remember how I had my "Earning My Ears" ribbon on my nametag while I was training? Well, yesterday I passed my assessment and finished my on the job training so I got to take my ribbon off! Tomorrow is my first shift on my own (when i say on my own i mean not training, i'm never really on my own because at any given time there are probably 50 other people working anyways!) and I know I won't be perfect at anything right away, but with a little faith, trust, and pixie dust I know can do it ;)

For those of you who might be wondering, I do in fact get to wear a costume to work! And yes, it is the same one every day! Actually, in addition to working at Pecos Bill's in Frontierland I also work at Tortuga Tavern in Adventureland (aka right across from Pirates of the Carribbean, aka my favorite ride ever) however sadly I wear the same costume for both :( I was really hoping for a piratey costume but no such luck! Surprisingly enough, I like my costume! (trust me, compared to some that i've seen, mine is cute!)

I had the day off on Thursday (!!!) so I decided to make a solo trip to Epcot while my roommates were all at work! Everyone felt bad for me when I told them I was going by myself, but honestly going alone is so much fun! You can wander around, do whatever you want when you want, and best of all: utilizing the single rider line, which gets you on practically every ride in 20 minutes or less!

Shockingly (sarcasm, you'll understand in a second), I started and ended my day in the United Kingdom pavilion! It's no Winchester or London, but it sure does make me feel like I'm back there if only for a little while :)

fish and chips...nom

italy! don't mind my finger lol

china! gotta come back and eat EVERYTHING

trolls in norway...

That up there is Norwegian school bread and IT IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! The bakery in the Norway pavilion has lots of yummy treats, but I had to try this one because I've heard so much about it. It's a bun with cream in the middle and cream/coconut on top! I was sad when it was gone because it was so delicious :(

I went on over to The Seas with Nemo and Friends later on in the day to check out all of the awesome marine animals! I had a nice conversation with a couple of cast members who had done the college program and are now doing a professional internship as dolphin trainers :)

until next time,

MY GO-TO QUICKIE MAKEUP LOOK

Hi everyone! I thought today I would share with you the makeup products that I've been using on the days I have class and don't have loads of time to do a full look! Since I'm a commuter (I live at home...ah the beauty of my own bathroom and bed) and I live 30 minutes away from campus, I have to wake up at 6 a.m. (oh the horror!) in order to get to my 8 a.m. class on time! (Thankfully it's yoga, so I'm kind of okay with it) So, here are the products that help me achieve a simple, flawless look when I'm short on time! :)

Step One: BB cream! I've become a huge fan ever since I tried the Revlon Photoready BB Cream. Let me just say that it's been true love ever since ;) I recently purchased the Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream and I am really liking it so far :) I was drawn to the fact that it has salicylic acid in it, as I'm always looking for products that actually help my skin. Usually I just apply this with my fingers, but sometimes I'll use a brush.

Step Two: Concealer! I use Maybelline Instant Age Rewind for Dark Circles under my eyes and the Maybelline Fit Me concealer on blemishes. I've been using both of these for quite a while now! The coverage is perfect for me.

Step Three: Brows! I love a bold brow, and Benefit's Gimme Brow helps me achieve that. It's a tinted brow gel, which darkens them and also keeps them in place! Also, I use a little bit of the shade Mink from my Lorac Pro To-Go palette on a small angled brush to fill in any spots that need a little more color.

Step Four: Eye shadow! This step is occasional though. (i.e. when i have a bit of extra time, so almost never on a school day) But when I do apply eye shadow, my go-to palette is my Lorac Pro To-Go. I'll swipe some Cafe on my lid first, and then Pearl as an inner corner highlight to brighten up eye area! Simple, simple, simple :)

Step Five: Powder! Throughout the school day, my t-zone tends to get oily so this Neutrogena Shine Control Powder is my savior. I just apply it all over my face with a fluffy brush and I'm good to go! I've hit pan on this one, so I bought a new one the other day.

can you tell i love this stuff? ;)

Step Six: Mascara! Even if I don't have time to put on mascara, I will always curl my lashes! It makes my eyes look so much more awake! (which, believe me, i need that early in the morning) My new favorite mascara is the Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal Volume Express, it's the only mascara that I've found (like, ever) that gives me crazy volume and keeps a curl all day long! I'm more and more impressed with it every time I use it :)

the wand is giant!

Step Seven: Blush! I have a few that I love but this Physician's Formula blush is natural and flattering. (Sometimes I'll use the blush in the Lorac palette also!)

Step Eight: Set! I've been using Urban Decay setting sprays for years now, as I always went to their counter to get my makeup done for dances and special occasions! I live by their setting sprays because they always do an amazing job keeping my makeup in place. I'm all for drugstore makeup (i'm kind of a cheapo) but I will always spend the extra money for Urban Decay setting spray! I use the De-Slick kind, which controls oil. It's perfect for school days when I do yoga in the morning and run around all day!

Voila! There you have my go-to products for a simple, fast makeup look! Let me know down below if you've tried any of these products and what your favorite products are for a quickie look! :)

until next time,