Categories – Page 7 – A Chance of Charm

My Vegan Mani with Londontown

November 22, 2018 No Comments

Hi there, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday 🙂 I had to work last Sunday to get Thanksgiving Day off and it was completely worth it! I had a one hour powerful flow class at Black Swan Yoga then headed to Katy Trail for a 7 mile run. It was the pups turn to exercise so me and Prashi took them to the dog park. It really was a beautiful afternoon in Dallas to be outside! We ended the day on a high note – having plenty of Thanksgiving food with his family. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend my holiday!

Now with Thanksgiving day over, it’s time to get serious about holiday shopping for gifts! Let me tell you, I found the perfect thing, but first let me tell you how I discovered Londontown.

If you don’t already know, I’m making an effort to replace as many of my traditional products with vegan products. It’s been easy with haircare and skincare, but I wasn’t expecting it to be so easy with nail polishes. Then I stumbled upon Londontown USA and I just had to reach out to work with them! It feels good to know my nail care and nail colors are vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben free. Londontown has shown me that quality does not have to be sacrificed to have a vegan product. It’s hard not to support a brand with a mission like that right?!

Finally, I placed my order. I selected a little bit of everything from their nail care and nail colors. In the photos above, I’m wearing: Nail Hardener & Base Coat, Double the Deck, and Gel Genius Top Coat. My at-home mani turned out to be ultra luxe and something I think my ladies will appreciate when the nail salon is not an option (or even if it is, but I still prefer Londontown!). Learn more about the brand and shop Londontown products here.

P.s. It’s Friday, but not just any regular Friday, it’s Black Friday! Londowntown is having a Black Friday sale too. Use code BLACKFRIDAY for 40% off your vegan nail care!

XO, Vivian

Other Londontown products in my order:

Mauve over – A perfect neutral for fall

Invisible crown – A sheer color suitable year round

Brit of Love – I’m waiting for spring to come around for this one, but it’s the prettiest pink!

Strengthening Laquer Remover – Removes polish without all the bad things for you

Blog, Style

Fall Haul Sizing

November 20, 2018 No Comments

If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been loving on ChicWish a lot lately. For good reason! Everything is budget friendly, high quality, and so easy to style. I’ve been beyond happy with every order I have placed from ChicWish, and I want you to have a positive experience just as I have.

Online shopping can be tricky, right? I used to think so too, but I was going about my online shopping all wrong! ChicWish sizing can vary between a range of sizes (S-M) or an exact size (XS). Measurements are provided under “details” and are very thorough providing you with length, bust, sleeve, shoulder measurements and more. I have visited sites where their size chart applies to every single item on their site, which is not a true reflection of a single product, but an average of all of their products.

ChicWish offers the opposite, with sizing that is incredibly detailed for every item. If you don’t have one already, I highly recommend a measuring tape (mine is pink) to measure yourself as you shop online. Sometimes I’ll love a handful of pieces, but sizing can help me narrow down to one or two items that I know will actually fit. For example I’m 5’0″ and a skirt with a length of 18 inches just won’t work on my short legs, but I wouldn’t have known if I didn’t have a measuring tape. This method hasn’t let me down yet. I hope it works for you too!

XO, Vivian

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Blog, Lifestyle

Apparently it’s Football Season

November 7, 2018 No Comments

Football season is upon us! I’ve never been a huge football fan, but I’m down to watch some great horse/Budweiser commercials and the halftime show at a Super Bowl party (even though I missed it last year). #Oops! I do have one memory of an NFL game I attended. The family took a trip to watch the Dallas Cowboys play 10+ years ago at the old stadium. Who was playing? Who won? I couldn’t tell you because it was COLD and I fell asleep. So bad, I know! I’m much better these days and even try to dress according to team or theme. I’ve linked a few football tees for you below so you can feel included in your nearest football posse.

P.s. #WeDemBoyz

XO, Vivian

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Blog, Style

Capes & Sweaters for Fall

October 30, 2018 2 Comments

Not much is worse than an itchy sweater in the fall. You know the one I’m talking about, right? With it’s coarse material and bothersome tags. These Chic Wish sweaters are so far from that! I find myself looking forward to the chilly days so I can wear a sweater that is both soft and pretty. Check out these other capes and sweaters that I’m loving!

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Blog, Style

Roundup: Camis & Cardigans

October 9, 2018 No Comments

It seems layering camisoles and cardigans is all the rage right now. Have you done this yet? It’s so convenient! Especially in Texas where it’s still warm for most of the day, it’s nice to be able to add and remove a layer in a matter of seconds.

I’ve rounded up 15 camisoles and 15 cardigans for you all! No repeats of the same product in a different color, so be sure to click on a product you like. Most of them will have 3 or more color options! Enjoy 🙂

Blog, Lifestyle

My 9-5

October 4, 2018 No Comments

Hi friends! I appreciate you taking my Instastories poll last week but more importantly, taking an interest in what it is I do from 9-5. After all the fuss with “Job 1” and “Job 2” I thought it was only fair to provide you with an update of what Job 2 has turned out to be like.

What I Do:

I can hear your voices, “Vivian, what the heck is Job 2?!” I’m here to tell you that I’m a speech therapist working at a skilled nursing facility (SNF [AKA nursing home]). Have you ever visited one before? My first experience with a SNF was with my grandmother. I occasionally visited her after class in high school. I’d stare into her large, glossy eyes and tell her about myself, remind her who I was, and talk about my dad to her. Those were my last memories of her but they were all pleasant. Maybe because she seemed to be taken care of during her time at the home. When I did visit, there was no dilly dallying. The SNF is no place to be for a high schooler, but even then when I knew nothing about the staff, I appreciated what they did for my grandma.

Several years later, here I am walking into a SNF on a daily basis and I love it! Most people think of speech therapists as the ones who help their kids with their /s/ and /r/ sounds, which is very true, but families of residents have other concerns when their loved ones are living long term in a SNF. As a speech therapist in this setting, I see residents with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, cerebral palsy, cerebrovascular accidents, and several other diagnoses. The patients vary in severity and as you can imagine, goals differ from person to person.

Most of my patients work hard for me but there are a few that sigh and roll their eyes when I knock on their door. On a day like that, I’ve quickly learned that a cup of coffee can fix anyones problems at least momentarily. But like I said, the majority are happy to see me and I, in return, am happy to see them. Sometimes therapists (speech, occupational, physical) are the only ones that visit the residents for days or weeks, so it’s important to greet them with a positive attitude. Luckily for all involved, my baseline personality is bright and carefree!

How I’m Adjusting:

The first week work experience itself was good. I learned a lot and was slightly overwhelmed by all the things to remember for later times but I managed. However, I’m struggling with my new life schedule. I continue to go to sleep at 1:30-2:00am and have no clue how to stop when I enjoy my personal time to wind down after midnight. My goal is to be at work between 7:15-8:00am, but it’s been more like 7:45-8:30am. I hope to get this figured out within the next couple of weeks so I can be well rested for work but also for all my other errands and tasks.

I’m happy to say that even with starting a new job in the middle of my 40 day yoga challenge, I have only missed one yoga practice. My sleep schedule may be off, but I’ve been a dedicated yogi throughout this major change and for that I am proud. Another win? I’ve been making healthy choices at lunchtime when I’m surrounded by all the yummy foods! It’s the little things in life, right?

I hope you all enjoyed reading this post and learning a little more about what I do. Feel free to leave me advice on how to go to bed on time 🙂

XO, Vivian

Blog, Style

A Chic(Wish) Fall

September 19, 2018 2 Comments

The countdown is on. Just 3 days until fall! Mixed feelings about it, but it’s an excuse to shop for a new season so I’ll say YES to that!

My friends at ChicWish sent me a couple of fall items I had my eyes on and I couldn’t wait to share them with you. First things first – sweaters! They are staple in everyone’s closet and a necessity if we’re about to survive dropping temps. One peek in my closet and I saw most of my fall clothes were on the darker side. In an effort to brighten things up a little, I picked out this dusty blue sweater with balloon sleeves and a sweet diamond pattern. If blue isn’t your color, my sweater comes in other colors too! Check out the rest of my sweater picks below.

If we’re being honest here, the star of the show is my waterfall coat. It’s the only coat I own in this color and I know it’ll really brighten up my overall look no matter what I’m wearing underneath. Here I am wearing black pants and you can see how my camel colored coat just gives me so much life! If you aren’t quite ready for a full on coat yet, I’ve add some other options for you below.

I hope you find something you love as I have. Didn’t like my picks? Check out ChicWish for more fall options!

XO, Vivian

Blog, Style

10 Moto Jackets for Fall

September 17, 2018 No Comments

“Fall” is only 5 days away. I say this every year, but I can’t believe we’re this far into the year. The holidays come around and before we know it we’ll all be celebrating the New Year. Not quite there yet and I’m honestly not trying to age myself that fast so let’s think about the present!

It’s currently 93 degrees in Big D and I’m loving it. I THRIVE in the summer heat and thinking of a snowflake is like a scary movie to me. I realize many people are starting to experience cooler weather or are prepping their wardrobes for the upcoming season, so this blog post is for you!

I’ve rounded up 10 cool-girl moto jackets for you with all the pretty fall colors you can think of. They also happen to be cruelty free 😉

XO, Vivian

Blog, Lifestyle

Graduation + The Job Offer

September 11, 2018 4 Comments

Finally, Prashi makes an appearance! We did long distance for a year while I lived in Kingsville for graduate school.

My big sisters Sandy and Angie, and my Mom.

My best friends Iliana and Grace. I wouldn’t have survived small town living without their friendship!

Guess who accepted a job offer?! Yes, I did! Before we get to that part, let’s rewind to last month.

It has been one month since graduation. Where does the time even go?! I could lie and say that I’ve been bored out of my mind, or that I’ve been hunched over on my laptop all day job hunting on indeed, but that is far far from the truth. In all honesty, I have had the best month ever!

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I’ve taken up yoga. It is now a huge part of my life and practicing has jumped up on my list of priorities. I even started a 40 day yoga program yesterday! Updates to come on that later. I’ve also invested more time into the blog (hence the new logo!), which I love so much. It’s been nice getting to take photos, edit, and plan. Part of blogging involves attending events, and I’m lucky to have had extra time in the evening to get ready and join other bloggers at some super fun events! With all this free time, you know I had to book myself a vacation, right? My sister planned out most details of an Alaskan cruise for our family of 9. It was the biggest family trip we have ever had and one that I will remember for the rest of my life. A separate post on the cruise coming soon!

It’s true what they say, all good things must come to an end, and as you can tell, it’s been a fantastic month! But in between all that fun, I did have an interview here and there. I kept you updated through my instastories with some of my job hunt. I filled you in on “Job 1” and “Job 2.” I failed to mention that I had already accepted an offer from a different company before Job 1 or Job 2 came in the picture, which we will call “Job 00.” So here I am, a recent graduate with not one, not two, but THREE jobs to seriously consider. I’ll go ahead and say it in case you’re thinking it. I’m so lucky!!! Thank you mom for putting me through graduate school. These opportunities would not have come without her patience or support!

After accepting Job 00, I heard back from Job 1 and Job 2 and I continued to interview for both while I completed paperwork for Job 00. Job 1 offered me a position that was wonderful! I was so so happy and nearly ready to accept, until I interviewed at Job 2. Job 1 needed to know ASAP if I could or couldn’t accept, so I had to decline the offer. I went through three rounds of interviewing for Job 2, which I really really wanted. Each interview was great! Today I accepted an offer from Job 2 in the setting of my dreams and my heart is so full! Of course, I had to let Job 00 know that I would no longer be able to accept their offer.

If you followed along, I hope you enjoyed the ending to this story. It was definitely a happy one!

XO, Vivian

Blog, Lifestyle

One Year Blogiversary Bloopers!

September 6, 2018 No Comments

Too cold to caption this. It was 30 degrees and I could see my breath!

“Oh you’re taking a picture? Let me hop in real quick.” – Bahamian lady

I renewed my hosting service with Blue Host about a month ago and it hit me… I was about to hit the ONE YEAR mark! There was a decision to be made – continue blogging or quit?

Without a doubt in my mind, I knew I had to keep going. There are at least a dozen reasons for me to stop blogging. Among them that it’s too time consuming or my growth is too slow. You know what though? I’m a patient person! I have so much life to live and I’ll side hustle if I want to.

Thank you ALL for your support over the past year! Your likes, comments, and direct messages have made my first year of blogging incredibly worth while. Here’s to my second year of blogging!

Leave me a comment and let me know what content you’d like to see on A Chance of Charm!

XO, Vivian