Play at romance, we slow dance

In the living room, but all that a stranger would see

Is one girl swaying alone

Stroking her cheek

I have noticed myself pulling and pulling back from posting on here. I don't even know where the passion has gone for Mostly Lisa, to be honest. Life has taken me in so many different directions and paths for the past seven months that the passion, along with the motivation, within me has been truly just spread too thin. My brain can't handle so much dedication at once! For the most part, I have really enjoyed having other things to be creative and interested in. The new career I am in has given me a lot, however, there are times where I really want to have the motivation back to keep this blog up. This all probably sounds like a broken record for the people who have stuck with me these past seven years, but you all know that this is how I process different things. So I've come to a decision that I'll pause the repetitiveness and come back here and there, with less pressure on myself to constantly have to update. When I do come back, hopefully the content will be better than if I was updating every single day or week. Please enjoy these links that I've rounded up for the month of February!

MUSIC

• This Lorde song has been stuck in my head for the past month. What a beautiful, melodic song to make you feel so many different emotions. I finally caved in and am going to see her next month at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul! Hopefully this song will be just as gorgeous in person.
• Speaking of concerts, I am also seeing Kate Nash for the first time in the next couple months. Her new album is fire. 
• Dua Lipa - I'll see you in June! 

SHOPPING

• Spring is just around the corner and Eloquii is killing it with their new arrivals. These Luna Printed Cylinder Heels are unexpectedly a must for me. 
• Oh hey, it's me in t-shirt form! 
• A current obsession of mine? Embroidered faux leather jackets - they are amazing. Tough and feminine, the perfect duo. 
• With spring and summer arriving very soon, I am on the hunt for a good pair of prescription sunglasses. I've had no luck finding a pair in my price range but then I instantly remembered BonLook and their amazing pricing. This pair may be just what the eye doctor ordered. 

READING

• If you haven't seen 'Annilihation', do not read this article. My long-time friend, Lindsey Romain, is a fantastic journalist and wrote this spectacular piece on Natalie Portman and the incredibly beautiful movie she is now in. Natalie brings her all in this masterpiece and I highly recommend that everyone goes to see it in the cinema. 
• I also thoroughly enjoyed this article about a relatively unknown horror show called 'Channel Zero' on SyFy. It is not a show that I would have ever imagined myself enjoying, however once it sinks its teeth into you - you are hooked. If you have ever read a Creepypasta story, this show is for you. It's incredibly well made and builds so well on the suspense. The last episode for this season literally made my skin crawl.
• These street style looks from NYFW are INSPIRING.
• I enjoy reading my horoscope for the year - this is what mine says for 2018. 

VIEWING

• So you're all watching This Is Us, right? Go ahead and watch this fanvid and be ready to cry your eyes out. It is the perfect roundup of everything that has happened up to the last episode. It's insanely beautiful.
• This Instagram feed by Luke Abrahams is the perfect travel inspiration for the England area.
• Kristen Wiig x James Corden trying to duet 'Hallelujah' is definitely greatest thing to make me laugh in awhile.
• All the stunning F/W '18 collections! 

1. Natalia Dyer in Dior Couture

Why I love it: What is not to love? I had to make her my BEST DRESSED of the entire night. The intergalactic print, paired with a lace bodice makes for the perfect silhouette on Natalia's petite frame. It also speaks highly of her personal taste and style, which I think has improved over the past year or so.
2. Vanessa Kirby in Valentino

Why I love it: For one of the first major award show red carpets I've seen her on, Vanessa did not hesitate to wow the crowd in this gorgeous floral sleeveless gown. I love everything about this - from the makeup to the accessories. Definitely makes me feel like it's spring already.
3. Susan Kelechi Watson in Rubin Singer

Why I love it: Channeling Old Hollywood, in one of three cobalt blue dresses on this list! Can you believe her and the other leading women of 'This Is Us' all showed up in this beautiful color? Serendipity, baby! This color is absolutely stunning on her and matches perfectly with her hairstyle, which I am obsessed with as well, that pulls the entire look together.
4. Brie Larson in Gucci

Why I love it: Look closer at her makeup and you'll see the main reason Brie is number four on this list. That blue eyeshadow has me reminiscing about the early 2000's and I am here for it! The sequin and crystallized Gucci gown doesn't hurt either, making for her to channel her inner femininity.
5. Chrissy Metz in kate spade new york

Why I love it: The second cobalt dress on this list! FYI: I am going to always support Chrissy on the red carpet. She has been killing it lately in regards to getting custom gowns made perfectly for her body. Did you see the custom Eloquii  dress she wore to the Critics Choice Awards? It is so inspiring to see plus-size fashion worn so eloquently and flattering on someone in the entertainment industry. She is unapologetic on the way she looks, she is fierce and funny as hell. Love you, Chrissy!
6. Tracee Ellis Ross in Ralph & Russo Couture

Why I love it: Can you gush over a white gown with a matching cape? I think you can when the daughter of Diana Ross is wearing it.
7. Daniel Kaluuya in Ermenegildo Zegna Couture

Why I love it: You can always expect the classic men's tux to hit the red carpet during award show season, however, there is always that one stand out guy that switches it up. Daniel is that person for me during the SAG Awards this year. The velvet loafers, the detailing on the suit jacket, even down to the jewelry! 👌
8. Mandy Moore in Ralph Lauren

Why I love it: A vision in blue! The third and final cobalt dress on this list features an actress that I have loved for quite a long time. Mandy looks like a shimmering glitter goddess in this ultra-slimming gown that must have been designed and fitted just for her. It's a pretty straightforward look but it obviously made a statement since she is glowing in every photo that was taken of her on Sunday night.
9. Saoirse Ronan in Louis Vuitton

Why I love it: All that glitters is pink for Saoirse, in this floor length, sleeved gown. I particularly like that this pink is such a breath of fresh air. It feels light and perfect for an event like this award show.
10. Kelly Marie Tran in Mary Katrantzou

Why I love it: BECAUSE KELLY IS PURE SUNSHINE AND THIS DRESS PERFECTLY EXPRESSES THAT!

Who was your favorite this year?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

1. The Power Pair
2. Sugar Plum Fairy Lip Scrub
3. Velvet Blurring Primer
4. Rose Face Mask
5. Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea
6. Perfect Setting Powder
7.  skin savior MULTI-TASKING WONDER BALM
8. Buttercup by Drybar
9. Flower Pots Powder Blush
10. Love Contours All Palette
11. Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara
12. WARM NEUTRALS VOLUME 2 EYESHADOW PALETTE
13. Moondrop Facial Oil
14. MON PARIS Eau de Parfum
15. Velvet Rose & Oud Dry Body Oil
16. 4-Pc. Fragrance Treasures Gift Set
17. color splash hydrating lipstick

There are two kids in my life that mean the utmost to me - my nephews. For that reason, this gift guide always has a special importance to it as the gift ideas I put together can make or break it for their holiday season. Let me tell you, all a kid cares about ripping open on Christmas morning is something visual, mind-bending or where they can build it themselves..Clothes? HA! You'll end up filming your kid saying something similar to this, trust me. You want to give them something that will hold their interest for more than just a second, so pay attention to their wishlist they make to give to Santa.

Like finding a gift for the guys, you will want to make this gift unique. I find that when my nephews start liking something, they go all in and it is all they can talk about. So go with that! Both of my nephews enjoy Minecraft, so I am grabbing on and not letting go when it comes to my buying decisions for them. Whether the kids you are buying for are 18 months, 5 or 10, this guide will get you in the right mindset when it comes to focusing on what you are going to get them.

1. Star Wars Hero Droid R/C BB-8
2. ThinkGeek- Minecraft Color Changing Potion Bottle
3. OwlCrate Jr. Subscription Box
4. Wooden Dollhouse with Furniture - Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia
5. Dream Big Little One Print
6. Wooden light sign - Moon - Yellow
7. Textured crewneck pullover
8. babyGap | Disney Dalmatian ruffle bodysuit
9. Hanging Stars Decor - Stars and Moon - Galaxy Decoration
10. WOODEN MUSIC BOX: JOY
11. Girls' faux-fur kitty slippers
12. Waldorf Crown - Jackalope
13. The Little Boy Or Girl Who Lost Their Name

The festivities have begun! The fifth annual Mostly Lisa Gift Guide series is underway and I am so excited to be coming back this year, especially because I was unsure if I would have any motivation to do a week long series again. My life now consists of going to work, doing a tiny of exercise, eating and then going to bed. It's crazy how much the last few months have turned everything around and life is solely focused on work. In the end, I realized I had to put in the time and effort to do this, it is the best series I do on this blog and I love spreading some happiness during what can be a difficult time of year for some people. So know this: I am doing this out of the love in my heart for each and every one of you that reads this blog and shares it with their friends. I am beyond grateful that I can actually do this every year, and to have the support of the people around me and people with whom I have never met before! That's what this season is all about, right?!
In the tradition of this Gift Guide series, on the first day I give to you a guide for the easiest person to shop for during this holiday season - women. I mean, why is it SO easy? I mean, I could probably go to each shopping website and find something to put on this list. Let's be honest, it is more than likely because I'm secretly also shopping for myself, however, I am trying to think outside of the box of my personal tastes and provide you all with a wide variety of gifts that the ladies in your life would enjoy. Whether she enjoys artwork, beauty, fashion, jewelry - this guide is just the ticket. See you tomorrow for the hardest person to shop for - men.
1. Zipper Pouch Pizazz Coin Purse
2. Flowering Monogram Pouch
3. Well-Embellished Gloves
4.  VOLCASMIC™ Matte Glow Moisturizer
5. H&M Knit Sweater
6. Faux Fur Throw
7. Women's Crossbody Handbag - Who What Wear™ Blue
8. Kaden Mule
9. 2018 Inspirational Quote Calendar
10. Chambray Shut-Eye Sleep Mask
11. The Sherpa Slide Slipper
12. Feminist AF Denim Jacket
13. Pom Pom Earrings
14.  MEDIUM PYRAMID TREASURE CANDLE - DAYDREAM 
15. SARRA CUFF in APRICOT
16. Constellation Jewelry Gift Set
17. AE Velvet Skinny Scarf
18. Valentino: Themes and Variations Harcover

What does your reflection say about you? For me, it says that I have every right to be who I am and to love the person I have become. Do you know how long it has taken me to actually be able to say these words with confidence?! If you had asked me even a year ago if I liked who I was completely, inside and out, I would have laughed in your face and probably broken down ugly crying. While I am always on the verge of tears anytime someone compliments me on a part of myself, I can now actually accept the words that are given to me and not think they are lie. Progress people, progress! Most of my insecurities are still always looming in the back of my mind, however, I now know that I can work on improving what they are and not feel like a victim to them. My main insecurity is pretty obvious, weight issues, but I can now realize and understand that that is not the only part of me that is worthy of being accepted. I can fix that part when I chose to, and people care about me no matter what number is on the scale.

Again, this is serious progress for me mentally and I am hoping that every part of my self and my reflection continues to improve while I get older.While I am currently seeing all of this, I'm also seeing another important aspect of myself that I never had before. I have damn good fashion sense + style for someone who shops on a budget. This may not seem that important, but hello, I have a fashion blog and a fashion degree! We may all know that I have several people I look to for style and that have a major influence on the fashion industry, i.e; Ashley Graham, Nicolette Mason, Alex Michael May, etc., I have taken their inspiration and made it into something that is completely me. The latest trend I have incorporated into being my fashionable self? Velvet, baby! It is a MUST-HAVE for fall and winter, and I am thrilled that it has lasted for the past year or so. I have been wearing this velvet kimono from Torrid on rotation for the past month or so, as it is so comfortable and sophisticated at the same time. It is the perfect cardigan to dress up or down, and I am for sure going to be wearing it even into winter.