Torri Sunshine

torrisunsunshine / December 18, 2017

Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide!!!

Okay so Its been awhile, and I have very good reasons, but honestly there is no excuse! I’m sorry! Basically, Im going through a HUGE, knee shaking, scary, adult transition! I’ll speak more when I can! For now, MERRY FREAKIN CHRISTMAS!!!!!! I have my Christmas music on, and I am ready to SPREAD THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT ALL OVERRRR THIS BIOTCH!!!!

I obviously LOVE the holidays and getting festive, but this year, due to many personal things, I’ve had a hard time jumping into the spirit. Which made my already last minute Christmas shopping tendencies even worse! Don’t fret, I have pulled through, and have compiled a list of 10 sure fire Christmas gifts! Not only will everyone love these , but they will still arrive before Christmas!!!

What do you MEME? ($30.00) This trendy game is so so so so so funny and so much funnnn!!! Its like Cards Against Humanity but with pictures instead of a fill-in-the-blank situation! Seriously this game is perfect for couples too, because its something BOTH people can enjoy together! Thats what you call a win-win, thats what you call two birds with one stone, hahahah need I go on? For real though, its a crowd pleaser!!!! CLICK HERE to order!
Instagramable Slippers! ($30.00-$14.99) Who doesn’t want some super cute fuzzy slippers! These are one of those gifts that you wouldn’t buy yourself but you want! The are cozy, cute, and festive! I have two pairs of Muk Luks that I got last year for Christmas and I LIVE in them!!!!! TBH, I once ventured to CVS in them to grab myself some Nutella in them and was only a little embarrassed because they were so cute lollll I’m going to link a few pairs, that I love!(I have these >) HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE!
Girl Gang Sweaters for your Girl Gang!!! ($30.00) First of all I LOVE SHIPWRECK LIMITED! They have the CUTEST/TRENDIEST, and the classic staples you NEED in your life! Now I unfortunately for you scooped up the last of the Heather Grey sweaters, for my Girl Gang, but they still have the Navy up for grabs! When I laid my eyes on them I KNEW they would be the PERFECT Christmas presents for some of my BIFFS! Also so funny but the HOTTIE in these pictures is actually my good friend Katie!!!!! hehe how perfect is that!!!!!!! CLICK HERE FOR THE SWEATER!
Cute Keyboard Cover. ($12.00-$8.00) Again this falls under the category, things you want for yourself, but never buy! This is perfect for someone who works from there computer a lot! Also they will totally think of you every time they get on the computer haha! Its really a gift of aesthetics, and those are the best kind, because whats better than a good aesthetic!!!!!! Click HERE and HERE for some cute options!
Wireless Headphones! Okay so this is perfect for again is someone works on the computer a lot, especially from home! I saw these on Urban Outfitters and KNEW someone who would appreciate these while they work! I would recommend pairing these with a cute Keyboard cover, and BOMB you have the perfect gift completed! I mean they are sssooo cute AND on sale!!! Click HERE for the headphones!
Glossier: Bombdotcom Trio! ($30.00) If you haven’t heard of Glossier, you are welcome! My BFF Tori introduced me, and no, I am not speaking in the third person! My BIFF’s and I are extra cute and have the same name! Anyway, not only are Glossier’s products ADORABLE, from the packaging to the media, they are phenomenal!!!! A Trio set is literally the perfect gift that your BFF will LOVE! 3 Flavors I recommend, Mint, Rose, Coconut! Try Glossier! I guarantee you will fall in love!!!! CLICK HERE FOR THE TRIO!!
Lush Bath Bombs: ($9.00-$5.00) AHHH LUSSSHHH talk about a game changer brand!!!!! My eyes LIGHT UP whenever I see anything Lush! In case you didn’t know, Lush is a handmade cosmetic brand that uses the best, freshest ingredients, and they are MAGICALLLL!!! The Bathbombs make PERFECT GIFTS! They are inexpensive, and are the perfect finishing touch to any gift. These really bring the WOW factor!!!
Kylie Lip Kit! ($29.00) I know her RIDICULOUSLY priced brushes are getting a bad wrap, (for good reason) but, what girl that you know, hasn’t wanted to at least TRY a Kylie Lip Kit??? Probably few are far between! This is why these make the perfect gifts, and are a sure crowd pleaser!! Good quality, good packing, and the cool factor! CLICK HERE FOR THE LIP KITS!
Essential Oil Difuser: ($20.00) This is a gift that just keeps on giving! I’ve heard nothing but great things about these babies! Your whole house, or room, will smell beautiful, the air will be cleaner, and its something useful, and fun because you can sort of play around with it! This is a gift that will probably be used often, if the person is into this sort of thing! CLICK HERE FOR THE OIL DIFUSER
Air Purifier: ($53.00) These vary in price, but I found a good one! For your holistic friend, we all have at least one, hey maybe YOU are that friend! hahah! Honestly these are just good for everyone! Especially if you live in an apartment! These eliminate allergies and do so much more for you! This is the ultimate gift that keeps on giving! I can think of a few people off the top of my head who would LOVE this! CLICK HERE FOR THE AIR PURIFIER Okay, from board games, to makeup, to air purifiers, I think I got you covered this year!!! I have had to tell all my friends to not read this because there gifts are all up over this page!!!!!!! I’m finally excited about Christmas! Tomorrow Matt and I have a whole Christmas-y day planned! Christmas music, Christmas cookies, gingerbread houses, and Christmas movies are all on the agenda!!! What do you do, that puts you in the Christmas spirit? I cant wait to watch Elf and The Grinch tomorrow! Those are our FAVORITE Christmas movies!!!!!!! OHH AND LISTEN TO THE GREATEST CHRISTMAS ALBUM OF ALL TIME! NSYNC Christmas!!! Okay I LOVE YOU BYYYYEEE

“MERRY CHRISTMAS, MERRY CHRISTMAS, AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS”

torrisunsunshine / November 21, 2017

My 5 Things every girl needs RIGHT NOW!

Have you ever stumbled across something, and wanted everyone to know about it? I am one of those people, who obnoxiously tells everyone when they have found a good thing! These things I seriously cannot keep to myself any longer!!! So here we go 5 things you NEED in your life right now!!!

Milk Cooling Water Stick: This thing is sssoooo coollll lol LITERALLY! Well, and figuratively! This is the BEST wake me up and I look forward to it every morning. You apply the stick to your eyelids, it deputes soothes and cools. I keep my stick in the fridge to grab and apply each morning. This leaves me with the coolest sensation and THE ONLY way to wake up in the morning!!

CLICK HERE FOR THE MILK COOLING WATER STICK

(I have pictured here the mini stick, but they make a normal size too)

Cream Bronzer: Talk about a game changer!!!! I have always used just powder when it comes to bronzer! You know it was my comfort zone, it was nice, I lived there for a long time. As I watched while the rest of the world applied what looks to me like face paint, and then blended themselves into Kardashians, I still sat there applying my powder, dreaming of achieving that Kardashian level contour!!!! I finally made the switch, I’ve been using a bronzing stick by the brand MILK and let me tell you!!!! THERE IS NNNOOOO LOOKING BACK! It blends sssooo much better, it looks 9374965498 times more natural!!! Kim who? Kylie who? hahahahahahah jk jk BUT SERIOUSLY GAME CHANGERRRRR! (The one I’m using is by MILK)

CLICK HERE FOR THE MILK CREME BRONZER

Taylor Swifts new CD: OMG OMG OMG OMG SHE DID IT AGAIN!!!!!!!!! Honestly my hopes for this album were LOW! I did not love “Look What You Made Me Do”, to be honest I HATED it at first, and then it slowly grew on me. Definitely didn’t love “Gorgeous” either. I assumed this was the end of my Taylor Swift era, BUT THEN, I decided to grab the CD magazine, at Target one night, when I was also grabbing everything else in the world that I didn’t need! And GUUUYYYSSS!!!!!! It’s so so so GGOOODDD!!! Like I have been carrying this CD around with me everywhere I go lolllll! So many bangers! Go get it! And, I really really love the magazine its so pretty, and so much attention to detail, such a cool idea! I have to mention “Don’t Blame Me” IS THE BEST SONG ON THE ALBUM!!! REPEATREPEATREPEAT!!!!!!!!! “Getaway Car” also on REPEAT!!!! Like I said though, so many good songs!!!!

MoviePass App: Personally I am a HUGE movie person, I probably go to the movies more than anyone I know. MoviePass was made for people like me! You pay $10 a month and get to see 1 movie a day, everyday, if you want!! Thats right you could go see a movie in the movie theater EVERY SINGLE DAY, for $10 a month!!!!!!!!! You download the app hook your card info up, they send you a card in the mail; it looks similar to a debt card, and thats what you use. This is the best thing that has happened to me in foreverrrr!!

The Morning Breath: This is the media you never knew you needed in your life, and it is EVERYTHINGGGG!!!!!! If you have an Instagram chances are you follow THE FUNNIEST ACCOUNT @girlwithnojob Claudia Ostry, co-host of TMB, is the girl behind Girl with no job! Claudia, and her adorably perfect, small, frail, red headed, haven’t had a carb in 3 years, sister Jackie O host TMB Monday-Friday every morning at 10am cst, and it is PURE GOLD. I literally laugh out loud, there are times I have had TEARS in my eyes and it puts me in the BEST mood the whole day!!! They are both hystericalllll the chemistry of the sisters (or should I say STEENS) is untouchable. They cover everything from celebrity gossip, to global hard hitting new stories, with “The fast five stories you need to hear before you wakeup and smell your morning breath” I don’t even watch a lot of the shows they talk about but it doesn’t matter to me because whatever comes out of there mouth makes me laugh to my core!!!! The Morning Breath or “The most prestigious morning show” as we “Breathers” (and anyone with ears says) is available for consumption via Facebook live, podcast, Instagram live, or youtube! FB Live is my favorite way to consume, so I can really get the full effect! Ever since TMB came into my life the tone of my days has been lighter, and just better! PLEASE do yourself a favor, brighten your day, and become a Breather!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FullSizeRender

Okay Okay Okay!!!! Now that I have got all that off my chest and out into the universe I feel ssssoooo much better!!! Please try 1 some or all of these things, they will make you happier person I promise!!!!!! Let me know is there is something I NEED to know about in the comments below!!!!!!! Okay Happy Thanksgiving, hope this work week flys by and you drink all the wine GOBBLE GOBBLE! LOVE YOU BBYYYYEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!

torrisunsunshine / November 14, 2017

5 NEW Artist you NEED on your play list!

(photo by Brooke Frausto INSTA)

I don’t know about y’all but I am ALWAYS on the hunt for the new jam! Also its like once I find one who isn’t well known I feel like I want to shout it from the roof tops, let everyone know, and spread all the feels from the music; and make everyone happy about finding this new person too!!!! Here are some people that I am OBSESSED with so naturally I HAVE to share with you!!!!!

These power house of bad biotches listed below will BLOW YOU AWAY!!! So much talent, and so freaking ccccoooollll! They are like the new age of cool girls! What I love is that all of there voices are unique I’ve never heard anything like them. Without further ado here are the new bad biotches of music!

Sigrid– (photo credit) Sigrid is so so so cool. Her voice goes way beyond her years, it feels like she is singing from the depths of her soul. She is one of the most authentic singers I have ever heard. With her unconventionally beautiful voice, and look, she is a game changer! Her sound is totally unique to her and her lyrics are totally relatable, as in I feel like homegirl knows my life, and wrote songs about it!!!! hahaha (my good friend Tracy told me about her thanks Tracy!!!!!!)

BEST SONGS: Don’t Kill My Vibe, Dynamite, Plot Twist, Fake Friends, Strangers

(Also the acoustic versions are literally the best thing in the whole woorrllddd)

Billie Eilish: (photo credit) Billie is an genius and she is so so young!! Also so so so beautiful if you watch any of her interviews its so easy to fall in love with her. Have you ever been around someone, and you are just like wow that person knows exactly who she is and exactly what she wants and there is no apologizing for it. Its inspiring, and sort of takes your breath away. In the non cliche way. You know, she is so young but its like this is her, even if its just for now, she is exactly sure. That makes me feel so comfortable, that someone somewhere is so sure of something haha and its AMAZING!

BEST SONGS: Ocean Eyes, Watch, Belly Ache, CopyCat, Six Feet Under, Bored <In that order!

OMGOMGOMG I JUST SPILLED RED WINE ALL OVER EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!! LOLLLLLL MY FRIEND AND I FRANTICALLY CLEANED IT FROM THE COUCH AND ITS HER AND HER BF’S BRAND NEW COUCH OMG IM THE WORST!!!!!!!! LOLLLLL

Maggie Rogers: (photo credit) Ive honestly never heard anything like her in my life. She’s so fun and relaxing at the same time. Her sound is easy listening meets soul, sort of modern alternative folk, with R&B vibes, and a splash of pop. She has such an interesting story, traditionally a banjo player growing up in rural Maryland, she somehow found herself studying at music at NYU, coincidently at NYU she stopped making music completely for a few years, finally while studying abroad in France rekindled her love for making music, and thank god she did because her music is out of control AMAZING and a gift to our ears! You may have heard of Maggie from that viral video, where Pharrell came to NYU and was brought to tears by her music. Its a pretty inspirational video, I’ll drop a link below. Maggie is an original, and a breath of fresh air to the music game, AND TRUST ME needs a spot on your playlist!!!

Pharrell & Maggie NYU

BEST SONGS: Alaska, On + Off, Dog Years, Better, Split Stones

Muna: (photo credit) This girl group is upbeat and heart touching at once. There lyrics are really relatable and fun at the same time. It hurts so good is a phrase I would use to describe Muna. The vibe is Girly, alternative pop, with a hint of the 80’s! I love getting ready to go out listening to there music. Like all the artist I have mentioned they really have a unique voice and sound. This is the kind of music you want to turn your hair brush into a microphone for, while you sing a long, and dance on the couch too. Your playlist NEEDS Muna!

BEST SONGS: Loud Speaker, Winter Break, So Special, I Know A Place, Crying on the Bathroom Floor,

Skye Dumont: (photos by me) This girl is just as gorgeous on the inside, as she is on the out!!! Skye and I quickly became best friends in real life, and we met on Instagram!!!! She is one of the best singers I have ever heard in my entire life!!! Her voice will blow you away!!! As a classically trained opera singer, (Manhattan School of Music) she can play like ANY instrument. Her pop and opera covers are out of this world, and I want the whole world to know how awesome she is!!!! I’m inspired by her talent, kindness, faith, heart, and the friend that she is. Skyes voice is the kind that leaves you with chills, so get ready for the goose bumps!!

BEST SONGS: Rise Up, We Don’t Talk Anymore, White Iverson, Don’t Dream its Over, In The Name of Love, Habanera, AND ANY OF THEM ON HER YOUTUBE CHANNEL!!!!! Also follow her on INSTA

So now we are at the end of this musical journey! I hope you enjoyed!!! Just so you know it took me 9027349238 mins to link all the songs because as I pulled each one up I HAD to listen to the whole song all the way through!!! If you guys have any good music suggestions comment down below, let me know! Also tell me who your favorite, that I mentioned is. Okay I love you bbyyyee!!!!

torrisunsunshine / October 30, 2017

The Isolating Part Of Your 20’s No One Talks About.

People always describe your 20’s as the best years of your life, which is true at first. Lets dive in and dissect these pivotal years real quick.

20-22

Its still cute to beinge drink 5 nights out of the week and your just getting out of the bumping and grinding at the club stage.

22-25

You know just throwing things at the wall seeing what sticks, if anything even sticks.

26-30

OMG OMG MAKE IT STOP!! Make all the big decisions find your career NOW like NOW you do not have time to throw stuff at the wall anymore, or you will be a poor loser. AAHHHH!!!!!!

You know around 26-30ish is usually when the depression starts. Its like WHAM BAM MAKE ALL THE LIFE DECISIONS. Its the time people stop telling you, oh you’re young you have plenty of time. People start saying “Ohhh” when you tell them your age. (lollll Its funny but its not) It just feels so isolating, because you are no longer part of a mass. You aren’t in school anymore, you aren’t a part of the mom club yet so you don’t belong there. All your friends have either moved or you’ve lost touch. I mean you still talk on the phone, but everyone has these careers and new lives in places far away, and lets just say it. You are no longer a part of there everyday. It stings, and if the loneliness goes on for longer it aches, and after much longer it becomes a deep ringing in your soul, that you can hear and feel. after that you get a numbness, everything is dull colors, things you once loved, your feelings. Then the questions start.

Who am I? You used to know. and now things have lost there significants. It almost feels as nothing matters anymore, in fact you don’t matter anymore. Its like every morning you open your eyes with a stack of encyclopedias on your chest and have to force yourself out of bed and sometimes the weight is just to heavy; you can barley breath. Some days you don’t have a choice, so you must force yourself up. As the day goes on you, feel like you are in a deep dark hole under ground, with only your head sticking out, and you are barley hanging on by your finger tips and your feet are flailing around kicking the darkness and your finger tips are clinching the earth for dear life because you are about to slip in the hole of darkness. And some days you do slip, and all you can feel is the darkness; some days you get a leg out. But every morning you wake up with the encyclopedias and its hard to breath, and you are in the dark hole and your finger tips hurt.

Its a constant battle. How are we supposed to make sense of everything thats ever happened in our lives? How come no one talks about this chunk of life where you are supposed to have the basic answers to the questions that the girl who went to the same high school as you asks in the dark corner of the dive bar, in town, when everyone is home for the holidays. How come the sense of failing is so heightened. How come you don’t have the kind of friends anymore that can be at your house in 10 minutes, at the drop of a hat. Why do you feel the pressure to change yourself completely but feel guilty for leaving your old self behind too. Why is it so hard to connect. It used to be so easy. What do you want to do, who do you want to be? It seems like everyone else knows already.

So you pick something, or an opportunity falls in your lap, and you’re living your life. You are tired all the time, and stressed, pretty soon you are just going through the motions. Everyday feels the same. You are treading water, you are lonely, and you feel so guilty. What do you have to complain about? So many people have it so much worse, and that only makes you feel even more pitiful, an pathetic.

Coming from me this probably seems a little surprising, people always think I’m so positive and happy, which at the core of my soul I am. As I’ve had these open conversations, a lot of people who I would have never guessed feel this way too. Luckily I have been ale to pull myself out of these times that have popped up in my life. I write this to start an conversation, and hopefully to let others know you are not alone! It gets better and there is light after darkness. (Here are a few things that have helped me, this has been a long process and all easy said then done.)

BE STILL– Part of growing up is being your own best friend, that means being a good friend to yourself. Get to know yourself. Sometimes you need to go through these motions and feel all the things you’ve been trying to push off. Its best to feel what you’re feeling journal it and move on. And in the words of Chris Crocker don’t forget to “TREAT YO SELF”
FIND A NEW OUTLET/HOBBY/PASSION AND POUR YOURSELF INTO IT– You know for me its this blog, and photography and video editing. It doesn’t even have to be something you are passionate about necessarily but something you have an interest in. Also don’t give me any excuses. If you can’t afford it get resourceful, reach out to someone who could help you out!
FIND A TRIBE– This is the most important in my opinion, but also the most difficult. It takes time, trial and error, and patients. Once you have found a tribe of people who have your best interest, who love and support you, it can be world changing. (I’m going to be doing a post about adult friendships super soon) the internet can be super helpful in this department.

If you have been feeling this way please do not hesitate to reach out, I will always be an ear for those who need it. I hope this starts a conversation of something that seems so taboo. Thank you guys for letting me be vulnerable with you, and for allowing me to show a different side of the sunshine I try and radiate everyday. The next post will not so dark I promise. Remember it does get better and I love you!!!!

torrisunsunshine / October 24, 2017

How to do a 30A Birthday!

So I do this blog to give others helpful tips and tricks, and to share beneficial experiences, the ultimate goal is so you guys get something out of it. I don’t want to sit here and talk about myself. With that being said I am STRUGGLING this week, not to gush on, and on, about how I have the best friends ever; but I’m going to do my best, and tell you guys how to do a 30a birthday. (because our weekend was pretty close to perfect!)

First though let me introduce to you the birthday girl/bride to be/best dancer in the world/best friend everrrr Kaitlyn! I KNOW I KNOW HOW BEAUTIFUL AND PERFECT IS SHE?!?!

okay I’ll get to the tips!

BIKES! Bring them or rent them how ever you can, but on 30a they are a MUST for a sorta of celebratory event! Not only is everything close enough to bike to (for the most part) But you can stop a long the way for food, and drinks! Or in our case bring the Rośe and take swigs out of the bottle along the way! (which leads me to my next tip!)
Open Container Law! So I don’t know if you knew this but Seaside and Rosemary beach are both magically considered “Resort Communities” So what does this mean?! BOOZE IS FAR GAME EVERYWHERE! Feel free to walk around with wine beer or even BOTTLES of Rośe!!!!!!!
Start the day with CHAMPAGNE! Nothing says celebration time like CHAMPAGNE, you know champagne is such a fun word to say. I love the way it rolls off the tongue and fizzles in my stomach. There really isn’t a better way to start the day!!! I mean look at all the fun!!!!
RESTUARANT HOP! We hooped on bikes and stopped and restaurants along the way got an appetizer and drinks all along the way! It is the way to do it!!!
DO NOT miss a sunset!!! We accidentally missed it on our first night, so the second night we were bound and determined. We picked up some yummy Rośe at that cute grocery store, and after a short nap, headed over from across the street to watch. This was one of our most favorite times. We laughed sipped and watched a heart stopping pink sky, that matched our Rośe. I’m all smiles just thinking about it!
DO hit the stores! All the stores have unique offerings, Its so much fun to look. I know shopping can sometimes be a bore or feel like a pause in celebration, but not these guys! The Sundog Book Store is enchanting. Kelley and I were just talking how calming and beautiful all the stores are, especially that book store, it makes time stand still. Also upstairs is Central Square Records and it is so so cool! The Art of Simple is probably one if the best stores everrr!!! They have the CUTEST STUFF!!!! OMG I WANT EVERYTHINGGG!! I’d like to met there buyer because the taste of that human is impeccable!!!!!!!!! Modica Market is also THE WORLDS CUTEST GROCERY STORE!!! You know those stores you could just spend FOREVER in? These are perfect examples! Of all the seaside shops these are my FAV’S! (PERFECT FOR THIS BRIDE!^)

(one of our good friends works at this vineyard!!!!!!)

Now that I have picture OVERLOADED YOU! We are going to move onto Restaurant and Bar MUST DO’S!

Le Crema!!! OMG OMG OMG OMG CHOCOLATE FONDUUUUUU WITH A PEANUT BUTTER SWIRLLLLL!!!!!! I have DREAMS about this place, and the fondu!! Also the hot sipping chocolate! Seriously this is my favorite place in the world!!! Its in Rosemary Beach and it is a slice of HEAVEN!!!!!
The Pearl! Also in Rosemary Beach, The Pearl is a BEAUTIFULLLL boutique hotel, with one of my favorite bars ever! They have the cutest outside fire pits and cabanas, also the bar inside is gorgeous as well. The change the cocktail list often and the drinks are always yummy and strong! These are at the inside bar, but trust me outside is to die for!!!
Fonville Press! So I saw this place spring up last year, and finally got the chance to check it out a few months ago. Not only are the aesthetics superb, but the food and coffee is a 10/10! It was the perfect spot for a final meal and goodbye to a beautiful weekend. Okay so those are my tips for celebrating a 30a birthday! Now I am going to throw in any other cute pic’s I didn’t get the chance to throw in here! One last thing before we part. May we never get too old and boring to try on each others clothes and shoes while we eat macaroni drinking wine and dance at 2AM! Alright I love you!!!!!!!!! BYE!!!!!!!