Social Media Icons

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Attitude Gratitude for 2014!

2 comments

I don't know about you all, but I always get a little depressed after Christmas... every year... without fail. I'm not sure why exactly, it's not that I'm upset that I'm not getting presents anymore or anything like that. I think it's more that the whole holiday season is so exciting with the lights out, Christmas carols, baking, and shopping, and all the fun things to do. Then afterwards it's just kind of, nothing. Sad :(

So this year to combat the inevitable depressive state I wanted to turn my attitude around and focus on all the things I am grateful for that happened in 2014! So here we go!

  • First and foremost and always.... my family! I have the most amazing family in the whole world and a large one - my husband, mom, brother, grandma, aunts uncles, cousins, in-laws, and everyone! They are always there to cheer me up, support me, tease me, and love me! Thanks all!
  • I found a job this year, after my short stint of unemployment in 2013, which was a huge relief. Although I wasn't there long, I did meet some great people.
  • Then in July I started another new job that is a little more in line with my future goals, and I received a bit more money which is always welcome.
  • My new car; it's the one I've been wanting for a long time and I was so excited to be able to get it!
  • The hubs also got a new job that he loves so much more than the one before. It has made him so happy and excited which is wonderful to see :)
  • The hubs and I have also been able to re-solidify our relationship this year and really work on finding quality time to enjoy with each other.
  • Starting this blog, of course! I've really enjoyed the chance to write on a regular basis and share my opinions, thoughts, and fun with you!
These are the highlights of my year... and of course there are more things that I'm thankful for. Because once you open that door, it's really hard to shut! 

So often for the New Year we're thinking of the future, goals, and what's to come. But I think we often forget to think back. Ok, yes, there's Thanksgiving, but we can be grateful more than once a year right?

So this year, before you start setting your goals and working yourself up over all the things still to accomplish (only me?), sit down for a minute, or two, or ten, and write down whatever you're grateful for from 2014. 

I find it so much easier to write goals that are meaningful and obtainable, once I've given myself a little pat on the back for everything I've accomplished or just am thankful for from the year before. 

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you had a wonderful 2014 and wish you all the best in 2015!

Continue Reading
Sunday, December 28, 2014

December 2014 Favorites

No comments

First off, sorry for being MIA the last few weeks. The holidays definitely made my life a little more hectic and the package I was waiting for to write a post on still hasn't arrived yet. But, hey, I'm here now and I have a new favorites post for you all!

This month I didn't think I really had any favorites, but when I really thought about it there were a few products that I have been using without fail and have made this month better (beauty-wise)!

The Body Shop
Shea Body Whip
I really love this brand, especially their Shea scent, mmmm... so good. The body whip is really nice and moisturizing. I also love that it soaks in so quickly, a little more so than the body butters (which I also love).

BareMinerals
READY Touch Up Veil
I use the shade Light as a finishing powder over foundation. I have never tried BareMinerals before, I was never really into mineral makeup. I'm just not a fan of loose powder getting everywhere, but I digress. This is a pressed powder and it is great to add a little more coverage to foundation. It also provides an illuminating effect (especially in the under-eye area). It provides good coverage and makes my skin look luminescent!

Too Faced
Absolutely Flawless Flexible Coverage Concealer
I have the shade Vanilla. It's taken a while for this concealer to grow on me; I guess I expect miracles. I have some serious dark circles to cover and am always hopeful that I'll find the concealer that masks them permanently. So this concealer isn't that miracle, but I found when I used less product (I mean a tiny amount) and then my Touch Up Veil I've been getting some fantastic results. Again you don't use very much product at all or it'll look cakey, but when used with a light hand.... it works wonders!

Redken (Not Cruelty-Free)
Satinwear Prepping Blow-Dry Lotion
I bought this from my hairdresser (gotta support the local businesses!) to combat all this winter dryness and the frizziness that comes with it. And I've gotta say, it's amazing! I put a dime size amount through my hair, starting with the ends first. This lotion makes my hair feel so soft and silky and continues with that even after blow drying. I have also noticed a definite decrease in frizz. But of course, this is Colorado and the dryness is a constant battle.

Well those were my December favorites. With the New Year coming, I'll be trying to be better about keeping my posts scheduled and consistent.

Continue Reading
Tuesday, December 16, 2014

December Ipsy Bag

3 comments
I am so excited, I finally got myself signed up for Ipsy and received my 1st bag on Saturday!

It came in an ostentatious pink metallic mailing envelope. I tore into that bad boy and found the Ipsy makeup bag along with all these other goodies.


The bag came with the following:
I am most excited to try out the brush. It seems like a great design; one end is flat and wide for all over shadow, and the other end is a nice small tip for the corner or smoked out liner. 

Also, I've been wanting to get an eye cream for a long time. Because let's face it I'm getting older and need to get on the whole crows feet thing :) So I'm excited to give this cruelty-free, natural, and organic brand a chance.

As my first order, I didn't really know what to expect. But I was pleasantly surprised by the products and how close Ipsy came to almost a full cruelty-free bag. Also the size of the products was fantastic, even the sample sizes are big enough for multiple uses.

I'll keep you all posted on these products and what I think.

Continue Reading
Thursday, December 11, 2014

Great Gift - Nail Polish Set

4 comments
I got this Gwen Stefani Mini Holiday Stars set by OPI at a Christmas fair my hair salon had late in November. 

I loved the idea of all these minis in great holiday colors. I don't know about you guys but I can never finish a bottle of nail polish before it goes all gunky. So minis are IT for me. 

I've been trying out these polishes and felt I needed to talk about them while there was still a little time to pick this up as gift. 

First, can I say I just LOVE this set, it's colors, the formula, and the staying power! Thumbs up all around!


The set comes with 4 colors Red Finger & Mistletoes, What's Your Point-settia?, I Carol About About You, and Kiss Me --or Elf!

 I have worn 3 of the colors so far... and I'm so sorry but I forgot to take pictures of the first color I tried (the dark magenta color on the right)... oops. But I did take a picture of the dark purple, and the red. I'm saving the sparkly red for Christmas because... sparkle... and red!

The formula of these is just wonderful, it's a 3 swipes and you're done kind of deal. You don't really need a second coat, the coverage is really good. I, of course am a little obsessive about nail polish so I did 2 coats.

The staying power is also really great. It lasted 4 days to me with no chips and I stretched it to 5 or 6 days (a few chips, but eh, I'm a little lazy).

. 

The purple I put tried first with my nails filed in their usually square shape This color has almost a metallic sheen to it. Yes! I put a quick drying top coat on and it was beautiful.

Then I tried the red. I decided to go with a more oval shape for the nails - y'know to class it up a bit. And then because I was feeling crazy I decided to put a matte top coat on to make it a little modern. I'm not sure if I love the matte look. But it's kind of fun and different.

Overall I think this would be a great gift for any nail polish fanatic, occasional user, or newbie.


Continue Reading
Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Follow My Blog on Bloglovin'

No comments

Continue Reading

Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas

No comments
Stocking Stuffer Ideas




I don't know about you all, but I always struggle with buying stocking stuffers. I spend so much time trying to pick out the perfect gifts for people, so when it comes to stockings, I just don't know. 

In my family we all get stockings and stuffers, but specifically my mom, brother, husband and I. My mom and I have a tradition where we going stocking stuffer shopping together and have a blast (and a struggle) figuring what to buy. The men are especially difficult :)

Over the last few years my mom and I have developed a list of the items we like receive and like to purchase for the men. So here it is for you all! Usually we try to keep gifts under $10, but occasionally that amount is raised a little (video games can be pricey!). 

Some are fun and silly like the scratch tickets and liquor, but hey it's an adult Christmas at my house! And then of course every year we all get a dose of reality with toothbrushes, soaps, and deodorant. Every year we joke that we're just a bunch of stinky people. 

But hey! The guys always enjoy their gifts and my mom and I sure enjoy ours. 

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and enjoy your shopping! Please let me know if you have some stocking stuffer ideas that you love to give or receive :)

Continue Reading
Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Decorating for Christmas

No comments
Nothing better than spending Sunday watching Christmas movies and putting up decorations. I truly love when my house is all decorated and colorful!

I took some before and after pictures so you can see just how plain and empty my living room is before decorations. And then how beautiful everything looks afterword.


Oh my house is just that boring... I really need to do something about that... but now for Christmas it looks awesome, so that'll be for another day!





I love it! Now I really feel that the Christmas season is upon us!

I definitely be busting out the Christmas movies, listening to Christmas music, continue shopping for presents, baking cookies, and all the other holiday activities I love so much.

I don't know about you all but this is absolutely my favorite time of year. There's just something about it that makes me ever so happy and excited!

I hope you all have fun decorating and enjoy everything this season has to offer :) Merry Christmas!

Continue Reading