Things I’m Loving
04 May 2011 2 Comments
in Makeup
There are a few things that I am currently really loving. The first is a perfume by Dolce & Gabbana called Light Blue.
The fruity/woody/floral scent of this perfume is light, yet seriously intoxicating. I am not one that likes to smell myself when I am wearing perfume, and I don’t enjoy a scent that is too powdery. This is perfect.
The next thing I’m loving is red eyeshadow. I am currently wearing Makeup Forever’s red eyeshadow in #99. It is a high pigment red that is not at all orange or purple. It is RED RED!! I love it. It looks good for daytime with just the eyeshadow and some mascara. Or you can add some black eyeliner for more of a vamp look for evening.
I have also been using Dior’s Airflash spray foundation. I love it because it is light enough that it does not feel like I am wearing a mask, but it gives me good coverage and evens out my skin tone. It’s on the pricey side, but worth it. I spray just a bit on a makeup sponge, so it lasts a couple of months.
I will be honest–I buy quite a lot of my make from Sephora. They have a great selection of brands, products and colors. However, there are two things that I buy at Target every time. The first is Pixi’s Energy Blush collection. I get the one pictured. It is a really light pink with a great shimmer. It also has a strip of highlighter right beside the blush pigment. It instantly brightens my face. The only negative aspect of this blush is the brush. They other thing I buy at Target is Cover Girl’s Lash Blast Mascara in Very Black. The brush is amazing. It lengthens, separates and thickens lashes. It does not clump when putting it on, nor does it flake off. See pics below!
What are some of your fave things??
135°
11 Apr 2011 2 Comments
I am a high maintenance coffee drinker. I think Tom secretly cringes when he goes with me to Starbucks. I have friends that outwardly give me hell about my coffee order. I have had other patrons in line chuckle when I give the barista my order.
Here is my order: Tall, non-fat cafe mocha, 1/2 caff, no whip at 135°.
Let me explain. Tall, because I can not drink a huge beverage of any kind. Non-fat for obvious reasons–the less fat, the happier I am. Cafe mocha because I like more chocolate flavor than coffee flavor. 1/2 caff because with Crohn’s Disease, caffeine is NOT your friend, but I still want a little pick-me-up. No whip, again for less fat. 135° because I am not good at drinking hot beverages. I’ve never been a big fan of hot coffee, hot tea, hot soup or anything else that takes more than a few minutes to cool down. 9 times out of 10, if I have a hot beverage/soup, I will burn my tongue. Thus, the 135° request.
Hey, it is what it is. I like what I like. That is pretty much how I go through life. Life is too short NOT to have things how you want them, simply because you’re worried about what others think.
Baby Un-Fever
06 Apr 2011 5 Comments
For those of you who know me, you know that I’m not planning on having kids. I have come to realize that this is the last taboo thing you can say with a group of women. You can talk about sex, money, marriage, careers…but the decision to remain childless gets one all sorts of looks and responses. Now, let me say that I do get a ton of support from my close friends, those who do and do not have kids.
What made me think of this was the fact that in my circle of friends, the 2010-2011 baby season has been one to rival the Baby Boom of the 1940s! Almost all of my friends are starting to fill out their families. I am super happy for all them. Baby showers, baby birthday parties–you name it, I (sometimes “we” when Tom is involved) am there! I love watching their families grow and seeing people I love in the role of parent. I am very lucky to have wonderful friends that have turned into wonderful adults with kiddos!
With that said, I did happen to run across a great article in Glamour magazine called My Baby Decision. The article discusses six women and the baby decision they made. They range from having a baby at 19 years old, adoption, single parenting, a woman with six kids, using an egg donor, and (the one I most identified with) remaining childless.
The following is the portion of the article by Whitney Joiner, entitled “I Don’t Want Kids, Ever” :
Just a few of the things that said about those of us who are opting out of the whole baby thing:
- We’re selfish.
- We hate children.
- We’re missing out on the joys of life.
- We’ll grow old alone, with lots of cats.
- We’ll change our minds.
I get that all the time: “You still don’t want kids?” Or as a friend said to me recently, “You’re 32. I didn’t want kids till I was 35. That could happen to you!” Let me be clear:It won’t. Being a mom sounds as foreign to me as being a neuroscientist. Even as a girl, I didn’t imagine a future filled with strollers and science fairs. The life that sounded exciting to me? One in which I’d be able to take on all-consuming projects, or travel for a month at a time. My own mother may have had something to do with my decision. While she’s always been incredibly loving and supportive, it was clear taking us to piano and soccer wasn’t her favorite activity. Back then, having kids was, as she put it, “what you did.” I once overheard her talking about a couple she knew. “They can go to Greece for a month,” she said. “They don’t have kids.” I felt like I was looking at two paths: On one, I’d be trapped; on another, I’d be on the Mediterranean. I talked to my mom about all of this recently. “You’ll never have a conversation with your daughter like the one we’re having, and that makes me sad,” she said. I get what she means, but it doesn’t seem sad to me. My life isn’t perfect (whose is?), but for me, it comes close: I have an engrossing job; I split my time between New York City and a small Texas desert town; and I can make decisions without worrying about whether they’ll impact my child’s college fund. This is the life I want.
–Whitney Joiner
I identified with Joiner’s point about having freedom (although, it was not because my mom ever treated her kids like a chore, nor did I ever hear her be jealous of other people who did not have kids. Just for the record. Cheers to you Ma!). I’m married, we have a dog, we have nieces and nephews, I have a career, I have friends, I have means with which to travel. My husband and I can pick up and go wherever for the weekend without having to worry about anything. I’ll admit, I am a little selfish when it comes to my time. If I’m sick, I want to lie in bed and only take care of me. If I’m tired, I want to sleep. If I want to read a book for an hour, I can. I don’t ever have to watch Doodle Bops, Bob the Builder, or Dora the Explorer (is she even still on?).
One the other hand, I do wonder about passing things down that have been in the family, my husband’s last name not continuing, and a small handful of other things. However, those thoughts are not enough to make me want to try it out. I have a friend that always said “I want babies!” She has one now, and is a great mom. Unless I start thinking, “I want babies!”, then it’s just going to be Tom and me…and Lola.
I’m super excited about the people around me that I love doing the family thing, but I’m also super excited about my choice to not.
Liz
24 Mar 2011 2 Comments
I don’t know much about Liz Taylor. I haven’t seen her movies. At times she seemed very glamorous and at other times seemed like a hot mess. But really, who hasn’t had glamour/hot mess moments? She’s just had her’s in front of cameras. All in all, she was a movie goddess of her time and did a great deal for AIDS awareness. And this is a site all about women, and I think she should be on here. Also, I wish I looked this amazing in photos!!!
Spring Must-Haves
23 Mar 2011 4 Comments
I have a thing about wearing the same old things year after year; however, made of money I am not. So, in order to appease myself and keep my wardrobe updated while also saving a few bucks, I try to buy a few pieces every season to liven things up. People may think that fashion is a frivolous thing to keep up on, but I love it. It’s amazing how a perfectly fitting blazer can make you feel like a million bucks. Or a lovely pair of wedge shoes can make your legs look longer and slimmer.
I use magazines, fashion blogs and fashion websites to keep myself updated. WhoWhatWear is a great website that prides itself on sticking to fashion without the gossip. They talk about clothing, handbags, nail polish, shoes, and accessories. They also have cool DIY ideas so you can copy some of the current trends without spending a ton of cash. WWW also has a section that is Real Girls with Real Style where they interview girls on the street. I also love the blog 24KTStyle! A self-proclaimed ”style stalker”, Tiffany discusses what to wear and how to wear it. She also talks about purses and makeup. I am also a fan of such magazines such as Runway, Marie Claire, and Bazaar. Each showcases current and upcoming fashions, complete outfits, and accessories.
The first piece I love are these shorts from The Limited. Pair them with a cute, crisp white T-shirt and flats for casual or a fun cami, simple blazer and wedges for work or a more dressed up look.
The next thing is a white, tailored blazer. I got a super cute one that has 3/4 length sleeves and is lined with a flower pattern. It was under $40 at Charlotte Russe. The one below is very similar to mine, but my button is also white and the sleeves are a little less pushed-up looking. You can wear this with anything! Dress up jean shorts with wedges and this little blazer, go monochromatic and pair this with white pants, and fun shoes or shirt, put with a neutral shirt and a pair of bell-bottom jeans.
Speaking of bell bottoms, I love them. While I was in NY, I got a super cute pair. These are 7 For All Mankind Vintage California Flare jeans. Put these with a peasant blouse, tailored shirt, or T-shirt.
Next up are wedges. I love wearing wedges because they are stylish and super comfy. Dillard’s and Macy’s have several styles are really cute.
Nine West, $99
Chinese Laundry, $59…LOVE!
Jessica Simpson, $69
Some other things to add are lace accents, sailor stripes, a bold print with simple staples, white nail polish, and long necklaces. Another good way to feel updated is to get a new haircut or hair color. I recently got my hair cut like Halle Berry (short and sticking up in a tousled sort of way). It took me a couple of days to get it right, mostly because my hair has to settle in to a new cut before it looks right. I love it. Now, it didn’t make me look like Halle Berry as I was hoping, but it did freshen my pixie!
What are your style must-haves?
Get Shorty
28 Jan 2011 5 Comments
in Hair
So I am loving the short hair trend. So much so that I chopped my curls (with I also love) and traded them for a pixie cut. I had a pixie about 5 years ago and loved it, so decided to try it again and go a bit shorter. My friend Nick cuts it and he is wonderful!! He has got such an eye for style and can copy a picture better than anyone else I’ve been to (Evansville area: Let me know if you want to try him out, I’ll get you his number). The best things about the pixie are ease of maintenance, you can show off big earrings, and your eyes look like saucers. Oh, also the bitchin’ bed head you get in the morning. Yes, I said “bitchin’” (thanks Jo!) because there is no other way to describe it. So bitchin’ in fact that Tom wants to start taking photos of it. I refused.
With the trend being so hot right now, I just wonder how many of you ladies have ever considered going REALLY short. Pixie style. My inspirations are Mia Wasikowska, Ginnifer Goodwin, Michelle Williams and mostly Carey Mulligan who is just the cutest with her blonde pixie. She even has been sporting a great grow-out cut that I will certainly follow when the time comes.
Pics!:
ME!
And Then God Created the Pittsburgh Steelers
25 Jan 2011 2 Comments
in ManCandy
February 6, 2011. Super Bowl XLV. Pittsburgh Steelers versus Green Bay Packers. This should turn out to be a fantastic game; but come on, we all know who is going to win.
The Steelers are, hands down, the greatest team in the NFL. I could go on and on about the history of the Steelers, the statistics, the amount of heart the team has…but this IS NOT a football site. It is not a place to find sport highlights. So instead of the technical aspect of the Steelers, I think I’ll talk about how great the Steelers are to simply watch. The following four Steelers have a combination of good looks and talent. Enjoy!!
1. MY FAVE: Troy Polamalu #43
He’s been called a “game changer”. Not only is he great to look at, he is also an amazing Strong Safety. He is one of the best players to watch. For those ladies who aren’t sure when to watch for Troy, he’s on defense. You’ll be watching a player from the opposing team run the ball and, out of nowhere, Troy will fly through air to make a tackle. Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkW9y2N5nWI&feature=related for a great highlight video!!
2. Hines Ward #86
Hines Ward is Pittsburgh’s Wide Receiver. He is the guy with grin! On the sidelines, or during the game, that grin will be there.
3. Rashard Mendenhall #34
I don’t know if you saw the AFC Championship game, but Steelers Running Back Mendenhall was all over the place! He was fantastic and should’ve gotten an MVP award for that game!
4. Antwaan Randle El #82
Former Indiana University player and current Pittsburgh Wide Receiver, Randle El is one to watch.
Ok, so hopefully I converted a few of you non-football fans! Even if you’re still not a football fan, I think after this you will at least be a Steelers fan!
This kind of certainty comes but once in a lifetime…
23 Jan 2011 2 Comments
in Soul
The title of this post is a quote from one of my favorite movies: Bridges of Madison County. I have to admit that I used to be anti-Bridges. Until about 5 months ago I had neither seen, nor had any interest in seeing the movie. I had the idea that it was going to be a boring, soft serve love story about a midwest woman and guy who photographs bridges. So, much to my surprise, I ended up watching it on a random day, on a random movie channel when I didn’t have anything else to do. I was really only half watching at first, then next thing I know I am completely wrapped up in the story.
Meryl’s character, Francesca Johnson, is an Italian immigrant who lives for her family. She cooks, cleans, raises her children and takes care of her husband. Clint Eastwood plays Robert Kincaid, a loner photographer and free spirit. They meet by chance while Francesca’s husband and kids are out-of-town. Things start innocently enough, but turn into a beautiful love affair between two people who did not know they needed something more until they found it. They only have four days together, and when those final four days are up Kincaid asks her to come away with him. I am not going to tell you what Francesca decides to do, you have to watch. However, you will understand her reason for doing it. This short summary of the story does not even come close capturing the essence of the movie. It is too deep and I don’t want to give the ending away. Please watch! It makes my top 3 movies!
Sidenote: Don’t bother watching the trailer. It’s not that great.
Silly for Socks
12 Jan 2011 4 Comments
in Clothes
I’m back in the blogging world!! It’s been a rough road for me since July when I started a new job that is still taking a lot out of me. But, I realized that not being satisfied with my current situation is no reason to neglect things that I love to do or that are good for me. I really do enjoy blogging. So here’s my first one back.
I love socks. I don’t know if anyone shares this love with me, but I think socks can be cozy, sexy and fun. My fave relax socks are my collection of cashmere socks. My mom gets me cashmere socks every Christmas. The ones I like the best are by Betsey Johnson. They are just the right thickness, have a scallop edge top and have fun prints on them.
Another sock thing that may be weird is my love of just below the knee or over the knee athletic socks. I love a solid sock with a couple of horizontal stripes at the top. They are best in early spring when it seems warm enough to wear a pair of short shorts around the house, but really isn’t, and you need something on your legs. Too cute! The Hubs is also a fan of the mini shorts and tall socks. One of the cutest pair I’ve seen was in St. Louis in a yarn store. The cream with blue stripes socks were on display in the window and I decided at first glance they had to be mine. I entered the store and realized what it was: a yarn store that taught people how to knit or crochet. I asked the lady in the store how much the socks were and she told me they weren’t for sale. Come on, everything is for sale at the right price, right? Nope. She offered to teach me how to make them. I just looked at the crazy lady while she looked at her crazy customer (me), and restated that I would pay whatever they were worth, and did not want to make them, but just buy them. She didn’t understand my thinking, nor I her’s. So I left sockless.
Ok, the next type of sock is the sexy sock. Socks that are over the knee or just below are great to peek up out of a boot, or wear with heels or flats. It is so cute to wear a sock and have it come just below the hemline of a skirt or mini skirt. I am also going to lump the extra long type of leg warmers in with this section. On a recent trip to New York my friend and I noticed all the cute wooly leg warmers worn over tights or leggings. I love love love this look. Not only is functional for walking around, but it is a great look for a date or just a day out.
This brings me to the introduction of my new fave sock site: Sock Dreams http://www.sockdreams.com/_pages/index.php
They have SO MANY different types of socks!!! As well as accessories such as gloves, garter belts, panties and arm warmers. They are girly and trendy, but also down to earth and have models that are not just sticks. Another bonus is that while you are shopping for yourself, you can also shop for the male sock lover in your life. I’ve found that if I order something for the Hubs while ordering things for myself, it will soften the blow of spending money. Try it out!!They have several styles of socks for men. I am going to order the above pictured leg warmers as well as some other things. If you are a sock lover like me, I hope you will enjoy browsing and ordering from this site!!!
Brain Fuzz
07 Jul 2010 3 Comments
I realize I haven’t blogged in a very long while. I’ve had a lot to say, but I haven’t been sure where to begin. Sooooo, here it goes:
About a month ago I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. It is a painful gastrointestinal disease that causes your body to attack the food you eat. This causes your intestines to always be inflamed. It can manifest itself in different areas of the intestines. I’ve dealt with small problems here and there over the years, which one doc attributed to IBS, but within the last 7 or 8 months things had gotten pretty bad. It took a while for me to go to the doctor due to being embarrassed about my symptoms. They did a blood test and found the Crohn’s. Quickly after that I got the medicine that I will be on for the rest of my life. There is no cure, but it is manageable with meds. They also told me that I caught it in time and I’m young enough to still lead a normal life and hopefully stay surgery-free.
On a lighter note, another thing I have been preoccupied with is my NEW JOB!! I am the new 7th and 8th grade language arts teacher at Lincoln School in Evansville. I’m the only brand new kid on the block, so I’m pretty nervous, but also have tons of ideas for lessons and things. School starts July 21st for the kids, so only a couple more weeks!
I have also been on two vacations recently that I will post about later. My mom and I went to Meadville and Sewickley to see family, shop, and just relax in general. It was a great time! Then, just recently Tom and I traveled to Eleuthera with Tom’s mom and dad, his sister and her family, and another family that is close friends with Tom’s sister’s family. It was so fun!
So things have been crazy. I’ll do better from here on….look forward to my vacay pics!!
