Makeover Monday

I think this is the last Monday for this link up so of course I have to join! It is kind of funny to me that I enjoyed this link up so much because I am really not much of a product/make-up/glitzy glam girl but what girl/woman doesn't have a few products or make-up items they can talk about?! Another thing that I find funny about myself is that even though I have never been good at any of the putting my make up on-hair doing-curling-liner penciling-type o stuff, I have always enjoyed watching someone else get ready. My old roommate is really great at make up application and gettin' her hair all did and I would just sit in the bathroom and watch. Love it. My BFF is the same. Has always enjoyed the "gettin' ready" part of the day and I like to watch her too.

Anyhow, back to Makeover Monday.

Eyes today.

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I was introduced to this eye shadow primer a few years ago. I think it really does help my shadow stay in place and another thing I love about it is if I am in a hurry and just need to brighten up my eye-area a little bit, I just rub some of this on and call it good.

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Yes, I am a sucker for Mac Cosmetics' eye shadow. They have so many fun colors and I find that they stay in place the best of any I have ever used. However, they do cost a pretty penny {to  me} so I haven't indulged in awhile. I like to make 'em last so I use them sparingly.

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On the cheaper scale for eye shadow, I lean toward Almay products. I was intrigued by these originally because on the commercials they told me they would tell me how to apply the shadow. Which obviously I need. I don't always follow those directions but I do like the colors and the price tag.

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For liner, which I rarely use because I feel like I always look like a middle-school-teen-with-too-much- makeup-on {I think this is only because I don't wear it often enough so it just looks strange to me. I do wear eyeliner when I am dressing up.}, I use the Almay liquid liner in brown topaz. I like this liner because it always looks very straight and can do a really thin line which I favor. I have never used pencil-type liner so I can't really compare but this is what seems to work for me.

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My mom got me this mascara probably about a year ago now, and I will never wear anything else. I love it. It is true to form when it says it adds volume and I would even say a little curl for me. Go get some. Now.

As far as eyes go, those are my juicy secrets. I know, right? I have never been the type to wear the same type of make-up, same look every single day. That's kind of boring to me. I like to change up colors, products or whatever. Unless I find something I love and then I may use it two days in a row instead of one. Just kidding. But for things like mascara I will stick to the same. Or foundation. But with colors, I like to mix it up. Especially according to season and my skin color.

Head on over and link up with Molly for the last installment. It was fun, girls, thanks for hosting!

 

 

Makeover Monday

Let's start with the fact that I always have to have something on my lips. I have probably seized any type of natural moisture being produced because of this but I can't stand dry lips.

I used to be obsessed with lip gloss. I always loved having a little shine on my smoochers. Toward the end of this habit, I loved Victoria's Secret lip gloss. Silly, I know, but it smelled good, had a good shine and came in many a different "color."

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Hub hated the lip gloss phase--which, mind you had been going long before him!--he always said that it's too slimy and would always make a face after a smooch with lip gloss.

Nowadays what coats my lips?

Nothing more than plain, old chapstick. I like to stick with Burt's Bees but I will basically use anything as long as it moistens my lips. 

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I rarely wear lipstick, probably because I have never found the perfect shade. 

I have been hearing talks of this Revlon tinted lip butter that I may have to try soon. Could be the best of both worlds for me -- a little shine, a little butter, a little color. Okay, the best of three worlds--even better.

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Head on over and share your luscious, lip secrets!

What's Goin' Down

I had a different post for today but I just can't get our comforter off my mind. Yes, that's right, I said our comforter.

I have had a down comforter for as long as I can remember. I introduced Hub to the down comforter. Where we live, it's pretty conducive to our weather for a better part of the year. I love snuggling under the cozy comforter and have always thought I wouldn't have it any other way.

Until now.

With a down comforter, one usually has to use a duvet cover. I wouldn't see a problem with this except for the fact that I can never find a cover that fits the duvet perfectly and causes the duvet to bunch or slide down the cover. What has been happening so much lately is that when I pull the covers up, I am pulling up only the cover because the duvet has slid somewhere down to the middle of the bed. Not awesome.

Hub suggested just taking the cover off and using the duvet by itself. Our duvet is white so this would be hard to keep clean and I don't think they are very easy to wash. I think we may do this for awhile, but I think it may be time to retire the ol' down comforter idea and move onto some other types of warmth in our bed.

What do people use other than a duvet?

A regular comforter?

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A quilt?

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A thin blanket and then maybe a heavier blanket?

I feel like I am at a loss.

Hopefully I will figure something out because obviously this is a pretty big problem we have.

And just to throw something else in--love these!

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Happy Friday! and Sweet Dreams! ;)

Sunny Day Randoms

I know. I had to put "sunny" in my title because in our part of the world, it is a beautiful, February day that I have to celebrate and acknowledge!

First and foremost it is truly amazing what a little Vitamin D does for the mood, soul, skin, hair, etc. Okay, maybe a little carried away but this girl is getting a little tired of the short, dark days so I love a little brightness in my life. I also love introducing my baby girl to one of my favorite things--Mr. Sunshine!

Source: etsy.com via Allyce on Pinterest

It is so fun having friends with babies. We can get together and not feel weird about staring at our babies. Or being a little distracted because you are paying more attention to your baby than the friend you are visiting with. Swapping stories, advice or even some weird emotions you may be having is also nice.

Source: Uploaded by user via Allyce on Pinterest

It has been a long time coming but I am enjoying my Toms. I have wanted them for awhile. Tried them on and couldn't decide. Couldn't decide on a size or color. Thought they looked strange on my feet but good on everyone else. But I have finally decided and I love. And I can't wait to get a pair for Baby E.

 I have discovered the true meaning of coffee now that I have had a child. I have only been having one cup in the morning as opposed to the two maybe three in the past but I truly look forward to it and it is a nice start to the day while Baby E is at her happiest and we are waking up.

Source: earthytoastyspicy.blogspot.com via cindy on Pinterest

I am falling more and more in love with my cloth diapers everyday. Okay, well, not my cloth diapers. But Eleanor's. They are so cute, actually surprisingly easy to deal with and so much less garbage.

Source: familyoffarmers.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

The sunshine peeking out is really getting me excited for spring and our garden. Also for summer and being warm and grilling and being on the water and introducing E to nature and more.

Source: gardenrooms.typepad.com via Emily on Pinterest

I would love a garden that looked like this!

These are my thoughts for the day. I mean, I have more, but sometimes it is hard to get them organized with a sweet babe kickin' next to me so this is all for now. 

What are your Friday random thoughts?

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Happy Mid-Week! I am linking up with this kind of love with some of the tidbits I am loving this week.

I am loving that I get a full weekend with the Hubs this weekend including a fun Superbowl feast and get together with the fam!

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I am loving waiting for the delivery man this week. I got fitted for nursing bras this past weekend. I have not worn a real bra since before I had the baby. I should be expecting those any day. I also returned our Baby Bjorn carrier and ordered the Ergo. I think it will be the right choice. My mom also ordered us some more diapers which we received yesterday.

I am loving that the sun has been peeking out here and there. Not everyday but it sure is nice to see when it does!

I am loving my new coffee creamer. Not just like Ghiradelli's White Chocolate powder but still tastes pretty good.

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I love that my best friend got engaged two weeks ago and now all we can talk about is wedding ideas! I sure wish Pinterest had been around when I got married!

Source: people.com via Lindsey on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Lindsey on Pinterest

Source: caplanmiller.com via Lindsey on Pinterest

So fun!

Celebrate Wednesday by linking up and sharing what you're loving!

Makeover Monday

I am linking up again today with Katie for Makeover Monday.

Us gals are chatting about our foundation today.

For about three years I was smitten with:

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I absolutely love this stuff. Great coverage, evens out the skin, does not feel like super-chunky-cakey-stage make-up. I am not a huge make-up person but when I find something I like, I love it. However, the downside to the is that it is a little spendy. Maybe not for some but for this new stay-at-home-mom it is. So, in anticipation of my new role, about 6 months ago, I thought I would venture to Target and see what I could come up with that may be along the same lines.

I tried this:

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I do like how light it is and doesn't feel like I have anything at all on. The price is better but I don't think it has great coverage which I don't really need for blemishes but more for the even-ing out of the skin-tone. I am almost out so I have been thinking I may try another of their formulas like:

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This is described as a creamy, loose powder so maybe it would have better coverage.

Head on over, link up and drop off your tips at Makeover Monday!

Any foundation suggestions for a budget-minded, powder-wearin', needs-some-coverage type-o-gal?

 

Baby Wearing

I don't know why this is such a tough decision. I want to be able to wear my little nugget, you know, around the house, walking, maybe in stores if she isn't asleep in the car seat but I just cannot decide which carrier is the best, most comfortable, most cost effective and best fit for me.

I tried on a Moby today for the first time and I loved it because it's so comfortable and Eleanor and I felt like we were just cuddled up. It would definitely take some getting used to of learning how to get it on and get her in by myself. Granted I didn't wear it for too long so I don't know the comfort level and for how long.

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The thing that is off putting to me about this wrap is that it is close to $50 for a long piece of fabric. I know it is a piece of fabric that serves a very big purpose but I feel it is a little on the steep end.

We received a Baby Bjorn as a gift and today was my first day trying that out. I love how easy the Bjorn is to put on. A couple of clicks and she is in. It is pretty comfortable, I wore it for about half and hour. I vacuumed with it on. The only thing I worry about with this carrier is that it has no lower back support and I have read some reviews that say once the child is heavier, it can put a lot of strain on the shoulders and not be very comfortable.

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The other option I have been contemplating trying on is the Ergo. I have had a few friends tell me how much they like theirs. It seems like the best of both worlds, comfortable, cozy, functional and great support. However, also the most expensive of the options. Hence why I would most likely forgo both of the above options and just have the Ergo. Now I just need to take my baby to try one on.

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I really love the idea of always having the option of having her with me. Whether she is fussy or not, needs to be put to sleep or I just don't want to put her down. This way, I can go on about things with her right with me.

Are there any suggestions out there? What is your favorite carrier? Any advice for or against any of these products?

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I am loving my new nail polish that my brother's girlfriend gave me for Christmas-Panda-monium Pink. I finally got the chance to paint my nails on Sunday and I must say I do like OPI. I have never bought it for myself but it goes on really nicely and we will see how long it lasts for.

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I am loving these baby smiles I have been getting this week!

Poor picture quality from my cell phone but obviously
that's the only way to catch them these days!

I am loving my coffee every morning!

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My new vacuum! Gets up all the dog hair!

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And I always love some fun pins!

Source: decorpad.com via Elisa on Pinterest

Source: potterybarn.com via Elisa on Pinterest

Source: crookedbrains.net via Allyce on Pinterest

What are you loving this week? Head on over and link up!

It's Almost Time...

...To begin our cloth diapering adventure. The Bum Genius diapers we have start around eight pounds and we tried one on the little Miss the other day and body wise they fit okay but her lil' legs still need to fill out a bit. I am actually getting really excited to start using them. We have gotten the diaper routine down, she isn't poo-ing every time she eats, I don't feel completely overwhelmed by washing diapers every day to start, I am tired of our overflowing garbage and let's face it, the cloths are much cuter.

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I have poured over blogs over the past few months, well, basically my whole pregnancy knowing this is the route we wanted to take, and I think I am ready to start. By the time we start, we will have eleven diapers and eventually I hope to get more but I think this will be okay to start. Obviously I'm sure it will take some time to get used to since disposables are pretty easy and quick.

We made the decision to cloth diaper based on cost and to be honest, I like the idea of not producing as much garbage. We are not just going to have one child either so we will have the diapers for future offspring. That also came into play in the decision-making. I will be the primary care-taker for the baby so we don't have to worry about a day-care opposing the idea or anything like that. I hope to get comfortable enough to use them all the time but I'm sure there will be times, maybe when we are on a outing in the beginning or if we travel somewhere that we are unsure of the ability to wash, that we don't.

I think we will definitely be making the transition within the month so we will see how it goes and I will keep updated on our adventure. I think it's good that I'm going into this with the mentality that it's an adventure, right?!

On another note, yes, I realize that the majority of my posts since December 1st have been baby/child related. That is the main topic of my life right now, however I assume that will simmer down a little and I will get back to recipes, crafts, etc. The blog world is so nice with topics that are baby-related, though, because there are so many moms out there. So, with that said, if you have headed down the cloth diaper route, what advice do you have? What is your routine/supply/diaper preference? Are there any special secrets that I need to know?!

Etsy Dreamin'...

What better thing is there to do for a girl that is into relaxin' these days than to peruse Etsy? It's kind of like window shopping except I can do it from the comfort of my couch with my feet up. How perfect.

I was reading Miss Mommy's post this morning and she mentioned the Etsy store Brag About It and I figured I should probably check it out. What cute stuff! I love this cute, new mommy gift.

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I always love the finds in Little Miss Momma's shop and this table runner doesn't disappoint. A little rustic, a little vintage, simple yet eye-catching.

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I am also slightly obsessed with this adorable necklace. 

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I love the work in this shop as well. Whimsey & Co. has some really nice work and I am just having a hard time deciding what to personalize for the baby!

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I already ordered a couple of headbands from Simply Carly--one for me and one for baby girl--however, I came across this one the other day and feel like I may need it too.

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I think Etsy is just so great. What a great community and that it just promotes creativity and small businesses. I love that most of the stuff is original and the stores I have already dealt with--Little Miss Momma and Simply Carly-- have been very easy to communicate with and very professional.

What are you coveting on Etsy these days? What are some of your favorite stores?

Shout out to a Hidden Treasure

I guess without revealing too many details about my whereabouts {for those of you that don't already know it} I would like to tell you a little tidbit about a treat I had last night. Yes, that's right people, I think a beer after work is a treat. It's not like some kind of problem. {I don't think.} Anyway, my friend and I decided to go tot he restaurant next door for a wind-down libation and as the bartender was rattling off the beers on tap, one stood out. "Two Beers Jive Espresso Stout." Yes, please! It makes me giggle a little bit because my friend {I won't reveal her name, but if you know me, you may know her and as I tell this story, you will giggle too.} pretty much only drinks light beer. Really light beer. She asks as we are walking in, "Are they going to have any light beer or only barfy dark beer?" Oh, friend, you make me laugh.

We are sitting my the fireplace in the bar, relaxing our feetsies, chatting about the night and here comes my tall, chilled beer glass filled to the top with dark, luscious, yummy stout. I enjoy my beer as it has hints of espresso, but not overpowering, it is definitely a stout but I didn't feel too full {in fact I probably felt like I could have another one}. We chat a bit more, finish up and leave.

I get in the car call Hub and we chat about his travels, what he is having for dinner and then I ask, "Have you ever heard of Two Beers Brewery?"

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"Yes! That's that one {my friend} has been trying to get us to try out that her friend runs."

"Ohhhhh, ok. Well, I had the Jive Espresso Stout and it was really good. We should go there sometime."

Evidently it's a pretty small brewery but they have pretty good beer and quite a few different types at different times. It is interesting how the creative types interpret their creations and what brings them to create what they do. I read through the philosophy of the company and definitely agree with what they are bringing to the table.

We like beer. Hub brews beer sometimes so it's always fun to try different types and figure out what ingredients are and aren't tasty in the beer.

Hopefully next time I am back and talking about this brewery it will be because I visited and can maybe even chat about a couple of different kinds. I don't know though, that stout was pretty tasty.

What are you favorite brews? Are you a beer sampler or do you stick with what you know? Have you discovered any new treasures lately?

Hot Mess

My mom's good friend is an artist. I mean a real artist. She is so creative and always thinking up some new project and comes up with some really impressive stuff. Her most recent interest has been encaustic art. Takes wax, a blow torch, wooden canvases and has a hay-day. {literally because she kind of lives on a farm.} So, I, recently became an owner of one of her pieces and I love it.

Definitely up in the air over whether this is a "final" art arrangement for the family room {yes to the star, no star, move the star. Hang the wax art, don't hang it, move the wax art. Oh, the many decisions.} Anyway, I do love the way the colors go with the room still kind of clash. {i.e. the teal and turquoise colors.} 

Just wanted to take a moment to say how talented I think this lady is and how I hope that her business/love will just continue to grow. I also LLLLLove original art pieces as well as LOCAL pieces. There really is nothing like the feeling of falling in love with a beautiful art piece while knowing that I am supporting local and most likely no one else will have it in their family room. Here are a few more of her pieces for you to oogle over. I know I do. 

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Ok, people, go ahead and "Like" The Wax Slayer  on Facebook, follow her endeavors, see what she's up to in that adorable, creative and fun studio of hers set on her farm in the middle of a wooded area. Oh ya. And she has chickens. Love.