Friday, June 29, 2012
Sonoma Coast
What a great day at the Sonoma Coast. My $1 Dollar Tree sunglasses also made their debut, not bad.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Napa!
We made it to Napa after a long day of traveling. We're guests at Trinchero Winery, staying at a private inn on the property; I feel super exclusive. Seriously, I've never been treated as well as I've been treated here. We've been waited on hand and foot since our arrival. A girl could get used to this!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
I guess we're officially adults
Kris and I purchased a home today (see older posts here and here.). We've been preparing for this move since January, and have been packing since late April. It's been an emotional roller coaster! It is kind of bittersweet.
While our new home is much bigger and nicer than any place we've ever lived, I'm a little sad to see the "carefree" part of our lives end. Don't get me wrong, our new home is beautiful, and I realize that I am so blessed. I know our home will be filled with lots of love and laughter, and leaving our rental, to me, symbolizes our step into full fledged adulthood.Which is funny, because I'm not sure I feel old enough or ready to be an "adult."
In reality, we've both been adults for year.. I know not much about our lives will change in our new home and this is the start to so many adventures. I also know we've moved several times and it has always worked out, but deep down a part of me misses the tiny hope and promise filled apartment we first shared together over 5 years ago.
While our new home is much bigger and nicer than any place we've ever lived, I'm a little sad to see the "carefree" part of our lives end. Don't get me wrong, our new home is beautiful, and I realize that I am so blessed. I know our home will be filled with lots of love and laughter, and leaving our rental, to me, symbolizes our step into full fledged adulthood.Which is funny, because I'm not sure I feel old enough or ready to be an "adult."
In reality, we've both been adults for year.. I know not much about our lives will change in our new home and this is the start to so many adventures. I also know we've moved several times and it has always worked out, but deep down a part of me misses the tiny hope and promise filled apartment we first shared together over 5 years ago.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
My makeup routine
I get asked a lot of questions about my makeup, so I thought I'd share a little bit about my makeup philosophy.
I have very oily and very sensitive skin. "Special needs" skin, if you will. Taking those things into account, I have to use products that will keep me from breaking out, but also provide oil control. It's taken me a long time to find the right products, but I FINALLY know what works for me.
I like a more natural look for work. I don't usually wear eyeshadow, and I only line my top eyelids. I try to look as polished as possible, but not going so far with the makeup that I look like a hooker. For night, I still like to look natural(ish), but I do a little heavier on the eye makeup (so not hooker, more high dollar escort). I am more likely to wear eyeshadow at night, but it's not always a given. I line my eyes a little darker and do a couple more coats of mascara.
Here's my work makeup routine...
1. I use either Equate Anti-Wrinkle Cream or Aveda Inner Light Mineral Tinted Moisturizer depending on my mood. Both moisturize well. The Equate is thicker and better for winter. The Aveda isn't as rich and I use it more often in the summer. I use these under my eyes and around my nose. Even though I have oily skin, I think it is SO important to moisturize!
2. MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer. I use this under my eyes, around my nose, and anywhere I have a blemish.
3. MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation. I use this all over my face and blend with a kabuki brush.
4. Bare Minerals Warmth and MAC Powder Blush in Pink Swoon. In the summer I use Bare Minerals Warmth, as well as blush. I dust lightly over my face with a foundation brush. Then, I blend the blush on the apple of my cheeks and up my cheekbones.
5. MAC Eyeshadow in Mystery. I wet an eyeliner brush and swirl it in the eyeshadow. Then, I line my eyes.
6. MAC Opulash. First I curl my lashes, then I sweep 2 coats of mascara in my top and bottom lashes. I let them dry and curl again.
7. MAC Lipstick in Speak Louder and Buxom Big and Healthy Lip Polish in Katie. I apply the lipstick to both my lips, blot, and then apply the polish.
I have very oily and very sensitive skin. "Special needs" skin, if you will. Taking those things into account, I have to use products that will keep me from breaking out, but also provide oil control. It's taken me a long time to find the right products, but I FINALLY know what works for me.
I like a more natural look for work. I don't usually wear eyeshadow, and I only line my top eyelids. I try to look as polished as possible, but not going so far with the makeup that I look like a hooker. For night, I still like to look natural(ish), but I do a little heavier on the eye makeup (so not hooker, more high dollar escort). I am more likely to wear eyeshadow at night, but it's not always a given. I line my eyes a little darker and do a couple more coats of mascara.
Here's my work makeup routine...
1. I use either Equate Anti-Wrinkle Cream or Aveda Inner Light Mineral Tinted Moisturizer depending on my mood. Both moisturize well. The Equate is thicker and better for winter. The Aveda isn't as rich and I use it more often in the summer. I use these under my eyes and around my nose. Even though I have oily skin, I think it is SO important to moisturize!
2. MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer. I use this under my eyes, around my nose, and anywhere I have a blemish.
3. MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation. I use this all over my face and blend with a kabuki brush.
4. Bare Minerals Warmth and MAC Powder Blush in Pink Swoon. In the summer I use Bare Minerals Warmth, as well as blush. I dust lightly over my face with a foundation brush. Then, I blend the blush on the apple of my cheeks and up my cheekbones.
5. MAC Eyeshadow in Mystery. I wet an eyeliner brush and swirl it in the eyeshadow. Then, I line my eyes.
6. MAC Opulash. First I curl my lashes, then I sweep 2 coats of mascara in my top and bottom lashes. I let them dry and curl again.
7. MAC Lipstick in Speak Louder and Buxom Big and Healthy Lip Polish in Katie. I apply the lipstick to both my lips, blot, and then apply the polish.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Date Night Fun
My husband is a manager at a country club and works ALL the time, so dinners together are few and far between. Dinners on the weekend are practically nonexistent. So, when he was off on Friday we jumped at the opportunity to have an evening on the town (plus a chance for me to wear some accessories!). What a great night!
Bangles
Downtown Knoxville
Drinks
Dinner
Goodnight
Bangles
Downtown Knoxville
Drinks
Dinner
Goodnight
Thursday, June 14, 2012
My take on color blocking
I'm not sure how I feel about color blocking, but it is certainly on trend. I decided to give it a try regardless of my insecurity about it. I'm not sure I pulled it off, but I'm giving myself props for trying!
If you're wondering, "Where are here accessories?" you've got a good eye. The company I work for takes a lot of security precautions and employees are only allowed to wear one jewelry item and a watch. I wear my wedding ring and a Michael Kors watch. It kind of sucks because I feel like accessories can make or break an outfit, but I love my job so I deal.
If you're wondering, "Where are here accessories?" you've got a good eye. The company I work for takes a lot of security precautions and employees are only allowed to wear one jewelry item and a watch. I wear my wedding ring and a Michael Kors watch. It kind of sucks because I feel like accessories can make or break an outfit, but I love my job so I deal.
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| Jacket: Limited |
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| Shoes: Piperlime (Spring 2011), Similar, Similar |
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| Jeans: Target |
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| Top: New York and Company |
It's OK
Glamour Magazine (June 2011) vindicated me. For years, I've been secretly vomiting in my mouth when I hear or see the word "hubby." I just think it's so gross! Why does a perfectly respectable husband need to be turned into a cutesy "hubby"? I mean, "hubby" could be a dog's name. Am I right? So, I just want to say a big "thank you" to people at Condé Nast. You make me feel like I'm not the only sane one!
Silver tipped nails: Day 3
You may remember my Silver Tipped Manicure post from a few days ago. Here's of pic of day 3 and no visible chips! I should mention that a day after I painted with silver glitter, I wanted a different look so I applied one coat of pink glitter and one clear coat. My nail polish always chips; needless to say, I'm very happy to be chip-free!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Chambray & White Denim
Love this outfit! I've had these jeans for 3 years and still love wearing them. Normally, I would roll my sleeves a couple of times, but it is so cold in my office I have to leave them down. Forgive the shoes. I usually wear wedges with this outfit, but it was rainy and I just couldn't force myself to have cold, wet feet all day.
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| Shirt: J.Crew Factory 2011 (Similar) Jeans: Gap Outlet 2009 (Similar) |
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Fab Finds Under $50
BB Dakota Hilton Eyelet Tank. $45.50.
BB Dakota Covet Striped Tank Dress. $47.60.
Francesca's Collections Waterfall Necklace. $28.00.
Tinley Road Karlita Pump. $29.99.
Target Envelope Clutch. $24.99.
Francesca's Collection Sea Breeze Skirt. $34.00.
BB Dakota Covet Striped Tank Dress. $47.60.
Francesca's Collections Waterfall Necklace. $28.00.
Tinley Road Karlita Pump. $29.99.
Target Envelope Clutch. $24.99.
Francesca's Collection Sea Breeze Skirt. $34.00.
Healthy Cookies
My law school BFF, Katie, gave me this recipe, and I could not be more grateful. These cookies are lower calorie than most and satisfy my sweet tooth. If you follow Weight Watchers, they are one point per cookie.
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup splenda brown sugar
1/2 cup low fat margarine
Preheat oven to 400. Grease baking sheets. With mixer, cream margarine, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Add remaining ingredients and beat thoroughly. Separate into cookies on cookie sheets. Recipe is supposed to make 60. I was only able to make 40. Bake for about 6-8 minutes, but watch carefully. Because they are small, they cook quickly.
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup splenda brown sugar
1/2 cup low fat margarine
Preheat oven to 400. Grease baking sheets. With mixer, cream margarine, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Add remaining ingredients and beat thoroughly. Separate into cookies on cookie sheets. Recipe is supposed to make 60. I was only able to make 40. Bake for about 6-8 minutes, but watch carefully. Because they are small, they cook quickly.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Silver tipped manicure
I got caught up in the 'Teen Mom' marathon this weekend, and it was glorious. I spent Sunday eating junk food and laying in bed (notice the pictures were taken in my messy bedroom). It was laziness perfection. The only thing missing was my sweet husband, who was at work.
One of my favorite things to do while watching TV is to paint my nails. None of my polishes were jumping out at me, so I tried something a little different.
First, I swiped one coat of OPI Ridge Filler over my nails to serve as a base. Next, I used a silver glitter polish to tip my nails French manicure style. I used Love My Nails in Milky Way. Last, I used Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Invisible to set the glitter.
One of my favorite things to do while watching TV is to paint my nails. None of my polishes were jumping out at me, so I tried something a little different.
First, I swiped one coat of OPI Ridge Filler over my nails to serve as a base. Next, I used a silver glitter polish to tip my nails French manicure style. I used Love My Nails in Milky Way. Last, I used Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Invisible to set the glitter.
Friday, June 8, 2012
A new lipstick & gloss I love!
I used to not be that big into lipstick and lip gloss. It was something I didn't see as a necessity in my makeup routine. Now, I feel like I look like a corpse without something on my lips. I always put color and gloss on my lips before I leave home for work, but I do not bring my "good lipstick" to work with me. I'm afraid I'll forget to grab it before I go home and accidentally leave it at work. So, I brought my "average" lipsticks and glosses to work. I apply them throughout the day, but never feel as good as I do when I'm wearing my "good lipstick."
A few weeks ago, work sponsored an "All About Me" day for employees. Various vendors set up shop for the day in our atrium. Clinique just so happened to be there. Now, you already know I use Clinique skin care products, and I just so happened to be out of a favorite product. I went to the booth and made the purchase. When I got back to my office I noticed the Clinique girls put a couple of samples in my bag, a lipstick and a lip gloss.
The lipstick is Long Last Lipstick in All Heart. The gloss is Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Root Beer. I LOVE THEM, especially together! Now, when I apply lipstick and gloss at work I feel fabulous, not like a lesser hot version of myself. The lipstick is smooth and doesn't dry out my lips. It's a dark rosy pink color with a little hint of red. The gloss is ultra balmy with great shine. It's more of a pinky color and maybe a hint of brown. Together, they give a great natural lip color. You should def try this combo out. My only fear is that I'll decide to make this my "good lipstick" and be back in the same situation!
A few weeks ago, work sponsored an "All About Me" day for employees. Various vendors set up shop for the day in our atrium. Clinique just so happened to be there. Now, you already know I use Clinique skin care products, and I just so happened to be out of a favorite product. I went to the booth and made the purchase. When I got back to my office I noticed the Clinique girls put a couple of samples in my bag, a lipstick and a lip gloss.
The lipstick is Long Last Lipstick in All Heart. The gloss is Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Root Beer. I LOVE THEM, especially together! Now, when I apply lipstick and gloss at work I feel fabulous, not like a lesser hot version of myself. The lipstick is smooth and doesn't dry out my lips. It's a dark rosy pink color with a little hint of red. The gloss is ultra balmy with great shine. It's more of a pinky color and maybe a hint of brown. Together, they give a great natural lip color. You should def try this combo out. My only fear is that I'll decide to make this my "good lipstick" and be back in the same situation!