So Very Grateful

This year, we get two days to celebrate our veterans.

But in reality, they need to be celebrated every day.

To my grandpas, my uncles, my cousins, my brother-in-law, and my dad: I am so very grateful.




And yes, I am totally crying on my keyboard.

The GDE: Gourd

This was the latest gem I found in my inbox:

"Well aren't you just as cute as a pumpkin seed."

Well, dang.

I was hoping for sesame, or sunflower, at least.

The Great Dating Experiment rages on.

Top Ten: Sarah and Melissa's Favorite Beauty Products

It is Friday of Beauty Week and today I present to you the top 10 products that Melissa and I adore!

Are you ready for this? I am sure you are.

1. Burt's Bees Chapstick

Chapstick is a must this time of year, especially if you live in the high desert (I almost wrote "dessert," which could apply as well) of Colorado. Burt's Bees is a favorite of mine and we all know that Melissa does not leave home without it!

2. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Cleansing Pads

I have been using these cleansing pads for nearly two years and I can honestly say they clean my face better than any other product I have used. They have two sides, one smooth and one with an exfoliating texture, and they leave my face feeling totally clean and refreshed. For the best deal, I get mine at Walmart.

3. Sally Hansen Nail Polish

Melissa and I both agree that you get more bang for your buck with Sally! Of course Essie and O.P.I. are stocked with fabulous colors, but they can run $8.00 per bottle! Sally Hansen has a plethora of colors and finishes and start as low as $2.50. Their "Insta-Dri" is currently my favorite, the brush is angled so it goes on super smooth. You can find them at almost every store that sells beauty products.

4. Bare Minerals SPF 15 Foundation Powder

My mom introduced me to Bare Minerals about five years ago and I haven't looked back since! I love how light it feels and I think it does a great job of giving you a smooth, balanced canvas for the rest of your make-up. I also love that it is natural and has sun protection included. This is a bit on the pricey side at $27.00 per jar, but I can stretch mine out to last 9-12 months. Totally worth the investment!

5. Mary Kay Moisturizer

Even though Mary Kay may seem like it is only for people over 50 or who were born and raised in Texas, I know plenty of hip women who swear by it! Melissa loves the Mary Kay skincare line and uses it daily. Having grown up in Oklahoma, I am very familiar with their products and agree that they are fabulous! Melissa uses this day and night and she says it keeps her face hydrated and radiant. I have seen her face and I totally agree. If you need a Mary Kay consultant, feel free to let me know and I can hook you up with Melissa.

6. Aquaphor

Prepare to be amazed: Melissa uses Aquaphor for under eye cream at night! After our discussion on Sunday, I decided to give it a try and so far, I am loving it! Essentially, it is a thick vaseline that I dab under my eye and around the ends. By the morning, I feel like my eyes look more refreshed and the skin around them appears more hydrated. I am so thankful for this new tip, not only is it easy to find but it is super cheap compared to expensive eye creams!

7. Revlon Grow-Lucious Fabulash Mascara

I am constantly trying out new mascaras. I can never seem to find just the right formula to make my lashes long, thick and non-clumpy. Currently, this is my new favorite! It has an old-school brush on it, not one of those weird rubbery ones, and the formula is smooth. I throw mine out every three months just to prevent clumping. The $7.99 is totally worth 90 days of long lashes!

8. BIOTERA Shampoo and Conditioner

In case you didn't notice, Melissa has amazing naturally curly hair. Truly, it is a masterpiece on her head! She uses Biotera products and loves all of them! And she doesn't even use those for curly hair. I trust curly-headed people when it comes to hair products. I mean, how can you not? I can't wait to try this!

9. Big Sexy Hairspray

First, I love the name. It is a goal in my lifetime to have big, sexy hair. Second, this stuff works wonders. It runs $17.99 per can but it can last for-e-ver. No need to mess around with other products. This stuff rocks.

10. Maybeline Unstoppable Eye Liner

I adore eyeliner, and the blacker the better! I have tried a bazillion different brands but I am loving Maybeline right now. It stays on, it doesn't smudge and you don't have to sharpen the end. I try to avoid sharp objects around my eyes, especially knowing my lack of coordination.

**BONUS PRODUCT**

Dollar Store Mouthguards

Confession: Both Melissa and I have to wear mouthguards at night because we grind our teeth. (I cannot wait to introduce my future husband to this, I am sure it is every man's dream to sleep next to a football player.) Currently, I use one that my insurance covered from my dentist's office, but Melissa gets hers from the Dollar Store. She loves them and says they are really comfortable! If mine is every eaten by my brother's dog or if I somehow leave it in a foreign country, I am definitely getting my at the Dollar Store, because, you know, it will only cost A DOLLAR. That is so brilliant.

Okay fabulous friends, thus concludes Beauty Week! Thanks for following along and if you have any products that you love, feel free to share.

Happy, happy Friday.

Hair Tricks

It's Day 4 of Beauty Week and today is all about hair!

I don't know about you, but I easily get bored with my hair. For most of my life, I have kept my hair long with long layers and long bangs. During graduate school, I cut it all off and kept it short and choppy, a lot like my sister's hair now. I loved it because it was so easy! But somehow my desire to grow it won out and I haven't had short hair since.

SIDE NOTE: I think in my mind I envision myself like a Victoria's Secret Angel, with amazing wind-blown hair and thighs that don't touch. The wind-blown part isn't really the problem.

In a quest to not be bored, I am always looking for new ways to style my hair. Currently, this is my hair inspiration:

I got this cut back in August and I love it! Now, I just need ways to style it when I don't want to keep it down.

The Messy Bun:

Here is one of my favorite trends, the messy bun. It looks fabulous with collared shirts, turtlenecks and blazers. Plus, it is elegant and fresh at the same time!

It doesn't take a lot of time, but you will need a curling iron, hair spray, ponytail holder and bobby pins for this to stay in place.

Here are the steps:

1. Add a little wave by curling your hair with a large curling iron and spray lightly with hair spray

2. Back-comb the crown of your head to add height and volume

3. Pull your hair back into a ponytail in the middle of the back of your head

4. Pin sections of hair around the pony tail

5. Pull down loose sections and either keep them down or repin loosely

6. Spray with hairspray

The messier it looks, the better!

Beachy Waves:

Another super great trick I learned was from Pinterest. This is how to get those beachy curls that were the rave this summer. Since I am approximately 2,000 miles from a beach, faking it is the only way my hair will do it. Check out this awesome tutorial:

I totally think she and I could be friends.

Loose Side Braid

Another great trend is the loose, messy side braid.

This looks good with long or short bangs. And if your hair is on the shorter side, you can twist it around the back, pinning as you go, then braid it down the side. I have yet to master this but I will not give up. Braids will be in my future.

So,those are my top three for the season! I don't like to spend a lot of time on my hair in the mornings (mostly because I hit snooze at least 3 times), so having quick, go-to styles is a must for me. And of course, you can't beat a really great ponytail.

Here's wishing you are having a really great hair day!

The Power of Lip Gloss

Today is dedicated to your lips. My beautiful, amazing, funny, lip-gloss addicted friend Melissa is here to share with you all that you need to know about lip gloss. It will blow your mind, my friends, BLOW YOUR MIND!

Here is Melissa.  Isn't she stunning? I love her to pieces. I also love her kids, which you can read about here.

Melissa was my inspiration to dedicate this week to all things beauty. She and I were having coffee on Sunday and suddenly she reached into her purse and pulled out a tube of lip gloss. I commented on how much I loved it and then she preceded to tell me that she carries seven different tubes with her at all times.

SEVEN DIFFERENT TUBES.

I was stunned. I felt like I had been left out of some very important shiny lip circle and I desperately wanted in. So I begged her to write about lip gloss and I snapped a few pictures of her collection (with a lovely Starbucks napkin as a backdrop).

So, without further ado...

Meet Melissa:
Every woman needs to have lip gloss on hand at all times. All ages of women at all times. The power of lip gloss is extremely underestimated. It can brighten a face with one stroke, takes a few seconds to apply, is cheap, and totally versatile. It’s like a secret weapon disguised in a small plastic tube. There are a few things to know that can amp your skill when it comes lip gloss. I tell you, if you do not normally wear lip gloss, start today.

Shades:
First, let’s talk about shades. Subtle colors and neutral tones are great for daytime wear, but when it comes to dressing up, going to a party, or going downtown, nothing says celebration better than bright and sparkly gloss. Soft pinks or peaches (depending on your skin and lip tone) and sheer textures are ideal for warm weather; creamy dark wines and plums should be saved for winter. However, there are always exceptions. Bright berry tones can also look great with a fresh tan. Mild shades of brown are perfect for fall and early winter depending on your skin tone. If you have fair skin go with shades that carry an undertone of soft pink or warm peach. Dark skin is flattered by deep reds and deep reddish-browns. I’m not a pro, but if you have dark, rich skin tone I would steer you away from pinks and oranges. If you’re unsure about what shades might look best with your skin tone, go to a makeup counter or two in the mall and see what they advise.

Flavors:
Let’s talk about flavors. This is gonna be short. I don’t like flavored gloss. Period. I get sick of the flavor approximately halfway through the first application and if you’re over the age of 11, I would think cherry blast is not something you want to taste all day. I am going out on a limb here, but I’m guessing your boyfriend (or husband) is not going to want to taste it either. Bottom line: don’t buy flavored lip gloss.

Goop:
There is rightful controversy about goopy lip gloss. “My hair always gets stuck to my lips.” “My boyfriend looks like he’s been attacked by the petroleum monster after we kiss.” Yes, well there are rules to follow, peeps. If you are going to wear the goop, wear it only for indoor events or if you’re hair is pulled back in a ponytail. And for crying out loud, no goop for the guy. 

Cheap vs. Expensive:
Is expensive lip gloss really that much better? From my experience, it’s not. About five years ago there was a significant difference, but now the generic brands have made significant strides. Go cheap.

The Frosted Controversy:
While we’re talking about it, NEVER buy frosted lip gloss. As in N.E.V.E.R. I have one friend, who will kindly remain anonymous, that orders her frosted lip gloss online because she can’t find it in stores. That’s like ordering tapered jeans online, because you can’t seem to find them at The Gap, Macy’s, or any other respectable store. Skip the frosted lip gloss and save yourself from looking like Katy:

Melissa's Stash:

So in total vulnerability, I feel like it’s only fair to share my personal buffet of lip glosses that I carry in my purse on a daily basis:

Let’s start on the left. 

This is called Carrot Kiss (don’t you love that name?) by Yes to Carrots.  It’s thinner than my other tinted glosses and is perfect if you’re going to be drinking or eating shortly after putting it on.  It’s easy to wipe off on a napkin and won’t leave a gross residue on your cup or fork.  Sitting in the parking lot and getting ready to meet a friend at Starbucks?  Go with this: a thin lip gloss that has a subtle tint. 

Next is Metallic Mocha by Bonnie Bell.  Okay, this one is my favorite for fall.  It has a discreet sparkle to it and is perfect if you’re applying lip gloss before you leave for dinner or if you’re getting ready to see a movie or shop at the mall. 

Then comes Juiced Berry (non-flavored lest there be any confusion) by Victoria’s Secret.  This was a gift to me which is the only reason I have lip gloss that is over $8 bucks and something from VS.  This is my favorite for summer and is the perfect splash of color and sparkle to complement a fresh tan. 

Then comes Peach Sorbet by Maybeline.  Every girl needs a solid sheer gloss.  It’s heavier with a little goop so just remember the rules about goop. 

Next in line is Tempting Toffee by Maybeline.  I recently got this and it became love at first application.  It has a berry undertone yet still wearable in the fall.  No sparkler or shimmer, but a solid staple. 

Finally, we have Grapefruit Pulp by Aveda which I also got for free.  In general, I love anything for free, but I hate everything related to pulp.  The thought of those small chunks of left over oranges in my juice makes me gag.  Anyway...it’s definitely the pinkest shade I have and I enjoy wearing this in late summer, but it’s my least versatile.  Few skin tones can pull this shade off. Know thy skin tone, people.

And last but not least, a tinted balm: Burt’s Bees pomegranate. Everybody needs a balm.

So go forth, new friends, and gloss away!

My Top Five for Bargain Shopping

It is Day 2 of Beauty Week and I am happy to report that I successfully contoured my face this morning without looking like I should guest star on Duck Dynasty.

It's the small victories that really keep us going, isn't it?

For today, let's talk about clothes shopping! Technically, clothes do not fall under the "beauty" heading, but clothes have a big impact on how beautiful I feel. So just for fun, I am including clothes into this week's theme.

Now, I am one of those girls who really loves to shop for a good bargain but also values high quality. When those two things collide, my outlook is much brighter and my closet is much fuller. Or in other words, there is harmony in my fashion world.

I have to confess that I have expensive taste. I naturally gravitate towards things that are WAY out of my budget, but since I work for a non-profit, that may not be saying much. However, I refuse to pay top dollar for anything because I can guarantee you that you can find it somewhere else for a fraction of the price.

Also, I am perpetually in a state of wanting to be more svelte, so the thought of spending wads of money on pants or jeans is hard for me to justify. Granted, I have been the same size for the last decade so you would think that logic would have changed. However, I am nothing if not goal oriented.

So, where do I find these expensive items that won't break the bank? Here are my top 5 favorite places to go:

TJ Maxx.
This is my #1 most favorite place to shop! My mama introduced me to this store at a very early age. Back then, I found very little to keep me entertained and instead spent all of my time crawling on the floor looking for loose sequins (virtual gold when you are six years old) or inside of the round clothes racks with Sam waiting to pounce on the next unsuspecting shopper. It's amazing we weren't adopted out.

But then I went to college and all of a sudden I had to buy my own clothes, shoes, dishes and towels. And there is no better store than TJ for all of these needs. Some of my most amazing pairs of shoes come from this store, not to mention seeing brands like Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors,Tahari and Dooney and Burke at a fraction of what the sell for in department stores. Most of what I own is not a recognized label but when I do want something that is high quality (or anything else, for that matter), this is the first place I go. I also buy all of my baby shower gifts, cupcake liners, running socks and bath soap here as well. It is my shopping heaven.

Target.
Oh, how I adore Target. This is my second wardrobe staple. They have everything from designer labels to super cheap t-shirts, plus you can buy your toilet paper and favorite nail polish at the same time. Their prices are awesome and they bring in trendy pieces that add so much to your wardrobe. And my latest find? Jeans. They have a brand made by Levi's that fit me perfectly. And at $27.99 a pair, I can totally justify buying them.

If I had to guess, 85% of my closet is from TJ and Target. Obviously they are doing something right.

Ebay.
I am hooked on eBay! I do not do a lot of my shopping on eBay, but when there is a specific item that is usually over my budget, I look to eBay first. Last year I found my favorite pair of Banana Republic jeans, brand new and in my size, for $29.00. They usually run $79.00, so I consider that a huge success! You don't always find what you want right away, but if you have a little time and patience, it can pay off big. I buy everything from DVDs to jeans to handbags to shoes on eBay. And if you find a seller who throws in free shipping, total bonus!

JCPenney.
I am new to the JCPenney world. I used to think of it as a place that only grandmas shopped, but lately it has a younger, fresher feel. This is an excellent place to shop for staples, like black dress pants, pencil skirts or a basic blazer. The quality isn't perfect, but it will work in a pinch or for a season or two. They also have fantastic dresses, including a purple one that I wore to my friend's wedding two years ago. Currently, I am coveting this dress, which I think is perfect for the holidays:

 And guess how much it is: $35.00. I KNOW!! Ridiculous.

Banana Republic.
Yes, I know this is not a cheap store but it is my go-to for work. They have UH-MAZING sales, especially right before Thanksgiving and after Christmas. I only shop there during a sale and I usually find a piece or two that is perfect for dressier events or for meetings at work. The cuts are always classic so you can have the pieces for years. Investing in quality staples is a must for me but I always wait until they are marked down.

So, there you have it! Those are my top five. What are yours? For the love of my future wardrobe, please share.

A Week of Beauty: Contouring

Happy Monday morning to all of you!

I realize that sentiment may be an oxymoron, and on any other Monday I would have told myself to suck an egg, but that extra hour of sleep on Saturday night has revolutionized my life.

REVOLUTIONIZED, people.

For example: I worked out this morning. As in I actually got out of bed and sweated. Before work.

And I liked it.

I KNOW!

I don't even know who I am anymore.

I am pretty sure Daylight Savings is making me a better person.

So, with my new-found energy and overall zeal for life (granted, I may have to take a nap under my desk this afternoon), I have decided to dedicate this week to beauty techniques and products. My friend Melissa and I talked at length about this yesterday and we both decided that this was something that most of us have in common: we all want to look and feel our best but we don't want to spend half of our paychecks in the process.

I find that at this time of year everything begins to look dull. My skin is dry, my hair is limp and my make-up just isn't working its magic. However, sometimes all it takes is one little trick to feel peppy again! This week, we will tackle techniques, products and styles that I have either tried or come highly recommended. And if you have any ideas or suggestions, send them my way!

Contouring:
To begin, let's chat about contouring. Now, please believe me when I say that I am not an expert at this. I scour Pinterest to find the absolute best ways to put on make-up without looking like a mime. I have very fair skin and dark hair so I am already a walking contrast. Looking like a dewy sunkissed goddess or Elvira is a very thin line, my friends.

But, contouring has some definite benefits! It can emphasize your favorite parts and de-emphasize those that are not. And it can totally lighten you up, which is nice since we have fewer minutes of sunlight every day.

Recently, I took some pointers from my very best friend, Kim Kardashian. Love her or hate her, her face is freaking amazing, and it is only enhanced by contouring. Here is what her contouring looks like:

To be honest, this is way too complicated for me. I am pretty sure if I applied this method I would look like I have camouflage on my face. I do not spend precious minutes getting ready every morning just so I can go hunting.

However, I did find a website that breaks it down, making those who are make-up-challenged, like myself, learn how to contour properly. For example:

See how the the bronzer is applied just below the cheek bone and not on the cheek bone? This is amazing! How did I not know this? This nugget of information would have been very useful during my freshman year of high school.

Here are some more useful tips:

• If you have a round face and want to make it look more oval: Apply a bronzer a shade or two darker than your skin tone in a "3" shape alongside your face: on your temples, the hollow of your cheeks, and your chin.
• If you have a prominent forehead: Shade around the outer edge of your forehead along your hairline to minimize the area with bronzer.
• If you have a flat or wide nose: Shade alongside your bridge starting from your inner brows. Then highlight right on the center of your nose.
• If gravity is taking a toll and your cheeks are sagging: Apply a highlighter just above your cheekbone all the way to your temple. Use a blush directly on the cheekbone, then use a bronzer in the hollow of the cheek, underneath your bone.

My mind is officially blown.

In conclusion, contouring rocks! Learning how to do it may take some time but it can definitely brighten you up as we head into the cold winter months.

And if you are a contouring genius or have any pointers for those who aren't, be sure to leave a comment or two. It takes a beauty village, my friends.