Return from the Black Lagoon

 Hellooooooo?

 

Anyone out there?

 

Yes, it's me. Again. It's been almost, what, two years since I updated this blog. I went AWOL on my little blogging community, something I have regretted for some time. 

Let me catch you up on my life:

1.) Two years ago this March, the rental home we were living in burned down. That put a cramp in my blogging style, which we have really just now started to recover from. Thankfully, we are both alive, employed, and have a new rental house. Unfortunately, we did lose most of our belongings in that fire and two of our precious pets.

2.) I'm still working in Human Resources. I added a few duties that allow me to do design work again, which pleases me to no end. Ah, Adobe, my friend.

3.) David is still nursing, but he's at a hospital now instead of hospice.

Other than that...Not a lot of change. I hope to rejuvenate this little blog and get back into the habit. Here's what you can expect from me:

1.) DIY projects. I've done a little of everything in this two year gap. Jewelry, sewing, painting, etc. 

2.) Reviews. I'm still into makeup and beauty products, and I'm still pretty damn opinionated. ;)

3.) Ramble...ramble...oh, look! shiny thing!

4.) Recipes. Yeah, that's right. I cook.

 

 

Colorado, here I come!

Well, I mean...Not this minute. But in a few days, yeah. Totally there!

Anyway, I'm having a few anxieties about the great trip to Colorado. I'm not scared of flying, per se. I love looking out at the scenery. I think I'm more worried about the process of the airport. It has been several years since I last flew, and I've never done it by myself. Any tips for packing for a two night, three day business trip?

I'm debating on sticking with a carry-on or checking a bag. All those regs about what you can and can't take in your carry-on! I totally support the TSA, but I'm nervous as hell that I'll get there and have to dump half my bag.

So, give 'em up, ladies! How would YOU pack?

Loreal Voluminous

So, I've been trying to use Loreal Voluminous mascara for the past two days. And I must confess, I just don't get it. It makes my lashes look beautiful, but after a few hours....I'm smudge city. I can clean it up, but in another hour or so, I'm looking like rocky raccoon again.

Everyone else seems to love this mascara. Is it just me having these problems?


Thank you all for the comments on my last post! I'm so glad to be back. :)

Okay. So I'm a bad blogger (And a few favorite products!)

I know. I promised some posts, and I went AWOL. I have no excuses....Other than:

1. I'm working on a few big projects at work. I'm in charge of fundraising for Relay for Life for our plant, and I'm also the new publicity chair for the county's Relay for Life.
2. I'm going to Colorado for training in relation to one of my big projects. I'm doing some work for all four plants, and I have to learn a new software, which is based out of Colorado...What a hardship, right?
3. I'm having some medical problems. Nothing to worry about, I hope, but I'm going to a neurologist in April. I'm taking a medicine for nerve pain in my skin, and it makes me really loopy.

But here is some new info about products I'm OBSESSED with right now:

1. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure (?) in Thinking of Blue. I may have the name wrong, but this shade is the perfect cream navy blue. The formulation is amazing. Go directly to Walmart, do not pass go. Buy this stuff! It is a top, base, and it has a hardener in it as well, I believe. I use two coats, and they last for days!

2. Tresemme Brunette/Red head shampoo (Brown bottle)- I'm not usually one to rave about shampoos, but this product is perfect. It really removes nasty color-changing deposits from my reddish/brown hair, and it leaves it shiny and soft. It also has a very nice scent as well.

3. Bath & Body Works HandiBac Anti-Bacterial Hand Lotion in Fresh Lemon - I hate lotions. No seriously. I only have three types of hand lotion I'll even consider using, and this is now one of my most favorites. It has surpassed Mary Kay Satin Hands for me!

4. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Pink Whisper - This is the prettiest baby pink gloss ever. Yes, it is kind of sticky, but it is well worth it. It is glittery, but it isn't chunky. Just try it out! I fell in love with this shade, and I went back for the peach as well. They are my staples now.

Also, I'm on day 1 of my Revlon Color Stay Foundation, so I'll keep you posted on that. Does anyone have application tips? I don't use liquid foundation much, so I'm a little out of practice.

Again, I'm sorry I've been all MIA. I have missed the blogging community, and I hope to get back in the swing of things soon. Anybody living in Colorado want to come save me from the big bad airport? :-/

A day in my life and upcoming posts

I have been crazy busy lately. It has been a struggle to get things accomplished at home and do my articles and post here. I've slacked big time on all three.  Here is a little day in my life:

6:20 a.m. - Wake up sluggishly after going to bed at 11+ p.m. Stumble blindly into the bathroom clutching the portable heater from our bedroom. It is 30 degrees here, and we haven't turned on our gas heat yet. That stuff isn't cheap!

6:30 a.m. - Took my shower last night, so I break out the flat iron. Attempt to smooth bed head while shivering in my jammies.

6:45 a.m. - Put on the exact same makeup as day before: Clinique dramatically different moisturizing lotion, Clinique concealer, MAC studio fix powder, L.A. Colors duo blush in blushing pink/mauve (It was $1, but it is GORGEOUS!), brown eyeshadow quad plus ice white shimmer for inner corner, Rimmel Volume The Max mascara, and MAC blankety lipstick.

7:00 a.m. - Throw clothes on in mad dash.

7:15 a.m. - Drive 30 to 45 minutes to work.

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Answer the phone, do paperwork, laugh with hilarious coworkers, work on new project for company, etc etc. Almost non-stop action until closing time, when I turn off my lights, lock up my area, shut down my computer, and clock out.

After that, I drive the 30 to 45 minutes home again and stare blankly at the fridge. Thankfully, my considerate hubby, who gets off an hour before me, usually has a plan. Bless him.

Anyway, I basically LOVE my new job. My title is Human Resources Representative/Receptionist, and I'm working on a new project for all four of our plants, which I am super stoked about. Everyone is exceptionally nice, and I can't think of one thing about what I'm doing that I hate.

Here is what is coming up:
1. B-day/V-day/D-day Haul
2. Review of Sally Hansen Salon Manicure in Thinking of Blue
3. Swatches of Clinique creme eyeshadow in Rock Violet and Different Lipstick in A Different Grape.

I LOVE you all! Happy Valentine's Day!

V-day nails!

We got snowed in again today, so I decided to watch a few nail art tutorials on YouTube. I was then possessed of the desire to paint my nails using my own V-day inspired design.

I used: 

1. L.A. Colors top coat/base coat

2. OPI's Vodka & Caviar

3. Revlon Colorstay in True Sheer Camisole

4. L.A. Colors Art Deco in Black

PS: To make the hearts, I used a needle. I'd advise a.) a better tool and b) a better nail polish than the Colorstay. It was very goopy.

Photo editing: Making life prettier than it really is. (JK)

I've always been into photography. I took a class when I was younger, and I've always had two or three cameras for different uses. Recently, I've been asked to take photos of couples, wedding dress shopping, etc. I'm pretty flattered about that! But do you want to know what my new favorite discovery in photography is? Picasa 3!

I used to use Adobe Photoshop (etc, etc), and I also use Aviary.com sometimes. But I was recently playing around with my husband's computer, and I edited a few photos using Picasa 3. I love this program. It has the standard cropping, straightening, lighting features, and it also has some neat tools! You can "warmify," glow, soft focus, etc.

Here are a few examples:

It is free, easy to use, and has a great interface. Try it out!

Extensions: Cheating is fun.

So, as you know, my hair is only about shoulder length. I've always wanted nice long hair, and before my wedding, I decided to buy some. Those that can't grow, buy! ;)

I purchased a set of the Remy human extensions at Sally's in August, and I've loved them ever since. They were fairly expensive at $80, but I got a nice discount from the Sally's because of my wedding. They were very sweet! Here is a picture of me wearing them lightly curled:

It gives you kind of an idea of what I look like with the longer hair. The color is a bit off, since I've lightened and dyed my hair red since I purchased these. I don't really have any shots of me with a good view of them. I'll work on that!

Here are a few facts about human hair extensions: 

1. You can straighten, curl, or otherwise heat style them. Just like your own hair though, you don't want to be too harsh on them.

2. You can dye them. Just treat them like your own hair. Be gentle when applying the dye and condition afterwards.

3. You should wash them every so often if you're using hairspray or other styling products on them.

4. If you want the extensions to look more natural, either cut them yourself or take them to a styling and have her cut them with your own hair.

5. You don't just need extensions for length. They are great for volume too! If you want more volume, place them closer to the top of your head, leaving enough hair to cover the weft.

Hope these little tips/facts were useful to you! I love mine, and I'm so glad I got them.

How to: Use an eyeshadow trio

This is by request.

This is just one way to use an eyeshadow trio. There are tons of ways to place the colors, but I use this one a lot. It looks very natural, and it only takes a minute or two. If you want something a bit more dramatic, you can pack the second darkest color on your lid and place the darkest color in your crease!





Hope you enjoy!

Stolen: One word answers!

Just stole this from Jennifer at Becoming Briggs. It looked like a lot of fun!

One Word Answers

Your Cell Phone? PDA

Your Hair? Red

Your Mother? Missed

Your Father? Hilarious

Your Favorite Food? Pasta

Your Dream Last Night? Strange

Your Favorite Drink? Coke

Your Dream/Goal? Motherhood

What Room Are You In? Den

Your Hobby? Photography

Your Fear? Fire

Where Do You See Yourself In Six Years? Mommy

Where Were You Last Night? Jackson

Something That You Aren't? Shy

Muffins? Cinnamon

Wish List Item? iPad

Where Did You Grow Up? Noxubee

Last Thing You Did? Makeup

What Are You Wearing? Jammies

Your TV? Hairspray

Your Pets? Many

Friends? Awesome

Your Life? Fun

Your Mood? Bummed

Missing Someone? Davy

Vehicle? Car-olla!

Something You Aren't Wearing? Socks

Your Favorite Store? Marshall's

Your Favorite Color? Pink

When Was The Last Time You Laughed? 5:00

Last Time You Cried? Iono?

Your Best Friend? Rachel

One Place You Go To Over And Over Again? Walmart

Facebook? Addicted

Favorite Place To Eat? Robins!