No Orange, No Stripes

Two words: District Court

 

 

Have you ever had to experience going to court? Well, last week I had my first (and last) experience with court. It was a speeding ticket and quite a few mphs over the posted speed limit. It was probably one of the most terrifying experiences, Ever.

 

I arrived early and watched all the cases before mine. The video conferenced in those already incarcerated. The other cases were sentencing for random charges. Finally, traffic court began. He called name-after name, most of which decided not appear for court. Then, I hear... Jerrica Moses.

I walk slowly to the podium where he reads my charges. "How do you plead?"

 

Uhhh what?! My stomach dropped to my toes, and my mouth sealed shut. I would pay money to see the look on my face. Before I could even murmur a noise, the judge answers for me. He explains the consequences of driving fast and asks what I learned from this. "I never want to be here again." Not the best answer, but the judge seemed to enjoy it. He laughed, and then said, dismissed.

 

 But here's what I really learned from this experience:

 

1. People have no respect for the justice system or the judge. Most of the other people waiting for their cases were less than presentable. Most were in pajamas and their hair not even combed. Come on people! At least bathe and not wear a hat. Your appearance is the first thing anyone in that court room notices. Your lack of effort is disrespectful the judge and justice system.

 

2.  Turn OFF your cell phone. This is just common sense. Your ridiculously loud ringtone distracts every one in the courtroom. The county I had to attend court in confiscates your phone for 48 hours if it goes off while court is in session. Again, it is a respect thing.

 

3. Have all documents together before going to the podium. Countless people spent several minutes fumbling around finding drivers license, insurance cards, and other documentation needed for the judge. Having it ready prior saves both you, the judge, and the 100s of people waiting their turn.

 

4. Don't text and drive. You might think that using your phone while driving is okay, that you have it under control. Law enforcement and judges DO NOT take this lightly. I listened to the judge lecture a young lady about how dangerous it is, and that he cannot understand why people think this is okay. She walked away with over $1000 in fines. Visit DoT website for more information about distracted driving.

 

5. I am definitely slowing down. I don't know what is worse. That I had to go to court or the anxiety I faced in the weeks leading up to court.

 

Take it from me, it's not worth it. And orange is definitely NOT my color.

 

 

 



Why Not? Wednesday- e.l.f. Essential Lipstick $1.00

It's Wednesday! Half way through the week. Thank goodness!! This is the first week I've been fully functional at work and partially functional at home. I only say partially because I've been exhausted. I'm talking like come home at 7PM and falling asleep. One of my coworkers even text me yesterday to make sure I was awake.

I was in a rush to get to work today. Wednesdays I have an 8:30 AM call that pretty much dominates my morning. It also seems that every Wednesday something happens... running late, speeding ticket, laptop crashed. Today- I was awake, on time, and ready to go. Before walking in the door to work, I quickly checked in the mirror to make sure I'm presentable. I thought holy smokes... this lop color is super gorgeous. I actually wear it often and just purchased my second tube.I was hesitant about purchasing because it was a whole $1.00. I thought Why not?

These are from elf cosmetics- Essential Lipstick. These colors are Sociable, Classy, Nostalgic. They are smooth and moisturizing. They are not waxy or sticky- my BIGGEST lip product pet peeve. I do have to reapply around lunch, so it's definitely not one that lasts all day long. It's not matte but not glossy. It's in between. The pigmentation is hit and miss. I had really AWESOME results out of Classy, but the other two lacked in pigmentation.

1. Sociable- is a reddish pink, with a hint of fuchsia. Fades quicker than the others I tried.

2. Classy- a super, soft pink. Very, very pretty. This is my FAV. It reminds me of the lip color on Miranda Lambert- Mama's Broken Heart video. Like I said, it's my second tube.

3.  Nostalgic- It's a sheer nude, so sheer you can't even see it in the picture. It also makes me look like a zombie. It. Was. Awful. Maybe I just got a bum one. The texture isn't even the same as the others.

Overall, I would say they are mediocre. I had two misses and one hit. Would I tell you to go buy them now? No. Would I tell you if interested buy one or two to try? Yes. For a dollar, it's not too big of a loss. And, if it doesn't work out, give it to a friend.

 You can check out these lipsticks and more by visiting their website. Prepare to splurge.

Also, you can purchase at your local drugstore. :)

PS I won a Maybelline The Smokes palette on Ebay! It should be here by early next week. I am so EXCITED!

June *Drugstore* Wishlist

I have incredibly sensitive skin, so when it comes to purchasing new products I am VERY selective. I do a ton of research- reviewing ingredient lists to see if this would even come close to being compatible with my skin. Which usually leads to a wishlist, and this one is drugstore affordable!

1. Maybelline- The Smokes palette: 12 shadows in the palette- most in the dark smokey range. There's a few colors that absolutely caught my eye, so I am on the search for this. It was release some time ago, and now near impossible to find. I've bid on a few through Ebay, but no success yet. Now, I *did* but The Blushed Nudes and only mildly satisfied (pigmentation issues). So why buy this one?? Well, I do NOT wear dark colors, so if this has the same formula and pigmentation issues... This could be potentially useful for me. Price (average): $12-18 on Ebay

2. Garnier Fructis- Root Amp: I am a sucker for root pumpers. I have a short, asymmetrical, stacked hair cut, and root pump is a MUST. Currently, I use a high end brand and not a fan of the cost. I've always had good results with Garnier and totally excited for this new volume line. Price: $4.29 Fancy details here.

3. Revlon Matte Lipstick in Pink Pout: The color caught my eye first. It is a soft pink and adorable. It is Matte- which is an even bigger plus. I've read a few blogs that claims it is also a Mac dupe, so we shall see. Price: $7.99 Fancy details here.

4. Yes to Cucumbers- Facial Cleansing Wipes: When I was younger I had no issues ruining countless wash cloths because I knew my mom could *always* get the makeup stains out. In adulthood... I don't have time for that, so facial cleanings cloths are my new best friend. I've read REALLY great things about all their products, but I have never tried them. Plus, I am always searching for a facial wipe. I've not yet found one I am in love with. Price: $5.99 Fancy details here.

5. Wet'n'Wild- Nude Awakening palette: I present to you another palette that is not available in store, and I cannot find on Ebay. I have a similar palette in Comfort Zone, and it is awesome. Pigmentation and wear-ability on point. I fell in love with this because of one color- Right hand Column, Crease color. It's like a slate, metallic-y gray-blue. I need this!! No details for Nude Awakening, but here is information for Comfort Zone. Price: $4.68

6. Maybelline- Eye Studio Master Graphic: Confession: I cannot do a winged liner. Why? One side is impeccably better than the other. I try to even out, and it smudges. I try to fix it again, and I look like a mix between Harley Quinn and a Panda. (Not that I am complaining about HQ, but work might frown upon it). I thought with this angled tip pen, there might be a little more hope for me. Price: $7.99 Fancy details here.

What is on your June Wishlist? Do you have any drugstore products you think I would love?

Also I'll just leave this here...

Oooh- Update. I found frame one for my back-up craft project. I immediately regret not buying the 2nd frame, so I might be venturing out to grab the second one.

Why Not Wednesday? Mary Kay After Sun Replenishing Gel

Wild hair and little kid sunnies

I was fortunate enough to spend some time lounging at my parent's pool this past weekend. It was much needed relaxation. I grabbed a book and just shut out the world. After a while, I thought, well, I'll just put my book down and float around in probably the best float ever. Three hours later I woke up to dark clouds, swirling winds, and the realization that yes, I took a nap in the pool. I am guessing you have gathered from the title, that the sun wasn't so kind to this fair-skinned, freckled girl. What's even better... I fell asleep with my legs crossed, so only one leg is burnt on one side.

*Disclaimer: I DID use copious amounts of sunblock.

 I am an avid protester or extreme tanning and the use of tanning beds!*

Leg to Arm comparison- OUCH!

I thought I was in the clear, and I wouldn't be as burned as expected. Late evening rolls around, and I was miserable. I was so miserable I contemplated how I was going to wear pants or move around. I frantically searched the internet for ways to help relieve some of the pain. We tried vinegar, tea, tea bags, tea soaked towels, sacrifices to the sun, more tea- with no relief. The next day, it was even worse. (Thankfully, it was Sunday, and I decided to stay home- which means I didn't have to wear pants.) I remembered, from my old days of being a Mary Kay consultant, I had a bottle or two of the After Sun Replenishing Gel. I thought... Why not? 

What a relief. It instantly pulled the burning sensation/feeling from my body. I've used it pretty regularly, and so far, I have no signs of peeling. It also reduced the puffiness and overall ache of having a sunburn.

This is a cool blue gel that absorbs into the skin almost instantly. I am able to get dressed after applying- which isn't the case for most gel based products. It's not STICKY! Another plus. It contains botanical extracts filled with antioxidants to improve moisturzation. We all know the sun can leave you stripped of all teh vitals for vibrant skin. This product is designed to give you all that back, and more. NOTE: This is NOT sunblock or contain any SPF elements. 

This retails for $14.00 a bottle from any Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. You can check out the product here Mary Kay After Sun Replenishing Gel. 

If you do not have a consultant, please please please talk to my bestie- Cari King! She is amazing at what she does and offers a variety of services. She is an Advanced Color Consultant, and can answer ANY color related question. My favorite thing about her business? She is all about customer service! What business do you know that will drive to meet you, personalize your look, answer any and all questions, deliver straight to you,  and provide a 100% guarantee on your products? Click here to learn more about Cari and her business---> Cari King- Mary Kay INDEPENDENT Beauty Consultant

Have a pool? Going to the beach? Hang out with the kiddos at the water-park? Regular tanner? I recommend this product this product to keep skin nourished and glowing! (Just not glowing red in my case)

Creative Crunch- View of the Backlog

It's Monday. M. O. N. D. A. Y.

This Monday was definitely a Monday. Rough start this morning, dealing with a sunburn (<--- perfect topic for Why Not? Wednesday), a STYE, construction, a ton of emails, backing up my old laptop, working with IT for my new laptop, and rain. I'm not complaining about the rain though because my poor, sickly yard needed it.

I come home, follow routine, and needed something out of my office. My office... is currently the catch-all of the house piled with totes, stuff I need to donate, and a backlog of crafts. I used to craft quite often, and then life just happened. I have piles and boxes of half finished crafts or never even start crafts. I couldn't even tell you the last thing I created... which is sad. I seriously have a backlog and  a list of crafts I need to complete.

My next idea... I need a crafting group. Once a month, affordable pinterest project, wine, chocolate, and the company of one another. Would you be interested? Even if you're not crafty, we can at least have a good time. Shoot. I'll make my craft and your's. I need a creative outlet. I mean, I have my blog, but I want to build, paint, sew, SOMETHING.

Needless to say I've been in somewhat of a creative crunch. My heart says yes, but my brain says no. Not so much my brain, but my body. I'm pooped by the end of the day, and the weekends are filled with errands and laundry. To keep me on track... I'm posting for the world to see my top priority crafts (so you can hold me accountable):

 

 

It's going to be cuteeeeee.

1. Adding frilly extenders and width to now-too-small shirts. First, don't judge me. Second, I LOVE these shirts and can't bring myself to get rid of them, so after some pinning I found a way to combine the two. I don't like the tutorials I found, so I am winging it. I have this almost metallic blue button up that needs a little extra room, but I also have this sheer, flowy top that just isn't my style anymore.

 2. This project has been on the back-burner for sometime. I inherited the bag for my birthday; well, it had a gift in it too. I fell in LOVE with the print. I want to frame the print. I want to old, decorative frames that I can paint to coordinate with the colors. If I could find some gorgeous wood frames I would settle for that as well. I HATE to buy the frames new, so I have been scouring local thrift stores in hopes of finding something. I would like two frames preferably bigger than an 8X10.






3. This. This is the best of the best. A friend bought this for my birthday, but it's not your average color by number... It's the adult version. I want to finish this, but I need to be in the right mindset. Haha. I also need both eyes to work properly (without a stye). Oh yeah... best thing about it, it's CATS.

Here's to my commitment to finish these, and then start on the 100s of others hanging out in my office.

What Not Wednesday? $90 Savings- Assured RX Razor

Do you want to know something I absolutely hate buying?! Razors, razor cartridges, anything shaving related. Most products are outrageously expensive. If you are sensitive skinned, tack on a few extra dollars.

One time I sat down and calculated how much Joe and I were spending on razors and cream.

Jerrica- Razor + Cartridge+ Cream= $30 about every three months

Approximately $120a year people!!

But ladies, I have found razors that are incredible and a fraction of the cost. One day, I was strolling the aisles of the Dollar Tree. I seen a ton of razor options, but thought... yeah right. I bet you they are crap. Then I thought again, it's $1.00. Why not?

I opted for the Assured RX brand- Triple Blade for Women because it offered what I usually look for in a razor. They also offer a men's option. These razors offer curved edge for comfort, a lubricating strip, rubber grip, and triple blades. Plus, they are pink. First use- super, super smooth shave. No nicks, cuts, or blood. My legs were even eat up with mosquito bites, and the razor didn't irritate them. Love the curved design of the blade, as it provides an even closer shave. You're not forced to do crazy yoga poses to reach the back of your thigh.

For $1.00 you receive 5 razors in the package. I've only used a couple of weeks, and I'm still using the first razor out of the package. I've searched and searched for answers on how often you should change your razor/blade, and the answer is inconclusive. It is dependent upon the user: how often you shave, the size of the area, the texture of your hair, if you care for your razor, etc.. What I can tell you. Throw away any RUSTED razor immediately. If it is beginning to tug or pull your hair, replace. If you're not as smooth of a shave change it out. I have scarring images that come to mind when thinking about bad razors and bad shaving... Cabin in the Woods, that girl shaving her legs in the bath. DO. NOT. GOOGLE.

I'm thinking one razor will last me three to four weeks, so I've reduced my cost from about $30 to  around $7 every three months.

I recommend you to at least try them.  Save some money!! These should be available at your local Dollar Tree.

Meow or Never: Recap

Let's recap.

The last couple of months or so have been some of the most challenging and demanding of my entire life. Basically February on has been a crap shoot. I will spare you the grueling details of every month, but I will hit some of the high points.These were total life changing events.

I watched addiction overcome my father-in-law. My husband decipher the ugly actions of others. My once best friend drift farther away. Every day struggles of the workplace. Inconceivable actions of those you love most. The most devastating and heartbreaking news.

Before I begin, keep in mind THIS. IS. REAL. It is no way an excuse or a crutch.

Since hitting my 20s I have struggled with migraines, irregular cycles, emotional highs and lows, severe stomach pains, and of course, weight gain. I didn't really think anything of it until... I have a menstrual cycle that lasted 10-12 weeks. Yes. 3 straight months. A coworker finally forced me to go to the doctor.

After test after test, days of waiting, an ultrasound, and thousands of dollars... I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and borderline diabetic.Those two pretty much go hand in hand for women diagnosed with PCOS. It explained sooo many issues I had been facing: irregular painful periods, weight gain, issues losing weight, depression, hair growth.

These are all things I can fix though. I was placed on a low-carb diet and dropped 20 lbs. in no time. My periods had become regulated with the help of medicine. My moods were better as my hormones became more balanced. And the hair... that's a whole different post.

What I didn't realize, PCOS causes fertility problems. Wait. Hold. Stop. Excuse me? 

These five years everyone has asked when why we don't have kids... I am the problem? The one thing a woman can do in life... I can't? I've spent years thinking it's just not the right time. I convinced my brain I didn't want children, but my heart felt otherwise. I masked my emotions because I just knew it would happen one day. Now, there's a little more solidity to the lack of diapers and bottles at the Moses house. (Disclaimer: I know things can change, miracles happen, and there's adoption options.) Now, it's a little different when people mention babies.

What's even harder is the people who are insensitive to the issue.  It's hard to shop for baby shower gifts- let alone, attending one. It's enraging to watch you- 6 months pregnant- smoke and talk about using illegal substances. It's difficult to see you treat your children so poorly. It's heartbreaking when you say, "Ah, kids aren't worth it anyway." It's upsetting when you say, maybe you should try harder, quit trying,  try this medicine, talk to this doctor. The worst, "maybe you wouldn't be a good parent anyways."

But... I trudge on through. I have supportive people in my life, and I am grateful for that. I am even more grateful for a God who knows exactly what he's doing. I am coping and learning as I venture through life. One day at a time. On my toughest days, I remember the John 13:7 and it puts a smile on my face.

In the mean time... one word: cats