Everyone has a bad day, but there are days you can't seem to shake it. Those days call for a comfy bed, covers over your head, and some comfort food. Now, don't get it twisted- this is not about eating my emotions. (Unless stressed, haha.) But there are some dishes that remind us of our families, associated with a specific memory, and just taste dang good.
Top 5 Comfort Foods for those terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day:
5. Stepmomma's Chicken Enchiladas
I only get this meal once a year- on my birthday. My dad/stepmomma come to visit for my birthday weekend and I'm fortunate she cooks the entire weekend! Her chicken enchiladas though... They are amazing. Just ask anyone I've shared with. I've tried recreating the recipe and trying others, but it's just not the same.
4. Geneva's Vegetable Soup
My husband's grandmother ALWAYS calls when she makes a big kettle of vegetable soup. It's hearty, tomato-y goodness.
3. Grilled Cheese
I don't care who, when, or how it's made. I love a good grilled cheese. It always makes me feel better, so on those not so great days I need a pick me up? I grab some bread and two slices of cheese and make a grilled cheese. Add some back on the middle... heaven!
2. Mac and Cheese
Cheesy noodle goodness. Now, I am picky about my mac and cheese. I guess you could say I am more of a shells and cheese person. Mac and cheese always reminds me of home. I remember when I was younger, that was meal of choice for my mom and me. You can make a large portion for next to nothing.
1. Mamaw's Chicken and Dumplings
Ask anyone in my family what's the best dish my mamaw makes? I bet you they will answer chicken and dumplings. They are a hard thing to perfect: consistency, dumpligs, flavor, etc.. Somehow my mamaw makes it perfect every time. In her house, don't expect little droplet dumplings or huge biscuit ones, I am telling you they are a perfect mix of the two. NO ONE's compares to my mamaw's.
These aren't extravagant dishes ordifficult to make. I think what the difference is they are made with love. It's that ingredient you can't bottle or purchase at a store. It's the work of people who want to provide a delicious meal for their family. That's why there is no recipe attached. I could tell you exactly how to make the above but it wouldn't taste the same.
Today, I ask you to stop and think about your favorite dish. If it's linked to someone near and dear to your heart, pick up the phone or stop by to tell them how much you appreciate them!
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
There's Always Tomorrow.
I have always been an advocate for skin care. I'm not knocking those who just use soap and water on your face, because lets face it (see what I did there?)... you are still washing your face. In my younger years, I was HORRIBLE for not washing my makeup off at night. I thought, ehh, I will do it in the morning. Now, as I see my skin aging and changing every day, I would not DARE to even THINK about sleeping in my my makeup. I would even lecture Holly Golighty because she doesn't wash her makeup off before bed either.
Did you ever think about the effects of sleeping in your makeup? No... let me share some facts with you. One night may not harm you, but repeat offenders could be causing irreversible damage to your skin.
Since we all learn differently, I've added a visual as well. This is my make-up remover cloth after wiping down my face. This... was a light day of makeup- minimal contouring, minimal shadow/mascara, and mineral powder foundation. Look at all the product that could be causing damage to my skin!! Also, those shadows and that activity tracker are new and current faves. I'm sure they'll make a blog appearance again.
On the other hand...
I've had quite the challenging past week or so. Life has beat me up, and there were times that I could just hide under the covers. At the end of the day, I could come home, wash my face, and feel a million times better. I swear there is some therapeutic value for me. No matter how crappy, how terrible, or how demanding a day could be washing my face reminds me there is always tomorrow. Call me crazy, but I swear it is a small reminder that everything will be okay. I can wash away today and be ready for a brand new tomorrow.
Here's my challenge to you. If you are already an avid face washer, kudos! If not, force yourself to wash your makeup off 5 consecutive nights in a row. I promise you won't regret it!!
Now, I've already washed my face, wrote you a quick blog, and drank my sleepytime tea. Sweet dreams clean faces!
Did you ever think about the effects of sleeping in your makeup? No... let me share some facts with you. One night may not harm you, but repeat offenders could be causing irreversible damage to your skin.
- Makeup attracts free radicals which can break down the collagen in your skin causing more prominent fine lines. Your skin rebuilds over night, and by sleeping in your makeup, your interrupting the process. WRINKLES
- Makeup clogs your pores. Your poor little pores are clogged overnight, and then in the morning, you wake up with pimples on the day of your huge presentation. One night won't hurt, but over time your pores become more and more clogged. ACNE
- Liquid foundations and oil-based primers are the worst offenders. These heavy products sink into your pores, and they become impacted. Coupled with collagen breakdown, your pores overtime don't shrink back to their normal size. LARGE PORES
- When sleeping in mascara, the product becomes dry and flaky. This could cause eye irritation, but when you rub those flaky eyes, you could be pulling out your eyelashes! SPARSE LASHES
Since we all learn differently, I've added a visual as well. This is my make-up remover cloth after wiping down my face. This... was a light day of makeup- minimal contouring, minimal shadow/mascara, and mineral powder foundation. Look at all the product that could be causing damage to my skin!! Also, those shadows and that activity tracker are new and current faves. I'm sure they'll make a blog appearance again.
On the other hand...
I've had quite the challenging past week or so. Life has beat me up, and there were times that I could just hide under the covers. At the end of the day, I could come home, wash my face, and feel a million times better. I swear there is some therapeutic value for me. No matter how crappy, how terrible, or how demanding a day could be washing my face reminds me there is always tomorrow. Call me crazy, but I swear it is a small reminder that everything will be okay. I can wash away today and be ready for a brand new tomorrow.
Here's my challenge to you. If you are already an avid face washer, kudos! If not, force yourself to wash your makeup off 5 consecutive nights in a row. I promise you won't regret it!!
Now, I've already washed my face, wrote you a quick blog, and drank my sleepytime tea. Sweet dreams clean faces!
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Why not? Wednesday and a Giveaway!!!: Shimmer Eye Shadows and Primers
This Why Not Wednesday has been in the works for a while. Mostly because as you will notice, I've tried a fair share of products to find my favorite one(s).
I am a HUGE fan of cream eye shadows. I know some of you will cringe and think the only thing they do is crease. Well I would be lying if I didn't encounter that same problem. After a lot of trial and error, I found some that I really really like. I am not an eyeshadow primer fan. It always feels a little too heavy for my lids, but I do like using a cream as a base. I think it provides a little more 'adhesive' for my shadow. I will use an eye primer if it is a special event, or I know I will be sweating/outside. Here is a review for 8 total I've tried and definitely listed in order. My favorites... all come from e.l.f. which means they are extremely affordable.
8. e.l.f. Glitter Primer: This is thick, and I really didn't see any glitter flakes. It dries extremely chalky and left a white residue on my lids. There is no evident staying power as indicated in an eyeshadow primer. It was originally bought on a whim since I found it at our local Dollar Tree for $1.00. You can purchase this online for $2.00 on e.l.f.'s website. Eye Glitter Primer
7. Hard Candy Eye's the Limit Shadow Primer: This is creamier and thinner than the primer mentioned above. It was included in a gift set I received for Christmas, so no harm done in trying it out. I couldn't get this to dry. It remained tacky, and my shadow creased like crazy. I tried it with glitter, matter, satin, and any other shadow you could imagine. You can only find this at WalMart for $5.00. Eye's the Limit
6. Maybelline Color Tattoo: This is the only *matte* base I own. I also found this at our local Dollar Tree hence why I have a less than ideal color. I really like this to build my crease. It does an amazing job, but I cannot use it as an all over base. The shadow sticks well and keeps it in place. I can't speak to creasing because I used it as a builder. I think I would enjoy these in a different shade. Color Tattoo
5. Mary Kay Cream Eye Color: These are very creamy and work best be used with a concealer type brush. There is a range of colors. I used the lighters ones as an entire base, but also used the darker colors as eyeshadow. They offer nine different colors are a mix of shimmer and matter. These run about $14.00, but I know Cari, my BFF, runs amazing deals and great parties. Shop with her today! Mary Kay Cream Eye Color
4. e.l.f Facial Whip: For $1.00, you can't beat this buy! It is extremely pigmented and multipurpose. I love the glitter power of this product. It makes for a great base shadow. My con, it is very watery, so it can be hard to manage and placement can be a little messy. It dries somewhat quickly; although, I do have to wait for it to dry before applying the next color. It is available in 3 colors. It can be purchased in your local drugstore or online. e.l.f. Facial Whip
3. Mary Kay Cream Highlighter: MK why do you do this to me?! It is DISCONTINUED!!! I would still be using this as my cream base if it wasn't insanely hard to find. This was actually developed to be a cream highlighter. I used it as an all over eyeshadow base. It is so creamy, just the right amount of shimmer, stays in place, and doesn't crease!!! I can't find a direct link, but there are some on Ebay for sale.. at an inflated price.
2. e.l.f. Shimmer Palette: This small palette offers four different colors- an icy silver, two pinkish peaches, and a taupe/sand color. These are weightless and smooth. This is another multipurpose makeup product. I mostly use it as an all over eye base, but occasionally as an inner eye corner and nose highlighter. I also really like this if I am going for a somewhat natural look. It's the right amount of sheen. I've not seen this in store, but you can purchase it online. e.l.f. Shimmer Palette
DRUM ROLL PLEASE...
1. e.l.f. Smudge Pot: I LOVE THESE THINGS!!! They are almost identical to the texture of the MK Cream Highlighter mentioned above. These things also DO NOT come off. There is no movement, no creasing, no smudging (despite the name). There is an assortment of colors and great for a smoky eye- a total of 11. The names are super cute. My favorite color is Ain't that Sweet? It is a pink base, but the glitter flakes are multicolored. When in the sun, it has a holographic, iridescent effect. Gorgeous!! These are $3.00 a pod, which I think is great! Only con- I don't like how these are applied with a brush, and I wish the mouth of the pod was a little wider for accessibility. Local drug stores sell some colors, but for the full range check out online. e.l.f. Smudge Pots
Below are swatches of all the products except #7 and #8.
I am a HUGE fan of cream eye shadows. I know some of you will cringe and think the only thing they do is crease. Well I would be lying if I didn't encounter that same problem. After a lot of trial and error, I found some that I really really like. I am not an eyeshadow primer fan. It always feels a little too heavy for my lids, but I do like using a cream as a base. I think it provides a little more 'adhesive' for my shadow. I will use an eye primer if it is a special event, or I know I will be sweating/outside. Here is a review for 8 total I've tried and definitely listed in order. My favorites... all come from e.l.f. which means they are extremely affordable.
8. e.l.f. Glitter Primer: This is thick, and I really didn't see any glitter flakes. It dries extremely chalky and left a white residue on my lids. There is no evident staying power as indicated in an eyeshadow primer. It was originally bought on a whim since I found it at our local Dollar Tree for $1.00. You can purchase this online for $2.00 on e.l.f.'s website. Eye Glitter Primer
7. Hard Candy Eye's the Limit Shadow Primer: This is creamier and thinner than the primer mentioned above. It was included in a gift set I received for Christmas, so no harm done in trying it out. I couldn't get this to dry. It remained tacky, and my shadow creased like crazy. I tried it with glitter, matter, satin, and any other shadow you could imagine. You can only find this at WalMart for $5.00. Eye's the Limit
6. Maybelline Color Tattoo: This is the only *matte* base I own. I also found this at our local Dollar Tree hence why I have a less than ideal color. I really like this to build my crease. It does an amazing job, but I cannot use it as an all over base. The shadow sticks well and keeps it in place. I can't speak to creasing because I used it as a builder. I think I would enjoy these in a different shade. Color Tattoo
5. Mary Kay Cream Eye Color: These are very creamy and work best be used with a concealer type brush. There is a range of colors. I used the lighters ones as an entire base, but also used the darker colors as eyeshadow. They offer nine different colors are a mix of shimmer and matter. These run about $14.00, but I know Cari, my BFF, runs amazing deals and great parties. Shop with her today! Mary Kay Cream Eye Color
4. e.l.f Facial Whip: For $1.00, you can't beat this buy! It is extremely pigmented and multipurpose. I love the glitter power of this product. It makes for a great base shadow. My con, it is very watery, so it can be hard to manage and placement can be a little messy. It dries somewhat quickly; although, I do have to wait for it to dry before applying the next color. It is available in 3 colors. It can be purchased in your local drugstore or online. e.l.f. Facial Whip
3. Mary Kay Cream Highlighter: MK why do you do this to me?! It is DISCONTINUED!!! I would still be using this as my cream base if it wasn't insanely hard to find. This was actually developed to be a cream highlighter. I used it as an all over eyeshadow base. It is so creamy, just the right amount of shimmer, stays in place, and doesn't crease!!! I can't find a direct link, but there are some on Ebay for sale.. at an inflated price.
2. e.l.f. Shimmer Palette: This small palette offers four different colors- an icy silver, two pinkish peaches, and a taupe/sand color. These are weightless and smooth. This is another multipurpose makeup product. I mostly use it as an all over eye base, but occasionally as an inner eye corner and nose highlighter. I also really like this if I am going for a somewhat natural look. It's the right amount of sheen. I've not seen this in store, but you can purchase it online. e.l.f. Shimmer Palette
DRUM ROLL PLEASE...
1. e.l.f. Smudge Pot: I LOVE THESE THINGS!!! They are almost identical to the texture of the MK Cream Highlighter mentioned above. These things also DO NOT come off. There is no movement, no creasing, no smudging (despite the name). There is an assortment of colors and great for a smoky eye- a total of 11. The names are super cute. My favorite color is Ain't that Sweet? It is a pink base, but the glitter flakes are multicolored. When in the sun, it has a holographic, iridescent effect. Gorgeous!! These are $3.00 a pod, which I think is great! Only con- I don't like how these are applied with a brush, and I wish the mouth of the pod was a little wider for accessibility. Local drug stores sell some colors, but for the full range check out online. e.l.f. Smudge Pots
Below are swatches of all the products except #7 and #8.
Do you want to add some of these to your collection?! Yes, that's right I am doing a small giveaway!
1. Ain't that Sweet? e.l.f. Smudge Pot
2. Lilac Petal e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip
2. Pink Petal Mary Kay Eye Shadow (sample- LOVE this color!)
3. Beach Bronze Mary Kay Nourishine Gloss (sample- PERFECT for Summer!)
5. Orange Polka Dot Mini Composition Book- Why you ask? This thing is my best friend. I write down all my thoughts, blog ideas, and prayers. Basically anything that pops into my mind. You need to try it! It will make you feel better.
Though the giveaway small, she is fierce. And FREE!
How to enter?
Answer the following question- What is your favorite summer product? Comments can be posted on Facebook or Instagram (as the blog link/info will be posted on each site). Please ensure you tag me, so I can validate your entry.
How to win?
The winner will be selected from a random number generator online and notified to obtain mailing information.
The giveaway will begin tonight Wednesday August 5 2015 and will last through Friday, August 14 2015 at 11:59 PM
No purchase is necessary. Odds of winning are based on number of entries. One valid entry per person. Prize totals around $6.00. Giveaway is open to US residents ONLY.
Happy entering and best of luck!
Oh yeah, and if you want to share my post... I would appreciate it. Maybe your friends want to enter too!
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Intelligence and Ambition: Bare Necessities
I've been tested a lot lately, and sometimes I beat myself up for things I shouldn't. The below is a quote I have etched in my brain. Without either, where are you ever going to go in life? You will remain right where you are... Now, if you are happy with that good for you! But, I believe there is always room to grow and improve.
Where is this leading to? A very, very poor in taste meme I seen scrolling through social media. Lately, I've seen more and more posts that makes me stop and shake my head. Most of those things I will not drag into my blog; however, I did see this meme today... it really irritated me. Brace yourself.
Seriously? Seriously?! I don't know why this irritates me so much, but it does. For more reason than one.
1. There is a difference between "are" and "our". It makes me cringe and I feel a migraine developing. Come on, basic English people!
2. This generation is not as terrible as people think it is. I'm sure you've heard more than once someone cursing these darn kids. There are some major issues with this generation, but don't label us all into that category.
3. A man cooking?! Good for him! Did you know it is 2015? Gender roles are continually changing. I will agree that women AND men should know how to cook. It's a basic survival skill, but the idea a woman is SUPPOSED to cook... Yeah, that's not happening. My first few years of marriage, my husband primarily cooked, and we were okay with it. Now, I gained some new skills and amazing recipes, so I primarily cook, and we are okay with that too.
1. There is a difference between "are" and "our". It makes me cringe and I feel a migraine developing. Come on, basic English people!
2. This generation is not as terrible as people think it is. I'm sure you've heard more than once someone cursing these darn kids. There are some major issues with this generation, but don't label us all into that category.
3. A man cooking?! Good for him! Did you know it is 2015? Gender roles are continually changing. I will agree that women AND men should know how to cook. It's a basic survival skill, but the idea a woman is SUPPOSED to cook... Yeah, that's not happening. My first few years of marriage, my husband primarily cooked, and we were okay with it. Now, I gained some new skills and amazing recipes, so I primarily cook, and we are okay with that too.
I'm not even going to pick apart this meme. I really hope that's a grilled cheese he is cooking because that is literally in the top 5 of comfort foods.
A little intelligence and ambition can take you a long way- even providing you with the ability to create a grammatically correct meme.
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