The Working Reality

 First, before you read this post and assume I am complaining, I am fortunate to be able to work remotely. It has been a true blessing to our family, as we hit a few bumps in the road. What I mean by bumps, is off-roading, need an ATV, mountains to get over. A question I get sooo many times- how do I get your job? I want to work from home and sit around all day!

What people don't often realize is the reality of working remotely. Although this doesn't cover it all, it's probably the top reasons I hear from people who want to work from home.

You get to wear pajamas all day! This is totally true. I do get to wear more comfortable clothes than skirts and heels. After almost eight years in an office five days a week, I didn't have ANY "normal" clothes to wear besides business attire. Now you're probably thinking, I wear my fancy yoga pants and corresponding tee. To be honest, it's usually my pajamas from the night before, and I don't ever match. You can bet there is some sort of ink and/or coffee stain. I hardly ever "get ready", and when I do, my husband or mother says, "Wow! you put on real pants today!"

Can you do me a favor? Run an errand, pick this up, etc? No, no I can't. Do you know why? I have a REAL job and things to do. Yes, I work remotely, but that doesn't mean I have any less of a workload or job. Most days I am lucky to even feed myself. In office, I was more apt to walk away and take a real lunch or break. I still have deadlines conference calls, resumes to review, and emails to answer.

You don't have to deal with coworkers. Well, this is also true. I don't have to make awkward chit chat and ask about your weekend wasting twenty minutes of time. Without this distraction, I am able to be a lot more productive. On the flip side, the majority of the time there is very little interaction beyond a brief call or email. There's days I crave real human interaction. My husband works nights, so our scheduling doesn't allow a lot of time for full conversations. I'm usually waiting to talk to him when he comes home, at which point he stares blankly because he just worked a 12 hour shift, and it's 6AM. I sometimes chat with the cats, but they are never interested in what I have to say.

You get to work whenever you want!  I still work a standard work week- Monday through Friday 8AM-5PM. I think the hardest part of working from home is learning to clock-out. I struggled with this for the longest time, but doing better. In my job, your work is never done There's always one more place to source, one more candidate to contact, one more resume to review. Supporting managers across the world, also means I am working in literally every time zone.Before or after my work schedule, I catch myself thinking, "Well, I'll just hop on a moment." Or, "Let me answer this email really quick." Two hours later, I'm still working. 

So, yes, working remotely does have both pros and cons. Believe me when I say it takes an incredibly organized, self-motivated, and dedicated person. Why would you like to work from home?

The Reading Backlog: What's on my Nightstand

I could sit here and write about books and reading all day. I've always loved reading, and my collection of books is out of control. Combine that with a husband who also loves to read, and your house is literally a library. Two offices, two nigh stands, four book shelves, and a few storage totes later.... we have a book from every genre and almost every subject. One of my all time favorite quotes comes from Cicero.

Books allow you to go on an adventure without taking a step. They allow you to feel, to love, to cry, to laugh. On my hardest days, I escape with a good book. Some people think naps or chocolate can cure anything... give me a cup of tea and a good book.

I've struggled lately finding a really good book that I can sit and read for hours. I think my last book (I finished) was Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige and Cinder by Marissa Meyer. Also, add some John Greene and some motivational books to the current completed list. My ongoing list though? It is filled with books that are readable and enjoyable, but I haven't been sucked into them... yet. Note that yet? I really, truly plan on reading/finishing these books.

1. Go Set a Watchman- Harper Lee
When this was released, I was almost in tears. TKAM forever changed my teen years and, it will ALWAYS be on my top MUST read list. To hear there was a sequel, I was overjoyed. I picked this up shortly after it came out, but.... haven't read it through. I find myself reading this hours on end and waiting weeks before I pick it up again.

2. The Wicked Will Rise- Danielle Paige
It's the age of fairy tale retellings. This is the second in a series about Dorothy, Oz, and the wicked Witch. Oh my! I blew through the first one in a week. I LOVED it. I may be partial to the story though, as I have always loved classic fairy tales/stories and their modernistic retellings. I bought this as soon as it came out, and I've not even cracked the book open. Guilty. The first book came out in 2014 and if you enjoy this type of reading I highly  highly suggest checking out this series. This is the author's direct page- Danielle Paige

3.  Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles) by MArissa Meyer
This is another fairy tell retelling. And... just like the above I zoomed through the first and could not wait to pick up the second in the series. The first is Cinderella based but with robots, and databases, and diseases. Except, I did start to read this one, I had some trouble trying to sit down and read through it. This one may not get finished, as one of my other book lovers said they were EXTREMELY disappointed by the series. Boo! I try to not judge a book on one opinion, but so far it's not faring so well for this book. Interested- check it out here :)

4. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
I read rave reviews this book while doing some research on decluttering and methods that actually last. I bit the bullet and purchased via iTunes, and it is on my phone/iPad. So far I have read this book and really liked the flow and her thought processing. I will say... some of her methods are a little out there for me, but if you follow the basics, you will see improvement in your life. To date- I've got rid of at least 5 bags of garbage two huge boxes of donations, and made about $100 on eBay selling items.  Yes, you can guarantee there will be blog(s) about my methods and progress.

5. The Tao of Twitter by Mark Schaefer
This is a recent add to my ongoing list. My husband has been after me and after me to read this book. He said it was a really, really good read, and it will help with my twitter/blog usage. Let's face it.... I am twitter-challenged. Well, challenged in the sense I struggle to use it effectively. I am excited to read this book and hopefully grow my blog.

What's on your reading list? Any suggestions for me? I am always looking for new books. After Harry Potter ended I have this huge,hole, and I struggle to find something comparable. :)

Why Not Wednesday? Yogi Tea

To say I've been stressed lately would be an understatement. I've been stressed on top of stressed coupled with hardly any sleep. I started to see some light at the end of the tunnel, but I'm almost positive that's just another train passing through. This Why Not Wednesday? is brought to you by stress.

I used to be a HUGE soda drinker. Spare telling me it's really bad and so on because I learned that the hard way. Soda was destroying my body. Copious amounts of syrupy sugar was destroying my body. (If you read earlier on, I was diagnosed pre-diabetic!)  When I buckled down with 21DF, my first goal was to completely cut pop/soda and sugar loaded coffee. But.... oh that caffeine.

Not to sound like an addict, but I did still need my caffeine. I do drink tea, but I would buy regular tea, and guess what- load it with sugar. While scrolling through my 21DF group, someone posted about Yogi Tea. I had never heard of it or seen the brand in store. My accountability group RAVED about this tea. So, I thought why not?

I mean the tea has to be amazing if it was first served by an inspirational holistic teacher to his class after a yoga session. If that doesn't scream relaxation. then I don't know what does. They now have so many rich flavors, variety of spices, and soothing aromas. Plus, each tea tag comes with an inspirational saying or quote. Each cup of tea makes me smile. If you're interested in their whole story, check it out here :)

 Currently I only have a few flavors- Green Tea Blueberry Slim Life, DeTox tea, and Raspberry Passion Perfect Energy. I LOVE every tea I have purchased so far. Also, I've not had to add any sugar to match my taste preferences. My personal favorite is the raspberry. The flavor is sweet but tangy, and it provides a natural energy. To date, I've replaced pop with my Yogi Tea. Instead of coffee in the morning, I reach for my tea!! (I would be lying if I didn't say... I have a McDonalds Coke on really bad day.)

If you're local, WalMart has very few selections. It is sold in most grocery chain. You can always find it online. I like to order from Amazon- mostly because I have prime. The tea can run $4-7 a box depending where you purchase.

If you're a tea drinker or looking for a natural alternative for caffeine- check out Yogi Tea!  Also, this is one of my top favorite cheesy jokes!

14 Quotes about Mushy Love Stuff

I jumped the gun a little and posted 14 things about my husband earlier in the week. Our Valentine's plans haven't really changed either. You can find us hanging out at home, watching Netflix, playing Xbox, and laughing at the cats. I wouldn't change it for anything in the world.


I've seen post after post of presents for Valentine's day. There's a couple who I adore, and I LOVE seeing what gifts they receive. This holiday-  these super cute Star Wars themed key chains. My BFF received a singing telegram. Countless, flowers, chocolates, and cards. Every year I think of a friend's husband, who has a gift, but scrambles to find something to write in her card. Know a guy like this? Are you a guy who still needs those perfect words?

Let me help you out! These are my top 14 love quotes perfect for any mushy, gushy card.

1. I was about half in love with her by the time we sat down. That’s the thing about girls. Every time they do something pretty…you fall half in love with them, and then you never know where the hell you are.” J. D. Salinger

2. “Who, being loved, is poor?” Oscar Wilde

3. "We're all a little weird, and life's a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love." Dr. Suess

4. “Do I love you? My god, if your love were a grain of sand, mine would be a universe of beaches.” William Goldman- The Princess Bride

5. “I do love nothing in the world so well as you - is not that strange?” William Shakespeare

6. “We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.” Albus Dumbledore

7. "Where you treaure isthere your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21

8.  "I look at you, and I am home." Dory

9. "Uuuuuur Aaaahhhrrrrr.Uuuuuurrrrr Arghhhh."  Chewbacca

10. "Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same." Emily Bronte

11. "As soon as I saw you, I knew an adventure was going to happen." Winnie the Pooh

12. "After a while, you just want to be with the one that makes you laugh." Mr. Big

13. "What a greater gift than the love of a cat." Charles Dickens

And most of all.. Song of Solomon 8:6-7
Joe and I have matching tattoos of the first line of this verse in Hebrew. 

 

I hope your Valentine's day is everything you want it to be! If not, just remember tomorrow all chocolate will be half off. Enjoy! 

Why Not Wednesday? Jergens BB Hand Cream

This winter we've been incredibly lucky to have more warm days than cold. I've not had to be as diligent in taking extra care of my hands from the cold weather. This second round of cold and snow is beginning to take a toll though. My poor hands get chapped so easily, so I have to slather on extra, extra lotion and take some preventative measures to keep them happy.

My winter hand care tips:

• Wear gloves when outside. Not for the obvious reasons of warmth, but a shield from blistering winds. 
•  Apply emollient at night before going to sleep, and slip on some cotton gloves for the night. 
• Limit the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and when washing, use mild soap and lukewarm water. 
• Drink extra water to keep skin hydrated. 
• Moisturize, moisturize moisturize!! I'm talking applying 5 to 6 times day.  

There are so many options on the market, and I'm not one to stray from my usual lotions/creams. (Mostly because of my sensitive skin.) However, I came across the Jergens BB Hand Cream on clearance at our local Walmart back in the fall. This is not something I would normally buy, but when it is 75% off, I thought why not. This hand cream provides SPF 20 and also claims it will diminish dark spots within two weeks. The hand cream is made for all skin tones. (They also have a body BB cream offered in different skin tones.)

You can purchase at any drugstore and find online from multiple sellers. I've linked the Jergens Website, so you can check out the details. Depending where you purchase- this retails from $6-8.00.

Instant Benefits- As the bottle states it hydrates, smooths, and protects instantly. It definitely hydrates the skin, My hands feel moisturized immediately after application. My hands also appear to be smoother and more youthful. I like this cream when my hands start to become really dry. I do not use this as my every day hand lotion. It's super thick, but does not leave a heavy or oily feeling. My hands feel silky smooth after. It instantly rejuvenates my hands overall and makes them happy again.

In 2 weeks- The bottle claims it will diminish dark spots and even your skin tone. I do not use this consistently enough to comment on the long term benefits.

Would I purchase again? Full price- absolutely not. At a really good deal, possibly. It's not a hit, but it's not a miss either. If you're interested, it may be worth checking out. :) 

February Makeup Lust List 2016

In light of everything going on (one day I will catch you up about it all), I wanted a light and airy piece for my blog. Writing can often times make me feel better, and my blog needed some attention. My BFF mentioned doing a lust list about beauty products.

She asked if money wasn't a concern OR you could find it- what would you beauty products would you buy?

You might look at this list, and think really? A lot of these are in people's everyday arsenal. Let me give you some back story- I was a one brand kind of gal a few short years ago. This brand was moderately priced and even better when you were a consultant. Recently, I've expanded into other brands and slowly adding others to my beauty collection.

Why did I choose these??

1. Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet Foundation- I have read a lot of reviews about this product, and the results are mixed. Some people applaud it, and others are less than pleased. I use matte finish because my poor face has some oily, oily spots. I tested in store, and it was a good match and dried a very beautiful matte. You can check out more details here! Retail $39.00

2. Wet N Wild Nude Awakenings eye shadow palette- This palette is VERY reminiscent of the earlier Naked palettes. I have other WNW palettes, and I really like the color payout and wear-ability. I cannot find this palette ANYWHERE!! It was released in 2013, so I am thinking I will never get to enjoy this beaut. :( I don't have a link to share, but I would say it retailed for $4-6.00

3. Urban Decay Moondust eye shadow in Solstice: I fell in LOVE with this color at an Urban Decay event at Ulta. It is gorgeous on, and the swatches do not do it justice. It's a brownish-burgundy rich color with blue 3D glitter/reflects. I convinced myself to buy it in store that day, but it was sold out. Since then, I haven't taken the plunge to purchase. There is a WNW "dupe", but it does not even compare!! For more details and to admire go here! Retail $21.00

4. Too Faced The Little Black Book of Bronzers- I looked at this in store some time ago and really like the variety and colors it provided. Obviously, I didn't buy it then. Now I find myself returning, reviewing, and admiring this set. The cheetah print bronzer is by far my choice of the group. More details here! Retail $49.00

5. Too Faced Love Flush Blush Wardrobe: Again, I am drawn to this because of the variety and options in the palette! I think these colors would compliment my skin tone and work great for me. I've swatched the flush blushes in store, and the pigmentation is awesome. For more details go here!
Retail $36.00

6. Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant Mascara- O M G! I love love love this product. I have a few samples of this mascara, and I only use it for special occasions. This mascara gives me the added volume and length needed. It stays on and doesn't flake even after 10+ hours. I would love to add this to my everyday collection!! To check it out, go here! Retail $24.00

For the record, my birthday is right around the corner. I mean these would make GREAT presents.

14 Questions about my Other Half

 I saw a fellow facebooker post these questions in a status and versus flooding people's feed with my answers, I thought I would post a blog. Plus, Valentine's Day is around the corner, so it's perfect timing.

As the title suggestions- 14 questions about my other half. Not still questions either. Plus, some throwback pictures?!

1. Where did you meet your other half?
 We met through mutual friends who were dating at the time. I lived with my friend, and her boyfriend lived in the same complex.

2. How long have you been with your significant other?
Just shy of 8 years. Holy smoke- it's hard to believe that!
 
3. If you're married, when did you say " I do"?
September 26, 2009. Originally, we wanted our anniversary to be 09/09/2009, but it was on a week day, and no one goes to a wedding on a week day.

4. What song did you walk down the aisle to?
Face palm.  Okay... it was the chorus to a song. I HAD to be different. No, I didn't want the typical bridal march.

5. Do you have any children yet?
Well, no. Five years of heartache and sadness. We do have fur-children though!

6. What's your favorite thing about your other half?
His ability to make me laugh. (Cheesy answer, right?) No matter how upset, angry, or disappointed Joe can ALWAYS make me laugh. I'm convinced he has an arsenal of memes and pictures saved on his phone to send for every occasion.


7. Were you and your other half high school sweethearts?
Nope. We didn't even know each other existed then.

8. Where was your first date?
This question is debatable. I can tell you about my "assumed" first date. Joe calls one day and says,"I have two tickets to the Dark Knight premiere. Would you like to go?" Sure! He picks me up in his car, and we head towards the movie. Well, he passes the turn to go towards the interstate. I was confused. "Oh yeah. We have to pick up Calep." Okay, whatever. This will be fine.We get to the movies where Joe meets up with at least 5 of his other guy friends. I was even more confused. Talk about awkward.

I dug out some oldddd pictures just for you. This was a selfie from our "first date"

9. How long were you dating before you said "I love you"?
I honestly don't remember. Do you know in the movies where people just say it without realizing it, and then ask each other if that just happened? Well, that's how our's worked out.

10. How long were you dating your other half before he/she proposed?
First off- NO JUDGING. Another typical movie plot- we just KNEW we were THE ONEs to complete each other. We were together roughly 6 months before he proposed.


11. Where is your favorite place you have traveled with your other half?
Disclaimer- Joe and I have NEVER been on vacation together. Not a real vacation. We plan to change that this year with discussions of visiting DC and NY.



12. How do you and your other half usually spend Valentine's Day?
We are both homebodies. We are entirely content with binging on Netflix, playing games, and eating a home cooked meal. 

13. What does your favorite 'date night' consist of?
Usually a movie and possible dinner.

14. What is the best gift you have received from your other?
The gift of unconditional love and respect. I will spare you the mushy, gushy details.

Take a minute and answer these questions about your other half! I promise it will make you smile!

Why Not Wednesday? Baby Foot- Foot Exfoliant Peel

Baby Foot- Exfoliant Foot Peel has been floating around the internet for quite some time. I was incredibly skeptical of this product, as I didn't believe it would work miracles as the reviews suggested. Boy, was I wrong. Saying this product worked is an understatement.

If you've not heard about Baby Foot, it is a foot exfoliant that removes layers of dead skin cells built up on your feet. It uses natural extracts and fruit acids to do the job. Through the process, your feet begin to slough/peel to expose the fresh, smooth skin underneath. Now, do not think this is just some peel like a sunburn. This is full-on peeling. Sheets of skin peeling, but it absolutely does not hurt! Gross, right?

The process- You get these hospital, alien looking plastic booties filled with the gel. Soak your feet in warm water about 30 minutes, dry, put on the booties and cover with socks. *Note- these are not made for walking around! It's dangerous, and reminds me of sloshing around in those sponge looking flip flops in middle school after they got wet. Sit back, relax, or if you're me work while your feet soak for an hour or so. After removing, rinse and dry. Then... this is the part where impatient people (like me) get agitated- the peeling. Some reviews said they started peeiling in 4-5 days. Me? I waited a whole two weeks before any signs. After that, holy guacamole- my feet peeled for two more weeks!! It was to the point I had to wear socks full-time because I would leave trails of peeling skin. Even more gross, right?!

The package reads each cycle takes between 4-30 days. I wouldn't say my feet are terrible, but they are not in the best of shape either. I am the person who apologizes to the nail tech when they finally grab my feet. After my peeling process ended, my feet were in a lot better shape!! They recommend if you have bad heels- two cycles will fully remove all dead skin. After my first round, I think I can successfully go to the nail salon and not apologize. Haha!

For $25 you get one treatment. Most people only use Baby Foot two-three times a year. I am in month two after first application, and my feet are still pretty smooth! I am thinking of picking up a second set just to see if that REALLY helps.  You do have to order online, but mine shipped fairly quick. *Buyer Beware- there are imitations out here. The reviews for the imitations have left people with chemical burns and fungal diseases. I do not recommend buying an off brand!!*

I say check this out if you are interested in taking care of your feet. Spring and sandals are right around the corner!! Also, I will leave you to your own courageous selves to google pictures or watch videos about the product. Some are pretty gross!! Read about baby foot Here!

Also, speaking of sandals... I need these from Torrid!

Want to hear about my second round?! Let me know!