Hello Spring!

It's officially spring!! The first day of spring, Palm Sunday, Passion Sunday.  I would have to say this is my second favorite time of the year just behind fall. Everything is beginning to change, and the world is coming to life again. After dropping our nephew off after church, we took the back road to Joe's grandmother's house. That road is a tiny, winding road, but it has some of the most beautiful scenes you will see in this area. I started thinking of all the reasons I love springtime.

1. Flowers. Greenery. I love love love all the flowers and trees coming into bloom. I stepped out on my front porch just two days ago and realized the only two trees in my yard are in full bloom. The lilies are beginning to sprout. The grass is green. Our allergies are in full force. This year we promised ourselves to update the outside and add a walkway from the porch to the driveway.

2. Birds. Call me a nerd. I've always been fascinated with birds. I had two parakeets growing up, and I loved them so much! Just this past week, we filled the feeder, and some visitors are slowly stopping by. I can always tell when birds are at the feeder because the cats sit glued to the window tails waving and teeth chattering.

3. Sandals. I hate wearing shoes, and do not even get me started about socks. I'm also not one of those people who thinks flip flops in 30 degree weather is not acceptable. I just want to slip on some sandals when I have to leave. No socks. No shoelaces. No zippers. No problem.

4. Skirts and Dresses. Just like sandals, throwing on a dress or skirt is easy and not to mention super cute.

5. Everyone quits whining about winter. I swear. This past winter I came across some of the most whiny, angry people. I was so tired of seeing winter getting hated on.  But would you appreciate spring, if it weren't for winter? Let that soak in.

6. Pastels! Somehow I started getting this style magazine in the mail. The Spring edition came in the mail, and it is filled with pastels. Baby pinks, icy lilac, canary yellow, and powdery blues.


7. BABY ANIMALS EVERYWHERE. No more explanation needed.

And with that note, I will end because what can top baby animals?!

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.

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!

Cold Snap! Oh Snap! Top Reasons I Love Fall

These two days of cooler weather reminded me why I love the fall. I would have to say this is my favorite season, and like every year, it greeted me with illness. Seasons change- never fails I have some sinus, respiratory, ENT issue. I am on the tail end of bronchitis and a double ear infection and a super mega dosage of antibiotics.

Of course, illness is not why fall is my favorite season, and like other girls, it is not my favorite season because of leggings, boots, and pumpkin spice lattes.

Fun fact: did you know people abbreviate this as PSL? I didn't, and I was incredibly concerned when a ton of people on my social media got their first PSL this year. I thought the zombie apocalypse was beginning.

Why do I love fall though? Not why most would think...

5. It's the season of crock pot meals, chili, and soup. I have a really hard time eating soups throughout the spring and summer. I just don't understand why someone wants a heavy, hearty meal in the sweltering heat. One year, I prepped 30 days of crock pot meals, so we took full advantage of the beginning of crock pot season.

4. No more shorts and tanks! I can finally pull out those comfy sweats and over-sized sweater and not be judged for wearing it! The other plus... no need to shave our legs. Every. Day. I always joke and say shaving my legs is my cardio for the week. I mean, be honest... it is similar to a full body work out. Don't get me wrong, I don't have like man legs, but I am a little more lenient.

3. All. The. Decorations. Can we be honest? I was ready to set up all my pumpkin, acorn, candy corn, and leaf decor in the beginning of August. A dear friend told me, if it's still 80 degrees out, I can't. With this cold snap though, I totally started digging out my decor. This is the season for decorations. You start with fall decor, move into Halloween, transition to Thanksgiving, and top the year off with the mightiest of all decor Christmas.

Disclaimer- I am looking for some fall DIY decor ideas. Last year I made some incredible door decorations, but haven't decided my plans for this year.

2. The short span where central heat/AC isn't necessary. We take full advantage of this time because we save mega bucks on our electric bill. (If you're on Jellico electric, you totally understand.) IT is cool enough to leave the AC off, and warm enough to avoid turning the heat on. Cold? Get a blanket. Warm? Turn on the fan. Open the windows, and get some fresh air!

1. Changing of the colors. There is some magical about the fall. The foliage begins to change colors, and the leaves descend from the trees. The crisp cool air and the dense fog settling in the mornings. I always viewed the transition from summer to fall as some type of renewal.  Shedding your leaves and flowers in preparation for winter and a brand new awakening in the spring. It's a reminder of how the world works, and tomorrow is always a new day.

 

So here's to fully enjoying my favorite time of the year! Maybe I'll finally catch up on my ever growing pile of books to read!