My little beauty secrets

I've always been a girlie, girl. Despite the influence of two brothers and a mother who is always in jeans and a tshirt and never wears a drop of makeup, I somehow turned out to be a prissy little thang! It's funny, the girls at the office would say that I was the only woman who was 9 months pregnant wearing 2 inch strappy sandals. Hey -- a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do!

So, I thought I'd share a couple of new little inexpensive beauty items I've found at my local drugstore. If you've got a moment to pamper yourself, you might want to try these:

1) Dove Energy Glow Daily Moisturizer with subtle self-tanners - I know! I know! I live in Florida and get my tan from a bottle. Hey -- I'm not all about getting skin cancer, even if it's in the name of beauty sake! My laying out in the sun days are over! I love this product! It's an all over body moisturizer with just a hint of self tanner. It gradually enhances and evens out your natural skin color and adds an extra glow. I like it because unlike a lot of self tanners, no one can tell I'm wearing it. And I've had dozens of people comment on what a great tan I have. So, it's about $8 for a 8.5 oz bottle -- pretty inexpensive.

2) Sally Hansen's French Manicure Pen - I love french manicures. However, with two children and a husband that is gone most of the month, I don't have time (or a babysitter) to head to the local nail salon. So, I found this product in the store one day and thought I'd try it. The process was a lot easier than I expected. The pen is designed to make the white stripe on your nail for the french manicure. By using a pen, it's alot easier than trying to brush on a straight line with nail polish. It works great and I found it was so easy to use on my toes also! If you buy the entire kit, it comes with the natural pink polish, the french manicure pen and the clear coat. It runs about $8 to $10 for the entire kit -- not even what one manicure would cost at a salon.

3) Botanics conditioning clay mask, complexion refining toner and purifying face scrub (same brand but 3 different products) - I love this Botanics line. I picked it up at Target. I first apply the purifying face scrub. Then the conditioning clay mask. Then the toner. I love the fresh smell of the products -- it's subtle and earthy. My skin felt so smooth and young after using these products. Each product ran about $6 to $8.

So, with that being said, take a few minutes this weekend for youself and enjoy some of these products or maybe even some favorite products of your own. If you do, I'd love to hear about your 5 minutes for you! And if you have any products that you'd like to share with everyone, please leave a comment.

Highschool Meme Time

Ok, I was wandering in bloggity ville and ran across this meme. I thought it might bring back some good memories, so just humor me on this one, please.

1. Who was your best friend?

Well, actually, I had two, Andrea & Amy. The three of us tried to pick the same electives and classes so we could be togther. We still keep up with each other and get together from time to time. I still consider them both close friends of mine. (Note to self * schedule a get together with Amy & Andrea!)

2. Did you play any sports?

Not during highschool. In middle school, I played softball and loved it! I sang in chorus and dinner theater in highschool.

3. What kind of car did you drive?

Oh . . . my heart flutters. I loved that car! It was a 19 something, champagne Camero. I lusted after that car for years. My Dad's sister owned it for a couple of years and I remember telling my Dad that when I turned 16, I NEEDED that car! I turned 16 and did not get a car immediately. In fact, my brother is 15 months older than me and he had his driver's license - so I went everywhere with him. I turned 16 and had no interest in getting my license. I remember that my Dad kept asking me when I was going to study to get my license. Little did I know . . . he had that Camero in storage waiting for me. Seven months later, I finally got my license and he surprised me with the car. I LOVED THAT CAR!!!

4. It's Friday night, where were you?

Probably at a Panther football game. We had our own little cheer section -- "the doghouse!" Man that was fun! Sweating . . . makeup running down your face ('cause you know you weren't going out in public without it), hair drooping from the weight of the hairspray and Florida humidity. Good times!

5. Were you a party animal?

Not in the least! My parents kept me on a pretty tight leash. I was in church everytime the doors were open. And our youth group had get togethers all of the time --- I preferred being there!

6. Were you considered a flirt?

Ok, if were being honest - yes. I was quite flirty. In fact, I remembered I was "goin out with" two guys at the same time during my senior year. I used to eat lunch with one of them in the cafeteria and the other guy sat outside with his friends. Well, one day, the outside guy, decided to come inside. As he sat down at our table, it was obvious to everyone (except the two guys) that I had been busted. So, I did what any lady would do . . . I got the heck out of there! No kidding. Just excused myself as if everything were normal, stood up with my girl friend Crystal and walked away.

7. Were you in the band, orchestra or choir?

Sang in Music Makers and dinner theater at school. Sang in the choir at church. Played the violin for eight years (started playing in the 4th grade)-- betcha' didn't know that!

8. Were you a nerd?

I don't think so. Not unless people were saying that behind my back and I just didn't know it. I made very good grades . . . but was too blonde and well . . . flighty to be a nerd.

9. Were you ever suspended or expelled?

Nope . . . but me and my posse decided that we were going to toilet paper our rival school the night before the big game. We got busted by the cops! We didn't get in any trouble. In fact, I've got a picture of all of us posing in front of the police car. He even turned the siren and lights on for us.

10. Can you sing the fight song?

Um . . . (clearing my throat) . . .

Cheer, cheer for old Milton High, raising our banner high in the sky,
We will win this game tonight, while our Panthers, fight, fight, fight!
Whether the odds be great or be small, old Milton High will win overall,
While our loyal boys go marching onward to victory, rah! rah!

**I knew I still had it in me!

11. Who was your favorite teacher?

I had so many great teachers.

Love you Mr. Barnes -- he was the coolest! He'd bring his guitar in and sing sometimes.

Mrs. Wilson (who just happens to be Andrea's mom-in-law now) made chemistry fun. We learned a simple way to polish silver. Funny the things you remember!

Coach Peacher -- he was just an all around fun guy! We played cards in his class when we finished our Algebra problems.

12. What was your school's mascot?

The mighty Panther!

13. Did you go to Prom?

Absolutely! Although, a bit controversial, because I grew up in the Southern Baptist faith and my parents believed that girls my age should not dance -- it leads to other things. Well . . . they were wrong . . . didn't lead to anything -- not even a kiss :-)

14. If you could go back, would you?

Nope . . . I like it just fine where I am!

15. What do you remember most about graduation?

My friends and I sang "I'll be your candle on the water" (from Pete's Dragon) at commencement. Seriously, we did! Why in the world we chose that song . . . I'm not sure!

16. Did you have a job your senior year?

Promise not to laugh? I worked at the local Piggly Wiggly. Hey, you said you wouldn't laugh!

17. Where did you go most often for lunch?

Duh . . . the cafeteria - where else. Let me clarify, though. I would have never been caught dead eating their food . . . I always carried my lunch to school.

18. Where were you on Senior Skip Day?

At the beach . . . shah! I do live in Florida!!! Every knew would have skipped because the next day, we were all sun burnt to a crisp!

19. Have you gained weight since then?

Yes . . . I was 98lbs in highschool.

20. What year did you graduate?

1995

21. Who was your senior prom date?

Jonathon. He was so cute and nice. I think I may have been a little mean to him. Jonathon, if you're reading this (I think not), I'm sorry for being such a brat! We did have a good time, though!

22. Who will repost this after you?

I have no idea. The chain probably stops here since I'm new to this blogging thing!

Working out, working in . . . when will I work it off?

*For those of you visiting from "At A Hen's Pace" - thank you! Please read some of my other posts -- I promise not all of them are as shallow minded as this post :-)

OK, y'all! I've been going to the gym 3 days a week for over a month now. I began my quest 6 months postpartum. When, When, When will I start seeing results?

It was quite embarrassing. I arrived at the gym (4 weeks ago) to meet with a personal trainer. We introduced ourselves and she began measuring me with a measuring tape - my arms, my bust, my abdomen, my waist, my rear end, my thighs. And then I had to stand on the dreaded scale, right there, in the middle of the gym as she recorded my starting weight. I was asked to tell her my work out goals and here was my response:

1) Weight loss
2) Toning and shaping
3) General cardio

So, she set me up on a schedule. Mondays I work upper body and do at least 20 minutes of cardio. Wednesdays I work lower body and do at least 20 minutes of cardio. Friday is strictly cardio. Oh -- I forgot to mention that I do ab exercises all 3 days. So . . . with that being said (drum roll) I've lost a whopping 5 lbs But I still feel like a mess. I've changed my eating habits. I'm eating healthier and less. So what gives? It's frustrating to work so hard and not feel like you see any results.

Give it to me straight girls . . . will I ever be able to tone my body, specifically abs after having had two children?

My darling husband raves about the way I look -- but let me tell ya a secret . . . I know he's lying 'cause he hasn't seen me in more than 2 weeks! He's hilarious! He still has pictures of me on his computer -- pre-pregnancy, size 4, flat toned tummy. Maybe that's how he's remembering me (wink!wink!)

I know, I know! Some women just call their extra skin and stretch marks their beautiful battle scars from having those precious little babies. That's so sweet! But not me! It just ain't me! I'm a little vain . . . I admit it. I want to feel fit. I want to be fit. (Sigh . . .bottom lip poking out!)

Ok, I have to be honest. I'm not just working out for vain reasons. I've got extremely high cholesterol and the doctor put me on a diet and ordered me to exercise. At the time, we thought we could control it my cholesterol levels with diet and exercise. I've since learned however, (this is a totally, non medically correct description of what the doctor said - sorry I can't remember the big words!) that there is something in the liver that tells your body when to stop producing cholesterol. Well, apparently, I don't have whatever that is -- my body continuously makes cholesterol. So, the heart doctor said that diet and exercise would not be able to control the level. He's suggested that I begin medication, which would essentially cut my cholesterol levels in half. So, there's the real story behind the working out . . . but I still admit to being vain.

So, I'm seeking your assistance. If you have any work out tips, advice, encouragement . . . please, please, please leave a comment! Somebody is reading this blog and I'd love to hear from all of you!

Works for Me Wednesday!

In an effort to join my other bloggers, I'm supposed to share with you some little hints, tricks or shortcuts that make my days easier. However, I couldn't think of anything inside my house that I've done to make my day any easier. In fact, some people (my husband and my mom) say I make more work for myself. However, I did just learn a couple of tricks for the yard.

Lately, I've been working a lot outside in our flower beds. I began talking with our friend's mom who just happens to be a landscape designer. I wanted to redo all of our beds and add a little color. In doing so, I learned a couple of "tricks of the trade" that I thought I'd pass along:

1) Mushroom compost (as opposed to cow manure) works well for mixing in your bed with the dirt. It is relatively inexpensive and you can get it by the truckload. I've added some to a pot of dying mint and the mint has taken off!

2) After mixing the mushroom compost and dirt, plant the potted flowers so that you leave about 1 inch of the existing soil from the pot above ground. By doing this, you allow the water to get to the roots quicker and the flower/plant is able to establish it's root system in the new environment.

3) Want to avoid weeds? Line the flower bed with newspaper. The newspaper is a cheap, eco-friendly way to keep out weeds.

4) Lastly, don't over mulch. We were told that our mulch should be no more than 1.5 inches thick. Just enough to keep the moisture in.



I hope that that these tips might help! For anyone who really knows me . . . you know that it's a miracle in itself that I've grown to love working in the yard. (Previously, not one to want dirt under her nails.)



Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that these are tips that have worked for me -- not proven gardening methods for everyone. By reading this, you are in agreement that I will not be held liable for any death or dismemberment of any plants. As always, seek advice from your local nursery before instituting anything I've suggested ;-)

Tackle it Tuesday

I've decided to jump on this train with other bloggers. Your supposed to find something that you been putting of for sometime and tackle it on Tuesday.

So, what did I do? Well, I bought these things called "WALLIES" from Home Interior. They are really neat. Here's a description from the package:

"WALLIES are a new unique way of decorating. They are made of pre-pasted, vinyl coated, strippabe wallpaper and are easily applied to most smooth surfaces."

It says to activate WALLIES glue, soak in water for approximately one minute. Apply your wallies and smooth on gently with a paper towel, removing any excess water.

NOTE FOR HUBBY: If you're reading this, don't worry. "To remove WALLIES, simply moisten the Wallies and peel off. If there is any residue, moisten again and wipe clean. WALLIES will not harm any surface."

So, I purchased WALLIES that were flowers, butterflies and lady bugs. I thought that they would look adorable in the girls' room. I placed them at the top of the wall like you would a border (but much better because the WALLIES are not permanent). I've had these things for about two months and needed to get them up. So . . .

I "Tackled Wallies on Tuesday!"

Thanking my way out of my funk!

Well, it's Monday and I'm in a funk. My husband has been gone for two weeks now and is not expected home until the end of this week. Both of my girls have been teething, so this definitely makes for a cranky household. Hubby if you're reading, I need some love :-) But, since that's not possible now, I'm going to list 10 things that I'm thankful for to help me remember just how blessed I am.

1) A wonderful husband who is not gone forever -- just two and half weeks. I'm thankful that he will be coming home . . . you will be coming home, won't you honey? Seriously, I appreciate all that you do for me and the girls. We do appreciate your sacrifice -- we know you'd rather be here. Thank you for working so hard for us.

2) Two beautiful, healthy girls. As someone who was told several times that she'd never be able to have children, I am thankful that the Lord blessed with not only one, but two beautiful (sometimes cranky) babies!

3) One very good friend, Teena. She may be miles away, but she's close to my heart. I'm thankful that our friendship has stood the test of time -- good and bad. I love her like a sister.

4) Family. I'm thankful that my mom and her husband returned home from their trip safe and sound. She's my right hand when my hubby is gone and I've really missed her!

5) Salvation. I'm thankful that I have eternal life through Jesus Christ my Savior. And that in this world of loneliness, I know I'll never walk alone.

6) Hot & sunny Florida living. I'm thankful that I live in one of the most beautiful places in the United States. And I'm thankful for air conditioning!!

7) Stay at home Mom. I'm thankful for my husband's job. Because of his job, I'm afforded the opportunity to be at home with my precious girls.

8) Coffee. I know it's silly -- but I love coffee! It's a real pick-me-up and it just tastes good!!! (Oh and my automatic coffee maker that I can pre-set to make coffee so it will already be made when I get up!)

9) My car. I saw a man riding a bike today in this Florida heat -- bless his heart. Thank you Lord for my car. Thank you that I'm able to take me and my girls where we need to go, when we need to go!

10) My In-laws. For graciously hosting our family next week. It will be a vacation for me! I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone and just enjoying our time together. My mother-in-law and father-in-law are some of the best people I've ever met. I'm thankful that we have a fun, "love you like you are my biological parents" relationship.

Boy do I have a great life or what!

Hey everyone -- feel free to comment with something that you are thankful for. I'd love to hear about it!