The Library

Not a college bar.  I am a nerd.  I love libraries!

The one by my house isn't pretty, it's kinda old, with weird lighting.  But I love the idea that I can walk to millions of books! :)  I'm pretty sure this isn't new or exciting, but with online catalogs & reservations I can browse for books when I'm bored at work & they will hold it for me at the front desk :)  That's service!  There are two designated "call to pickup" parking spots out front for the super lazy who can't even walk IN to the library to get their books.

AND the library has DVDs and all sorts of fun other material.  Like every Jillian Michaels DVD!

Where have I been????  How did I forget about the library???

Well thanks to Ms. Ashley I renewed my love with the library & got a fancy new card that fits on my keyring (like the CVS reward cards).

They even have an app where you can read ebooks for free.  Too bad my craigslist nook isn't new enough for apps...


Here were the results of my first few library trips!   For some reason I was drawn to blog/books...

1)  Young House Love by Sherry & John Petersik
This book was very fun & has great ideas.  I love how well it is organized by giving you approximate time & price to complete the projects.  The ideas are super creative!  I am glad I rented this book from the library instead of buying it because some of the projects weren't my style & most of the projects are from their experience of fixing up an older home.  I am not in that situation now, how many projects can I do in my tiny condo???  I found the projects around creating centerpieces or setting tables the most applicable.  If I ever do buy an older home that needs some fixing up this blog/book would be perfect!


2)  Cupcakes and Cashmere by Emily Schuman
This book would be a perfect present for a young lady graduating high school or college.  It was very cute and covered a wide variety of topics.  I found the subject material a little basic (hence the first statement).  For example one of the posts was how to pop a champagne cork.  Really?  I don't know if I'm friends with anyone who doesn't already know this.  Or how to set a basic table.  Really?  I'm pretty sure Mamma Kay had me doing that since I was 6.  The pictures were great & she has a very so-Cal style.  Maybe I'll buy this book for JJ.  The one idea I am planning on using was throwing an Oscar themed party, she had a recipe for fun star sugar cookies that were red & gold!


3) How to Look Expensive by Andrea Pomerantz Lustig
Or "why I spend money on the internet" :)  I really liked this book!  (<-- exclamation point!) She has a wonderful way of making the book relevant.  First she explains four "styles" Park Avenue Pretty (à la Jessica Chastain), Hollywood Boho (à la Rachel Bilson), Glam Globe-Trotter (à la Gisele) & Modern Movie Star (à la Reese Witherspoon).   Each chapter she makes suggestions of what hair, makeup, clothes, etc. based on your style.  The second awesome part of the book is for each chapter she interviews a celebrity expert & asks them how to get the best bang for your buck.  Yep, even the wax lady.  Each chapter ends with her/celebrity info on what looks expensive & what looks cheap.  I felt she was glamorous & still was in the ball park of the line between reasonable/expensive.  Don't you hate those magazines that are all "steals!" $300 skirt!  Yeah right.  Moving on ~ this book I may actually buy.  I don't know if I was blown-away by crazy new information, however this was one awesome encyclopedia to keep handy.  James would love it if I would stop hoarding old editions of InStyle....


Anyways I'm glad I liked these books so much ~ I forgot to return them & had to pay an $11 fine!! Oops :)  I wonder if that's tax-deductible...

Outside Beauty

I sit carefully combing the contents of my Birchbox & Glossybox.  James is staring at me like I'm from Mars & after the 500th "what's that?" he gives up.  I am thus informed with the costs of my monthly subscription to both beauty boxes I could have a Waterway membership.  Right.... like I'm going to spend more money washing my car than my face.  Nice try husband.

One of my mini-resolutions or Daily Goals for a Fabulous 2013 is to do my hair & makeup on the same day.  I was sharing this at our church Community Group & a lady there was genuinely confused about what I meant by "hair and makeup on the same day,"  I couldn't tell if she was horrified or never though to try it...  Oh well.  I will say that is an easy one, and one of my Daily Goals that I reach for a lot.  I've realized through getting married last year & getting 'dolled up' for all those photographs how I've let my Texas-self slip & embraces the Mid-West philosophy.  Mamma Kay says Missouri is the perfect place for tomboys.  I really do enjoy feeling put together and feeling good about myself.  I think there was a time (years) where my philosophy was 1) Sleep in more 2) I don't work with my boyfriend/fiancee/husband anyways so who cares what the men at work think 3) Don't look too young/trendy or it will diminish your credibility at a financial firm 4) It's below freezing you're glad I'm at work ...  You get the picture.  (No I'm not going to show you a picture.  Ew.)

But we are on our way to a Fabulous 2013!  I will say that the entrance of the "sock bun" to my life is amazing.  I don't use a sock bun, I use a Pinterest tutorial where you tease the pony tail slightly.  It's not as big.  Not as trendy.  Perfect for work!  Who am I kidding... the soul mate of second-day dry-shampoo hair :)

I am also watching more tutorials on line to get inspiration & ideas.  Here are some of my favs:

• Makeup by TiffanyD
• The Beauty Department
• Birchbox Blog
• Makeup Geek
• The Small Things

I also want to put together an easy 5 or 10 minute makeup routine for when it's my turn to be at work at 7 am.  Today was one of those days.  I did not wear makeup, just did my faux-sock bun.  Resolution fail.  (Good thing I accomplished 3 things on my Daily Goals list, so I'm not a complete failure!)  I won't say who ~ but one beauty blog did a "5 minute makeup tutorial" & it started with, "Ok I've already moisturized, primed, put on foundation & concealer.  Let's get started!"  and I was all oh heeeeell no honey you cheated.  But really, if there is a 5 minute makeup routine I need to find it.  Maybe that's the holy grail of internet tutorials.  At least Estee Lauder BB cream saves my life every day!

I did go to Dillard's for the Estee Lauder & Lilly Pulitzer GIFT WITH PURCHASE!!!  I haven't bought a department store GWP since college when I only wore Clinique!!  #tbt

Look at all these lovelies....

Picture from Dillard's email.  GWP info @ Dillard's!

Dallas, Y'all

Always love weekends home in the Big D!

Between Kimberly's wedding, the Maverick's game & Mamma Kay taking me shopping at the Bloomies outlet ~ it was a perfect weekend:)

Photo taken by my very talented cousin Chloé

Thanks cousin for the photobomb!

Can you tell how happy I am!?!?!?!?  GO MAVS!!!! 

Hey Dirk, how YOU doin'?  ;) 

ANNNNNDDDD..... this weekend marks James' last game to referee!  Yay!  I get my husband back :)

New Stationery

I just love love love getting new things in the mail!  Call me old fashioned but something pretty via snail mail will always have a special place in my heart :)

During a recent office organization I realized my stationery box was dangerously depleted!  Understandable given wedding took over the last year and a half of my life.  I was only buying thank you cards!

The cards I added to my collection are from Ashley Brook Designs!  I love everything she does!!!

I hear a lot of ladies wishing they could be better about sending cards, the answer is simpler than you think.  They key to incorporating any new habit in your life is proximity.  If you want to eat healthy but stock no food in your fridge, you'll be heading to Chick-fil-a way more often than if you have a fridge stocked with veggies.  If you want to send cards keep some around the house!

My stationery collection is in a Library Office Storage Box from Container Store (plum of course!), it includes various cards, my favorite pen, stamps & address labels.  When I want to send a card it takes less than 5 minutes to open the box, write the card & get it ready to mail.   Right now I have the free tacky address labels from some non-profit, I have been meaning to update my monogram return address stamp with my new initials! :)

If you're new to creating a stationery collection I would suggest buying a box with lots of different cards inside.  I love this Kate Spade All Occasion Note Cards Gift Set from Papyrus ($35).   It comes with Congratulations, Happy Birthday, Get Well Soon, Hello & Thank You.  This would be perfect to keep on your desk, when the occasion arises it only takes a few minutes to write a quick note.

Or if you'd prefer to create it gradually many stores sell boxes of cards, like this cute Animal Print Boxed Thank You Cards from Target ($6).   Each time you go to Target you could grab one set of cards to gradually add to your collection.

If you are super crafty like my dear friend Elizabeth you can make your own cards!  Directions not found on this blog!!!  :)

Probably the most cost effective way is to buy a box of blank cards, then you can write any message you would like inside.  Café Chairs Note by Crane ($19).

For personalized notes there are great options from Etsy (very reasonable) or a stationery store, just depends on how much you'd like to spend.  Monogrammed Personalized Stationery Cards on Etsy ($18) or Personal Stationery Set also on Etsy ($15).

Another easy strategy (although more expensive) is to pick out cards for each individual occasion.  Or if you have specific people you want to buy an individualized car for this works well too.  When I am in Target, CVS, or the grocery store I always stop by the card aisle for a minute to ask myself two questions:
1)  What holidays are they featuring?
2)  Who's birthday is coming up in the next month?

Right now in Target I see St. Patricks Day, Easter Cards, my Dad's birthday is in March & the V-Day cards are on sale!  I will look through & pick an Easter card for my parents, a birthday card for my Dad & the formerly expensive Papryrus V-Day card with the hot sauce bottle on the front for next year :)  I will go home & add these to the stationery box.  When it is a few days until Dad's birthday I don't have to make a special trip to the store, I have his card already in my stationery box.

If you'd like tips for how to write thank you notes (I am forced to write this on a post it every time James needs to write a thank you) here is a great article from Southern Living (who else?) How to Write a Charming Thank You Note.

Valentine's Day

So basically I am in LOVE with Valentines' Day!  I always have been.  And no m'am I was not one of those girls who always had a boyfriend on V-Day.  Quite the opposite.  I think I was single most of them.  I know the people who like to wear black & label it as "Hallmark Capitalism" ~ boycotting a happy holiday seems very emotionally stable...  I just feel that a day dedicated to telling everyone in your life you care about them is awesome.  To me Val Day isn't about romantic love ~ it's about all love.

Put your phone down, stop the tweeting, tell people you love them today.

I love you ~  to my dear family & wonderful friends.  You bring joy to my life, and I love you.

I also love STEAK so I was wonderfully pleased by James' choice of restaurant Ruth's Chris!!!!

And now to the dress decision!

Drum roll please.....................................

I picked the Kate V Dress by Nicole Miller!!! 

Inspired by one of my favorite fashionistas, the one and only Kate Middleton!

Photo Credit:  Kate Middleton Style

Ruth's Chris had a photographer to document the evening.  

I was tempted to write a letter to Ruth's Chris management.  Maybe include a little education in the form of a syllogism:

Major Premise:  Valentine's Day dates are made to please women.

Minor Premise:  Women hate looking larger than they are on film.

Conclusion:  Fish eye lenses are the worst possible choice for Valentines Day.

James contributed some beautiful flowers & I contributed some yummy dessert!  

Hope you had a fabulous day full of love! 

Rent the Runway

Thanks to Birchbox December I received a $50 gift card to Rent the Runway.  I decided to use it for Valentine's Day!  I made it very clear to James (basically since December) that his only responsibility on V-Day was to take me to a restaurant nice enough to wear my RTR dress.  

Like Mamma Kay says, if you don't tell men exactly what you want you're not likely to get it ;)

The whole process is very easy to use & very user-friendly.   On their website you select your event date, size & start browsing dresses available.   If it's your first time renting a designer they give you a complimentary second size!  And your second dress is $25.   You can also rent accessories, purses & buy Spanx!  You can rent for 4 or 8 days, included is a postage paid envelop to return them.  They also send you a reminder email when it's time to mail it back :)

I ordered two dresses, they came on time & I was VERY impressed with the overall presentation!

 You get to keep the garment bag!  How fun :) 

Included were a couple of freebies, from Olay & some Hollywood Fashion tape!

Left Dress:                                                                                                                              Right Dress:

Kate Lace V Dress by Nicole Miller                             Sapphire Sophisticate Dress by Christian Siriano

Which one to choose??????   Stay tuned for my Val-Day post!!!! 

Rock It ~ Return It

Sooooooo as of late I have been going drugstore for cosmetics (yikes!) and wanted to share my finds!

Note ~ I apparently have been spoiled by Sephora, MAC & Nordstrom... learned the hard way that Walgreens' beauty return policy (for opened/tried products) is up to the discretion of the manager!  So I would recommend CVS, they have a 100% guarantee :)  And I just love everything about them!

Revlon Lip Butters
in Creme Brulee & Berry Smoothie
I really really really wanted to try Peach Parfait, but Walgreens & CVS were both sold out!
These are called 'lip butters' because they are super creamy & lightly pigmented.  I am not a big fan of lipstick, so I was hoping I would love these :)  And I did!  I like lipstick that is light enough that I can reapply without using lipliner, a mirror, and much effort.  It is also very moisturizing :)  The creme brulee color was very nude.  Normally I would return that, but nude lips are very trendy now.  I loved the Berry Smoothie, it was a cute pink.
Verdict ~ ROCK IT!!

Maybelliene Eyestudio Color Tattoo
in Bad to the Bronze, Tough as Taupe & Too Cool
The bronze & taupe were both SUPER dark!! I might use them only for smoky eye looks.  Or Halloween.  The cool aka "white" worked well, but that bright white only looked good with one purple eye shadow set I have.  I will keep this one, but will probably not use it much.
Verdict ~ RETURN IT!!

L'Oreal Voluminious Million Lashes
in Black Brown
I picked up this mascara looking for extra volume (like always!) and it delivered.  This is the perfect everyday mascara.  The wand is very easy to maneuver & can easily be applied in the car!  Probably not recommended :)  It needs several coats (or a primer) to be voluminous enough for how I like evening makeup.
Verdict ~ ROCK IT!

Maybelliene One by One Volume Express
in Very Black
I am always on the lookout for a Dior Show substitute.  That is the real mascara!  This one is very close :)  Great volume with a coat or two & easy to add volume without clumping.  It has a BIG brush, so not so easy for quick application (or car!).   I would recommend this for a more heavy mascara.  I don't prefer to wear a lot of makeup for work, so this is my go-to weekend choice!
Verdict ~ ROCK IT!

Blistex Revive & Restore Lip Protectant
two-pack
For a lip balm set I thought it did it's job.  I just didn't get the "revive" and "restore" words.  They seem similar to me.  I think one should be to "protect" and the other "revive" or "restore" if that makes sense. I wasn't sure why there were two...  Maybe I'm in my head too much.  Maybe not.  Occam's Razor, Blistex!
Verdict ~ MEH...

And my one beauty splurge is Estee Lauder BB Cream! in Shade 1
Verdict ~ ROCK IT!