Amish Country

I took a lovely work trip to Amish country, here are the highlights!

Lititz, PA

My wonderful B&B: The Lititz House

Reading on the back porch

Wilbur Chocolate Co.

Heavenly Soaps & Scents ~ the cutest store with natural & locally made bath items!  Check out these wine candles made in old wine bottles, they all were different wine scents! Syrah was my favorite.

A Tea Affair was wonderful for a tea lover!  And the owner was great to talk to :) I came home with Provence {rose, lavender, elderberries} & Palace Marzipan {very almondy}.  They had so many delicious flavors & can't wait to order Mexican Winter {chili, orange, cinnamon, coconut & red pepper}!

Beautiful old church

I adore The Tomato Pie Cafe! I loved them so much I ate there twice!

Delicious chocolate ale at Bulls Head Public House 

Catching some Amish ladies buying shorts at Target?!?!?!

Left:  Bobbi Brown Treatment Lip Shine SPF 15 

in Pink Seashell & Orchid Pink

Right: Bobbi Brown metallic eye shadow

 in Gold Dust & MAC eye shadow in Neo

Lovely mani to wind down the week :) Essie Shop Till I Drop

 Best part of the trip home ~ Cantina Laredo in the Philly airport! 

Back to School

Today I spent all day in Continuing Education for my Insurance license.

OMG how time crawls when an 8 hour lecture is not relevant to your life.

I was quite surprised at how quickly my behavior today reverted back to college-esque.  What time did CE start? 8 am.  What time did I wake up? 7:30 am.  :)  I also wore super comfortable clothes... I did have a 30 second argument with my self about yoga pants vs. jeans.  I was totally prepared to rock the yoga pants but my left brain kept reminding me, "Every time you're at CE there are usually a handful of people from The Firm there.  Do you want them to see you in yoga pants?  Last time one of your Partners was there!"  "But I don't think she recognized me!"  Oh, that crazy internal dialogue.  I'm pretty sure a good 15 of my morning routine was packing my tote full of food & things to keep me occupied during the day.

Pretty much the only saving grace of the day (besides the iPad, who am I kidding?) was the instructor.  He is OLD and says CRAZY stuff :)

"If your pager goes off, please step outside to handle it." (I'm sorry, is it 1995?)

"Did I make all this crap up, carrot breath?"

"Medicare don't care about you!"

When he was taking role he asked, "Why are you sitting on the back row by yourself?" and I said, "So my iPad can stay plugged in to this outlet" and he said, "I don't even know what that means, but ok."

The morning session was titled "Medicare" and the afternoon "Annuity Suitability" but it was really a lot of people complaining & then getting the instructor rilled up so he would go on a long tangent/rant about Obama-care or market crashes or government spying or a random socio-policial topic.

However, I did get all my fav blogs added to bloglovin', figure out what I'm going to use my ULTA coupon for, added a lot of things to my Nordstrom wish list, read every article possible about the royal baby & grabbed lunch from one of my favorite places Pastries of Denmark.  They give you a small cheese cake with every order!  All in all I was happy with the outcome of my day :)

Reflections

I'm not sure where I came across it... (lesbihonest probably Pinterest), but Jessica Alba wrote a book called "The Honest Life: Living Naturally and True to You."

I picked it up from the Library and was glad I did.  I've been recently trying to prioritize a more natural lifestyle.  One recent conviction revolves around some medical things that have popped up.  I've always felt better health wise when I make a priority to eat organic.

The book covers the following topics:

• food
• clean
• beauty
• style
• home
• baby
• inspiration

Her personal inspiration for living naturally revolves around her kids, and so does much of the book.  I still found a lot of it relevant, I think my mommy-friends out there would probably get more enjoyment out of it.

My thoughts ~ 

I appreciated how honest Jessica is (ironic?) and she doesn't come off as "I only eat organic, it's easy I have a errand boy to go to the grocery store and a cook to make it" but as a down to earth working mom with kids.  She also prioritizes each chapter on the most important things to be natural and "keeping it real" good second-choices for those times when it is too difficult/ short on time for the natural version.  The book is not written in a judgy voice, she presents ingredients to stay away from and tips on how to live naturally.  She also peppers the book with fun how-to's along with each chapter from how to host a dinner party to perfect red lip.

I think it's hard for anyone to write a book when you have a company in the industry.  She does have a plug for The Honest Co. often.  It is not over the top, but that is a pet peeve of mine :) Some of the chapters were not earth-shattering.  I would recommend this book for someone who is considering making some natural changes or wanting to learn about strategies for the first time.

The chapter that most convicted me was the beauty chapter :)  She does admit that a lot of times we expect to sacrifice quality or cost to get natural products, but more companies are entering the market.  I do agree I should be careful what's going on my skin.  The book was lacking in that she says moisturizer/base layer makeup is most important because it's right next to your skin, she says she looks up her products on a data base that gives safety scores (ewg.org/skindeep) and aims for a 0-2.  That's it. What?  For an informational book that's not a lot of information!  Hopefully the database is more informational.  The chapter discussed each type of makeup & may have a brand recommendation, but the practical application was definitely missing!

Take aways~

I'm glad I got the book from the library, probably won't buy it.  I will bookmark some of the websites :) I will start taking a better look at cosmetics... I knew this was the case for food- but the EU has much stricter regulations for cosmetics as well.  I looked up some of the products I use (in the above link) a little scary!

Estee Lauder BB Cream - score of 7 !!
L'Oreal Power Volume 24 Hour Mascara - score of 4
The Balm Blush - score of 2

I don't plan on going all crazy, but as I run out of products I plan to be more conscious about the ones I use to replace them.  My strategy is to look for European brands that meet EU standards.

I found these fun links to the best French skincare (who wouldn't want to look Parisian?):
Goop post "The French Pharmacy"
Refinery 29 post "Do French Girls Really Do Beauty Better?"
Vogue UK post "10 French Pharmacy Buys"
Birchbox post "Beauty Trip: French Skincare Favorites"

Good news is a lot of the same brands/products were mentioned many times.  Can't wait to try!

Penelope Love

Penelope is my iPhone's name.  I didn't switch teams :)

Not that appreciating "things" is important in life... but when you are traveling for 12+ hours (and counting) you really appreciate smartphones.  Or at least I do.  Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, folder of all shopping-related emails, Ebay...  Plane delays won't get me down Delta!!!  

Right.  It was miserable.  Thank goodness for distractions!

Saw these fun posts... thought I'd share :)

I love 15% off!!  I really really really want to try Wen, maybe this is the time!!! 

These look HILARIOUS!  I wish I had them at the airport :) 

Oh and James (who usually is accusing me of being too proper / not fun) wouldn't let me take pictures of various "people watching" opportunities at the airport.   Really?  Who's boring now!  Not me, I've seen Law & Order SVU: I know how It works. 

Rock It ~ Return It

I have had some random crazy tooth pain this week, after a trip to the Dentist who punted me to a Neurologist...  I am finally feeling better.   I gladly stopped in at CVS for some vacation goodies :)

(I need to figure out how to take better pictures of products... any tips?)

Ok.... lets rock & roll!

L'Oreal Lineur Intense
in Carbon Black 
I purchased this after seeing a video on MakeupbyTiffanyD (she's fabulous at makeup tutorials & reviews).  She said it was easy to use & featured it in her 5 minute makeup tutorial.  I did not find it easier than your typical liquid liner (I need more practice obviously!).  Although I did like it just as much as my Makeup Forever liquid liner & it is significantly cheaper!  Due to that fact I am glad I purchased it.  Another neat feature is that with light pressure it makes a thin line & with heavy pressure it makes a thicker line.
Verdict ~ ROCK IT!!

Sally Hersberger Glam Waves
Texture Spray
This is one of my old favorites :)  Kinda unfair for "Rock It Return It" but I haven't used it for a while & wanted to make sure I still loved it!  I DO :)  This is the best 'beach spray' that I've ever used.  It is not salty, it is not drying or frizzy, and it is amazing at reviving tired curls.  This is a magic product that creates pretty curls yet has natural oils to make hair soft & pretty.  I love using this on beach vacations.  This was the only hair product I used my entire honeymoon!  Ready for the beach!
Verdict ~ ROCK IT!!

TRESemme Dry Shampoo
Volumizing for Fine Hair
I have been on a massive hunt for the perfect dry shampoo.  This is the best drugstore version I have tried so far.  I like the scent, the size of the bottle & that it helps with volume.  I do want to try it a few more times...
Verdict ~ Undecided

Jergins Natural Glow for Face
for Fair/Medium Skin
If any of you have seen any winter pictures of me, I could be an extra on a zombie movie with my insanely white skin!  I need some color up in my life! :)  This year I have decided to phase tanning beds out of my life & get better at sunless-tanning.  I do like the moisturizer a lot, it has a slight tanning smell but that wears off after 5 minutes.   I did get a spray tan for my vacation after using it 2 days, so cannot yet report on the color progression, but I do plan to use it to keep color on my face.  :)  Is it summer yet?????
Verdict ~ ROCK IT!!

Milani Brow Fix Brow Kit
in Medium 02
I purchased this after the Elf brow kit was not a success for me.  They only have one color at Target & it was too dark for me!  This one was about $7, so twice the Elf price, but in my opinion much more quality & useability.  It comes with two browns for your brows, a highlighter for just under your brows, tweezers, brush & sponge applicator.  I love this kit!  And I'm glad that big bold brows are in (thanks Dad)!
Verdict ~ ROCK IT!!

L'Oreal Colour Riche Balm
in Caring Coral
I am so excited about all the coral colors popping up this spring :)  I typically stick to very natural colors, for some reason I am able to venture into coral land easier than bright pinks.  Maybe I still have nightmares about Mamma Kay's bright pink '80's lipstick she used to try to rub on me "Put some color on your face!!"  I digress...  I am NOT a lipstick girl (see previous comments) and prefer balms, sticks, etc.  I am a big fan of the formula that is like a very moisturizing balm & a very pretty color.
Verdict ~ ROCK IT!!


Always fun spending a free day at CVS :)

Estee Lauder & Lilly Pulitzer

I love playing with new products!!!  Yay!!!

Since this purchase I also noticed a GWP at Macy's & Mamma Kay got one at Beall's.  We don't have those stores "up here" but you southern ladies can check it out.  Each one had a different bag & slightly different products inside.

Overall I was impressed & the bag is super cute!!!  I think if I had seen all the options I would have gone for the set at Macy's, but hey, live & learn :)

I purchased another bottle of my Estee Lauder BB Creme (love it!!!!) and got all this...

Set includes:

1)  Lilly makeup bag ~  cute fun bag, nothing super special, but for the price of her makeup bags retail it was cheaper to buy the GWP.  Tried explaining that concept to James, he just accused me of using voodoo shopping magic to confuse him.

2) Eye shadow ~ has 4 colors, peach highlighter, pink medium matte, iridescent brown, dark brown matte.  I love the peach/pink combo.  The peach highlighter is almost too light for me!  But blending them together is very pretty.  The two browns were a little dark for me.  Always confuses me when there are such contrasting colors in one pallet.  But hey I'm not a makeup executive, I'm a pale girl trying not to look like I have raccoon eyes.  I do love the small size & spring colors, I don't think I would spend the money to buy the full size products at Estee Lauder.  Overall a good addition to my vacation makeup!

3) Sensuous Nude lotion ~ Not too crazy about the scent, it's a baby lotion.  That's all.

4) Sumptuous Extreme mascara ~ love love love!  This makes your lashes super LONG!  Very pleased with it :)  I like to use this after my volumizing mascara to separate lashes & give them a little extra length.

5) Advanced Night Repair Serum ~ I only used the serum with the creme, see thoughts below.

6) Day Wear Creme SPF 15 ~ I used these two for a few weeks.  I loved the scent (similar to my BB cream) lightly cucumber & the feel of the products.  I liked the way my face looked very smooth & supple.  I stopped using them because in the winter my skin is CRAZY dry & these weren't cutting it  (they are not made for super dry skin).  I will start using it again in spring when my face is normal again :)  I would strongly consider buying the full size versions I liked them that much!  Not sure the price though, that might change my mind :)

7) Apparently this also came with a lipstick.  That I don't know where is.  I only remember it being a boring pink color.  That should tell you how much I liked it :)

Overall I was glad for the purchase, the makeup bag, mascara & face serum/creme were excellent!

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!

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!

New Years ~ Down to Business

As someone who loves change I am very excited about the New Year!  Seriously~ it has "new" in the name, so it must be a great opportunity for some excitement :)

I've been thinking a lot about New Years & resolutions...  Having spent several years as a professional coach I can't help but critique many resolutions.  They aren't in the SMART format!!!!  I sadly can remember the percentage chance of an unspecific goal's chances of achievement (not high).  Luckily I keep those thoughts to myself so my co-workers still talk to me :)

For 2013 and what it has in store for me I am excited, hopeful, and ready to hit the ground running.  I only have two resolutions (more than 3 goals at a time have a 10 times less chance of being achieved) - one couples resolution & one solo resolution.

1)  James & I have decided to be consumer-debt free by November and have $5k in emergency money set aside.  Not sure if that's the technical term, but we are paying off all of our credit cards, medical debt, lingering moving debt, Jackie debt, etc.  We started the budget to accommodate this a few months ago (to make sure it was feasible), and although it is a stretch we are making it happen.  This is extremely important to us as we try to live beneath our means, be fiscally responsible & good stewards.  I won't sugar coat it.  It does pinch.  I went from (pre-wedding) spending whatever I wanted on make-up or clothes or pretty things at Target to being on a strict budget for non-essential items.  I am becoming best friends with makeup at CVS & love their "you'll-love-it-guarantee" for beauty products!! I am also becoming better acquainted with only buying things on sale, Forever 21, etc.  (Don't worry about me, we are spending what we need to on food)  This is a great "building of character" as Dad is fond of saying, and I know it will benefit in the long run.  It is challenging though not to covet other people.  Like being on a diet & hating everyone you see eating dessert!  I will need to pray about this.  A LOT!  Especially when I visit some blogs that I love & see girls younger than me giving "outfit" ideas and they have 8 LV bags or a giant Chanel tote or 10 David Yurman bracelets...  really?  Do you really want to help others with style suggestions or just brag about your closet?  (see this is hungry-angry dieter coming out)  I know starting a marriage on good financial ground is so much more important than having designer shoes by the hundreds.  But human nature keeps pestering me!

2)  On a personal note, I am deciding to practice more self-discipline.  I find myself saying that I will do a lot more things than I actually do.  This irritates me greatly! :)  First, I am going to start by thinking about what I say I am going to do before saying "yes".  Make sure that I really do have time on Saturday to go to the office & catch up on work or meet a friend for a pedicure or volunteer.  I tend to think a lot of things are fun, but don't realize that working 40+ hours a week, cleaning house & taking care of a husband take a lot of work & time.  I am frequently exhausted & bail on things I've said I am going to do.  I need to take better care of myself nutritionally so I have the energy for important things in life.  I need to stop eating James' frosted mini wheats because I forgot to buy breakfast.  I need to stop telling myself "I'm going to eat a salad" then leaving the cafeteria with nachos & Dr. Pepper.  In addition to being more selective & better fueling my body, I am going to ask James to keep me accountable to following through once I do commit to doing something.  In our kitchen we have a calendar where we write down work schedules, trips, extracurricular activities, etc.  For this year if I bail on something instead of erase it I will mark through it - a visual reminder that I did not practice enough self-discipline.  Yikes!  I used to be known for having lots of self-discipline, I think dealing with depression several years ago was a setback, then as I was healing I had the attitude "So I didn't work out like I said I was going to, but I took a shower & went to the grocery store in the same day, that's a BIG improvement." As I was healing that was true.  But that is not me.  It is time for me to stop giving my self a break & justifying that sort of behavior.  Please pray for me, I will need lots of strength to continue to grow as a person this year.

I am so thankful for everyone dear to my heart.  Thank you for being there for me.  I wish you & your family blessings this upcoming year!  Let me know if I can help you in any way!

Sneak Attack

Guess who didn't realize it was Christmas?  Me!

I was scanning through Facebook on Monday and saw a friend's post "I can't believe Christmas is next week." and I thought "She means week after next."  Nope.

Luckily I had a head start on some Christmas presents & my tree up.  But it was a mad dash the last few days to get everything ready!

Here is our tree!

I had some goodies come in the mail!!!  Definitely helped cheer up an old sick gal! 

Upper left:  3 new pilates videos

Upper right: Glossybox

Bottom: Birchbox

Time to get some laundry done before our trip to Chicago!!

Time Well Spent

With all my free time not wedding planning I am wholeheartedly enjoying getting back to my favorite hobbies (notably reading, cooking, shopping & entertaining).

Reading ~ 

These two books I've read recently I would say are a must read!

The Paris Wife by Paula McClain:  written as mostly historical/biographical with fiction filling in the cracks.  It is about Ernest Hemmingway's first wife Hadley & their years in Paris.  Beautiful & tragic at the same time.

My Life in France by Julia Child with Alex Prud'homme:  Autobiography based on letters written by Julia & her husband during their time in Paris.  The book focuses on her love of all things French & her journey of being an acclaimed chef who pioneered the revolution of cooking in the US (away from TV dinners).

Both of the books were wonderfully inspirational.  Especially since both ladies found the adventures of the lives in their late 20's/ early 30's.   And I am now obsessed with Paris.  Trip anyone?? :)

I would not say it is a must read because everyone does not appreciate Russian novels (the Russians don't like them either), but I am re-reading Anna Karenina after seeing the movie.  I would not say the movie is a literal adaptation, it was beautiful and fascinating in its own way.   If you do decide to read it, do get the P&V translation!

Cooking ~

Thanks to Julia Child for the inspiration & for my sweet friend Erika for getting me a new cookbook (a good friend finds a classy way of finding a birthday present for you that says "I know you like to eat, enjoy!" haha).   I made a recipe from Sunday Brunch by Betty Rosbottom.

Berries with Lemon Creme Fraiche!  (it's French & fabulous)
The bacon is there because I live with a man now.  Apparently fruit & creme isn't "breakfast".

We tried to make our own copy-cat recipe for the BLT & Peppercorn salad at Pi Pizzeria!  It turned out really good despite James' heavy hand with the red onions ;)  

Entertaining ~ 

On Friday evening some lovely ladies came over to eat desserts, drink champagne & watch Liz & Dick.  Yes I DVR'd a Lifetime movie... but I really love Elizabeth Taylor!!!   The company, cookies & champagne were fabulous... the movie was lacking (probably acting ability).  But I did love all the fur coats :)  And I do feel inspired to use a red lip / heavy eyeliner look soon!   I used my new Neimans + Target dessert plates!!!  And made Laura Bush's Cowboy Cookies.  Always delicious!

Shopping ~ 

... more to come soon!! :)