YES, to Tomatoes...and Kitties

Anyone else try the "Yes to..." products?
I've found that the tomato products are my favorite so far.  The face mask especially minimizes my pores and smooths my skin- plus, it smells so good!


 Good morning!  (It's true...I don't wake up looking like I didn't sleep...ha!)

Even Moneypenny thinks it smells wonderous :)

I'm not the type of makeup fanatic who purposely researches new products that are coming out and what's "in"- Basically, I go to the store, find makeup that looks amazing, buy it & try it.  On ocassion I'll see something reviewed in a magazine and try it. (I especially love anything fruit and veggie for some reason. It makes me think "pure", "fresh", "soft".)

I found these new Maybelline items and immediately snatched them up.  So far, the "airfoam" foundation is heavenly.  To me, foundation should be all about looking natural. It shouldn't be a 10 layer cake.
This foundation literally feels like...air.  I put it on and didn't feel a thing.  Try it out!
The "Bouncy" blush has also been awesome- but I can't say it's better than anything else I've tried.

In closing, I will allow you to dote over my precious fur babies. :)


     007 hates photo shoots. Obviously.  But he is the biggest mush of a cat you'll ever encounter.

Monepenny is the opposite. She is a fantastic model and only cuddles when she needs it.

Until next time, go rub some tomatoes on your face! :)

Letters & Friends

I have been in such a "writey" mood lately.  I think I need an infinite supply of stamps and stationery on hand.  I think most everyone-openly or not- loves getting a little hand-written letter or card in the mail. Something that's personal, something that took time & thought, and something other than bills! 
It's my dream to have my own little nook- where I can set up a little writing station. Stamps, envelopes, different types of stationery- cards filed by occasion....and my new desire, a feather pen with ink.  Also, a vase of fresh flowers.

I was telling a Friend via email about how I've been feeling lately. It was actually quite a depressing email, honestly. I re-read it 3 or 4 times after I had sent it thinking, "Do I really sound that bad?? "
I've always had this idea that bonds between people trump time and distance.
For example, I feel that when you're 10 years old sharing secrets, inside jokes, and creating your own little language- when you're 30, regardless if you only talk a few times a Month, if that, you can still find yourself good Friends with that other person.
Is that crazy?  Be honest with me here, anyone else out there feel anything like that?

I've always found it easy to lose touch, but still be close Friends.  I hold my Friendships on a very high pedastol- and I feel that time and time again I am let down. 

I'm realizing as I age, that people change.
I've been told this, going on years now, but I've always simply assumed that those changes in other people's lives- wouldn't include me. 
Well, surprise suprise....they do.

It's been a hard truth for me to digest. And really, I've only discovered it recently. The thing is, I'm not sure how to cope with it yet.  How have you coped with it?

When I got married- I also moved across the Country. Into a State that was nearly foreign to me.  I began a new job. Joined another Family. Left my Family behind. And needed to learn how to take on being a Wife.
I needed the support of my Friends so, so badly. I needed emails, letters, phone calls, texts, and visits. 

Sadly, I've found myself still without any real, genuine Connecticut Friends and also I'm beginning to see those Friendships that I've always put so much trust into- dwindling away. 

I'm trying to find a reason for this. But, I don't see it yet. 
Hmph!

Friends, forgive me for some of these pictures. :)


Until next time, write someone a letter.

Friday Faves

As I was walking around the house today, I was picking out little things and thinking, "Wow, I really like that..."  "OooOoo, that color looks stunning in the Sunshine."  " I think that may be my favorite..."   - And also thinking, "Man, I have no idea what to write in my blog..."

Thus, came the idea to do a "Friday Faves" blog today.

Enjoy!


Fave Mascara: Clinique High Definition Lashes

 

Fave Starbuck's Drink:  Caramel Latte

Two of my Fave Brands of Stationary/Cards :  Papyrus & Kartos Medicea

                                            http://www.papyrusonline.com/

                                                          
Fave Breed of Dog:  Pug

*Squeeze, Squeeze, Squeeze*

Fave Musician: Greg Laswell

Fave Scripture:  Philippians 4:13

" I can do all this through him who gives me strength. "

Lilly & Aruba

Hello Friendlies out there!

First of all, anyone else so excited that Reese Witherspoon is pregnant?! I have always admired her and thought she's cute as a button. Go her!
http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/celebrities/reese-witherspoon-pregnant-with-third-child-1.3616424


Recently I've been exploring the charm of The South.  I've found several blogs that envelope the idea of being a "Southern Belle"- I find these blogs charming & sweet and feel like I'm learning so much that I can apply to my own "NonSouthern" lifestyle.  So thank you Southern Ladies!

Among the several little fun facts I've gathered- I've discovered that the craze is a Designer called, Lilly Pulitzer.
http://www.lillypulitzer.com/home.jsp
Anyone out there want to explain why she's so popular?  I find that she has some lovely pieces, but I don't know that her designs engulf my style. Whatever my style may be, that is.

What do you think?

In other news, I'm sick.

Surprised? If you're surprised...then I'm surprised that you're surprised.

I'm currently watching "Kell on Earth" re-runs, sipping grape juice, and nibbling on strawberries.  Say a little prayer for me if you think of it. When I'm sick, it affects so many more people than just me- and that, makes me feel even worse.

Today, I'm missing Aruba.

Kyle & I went there for a week during our Honeymoon- my first time out-of-Country- and it was lovelier than I had anticipated.  I'd love to go back and I definitely reccomend visiting Aruba to anyone looking for a Tropical Destination that's not insanely pricey.

I'll leave you with a few fun memories from our Honeymoon.

Until next time, stay healthy!

Fancy Digs & Skippin' Spring

Well....we've made it! It's a new week.  I wonder what this one will bring?

How was your weekend?
I had a low-profile weekend. I watched the TV Show, Downtown Abbey, which I really enjoy. You should check it out!

Also, one of my most favorite things, are drives. Especially at night.  Kyle surprised me on Saturday night and took me to Greenwich, Connecticut.  If you're at all like me, you may enjoy browsing homes- and the homes in Greenwich...well, they're....large. And expensive. And exquisite.
http://www.coldwellbankermoves.com/property/PropertyResults.aspx?SearchID=8024161

How are you feeling about this continuation of crazy weather?  I have to say...Summer is not my favorite Season and to have it seemingly come without acknowledging Spring makes me a tinge sad. Cross your fingers for a little cool weather yet before Summer slams us with crazy high temps.

If you're looking for a low-cal chocolately treat of goodness, try Skinny Cow Dreamy Clusters in Dark Chocolate. So Good.

I've been slowly, but surely debating a few 'DIY' projects. They seem oh so popular these days- and I can't help but want to jump on the bandwagon and try my hand at something ' Homemade'.  I've absolutely never been one to pick up someone else's trash.  However, while on another of our many drives, we passed a home that had a huge mirror sitting up against a tree with a nearby hand-written sign spelling out "FREE".

"Kyle! Turn around! There was a free mirror at that house!!"

We don't particularly need a mirror, but it was too awesome to pass by. It's quite large. It's painted green (the frame, obviously) and has four mirror panes. So cool! I'd like to paint it white and do some distressing. We shall see! I'll keep you all updated...but don't be surprised if it turns out completely botched. :)

I'll see what I can do about getting a picture up of the 'before' soon.

Does anyone have any good tips for keeping up your energy? I feel like I get 8+ hours of sleep every night- so why every day do I feel completely exhausted?

 HELP!

One more quick tid-bit. If you like whimsical, romantic music- or a bit of French thrown in- set your Pandora Station to : Charles Trenet. 

So wonderful.

Until next time, do something yourself. :)

Love for the World

You unfaithful people! Don't you know that love for this [evil] world is hatred toward God? Whoever wants to be a friend of this world is an enemy of God.                                    James 4:4 (God's Word Translation)


I don't know about you- but as a Christian, especially in today's World, I feel like I'm constantly fighting to keep my Faith. Prove my Faith to other people- and try and convince people that true, God-fearing Christians are not perfect people. We strive to do what God asks of us to our best ability-but it doesn't mean we don't make mistakes just as any other human born Sinner has.

I stumbled across this verse in James- and it really spoke to me.  I find that when I'm in a rut Spiritually, it's intense to get out of it. I have to muster up every ounce of motivation- just to get myself to return to His Word. 

There are so many 'things' that I enjoy about this World.  Animals (duh), makeup, house-hunting, fields, roller coasters, coffee...down comforters. 
There are even some bad behaviors that I've posessed that the World tells me is 'OKAY'.  How easily and often we forget that what the World says and what God says is completely different.

I DO NOT want to be an enemy of God.  While I enjoy some parts of life here, it is essential that we remember that this life is "but a breath" and is completely temporary.  Sure, enjoy life as you have it- but don't enjoy it or love it more than you love your Creator.  Because it will surely be the death of you.

Today, I want to challenge both myself and you- to read the Word. Even if it's just one good verse that gets you through this day- or a devotional. Or say a prayer.  Or find a Church to attend this Sunday.

Spring & Sidekicks. Boobs & Bachelor.

I now have the same amount of posts as followers. It seems silly- but I hate having more posts than I do followers! There is just something about it that makes me feel like- until I have another follower, I can't blog. Which is silly. In which of course, I'll still blog any way.
However- if you enjoy reading my blog- click "follow"! :) It'll make my day.
And to those of you who are dedicated readers- thanks so much! It makes blogging that much more fun for me.


In other news, today, it really feels like Spring and is even starting to look like it as well. I saw a few bushes blooming some- still unrecognizable-buds.  But soon, they'll be lovely and I'll be picking them to sit in a vase full of water- to add OOMPH to my little abode.
I don't know about where you're living- but as soon as the thermometer reads " 65 "- people immediately whip out the shorts, tanks, skirts, and sandals. 
I, however, wore my usual work attire of a sweatshirt and yoga pants. (I was quite hot and will be wearing a short sleeve shirt tomorrow, for sure.)
Just to add a little gripe- as much as I'm enjoying this lovely weather- I don't enjoy seeing 16 year olds walking down a busy street- wearing see-thru tank tops and booty shorts. Really?
It's SPRING...not Summer! Can't you keep the scantiness to a minimum at least until Summer?
Goodness!

Anyone reading any good books?
I recently read a book entitled "The Secret Letters of Marilyn Monroe & Jacqueline Kennedy". It was a decent book and probably a bad idea to read it- having no real understanding or knowledge of either woman.
But since reading the book I've gone on a personal quest to watch old Marilyn Monroe movies and read Jackie Kennedy books.
I've always thought of Jackie Kennedy as elegant. The epitome of "femininity". She has a unique look and a seemly strong facade.  In reading the book " Just Jackie:  Her Private Years "- I'm learning so much that I had absolutely no idea about.  Her many suitors, her depression, her sibling rivalry- just to name a few. I'm not even half finished with the book yet- but can hardly put it down.

I have always wanted to be my Husband's "sidekick".  And for the most part, I am.  The one area where there is definitely a difference is, Movies.
We are homebodies, which I think we've mentioned before. We love to spend our evenings watching movies, reading together, playing games- whatever.  We also have very strict standards set for ourselves as far as movies go.  Nothing inappropriate in terms of : too much body showing, too much language, too much violence (for me!), etc.  It's been hard! Really hard.  It seems that most movies that are coming out these days insist on having sex scenes where nudity is completely OUT THERE for everyone to see- if not a sex scene, that at the very least a dozen or so scenes where boobs and butts and even genitals are visable.  Come on, really?

What I'm getting at with that ramble- is that, I've always wanted to watch action movies with Kyle. Because it's what he likes and I always thought, "Oh yeah. He's totally going to think I'm awesome because I can handle blood and guts."
Well.
Last night, Kyle chose to watch the movie Pans Labryinth.  Within the first 15 minutes- out of no where- a man was getting punched and then stabbed repeatedly in the nose.  It was disgusting. I cannot stand gore in movies. I just can't.
Needless to say:  We turned the movie off, per my request.

Le sigh. I wish I could handle manly movies for my manly man! :)

In other news:  Kyle and I went to Wendy's last night where we found two homeless Kitties.  After getting two drinks...and some fries- we went back around the building and poured out the fries for the kitties to eat.  (By pour- I mean: Threw wildly so no one saw...)
I hope they enjoyed the fries and found a warm place to sleep. (Why didn't I think to get something like....chicken nuggets. Or bacon? I mean...fries? lol!)

Bachelor Finale tonight!! Everyone excited?
It's one of my little weaknesses.  Not only to I like catching little makeup/fashion tips throughout the show- I love the thrill of guessing who stays and who goes.
I think we all have the notion that Ben is going to choose Courtney (BUH!)- but let's hope he comes to his senses and chooses Lindzi!  (Or even better...realizes he's ridiculous and chooses Kacie B. over everyone!! Ha. )

Until next time,
Cover up those "bubbies", watch a good movie, and don't miss the Bachelor Finale!!

The Parking Spot

Happy Weekend Everyone!

I don't know about you but I adore my weekends. I rarely have any "big" plans- but I love lounging, watching chick flicks, and treating myself to my favorite food & drink.  It also means that I get an entire Day (Sunday) with my Hubs.
I also admittedly love the extra cuddle time with my fur babies. :)

New obsession:  Kitty Whiskers

 

Moneypenny playing with a cord

Anyone who lives in an apartment complex or on a campus may understand my next frustration.

The coveted parking spot.

Every Winter- those who park "on street" have to either park on the odd side or the even side- depending on what the arrangement was the year before. This year, we're parking on the odd side. Which in and of itself is frustrating. We have to park across the Street from our home. And thankfully, since Winter has decided to pretty much not show up- We haven't had to deal with walking across an icy street to get to where we live.

However:  The Woman who lives across the Street has decided that she needs to park in front of her house- instead of in her garage.  Which brings me to my curent dilema. With her parking in front of her house- instead of behind, there is not enough parking for both my car and Kyle's. Most often, being that Kyle gets home later than me- He has to park three houses down- on the opposite side of the Street.

I've been trying not to hold a grudge over something so silly. I've been trying to bite my tongue and not say anything to her- and I've been trying to not be a pest and purposely park right in front of her house- leaving her no room to park.  I'll admit, I've failed a couple of times at the whole...not parking infront of her house thing.

I'm dying to say something to her like, "Hey. Don't you have a garage?" 

She seems frustrated that we are parking infront of her house- as if we have a choice!

Le sigh.

But as a Christian- I'm trying to be the bigger person. Trying. Trying. Trying.

That rant/vent/ramble/complaint is over. Thanks for reading.

I feel a bit better now.

Anyone else run into a situation like that? How did you handle it?

Onto a whole new topic: Shampoo.
I love discovering new shampoo/conditioner duos. It makes me happy when my hair smells delicious after a shower. 
Typically I use Pantene or Dove, but recently discovered that the new Duo by "Burt's Bees" is heavenly.
Anyone else try it?  You should !

Until next time, grab that parking spot & shampoo your hair!

Cake and Controversy

There is nothing quite as thrilling as knowing a package is coming for you- and coming home to find it nestled perfectly next to your door.  (Then again...there is nothing quite as disappointing as expecting a package and coming home to it having not been delivered yet!)

I recently celebrated my 24th Birthday. (Which I don't think I've written about yet! I'm slacking, huh?)  It was easily one of my top 24 Birthdays... :)

I had taken my Birthday off, which was the first time in a few years that I had actually had the Day off. And it was wonderful. I watched movies, read a book, and took a long nap.  Kyle came home from work early and took me out to the Cheesecake Factory (Salmon. Cheesecake. Caramel Macchiato? Yes please!) and then took me into the Mall to pick out a new purse. It was awesome! I never thought I'd be given the opportunity to walk into a store that I love & be told that I can have my pick, basically.  I am a lucky girl!

Two days later, on Saturday, Kyle had yet another surprise in continuation of my Birthday. He took the day off and we stayed at a Bed & Breakfast here in Connecticut. http://www.stonecroft.com/
It was exactly what we needed. Relaxation and some time for the two of us to share together without any obligations. ( To make the day even more fun, we brought You've Got Mail along. Do I really need to say more?! )

As for turning 24, I'm still iffy about it. One more year away from officially being in the mid-20's. 
You know what has been crazy for me?  Watching ABC's The Bachelor.  I remember the day where I'd see their ages and think, "Wow...they're so much older than me."  And yet, as I watch the current Season- I'm finding that their either a year or two younger or just a few years older.  Such a reality check!
Time really does just slip by if you're not paying attention.

Anyway- the point of that entire "Birthday Ramble" was to give an explanation as to why I've been awaiting several packages. I received mostly cash and gift cards from Family & Friends and immediately did some online shopping. Hoorah!


Second-
Has any one seen some of the news headlines about Kirk Cameron sticking up for his beliefs against homosexuality and getting so much grief for it?
I recently discovered that on this particular website- you can make comments- and decided to go ahead and stick up for Kirk. So far over 600 people have "liked" my comment. I'm so thankful that there are people out there, more than I honestly would have suspected would be vocal, that are sticking up for what is right- in terms of morality.

Here is a copy of my comment:

It's amazing to me that Kirk expresses his belief- and gets completed blasted for it. If we're talking about "going with the flow" of America "today"- then what happened to being your own person? Having your own opinion? Being different? If I'm supposed to be different- and America is pretty much "Yay for Gay"- then I'd rather go against the grind. Not only that, but stick up for what I believe in. Regardless of what the rest of the World thinks.
I'd also like to comment- a lot of the things in the Bible are hard to understand and are up for "'interpretation"....but a lot of things are black and white. Homosexuality is one of those things. There is no if and or but about it. If you're calling yourself an advocate of gay rights- then I'll come right out and say it- I wouldn't want to be you when Jesus comes back.

Do I think that homosexuals should be bullied? Absolutely not!
Do I think that homosexuals are less of a human being? No.

But do I agree with or condone their lifestyles? No.

-----------------
This whole thing has been such a huge deal- and I totally understand every one's point of view. I get it. I do. Equality for everyone! Rights! "You can't tell me who to love!"- all that jazz.
But here's the thing: I serve a God who can direct me in who to love. And can  direct me in how to love. And I also serve a God who is completely blatant about Homosexuality. 

I am proud to serve my God. And I'm thankful for someone with the 'status' of Kirk Cameron who represents Christians and has a louder voice than I do.



Until next time,  Eat Cake!

The Frowner

Anyone else out there have a perception of themselves that doesn't seem to reign true to the rest of the World?
I've always considered myself a friendly, somewhat outgoing- genuine person.   However, apparently I wear a frown that says otherwise. 
But how do you change something that you don't even notice? At all?

I remember a Friend once saying that when he first saw me he thought, "Man...what's her problem??"  Because I looked completely ferocious.
Me? Seriously? Ferocious? HA!
I remember being shocked and then laughing that really, I had been thinking about something completely unrelated to being unhappy or angry.

So, for future reference- when you see me, ignore the ferocious frown I may be wearing. I don't hate you- I'm actually probably thinking about rainbows and butterflies. Maybe lollipops too.

I have a slight obsession with Sephora.  So many brands combined into one store- how could you not grow an obsession.  I got my first Sephora lipgloss from the Sephora in Spain after a Friend visited and brought it back as a gift. He clearly knew me well. (Actually, I recall begging him to bring me a gift. Preferably Spanish Lipgloss...ha!) - And so began my consistent desire for makeup, skincare, haircare- all things fragrant, fresh, and wonderous. :) If you aren't familiar with Sephora, you must check out their website! SO much wonderfulness!
I'm pretty sure all of my Family members and closer Friends have figured out the way to my heart over Birthdays & Christmases.

Has anyone discovered any blogs written by Christian Women who are not Mommies?  As much as I adore reading about Children- I'm finding that it's hard for me to relate, for obvious reasons. I would love to have a resource where I can find encouragement and support from other Women who have yet to welcome a little sweet pea :) (If you know of any blogs- and the blogger is a Mommy...by all means- still share it with me!)


Until next time- Apply lipgloss and smile! :)

Manda

The Cat Lady that Smelled of Lemons

I'm pretty sure that describes my future.

You know how when people recall someone that has been a part of their past in some form-they almost can always describe the way the smelled?
I'm recalling Parent Trap where Susan tells her Grandfather that she always remembers him smelling of..."Peppermint & tobacco".

I wear so many scents that I doubt you would remember me by one in particular. Or better yet- maybe each person that has some significance in my life will remember me by a different scent. That would be interesting, eh?

I think my favorite scent, right now, is the Lemon Perfume that Kyle bought me for Christmas. Every time I spritz it I feel energized. Clean. Pretty.


I was talking to Kyle last night, trying to describe my love for animals.  I absolutely adore animals- and by animals I mean specifically, cats and dogs. Of course it stretches beyond them- but those are my primary loves.
007 is the best Cat ever.  He's this big ball of fluff- and he is so, so cuddly. And lovey. 
He was lying across my chest last night, like a big baby- and I couldn't help but just stare at him. His little eyelashes. His little snore sounds. The little smirk on his lips.  This creature is lying on me, in complete trust. 
Think of their positions in life. They pretty much either scrounge around dumpsters for food and try to find shelter amongst shrubbery or under parked vehicles OR they cater to a "Master". Eat when they're fed. Sleep where they're allowed. Go outside if they're allowed.
It seems like such a sad life, if it weren't for us making it the best we can for them- right? 
It's constantly amazing to me that people can abuse their animals or ignore them in any way. I just can't imagine ever allowing that to happen to one of my Pets.
If I had the guts, I'd be the best Animal Cop...ever.
Also, I'd be perfectly fine if my lot in life was to become a "Cat Lady".

Lately I've been obsessed with Paris. (The City, not the blonde)  I've never really cared much about Paris, never really wanted to travel there. I'm not sure I want to travel there still- but, something about the whimsical atmosphere completely lures me in.  The cozy cottages, the little cafes...the brick streets. Dainty coffee cups and sweet tartes.
I think there is something so enchanting about what life seems to be like there. I find the women to encompass femininity. And me? I like the idea of being Feminine. :)
If you have any interest in Paris, I encourage you to check out this blog;
http://parisbreakfasts.blogspot.com/


I now have a Blog Button- I'd love it if you'd share my blog with others, if you find it in any way enjoyable.  If not...then by all means- don't share it! Heh.

Tomorrow is Friday- get excited!

Manda