The Sunshine Award!

November 25, 20135 Comments

It’s a sunshine day!

A big bear hug to Debbie for nominating me for this award. Please go over and check out her blog for amazing reviews on beauty and makeup products…not to mention two ADORABLE chihuahuas who I want to kindnap…(jk kindof).

Behold! The 11 questions I was asked to answer:

1. What inspired you to start your blog?

I wanted to learn WordPress to help broaden my “professional” skill set, but honestly my love for writing is what has kept this humble little blog chuggin along. I always have felt that there are too many blogs out there, be it beauty, lifestyle, fashion, healthy living, etc. where everything is moon-pies and rainbows. I happen to favor (both in life and on the internet) those folks who aren’t afraid to keep things real. And that, my friends is what I have aimed to do on my blog.

2. What’s the best beauty advice you ever got?

When in doubt, add more blush.

3. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

West Richland, Washington! JOKES. I would (and will) go to New Zealand…and walk the path to Mordor. Wearing a cape. And I’ll do my hair like this:

4. What one beauty product can’t you live without?

I look like a mutant alien when I am bare-faced so this one is a toughie. I would have to say mascara, just because it transforms me back into a human. A close runner up would be deo. For the B.O.

5. Do you have any pets?

GAH! Don’t ask. The short answer is no. The long answer is that unfortunately my fiance and I both work full-time and therefore, cannot devote (what I feel to be) the appropriate time to a dog (the only pet I would consider having). One day, I will rescue a chihuahua (or 7 of them) and I will name her/him Mordecai after Richie’s pet hawk in The Royal Tenenbaums.

6. Do you prefer going out or spending a low-key night at home?

Toss up. I luurrve going out, but a night at home is oftentimes just what the doctor ordered. If I am going out, I tend to favor shopping at Lush, eating crab cakes, drinking gimlets or seeing Disney on ice. A great night at home would include a $7 frozen yogurt with absolutely no fruit toppings, Pretty Little Liars or anything on ABC Family, You Tube, the fireplace, candy crush, candy and one of Bryan’s enormous hooded sweatshirts from college which I will inevitably spill froyo on.

7. What’s the best meal you ever had?

Another toughie. I would have to say our meal at Merriman’s in Kapalua while we were in Maui was top notch. It was comprised of scrumptious bread for the table, warm crusted goat cheese and charred ahi.

Either that or the time I ate 3 beef supreme chalupas at 2 am on New Year’s Eve in college.

8. What is your favorite skincare product?

Confession: I am dangerously close to the big 3-0 and I really don’t have a skincare routine. GASP. I need help and WOULD LOVE any recommendations down below. My skin type is dry to normal and my skin concern would be preventative wrinkle care so I don’t have to get 390,23423 rounds of Botox. GO!

9. Who’s your favorite YouTube Beauty Guru?

I would have to say Louise, from Sprinkle of Glitter takes the top spot. I also love her bestie, Zoella.

I watch these two relentlessly and not necessarily for their beauty know-how, but just because they are hilarious and awesome. For straight up makeup application, hauls and what-not I LOVE Jaclyn Hill. Her winged eyeliner vid is seriously life-changing.

10. What’s your favorite makeup look?

Bold, winged liner with a subtle shimmery (think Stila kitten or MAC vanilla pigment) shadow and a bright pink lip. Also plenty of Soft and Gentle highlight.

11. In the last week, name one thing that made you smile?

My fiance dancing in the kitchen. Watching the YouTube video of that girl falling on the ice (below). Getting my November Ipsy! Talking to my mom about what kind of vanity I want for Christmas. Texting with my 3rd sister, Rachel about Thanksgiving!

Wedding Dress Shopping

November 19, 2013November 19, 201310 Comments

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

I think it’s high time I posted about wedding dresses again, yes? I have much to say about the subject because I actually went shopping for this garment. And now that it’s over – I have MUCH more to say. So, let’s dish.

Thought No. 1

Wear underwear. Not a thong.

Yes Ma’am

The night before I ran to Target for essentials like cotton candy air fresheners and Glade products. It was then that I also realized I would be basically neked in front of a complete stranger the following day. So I did what any Girl Scout would do (yes, I was a Girl Scout). I PREPARED m’self. Grabbed me some full-bottomed underwear and my own strapless bra. No, I didn’t already own one SO SHUT UP. And MAN am I glad I did. Homegirls were ALL up in my dressing room. As they neatly packed away each ‘no’ back into the plastic garment bag, I shivered in my skivvies and wished they would HURRY THE F UP.

I digress.

Thought No. 2

Keep an open mind.

While I stuck to my guns with the silhouette, I surprised myself with things like beading, material and embellishments. I went in thinking romantic, sweet and kind of ethereal. I came out favoring glam, sophisticated and well, princessey. With a twist of ballerina. Can you blame me?

I die.

It is really important to trust your instincts. After all, we have been dressing ourselves for a while. However, shows like What Not to Wear also prove that we can’t always trust what we see in the mirror. Canadian tuxedos are also proof.

I have learned that my body is not conducive to anything super fitted through the hips and bust. Mostly because I lack both. Therefore, it was easy to rule out SO many types of dresses (trumpet, fit n flare, mermaid, what have you).

Thought No. 3

Throw your Mom a bone.

Nancy Palin

If your Mom has her little heart set on a flowing chiffon Greek goddess style gown – just try one on. It will do her heart good.

Thought No. 4

Don’t go to salons where every dress is out of your price range.

Luckily, my research steered me from wasting my time at a salon where dresses start at 5K. The Cinderella inside of me would love to wave a magic credit card and don a designer gown on my big day. However, we all make choices. I choose a trip to New Zealand. Or Croatia. Or a tufted sofa from Restoration Hardware. Thus, I mentally bid adieu to Vera, Monique, Miss Pettibone and Jen Packham. Adieu. Adieu. To you and you and you.

Thought No. 4

You can’t always have your cake and eat it, too.

When it comes to actual cake, this is completely bogus. However, whilst shopping, I quickly realized that my wedding look “vision board” (so to speak) was not cohesive in the slightest. My ideas of groomsmen in khaki and a birdcage veil received a negative reception once I transitioned from sweet little Pinterest dresses into the more dramatic stuff. While I wish I could have it all, khaki and bling simply do not marry well.

THIS:

DOES NOT GO WITH THIS:

you get it

Thought No. 5

It’s YOUR dress.

WORK IT Mama June

After I had found 4 strong contenders, I found myself staring into the faces of my mom, sister and future mother-in-law for some kind of strong decision. Which one should I get? Which one had the “it” factor? Which flattered my body?

And I’m not gonna lie, white aint forgiving. Mentally critiquing every aspect of my body and trying to stifle self-deprecating rhetoric was tough. No matter how many times my loved ones assured me how dazzling I looked, the innate fear of looking like a linebacker in a white dress was enough to cause self-doubt.

It’s true, it is MY dress. I will wear it. It shall hang in my closet where (hopefully) someday my kids will admire it…

Either that or I’ll decide to pawn it for bingo money. #neversaynever.

Travel Beauty Bag: Maui Edition

November 11, 20132 Comments

Greetings Lovelies!

Today I thought I would share the contents of my makeup and toiletries bag whilst in Maui. After a million and one trips of bringing a thousand mascaras and 763 eyeshadow palettes, I have learned m’lesson. Like Mowgli, I only need the bare necessities.

So here. They. Are.

Makeup

Covergirl Eyeshadow Trio in Shimmering Sands – Such a classic. Had it since high-school. The colors are pigmented and look gorgeous together.
Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer – My favorite go-to matte bronzer for contouring my face.
Anastasia Eye Brow Pencil in Ash Blonde – Really want to upgrade to the Brow Wiz, but not until I use up this pup.
Coola Tinted Sunscreen in SPF 20 – I really liked this organic sunscreen. In fact, this is the kind of sunblock they offered at the Spa.
Covergirl Ink It Eyeliner in Black – Love this eyeliner. Stays put and is VERY black.
Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette in Light – One of my all-time favorite concealers. I love the setting powder and the multitude of shades was nice to have.
B enefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation – LOVED this foundation for Hawaii. SPF 25. Oil-free. BRIGHTENING. Perf.
MAC Mineralized Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle – Holy grail highlight.
Benefit Cha Cha Tint – Sample from Ulta. Loved this on my cheeks and lips. Definitely used a chapstick with SPF though.
MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural – Holy grail face powder. Beautiful, natural looking finish.
Too Faced Lashgasm Mascara in Black – New-to-me mascara from Sephora. Just meh. Worked nicely but would not repurchase.
MAC Pro-Long Wear Concealer in NW15 – Holy grail concealer. Does. Not. Crease.
Origins Vitazing Moisturizer – Favorite moisturizer for the summer time. Subtle tint-release and really brightening.
Essence Silky Touch Blush in Sweetheart – This blush really IS silky. I loved this really natural color on my skin.

Beauty Products

Biotin – Gotta take my pretty pills.
Kenra Volume Hairspray – Such a nostalgic smell for me. Reminds me of getting ready for homecoming in high school. And the formula is nice.
Pacifica Coconut Crushed Pearl Bronzing Body Lotion – SUCH a beautiful and delicious smelling lotion. Absolutely obsessed.
Moroccon Oil – Holy grail hair oil. Nothing else will do.
Pssssst! Dry Shampoo – This is just meh. Not as good as Batiste.
Dove Deo – Smells great, but not as good as this one.
Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effect Sunblock in SPF 20 – Obsessed with the smell. The shimmer is pretty but I wouldn’t re-purchase this formulation.
Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray – Have YET to find a beach spray I’m in love with. This one is ok and added a little oomph to my already salty locks.
Q-Tips – Duh.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion – No crazy smells and does the job.
L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Lotion in Deep/Dark – My favorite drugstore self-tanner BY FAR. Just wish it didn’t have the sparkle because it is INTENSE.

Mkay that is all. What do you bring on vacation?

Maui Extravaganza

November 6, 20132 Comments

I’ve got two tickets to paradise! Pack your bags, we’re leaving the day-after-tomorrow!

Oh, Mr.Scott!

So, YEAH. We got back on Sunday and no part of me was ready for returning to this season of leaves, pumpkins and people dressing up as Miley Cyrus for Halloween.

Not to worry though. I have my wonderful ~~sunburns~~ mems to keep me warm! And really, I’m kidding. This girl did not get one, solitary sunburn. Save for a slighter beiger shade of, well, beige and a few freckles splashed across my nose – I remain your loyal, pasty-white internet friend.

I am scheming up a few different posts to break up what I fear could be a post longer than the script of Hoop Dreams, for your reading pleasure. Indeed, a grand synopsis will kick-off this whirling dervish of sand, sun and of course, rum.

We arrived in Maui on Friday. Our complimentary drinks at the United Club Room pre-flight made for an excellent way to pass the time during the 5.5 hour trip by (you guessed it) sleeping. Drinks at 9 am? YES.

The air in Hawaii is my favorite air. If the air they sold in that movie The Lorax was from Hawaii, I would be their #1 customer. The thick humidity may as well be 1,000 plumeria-scented baby fairies, kissing my entire body. Now, THERE’s a visual. But you get the idea, I LOVE it.

We fell into our usual (usual. ha. this was only my second visit) routine of hitting Costco to stock up on ~~necessities~~ booze for the 9 glorious days ahead. $175 later we had in our cart:

2 kinds of chips
Salsa
Booty
Bread
Cheese
Pineapple
Bag o limes
Bag o lemons
Handle of vodka
Handle of tequila
24 cans of Bud Light

‘cessities

We stayed at the Kapalua Villas on Maui. They was nice.

The trip was full of discovery.

Like discovering the amazing beaches we were right next to.

*Not my photos, obvi.

Or grosser things like the teeny tiny geckos that speckle the sidewalks and don’t move until your foot is literally 1 centimeter away from it.

Discovering the fact that you can’t leave even 1 solitary piece of booty on the counter or else ants will come.

I discovered that I love the show LOCKUP because seeing these people makes any problem you have just melt away.

I discovered that spending a day at the Kapalua Spa is what heaven must be like. READ: waterfall shower, sauna, steam room, unlimited towels, robes, spa slippers, high-end sunblock, and body care products. I almost brought zip-lock baggies and just pumped away at that free lotion.

Oh! And one other thing. All week, we kept noting the crazy amount of runners and cyclists around the hood. I know Maui is conducive to runners and other exercise enthusiasts, but the staggering numbers of all these fit beings led us to believe something fishy was going on.

Well, we were right.

The supposed islands of curvaceous, tanned hula girls was now inundated with the thin, muscular silhouettes of professional triathletes from all of the world. Men in teeny speedos yelling “Ciao!” with the confidence of Peter Jackson at an Elf Convention.

We were able to watch the beginning of the triathlon before we left on Sunday, which began with a 1-mile “rough water swim”. As the frail bodies emerged from the water, making their speedy transitions on to their pristine mountain bikes I looked down at the small stomach ponch that had formed just above the waistline of my shorts…and then I had another margarita 🙂

I also happened upon some re-discoveries.

Like the fact that my fiance is THE BEST bartender this side’the Mississippi.

THESE COOKIES.

Ermygurd

And the fact that I still enjoy dancing to Britney Spears solo after 2 margaritas.

That hammocks are simply great.

And so are lava flows.

I re-discovered how hard it is to completely remove sand from all crevasses of the body.

That IZ has a voice that could bring world peace.

I re-discovered why I love this beautiful, lush island. Oh, and wore this tank:

Aloha for now! And mahalo 🙂

October Favorites

November 1, 20132 Comments

Aww YEEAH.

Y’all ready for this?!

*cues Jock Jams*

Makeup

Whilst in Maui, I picked up two items that I have been on an ongoing search for. We wandered into Longs Drugs and of course I couldn’t resist a trip down the makeup aisle. Here’s what I found:

This Bonne Bell Lip Lites color is hugely popular with beauty gurus and 10 year old girls all over the world. The color looks real nice over the top of MAC Creme Cup and yeah, it smells delicious.

I have been wanting to try the Jordana eyeliners given the line’s great reputation but alas, the brand is only sold at Walgreens and it’s mostly all nail polish. In Maui, they had the ENTIRE line of Jordana so I happily snagged this eyeliner. It reminds me alot of the Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen but it is way more pigmented.

This I brought with me from home and was a sample I received from Ulta. I only wore makeup out to dinner in Hawaii, since during the day we were either swimming in the ocean or in a pool. I don’t fuss with the waterproof mascaras because it’s too hard to get off. I surrender to the fact that I look like one of those hairless cats and just move on with my life. This stuff came in handy when we were dashing out the door to grab coffee and I wanted to look not so much like a corpse. I just brushed a few strokes on my cheeks and lightly tapped it in to my skin. It also works great on the lips with a coat of chapstick with SPF.

Another free sample from Ulta! I got two of the lightest shades and was able to start with the lighter and transition into the darker as my face got more color. I really enjoyed this foundation while in Hawaii: it has SPF 25, no oil and it is brightening (I have dry skin). It performed beautifully, especially on the nights where went out for drinks at sunset. I have yet to give it a try since we have been back since I remain true to my MUFE HD Foundation, but it was definitely a hit in the tropics!

Other Stuff

Confession: I have a very itchy scalp. It makes no sense, really. I wash my hair a mere two times a week, so you’d assume my scalp would be oily, if anything. However, after the 4th or so day of not washing my hair, my scalp becomes SUPER itchy. Like fire ants are on my head. Thus, I decided to pick up a shampoo to treat my condition. I remember using Neutrogena T-Gel as a kid and it smelled like DEATH. This shampoo smells like coconut and nourishes my scalp. And it’s like $4 so yeah. WINNING.

Confession 2: I enjoy men’s deodorant. Always have. Always will. I know the aluminum is killing me but I refuse to fall victim to B.O. In high school, I would wander into Abercrombie and spray myself with Fierce, just OBSESSING over how good it smelled. This deo I picked up in a pinch one afternoon at my local QFC in the travel section. I have now grown fond of the smell, very fond. It smells like men’s soap. Simple as that.

I picked up this little set of teasing combs at Target and am glad I did. After a 3-day no-wash my hair starts lookin a little limp. I enjoy taking a section towards the middle-back of my head and teasing, with the help of my beloved Tres 2 hairspray. Then I just comb another small section of hair over that and pull it into a pony. Just gives it a little somethin.

Last, but certainly not least are these AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS Kashi bars. I was on the hunt for my favorite pumpkin pie ones, but they were sold out (tis the season). I could literally have an entire pack of these. It’s like a candy bar, only good for you. I should have handed these out for Halloween instead of Snickers! Or maybe not…

We Bought a House

October 31, 2013October 31, 20139 Comments

YES.

(Most pictures below are courtesy of our broker.)

I Forsee a Red Door…

Bry and I chin-chin’ed over a bottle of champagne and are basically like little kids who just got their own rooms. And in a way, we are.

The “estate” (as I will now refer to it haha JK) features 4 bedrooms. FOUR. And each will be themed. The themes are: America, Irrigation and Nighttime ;). One will be our room, too.

I am really excited to have a girly room. The “ladies” quarters is where us ladies will sit. I will hang up my pink wall decor, I’ll blast the heat.

I’ll unload my complete boxed set of Sex and the City DVDs and string twinkle lights wherever I damn well please. I’ll plug in wallflowers, light my 14.5 oz BBW 3-wick candles and switch on my Scentsy.

It will be an agglomeration of years worth of different obsessions. Unicorn figurines, sequined picture framed photos from spring break 2004 and cupcake paraphernalia.

Various sundries, carefully plucked from the shelves of previous college apartments and memory boxes will be placed on shabby-chic shelving. Not to mention, a vanity along with my entire collection of makeup. It will be as if Rachel Ashwell’s collection threw up all over my room.

And it will smell like peonies.

And BEHOLD, a vision board!

From top left to right: Teacup, Macy’s Chloe Sofa, Pottery Barn Meredith Desk, Pier 1 Hayworth Vanity, Prada Marfa Sign Art, Pottery Barn Throw Blanket, Z Gallerie Nicolette Bed, Peonies, JH Picture, B&BW Candle, Eiffel Tower Lamp, Anthropologie Georgina Duvet.

What else am I excited about?

We will FINALLY have a garage. How can one be so happy about something as boring as a garage, you ask? As the soon-to-be wife of a crazy outdoorsman, I can tell you – it’s pretty darn exciting.

No longer will dirty hiking shoes be mixed into a box of linen duvets and muffin tins. Ropes, belay devices, tents, sleeping bags, GIANT backpacks and muddy boots can all be arranged lovingly in the space, solely devoted to storing things of this nature. Not to mention, our skis, bicycles oh yeah – our MOTOR VEHICLES.

It’s a luxurious life we shall lead.

We will have a separate tub from shower which can only mean that I will be able to shop at Lush and buy those cutely-shaped bath bombs for ten bucks a pop. Thank the lord!

An entryway! Equipped with a table which will proudly display such amusements as a dish of seasonal candies, a mini-Christmas tree, pumpkins dipped in glitter or ugly ceramic Easter Bunny figurines that I thought were cute at the time. Sky’s the limit.

A living room AND a family room which I realize is not very Gen-Y of me. I should be programmed to embrace the “great” room but alas, I cannot. Call me old fashioned, but I like me two rooms. One for sittin’, one for livin’.

A normal-sized kitchen with enough room to store a plethora of gadgets. We can have multiple cutting boards, thus eliminating the cross contamination of cutting up an onion on same surface as my morning english muffin.

A backyard where I can spray paint things to my heart’s delight. Much like Portlandia’s ever-popular phrase, “We can pickle that!” I will exclaim, “I can spray paint that!”.

Lastly, we will have enough room for a family to (hopefully) grow. To welcome a poor, unsuspecting addition to our family in human or canine form. One being slightly more of a responsibility than the other but both subject to ridiculous amounts of love. And candy. And bows.

Come On-A OUR House!

A Seasoned Bride

October 23, 2013October 28, 20134 Comments

I will be 30 years old when I get married.

*gulp*

“Oh my god. Is this bad, is this bad?”

“You got a f***in dart in your neck.”

Lemme start by saying that I don’t think 30 is actually old. It should be 30 years YOUNG. If you don’t believe me, just watch 13 Going on 30 and feast your eyes on Jenn Garner, as she styles her hair with pencils. However, since I have friends my age who are celebrating 7-year (yes, SEVEN YEAR) anniversaries I think you all can understand my feelings.

Before you judge me, my budding crow’s feet and high-waisted pants, let’s make one thing clear. I realize the consequences of the timing. It’s true, I’ll be married at 30 and subsequently a 30-something mother and no, I suppose it’s not idyllic. However, I’m acknowledging these things and trying to embrace them. Sometimes, life aint pretty:

Says it all.

I know that our photog will have to use her filters and blurs all over our mugs. And that I will not be able to party until 2 am. I know I will have to work out like crazy and can’t rely on a young, rapid metabolism to get me in shape. Gone are the days of being 22 and entire loaves of bread dipped in Gold’n’Soft. Say la vie.

Since 99.9% of my friends are happily wed, I will be among the stragglers. The people who come to the party , like, 3 hours late. Already drunk, donning a stretched out halter top from Old Navy and smudged mascara.

Or a stretched out wife-beater and sparkly bolero.

To be completely honest with y’all, there were times I thought it would never happen. I feared I wasn’t worthy, deserving or ready. I pictured myself a living Cathy comic, minus the cats.

Being a 30-year-old bride means slight adjustments that I wish I didn’t have to undergo. But it also means a wealth of really awesome stuff too.

We no longer po’. College loans are paid off, credit card debt is non-existent. I’m not tied down to grocery-store generics, jeans from JcPenney’s or having to wait for the semi-annuals at B&BW (even though I still do).
My tastes have progressed. Gone are visions of a hot-pink affair, with rhinestones, zebra print and tiaras. I’ll pass along those ideas to the folks at My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.
Thanks to a pretty awesome life so far, I still basically feel like a kid. Evidence: I would willingly see Disney on Ice…or really anything on ice.

The most valuable? I feel that I finally know what I want in the love department and otherwise. I’ve been single, I’ve been in a relationship. I’ve ignored red flags, made killa mistakes and stayed in bad situations too long… rough pumpkins. I sowed them wild oats and made a quilt (wrong kind of sewing…).

While the pros of marrying young are plentiful, so are the pros of marrying a bit later in life. I’m 100% all in. Would 24-year old Natalie have been so sure? That would be a loud and resounding HELL NAH.

Just a baby.

It was scary to reinvent myself again and please excuse my use of the word, too much Lifetime . I’d like to think that bravery played a part in all this, because 3 or so years ago, I hit ctrl+alt+delete on a life I knew and moved to Wyoming to re-boot m’sytems. Enter Bryan.

Around Bryan, I can be 100% me. Pure, unadulterated Natalie (pulp-free of course). I can sing Legally Blonde the Musical in the car really loud including hand motions in his FACE. He fetches me pink glazed rainbow sprinkles donuts from Top Pot (maybe this is not a good thing). He teaches me how to talk with a southern drawl and we hold lengthy conversations whilst using our Lew-siana accents, discussing imaginary situations “down on the bayou”.

I have found my “mullet” of a spouse – Bryan is business in front, party in the back and after a decade or so of searching, I have found my leading man.

Looking especially heroic atop a mothaf*ckin mountain

So, we may be sporting a few fine lines, astigmatism and softer mid-sections, but it’s nothing a little Oil of Olay and the right medications can’t fix.