Spring 2024 Favorites

May 14, 20241 Comment

I think what I hate most about the end of each year is actually the looming presence of spring. She’s off in the distance, just out of focus enough to forget about her, but then WHAM – she hits you in the face! Literally. With sideways rain.

I mean don’t get me wrong, I hate January through March too but those are typical hated months. April and May are SO much worse because they tease the coming of the best season of the year. The season where seasonally-affected Portlandians get a small reprieve from the relentless drizzle and oppressive gray. When the abundance of green gorgeousness can be actually be enjoyed and the California transplants finally decide the move was worth it (trust me, it’s not).

So in celebration of being about halfway through the month of May, let’s talk about some recent faves!

We the Free Palmer Cuffed Jeans – lala land wash

I’ve been on a huuuuge Free People kick lately. It started on our recent trip to Palm Springs where I fell madly in love with these jeans and BOUGHT THEM FULL PRICE. You guys. This is coming from the girl whose wardrobe is 95% from the bins. The jeans are perfection and also look super cute cuffed. I just couldn’t resist them and I’ve worn them a ton – so comfy, unique, and fun!

Also don’t mind my bunions…

Diane Von Furstenberg x Target Utility Purse (sold out)

I got to Target bright and early for the DVF collab drop. I thought I wanted the little camera bag but I sent my sister a picture of both and we landed on this one. This has easily become my go-to purse, it’s adjustable, made of nylon (read: easy to clean), and has a front zippered pocket for a phone. Couldn’t have designed it better myself.

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation – in Light

I picked this up during Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty Event, which is really worth keeping an eye on! I think I paid about $25 and it’s been worth every penny. This is a full-coverage foundation with SPF 50. Perfect summer foundation for when I want more coverage. I am still on the hunt for a good sheer/tinted version with maybe a hint of dewiness. Leave any suggestions in the comments!

Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder – in Breezy

A setting powder that doesn’t take away the “dewiness”? Sign me up! I splurged on this powder after some rave reviews I found on TikTok. It sets my makeup just enough – takes away the harsh shine but leaves the radiance. I love it.

Urthy Scents Body Oil – in Bungalow Nights

Body oils might be my new favorite thing, thanks to this one. Doesn’t hurt that the notes are: pistachio, night-blooming tuberose, jasmine, and ylang ylang, with undertones of milky coconut and warming amber. STOPPPP it. The formulation is perfection and super moisturizing, which not all body oils are. So hydrating and the smell lingers.

Currentbody LED Mask

Before I leave my initial thoughts on this LED mask, let me just say that I am also having a sleep study done soon and will likely be prescribed a sleep apnea machine. Let’s all take a moment to let the visual of me in my LED mask, CPAP machine, and night guard seep in. I’ve already alerted the husband that he is about to become the luckiest man alive.

For our 6-year anniversary, David lovingly gifted me this mask as I was not willing to purchase it myself. At around $385 it is costly, but I am hoping that with consistent use I’ll need fewer IPL photo-facials to banish my dark spots. The jury is still out, as I have only had this for about a month, but I will keep you all posted. So far, it is comfortable enough to wear and only takes 10-minutes!

Trader Joes Calandiva Potted Flower

ExCUSE me but how sweet are these mini-rose wannabes? I die. ALSO this cost $4.99 and ALSO I have kept it alive for 6 weeks now. Perhaps the best 5 bucks ever spent and I might go back this week for another.

All for now! Tell me what I need to check out for this summer in the comments 🙂

When Did it End?

September 14, 2023September 14, 2023Leave a comment

Why is this song so perfectly applicable to anything sad? Billie just gets it.

I almost didn’t write this post at the risk of sounding like another millennial mom, droning on about how time is a thief, how we blink and a year drifts by, but today I am putting that aside. I am writing it TF down because another summer has gone, and doggone it – it’s the year of the Barbie movie!

Clara is going to be 5 years old in just 3 months. We started official preschool 3 days a week at a new school and girlfriend SLAYS in her pink Fjallraven and Disney princess lunchbox. We are dealing with a 4-year-old who wants to get dressed, use the bathroom, brush her teeth, and pour LARGE glasses of milk all by her lonesome. Her catch phrases and one-liners literally SEND David and I. Favorites include (while leaning up against something) “How a’doin?”, “Bemember lasterday?” (aka anything that has happened in the past), and the one that gets me err time, “You’re breaking my heart mommy” (when I tell her goodnight and am about to leave the room, it always buys her at least 15 more min).

Eliana is 12 and in 7th. We are going through the delightful saga that is middle school – friends, enemies, boys, makeup, controversial outfit choices, iPhones, all of it. We’re “trying on personalities” as my best friend Kelly lovingly puts it. One day we’re sporty spice, then we’re an Influencer, and then out of nowhere we’re asking to be tucked in at bedtime. Really I cannot blame her one bit – I cringe at the memory of me in JNCO jeans.

Our summer was packed to the brim. E had summer camps and vacations. Clara took a ballet class. We went on a few random trips. Here are the highlights:

One of my best friends, Holly got married in Idaho. My other BFF’s and I were bridesmaids and we had THEE best time!

I love her.

Clara discovered the gas station strawberry shortcake ice cream bars!

She also got SO much better at drawing. Check out her troll doll!

Trip with with Liv and Kelly to Pacific City. We chaperoned a group of 16-year-olds so we EARNED THIS.

JONI JAM 2023. For my mom’s 70th birthday, my sisters and I got tickets to see Brandi Carlisle and Joni Mitchell at the Gorge. It got super cold after the sun went down but it was SO FUN!

We discovered THEE best pizza in Portland (IMO) – Ranch Pizza.

We went to Kennewick for the 4th of July and I (for the first time maybe ever) beat everyone at shanghai rummy.

Clara started taking pre-ballet and tap at a little dance studio near our house and LOVED it. I physically cannot handle how cute she looks in her leotards and unitards.

Face-painting ala Mommy

I gardened for the first time in my life AND planted something.

We drug our $85 pool out of the garage.

The cousins came to visit and we took a little trip to the Oregon coast.

We went to visit our friends Anna and John at their gorgeous lake house.

Clara took her baby for a stroll.

We visited Frog Pond Farm.

Clara had her dance recital!

We attended a birthday party with Rapunzel. Sidenote: I think I missed my true calling as a party princess.

We went to Sun River with my family!

And lastly, but most importantly – Eliana and I FINALLY checked visiting this Christian bookstore/vegetarian foods market off our bucket list. Spoiler alert – we didn’t buy anything.

It’s a whirlwind this life, and most of the time I am DRAINED. I know I could use a little more time to myself but at the end of the day, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What’s in my Bag

May 20, 2014May 20, 2014Leave a comment

I am such a sucker for these.

Whether it’s in a magazine, on YouTube or a blog – “what’s in my bag?” gets me err’ time. Esp when it’s like Cara Delevingne’s bag. It straight turns me into that chick from Mean Girls:

Anywho – onto the goods!

Currently I am using the Tory Burch Holly shoulder bag in vintage vechetta. Pretty fancy name for a brown purse, it was a gift from The Bry and I lurrve it.

Thank you Cards

Thanks Target Dollar Bins!

I always have thank you cards with me for some reason. I mean, you never know when you will be sitting at your desk and realize “CRAP! I never sent my aunt a thank you for bringing me cupcakes last week when I had a cold!!” You see? They are essential.

2. Wallet

Why YES. That IS a senior picture of The Bry himself!

This would be my black Hobo wallet purchased at Jackson Hole Bootlegger on sale. It was a HUGE splurge at the time and has served me quite well over the past 3 or so years.

3. Mini Makeup Bag

Valentines Gift from Bry’s Mom!

Contents include NYX Butter Gloss in eclair, Mac Fleur d’Coral lipstick, chapstick from Whistler that was $6, Rimmel blush and Covergirl blush brush, Yaby concealer, Jo Malone samples in Peony & Blush Suede and a mini Origins mascara. Whew!

4. Various Meds

For my ailments.

5. BBW Hand Lotion in Warm Vanilla Sugar

How can you not love this scent? I like it all year long. The formula is actually decently thick and moisturizing too.

6. Glasses and glasses cloth

SNOOZE.

7. Various Coupons

99.9% of the coupons I clip never actually get used. When I do remember to use a coupon, I feel SO triumphant. Like, I could have $200 of useless crap in my cart from Target, but if I used a $1 off coupon on ANYTHING I am SUCH the bargainista!

8. Weekly Planner

Let’s be honest. Since there are no kids, job, or house to run (haha, like I ever did that anyway) my planner now contains such momentous events as “last day to use 20% Ulta coupon” or “Dance Moms Marathon”. You know, the IMPORTANT things in life.

Enthralling, I know! What is a staple in YOUR bag??

Liebster Madness

May 6, 20144 Comments

Another ~~day~~ Liebster, another dollar.

I have been nominated a few more times for this honorable award from the adorable Abby, of Hundred Acre Beauty, the amazing mommybeauty and Treana (fellow bride to be) of Treana’s Transitions. Thanks girrrls!

Since I have been nominated before (here and here) I’ll keep it short and just answer a few questions, promise 🙂

11 Random Facts About Me

I just started wearing contacts regularly and I HATE putting them in.
When I was in 5th grade, I was the Tin Man in our school’s production of the Wizard of Oz. I was on the news and behaved like a regular asshat.
I am passionate about LGBT rights.
Cereal might be my favorite food. (Who wants a Top 5 cereal post!?)
I can play the first few measures of Vanessa Carlton’s 1000 Miles on the piano.
I HAVE never and WILL never eat a banana. I DESPISE them.
I believe Edith Bouvier Beale to be one of the best humans ever.
Debra Messing bugs me.
I have an obsession with serial killers.
One of my lifelong dreams is to sing in a gospel choir and be the only white person.
I have Bill Crystal’s autograph.

Questions for Me

1. What is your favourite food/meal to have on a special occasion?

Crab cakes, birthday cake w/rainbow chip frosting, ice cream cake. Various cakes.

2. Your favourite hobby?

Blogging! Writing! I also like reading, singing and dancing around the house and baking cupcakes. Also, makeup. Shopping for it, applying it, organizing it, etc. AND I enjoy playing volleyball and running (downhill) when I can.

3. Dream job?

PR for a theater or ballet company. Makeup artist. Product development/marketing for a high-end cosmetics company. I’d also take Rick Steve’s job.

4. Favourite brand of makeup?

If price were no object, Nars or Chanel. Brand I use most? L’Oreal or MAC.

5. What is your guilty pleasure?

Lifetime Movies, Shows like Greek and Make it or Break It, Tricky Sticks from the Pipeline (OMG). Swedish fish.

6. What is one thing people would be surprised to find out about you?

Even though I looove me some makeup and hurr curr – I am also kindof a major ragamuffin. I have perpetual bedhead and smudged mascara.

7. When I ask what makes you happy? What is the first thing that pops into your head?

VACATION. Christmas time. Sun.

8. Greatest accomplishment?

I gotta say volleyball. It was MY WHOLE LIFE for a good, oh, 10 years or so. Firstly, I am not coordinated. I am also clumsy and kind of a walking disaster BUT – I worked my ass of for a good while. And it paid off – both teams I played for in college won the league. I received awards and broke some school records. My senior year I was even awarded first team all-american and was MVP of the league! For the gangly, B-team, awkwardness that I was – I think I ended up doing pretty well for myself. *plz note I played at a community college and a Div. 3 college – I’m not Misty May or anything CLOSE.

9. What is on your agenda today?

TONS.

Buy falsies and new tanning mitt
Pack boxes for move
Try to work out (probs not happening)
Self-tan
Watch 8-10 YouTube videos
Do a mask
Try to get Bry to slow dance with me in the kitchen
Curl my ‘stensions
Paint nails pastel pink

BOOM-shakalaka!

Let’s keep up.

Meeting Sprinkle of Glitter

April 21, 201413 Comments

You guys.

I met Louise.

You know Louise, of the YouTube channel Sprinkle of Glitter?

If you don’t, allow me to fill you in. Louise is from England, married and has an adorable 3-year-old daughter, Darcy. Her channel focuses on all aspects of life, from makeup/beauty, to day-in-the-life vlogs to serious, deeper subjects. I think people love Louise because she is relate-able, animated, hilarious and seemingly humble. Now that I have actually met her in person (pinch me again) I can confirm that she is in fact, all of these things.

So how did I meet her?

She flew all the way from the UK to Seattle for a visit with her dear friend (and fellow YouTuber) Marie of Bits and Clips. One day, 20 minutes before I had a appt with the doc, I saw a post on Facebook outlining a meet-up she was having in Kerry Park. Obviously, I had not planned on going, but as soon as I realized our proximity I ~~hyperventilated~~ casually decided to go.

I know I sound crazy. She makes videos on the internet…SO WHAT!? Well. YouTube celebs (youlebrities?) are kindof maje. The lucky ones have morphed from normal people who enjoy sitting in front of a camera and talking, to celebrities in their own right.

I DIGRESS, heres the deets:

The park had about 50 girls, anxiously pacing too and fro, clutching their lovely hand-written notes and small gifts for Louise. They were shaking. Shaking. I say girls, because they were just that. The vast majority of this mob was made up of high school girls and college students. There was the odd Mom bob, but I noticed that these women were dropping off their high-school daughters, not actually attending the meet-up. So then I felt like a douche.

As Louise pulled up I thought, “Oh wonderful! They found a spot in the front!”. Meanwhile, the girls behind me were nervously emitting muffled screams and twisting their purse straps as they caught sight of her. This was REAL y’all. People was losing they shizz.

She came out of the car and immediately addressed the crowd, saying “Hi!!”. She was everything. Gracious, well-poised and adorable without being obnoxious. Right off the bat, she exclaimed, “You all look so American!” and of course we all chuckled.

Then it was dead silent. Everybody was just stunned, shocked and in awe. The air was palpable. So naturally, I started nervously blurting things out. Word vomit, I think they call it. You know me.

When it was my turn for a picture with her, I told her I was probably the oldest person there. I also said that I make “uncontrollable ugly face” in pictures and was sorry for that, to which she said “Don’t say that! You look wonderful! You could have elephantiasis!”. hahahahaaaaaaaaa

Oh Louise.

I side hugged the bejesus outta her and said more awkward things as you might expect.

Am I patting her?

I almost kissed the top of her head while singing let’sgotothebeach EACH letsgogetaway, but thought she might have me arrested, right there in the park.

Oh, and obvs I had to get one a’these:

Just two besties

It was a wonderful treat for us Seattlites, to receive a sprinkle of glitter from my personal favorite YouTuber, Louise!

Here we all are! (via her Twitter):

Op. There’s crazy me. Laying it on thick.

The Liebster Award: Take 2

February 19, 20142 Comments

What appropriate timing!

Oscar Sunday coming up and I get nominated for another Liebster Award? Move over Meryl. Take a seat, Ms. Bullock. There’s an up-and-comer and she’s taking the world by storm!

Big thanks to the lovely Brandi of That Saucy Mama for the nomination.

If you care to read more about the specifics of the Liebster Award, see this post.

Here are the 11 questions I was asked to answer:

1. What made you want to start a blog?

Originally it was to document my fiance Bryan and I’s life together in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I wanted to write about our adventures in the mountains, my learning to ski, recipes and everything in between.

2. If you were given a shopping spree, in what store would you choose to use it?

OMG What a great question! So many schools of thought here. I suppose at this prudent, nesting stage in my life, it would be Restoration Hardware. BUT. The other sides of me would scream “SEPHORA!”, “BERGDORFS!” or “TAAAARRRGET!”.

3. Do you wear makeup everyday, or just on special occasions?

Errday my friends.

4. Who is your favorite band/singer/musician?

DUDE. These questions! Toughie. Dead or alive I am assuming? Honestly, my favorite music to listen to is all from Musicals and/or Disney. Does Ariel count as a musician?

5. What is the one thing, no matter how crap your day was, that can make you smile?

Several things. A cocktail. Ellen DeGeneres. My fiance. Talking to any member of my family. Sandwiches. Texting my friends ugly pictures of myself with “the claw”. Serial killer literature. Or of course, baby monkey.

6. Are you a tech junkie, or just a tech user?

USER all the way. And while we’re on the subject, let’s bring back the rotary dial!

7. If you were a lip product, what product and color would you be? (lipstick, gloss, balm…)

MAC Saint Germain lipstick. All. The. Way.

8. What is your favorite type of blog post to read/write?

I love reading mommy blogs because one day I will be a mom and I will need all the help I can get. My favorite posts to write are probably vacation re-caps, because hey, I just got back from vaca b*itches!

9. What is your go to type of outfit?

Well, this is obviously seasonal. However, right now I would have to say, Gap skinny jeans, a slightly baggy sweater, boots, a scarf and my new Tory Burch purse :). But of course, you’re never fully dressed without ~~a smile~~ diamonds.

10. Do you have a favorite meal to cook?

I get more of a kick outta baking. Namely cupcakes. I make a mean salad dressing, I suppose. And these are also a favorite of mine to make.

11. Are you a glass half full, or glass half empty person?

Half full forever. Nay, brimming! OVERFLOWING.

Dance with life, people. Dance with life!

November Favorites

December 6, 20134 Comments

Yep! I’m about 6 days late on this.

(I was just about to add the #sorrynotsorry hashtag but I’m sick of seeing it and I would wager you are too!)

So let’s get to them products!

Makeup

1. Stila eyeshadow in Bliss: Top row, middle shade

This color is my GO-TO crease color. It’s matte. It’s effortless. I love it.

2. Wet’n’Wild Lipstick in Cherry Picking

Such a pretty deeper, bright pink. I heard about it from Fleur and I am so glad I did. Also, it costs $2!

3. Starlooks Eye Pencil in Topaz

I received this in my November Ipsy, which I had mixed feelings about. At first, I didn’t know what to do with a silver metallic eye pencil…in 9th grade this would have been great 🙂 Anyways, I smudged a little on my lower lash line last weekend and kind dug the whole “snow fairy” effect it gave. Since then, I have been smudgin away!

Bath & Body

1. Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Body Butter

Ermahgerd. This smells like pumpkie pie and I have contemplated licking myself after I apply this to my skin just to see if it tastes good. It doesn’t.

2. Purity Face wash by Philosophy

After an hour long conversation with a sweet sales-woman at Ulta, I decided to give this crazy-popular face wash a try. I explained to her my concerns: nearing 30, currently no skincare routine and looking for a little wrinkle prevention. Among several other things (like a Clarisonic) she recommended this stuff, noting that it completely removes makeup, can be used to wash brushes and most interestingly, it removes the wax coating from fruits! So far, I am really liking it and Bryan does too!

3. Montana Mountain Air Foaming Hand Soap from BBW

I got this for 2 reasons: the blue matches our powder room and because it said Montana. I mean, whaaaat?! Anywho, I am OBSESSED with the smell of this and sadly, BBW only came out with the soap (which I can’t find online anywhere) and nothing else!

Random Faves:

1. My SEAHWAKS shirt a’course!

2. Having this car jar in my life:

3. Kristin Gehm and her husband, Bob on YouTube

I happened upon Kristin’s YouTube channel through Emily Noel or “Beauty Broadcast”. I absolutely adore her videos, especially the weekend vlogs. Also, her dear husband Bob is seriously hilarious. His demeanor is so great and I love the way they interact. Check out both her makeup and vlog channel!