Green thumb...or not??

Am I the only one who doesn't have a green thumb? I swear that I am destined for a life without greenery. I kill every type of plant I've ever owned! African violets, orchids, succulents, even MUMS in the fall. Seriously?! Who kills mums? This girl!

Over Memorial Day, my super green thumbed grandma put together a pot of flowers for me. I helped pick them out, and she arranged them. She's a genius with plants of any kind, and I'm loving my pot! 

So pretty! I have NO clue what most of the plants are called, but I'm loving those yellow Dr. Suess looking ones in the back! My friends, the best part of this...??It's still ALIVE!! (Knock on wood!) I'm hoping that keeping one plant alive means I might be able to eventually handle full-on landscaping. Our current landscaping (if you can even call it that) consists of one hydrangea I planted about three years ago (that I don't even water), and two green leafy/grassy/bushy little things with purple flowers that stay green ALL YEAR LONG...that I also don't water. They have to be the hardiest little plants ever! Our landscaping also contains about 15 types of weeds, and some type of large, unruly junk bush. Gorgeous, huh?! Ugh.

I knew the landscaping was bad, but it was especially awful when a delivery girl pointed out last week that we have "the biggest dandelion she's ever seen," and that its leaves would "be totally rad in a salad." Cue dying of embarrassment!! Here is the dandelion in question.

 

Please note that it's probably about a foot in diameter...and is surrounded by many, many, MANY of its weedy little friends! Maybe it's time to bust out the Round-Up and start over! And maybe I do have a green thumb...it's just especially talented at weed cultivation!

I'm excited to kick off a long weekend ian couple of days...and sort of dreading my birthday next week...the big 3-0! Yikes! Who knew leaving my twenties behind would be so traumatizing? I'm hoping to blog about my party decorations...if they ever get here. Thank you, USPS! 

We will be celebrating the USA on Friday in true Connell fashion...Redbox movie marathon and a ton of our favorite snacks while avoiding drunk drivers, awful traffic, and what I'm guessing will be 95% humidity. We will probably even get to save our house from catching fire from all the neighbor's fireworks that land on our roof! Joy! Maybe I'll blog a few of our favorite recipes! Wishing you all a safe and very happy 4th!! 

It's Officially Summer!!

It's the official start to summer this weekend...where in the heck did time go?!? Pretty soon, we will be celebrating the 4th with some adult beverages and some spectacular fireworks! I am determined to enjoy this summer...every 100 degree, 80% humidity, can't breathe when you get in your car moment of it! This winter was BRUTAL, so if another one like that is coming, I need to savor all the hot, sticky, sweaty summer moments that I can!

Today, we took our sweet Finn to a pet adoption event at our outdoor mall. He is usually a little bit of a spaz with other dogs around, but my husband and I were so proud of how well he did! He was so happy sniffing around the other dogs and going into the pet friendly stores...laying on his belly on the cold concrete/tile floors was a highlight for him. He's too funny!

I love his bowtie from the groomer! Such a gentleman!

We are enjoying a weekend of nothing...just sleeping in, relaxing, and maybe doing the occasional load of laundry. We had another basement flood a few weekends ago, so we have been dealing with Service Master and de-watering quotes. Lemme tell ya, it's no cheap, friends! Ugh. C'est la vie, I suppose. Nothing we can do now but get it fixed so it doesn't happen again!

My hubster and I have also become huge fans of Orange Is the New Black on Netflix! I dunno what rock I was living under when it came out, but at the advice of a friend, we decided to watch. I. Am. Ob. Sessed! It was so good! The only down side? We already blew through season 2...now I have to wait A YEAR for season 3? Say it ain't so!! For the rest of you waiting it out, do yourselves a favor and google search Crazy Eyes too see pictures of her when she's not...well...crazy! She is gorgeous, and almost unrecognizable!

Other television favorites have come back for the summer, including my favorite guilty pleasure - Pretty Little Liars! I'm so excited for this season...(spoiler alert!!!!) Ali is back, A is "gone," and Ezra lives on (for now)! I'll keep tuning in to see what awful drama unfolds next!

I'm also loving that Beauty and the Beast was renewed, since it was touch and go for awhile. They're back, airing the last fee episodes of the season...and I'm glad! Love me some Jay Ryan. Google him too, ladies. You're welcome!

Other summer shows include Chasing Life, Night Shift, Big Brother, So You Think You Can Dance, and True Blood. I was addicted to Lindsay and True Tori...both reality train wrecks that I loved. Tori is my favorite...and it was heartbreaking to see some of her show. Phew! Heavy stuff! Some of our fall favorites were canceled, so we will see what next season brings...hoping something good!

I think that's the sum of my last few weeks...pretty exciting! Pretty soon, it will be adventures of drywall, basement de-watering, and paint over here! Can't wait to see how my paint colors turn out...I will be sure to share them!

In the meantime, let me know what shows you can't love without, and what you'll be missing next fall!

Happy, happy Saturday!!

I'm sorry y'all, but is it May or March?? I'm so confused by this chilly Midwest weather! We went from a sunny, humid 85 to a rainy, cloudy 55! It was colder yesterday...it even snowed in Chicago! It's feeling a little like fall over here. The silver lining? Busting out my favorite sweaters, sweatshirts, and boots again! Take THAT sprinter...wring? A combo of winter and spring nonetheless!

Today, our sweet baby boy got to have a spa day at the groomer's. He loves Star, who is always his groomer at the place we go to. He's so nervous when we drop him off - complete with shaking - but he's so happy when we pick him up! All the doggie cookies they make there have him running around the place like a mad man!

Look at that face! I love him... (This is prior to grooming. He looks like a new little man now!)

While our baby was at the "spa," hubby and I ran some errands. We had lunch at McAllister's, where I had my favorite nachos and a watermelon lemonade...which I then promptly followed with a big ole' glass of their amazing sweet tea! So good. We ran to Target (because what errand running day is complete without a Target trip?!), to Best Buy to get my phone fixed (no wifi is no bueno), and to Lowe's to get a staple gun (which my husband thought was hysterical - only I would be in a hardware store for a staple gun...instead of at Michael's!?) for my newest DIY brainchild!

There's a wall in our hallway that I've been wanting to update for a while. The decor there isn't exactly awful, but it's just not "me" anymore. What's hanging there is stuff that I'd had for a long time, so when hubby and I merged households, it fit. The wall was no longer empty, and it was cute enough. But now, I want more whimsy in the house. Less serious, dark, masculine looking decor and lots more airy, fun, colorful, unique decor! So, I decided I wanted to hang my GIANT custom made chalkboard on that wall, along with some mismatched antique inspired frames...and maybe a monogram since I'm obsessed with them!

I found two frames at Hobby Lobby (my decorating holy land) that fit the vintage feel I was going for...and my friends, it wasn't easy! Most frames like the ones I wanted are plaster - can't staple gun that! The two I purchased were wood with plaster accents - perfect!! I also purchased several fabrics from the 'Lob, but used the turquoise chevron for this since my living room is black, white, and turquoise with chevron and arrow accents!! I cut squares of fabric close to the right size, then stapled along the edge of the frame, being sure to pull the fabric taut as I went. I'm pretty happy with the outcome. Not gonna lie - they look exactly how I imagined! 

This is just one...the other will hang the opposite way.

I'm so ready to get the rest of the wall going and get these hung up! I'm in love!

Next weekend we are off to my hometown to visit with some family from out of the country. Combined with a 4 day weekend, it's bound to be a good time! 

Hope the rest of y'all are enjoying your weekend...and maybe even some DIYing! 

Race for the Cure

Today was out local Race for the Cure! Hubby ran the 5k, while I walked the 1 mile with my mother in law, sister in law, and nephew! We all joined under a team for my husband's work...a good time was had by all! There were so many amazing survivors and supporters there, and as usual, I teared up a little during the survivor march. What an amazingly inspiring group of heroes!

It was a huge crowd...which is amazing! 

We went for a late breakfast/brunch after the race at one of our favorite local cafés. I had a cheddar biscuit with scrambled eggs, bacon, and avocado on top...with a side of fruit salad and the most perfectly cooked tater tots known to man! It was soooo good! 

After a trip to the nail salon, our family is headed home and the hubs and I are relaxing on the couch with some DVR. I'm trying to muster up the energy to run to Target, Hobby Lobby, and the grocery...but I'm not getting too far! Maybe soon..? Ha!

Hoping to schedule a night out with some of my favorite friends soon. A new restaurant opened that I want to try, do maybe it will come together soon! They really are amazing...and I love spending time with them!

Hope you are all enjoying your weekend, and happy Mother's Day to all the mommas out there...especially mine!

Happy birthday, hubby!!

Wishing my husband the very happiest of birthdays today!! If anyone deserves a wonderful day, it's him. I am blessed beyond measure to have him in my life, and love him more than words can say. He is my very best friend, my soul mate, and my better half. I can't wait to celebrate his birthday tonight...and the next 60 after this one. Love you babe!

Before our festivities at one of our favorite pubs tonight (complete with maple bacon, red velvet, and chocolate cupcakes), my hubby is working. And this morning, I headed in to work for a bit too. I am beyond swamped at work, so any extra time I can spend catching up is a blessing! But, a morning in the office called for a yummy morning beverage and some comfy clothes! 

Naturally, that means I had to have an iced green tea lemonade while wearing my floral "hello" tee from Hello Apparel. Needless to say, it was a great start to my morning!

Right now, it's time for quality time with this little guy, a short nap, and getting ready for tonight's shindig!! Have a wonderful weekend my lovelies!! 

Spring, is that you??

I'm pretty sure I might have seen spring yesterday! 80 degree sunshine...yes please! I will take that all day, every day. This winter was so long and brutal that it felt like spring would never be here. Now that I've tasted it, I want more!! We are supposed to cool down again this week, but that's the Midwest for you. If you don't like the weather, stick around for 10 minutes. It will change!

The taste of warmer weather immediately put me in "summer mode." You know...the mode we all have where we want to BBQ every single day, make fruity adult beverages, sit in beer gardens with our friends every night, make recipes involving avocado constantly, and start listing fruit salad as a dessert...? I started an internal summer bucket list this weekend, so I thought I would share some of my summer must-dos!

• A cookout with all of my favorite people, followed by a night of s'more making around the fire pit. Yes, yes, double yes!! I am from a small town where most of my family lives, and cookouts were always a way to hang with family and catch up. Maybe that's why I love them. I also love event planning, so whipping up a menu, some awesome decor, and even a theme is right up my alley! Can't wait to make this happen this year!! It's also a good way to include my next item.
• Making the fruity drinks I've been pinning on Pinterest for the last year is a serious priority for summer! Sangria, punch, lime/lemon/orangeades...yum!! One of the drinks at the top of my list right now involves watermelon vodka, Malibu coconut rum, pink lemonade, and strawberries all mixed in a mason jar...yes please!!
• A garage/yard sale. They are such a pain to throw together, but once the hard work is done, I love sitting outside for a weekend getting rid of clutter and junk! We haven't had a sale for a couple years, and my husband hates them, but I'm thinking one is in the books for this year. Maybe I'll see if a fee friends want to put anything in the sale too...why not, right?
• Walking my baby boy...my shih tzu baby, anyway. :O) I love taking my baby dog for walks in the warm weather. He is always so happy to trot along beside me, sniffing everything he can and being doted on by a few of our neighbors. He eats the extra attention right up!! And, I love burning his extra energy while getting in a little exercise. It's a win/win!
• The zoo. I'm obsessed with animals, and could live at the zoo all summer. I'm hoping I can convince some friends with sweet kiddos to let us tag along with them as well...love watching kids at the zoo! They have such a good time.

There are probably a million other things I could list, but I'll stop there. I'm just hoping this summer will be filled with lots of fun, family, and friends! I can't wait for this warm weather and longer days. Fireflies, mason jars, sitting outside with my hubby while Finn chases butterflies...amazing! Goodbye winter...I won't miss you at all!

What are your plans for the summer?? Share 'em below!

Busy, busy, and...more busy!

Life has been a little crazy lately! We've both been busy in this house with work, and now we are gearing up to FINALLY paint and carpet our lower level after the standing water we had in it last year! I will be going out of town several times for work this month,  which is something I'm not used to. So, it's been hectic tonight trying to finish last minute laundry that I need to pack, heading to the flooring store to purchase our carpet, and eating super late dinner! Now I'm snuggling my sweet baby dog (such a horrible nickname for him...but he's like my kid!), and blogging from my phone.

I had another Birchbox post ready to go, but I wasn't completely in love with the things I tried, and haven't had time to try the others, so decided this month's box might be more blog-worthy. And, let's be honest. Lazily blogging from the couch on my phone doesn't exactly let me post pictures!

The hubs and I have been loving some of our new dinner recipes lately, so I thought I would share a couple of favorites. I should preface this with a few things.

• We eat mostly turkey and chicken in this house. When we do make beef, it's gotta be a fabulous recipe!
• I am in love with my Crockpot. It is a true lifesaver, and makes cooking so easy.
• I am a carb loving freak. Seriously...I will sometimes just eat mashed potatoes and rolls for dinner. Forget the meat, bring on the carbs!
• I do not claim to be a gourmet chef or super awesome at-home cook. We like what we like, and that's good enough for us!

Crockpot French Onion Roast

• 1.5-2 lb. Chuck Roast
• 1 packet French Onion soup mix
• 1 packet Italian dressing seasoning
• 1 can of mushrooms, drained (you can use fresh, but the canned hold up better during cooking)
• 1/2 c. beef stock

Place all ingredients in the crockpot, stirring a little to get seasoning packets dissolved. Cook on low for 5-6 hours. Remove meat from the crockpot and slice. 

We eat this several ways: sliced with a side of loaded mashed potatoes and biscuits, on top of baked potatoes with a little shredded mozzarella and sour cream, or on hoagie rolls with a salad (topped with McCormick salad topping) and some macaroni and cheese. It's delicious...we had it last night!

Crockpot Shredded Chicken Marinara

*This recipe stems from a happy accident.*

• 1-2 lbs. of chicken breast
• 1 jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce

Put your ingredients in the crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours. Once your chicken is cooked, shred it up.

We discovered this when trying to make crockpot chicken parmesan...left the chicken in too long and it fell apart. Rather than serve it over noodles, we got some hoagie rolls, then slathered them with butter and garlic powder. We then stuffed them full of the chicken, topped that with shredded mozzarella, and baked them in the oven. So. Freaking. Delicious. We love this happy accident!

We also do a baked chicken fajita recipe I found from another wonderful blogger that I will try and link to later. I'm thinking this recipe share might show up more often! Feel free to link or share your favorite recipes below!

I'm Addicted

I have to admit...I'm completely addicted to television! It's seriously bad. Once we got the Hopper (Or as we still refer to it...the HOPPA! Love those commercials! Haha.) my addiction got worse. I didn't think it was possible, but it sure did happen. Since we now record every prime time show by default, we've picked up new shows that we wouldn't have otherwise.

Like everyone else, I have my favorites. I also have guilty pleasures and "I save this on the DVR to watch when literally nothing else is on" shows. Luckily, my hubby and I are more or less on the same page with television shows. So, here's a breakdown of what I'm loving on the tube lately!

Pretty Little Liars. I know, I know. I am not a 15 year old girl. BUT, this show is by far on my favorites. There's always a plot twist I didn't see coming. I am in love with the suspense, the twists, the turns, and the utter insanity this show revolves around. Last night's episode further secured my complete sadness over one of my favorite characters becoming a total psycho. So good! (But so sad..!)

Beauty and the Beast. I know. Another "teeny bopper" show, as my husband would say. But this one has totally sucked me in. Lately, I can't get to my DVR fast enough to watch it. The "beast" is played by Jay Ryan, who is a serious hunk of man candy! This show is a throw back to the Beauty and the Beast show from the 80s/90s with Ron Pearlman. I remember watching that with my momma! It has all the  necessities - drama, romance, action, and a little sci-fi. The rumor is that this might get cancelled after this season. If it does, there will be tears. So many tears.

NCIS:LA. We watch the original as well, but this one is my favorite of the two by leaps and bounds. It involves more man crushes...Eric Christian Olsen (swoon) and LL Cool J. There is action and humor, plenty of drama, and as of late, a dash of romance. This is one my husband loves to watch as well. It's a Tuesday night favorite!

The Vampire Diaries. I never outgrew my Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Twilight obsession. Plus, Ian Somerhalder. 'Nuff said.

Those are my most recent favorites. Other honorable mentions include Criminal Minds, Hart of Dixie, Big Bang Theory, The Millers, Nashville, Chicago PD, Revenge, Being Human, Once Upon a Time, Revolution, and The Walking Dead. Told you I had a problem! I also love mindless smutty reality television, mostly Teen Mom 2, and Real Housewives (but only Orange County and New Jersey). Hubby looooves Bones and Castle. Those are his obsessions.

We also tried some new shows that we thought were awful. My advice? Avoid Enlisted. Like, never let you television be on the channel it's on so you accidentally have to watch it. Yikes. We also stopped watching The Crazy Ones (it's not as funny as we hoped), and I have up on some ABC Family teen shows - Ravenswood and Twisted. Too much fakey drama. Yuck.

So, here goes nothing. My name is Annie, and I'm 100% addicted to television! Oops! What shows can you not live without??

Birchbox Breakdown - January

The weather here still stinks! I have used more vacation days for snow than I have for actual vacation...oh, the joys of being a commuter in the winter!

Today's topic is one of my favorite things - Birchbox! I am in LOVE with the whole idea of Birchbox...amazing little beauty samples delivered straight to your door. I am a beauty product fanatic! I am always trying new perfumes, makeup, lotions, bath products...so the fact that I can get samples dropped in my mailbox monthly is pretty amazing. I also love that I can get some pretty high end things that I would never be able to try otherwise ($70 for a moisturizer that doesn't work...? No thanks!) A couple of my favorite perfumes, and my current moisturizer were brought to me through Birchbox, and I am insanely in love with all of them.

Haven't heard of Birchbox? Let me explain. Basically, for $10 per month, you can get beauty samples (read: NOT full sized items) delivered right to you. All the products you receive are based on your beauty profile, which you complete once you sign up for Birchbox. You can also purchase gift subscriptions, so fellas...make your lady love you even more on Valentine's Day and sign her up! And ladies, there is a men's Birchbox option, so you can send your honey tons of great manly products (for slightly more per month, at $20 per month). If you want to know more about Birchbox and how it works, you can click here.

 Here's a breakdown of my January box!

After you remove the lid and tear open the tissue paper like it's your job, this is what you will typically see with your monthly box! I was pretty pumped to see some nail related product staring me right in the face!

These were my January products (I will give you more info in just a second). I also received a coupon for the Burt's Bees product. 

My boxes tend to focus on eye makeup, perfumes, and nail polish/art/supplies. I get these types of products because I've designed my beauty profile to eliminate the things I don't really use/wear - namely foundation, lipstick, hair products, and powders. I did have an issue at first with getting a lot of foundations and powders. The problem was that 1. I don't wear those things, and 2. They never matched my skin tone! You can choose "fair" from your list of options, but some things were still too dark, and others were way too light. So, I felt like I was "wasting" one product a month. I simply changed my profile, and viola! Fixed!

From my Birchbox product card:

Nail Rock Sequin ~ Full Size $6.99

The UK brand's two-step system for the world's brightest disco-ball mani. Use two coats of polish. Dip wet nails into sequin pot, let dry 20 minutes, and shine on.

* I haven't yet used this product, as I've had a gel manicure on my nails. It is something I love, since nail art is near and dear to my heart. I see a St. Patty's Day DIY mani in my future! This would be adorable on an accent nail with the others painted gold (Think OPI's Glitzerland)!*

From my Birchbox product card:

Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle ~ Full Size $21.95

Best-selling elixir that locks in color, protects from heat damage, and adds silkiness. Spritz onto damp strands before styling. Warning: the heady scent is addictive. 

*They're right. This does smell fantastic! It has also kept my very, very, very fine hair silky without weighing it down. I'm not convinced I want to purchase a full size bottle just yet, but I'm thinking about it!*

From my Birchbox product card:

INIKA Mineral Eyeshadow in Eternal Marine ~ Full Size $20

Packed with certified-organic ingredients, these natural pigments stay vibrant for hours. Apply to lids dry or wet using your favorite shadow brush.

*I haven't used this yet. I keep meaning to, but I am so set in my morning routine, that I keep forgetting to use it, and have been sticking with my usual Too Faced palette.*

 From my Birchbox product card:

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy ~ Full Size $25-$90

Wild berries flirt with mandarin and soft floral notes for a scent that's fun and happy. Spritz onto pulse points to bring out your inner girly girl.

*I was familiar with this scent before my Birchbox. I'm not super crazy about it...it's just too floral-ish for me. Now, last month's sample of Viva La Juicy Noir...YES PLEASE! I always like the "muskier" scents better. (Musky is a really weird word, isn't it?)*

 This was my "Birchbox Find." These aren't always in every box, but are things that Birchbox thinks are great, so they give them to you in addition to your other products (never in replacement of a product). It's a Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Day Lotion with Clary Sage. There was a coupon for this product in my box, as there usually is for a "find."

*This makes my hands super smooth. It's a great one to leave in my office drawer for emergencies when Bath & Body Works lotion just isn't cutting it. For my "go to" lotion (aka my purse lotion), I am still in love with Eos. The lip balm and the lotion...LOVE it!*

While I haven't tried all of my products yet, I am liking the leave-in conditioner, and the Burt's lotion. I always look forward to my Birchbox every month...it's like Christmas! I have also joined ipsy, which is similar. I wasn't crazy in love with my first "bag," so I think I will give it another month or two before I share anything about it. I just want to be sure I like it before I pass along the information!

 
If you are in love with the idea of Birchbox, and the products I received last month, you can use my link to sign up by clicking here.

*These opinions are my own. I was not compensated by Birchbox or any of the other companies mentioned above to share their product. The Birchbox was also purchased with my own money. I just like to share what I love! :o)*

SAD

Yes...SAD. Also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. As the temperatures here in the Midwest once again dip below zero (-38 "real feel" anyone?), I am really wondering if I can diagnose myself with this disorder. I HATE winter in the worst way. I hate the cold, the snow, the wind, all of it!

The start of winter is great. I'm loving the transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas, and looking forward to more quality family time and days off work. Then, New Year's Day has passed, and all I have to look forward to is putting my damn winter coat away and busting out my insanely large sandal collection! After the holidays, winter is pointless.

I get so utterly pissy from January through mid-March that I'm surprised my husband hasn't duct taped my mouth shut yet! Poor guy. I am irritable, anxious, depressed, and even MAD about the current state of the weather. I am a snow-phobic, as my hour long commute is no bueno in the snow. And, I'm super unhappy about wasting vacation days holed up in my house because it's too dangerous  to drive to work!

Self diagnosis may seem a little over dramatic, but it seems fitting here. Hubby and I have a busy weekend ahead, but I have a Birchbox/ipsy related post coming at you soon!

Stay warm, y'all!

When?

Another post from my iPhone...please excuse the typos my apparently GIANT fingers will cause. You've been warned!

Today, I got asked the "usual" question. Ya know, the question that gets asked of me by almost everyone I know or meet...family, friends, co-workers, the lady at the nail salon, the checker at Target..."When are you gonna have kids?" Because being a 29 year old woman who has been married for 3+ years must mean we are planning on having a family soon, right??

I used to just shrug off this particular question, figuring it was the norm. But, the drastic increase in this question's appearance in my life got me thinking. Why is it so important for these people (some who are relative strangers) to know all the details about my biological clock and plans for future children? Does my decision to start a family now or a year from now impact them in some way? I get why family and close friends ask...itching for more babies to snuggle! But the random people I encounter don't really need to know this. Do they?

It's strange living in this social media, reality television driven society. I am as guilty as anyone of wanting in on celebrity gossip, trolling Facebook feeds, or watching drama unfold for some lazy, rich housewives. This "fishbowl" we live in seems to have eliminated our filters. We feel like Facebook statuses and Tweets and staged reality allow us to really know someone. So why wouldn't it be weird to ask a perfect stranger a personal question?

Maybe it's time for us to take a step back and think about the things we say to people, or the things we ask them about. "When are you going to get married?" "Are you working on getting that promotion finally?" "How long are you going to keep that dead end job?" Maybe these questions aren't okay to ask people we barely know. Aren't there things you don't want people to ask you? We aren't always entitled the the answers we seek.

As for the answer to the question I am always asked, my answer is simple....when God decides it's time.   :0)

We got a makeover...in more ways than one!

I am BEYOND thrilled that we have gotten a new look! It's about time, huh? I am in love with our new design, which I purchased from mlekoshi Playground on Etsy. The colors and springy vibe have me wishing for warmer weather, that's for sure!

We are having a small heat wave here in the Midwest, a blistering 40 degrees today! That's 85 degrees warmer than last Sunday, when it was well below zero. Now that Christmas is gone, there is no need for winter. I am so over the snow, the cold, the wind, and all winter fashion items!I always look forward to sweatshirt weather, but I will take sandal weather over this any day of the week. I am looking forward to spring, when we can open our windows and let all the "yuck" out of this house!

Aside from the obvious blog makeover, I bought a whole lotta new makeup from e.l.f. (which stands for eyes lips face) right after Christmas. Their makeup is also sold at Target, and is super affordable! You can find their website here. I am really loving some of this stuff, and can live without other things. So, I will focus on what I'm really liking from this haul!

1. e.l.f. Studio Prism Eyeshadow (in Naked) - This is seriously amazing! It is the $10 version of Urban Decay's Naked palettes. It is super shimmery, so if you prefer a matte shadow, these are not for you! With a little shadow primer (I love Too Faced Shadow Insurance), there is no problem with this lasting all day! I am loving the gold and brown colors, which I have been rocking since this amazing shadow showed up on my door step. They also have Sunset and Smoke palettes, which feature more cool tones, if that is what you're looking for.
2. e.l.f. Studio Matte Lip Color (in Tea Rose and Natural) - Okay, I really like these colors, and that they are in more of a "crayon" than a lipstick (which I NEVER wear). However, I do not love that they are super matte, or how they apply in the dead of winter when you have scaly, disgusting, chapped lips. But, no worries, friends...I have a fix! I just apply a little plain Chap Stick or Vaseline to my lips before applying, and these little crayons glide on super smooth! I also top them with some sheer gloss, but that's because I prefer a shiny lip. You could totally rock these matte if that's what you prefer! At $3 each, you can afford to try ALL of the colors!
3. e.l.f. Studio Eye Refresh  - This is a diamond in the rough! It's only $3, so totally worth a shot! This is a little roll-on stick that you use under your eyes to reduce puffiness and dark circles. (How did e.l.f. know I had both?! I swear they MADE this for me!!) Combine this with my next favorite, and you're in business!
4. e.l.f. Studio Corrective Concealer (in Neutralize and Conceal) - I have been using this under my eyes, where I could use a little "pick me up." I tend to have bags under my eyes that get really dark when I'm tired. This concealer has been amazing! It comes with a tiny brush that doesn't really help you put it on (I use my fingers), and really needs setting with powder, but it works really well! I can tell a huge difference when I put it on...makes me look more awake/alert! A $3 investment, combined with Eye Refresh (for a grand total of $6) is so worth it!

Those were my absolute favorites...maybe I will do another post later on the things that just didn't work for me. Click on the links above to order your own e.l.f.! It's super affordable, so if you're a makeup addict like me, this isn't a huge investment, and you get to play with some pretty awesome makeup without breaking the bank.

If there are beauty products you love, share them below in the comments! I'm always looking to try new things. Also, if there are any other general topics you'd like to suggest...comment! I can only get better with your feedback.

It Wasn't Meant To Be...

Our NYE celebration just wasn't meant to be! We unfortunately had to skip our celebration due to the hubs getting the stomach flu on NYE Eve! It was so bad...and started at about 9 at night. He was fine all day! I was so sad, but we sure didn't want to infect anyone else, especially our friends with kids! We spent NYE feeling nauseous (I think I tried to get the bug...) and tentatively eating all our goodies. They were good, but it just wasn't the same!

Since NYE, I have worked three days. Say what?! Yes. Three! I worked two days last week, and then...SNOWPOCALYPSE!! We had awful weather Sunday, and had an adult snow day Monday. Then, I decided to stay home yesterday. As a commuter who drives 50 miles to work and 50 miles home, icy roads are a no go! I am a total freak about snow anyway, so trying to drive in it turns me into one huge, blubbering, teary eyed, frazzled, hot ass mess! No bueno. The roads were much better today, so I was at work with bells on! Now I'm dreading the freezing rain we are getting on Friday. Come on, Mother Nature...give this snow neurotic wimp a damn break, would ya?!

I am thinking my next post may be a review of the ELF makeup I ordered and talked about a couple posts back. Some of it was awesome, some didn't go so well. I have semi-sensitive skin, so it's always an experiment! I'm also going to try and drag together a "favorites" post again, because I'm totally loving lots of amazing clothes, jewelry, and decor right now. We shall see!

One last note...tonight is the last night of Everyday Icing's new year blowout sale...WITH a 40% off coupon code to boot! There's a TON of cute things left, so head over now...go to Facebook, and search "Everyday Icing."