Santa Picture

Photo Courtesy of Photography 35

 

I know you are probably on overload of my boys, but I just had to share this. Gabriel and Zachary met Santa this week, and Gabriel enjoyed his visit, but Zachary notsomuch.

 

I just think this is precious.

 

Perfect.

 

Merry Christmas!

 

PS- I love their bow-ties, I got them from Little Ties for Little Guys. She is amazballs!

 

Mascara Project: Rimmel Day 2 Night

 This mascara promises:

Now get two mascaras in one amazing new system. Get two dramatically different lash looks with one mascara from glam’eyes day 2 night mascara, choose defined length for day or intense volume for night. The magic is in the double cap which allows for complete lash customization. Choose the pink cap for up to 75% more length and the black cap for up to 12x more volume. The buildable formula allows you to create the look you want for day or night. With rimmel london’s newest glam-making mascara, lashes are instantly transformed from daytime length to night-out volume without a clump in sight.

Looks like this in the store:

I really thought this was pretty cool, I get two mascara's in one, and if I wanted length, I'd pull out the one brush with the pink cap, and if I wanted volume I'd just use the other.

Realistically, the two brushes are intertwined. And just the length, made me feel like that tall, lenky kid in High School that didn't grow into his body, you know the kid, right? Just using the length, made me feel half naked.

So really, you need to use the volume brush all the time. Otherwize, it's a cruddy mascara, that leaves you feeling used.

I like the Volume brush, I think it worked well, nothing super, duper WOW, but it was easy to apply, good solid brush. It didn't clump, but I'm not super wow'ed. It was easy to get off of my lashes with soap and water, and some towel action.


Cost: $7.99

Rimmel Glam Eyes Day 2 Night:

My Boys

Gabriel (almost 3) and Zachary (Age 1)

 

I feel so blessed to have friends that have amazing talents. Especially when it comes to documenting my boys, growing up. Krystal from Verve Studio is just amazing, and I feel so grateful for her gift.

 

I mean seriously, check out my boys! This is so them.

 

Zachary is always smiling, he smiles when you sneeze, when you stub your toe, or when I open the fridge.

 

Gabriel, so serious, but seriously funny. And his crooked smile in this pictures is just... perfect.

 

Thank you, MisKrystul. 

Mascara Project: CoverGirl Lash Blast

Lash Blast by CoverGirl promises:

The biggest brush ever from CoverGirl, for a blast of lush, volumized lashes!
Lash Blast's volume-boosting formula and patent-pending brush are designed to max out each and every lash leaving you with the ultimate big lash look!

This is what it looks like in the store, a huge barrel of mascara



In all honesty, because that is what this whole project is about. One girl's mission to find the perfect Over the Counter (able to purchase in a drug store, not a mall or boutique) Mascara.

This was my Go-To Mascara before this project. And one day, I just thought my lashes were dead. Like there were just there and no oomph.

So... I wanted to include it in the Project, after I tried a few others. So I did. Again.

And here are my thoughts. The brush is HUGE, it really is ginormical, I think this mascara photographs well, because the picture makes my lashes look way longer and fuller than I thought they did in the mirror. And it did take longer than a minute to achieve this look. Normally, one minute per eye is as long as I am willing to devote to my morning routine.

It's a very dry mascara, and compared to some of the others that are wet and goopy, it's almost a nice change. But it's also dry and flakey at the end of the day. After I washed my face, I had large clumps that flaked off into my eye. That I was not a fan of.

Although, the mascara did wash off with soap and water and some towel action, that is always a bonus.

I like it, not sure I love it as much as I used to.

Left Eye, Completely Nekked                                                        Right: Cover Girl Lash Blast

 Cost: $8.99 (but can be found on sale often)

Turtle Cookies

 

Cookie Time is back! Once a week I am going to be sharing with you my favoritest cookie recipes!

 

Enjoy!

 

Turtle CookiesSource: Adapted from America's Test Kitchen, as shared by Pixelated Crumb

Cookie:
1 c. all-purpose flour
1/3 c. cocoa powder
1/4 tsp. salt
8 T. (1 stick) butter, softened
2/3 c. sugar
1 large egg, separated, plus 1 additional egg white
2 T. milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/4 c. pecans, finely chopped

Caramel Filling:

14 soft caramel candies (I used Kraft)
3 T. heavy cream

Chocolate Drizzle (optional):

2 oz. semi-sweet chocolate (I used 2 squares of Baker's semi-sweet chocolate)
1 tsp. shortening

Cookie: Combine flour, cocoa, and salt; set aside. With electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg yolk, milk, and vanilla; mix until incorporated. Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture until just combined. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, 1 hour.

Whisk egg whites in a bowl until frothy. Place chopped pecans in another bowl. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, dip in egg whites, and then roll in pecans. Place balls about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet. Using a 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon, make an indentation in the center of each dough ball. Bake at 350 degrees until set, about 12 minutes.

Caramel Filling: Microwave caramels and cream together in a small bowl, stirring occasionally, until smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes. Once cookies are removed from the oven, gently re-press the indentations. Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of the caramel mixture. Cool on the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Chocolate Drizzle (optional): Place chocolate and shortening in a small zip-top plastic bag. Set bag in a bowl of warm water to soften. Gently knead the chocolate with your fingers until melted and smooth, placing back in the warm water for a minute or two as needed. Snip a very small hole in the corner of the plastic bag. Drizzle chocolate over the cooled Turtle Cookies.

Enjoy!

Baby in a Stocking

Thank you, Footstone Photography

I was just looking at this picture and cannot believe this was a year ago. We posed our 7 day old baby in a Christmas Stocking. And hung him using a Command Adhesive Strip.(Previous words may be slightly exaggerated)

Our life has changed so much in a year, and I won't get all sappy on you, I'll wait until my New Year's post for that...but for now.

Life has grown, tremendously.

Mascara Project: NYC Hi Def

I was super excited about this Mascara, only becasue of all of the hype I've been hearing, and I didn't want to build it up in my head and then be all bummed if I hated it.

NYC Promises:

Volumizing & defining. Up to 70% lash lift & 10X volume. Immediate long lasting wide eye effect. Dual response technology lengthens lashes up to 60% and lifts lashes up to 70%. DuoPlay Complex with Panthenol & Vitamin E strengthens lashes and helps to keep them supple. Moisture resistant technology helps to keep lashes lifted. Flake-proof. Smudge-proof.



This is what it looks like in the store, notice the funky brush.



So, I think I like it. The brush totally took some time to get used to, it really doesn't have soft long bristles, so you have to get ubber close to your eye lashes. I am not sure that I would call it "high definition" but I did notice that it had nice staying power, at the end of a long 13 hour day, my lashes still looked great. My lipstick and eye shadow, notsomuch. Not a fan of how it photographed though.

It washed off with soap and water as well as tiny bit of towel action. It didn't clump or flake. I am sort of impressed, considering it's one of the cheapest mascara's I purchased. (Less than $5)



Left Eye is Nekked                                                       Right Eye, with NYC Hi Def

Cost: $4.99 Regularly (on Sale at Target $2.49)

Christmas Party to Inspire

Thanks Tiny Prints

I think I am going to have a Christmas Party because I am so inpired by this board.

Do you wanna come over?

Christmas Inspiration

Borrowed from Oh Lovely Day

Are people still creating inspiration boards, or just using Pinterest?

But either way, I love this one! So romanic and sophisticated.

You? Love? Notsomuch?

Christmas Inspiration Board

Borrowed from The Perfect Palette

I was feeling Christmasy, maybe it's that our Christmas Decor is going up, or that's it's 31 degrees in Florida, or that I've been listing to Christmas music since before Halloween... but this was just so pretty and fit the mood.

Ho, Ho, Ho!

Geometric Placecards

Ruffled Blog find....love!

I just thought these were so pretty and unique. I love the stones and the cool shapes of the cards.

Would this be something you'd be willing to do for you wedding?

Thanksgiving Workout

Found this on Domestic Mama

If you are anything like me all of these Thanksgiving Leftovers are starting to well, make you feel pudgy... so I thought I'd give you some motivation to fit into that awesome dress you want to wear to that Christmas Party, or your wedding.

Whichever comes first.

You'll thank me.

My Holiday Bucket List

My friend Amanda, over at Realistically Domestic just posted this idea of a Holiday Bucket list, and I was seconds earlier thinking I needed to do something similar. So, here goes.

This Christmas our family has so much to be thankful for. So.Much. As some of you know, Zachary (our now One Year Old) was very sick at Christmastime last year. In fact, the day after Christmas he was hospitalized for the first time after he was born. He was sick. Really sick. I only confessed to a handful of people how sick he was. I was scared. Terrified that he would be taken from us. And confused at why this amazing blessing we just had been given, would be given to us, just to be taken so soon.

At the very same time, my husband's business of 19 years was falling apart, our finances were a disaster, we could possibly loose our home, we had no income coming in, and had just started a new, brand new venture that seemed to be falling apart. All at one time.

It was a tough year, and this year carried over some of that mess.

Finally, this September things are looking up. We found out why Zachary had been so sick, and are working on getting our smiley little munchkin better, business is growing, and we finally have a steadying income from our new business venture.

This year has been tough.

But, even with all of this hard heart ache, I feel so beyond blessed. And that is why I am going to write my Holiday Bucket List, to hold myself accountable for all of the things that I want to do and give back, for all those that supported us this past year.

My Holiday Bucket List

1. Go to a Christmas Tree Lighting and Play in the Snow.
2. Visit Santa with the boys
3. Help a Family in Need
4. Volunteer to help those in Need
5. Remind myself daily of the blessings I have
6. Make Hot Apple Cider at least once a week
7. Spend Time with my friends
8. Make amends with a family member
9. Celebrate Christmas Eve with our Family and Friends
10. Go to Midnight Mass
11. Drive around to see the lights with Gabriel.
12. Make sure Gabriel understands the true meaning of Christmas
13. Make sure our Christmas Cards go out on time
14. Spend Quality time with my husband
15. Help the hubs get the outside Christmas Decor done
16. Go to as many Christmas Parties as we can
17. Move the Elf around every night (and make sure he gets into some mischief).
18. Spend quality time with my kids
19. Hold a Christmas Party for my husband's staff
20. Not worry so much about work, and focus on my friends and family
21. Bake Cookies and Treats for all of my neighbors
22. Thank the person who made sure we had a Christmas last year (and pay it forward)
23. Really take the time to "take in" what is around me
24. Watch my Sappy Fa La La La Lifetime Christmas Movies with a box of tissues
25. Make sure Gabriel and Zachary have the best Christmas ever.

Do you have a holiday bucket list? If you do, link up here!

This is the holiday bucket list linky. Only post links to your bucket list. NOTHING ELSE WILL BE ALLOWED. The bucket list runs from December 1st through January 31st and you can have as many items on your list as you'd like!

 

The Mascara Project - Revlon Grow Luscious

I was expecting big things from this next Mascara, Revlon's Grow Luscious Mascara, it promises:

Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara by Revlon has a conditioning formula that helps strengthen and plump lashes for up to 200% instantly for maximum volume.

It looks like this in the store:

Like I said, I was expecting this one to have a big impact, I was hoping for some lash growth, and maybe an awesome before and after picture, but really, the longer I used this mascara, the more clumpier it got. The after picture looked like I had 6 eyelashes that were super thick. The brush is cool with with the curve focused on the inside lashes, but it was clumsy and sort of dry, definately didn't volumize my lashes. And it left me feeling sticky, and sort of used. Like I was the tramp of the mascara industry.

 

I was personally not a fan.

Cost: $7.99

Best Groomsmen Picture - Argyle Socks

I have a thing for Argyle and Socks... found here

So, I really have a thing for fun (and funny) socks. It's an addiction. So, really, if you are thinking about getting me a gift, find the silliest socks, and those are perfect... like, well, these:

My husband told I was crazy for loving these, but they.have.capes.love.them. Found here

I digress.

I love socks, I love Argyle. So men in Argyle socks, all matching at a wedding. Is a must. What a great picture.

Do you love it, or hate it. (not the cape socks... the Argyle ones) (but you can tell me you love the cape socks too)

Dress in Something Blue

I love this, Christian Dior - Found Here

I love this. In fact, if I was getting married again, which I am not. But if I was, and if I was, it would be to my husband again, but if I was, I would wear this.

I just love the Tea Length, variated length, with the beautiful blue print on the inside.

Am I crazy?

You can say yes.

Gobble Gobble

I am so thankful for you. All of you.

And today is the day, that I am supposed to tell you.

But I want to THANK YOU, instead of me going on and on about turkey and pie (don't get me wrong, I love turkey and pie) but I want you to know how much ya'll mean to me.

You have allowed me to be myself and share with you the awesometastic things that I think are pretty and fun and pretty funny. You put up with me making up words, and being silly, and sharing pictures of my boys, but still know, that I know, that your wedding is one of the most important days in your life.

But always remember, it's not about that one day, its about the day after that, and the day after that, and what happens a year after that.

But for today, enjoy that turkey and pie.

I am thankful for you. And you, and you!

The Mascara Project - Almay i-color

The next mascara I tried was, Almay's i-color. It promises:

Intensify your very unique eye color. Oversized mascara brush with tapered tip finds and flaunts every lash to instantly double the look of your lashes. Our patented formula with light catching minerals won't clump or smudge.

Looks like this in the store:

 

 

My Opinion:

 

For me, this mascara was just okay. Nothing super fabulous. I didn't notice a huge difference in the "plump" category. But then again, maybe I don't have "unique" eye color, my eyes are brown. Like just brown. Nothing amazing. I'm pretty sure my eyes are the opposite of stare into and lose yourself. 

 

The brush reminded me of a brush from my mascara in High School... nothing fancy. The color the mascara was browner than I was used to. Although, it did not clump.I didn't feel like when the light was shinning that my lashes were anything fantastic. I almost felt like from the sales pitch that my eyes were going to glitter and gleam like Edward and Bella laying in a field of wild flowers. Notsomuch.

 

 

Left: Nekked Eye                            Right: Almay Intense i-color

Cost: $5.99

 

 



The Mascara Project - Scandal Eyes

 

The first Mascara in The Mascara Project is Scandal Eyes. It is made by Rimmel, it promises this:

 

Mascara doesn't know when to stop. With Rimmel's oversized brush and innovative formula, be prepared to say hello to lashes you never knew you had. Shaped, plumped, and exaggerated to perfection.

 

It looks like this in the store.

My opinion:

Overall, I am pretty impressed with this mascara, after over a week of use, it doesn't clump. It makes my lashes noticeably thicker and longer. My lashes don't feel like they are hair sprayed, so that is good. And it washes off with soap and water, and some towel action. All of these things are pluses. The brush is pretty thick and wide it does take a bit of getting used to. It took about 50 strokes to achieve what I felt was max length and volume.

Left - Nekked Eye           Right - Scandal Eyes Mascara

Cost: $6

Mascara Project

 

So, what is all of this "Mascara Project" stuff about.

 

Let me tell ya.

 

It is my personal search for the perfect, Over the Counter Mascara... meaning, not a specialty store mascara. So, something you can get a Target, CVS, Walgreens, WalMart, not a Sephora, or anything that costs more than $10. Just because, I know there has to be a mascara that works, does what it says it does, and costs less than 10 bucks. Right?!?!?!

 

Here is the scale I am using, let me introduce you.

So, basically, I've taken into account everything that I can think of that we (as women) want or need in a mascara, if I am missing anything, please let me know.

 

This is a sample of the Mascaras that I will be testing, remember, these are what I consider Over the Counter products, NYC, Almay, Revlon, Rimmel, just to name a few.

 



 



And, lastly, this is my nekked eye. No make up, fresh out of the shower. You will only see it here folks. Can you see the problem.

 

I have no eye-lashes. I used to. They left when I had kids. I swear Gabriel stole them. Because I had great lashes pre kids. I wonder if this happens to other people?

  

What you'll see is this nekked eye, next to a picture of my eye with the mascara of the week. Yes, I said week.

I am going to test each mascara for the week, and let you know what I think after that week. The reason I am wearing them for a week, is because your opinion changes after a few days, it may clump easier, it may flake off, it may have a lucky first day.

 

So there you go, I think this is the most important project of my blogging career. We could change lives here. 

 

Eat Your Veggies

So, this is totally off topic.

But I am excited, like day-before-Christmas excited, so I had to share with you.

My husband and I are taking part in a Crop Share, basically, we purchased 20 weeks worth of Produce, Flowers, herbs and whatever grows on the SwallowTail Farms, here in Gainesville.

We will have fresh, organic produce to eat, cook, and share, and I cannot wait. I love that we are supporting a local farm, and being able to eat yummy home grown produce.

Have you ever taken part in a crop share? Some of my friends have been complaining that there is too much for them to eat, and I could not imagine.

What are your thoughts? Would you do it?

The Mascara Project

I am thrilled to introduce you to a project that I am been dreaming up, and working on for a while.

First, let me tell you what this is. It is my personal hunt to find the perfect mascara. Yep, that's all it is, a girls dream to get her eye lashes back. When I had kids they both stole my eye lashes and now I have faint, light, bits of nothing that do nothing to my eyes, I have been on the hunt for the perfect mascara for two years.

I have tried more than 80 different mascara's. E-I-G-H-T-Y different mascara's. So, each week, I am going to give you the run down of what I found that each mascara I try for one week does.

Does it clump?
Does it go on easy?
How many strokes does it take before you can see a difference?
Is it flexible?
Does it wash off easily?
Does it add volume to each lash?
Does it add length?
Does it condition?
Is it worth the money?
Does it live up to the marketing?

What else would you want to know about different mascara's?

That's a Shell of a Bouquet

Source

Some people aren't flower-people, or florals won't go with your theme, how aobut something different? Perfect for a beachy wedding, I think this is pretty!

Your ideas, yay, nah?

Milk Glass Florals

Hi, My Name is Melissa and I have an obsession (slightly unhealthy) with Milk Glass.

I am pretty sure that given the opportunity, I'd hoard.

I think this is an affordable and gorgeous way to have faux Milk Glass for centerpieces (by spray painting random jars with a white matte finish paint on the outside)

It absolutely makes the bloom's color pop!

What do you think? A winner?

Wedding Contracts

Your wedding is one large business transaction.

Plain and simple.

I know its the day you marry your best friend, your soul mate, the one you cannot imagine growing old without. But even if you get married at the court house, you are still signing a contract: 1. Marriage Contract and 2. The agreement to pay the courthouse.

So, how can you protect your assets?

First, and this seems obvious, read the gosh darned thing. Read the contract, it is there for a reason, to protect you and your wedding professionals. It should state what the vendor you are hiring IS doing for you and ISN'T doing.

They are providing your food, they are providing 121 plates, 234 forks, 234 knives, they are letting you in for set up at 5PM and breakdown must be completed by midnight. (obviously they are just examples, but you get the idea).

There will be a lot of corporate mumbo jumbo mixed into the contract, but you need to make sure that you understand the terms, when payments are due, how much is due, what happens if you are late?

This is where a Professional Wedding Planner can come into play, they read these contracts every-single-day and can let you if something is questionable, or if it's above board.

I mean really, how often do you plan a party for 200 of your closest friends and family?

Elevator Wedding Pictures

Original Source: More than an Image

I just think this would be such a cool way to end your wedding album.

(and now, of course, I have Love in an Elevator stuck in my head)

Teal and Red Inspriation

Laced n Weddings

Maybe now that it's the day after Halloween, I am already in the mood for Christmas? I dont' know, but I sure thought this was pretty!

Pinks and Teals, you just can't go wrong...right?