just be ...

Manicure.

(This is the last 'me' post before we get back to regular scheduled programming where its all Max, all the time!) 

I love having my nails painted.  I love the way they look.  I feel pretty when both my finger and toes are painted.  (and any mother knows there are times when you just need to feel pretty and not someone's nose/hands/ass cleaner.)

Though with typing all day and handling a toddler who is into everything, it doesnt make for a good environment to spend the money on regular manicures. 

That was until I found these.  Let. Me. Tell. You.  They are absolutely the bomb! 

I usually chip or scratch or smudge something no sooner the manicurist finishes my nails, and with these I've done just about everything - with the exception of building a house - and there is minimal wear.  I am talking bathing a toddler, chasing down a toddler with food all over him, dishes, laudry, sleeping, bathing myself, getting dressed for the day, tumbling class....and the list can go on! 

You cant really see the color since its a Chamgane-like (Raise A Glass), but you will notice the nails look finished....and pretty.  (mind the fat fingers!)

They are about $8 on sale, which is about half the cost of a manicure.  They take about 10 to 15 minutes to put on, which is about half the time of a manicurist.  And there is NO dry time.  Loving It! 

What do you do to make yourself feel pretty?

Favorites.

Thought I would share my favorites this time of year, kind of like how Oprah has her 'Favorites'.  Mine are on a much much simpler scale!

#1. I only eat these during the Holiday Season.

#2. Believe it or not, Eggnog.  Yes, I do enjoy a cup or two over the days.  I like mine heated up just a bit. 

#3. I've always been a fan of scented lipglosses.  Especially ones that smell like toasted marshmallows! 

#4. A new pair of slippers is always welcomed!  I do my research every year on slippers, and I found these to be perfect for me.

#5. Because I am big supporter of small/local businesses. A girl can always use a new purse.

What are you favorites this year?

Bling, Bling!

As you all well know, its one of my favorite times of year, the holiday season.  When I was younger, I would find myself invited to a couple of holiday parties each year, and always happy to go.  This year, not too many parties.  In fact, only one so far.  (Honestly quite, well more than quite okay with it!)

However, what I do miss about the parties is getting dressed up.  And not just work-dressed up.  Im talking about fancy make-up, jewelry and sweater or top. 

I saw something similar to this in Target the other day, and it just screams 'HOLIDAY PARTY!' or 'NEW YEARS EVE!'.  How fabulous would it be to wear some bling on your eyes? 

Say hello to myface Cosmetics and their blingtones.  This color above is Black Ice.  But they also have Silver Screen and Morococo, just to name a few more of my favorites.  I just might order some, just to have, maybe just to wear to my one party this year. 

Can you just envision having such fabulous holiday eyes??? 

Recycle.

When I started up this blog again in August 2008, I was taking the 'green' approach.  I was going to talk about green things - recycling, reducing my waste, how to live a more healthy lifestyle with little effect on the planet.  That didnt work out so much.  And that's okay.  My efforts have not stopped in trying to preserve Mother Earth though I dont write about them. 

I diligently recycle all products I can in my house.  I bring reuseable bags with me when shopping.  I recycle the plastic bags I do have to take home with me.  I only wash clothes when I have a full load.  I run the dishwasher only when its full.  I turn off lights as much as possible. I unplug items that still receive electricity though they arent being used.  And as of late, with the arrival of Max, I purchase gently used clothes for myself and Max. 

The reason for this is one, maternity clothes are super expensive.  Two, Max will be wearing outfits for like one day and be too big for them the next time.  So why spend all that money?  Especially when I can go to Once Upon a Child or From My Room, and walk out with name brand clothes for a FRACTION of the price.  Yesterday, I spent approximately $7 and some change on the following items:

-White Gap Polo onesie - $2.75
-Navy Blue Gap Polo onesie, with Gap khaki shorts - $3.75
-Carters never used, with tags, onesie - $.50

You see that?  A brand new onesie for fifty cents! The Gap items look brand new, in excellent condition.  When in the Gap yesterday, shopping for myself, I ventured into the Baby Gap and priced out the baby polos, and get this, full price $15. 

I am not ashamed of this practice of recycling children's clothing, or any clothing for that matter.  How many times have you purchased something with the intent to wear it and then a few months later you have buyers remorse and wish you could get that $50 back?  So if you were smart, you'd sell to a resale shop, or consignment shop hoping to recoup some of that money. 

By doing so, my child looks super cute in his outfits.

*$3.00 Gap shortall onesie w/$3.00 Carters blanket.

Feeling pretty.

Its been one of those days where I just want to crawl into a whole and only speak to those who will answer me with a 'yes ma'am'.  Many conflicts of personality, many 'suggestions' and many co-workers whose mouths need to meet my fist.  How dare people feel they have the right to ridicule me, a question or a suggestion in an email.  How dare people conveniently leave data out of the equation and then make it an example that I was missing a valid point.  These people?  They know who they are.  If it wouldnt cost me my career, my fist would totally make contact. 

Today, on the way home from work, I decided it was high time for a manicure.  My nails have been growing like wildfire since being pregnant.  And I've fallen in love with this new color from OPI.  I saw it in a magazine and have been thinking it about it since. 

**Jade is the New Black, Hong Kong collection 

The nail salon did not have this color, so I went with a safe neutral color for now.  However, I will get my hands on this polish! 

And it begins...Christmas 2009.

Yesterday, as I as at my mother's for our annual Thanksgiving dinner (which is dinner part two, mind you!), I took a gander at these.

Out of sheer fear of being trampled to death, Mom and I decided to only go to Target this morning.  But not until 9am.  The freebie shopping bag was gone in the first hour I heard.  In the two hours we were there, we ran into one too many floor displays with the cart, fought off people in the video game isle and were able to get most of the items on both of our lists. 

I had this Christmas shopping rage come over me briefly, I mean super brief when I was talking to a Target employee and were ever so rudely interrupted by some twirp of a woman wanting to brag about scoring the TV on special at 5am.  I think I shot her a look because she just stood there looking at me...my look must have said, 'A. you are interrupting me, and 2. WHO CARES you got the tv!'. 

I had plans to drive way up north to pick up the front door wreath.  Not wanting to spend 2.5 hours in the car, I surfed the net for a nursery that was willing to ship the boxwood wreath.  Sure enough, the second vendor I looked at had Free Shipping! and the wreath at about the same price as the local nursery.  Come to find out ... this online nursery is just next door in Michigan.  I am very excited for my new wreath!

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This year I want to enjoy Christmas as best as I can.  I want to make the magic come to life.  My plans are to document something each day of December.  I dont do holiday-ish things each day in December, but I want to celebrate something about December or Christmas each day.  Starting December 1st, I will be sharing with you what makes Christmas or December special to me.  I encourage you to do the same, take a small amount of time out of each day to cherish somthing about this time of year. 

Priorities.

My puppies so desperately want to take a walk in these bad boys.  How cool would I look strutting through the office or downtown Naperville?  People would want to be me!  (yeah, right!)

Priorities get in the way sometimes ... baby first, then mama gets a new pair of bad ass boots!

Ever need one of these?

I've been searching around for a unique tech-y gadget for my 13 year old nephew for Christmas. I was surfing a bunch of websites today, and came across this. I am not sure exactly how its suppose to work, with your head in a TV!. I have done nothing but chuckle at the concept of this gadget! Do share your thoughts on this...

Style

Everyone has their own style.  Mine is casual country.  I could live in my cowboy boots, my jeans and a funky top.  Lately I've been buying items that I think I like only to find out I like them because they are the 'norm'.  I have been deviating from my true style self. 

I found this website, Polyvore, where you can put together an outfit of all your favorites, regardless of designer.   Going thru this exercise reinforces me and my boots and my jeans being friends all hours outside of the 40 hours a week I am in the office. 

Go and build your own wish list or reminder of your style!

Everyday by whattheharry featuring J Crew

Kissable, loveable lips.

I am Mary Kay customer.  I love all of their products.  I have been wearing them for years.  One of my favorite products as of late has been the Satin Lips set. 

I love how the mask removes dead skin from the lip area and leaves my lips feeling SO smooth.  Apply the lip balm and its heaven.  This balm doesnt feel heavy on the lips, its very light, not oily.  Its almost like the feeling of having been in the pool/ocean/lake/pond for a long time.  The lips are that tender.  Kissable. 

Now I just need to get someone to kiss!

 

 

This is a great product for everyone - guys + ladies.  If you are thinking you need to try this set, drop me an email and I'll get you to the right person.