Check out my new shoes....

I almost forgot to show my new shoes (ignore the mess on my desk behind it) that I'm in love with- they are red patent leather and are so comfy and cute!

Can't seem to remember ANYTHING...

Have you every had those episodes?  Well I've been having them for weeks- forgetting simple things.  I don't even have mommy brain to blame.  All I can blame is work- I've been over-whelmed for sure and I'm hoping that explains it all.  Well I've joined a new site recommended by my friend Marisa, thank you very much my friend.  Loseit.com- it helps you log your meals and your weight loss and exercise- it's the best site ever so far and I can access from my phone so it's wonderful.  It's really helping me make better decisions.  Now if I could just get in a regular exercise routine I'd be doing great! 

So I totally forgot about the giveaway last week so I'll do one next week- so be looking for it :)  Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

What I'm Thankful for this Thanksgiving....

I have so many things to be thankful for I feel truly blessed.  Here is my list of the 10 ten things on my mind that I'm Thankful for....

1. My wonderful husband.
2.  My loving family.
3.  That we are all healthy and safe
4.  Our jobs
5.  A beautiful home
6.  Precious friends
7.  Salvation (God's Promise)
8.  A vacation home
9.  Chocolate
10.  Chicken BLT's on Pretzel rolls :) 

Okay to explain the last one....I had to most amazingly delicious sandwich yesterday at a little diner in West Ocean City, MD.  It was a chicken BLT, served on a pretzel roll with a red pepper mayo.  It was the most delicious sandwich ever.  The pretzel roll was amazing, wish I knew where you could buy those so I could make them at home. Seriously it was amazing!!!! 

It's important to remember to be thankful for all you have.  Even though we may not have everything we desire, whether it be a new washing machine, a spouse or even a baby.  Although it is not always easy to understand it's important to still show our gratitude for what we have been given.  Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Btw...I loved Breaking Dawn!

It's been awhile....

This is a project I've been trying to do for a year now.  No that is not my stuff it's the concept I want to borrow.  I have all the materials just haven't had the time.  I want to hang my alphabet stickers in my scrapbooking room to look like that, it lookd nice and it's organized.  So I plan on tackling this project this winter.  How is it that life gets so busy just when you think things will slow down?  I'm getting ready for my parents coming to visit, very excited!  Wondering how in the world I'll get everything done.

I do want to mention I will be having a giveaway coming up next week in Celebration of Thanksgiving.  I've decided to put together a little box of goodies for some wonderful person to win. I'll post of picture of what the winner will be receiving on Monday or Tuesday.  Btw....I still haven't received your address Jaime for winning the giveaway a few weeks back.

Did Thanksgiving sneak up on anyone else besides me?  I looked up at the calendar yesterday and realized it was a week from today!!!  How did that happen?  So my husband and I have always done the traditional Thanksgiving just the two of us since he usually works the day after.  But last year we decided to do something different...we decided to go out to eat and watch a movie.  Little did we know that NOTHING was open in Annapolis except Johnny Rockets, so we dined on burgers and fries and watched the latest Twilight movie.  We are thinking of doing the same thing this year and I'm really excited!

Favorite Makeup Products

So I wanted to share some of my favorite products that I've been using for the month of October. 

Anywho...

First favorite is  Spackle by Laura Geller (Tinted Under Make-up Primer) in Champagne.  I love, love this product, I received a nice sample in my birchbox awhile back and I had enough points with birchbox I got it for free.  It is so lightweight and has a little shimmer to it.  I think it sells for $25 but I totally think it's worth it and it lasts forever.  I've been using it everyday for weeks and I can barely tell any is missing from the bottle, it comes in a nice squirt type bottle.

Next favorite is....  Urban Decay's- Baked Bronzer in Gilded....it is so very pretty, it's actually very light with specs of gold in it.  It's a really nice bronzer and bonus it's on sale at Urban Decay- normally sells for $24- currently on sale for $8.  Love this product.  Here is the link for Urban Decays sale- they have some great buys.  Urban Decay Sale

My next favorite is also an Urban Decay product- Cream Shadows- They are normally $17/each but are on sale for $2/each- Great deal and I love them.   Urban Decay Sale   I've never been a huge fan of the cream shadows but these go on great, have great pigment and don't crease.  The colors are very fun colors, some bold and some for everyday wear.  My absolute favorites are Sphinx and Midnight Rodeo- both pink shades.  I would highly recommend you pick some up- great addition to your make-up collection and you can't beat the price.  I've picked up several extras for myself and some for some giveaways this Holiday season.

My last favorite I'm giving you a review on is my Benefit- Lip Gloss in Life on the A List- that's not the color shown in the picture- my shade is more of a nude color with a hint of pink- I love the feel of this lip gloss and the fact that it's not sticky.  It does last quite a long time also.  I've never been a fan of lip gloss because they are usually so sticky but this one is great.  I've never purchased it as the one I have was a gift but I think it sells for $18 which is actually quite pricey but if you can catch it on sale it's a must have.

I do want to add 2 products that I've not had not alot of luck with recently....one product I recently raved about and I do love it but it breaks my face out- that is the Revlon colorstay foundation- it has a nice finish and coverage but it was causing me to have unusual breakouts for my age.  So that is one I've had to stop using.  The other is a Mark product by Avon- Min-A-Real in Natural- Cream to Powder foundation I thought I'd really like this product but it doesn't last and it flakes on me.

So anyway I hope my reviews have been helpful and I hope some of you get some great deals :)

My new car....

My beautiful new car!  I feel like it's Christmas.  I love everything about this car- I had no idea technology had gotten so advanced in cars.  I'll tell you my #1 favorite thing about this car is the blindspot mirror.  That is absolutely hands down the best invention ever.  No more twisting your neck to see if someone is beside you- it's amazing!  I love being able to use my phone through the car speakers hands-free and being able to play my I-pod through the speakers.  Now I just pray this car lasts me 10 years plus like the last!

Btw...this weekend I'll be putting together a post showing some of my current favorite products.   I've tried some great stuff lately that I absolutely love!

My Car Search Experience

I had no idea how exhausting it can be to buy a new car, that is if you do your research.  My husband and I went to look at cars for the 1st time 2 weeks ago.  We found one we liked but we weren't going to buy the 1st one we saw.  Besides I wanted to clean my car up and see what I could get for a trade-in.  Although my car is a 2001, it is a Mustang convertible in black and perfect condition.  It still runs great!  Honestly, I hate to part with her, she's been very good to me.  So anyway, I started contacting dealerships close by our home trying to find what we were looking for and trying to get quotes.  So I spent a week on this going back and forth comparing cars and deals.  I made another appointment to visit a dealership, drive another car and see what they'd offer for the trade-in.

I am a very bottom line type of gal, I walked in told the salesman- #1 I am going to buy this car, whether it's from you or someone else I really don't care- I just want the best deal.  #2- I'm paying cash, #3- I am going to trade-in my car and want the best deal for that, #4- we will be buying a 2nd car next year so keep that in mind when making me a deal.  So I laid all my cards on the table.  So he was nice enough but knew NOTHING about the car, in fact I knew more about it and that frustrated me.  He kept telling me he'd have to look it up, well shoot I can look it up, what do I need you for?

So I spent over an hour test driving and talking numbers- so he finally says let's see what we can give you for your car.  He came back and gave me a number that was so insulting I couldn't even believe it.  Then he told me I should take my car to Carmax.  Really?  I'm doing a deal with you not Carmax.  So I thanked him for his time and left.

I was so angry that they totally insulted me, I would have rather had them come back to me and say I don't think we can make you an offer.  So needless to say I did not buy a car from them.  In fact I sent them an email and copied the owner/manager of the dealership and let them know why I wasn't buying a car from them.  Not only did their salesman that said he'd been there for 15 yrs, said this vehicle is their most sold vehicle and said he owned one himself knew NOTHING about the vehicle, but they insulted me on top of that.  I got not 1, not 2, but 6 phone calls from the dealership.  One call from the Owner but I decided to be done with them, I had spoken my piece, oh and I told them to prove that I was a serious buyer I had already secured a car at another dealership.

So we ended up going back to the 1st dealership and getting a great deal for a great car.  So I've been driving it for 3 days and I love it!!!!  But it sure was alot of work to get here :)  Certainly not looking forward to going through that again anytime soon!

We have a winner!

So the winner of the 3 month subscription to Birchbox is Marisa!  Congrats!!!  I also decided to do a 2nd place prize of a goody bag and that winner was Jaime!!!  Congrats ladies.  I hope both of you enjoy your gifts.  Marisa be sure to report back and let us know what you get in your boxes and how you like the products.  I hope you all will check back often as I plan on doing several giveaways during the holidays.

So today is Friday- my favorite day of the week.  I can't believe they are calling for snow in the DC area in October- what is up with that?  I'm not ready for snow.  Today is also my Dad's 60th birthday!!!  Happy Birthday Dad!  I'm going to surprise him tomorrow by going to visit.  Oh btw, my dad already sold my car- in 1 day!  I asked him if he would sell it for me as we are buying another vehicle, he called me the next day and said he'd sold it already- how about that!

I have reached 12 Followers....woohoo!

Thanks everyone for following....I'm so excited this evening I'll be using my hat program to choose a random winner for the 3 month subscription of birchbox!  I'm also thinking of doing a 2nd place winner on a prize not yet determined!  So check back for the winners- I just ask that the winner report back on the products and let us know how they like them!  I LOVE Birchbox!!!! 

On another note, come Monday I will be the proud owner of a brand new Ford Escape, I feel like it's my birthday!  I can't wait- my husband will be bringing it home Monday evening- I'll be sure to take a picture to share my new addition :) 

Only 1 more Follower to go...

So I still need 1 more follower to do the giveaway.  I'm anxious to give someone the wonderful gift of Birchbox- I love this service and I think you will too!

So the search for a new car has begun.  I've decided on a Ford Escape- just the right size and they are so cute- I'm getting very excited as this is only the 3rd car I've ever owned- I figure a new car every 10 years is quite thrifty :)  So this evening I'm taking my 11 yr old mustang that I love in to see how much they'll give me for a trade-in, I'll never get what I think she's worth but I'm praying for a miracle!

It's Friday...and only 65 days till Christmas!

Oh the wonderful things I could say about Friday!  So Autumn is finally here.  The leaves changing outside is absolutely beautiful..my favorite season!  So getting ready for the weekend- I believe we are going to visit the inlaws this weekend.  I am very blessed that I have great inlaws.  We plan on doing some car shopping this weekend- unfortunately my baby- my Mustang has seen better days.  She is 11 yrs old but it's time for an upgrade-as sad as it makes me.  We are thinking about a small SUV as of right now we don't have anything to haul anything with, so it might be a practical choice for us.  I'll let you know what we decide on- hope to have a new car before Christmas...woohoo. 

So is everyone ready for Christmas- I'm not but I have a good head start.  I like to have my Christmas shopping done by Thanksgiving so we'll see how it goes.  I have lots of stuff for people but I need to log it all into my spreadsheet so I know what I have, I've also picked up some great items for giveaways!!!

Cozy in a Cup

Today for lunch I had Panera- yum!  French onion soup and half a chicken salad sandwich and if that wasn't enough I decided to go all fall- Pumpkin Spice Latte or as I now call it Cozy in a Cup.  That is delicious!  It sums up fall in one sip!  You have to try it!!!! 

Once we reach 12 subscribers I'm doing a giveaway!!!!

I'm getting very excited...once I reach 12 subscribers/followers- I'm going to do a giveaway for a 3 month subscription to Birchbox.  If you've never heard of it- it's a monthly subscription service that sends you 4-5 samples each month all wrapped up in a beautiful box- looks like a present.  I've gotten some really great things and you get some really great products to try out.  I'm very excited to share this with one of my "peeps" :)  Feel free to share the link if you'd like.  I have a favorites post coming up this week- some new products I've tried and really like.

Forgiveness makes the heart grow fonder....

I mentioned awhile back my niece making some bad choices and how I was heart broken over it and the fact that I was afraid she didn't learn anything from her mistakes.  So last week I wrote her a very long letter trying to teach her something from her experience and reminding her how important asking forgiveness is and earning back trust.  I really poured my heart out to her and I wasn't really expecting a response, honestly figured she'd still be mad at me for scoulding her so to speak.  Well I received the sweetest most honest apology email today.  I was so impressed with the maturity she showed- I was very proud of her.  Of course I forgave her- I did before she even asked.  In her email she said she had learned alot and she was afraid it was too late to get back the relationships she lost.  I don't think it is too late and I'm a huge believer in rebuilding!  I'm very relieved that she has softened her heart and learned great life lessons.  I really am very proud of her! 

Fed up with FB (Facebook)

As much as I do love being on facebook to keep in touch with many of my friends and family- it is becoming more and more disgusting.  Full of complaints and foul language.  Why do people now a days not use filters?  People are constantly airing dirty laundry, telling way too much information and just being vulgar.  Is that what our society has become?  I know this makes me sound old but kids these days blow my mind, how they speak and how they treat others.  I would have never even considered using some of the language they use, there is no respect anymore.  It's pretty sad when  you have block your own family members because of the language they use or the constant ranting that goes on.  Okay I'll get off my soap box :)  I guess I just look at it as a place to stay in touch with family and friends I really don't need to know everyone's problems and every single emotion.

Anniversary Weekend...Score!

So finally on the 3rd attempt this weekend we were able to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary.  I am so glad I married a man that can get so much enjoyment out of just relaxing and doing nothing.  That's exactly what I wanted to do this weekend.  Just sit on the balcony and look at the bay and read and catch up on some shows on hulu.  I am a simple girl with simple requests :)  It truly was an amazing weekend- I hate that I have to work tomorrow or we could have made it a 3 day weekend.  The weather was perfect, as I type this I'm sitting on the balcony watching the sun fall below the trees and it's an awesome view so peaceful and such a reminder of God's beauty!  Can't wait until our last vacation of the year in November!!!!  I also, went out and did some shopping, that counts as relaxing....it does. 

On another note- I've been experimenting with some new makeup and some new techniques.  And I'm inspired to get a small vanity area in my scrapbooking room and organize my makeup.  I bought some great organizational items this weekend and can't wait to put it all together I'll post a picture when I'm had a chance to work on it.  I'm really excited for this little project! 

2nd attempt @ Anniversary Celebration Cancelled

So our Wedding Anniversary is Sept. 24th.  We had planned to go away for the weekend and relax and have a great time.  Well the friday we were going to leave it rained and poured and flooded.  So we postponed until this weekend- well my husband gets sick, I mean very sick.  Whenever he gets a bad cold he also dehydrates easily and has no strength.  He insisted we try and make the trip so made the 2-1/2 drive- he spent a sleepless night and 1 miserable day- I brought him home this evening and I put him to bed.  So I'm praying we can try again next weekend and he'll be feeling much better.  Try, try again!!!!

My 1st Zumba Experience

So I received my new Zumba wii game last night and came home and tried it out for the 1st time.  It totally kicked my butt- it's hard.  Wow- was that a good workout!  Not only is it fun and great exercise but when it's all said and done I'll be ready to hit the Salsa club :)

Happy Anniversary!

I can't believe it's been 6 years today!  It's been a wonderful journey-I never thought it would be possible to love someone more after all these years- but I do!  God knew exactly what I needed and even though I waited a long time for him- he's perfect for me!  We had planned a lovely weekend at the beach condo- but the weather was really crappy so we postponed until next weekend- but I still enjoyed just spending the day with my husband.  I love that man :)

How a Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks makes EVERYTHING okay!

Can I just tell you- no matter how bad my week is-stopping on a friday morning at Starbucks for a Caramel Macchiato makes it all better.  It is just a cup full of goodness that makes me say- "Doesn't matter what comes my way today"!  How about that- who knew that a cup of goodness could make such a difference.  So I say "Bring it!"  Now I'm probably going to regret that but oh well- at least I had a cup of goodness today! 

My new Favorite is Smashbox Cosmetics

I'm in love with their products.  I recently started using their Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder and I love it....so on Tuesday's and Thursday's they have free products.  They've had some great stuff for free and with every order you also get free samples to try other products.  So I bought 2 items that were on sale and I got 2 large samples for free- a bronzer type stuff and waterproof eyeshadow and 2 small samples of foundation primer.  It was packaged very nicely, it almost looked like someone had sent me a gift.  By the way they always offer Free Shipping!  So I definitely recommend you try their products!!!!  www.smashbox.com

Do you "Zumba"?

So I keep hearing everyone talking about Zumba- I hear it's a great workout.  I've been thinking about getting it for the Wii but it's $40, so today it's on sale for $25 as the deal of the day at Amazon.  http://www.amazon.com/gp/goldbox/ref=cs_top_nav_gb27  So I'm very curious about it as I'm constantly looking for a new fun way to exercise and stay motivated. 

Monday Mornings....uggg!

I can't be the only person that hates Monday mornings.....okay it's not just the morning I hate.  What makes it so difficult is #1 my husband is off on mondays.....doesn't really seem fair.  Well my one peaceful time of the day is my commute in, well as peaceful as a commute can be- but monday mornings- they start calling me on the radio on my way in and I hear my phone beeping with email after email and text after text.  I stop at a light and check my phone- 35 emails already at 6:50am- seriously?  That just starts my day off with a bang and puts me in a bad mood- like I need any help!

Reflections on Life

I find the older I get the more I think about my life and what I've done with it and how I've affected other people.  Recently my 17 yr old niece made some unwise decisions and she kept saying I didn't hurt anyone but myself.  I'm not sure we've been able to make her understand even yet that almost all of your decisions affect others.  I realize you cannot go through life trying to please everyone but there are some decisions in our lives we really need to think before we execute.  I truly try to live my life pleasing to God, am I perfect....of course NOT.   But I do think it's important to live your life with others in mind.  I personally have been very blessed in so many areas and there are some areas that I struggle with that I haven't been so blessed- it's a constant juggling act for me to remind myself that God has been so good to me.  Even though God hasn't given me the desire of my heart...Yet...doesn't mean I should be ungrateful or forget the wonderful blessings I have had my entire life.  I just really think it's important to reflect from time to time and remember all the wonderful things in our lives- it's easy for us all to focus on the bad since in today's society it seems so prevalent.

My 3rd attempt @ a Blog!

So I've never been successful keeping up with a blog but I'm hoping this time will be different.  I'd like to share some of my crazy life and some of my bargains I find along the way as well.  Not to mention my wealth of knowledge (insert big smile here)!  So for my 1st post I thought I'd mention some things in my life I'd never like to live without because they are that fabulous....

1.  Dropbox- I'm a bit of a control freak, no surprise for those of you that really know me ;)- but dropbox keeps everything in one place and I can access from my home computer, work computer, phone, galaxy, anywhere- I love it.  www.dropbox.com
2.  Hip2save- website- she always lists the best deals and great coupons- love that site- check it more than twice a day!  www.hip2save.com
3.  Smashbox- Hydrating Powder- Just started using a new makeup regiment- Revlon Colorstay Foundation with Smashbox- Hydrating Powder- I love it- it goes on so easily and doesn't feel like you are really wearing anything and it lasts all day.  Not to mention every Thursday smashbox offers free products and lots of free samples.  www.smashbox.com

4.  My Samsung Galaxy- I love, love, love this thing- I use it for EVERYTHING....I have amazon kindle and 3 other readers on there so I constantly read books on there.  Amazon does a free app a day also so I have tons of free games and other cool apps.

5.  My new Keurig Coffee Maker- I'm not a huge coffee drinker- at least I didn't used to be but my parents bought us one for our anniversary and I absolutely love it- it makes excellent coffee!