Birchbox

I am a simple, plain Jane girl.  I wear the same jewelry most days of the week, fix my hair the same 3 ways and use the same basic cosmetics every morning.  I think paying large sums of money for beauty products is a complete waste of money. 

My usuals:

Shampoo and Conditioner – whatever is on sale at Target or WalMart

Styling products (curly, thick hair….it takes a lot) –

Hairspray and Gel– Suave Max Hold

Mousse – Suave Captivating Curl Cream Mousse

Soap – Plain old Dial

Make-up – pretty much the same stuff I’ve used all my life.  CoverGirl powder foundation, eye shadow trios, CoverGirl Lash Bash Volume waterproof mascara.  About a year ago I got crazy and became addicted to Clinique eyeliner; however, I only pay for them during free gift sales.  Getting all the extras softens the blow to the wallet.

Nail polish: OPI or Essie

Perfume: Vera Wang Princess is my favorite

So basically, cheap and simple is the theme here.  So after reading a blog linked to my friend’s blog (stalker much?!), I decided to try to broaden my horizons.

I signed up for Birchbox.  It’s basically a monthly box of high end, sample size, beauty products.  I’m hoping that I never find some $50 item that I can’t live without, but I just wanted to try new things and add a little spice to my life.

My first box came a few days ago.  I was sad to see that something had leaked a bit, but overall everything was still in good condition.  Here’s my review of the goods.

September Box:

Davines This is a Sea Salt Spray $27: 

Pros: Smells great – like coconuts and beaches.  Makes hair smell great and not sticky.

Cons: MegaVolume….they weren’t lying when they said this stuff gives you oomph.

Overall: Might be great for carefree vacation hair, but won’t be part of my normal routine.

Grand Central Beauty S.M.A.R.T. Skin Perfecting Polisher $38:

Pros: Doesn’t leave face feeling greasy.

Cons: Doesn’t really leave face feeling any different.

Overall:  As shown above, I have no face washing/care routine whatsoever.  This didn’t do anything fabulous that made me want to start a routine.

Le Couvent Des Minimes Gardner’s Hand Healer $8-19:

Pros: Cute mini tube will be great for my purse. 

Cons: Kinda greasy and doesn’t have a to die for scent.  Didn’t really notice a change in my hands after use.

Overall: I’m sticking to my standard lotion

Ruffian Nail Lacquer in Fox Hunt $10:

Pros: Cute travel size bottle and a fun summer color.

Cons: Not something I would consider for my nails for work.

Overall: I haven’t actually done a full pedi with this so I can’t rate the stay on power, but I am excited to try it out.

GlamNatural Cream Blush $32:

Pros: 3 different color choices with enough product in each for 2-3 days.  Shows up better and stays on longer than powder blush.

Cons: 2 colors are great…the 3^rd, hello Circus make-up.

Overall: I hate liquid make-up on my face; therefore won’t be rushing to add this to my routine. 

Waiting

Patience is not my middle name.  I’m not one for sitting back and waiting for things to happen.  I prefer to obsess, plan, schedule, control and make things happen.  My Daddio repeatedly reminds me that nothing is in my control…that I might as well give up on trying to control everything.  One of my favorite quotes is, “Faith in God includes faith in His timing.”  I hear it and try to understand it, but let’s be honest….I want what I want when I want it.  End tantrum.  Stomps foot.

I want my house to be done.  I want my loan to be closed.  I want my new furniture to sleep on.  I want my new appliances to cook dinners on.  I want to wash my clothes in the same house that I reside.  I’m not sure why this whole processes is taking so long….and each day it gets mildly/majorly more annoying. 

So in my mind, I have to find the good in it all.  Being homeless has allowed me to get to know my Sister in law better.  Brenda is a great person….a lifesaver in my eyes.  She has opened her home and life to us and the cats, and for that I will be forever grateful.  Being homeless has made me appreciate my home….it might have broken me of preferring restaurants over home cooked meals (we’ll see) and it has surely made me want to get in the house and stay in the house!!  Being homeless has given us extra time to get light fixtures, blinds, curtain rods, etc. ordered and shipped here so they are ready to be installed on day one.  The flexibility allowed for some great bargain shopping.  So there, Pollyanna just played The Glad Game. 

I want to grow our family.  Everyone keeps asking when we are going to have babies….good question folks, good question.  Again, when God decides the time is right, I guess we will know.  Until then, we’re a family of three (five including the kitty babies).

I want to advance in my career.  I love the program that I work with, but if it is a dead end path, I need to find a new fit….I don’t like change.  So, I wait.

I want to get some loose ends tied up with paperwork and finances.  Again, if things were in my hands, I would have gotten them fixed 100 Mondays ago, but instead I wait and call a certain person not nice names.

I’m not complaining (yeah, I know I coulda fooled myself), instead I’m just saying maybe I’m being taught to wait.  Maybe I’m being reminded that this is not about what Holly wants when she wants it.   Stomps foot!!  So I wait and accept that I am not suppose to understand all of this….I’ll keep waiting on myself to get better at waiting.  It might take a while.

20 Things I Love

Disclaimer: I’m not materialistic….family, friends, faith, health, etc. definitely top the list of things I’m thankful for and value the most…..these are just some “things” I enjoy!

1. Kittens – Just call me the crazy cat lady, but there is something about their fuzzy faces, purrs and cuddling that just does me in. 
2. Candles – I’m an addict.  I hoard Gold Canyon Candles…they can’t be beat.  Sugar Cookie, Brown Sugar Cookie, Clean Sheets, Pumpkin Pie.  Somehow in my head, they make my house cleaner.   
3. Fall – Pumpkins, mums, hoodies, crisp air, football, turkeys….love it all.  If it didn’t turn into winter, I would be completely obsessed with it.   
4. Flip Flops – Aside from being barefoot, there is nothing better.  I despise shoes and socks.  First thing to go when I step indoors is the shoes/socks.
5. Kohls – The happiest place on earth.  Love their clothes, home goods, coupons, quality, brands, etc.
6. Flowers – They just bring happiness.  Purple roses, tulips and gerber daisies are the best.
7. Cuddling – No better place to be than in the arms of someone you love.  Add in those kittens and Fall weather and triple score!
8. Cheesefries – They’re the ideal food….fries + cheese + ranch dressing = no brainer.
9. Beaches – No place more relaxing than in the sun and sand.
10. Starbucks – Specifically Starbucks in the red Christmas cup.
11. Christmas – They will never be as special as they were with my Mom here, but there is still something magical about that time of year.  Twinkling white Christmas lights are comforting to me.
12. Planner – Call me old school, but I don’t think I will ever give up that wire bound book that keeps my life in order.  I’ve tried going the electronic route and I always go back to old faithful.
13. Wedding Rings – They symbolize the love that I waited a long time for.  I pray that I get to wear them until the day I die…something that you don’t see happen much in today’s world.
14. Camera – It allows me to capture memories and moments to remember for a long time to come.  I hope to take tons more pictures with our family and friends as our life changes.
15. Keurig – I still think the creator is a modern day genius.  Variety, speed, and simplicity….working woman loves it!
16. Reality TV – Property Brothers, Say Yes To The Dress, The Voice….guilty pleasures right there folks.  Aside from Big Bang Theory, the reality TV can’t be beat.
17. Pedicures – They melt away the problems of the moment.  And a fresh set of polish on the toes always makes me feel more put together.
18. Road trips – I might be one of the few who loves staying in hotels and random places.  Maybe it is the fact that I don’t have to make the bed that makes it even more exciting.
19. Pinterest – I am just plain addicted.  I have enough recipes and house décor pictures pinned to last me until retirement.
20. Weekends – Mainly because I get to actually enjoy all or most of the things above during these two precious days!!  I love a good shopping spree or lazy Sunday. 

All or Nothing

I’m an all or nothing kind of girl…black or white…..go big or go home.  I could continue with all of the clichés, but instead I’ll explain myself.  I can’t half do something….if I start a project, I finish a project or I completely scrap it and make it part of the weekly trash pile.

My husband likes to say that I have OCD….I like to think I am thorough and detail oriented.  Potato Potato….

Anyway, sometimes, this gift comes in handy.  I can spring clean a place in a matter of days, I can throw together a party in a few hours, I could produce a huge paper in college in no time.  Then there are times that it is a total curse….when buying a new house, it is a nightmare. 

I am in complete decorate and situate mode.  The minute that house is ours, I have furniture, appliances, light fixtures, curtain rods, blinds and décor ready to go.  Some might argue this isn’t a bad thing…..but when you have no where to store all of these items and can’t make solid decisions it becomes quite a mess. 

Let’s start with appliances: I went to Lowes to get a face plate and left with an order for a washer and dryer (at a great price – thanks to my cousin).  I got the energy efficient deluxe, non-front load style. 

Then that turned into light fixtures:  Spotted a sale on ceiling fans and before I knew it, the cart was full.

Then came furniture….we went to Star in Morgantown and the sleaze sales guy made me mad so we ventured to Fairmont.  Highly recommend those folks.  Anyway we now have a new bedroom set, a new couch, loveseat, accent chair, ottoman, mattress and box springs.  I was on a decisive roll….

That brought us to this past weekend – Labor Day Weekend. 

Big Lots was having a BOGO half price sale….curtains, art work, bedset for Perry, more curtains, throw pillows, storage units and some other odds and ends. 

Then…..I decided we needed a trip to Pittsburgh……that was where things got ugly lol

Home Goods = a decorative piece for the bathroom

Ikea = 2 rugs, 3 mirrors, hand towels, spatulas, 2 bath mats and some other randomness

Rug for living room

Rug for Master Bedroom

And then……heaven on earth…….my first experience at a Hobby Lobby……oh my!!

I could spend hours in there…..luckily they had shortened hours for the holiday so I got pulled out after 2 vases, a few signs/pictures, letters and coat rack for Perry’s wall, and all kinds of other “treasures.”  I am dying to go back.

Before I knew it…I was online shopping JcPenney sales and found blinds, curtain rods and more curtains.

Then at Bed Bath and Beyond buying more artwork and TJ Maxx for pillows.

Then Target for more curtains and stuff for Perry’s room.

So right now, I have a whole house decorated and then some…….I have 3 sets of curtains pending for the living room….can’t make a decision until the furniture arrives.  I know which ones I love, but I need to see how they look with the chair.  I am already returning a bunch of pillows that just aren’t meshing in my head.  I have moved stuff from room to room in my head a thousand times. 

Most people move in and buy a few new things….nope, not this crazy woman.  Thank God I have all of our wedding gifts in storage or I might have to get a second mortgage to finance this craziness!!!!  Not to mention that watching Property Brothers already has me ready to finish the basement in a million different ways. 

BRING ON THE HOUSE!!!!!!!!!

Welcome to the Jungle

The last month has been one of the craziest months of my life.  It takes a lot to earn that title after you’ve been alive for 380+ months!  I don’t even know where to start….just keep in mind that every second that was not filled with the madness detailed below was spent packing, cleaning, moving and stressing. 

August 2 – we officially signed the documents on our new townhouse.

August 3 – helped host a bridal shower for Whitney during the day and hosted Heidi’s bachelorette party that evening.

August 6 – celebrated Lisa’s birthday.

August 10 – loaded up 2 moving trucks full of stuff headed for storage and a (amazing) friend’s garage.

August 12 – 16: coworker took vacation so I was flying solo.

August 12 – got to visit with a good friend who was in from Virginia.

August 15 – bank appointment

August 16 – bought new appliances and lighting for the new house

August 17 – celebrated Collin’s birthday.

August 18 - celebrated Father in Law’s birthday.  Moved mattresses and box springs to storage and moved in with Keith’s sister, Brenda.

August 19 – walk through with builder at new place

August 20 – official loan application at bank.  Major drama with the inspection report on the house we were selling….full meltdown. 

Devil box!!!

August 21 – closed on old townhouse

August 22 – wedding prep

August 23 – wedding prep, rehearsal, rehearsal dinner

August 24 – MY BABY SISTER GOT MARRIED!

August 25 – visited with one of my favorite people in the world, Uncle Bob.

August 26 – Perry started 2^nd grade.

August 27 – ordered new bedroom and living room furniture.  (Please ignore the blurriness).

King Size Bed (Dresser and Nightstand Not Shown)

Couch, Loveseat and Ottoman (Accent chair orderd in a print!)

August 28 – celebrated Heidi’s birthday.  Mild drama with Dan Ryan over decks, almost became homeless again….

Now there are a million and one other fun things mixed in there, but those are the majors.  I realize this list is completely boring to read, but I’m thinking of it more as therapy….typing is cheaper than sitting on the couch!!  Plus along the way some amazing friends (and husband) cheered me up with flowers, edible arrangements, spa giftcards, etc. 

September isn’t going to be much calmer, I can feel it now, but hopefully by October, we should be settling in our new place.  Through it all, I’m thankful for the madness…..this jungle is my life and I wouldn’t trade it…..

Beach Bums

The week of July 20-27, we ventured to Myrtle Beach, SC for a family vacation.  Keith and I thought about cancelling the trip because life has been so nuts, but we really wanted to take Perry somewhere fun and honestly we needed a break from reality.  We have some "extended family" who own a condo which makes our vacations SO much easier!!

During the planning phase we decided that we wanted to take someone along to have an extra set of eyes on the ocean and also so I would have someone to do girl stuff with lol.  The boys would rather be beaten up than be taken into a single store so we knew it was in everyone’s best interest to have another girl along to even out the estrogen/testosterone ratio. 

My friend, Beth aka Bethy, came along because she has been dying for a vacation and I knew she would be the perfect partner in crime for sand, surf and shopping. 

We drove through the night on Saturday and after some sleep/passing out, we got up to do grocery shopping and visit with my brother and sister in law who had driven up from their place in SC.  We all met for Mexican food and then we called it a night. 

The next day was BEACH DAY…..Scott and Jenn joined us for some sun and then they hit the road.  It was nice to see them, but I wish they could have stayed longer.  We got cleaned up a bit early and headed out for seafood.  YUM!! 

The rest of our time was filled with Broadway at the Beach, swimming, paddle boats, playing in the sand, relaxing, eating some amazing food and Keith and I even managed to squeeze in a date night thanks to our Perry-sitter. 

The week came to an end quickly, but we all came home a little less stressed and ready to go back again next year.  After all, I have to get my annual pic with my favorite condo cup!!

Lost and Found

Well, we lost our original house.  Amidst all of the madness, we decided to get a break from the real world and not cancel our family vacation to Myrtle Beach.  So after my sister’s bridal shower on July 20^th, we hit the road.  (Bridal shower and beach posts to come...)

On our third day there, we got the call.  When the realtor asks if you want the good news or the bad news first, that day of vacation automatically takes a downwards spiral. 

The good news:  Our town house appraised for the asking price….Hallelujah!!  After our ridiculously low appraisal at our refinance months earlier, we thought we didn’t have a chance. 

The bad news:  The sellers had accepted another offer on the house we were buying.  So I cried in the middle of a beach parking lot, pouted in the sand and stressed.  Keith went to work searching for new houses.  I did the grown up thing and immediately decided for the next 5 days, I was going to completely ignore our problem.  Best idea I’ve had in a while.

So, when we got back to town we had an evening full of house shopping scheduled.  The day before this could take place, Keith got sick….like really sick.  So he stayed home while I went to look at houses.  The house we were convinced was “The One” was a huge dump.  Cracked kitchen cabinets, poor handyman work and general cheapness sent us running.  One of the two houses at Pinecrest held potential but I hated the location and the two houses at Four Seasons were immediately ruled out (hello vertical driveways).  So I left even more disgusted.

After a chat on Facebook and some other random searches, I was lead back to two things I had 100% written off when we started the buying process: Dan Ryan and a townhouse.  Mark convinced us to go look at one and they were amazing.  Big, affordable, good location and new…..we left with a whole new outlook.  As we were pulling back into work after a lunch viewing, we got the call to look at our last potential.  It was beautiful but more expensive, bad location/roads, and some majorly squeaky floors.  That was the point where we decided we were done.  We put in an offer on the new townhouse. 

As of Monday August 5, we are officially under contract to buy our new place.  As soon as my townhouse closes later this month we can move forward with the financing and should be in by mid to late September.

I’m still disappointed over losing the original place.  It had a yard and was stand alone and had potential to be a forever home.  It wasn’t in an ideal location, but it worked for us.  The new place is a stepping stone toward a stand alone home…I’m trusting this is a case where God knows more of what we need than we do. 

The Details:

-End Unit

-Grey Siding, Black Accents

-3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath

-Decent back and side yard

Floor 1: Walk into a hallway, big closet, 1 car garage access and straight ahead is an unfinished section with laundry hook-ups and rough bathroom plumbing.

Floor 2: Kitchen, breakfast nook and dining room with hardwood, wrap around deck, living room, half bath

Floor 3: Large master bed and bath (soak tub and shower stall), walk in closet, 2 other bedrooms, extra bathroom