Please see my new blog at:
http://bucketfullofawesome.blogspot.com/
:) Have a nice day!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
The Great Makeup Project of 2011
I don't know if you guys know this, but I am a makeup junkie. I struggle with issues of vanity, but my Lenten Makeup Ban of 2010 really helped with that, and my skin cleared up so much, I just can't go back to doing what I did anymore. I still wear a lot of makeup somedays, but I can go without it and not feel weird anymore. Anyhow, I love makeup for lots of reasons, but mostly for expression. It's fun, and sparkly, and I enjoy trying out new things to see what works, feels, and smells good.
But the problem is, I go out and buy a new mascara, just because it's new, when I have a black mascara that works just fine in my drawer. I'm all for experimenting and trying out new things, but I feel like I shouldn't have four mascaras in my drawer. First of all, I can't use four mascaras before they will go bad. I should throw out a mascara three months after I open and use it for the first time because most importantly it will build up bacteria which can cause infection and irritation, and also because it will dry up and not work as well. So I need to get cracking on three mascaras, because only one is brand new.
Alas, it's not just mascara. I was on the phone with Lynne the other day, and I'm pretty sure I counted out over 20 lip glosses I rarely use because they aren't the newest one. Well no more, my pets! Here are the new makeup rules:
1) Use one up before you buy a new one.
2) If you have several similar items, completely use at least two before you think about buying another one.
3) Research before you buy, especially if the item is costly.
4) Either use the palettes you have, or find them a new home where they will be loved.
So the items I plan to use up vary from super duper cheap, to high end. No matte bronzer until the one I have in my "use it up" bag is gone. Same for the mascara I put in. I put in four lipsticks and lipglosses that just don't seem to get the love they used to. When I use up on of the items, I will see if I have a similar item, if I do, I'm not buying a new item, if I don't and I enjoyed the color I will buy either another one of the same, or something in the same vein. But how many fushia lip glosses could I possibly need? That's a complicated question, don't answer it.
But the problem is, I go out and buy a new mascara, just because it's new, when I have a black mascara that works just fine in my drawer. I'm all for experimenting and trying out new things, but I feel like I shouldn't have four mascaras in my drawer. First of all, I can't use four mascaras before they will go bad. I should throw out a mascara three months after I open and use it for the first time because most importantly it will build up bacteria which can cause infection and irritation, and also because it will dry up and not work as well. So I need to get cracking on three mascaras, because only one is brand new.
Alas, it's not just mascara. I was on the phone with Lynne the other day, and I'm pretty sure I counted out over 20 lip glosses I rarely use because they aren't the newest one. Well no more, my pets! Here are the new makeup rules:
1) Use one up before you buy a new one.
2) If you have several similar items, completely use at least two before you think about buying another one.
3) Research before you buy, especially if the item is costly.
4) Either use the palettes you have, or find them a new home where they will be loved.
So the items I plan to use up vary from super duper cheap, to high end. No matte bronzer until the one I have in my "use it up" bag is gone. Same for the mascara I put in. I put in four lipsticks and lipglosses that just don't seem to get the love they used to. When I use up on of the items, I will see if I have a similar item, if I do, I'm not buying a new item, if I don't and I enjoyed the color I will buy either another one of the same, or something in the same vein. But how many fushia lip glosses could I possibly need? That's a complicated question, don't answer it.
Friday, December 31, 2010
New Year's Resolutions
All in all, it's been a pretty awesome 2010. I've seen a space shuttle launch, travelled to Europe, met wonderful new people, deepened friendships with others, watched my children mature, making mistakes all along the way. I've been a great mom, and wife, and on some days, a pretty horrible mom and wife. I've transitioned through three bosses at work, worked part time and full time, experiencing great successes and failures along the way. In short, I've grown a lot this year and learned more about what I am capable and not capable of.
My father doesn't make resolutions. In fact, he is known for resolving each year not to eat watermelon, which is one of the few foods my dad hates. So I was anti-resolution until a few years back, but I have thought about a few things I would like to do.
1)Read through the Bible
I got way behind with this last year, and while I think there is a very good chance of that happening again this year, this is one of those resolutions it just can't hurt to try every year. I am trying a new reading plan that has you read in 10 different places each day. I always enjoy some parts of the Bible more than others, so I think the variety will help me. Don't you feel so much better when you are in the Word every day? I have been doing a few different devotionals through my You Version Bible app and on the days when I am not reading, I always seem to look back at my day as unbalanced and disconnected. Since I do not like feeling that way, getting into the Word seems a good way to go!
2)Keep up with the house
I've been home a lot more this past month, and I've seen that keeping up with the house is more about doing a little bit each day and keeping on top of things than grand cleaning days. So with the help of another app, I am going to work on being more consistent with the home. The goal is 15 minutes and a few standard things each day. Hopefully when I have a fiber flare, I can still do a little, and not be as overwhelmed when I get back to normal.
3)Wash my face every night
It is sad that I have to make this a resolution. I love wearing makeup, but I am baaaaaaaad about taking it off each night. Hopefully, now that I have my new Clarsonic Mia, I will be more motivated to do it. I love that little face cleaning wonder! In case you are curious, Each night I put on a little coconut oil (available at your local Whole Foods) before I brush my teeth, wipe that off with a wet washcloth to get all my varied makeup off, remove eye makeup and then wash with a little cleanser and my Mia. As a side note, did you know that coconut oil has similar antimicrobial qualities to breastmilk, which help acne? If I don't wear makeup that day, like today, then I just do the cleanser and Mia. I still brush my teeth though. Because that's important, according to my dentist and mother.
So, my friends, I hope you have had a wonderful 2010, and if you haven't, I pray that 2011 is a blessed year for all of us.
My father doesn't make resolutions. In fact, he is known for resolving each year not to eat watermelon, which is one of the few foods my dad hates. So I was anti-resolution until a few years back, but I have thought about a few things I would like to do.
1)Read through the Bible
I got way behind with this last year, and while I think there is a very good chance of that happening again this year, this is one of those resolutions it just can't hurt to try every year. I am trying a new reading plan that has you read in 10 different places each day. I always enjoy some parts of the Bible more than others, so I think the variety will help me. Don't you feel so much better when you are in the Word every day? I have been doing a few different devotionals through my You Version Bible app and on the days when I am not reading, I always seem to look back at my day as unbalanced and disconnected. Since I do not like feeling that way, getting into the Word seems a good way to go!
2)Keep up with the house
I've been home a lot more this past month, and I've seen that keeping up with the house is more about doing a little bit each day and keeping on top of things than grand cleaning days. So with the help of another app, I am going to work on being more consistent with the home. The goal is 15 minutes and a few standard things each day. Hopefully when I have a fiber flare, I can still do a little, and not be as overwhelmed when I get back to normal.
3)Wash my face every night
It is sad that I have to make this a resolution. I love wearing makeup, but I am baaaaaaaad about taking it off each night. Hopefully, now that I have my new Clarsonic Mia, I will be more motivated to do it. I love that little face cleaning wonder! In case you are curious, Each night I put on a little coconut oil (available at your local Whole Foods) before I brush my teeth, wipe that off with a wet washcloth to get all my varied makeup off, remove eye makeup and then wash with a little cleanser and my Mia. As a side note, did you know that coconut oil has similar antimicrobial qualities to breastmilk, which help acne? If I don't wear makeup that day, like today, then I just do the cleanser and Mia. I still brush my teeth though. Because that's important, according to my dentist and mother.
So, my friends, I hope you have had a wonderful 2010, and if you haven't, I pray that 2011 is a blessed year for all of us.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Merry Belated Christmas, Ya'll!
This was one of those rare Christmases where I got everything on my list. From the practical, to the luxurious, everything I asked for was received. But this wasn't my favorite part of Christmas.
The highlights:
-Christmas Eve services at my older sister's home church. I haven't attended my home church for Christmas eve in years, so going with Anna and her family with my family is the closest thing I could get, and it was very nice. The children were well behaved and the music was lovely. Joe even mentioned something from the sermon today, so obviously he was paying attention.
-Putting out gifts for Christmas morning. One of my favorite things every year is arranging gifts around the tree for maximum impact. I also get to scope out my gifts a little, which is sneaky, but I do it anyhow.
-Watching the kids opening their big surprise gifts. I didn't even know Joe was going to get a video camera, but it was on his list, and I didn't think he was going to get it. Somehow, Kim's aunt found a kiddie camcorder and Joe was pretty excited by it. Julia got the skateboard she was asking for, so she was happy, and the clothes and boots were also a big hit.
-Ok, I admit it, getting the gifts I wanted was pretty awesome. I am currently typing this up on my new iPad, which makes blogging way easier than an iTouch does.
I hope all your Christmases were full of joy and everything you wanted! Have a wonderful last few days of 2010 and a happy new year!
The highlights:
-Christmas Eve services at my older sister's home church. I haven't attended my home church for Christmas eve in years, so going with Anna and her family with my family is the closest thing I could get, and it was very nice. The children were well behaved and the music was lovely. Joe even mentioned something from the sermon today, so obviously he was paying attention.
-Putting out gifts for Christmas morning. One of my favorite things every year is arranging gifts around the tree for maximum impact. I also get to scope out my gifts a little, which is sneaky, but I do it anyhow.
-Watching the kids opening their big surprise gifts. I didn't even know Joe was going to get a video camera, but it was on his list, and I didn't think he was going to get it. Somehow, Kim's aunt found a kiddie camcorder and Joe was pretty excited by it. Julia got the skateboard she was asking for, so she was happy, and the clothes and boots were also a big hit.
-Ok, I admit it, getting the gifts I wanted was pretty awesome. I am currently typing this up on my new iPad, which makes blogging way easier than an iTouch does.
I hope all your Christmases were full of joy and everything you wanted! Have a wonderful last few days of 2010 and a happy new year!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Today was an excellent day!
I woke up, had clean clothes to wear because I actually did my laundry and put it away, and left the house looking pretty cute! Then I passed the torch to my replacement at work and breathed a sigh of relief as I left the office with my coffee cups and pictures of the family and iPod docking station. I came home and got busy cleaning while I waited for Joe to come home from school while watching one of my favorite movies. I was doing crazy Martha Stewart kinds of cleaning. Taking damp cloths and a butter knife and scraping off junk from the floors kind of stuff. Moved things out to the curb for trash I have been meaning to get out there for years. I put on Christmas music and danced with the children in my clean living room. I made dinner. I played games with the kids. I read Christmas books to Joe. I played more games. I felt like supermom. Superwife.
I felt like the Proverbs 31 woman, even if it was only for a few hours.
I felt like the Proverbs 31 woman, even if it was only for a few hours.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
About my kids...
Julia is my little Anne of Green Gables. She has this amazing vocabulary, and is champion of the underdogs. She has such a sweet naivety despite all she has been through. She writes beautiful poetry.
Joey is my sweet man. He is genuinely hilarious and makes me crack up every day. He is all boy, but gentle. If I had a dollar for every time he said "mom, look at me do this" I would be rich.
They are both awesome kids and while they each have their challenges, I am honored God has given me the gift of parenting each of them.
Joey is my sweet man. He is genuinely hilarious and makes me crack up every day. He is all boy, but gentle. If I had a dollar for every time he said "mom, look at me do this" I would be rich.
They are both awesome kids and while they each have their challenges, I am honored God has given me the gift of parenting each of them.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Hi. Remember me?
Ok, so clearly I've been slacking on the blog post front. In my defense I now do all my web surfing on my itouch, which has a great benefit of me spending less ime on the web. But I figure I can crank out a post and let you (Internet ether people) know what I've been up to.
1) Working full time. I took over the scheduler position at work which meant less time with patients, more time at work, and much less time with the family. I finally had to let my boss know this wasn't working for me, and I am due to let go of that position next week and hand it over to another aide. This makes me very happy. I am looking forward to more time at home and getting things in order.
2) In a spiritual wilderness, but I'm out now. I was a sad, dry sponge, but my friend Penny really helped me get out of it. I am in The Word again and entirely much more joyful.
3) I've been in a lot of pain. The fibromyalgia is rearin it's ugly head, but I am hopeful that withess pressure at work and a little time off I can get this under control. I am cheerfully enduring the pain. Which sounds weird, but it's true.
4) I've been thankful. I've spent the month of November really concentrating on thankfulness and it's been very uplifting. I am thankful for my God and the gift of His Son, autumn, sunshine, music, my husband, friends, spices, technology, missionaries, and many other things.
What are you thankful for?
1) Working full time. I took over the scheduler position at work which meant less time with patients, more time at work, and much less time with the family. I finally had to let my boss know this wasn't working for me, and I am due to let go of that position next week and hand it over to another aide. This makes me very happy. I am looking forward to more time at home and getting things in order.
2) In a spiritual wilderness, but I'm out now. I was a sad, dry sponge, but my friend Penny really helped me get out of it. I am in The Word again and entirely much more joyful.
3) I've been in a lot of pain. The fibromyalgia is rearin it's ugly head, but I am hopeful that withess pressure at work and a little time off I can get this under control. I am cheerfully enduring the pain. Which sounds weird, but it's true.
4) I've been thankful. I've spent the month of November really concentrating on thankfulness and it's been very uplifting. I am thankful for my God and the gift of His Son, autumn, sunshine, music, my husband, friends, spices, technology, missionaries, and many other things.
What are you thankful for?
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