About Face

Once upon a time, I read a really neat post by one of my favorite bloggers ( you can check her out here) showing her morning makeup routine- pictures and all. I'm not so brave yet as to show you my face with no makeup... so my pictures today are brought to you courtesy of Avon's website. This is also where I put in a shameless plug for my littlest sister's thriving Avon business! Bri is my go-to-girl for all things makeup and jewelry, and I will admit that my heart does skip a beat every other week when I get a new Avon catalog. You can check out her site by following the link above!

So here's a little peek into my makeup bag...

Jillian Dempsey Corrector Palette- Light Shades:

I love the four different colors of concealer in this one little gem! I use the yellow and neutral colors for under eye circles and the pink one is uh-mazing for covering up any red areas (read obnoxious zits).

Smooth Minerals Liquid and Powder Foundations- Nude

These are some of the BEST foundations I have ever worn, and I *heart* them- truly, madly, and deeply. The coverage is great and they stay put most of the day. I like to wear the Powder Foundation through the summer, and then will switch to the

Liquid once the weather gets cooler (and my skin gets drier).

Smooth Minerals Blush- Hearty Peach

Blush and I have an ongoing battle of the wills...it's extremely hard for me to find the right shade.

Maybe because I'm a freckled, red-headed pale person?? I really love this shade though...and again, the Smooth Minerals stuff is so D-vine to wear!

True Color Eyeshadow Quad- In Every Color They Make!

Ok, so I don't have all of them (yet!). But I do have quite a few. I use some of the shades in the Sandy Corals Quad to fill in my "yes, they are there" eyebrows. My current favorites are the Purple Haze and the Denim Blues Quads...they're great for doing smoky eyes, and make me feel like a rock-star.

Ultra Luxury Eyeliner and SuperShock Mascara

It depends what color Quad I'm using, but for the most part I just wear Dark Brown eyeliner. I do have a Midnight Blue that I wear alot too. Carmindy says it makes brown eyes POP! So I try...My mascara is usually Brown/Black because plain black looks kinda harsh on me!

SuperShock Liquid Lip Shine- In Popsicle

Love, love, love this new lip stuff they just came out with! It's not sticky, and the color lasts way longer than some of my other lip gloss. I wasn't sure about the shade when I ordered it- I thought it might be too pink and bright...but I absolutely LOVE it! It feels so girly and fun, and I think it just shouts *Summertime*.

And that just about does it I guess! There's alot of other awesome products I've bought, mostly from Avon, but these are the 'everydayers'. What makeup are YOU in love with??

The Little Things

Have you ever noticed how the littlest things in life can make you feel so special, happy, encouraged, and excited? And how the littlest things in life can do just the opposite?? For most of us, our days are filled with little things. We live simply among the mundane tasks and activities that make up our day in and day out lives. We have moments where those little things- an unexpected card or email, a good deal at the grocery store, a goofy grin from one of our children- they MAKE our day and help us realize that what we're doing does matter.

Sometimes though, the little things look more like this: A washer full of sopping wet clothes that is protesting the spin cycle, a little boy with a fever clinging to mama's leg, a canceled appointment, dinner burning....the list goes on, doesn't it? How easy it is to become discouraged on those days when the little things are more unpleasant than pleasant!

(Ok, this is the part where I stop talking in vague generalizations, and get real....hold on tight!)

These are the things that have been making me so discontent, frustrated, annoyed, and dare I say, even angry?! And I quickly feel so ungrateful. So discouraged and like such a big, whiny, sinner. In the last month, we've had a fallen tree removed from our deck, a replaced oven, and a new roof put on. For the last 4 days, Blake has had an unexplained fever that resulted in a trip to the doctor yesterday. The fact that it was labeled yet another VIRUS frustrated me to the point of tears...and I felt so stupid for even going in with him. And then today. Today, that I claim to be sweeter than I dared hope or dream...today, that IS sweeter than I can see right now. The washer broke.

My washing machine is not spinning.... but my head is! And in the BIG scheme of life, these little things too shall pass and in a few days none of it will matter. These are the times where my thirst for Christ is greatest. Where I feel that I've had my share of "salty oats" and am ready to GULP whatever thirst-quenching encouragement I can find in God's Word. These are the times that I find myself awake late at night thinking about the people in my life who are experiencing far greater trials than a broken appliance or clingy baby. These are the times I think how differently my life would be without God's grace to cover my unthankful whines and complaints, before I've thought of others ahead of myself.

Sometimes I need a big, fat perspective change so that I can have a big, fat HEART change! So, that's what I'm striving for the rest of today...to make it sweeter, to make it better, and to give in to God before I give in to stress or anger or frustration.

Our Trip to Shipshewana

Apple Butter, Buggy Rides, Amish Built Furniture, The Essenhaus Restaurant, Yoder's Meat & Cheese Company....I could go on and on about our 4th of July weekend trip south! We had such a good time just being together as a little family, and it was such a relaxing time.

We stayed at a Holiday Inn Express near Elkhart and drove into Middlebury the following day to walk through the Shipshewana area. Our first stop was at Menno-Hof; a beautiful farm dedicated to sharing the history, faith, and everyday life of the Amish and Mennonites. After going on a historical tour (well, I did- Blake & Josh ended up on the fast track to the play area), we spent time walking around out side and taking in the beautiful scenery.

King of the King-sized bed!

Blake and Daddy

Hangin' with Momma

TWO Blake's!

Menno-Hof

The Quilt Garden

Then we were on our way over to the Shipshewana Horse Auction and little shops along the way!

I had brought along my Maya Ring Sling (my $4 thrift store jewel!), and it turned out to be the BEST thing for keeping Blake happy- and contained! We walked through Yoder's Shopping Center, then took a snack break and got big, soft pretzels that were D-Licious!

Blake ended up falling asleep in the sling on my back, so it was nice not to have to stop and try to get him to nap somewhere. Josh and I enjoyed walking through a HUGE antique market, Yoder's Meat and Cheese (where we picked up some beef jerky and sharp cheddar cheese to bring home), and the horse auction.

Later in the day we drove over to the Essenhaus Restaurant and had a good time walking through a few more little shops and antique stores. There were so many, many things I could have brought home with me! Before having dinner, we took a buggy ride around the Essenhaus property to see the big hotel, where they make their famous noodles, and the beautiful flower gardens. Blake must have been getting hungry because about half way through our buggy ride, he decided he was done and threw his Bo (paci, bink, nuk) out of the carriage in a fit of despair!!

The Essenhaus "Bushes"

Mommy and Blake in the buggy

Blake and Daddy

Dinner was divine! We had broasted chicken with homemade noodles, fresh veggies, mashed potatoes, rolls....I think I gained 5 pounds in one meal. So yummy! I think we were all stuffed to the point of passing out, and knew it was time to head back to the hotel. Blake did so good throughout the day...it's nice to be able to go places like this and see his excitement over things like a HUGE hotel bed, lots and lots of horsies, fresh kettle corn, and swimming in the hotel pool.

On our way home the next day, we stopped at the National College Football Hall of Fame and then headed into Michigan City to hit the outlet shops. We found some great deals on clothes for all of us- especially for Blake's fall and next summer wardrobe.

There's something about the Amish living that intrigues me...

Obviously I love living 10 minutes from the mall and wearing makeup & jewelry, but the thought of living so simply and without distraction seems appealing to me at times. Maybe it was just getting out of town and the same ol' , same ol' routine. Maybe it was just taking a step back from the busy-ness of life and savoring the simple, quiet wonder of a cloudless day...but whatever it was, I loved it!

Wordless Wednesday

A picture is worth a thousand words....or so they say! These pictures are brought to you today by my adorable little boy-who must wear a hat to breakfast every morning! *Hope you enjoy*

The Blakester

Fresh Bananas in my new (old) Planters Peanuts Jar

Didn't I say these were brought to you today by Blake? Where else would such randomness come from?? And where else would we hide kleenex from Mommy's purse but in the pots and pans cabinet?

Goldfish in a plaid shoe, and a favorite puppy puppet....

My newest craft!! They're called YoYo's and I *heart* them!

Watch for a tutorial and giveaway coming soon!

My Hero & The Breakup

Dear Internet Explorer 9,

Yes, it's true, we were together for such a short time. It just wasn't working out for me. You came into my life so quickly, and unexpectedly. You remember don't you? Our computer was going soooo ss-ll-oooo-ww. It was time to wipe it clean and start fresh. No, no.... I don't do that kind of work. I leave it up to my main man with the Computer Degree. He knows how to handle all those techie things that make my head spin and anger level sky rocket.

So the day came, and suddenly- there you were! Newly downloaded. The hip new guy in town. And things started out just fine. Fast connections and quick downloads. It's true in any new relationship...the flaws don't show til later! We were happy and definitely hitting the "like" stage.

And then it happened. I was sitting here minding my own business writing a new blog post, when you, "Mr. Have It My Way Internet Explorer 9", made it quite clear how unwilling you were to work on our budding friendship. We could have had it all....

But NOOO, you had to put up a stink every time I simply asked to Save my writing. Or heaven forbid, Publish it! And frankly, telling me "Java Script:void" every time I hit one of those buttons is just down right foolish and immature. Really, I thought you'd be bigger than that! In the end, we just weren't right for each other and it was time to just say it like it is; we need to break up.

I realize it's only been a few days, but I'm feeling so much better. In fact, I met a really great new program named Google Chrome and so far we're really hitting it off! Don't feel bad, Internet Explorer 9, I'm sure you'll find someone new. Besides, I'm already taken...I have my very own uber talented, hot stuff tech guy. And since downloading Google Chrome- he's my hero <3

~the answer to my technological prayers~

Sprinklers of Blessing

What little boy can resist a running sprinkler and the mud puddles it's creating?? Not mine! Blake saw the sprinkler going out back tonight and didn't care about it's main purpose of watering the grass seed. He just saw something wet and fun! I love seeing him run under the water as it's getting closer and closer, only to wipe it from his eyes as soon as it hits him!

I think he's grown again this week....his legs are looking longer. Sniff, sniff* This mama loves seeing her little man grow, but on the other hand can't stand it! His personality just shines more and more each day as he jabbers away on and on telling us some story we can't decipher. He's SO boy too...full of curiosity, mischief, and silliness! But he's still a cuddler, a snuggler, a mama's boy; and for that I am so thankful and have chosen to soak in every moment. Even the ones where he yells repeatedly MAAMEEEEE, MAAMEEEEE- like he's got a french accent going on.

Water on my head!

Here it comes!

Aaaaa! It got me!

While we were in the backyard tonight, our neighbor in the house behind us came out to say hello. We'd never met him before, and what a delightful old man he is! I felt like there was such a connection right away- Josh and I stood talking with him for probably 20 minutes while Blake played in the sprinkler. His last name is Rood, and he told us he's "rude in name, but not in nature".....*so cute!* We invited to come over for dinner sometime- his wife passed away 8 years ago and I think he needs some company & we'll gladly give it! It was just a blessing sort of night I guess. Meeting someone new and watching my 16 month old love having the time of his life....it's the little things <3

What little blessings have come YOUR way this week??

One Man's Junk....

is this girl's treasure! I am a softie for anything old and in need of some TLC when it comes to garage sale-ing. Those ugly, odd shaped end tables for $5? Yes, please! I can totally see them in a beautiful Watermelon pink or creamy Butter yellow and used as a TV stand in the office.

Last week I hit up some garage sales in the area with my MIL (mother-in-law/love) and managed to find a few good things that had to come home with me. I admit they're not pretty right now... but just give me a week, mmkay?

Here's a little peek at the *Befores*

Blue Chair - $2 , Wooden Mail Sorter - 50 cents

Assorted Fabrics - 50 cents each piece

"Fisherman" Basket - 50 cents , Lace Hankie - also 50 cents

Canning Jars - 25 cents a piece

So far (like in the last 2 days) I've managed to wash out the jars and cover the lids with some of the pink checkered fabric. They work great in the office/ craft room/ catch-all area for holding little treasures. The other redo I squeezed in this weekend was the wooden mail sorter.

I've been looking for something (anything!) to help with the paper piles that always seem to find their way onto the top of the desk. I knew as soon as I found this little gem at the yard sale that a little paint would go along way, and I'd be able to "go vertical" with my organization.

Here's some *Afters*

~The jars worked great for my button collection~

~Cross-stitch done by my mama~

I'll do a step-by-step post soon on what I did to the mail sorter, and my list of goals for the week includes getting flowers to put in the fisherman basket for our front porch/steps. I'm still deciding on a color for the chair, but whatever I pick it's definitely got to go with the black and white polka dot fabric I bought at one of the sales....it's going to make a divine chair cushion!