Quick Update

Via

Hello!  The husband and I are in the process of moving to a new place in a new state.  As you can imagine that takes up a lot of time and I have been so swamped with lists, tasks and still working full-time (for now).  We should be to our new place by the end of the year, so I am *hoping* to resume blogging after the first of the year.  In that case, I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  I'll be back soon.

Lola's Day of Thanks

Hey Guys, Lola here.

I thought today would be a good day for me to discuss what Thanksgiving means to me.  Dislaimer: It's food.  If you want touchy-feely go elsewhere.

Thanksgiving is a day of food (and family and blah).  It doesn't matter which set of grandparents we travel to, both love me to the moon and back and are super generous.  My day of wonderfulness goes into action before I even arrive.  Let's look at the timeline, shall we.

Before I arrive: Grandparents go crazy cleaning for my arrival.  They dust, vacuum, and mop.  Here's a tip about hosting me as a house guest: You cannot clean your home to the level of cleanliness required for me to not find crumbs.  No matter what you do I will find some.  I will even wedge myself under appliances to reach the goodness of a crumb, stale or otherwise.  So, go ahead, break out the broom and mop and vacuum.  You will never win.

I arrive: I scope things out, kiss you hello and I'm off to the kitchen.  I find the crumbs left behind as stated in paragraph one.  We usually arrive the day before Thanksgiving and by this time you have already made cookies, snacks, pies, and cake.  They are all delicious and I will eat them crumb by crumb.

Thanksgiving Day: You labor all morning long to prepare the big meal.  I am your supportive sidekick.  I am here for you and you are doing a fabulous job.  You are also a little stressed and a little rushed.  Some things fall on the ground.  No problem.  I am here to help.  I eat all morning.  Then everyone gathers around the big table and I take my place to watch for careless eaters.  There are many.  I think some do it on purpose to annoy the Big Ones.  Haha, I'm happy to be part of the joke.  I eat and eat and eat.  Then after I help clean up the kitchen, I go and look for a cozy place to take my nap.

Days following Thanksgiving: No more food is cooked, but there is a ton of moving food from Tupperware to plates and into the microwave.  All actions that I love.  There is also more sneaking from the grandparents.  These are all delightful days to me.

I am always nice and full by the time we leave, which induces a food coma and I sleep the entire drive home.  That is what Thanksgiving means to me.  Plus, family and stuff.

Lola

Popsugar: October

I realize that I should review the October box before we get too far in to November.  Not sure what this box is all about?  Check out the details HERE.

The Wet Brush
Description:  A gentle, detangling brush that works on wet and dry hair.
Price: $14.00
Review:  I actually really like this brush.  I use it on my hair when wet and dry.  It does a great job on my tangles and doesn't pull at all.  It really is very gentle.

The Can't Cook Book
Description:  A beginner's cookbook.
Price: $12.59
Review:  I don't cook.  Okay, I don't cook well.  I do attempt to every now and again.  I am a good baker, though and the husband and I decided that the reason behind that is that I'm a good recipe follower.  Give me a recipe and I'm okay.  Therefore, I think I can be successful with this book.  If you know how to cook well, this book is probably not for you.

Crispycake
Description: A gourmet rice krispie treat.
Price: $3.95
Review:  I absolutely love rice krispie treats, especially the ones at Starbucks.  This, though?  No.  I love marshmallows, but this cake had too many and it made the entire thing soggy-ish.  It was gross.

Jane Tran Bobby Pins
Description: Modern bobby pins with better hold.
Price: $12.00
Review:  These are bigger and prettier than my plain jane bobby pins.  I have fine hair, but a lot of it and I struggle with basic bobby pins.  These pins hold my hair up very well and given the pretty colors I don't even care if people can see them.

NYX Eyeliner
Description:  Easy to apply liquid eyeliner.
Price: $6.00
Review:  I don't do well with liquid eyeliner.  I don't have a steady hand and liquid eyeliner is not mistake friendly.  I tried this and it was unsuccessful.  I could not get a very straight line (no matter how many tutorials I watched) and I had a hard time getting close enough to my lash line.  I felt like I was ON the lash line, but I would look in the mirror and see a gap every time.  This is more user error than product error.  I have no idea if it lasts long, because I never wore it longer than 5 minutes.  So there's that.

NYX Smokey Shadow
Description: Eyeshadow palette.
Price: $7.00
Review:  I don't normally wear a smokey eye, but I did test these shades out individually.  They held up pretty well given that I started with a healthy layer of lid primer.  The shadow did crease as the day went on, but all eye shadows crease on me.  It was pretty pigmented and lasted all day.

Gorjana Bali Bead Bracelet
Description: A delicate, pink bracelet.
Price: $45.00
Review:  This is a very cute bracelet.  It's pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  It's also rather small, which works well with my tiny wrists.  All that being said I would never in a million years pay $45 for it.

Stitch Fix Gift Card
Description:  Clothing subscription box
Price: $20.00
Review:  I haven't used this.  Let's not start another box addiction.  Plus, this box works differently and I would for sure spend way too much money.  A stylists puts together a box for you and you view the box before you decide if you want it or not.  If you decide to get it you are charged $20, but that goes towards anything you decide to purchase in the box.  You get the box and try on all the things.  If you like something you keep it and pay for it and mail everything else back.  If you don't keep anything, you are out $20.

Julep (not pictured)
Description: One of the season's best colors and a top coat.
Price: $25.00
Review:  I haven't tried this yet.  It wasn't actually in my box.  Somehow it was missed when my box was being put together.  I emailed Popsugar and they replied within 24 hours to let me know that they would ship it to me.  I received it about a week later.  I honestly haven't had time for a manicure or pedicure lately.  I'm sure it's lovely.  I own several Julep polishes and they are all very nice.  Not Essie nice, but nice.

Popsugar is also giving away one of the Neiman Marcus Special Edition boxes.  It's a specialty box that is sold out.  Enter to win HERE.

Random Friday

Happy Friday everyone.  Here's my list of randoms for this week.

1. Look what I made!  Okay, okay.  The husband did most of it.  All I did was the string part.

2.  I came across this on the internet and I really wish I would have thought of this in college.  This is the perfect incentive plan.

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3.  Being an only child might not be so bad.

4.  This weekend is Daylight Savings Time, so Fall back*!

Have a fabulous weekend.

*I'm surprised no one called me out in the comments, but it's Fall back, not Fall forward.  Carry on.

Happy Halloween

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Halloween is my favorite holiday.  I think the reason is because I have a dark and morbid side.  I love scary movies and gore and I really enjoy mystery novels.  Although death does scare me a bit, I find it very intriguing.  Maybe it's a fascination with the unknown.  I hope you get to dress up and go out and enjoy the night or stay in and watch a scary movie or snuggle up with a good mystery novel, whichever appeals to you.  Enjoy Halloween.   

Random Friday: A story

Instead of five random tidbits from the week, today I have one random story.

On Wednesday night the husband and I are sitting at our dinner table, eating dinner when I hear a faint, pathetic whimper.  I notice that Lola is not under our table as usual looking for random crumbs, so I get up and find her laying in the kitchen shaking like a little leaf.  I immediately start to panic.  I ask her if she is okay, she replies with watery, over sized doe eyes.  I gently pick her up and start gently pressing on all of her appendages.  She does not cry out, so I'm still very perplexed as to what is wrong.  I did ask her to use her words, but we all know how that turned out.  So, I put her down on the rug in the living room and created a line of dog food to see if she would walk and eat each piece.  She walked a little, limping and then gave up and sat down.  It was apparent to me that she hurt her front left leg or paw.  I demanded that we go to the vet (ours is opened 24/7) and see what is wrong with her, but my rational husband said we should give it some time and see if it gets better (or worse).  Fine.

Lola is injured

All night she does not move from her bed.  In the morning she walks around a little, but not much and she is still limping.  She usually greets me from the top of the stairs when I get home in the afternoons, but that afternoon I was only greeted by Sheldon.

Sheldon: Lola's BFF

I went upstairs and she is laying in her bed.  I had to carry her downstairs, since she would not even attempt to walk down them.  When the husband gets home she looks up at him with her big eyes, but does not run to greet him at the door.  Then the husband and I both go upstairs to change into casual wear for an afternoon walk (we do this every day after work).  Lola does not like for us to be in a room together without her and after a few minutes she comes running down the hallway and runs up the stairs.  We both stop what we are doing and look at her.  You can see the 'oh shit' in her eyes as she realizes she is no longer injured and will no longer be treated as such.  Since then she has been as good as new.

Have a great weekend!

Popsugar: September

I'm pretty far behind on doing reviews for my monthly box.  I've actually already received October's box, as well.  September's box was delivered very late in the month and I really wanted to give myself some time to try out the products.  Just a small side note, starting in November the price of the Popsugar Must Have box will increase from $35 to $39.95.  Find out more HERE.

Barr-Co Original Scent Reed Diffuser
Description:  This reed diffuser comes in the original scent, which is a blend of milk, oatmeal and viveter.
Price: $46.00
Review:  This really made the entire box worth it.  The scent is fabulous without being overbearing.  It's very hard to have a consistent scent in our loft, since our ceilings are so tall, but I placed this close to the door and I smell it every single time I come home.  It's one of my favorite box items.

You'll have to tilt your head.  I noticed too late that I didn't flip this picture.  

Sharkies
Description: Organic energy chews
Price: $17.80 for a box of 12 (about $1.48 each)
Review:  They definitely are VERY chewy. (Like stick in your teeth chewy)  I'm a gummy bear addict, but I honestly didn't really care for these.  I also did not notice any change in my energy level.  Of course I wasn't being active when I ate these, I was sitting at my desk.  So, there you go.

That's It 
Description: It's an all natural, vegan bar with only two ingredients - fruit and fruit.
Price: $19.99 for a box of 12 (about $1.66 each)
Review:  This bar was pretty amazing.  I thought it was absolutely delicious and am pretty amazed by the ingredients.  I would definitely buy this in the future.  It was a great, filling (healthy) snack.

This is a $25 gift card to Shoptiques.  I briefly looked at the website and they have a few cute pieces.  

Rifle Paper Co. 
Description: Botanical Coaster Set
Price: $16.00
Review: I'm not a floral person and I will never use these in my home.  They would make a good hostess gift for someone who likes floral patterns.

P.S. You're Invited
Description: It's a DIY book.
Price: $18.55 (Amazon)
Review: I'm not big on DIY.  I'm not a crafty or patient person.  I flipped through the book thinking I might try something and honestly I didn't like anything that was DIY'ed in the book.

My Kitsch Headbands
Description: These are just like the crease less hair ties, except they are head bands.
Price: Around $15.99
Review: I've been using these headbands to pull my hair off my face when working out and when I wash my face.  They work better if most of you hair is already in a ponytail.

There you have it, that's the September box.

Random Friday

1. Just in case you haven't heard, Amazon now has a beauty store.  Yes, you could buy some beauty products on Amazon before now, but this is a luxury beauty store, meaning more high end products.  Plus you can still use Prime.  My Amazon addiction continues.

2. Let's talk about Project Runway, shall we?  Spoiler Alert.  I haven't seen the last final episode so I don't know who won, but I have seen all the other episodes.  Some randoms: I was so glad when Ken was eliminated.  He spent most of his time in the bottom three and his attitude was too much.  I am glad that Helen did not make it to the runway show.  I am shocked that Alexandria did.  Who do you think will win?  I honestly think Dom will win.  I guess we will see (unless you watched the finale already and then, well, you know.)

3. I came across THIS blazer on the Target website.  It seems like a 'save' version of THIS blazer that I posted not too long ago.  I've added to my wishlist.

Target Version

J.Crew Version

4.  My friend Kim sent me this pin via Pinterest the other day and I am determined to make it.  The only problem is that I'm not really that crafty.  I showed it to the husband and he kind of snickered.  Still, I am determined and am going to attempt it this weekend.  That or I will give up.  One of the two.

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5. The weather was rather dreary in Dallas earlier this week.  I love dreary.  By dreary I mean that it rained off and on for about 3 or so days.  The downside is that the temperatures stayed in the 70s.  So it was warm and very humid.  This pin on Pinterest describes my hair during this time.

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Have a great weekend!

Beauty Spotlight: Real Techniques Brush Set

A month or so ago I bought a real Techniques brush set from Ulta.  I had heard a lot about these brushes on different blogs and saw them pinned on Pinterest a lot.  So, naturally I was intrigued.  Ulta had them as part of their 21 days sale for 20% off.  I combined that with my $3.50 off coupon and got this set for quite a steal.  I originally wanted just the foundation brush, but could not pass up the deal for the set.

My brush collection before this purchase consisted of random brushes I received with product purchases.  I have one from Prescriptives, Mark., and a few from bareMinerals.  All very random and used randomly for different things, which creates a lot of product transfer.  I'm very happy to have the start of a set at a reasonable price.

I actually don't even use the foundation brush for foundation, but I'll get to that.  This is the buffing brush.  After I moisturize I put on concealer and a layer of foundation.  Then I use this brush to apply this pressed powder to my T zone.  This is my favorite brush.  It allows me to put the product where I want it (none of the product flies haphazardly off the brush) and I can easily layer on the amount of product that I desire.  The bristles are soft and do not irritate my skin.  This brush is very plush, so I don't feel like I'm using a wimpy brush at all.

This is the contouring brush.  I use it to apply bronzer.  The shape of this brush allows me more control over the product application.  It's also shaped to easily apply product right under my cheek bones.

This is the foundation brush.  In my opinion it is a bit small to use to apply foundation.  That or I have a ginormous face.  I like full coverage, so I apply foundation over my entire face.  So instead of using it for foundation, I use it to apply highlighter.  It's a smaller brush, so it's perfect to apply a small amount of product right on the top of my cheekbones, down my nose and on the front of my chin.

This is the detailer brush.  It's very small and works perfect to apply lipstick or even concealer.  It has a small point, which makes detailed application easier.

Overall each brush is easy to use.  The handles allow for a nice grip and so far none of them have started to shed.  They are easy to wash, as well.  I would definitely purchase more brushes from this brand in the future.

Random Friday

Hey, welcome to the end of the week.  It's been a pretty long week and I am very much in need of a nice, quiet weekend.  Let's get to the randoms.

1. Marc Jacobs is leaving Louis Vuitton.  When I read this I was actually taken aback, but then I realized that it was so he could focus on his own brand.  I heard a rumor that he left LV to work at Coach, which really just made me laugh.  But no, it was for his own brand as it heads towards an IPO.  He has definitely made a name for himself and I can't wait to see what else he brings to his brand.

2. Tom Clancy died.  He was a best selling author.  I am a huge book nerd and this news really bothered me.  I've fallen into one of Clancy's books many times.  That's the sign of a good author.  If I feel like I'm in the story experiencing what the characters are experiencing and if I think about the characters for days after reading the final page, then it was an excellent book.  He definitely wrote excellent novels.

3. Guess who is having a mascara sale again?  Some brands are over 50% off.  It might be worth checking out.

4. Have you heard of KillSwitch?  It's an app that deletes your ex from your Facebook profile, without defriending him (or her).  It's a lot like 'ignoring' someone on Facebook, but this will also delete posts where your ex is tagged, etc.  There's an app for everything, apparently.

5.  My birthday is this month and I'm starting the celebrations early with a girls night tonight.  Some friends and I are going to one of those paint and drink type of things.  It's one of my very favorite things to do and I am so excited about it.  My paintings don't always look so great, but it's a really fun experience.

Random Friday

1. I didn't realize that mums are just a Texas thing.  How did others survive homecoming without one??  HERE is everything you need to know about mums, if you don't live in Texas (and a fun read even if you do).

2. It is no secret that Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday.  It's in the Fall, has pumpkins as its mascot and is the scariest holiday (minus the creepy leprechauns that are associated with St. Patrick's Day).  So, it should come as no surprise that my Halloween decorations are already out.

3.  I honestly don't watch a ton of TV, but after a summer filled with absolutely nothing to watch, I am just beside myself with excitement over the start of some good TV.  The exception to a summer of bad TV is Franklin & Bash.  Obviously.  I'm very glad New Girl is back and I'm very much looking forward to watching Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.  I'm kind  of a nerd.

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4.  The husband and I are going on a date tonight and I'm really looking forward to it.  We are going out to dinner at a place where we will have to dress up and where we had to make reservations.  We are fancy.  Although we go on mini dates all the time: see a movie, grab some dinner, etc., we only go on dress up fancy, valet parking type of dates once in a blue moon.  It is going to be great.

5.  We have been taking Lola on short, little walks around our building.  She needs the exercise and with the temperatures cooling off a tiny bit in the evening, it makes for a nice stroll.  However, we always have trouble in one area.  There is an American Apparel on the ground level of our building and they always have the sign below set out in the walkway in front of their door.  Lola is terrified of this little boy.  She comes to a dead stop and only with lots of nudging will carefully walk as far as she can to get around the sign.  Every evening.  She is hilarious.

Have a great weekend.

Currently Coveting

It seems like every time I turn around there is a new trend or a new, fabulous product that I just must try.  Well, that gets really tiring.  So, when I hear of a really good product, I take note and then see if I keep hearing about the same product.  If I do, then I keep it on a list.  Also on my list are things that are tried and true.  Here's what I'm currently coveting.

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1. GLAMGLOW super mud clearing treatment: This is one of those products that have a lot of hype.  I heard about it randomly in a magazine and then it was everywhere.  I have problem skin.  I have a lot of gunk in my pores (gross, I know) and this product is supposed to be a deep cleanser.  I need a deep cleanser.  I have blackheads (gross, I know) and no matter what I cannot get rid of them.  Not even when I get a facial/extraction.  I so very badly want to try this product.  What's holding me back?  It's $70.  That just seems ridiculous.

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2. Everlane Tees: This is the same company that makes my weekender bag that I honestly just love.  I've read that these shirts are soft and not clingy.  I would like to add a few to my wardrobe, because they are pretty versatile.  They can be worn alone with a long necklace, with a scarf, under a chambray top/cardigan/blazer/denim jacket.  See, versatile.  Plus, they are $15/each, which is really not that bad.

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3. Essie fall nail polish: The name of this color of polish is After School Boy Blazer.  It is part of the Fall collection and is so pretty.  It looks like it is a navy color, which is a very popular color in my closet right now.  Also, this is definitely tried and true, as I have several Essie polishes that I really like.

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4. Via Spiga: So I haven't heard about these boots everywhere and they are not a tried and true brand.  I have issues with boots, because I have small calves.  I can usually find a pair that fit me, but they are so big around my calves that I look ridiculous.  I happened to try this brand on during a shopping excursion and they fit perfectly. I didn't buy them at the time, because I believe it was holiday season.  I really regret that decision.  They were on sale at the time, which is a major plus because these boots run around $400.  So they are on my list... and my stay on my list forever.

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5. Jawbone UP:  I have heard a lot about this, but I'm more interested in it because it can track my daily activity and my sleep activity.  I would love to know what little tweaks I can make in my daily life that will make me feel better.  Also, I'm slightly Type A, so you can imagine how happy having the data would make me feel.

Are any of these things on your list?

Random Friday

Happy Friday.  I have a lot of links for you this week, so enjoy.

1. What do you wear to interview with Anna Wintour?  Splurging for me is buying J.Crew full price, so this list really just cracked me up.  According to #10 this means I have no money.

2. So, a quick update on Disqus: Apparently it does not mesh well with Blogger mobile... or something.  So that's how my comments keep getting eaten.  I did adjust the settings, so I don' think you have to sign up for Disqus to post now.  If that's not true, let me know.  I did attempt to adjust the settings, which involves rewriting a small portion of the code on this blog's template.  I seriously thought, meh - there are step-by-step instructions, how hard can it be.  I didn't get past step 2.  So there you go.  I know nothing about writing code.

3. Project Runway: Can we talk about last week's episode for a minute?  The challenge was to design a dress for the 'modern, southern woman'.  Which I'm thinking is totally me.  Yeah, no it's not.  You can see all the designs HERE.  I thought the second winner was spot on and something I would wear.  I thought the first winner was dreadful and looked like a tablecloth.

4. 30 must see photos that are described as unique and compelling.  The are very interesting and capture some pretty interesting moments in our past.  #16 tugs at my heart strings.

5.  Saturday is the official first day of Fall and it's not supposed to be above 90 degrees in Dallas.  This means I might actually start talking about Fall related things on the blog soon.  

Have a great weekend.

Beauty Spotlight: 24/7

I ordered three Urban Decay eyeliners while they were on sale at Sephora.  The three colors I purchased are binge, gunmetal and 1999.  These eyeliners are creamy, so they glide right on and are easy to apply. They are also waterproof, which means they wear longer but are also hard to remove.  Although, I have no problem removing them with my eye makeup remover (I use Clinique take the day off).  Also, I don't know if they actually last 24 hours, but they do last through my normal day with no problem.  I have oily/combination skin, but have no problems as long as I use an eyelid primer (I use theBalm put a lid on it).  They are also very pigmented.

I actually really like all three colors.  I normally wear more neutral eyeliners, but these colors are really fun and are not as bright as they look.  I also pair them with black mascara.  They are shimmery and pretty.

I don't think they are still on sale at Sephora, but you can get a travel-size set of 6 at Ulta for $36.  I've read that NYX's Slide on Pencil is a dupe for this eyeliner.  I haven't personally tried it, but I'd thought I'd throw it out there as an FYI sort of thing.

Random Friday

1. I think Helen Mirren is beautiful, but oh my gosh she was such a bombshell her entire life. Proof here. (Plus others).

2. Project Runway Spoiler: I told you those dreadful poopy pants were awful.  The look below is the look Alexandria actually won with.  I have no idea how.  I cannot find the second look she did where she was in the bottom three.  I can only assume the internet thought they were so awful that they banned any and all photos of them.

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3. Ulta Beauty: 21 days.  Need I say more?  Definitely check out the specials.

4. If you are local to Dallas, do not forget that it is Grapefest this weekend.  Enjoy some wine tasting and shopping and... sweating.  I don't remember it being this hot for Grapefest in years past.

5. I leave you with a picture of Lola.  She will crawl into my lap and get as comfortable as possible.  Usually with no regard to my personal comfort or personal space for that matter.

Have a great weekend!

Random Friday

What is it about short weeks that seem so long?  This was such a long work week and I am just over the moon that it is finally Friday.  We are going to a very important birthday party tomorrow and I cannot wait to join in the festivities.  You only turn 2 once.  On to the randoms.

1. Last Friday the husband and I went to the Texas Tech game.  We started out tailgating where I was given this festive koozie by a house guest of ours.

I'm so happy that we will be attending two more Tech games this year.  We will be making the trek to Lubbock later this month and then again in November.  The best part is that I have family in that area and will be able to visit with them on the trip, as well.

2. Did you partake in the Labor Day sales?  I'm very happy to say I picked up a few things that were too good to pass up.  I needed to add a jean jacket to my wardrobe and the Gap Outlet did not disappoint.  I also found a pair of oxfords, which is just the icing on the cake.  Sephora has some Urban Decay items in their online sale section right now.  You should check it out.

3. Project Runway Randoms (possible spoilers):  I'm a week behind, as usual.  One general observation that I have is that I normally don't agree with the judges.  For example, those baggy, poopy looking pants actually won a challenge?  Those things were awful.  Tim Gunn was right on when he said he was against those pants.  As for people who are sent home; sometimes I agree and sometimes I don't.  It bothers me that they don't always consider the previous weeks.  A contest can be in the bottom for three weeks, but a first time in the bottom contestant could still be sent home instead.  I guess it's because one week you're in and the next week you're out.

4. This is seriously very random.  Did you know that you can buy insurance on your fantasy football players?  I'm not a fantasy football person, so maybe I just don't get it, but do people realize that this is not real?  It's... fantasy.  Still, you can purchase insurance on one of the players you pick for your team and if that player gets injured, you will receive some amount of payment.  I'm wondering how this is all taxed... Also, I cannot find anything about this on NPR's website, which is where I originally heard it.

5. I think I've mentioned it before, but Lola loves the blanket on our bed.  She would curl up in a ball and sleep on it forever.  If she can't lay on the bed then she'll take what she can get, even if it's just a tiny section of the blanket that just happened to fall off the bed.

Also, this happened (more than once).  

Have a great weekend.

Popsugar: August

Popsugar Must Have Box turned one in August.  I didn't realize they hadn't been doing the box phenomenon thing for very long.  This explains why I did not come across them in my box research back before I subscribed to a different box.  Either way, I'm glad I'm a subscriber.  What is the Popsugar Must Have box?  It's a monthly subscription box that is $35/mo.  Get more details HERE.

Every subscriber received an anniversary gift in their box.  The gift is a Gorjana necklace.
Gorjana Open Circle Necklace
Description: This gold necklace is simple, yet sophisticated.
Price: $65
Review:  I love the simplicity of this necklace.  I do wish the chain were longer, because I think it would work better as a long necklace.  I wear it casually on the weekend, as well as to work.  It's not a trendy piece, which makes it a staple that I can wear for many years.

Bentgo
Description:  A meal-storage container to make lunch easier and more seamless.  (think bento box)
Price: $19.99 (currently on sale for $14.99)
Review:  This comes with a bottom divided container and a top divided container.  It also has a fork, spoon and knife that snap onto the lid that divides the two containers.  You can take one container or both.  It's microwave and dishwasher safe (except for the lids).  So far I love it.  I can pack my lunch and snacks all in one easy to carry storage container.

Lulah Body Wash
Description: A luxurious body wash that gently cleanses.
Price: $11.25
Review:  I received the magnolia fig scented bottle.  Obviously I cannot use it, so I don't have a review.  I do have a little silver lining here.  Since it's a full size bottle and not a sample, it makes for a better, easier gift.

May Designs Weekly Agenda Notebook
Description:  Colorful calendar notebook.
Price:  You actually customize the look you want, so I priced the one I received out to be about $20.
Review:  I'm kind of old school.  I do have my electronic calendar on my phone and I do use it a lot, but on the weekends I love making lists and notes about what all needs to be accomplished, so this will come in real handy.  My tiny, tiny FWP complaint?  It's chevron print.  We all know how I feel about that.

Lunares Apple Bowl
Description:  An adorable apple bowl that makes a great decorative addition to any desk, entryway table or tablescape.
Price:  It's hard to say.  I found it on the website as part of a packaged gift.
Review:  Umm... I'm not really sure what to do with it.  Apples aren't really part of my home or office decor.  I like the idea of it, if it were a different shape.  Right now it's sitting on my vanity.  Empty.

Dermalogica Precleanse and Special Cleansing Gel
Description:  It's a two-step cleansing process.  The precleanse is an oil-based and water soluble cleanser that rids the skin of oil-based debris and pollutants.  The cleansing gel is a soap free foaming cleanser that is gentle on skin.
Price:  The products sizes are not available online.  They are samples, but bigger than deluxe samples.
Review:  I absolutely love Dermalogica.  Sadly, I'm allergic to one of these.  I don't know which one, because when a product causes me to have a rash on my face I'm not eager to try it again to confirm it was indeed said product.  I have a feeling it's the special cleansing gel that is described as having mint and lavender in it.

Naturebox Granny Smith Apples
Description:  A healthy snack of apple rings.
Price:  It's hard to say.  This is something that would be included in a Naturebox, which is a monthly box service.  I don't know much about it, because I don't subscribe to it.
Review:  These were okay.  I appreciate that they are healthy and not filled with sugar or any artificial flavors or colors.  I think I would have to get use to eating them, mainly because they have a very weird texture.  The husband immediately dismissed them and he will usually eat anything.

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Oxfords

I've heard before that women love to shoe shop because they don't have to fuss over what size to get. There's not such an emotional element with shoe shopping as there is with clothes shopping.  You know your size, you know it will fit, you buy it and rejoice.  Well, I don't normally have that type of experience.  My foot is very narrow and somewhat long.  This means if I find a shoe that is just a tad too short I normally cannot go up half a size, because then it will be too wide.  So then I have to decide if I want a tad too short shoe or no shoe at all.  The answer seems obvious, but really it's not.  Especially when you've been looking for a certain type of shoe for months and you finally found it.  More on that later.  The shoes in my closet range from size 6 to size 8.  It's hard for me to order shoes online, because I honestly just never know what size will fit me and I don't want to have to pay return shipping or not be refunded the shipping amount if I return them in store.  I would never buy a shoe online that is final sale.  Never.

This brings me to my great oxford search.  I've been wanting a pair of oxfords since last winter, but have not had much luck finding them anywhere, well anywhere I can afford.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4

I'm probably behind on this trend, but I really don't care.  They are super versatile and would work great in place of my sperry's.  You can pair them with just about anything; a chambray dress, boyfriend jeans and a button up, shorts and a printed T, etc.

I actually purchased the shoes below from DSW a couple of weeks ago.  They didn't have my size in store and I risked having them order a pair for me, because they offered to do it with free shipping.  The problem is that they are just a tad too short.  The width is perfect, though and I know if I go up half a size they will be too wide.

Oxfords: DSW

So now I just need to decide if a tad too short is worth it.

Random Friday

1. The Skimm.  I'm a pretty busy person, as I'm sure you are as well.  .  I do watch/listen to the news, but some days I just don't have time to weed through everything to get to the important topics.  That's where The Skimm comes in.  It's a daily newsletter that is emailed to me.  I read it every morning and I feel like I know what's going on in the world.  I've been meaning to blog about it for a while now.  You're welcome.

2. Project Runway (Spoiler Alert).  I'm a week behind as usual.  Last week I seriously broke down in tears when Justin was eliminated.  Earlier in the show I felt like we were getting to know him better when he said that the glamping trip was a great time to get to know the other contestants since he couldn't work and read lips in the work room.  So, yeah.  Tears.  I cried even more when Tim Gunn used his save.  I also cry at really sad commercials.  Yes, I'm that person.

3.Football!  College football to be more specific.  There's just something about sitting in a stadium filled with thousands of other fans all rooting for the same team that makes me all warm and fuzzy.  Or my living room with my husband and my dog, who for the record also cheer for the same team as I do.  I'm attending Texas Tech's first game of the season this evening and I am just thrilled.  I will also not need the previous mentioned warm and fuzzy feeling since it will be about 103 degrees.

4. Pumpkin spice latte.  So I know I said I wouldn't really do a Fall blog post until it was actually Fall, but I'm going to break the rules.  Starbucks will start selling Pumpkin spice lattes on September 3rd..  They are my favorite thing at Starbucks.  They are actually selling them early if you use the special code.  Spread the word.

5. I will leave you with a picture of Lola.  She was taking a very long nap during the MTV Music Awards and then she heard them announce that Bruno Mars was about to perform.  She just had to watch.

Have a great (and hopefully long) weekend!

OOTD: Skulls

I have a thing for skulls.  I mainly use the print in accessories, such as a scarf or ring.  However, a very good friend of mine came across this top and knew it was perfect for me.  I like the way she thinks.  I paired it here with a very feminine color.  I like to pair edgy with softer pieces, which is also why I wore my hair in a bun.  Or I did that because my hair was dirty.  Either way works.

Top: Kohl's (similar) // Tank Top: Loft // Shorts: J.Crew Factory // Sandals/Watch: Target (old)