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.

Interested in signing up?  Sign up HERE.  (Yes, I get credit)

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.

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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.