Favorite Products, Pt. I

I may try to keep things simple in the makeup department, but I do have a few go to products.

Favorite Products I by livingthemclife featuring a kiehls tinted moisturizer

Josie Maran blush – I got this as part of my Aria (see below) gift set and have completely fallen in love with it.  I use it on rushed days with my Keihls BB Cream.  It is perfect for that day you just want to keep it simple and fresh.  (big plus is that I love how it smells!)
sephora.com

Kiehls tinted moisturizer – This purchase came from a whim and exemplifies why I should never be left with a long layover in an airport.  I paid way too much for a product that I had never tried.  I am lucky that it is wonderful.  In fact, I think I am purchasing this again this summer.
kiehls.com

Smashbox lengthening mascara – I have gotten so many compliments on this mascara when I wear it.  I cannot recommend this enough!
sephora.com

Clarisonic ARIA Sonic Skin Cleansing System – Pink Reviews – There is more to this story, but I am in love with this.  I use it two days in a row and two days off at night only.  My skin looks wonderful.  I do not use their cleanser, instead I use the one below.
skinstore.com

Amazon.com: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, 12 Ounce: Beauty – I have VERY VERY sensitive skin and this cleanser is recommended by my dermatologist.  It works very well.
amazon.com

Weekend in numbers

5. Number of times I have gotten so freaking excited about my brother getting engaged!  Let’s just say, I am glad that he finally made his move!

4. Number of kids I babysit that I got to sing at church today during the children’s service.  I have to admit that I am mighty proud of them and how precious they are! They truly melt my heart!

3. Number of estate/moving sales that I went to this weekend.  (I am not counting the one where I decided it was not worth my time so I sat in the car while a friend went.

2. Number of hours spent piddling around Birmingham while waiting on friends to get keys to their new house today. Unfortunately for them, the old owners were running behind schedule, so they lost out on two helping hands. Fortunately for me, I found a pair of shoes at Nordstrom Rack and random stuff at world market. (Think Jaegerschnitzel in the near future…)

1. How much I paid for my new to me vintage Givenchy wool coat at the moving sale.  I am in love and look forward to the cold today for a change.

Iphone dump

We got a good amount of snow during work one day when were supposed to get nothing.  This resulted getting off work early and all day the next.  While I enjoyed the snow, I was glad to be going back to work.

Judge especially enjoyed the extra day with me at home.  Unfortunately, he still hates the snow.

My dad turned the SIX-O this month, which resulted in a quick trip to the mountains to celebrate.  While the trip was brief, it was fun.  I also was blessed to see another gorgeous sunset on the lake.

We had another snow storm, but luckily this time it did not cause any major disruptions.  I definitely think this year, I am OVER winter.  I was so grateful for some sunshine this weekend.

 

For Valentines day, the boy and I attended a local mardi gras club’s party.  It was the perfect way to spend valentines day.  We went to a pre-party with great food, including this dessert display with two types of chocolate covered strawberries and truffles.

 

The party was perfect with a great Motown band that was enjoyed by all.  I love an excuse to buy a new dress and this one did not disappoint.
While I lot has transpired since Valentines day, perhaps I will be back to update again!

 

Things are a changing…

The past year has definitely been a year of changes, but not all of them are stuff that I foresaw or sought out.  2014 has already proven to be a year of changes for which I have been praying.

1. I recently started a new job.  This has been something that definitely is going to break me out of my comfort zone, yet it will allow me to grow in ways that I have felt God leading me towards.  While I loved my old job, it was not ideal for my new place in life.  My old coworkers were so sweet to host a goodbye party on my last day, which including many past coworkers dropping by the office.  It touched my heart in ways that I cannot express.

I have grown so much in my old job and will take the lessons learned to my new one.

2. I have started to make an effort to be healthier this year.  We are going on two weeks without a single sip of Dr. Pepper.  While I cannot say that I don’t miss it ever, I can say that I am not tempted to drink it as often as I thought.  I have also started drinking a smoothie for breakfast every morning, which is much healthier and cheaper (see item 3) than picking up fast food breakfast! I feel better and I find myself eating less sweets with this small change.  Today started my attempt to do a small detox.  I will explain that in more detail later.

3. I am trying to save money.  One way is to stop eating breakfast out.  Additionally, I am trying to create some easy but cheap freezer meals for the days when I do not feel like cooking.  Currently, I have taco chili and fajitas prepped and in the freezer for a quick meal.

4. I am starting to ramp on my Jr. League obligations.  Let’s just say that I will be very busy over the next few months.  I definitely think that I need to say NO to some other things that come up in my life in order for me to not lose my mind.

Have a wonderful Monday!

Formal Outfit

Formal Outfit by livingthemclife featuring gold pumps

I purchased the above for an upcoming Mardi Gras Ball.  I will have to see which pair of shoes to keep when they get here, but I am at a complete loss of what earrings to wear.  Any suggestions are welcome!

Tomato, Avocado, and Feta Dip

Recently a dear friend made this dip and to say that I devoured it would be an understatement.  I tend to love all things avocado and cheese related so this dip definitely was my type of dish.  My friend is a nutritionist, so she tries to be healthy.  While you probably could eat this as a salad, I serve it with tortilla chips (not too healthy but the dip is healthy than other cheese dips I make).

 

I promise if you bring this to a party, you will not bring any home with you.  You might even want to double the recipe.

 

Tomato, Avocado and Feta Dip

1 Pint Cherry or Grape Tomatoes, halved

1/2 Cup Feta Cheese

Splash of red wine vinegar (to taste)

Light Pinch of Salt

Light sprinkle of garlic powder

1 Avocado, cubed

 

Combine the first five ingredients and stir.  Taste to ensure that the flavor is right and adjust to your preferences.  (At this point, I cover it with saran wrap and head out the door with it and the avocado.)  When ready to serve, add the freshly cubed avocado and stir.  Serve with tortilla chips.

 

I will add that I have discovered in the past year my favorite tortilla chips, Xochitl tortilla chips.  I buy these chips without salt and do not miss it.  They are close to the thin restaurant chips you find in your average mexican restaurant. We won’t even address the fact that they are organic.

Weekend in Numbers

After an eventful weekend that involved babysitting for two different households, driving three hours roundtrip to help a friend sell his stepmother’s car, 

10 – Number of times that I have said I need to finish putting things away.

9 – Number of times I started freaking out in a good way about the new job.  So excited about that area of my life beginning to sort it self out.

8- Number of days until I start my new job!

7- Number of times my aunts dog growled at me on Friday night.  For some reason, he has decided that he no longer likes me.  (My cousin thinks it is because her parents don’t socialize it enough!)

6- Number of people that my appetizer was intended to serve last night at dinner.  Unfortunately everyone else was running behind and it definitely was screaming our for M and Me to eat it.  

5- Glasses of wine consumed this weekend. Caught up with my cousin over a bottle of red when she got in town Friday.  Tried out a new bottle last night of White Burgundy that I found at Costco.  (Not bad at all…Especially for the price…I might enjoy wine that is well above my budget. Oops!)

4- Slices of pizza consumed last night at dinner.  M and J had me over for dinner since they had family in town.  I guess I would invite people over if my guests were cooking too.  It was very yummy and I spoiled since they sent me home with leftovers. 

3- Sweaters washed since item number one led to one of them being completely mauled. 

2- Number of different houses I babysat at on friday.  

1- Number of disasters with my Vitamix.  I used a fresh banana yesterday instead of my usual frozen banana stash.  Unfortunately, I did not add enough ice to compensate for this.  It led to me trying to add ice and accidentally no replacing the lid firmly.  While the good news is that the partially secure lid prevented the contents of my green smoothie from reaching the ceiling, it did to stop it from leaving the contents over everything else nearby.  Successfully mauled by a Vitamix (and my incompetency): 1 Sweater, 1 Leggings, 1 Clean pair of pants near by, 1 Tea Kettle, 1 Box full of Nespresso Capsules, Food Processor, Dryer rack full of clean dishes, Countertop, Floor, and a Christmas Candle.  Good news is that I do not think I will ever forget to triple check if the lid is secure again! (Bad news is that the trauma of this event and the cleanup led me to forgetting to make my coffee which resulted in cheating on my kicking my Dr. Pepper obsession!…Back to Day 1 on that…)

To be held accountable

To be completely honest, I am not famous for keeping my new years resolutions.

And while I do not think I will make resolutions for the new year, I will make a few goals for this year.  I am posting them here so I have some sort of accountability.

Yearly Goals

1. Write more often on the blog.

I am not promising daily posts ever because I do not know where I would find the time.  Yet, I do want to document things that happen in my life and share recipes and finds with you.

2. Spend more time with friends and family.

This increased last year and maybe it will stay the same this year.  Who knows…

3. Cut out Dr. Pepper and fast food breakfasts.

I have an addiction to Dr. Pepper. If I am running late, I waste my calories and money on a fast food breakfast complete with a Dr. Pepper.   I got a nice new (to me) Vitamix blender for Christmas and hope to make smoothies in the morning.  I have done it for a few work mornings already and I have to say I love it!

4. Take a few short trips

I think I have always had a case of the wanderlust, but it is going to be a priority this year to experience new places. While I love a long trip, I need to start saving up for my next trip overseas.

5. Monthly dates with my godchildren

I have two godchildren and another on the way. They are so special to me, and I want to make them aware of it.  While the youngest is not at the age to really go on an adventure, the oldest one is.  This is especially important since he will only be stateside for about a year and half more.

6. Cook more meals at home

This one is already off to a good start since I made turnip greens,  crispy smashed potatoes, black-eyed peas and cornbread yesterday. I have plans to make breakfast for dinner tonight.

Monthly Goals

1. Cook 5 3 new dishes. – Crispy Smashed Potatoes, Tomato Avocado Feta Dip (Recipe to come)

2. Put aside $100 into my travel fund. (Have $20 saved from Babysitting income)

3. Have friends over for dinner.

4. Go see both of my grandmothers. (Going to my maternal grandmother’s today – 1/5/13)

5. Take my godson on a short adventure.

6. Watch my goddaughter for a few hours so her mom can have some free time.

7. Finish my thank you notes. (2 Down…)

Do you have any goals this year?

A New Year on the Horizon

2013 has been a year of many highs and lows.  While I would not say that this has been the best year of my life, I will say that I have been blessed to live and learn everything that has happened this year.  I hope that 2014 will be a year of many celebrations.

I want to share a few of my favorite moments from 2013.

 

It snowed in Tuscaloosa in Jan! It was pretty while it lasted, since it melted within a few hours.

Went to the beach to celebrate my birthday with my dear friend M and her now Husband. Judge had a blast playing with his buddy Max.

Had a fabulous trip to Austin with my girlfriends from high school. This truly was one of the best weekends of the year.

I was so blessed to meet them and really get to know them during their short year living in America. Took them to the mountains and showed them the fun of a flea market.

Took Andreas and a few other Germans to my hometown to shoot guns with my dad. Despite earlier protests that he would never want to experience that, I think Andreas actually enjoyed himself.

I was so blessed to meet them and really get to know them during their short year living in America. Took them to the mountains and showed them the fun of a flea market.

Judge attempted to learn to play cards on the Mountain Trip.

Jones and I drove the Atlanta for the Killers Concert. It was the best concert I have ever attended.

Actually attended two baseball games this year.

Celebrated another birthday with my precious great aunt. I feel blessed everyday to know her.

Spent many meals and coffees with this little squirt and his momma. I cannot believe how big he is now.

Summer is not complete in Tuscaloosa without a visit to Summer Snow. Tigersblood/Green Apple all the way!

In Tuscaloosa, many fall social outings revolve around Alabama football. While the season started with so much promise, we will not discuss how it ended.

My friend M married her sweetheart in September. I coordinated the wedding and put together flower arrangements. Anything for another trip to the beach.

Attended quite a few games at Bryant Denny Stadium. Love the atmosphere!

My goddaughter (henceforth known as Ma Petite) was born in September. It has been a blessing to be in her life already. Cannot wait to see her grow up.

Could not resist showing another photo of this cute little one.

Another perk of living in Tuscaloosa is that so many of my friends and family come to visit for football games. Loved having my brother’s girlfriend visit. I also was able to meet her sisters on a different football game.

More friends came down

Before Verena left, we learned how to make speatzle. It was a truly memorable night.

Celebrated Thanksgiving with my aunt and her family.

Coordinated another wedding. This time in Nola for another dear friend.

Saw a few long lost friends from high school over Thanksgiving.

Ma Petite was christened just before Christmas. This is how she spent most of the after party in the most awkward position, but at least she was sleeping.

I made my great-grandfather’s recipe for cinnamon rolls. I first learned to make it when I was three with my grandfather. It is a Christmas tradition.

I was able to see my cousin for the first time in years. I love him so much and so happy that we could catch up. Glad to have him back in the South.

Packed up Christmas stuff and went to my hometown for the celebrations. Judge had to squeeze in there somewhere.

Christmas Eve with my family

 

 

Gifting: Christening Edition

A good friend recently asked me to be a godmother to her little girl.  This is my second godchild and I thought I would share some ideas for Christening Gifts.

I was lucky that my godparents gave me sentimental gifts like an add-a-pearl necklace and some silver pieces as Christening Gifts, but this is not something that everyone appreciates.  I have included a mix of sentimental gifts and other items that people might enjoy.

Christening Gifts by livingthemclife featuring pearl jewelry

Pearl jewelry
amazon.com

Baby’s Sterling Silver Personalized Classic Porringer
ross-simons.com

Baby Teething Rings
silverqueen.com

Christening Gifts
silverqueen.com

Baptism Gifts from Godmother Christening Gift by naturallyaspen
etsy.com

Personalized Noah’s Ark Bank , Add Your Message
thingsremembered.com

The Beginner’s Bible: Timeless Children’s Stories by Kelly Pulley |…
barnesandnoble.com

The book with a cross on it is the Book of Common Prayer 1979 edition that is used in the services of the Episcopal Church.  I got three copies when I was christened as a child.  In the Catholic Church, you could substitute for the missal.  I think this is a very thoughtful gift that hopefully will be utilized for years to come.

I am still not completely decided what I will give to this godchild.  I have to make up my mind by this weekend, since the christening is less than a month away.