Where I've Been

I was recently asked where I've been.

I don't really know. I mean, I'm a working mom. I'm a student. I'm doing the best I can, really. And blogging, for me, is something I do just for me. I love to write and I love the things I write about. But this blog isn't something that I do because I have to. So sometimes I live my life for a few weeks and go without writing. And that's okay. I'm still here. And if there are certain things you want to hear about, leave me a comment about it and I'll get on it.

Sometimes we just live, ya know? We get up and go to work. We get home and realize we'd better find something for dinner. We bathe the babies and read stories and sing songs and say prayers. We finally have a quiet house and we start laundry and we do dishes and we sit down with a text book. We think about how someone ought to mop the floor but it's past midnight already so we go to bed and we do it all over again the next day. And somehow in there we try to date our spouse or go to the grocery store. We try to stop and play a game on the floor with the babies or teach them that they need to clean their room. We remind the little one not to pee pee in her panties and we tell the older one what a good big brother he his. We try to pack the preschool back pack or remember to wash the sheets..or if we're really crazy we try to stop and put gas in the car.

That's where I've been.

But now, can we talk about how much I love this song by Bette--which is the name for the one man band that is Bethany Joy Lenz. Check it out here, and it's also available on iTunes. It's a great mix of jazz, old soul, and I can taste country in it too. And her voice is great.

I also love her cover of We Belong when she was with the band Everly. And who can forget her and Tyler Hiltons cover of Stars Go Blue? One Tree Hill, anyone?! #dontyoujudgeme

I have some Birchbox and Wardrobe Wednesday love coming your way soon. So just sit tight and we'll be back to business soon.

-L

Tired

I haven't written in a while.

Why?

Because, I am exhausted.

I'm emotionally drained.
And physically drained.
And all of the other kinds of drained that I'm too tired to list.

Choices drain me.
Lack of choices drain me.
People drain me.
Lack of people drain me.

But do you want to know what doesn't drain me?

Pumpkin muffins.

Yeah, pumpkin muffins.
Pumpkin muffins don't let you down or wear you out or keep you awake at night.
They're just there. And they make everything better because they mean that Fall is coming and the colors will change and I'll get to wear those Fall-esque clothes....which is what real happiness is about, right?

Unless, of course, I have to bake those pumpkin muffins myself. In that case...

...I'm too tired.

-L

Letting the Colors Change

Hey all!!
I'm currently blogging in the car (so forgive me my grammatical shortcomings) cherry coke and fashion magazines in tow. We spent the weekend in Vegas, and the getaway was much needed. We got dressed up and hit the town last night but mostly we just let the kids swim and hung out with the family. We left Friday afternoon and will be back by bedtime tonight (Sunday) but the quick trip was worth it.

Life has been crazy the last few weeks (thus, my lack of blogging) and the Hall family just needed to get out of town. There is something about physically removing yourself from your surroundings that provides clarity. Often, I've realized that most of my problems can be solved if I just momentarily remove myself from the situation. It's as if I'm allowed to briefly see my own problems from an priceless outside perspective.

This quick little getaway was not only an opportunity for self reflection but it also sort of marks the summer ending. Things will change. Within the next few weeks, the temperatures will start to drop a little bit at a time. Soon, the leaves will change and my beautiful Utah mountains will glaze over with auburn and honey colored trees. Nature will look dead, but it's not. It's beginning the process of starting over. It's allowing the natural cycle of things to take course. And I think there is a lesson in that. Often, we (*cough*....er.....I...) try so hard to be in control and chart the course of how things go.

But sometimes the healing comes from just letting go and allowing the colors to just change.

It's time for me to stop fighting so hard and just let my colors change.

My Hair Illusion

So, let me tell you a story. There is this doll of a woman that I know. We go to the same church. She is always so nice to me, and even humors me by laughing at me when I make inappropriate comments during church lessons for the sole purpose of making the "stuffy" people feel uncomfortable. For this I will love her forever. She also always compliments me on my hair and how thick it is. For this, I laugh at her. You see, my hair is really fine and flat. But she doesn't believe me! I tell her, "It's an illusion, doll...." 

She has told me to do a blog post on this topic time and time again, and she has finally worn me thin. I just need to make it known that I am NOT a hair stylist (for this I have one woman--you know who you are), more often than not I am in desperate need of a trim and color, and I really have no idea at all what I'm doing. All I know is that this (kinda) works for me, and if you have hair like mine, maybe it'll work for you, too. So here goes.

First some background. My hair is fine (as I said before) but it's not necessarily thin as by the definition. I have a lot of it, but the actual strands aren't thick. What that means is that my ends tend to break off easily, but it's hard to moisturize without looking greasy because it isn't voluminous enough to mask it. How do you volumize and moisturize your hair at the same time without spending a fortune?! Very stressful, I know. 

So the first thing I do if I want to pretend I have big, thick, southern style hair that doesn't break is to use these three beauties. (You can buy it all at Walgreens. Well, at least I did. You can do whatever you want to...)

I use the CHI Silk Infusion on my wet hair, focusing on my ends mostly. This makes my split ends beg for mercy. I use whatever is left over on my hands and kind of just "go over" the sides of my hair. Then I use the Organix purple stuff (I get tired of typing out entire brand names. Plus it sound pretentious and that's annoying) on my roots. I don't even know if it works but it smells really good. Then, we blow dry. I do it upside down using a straight brush, a paddle brush or a round brush--whichever is closer. (See? I'm SO not a stylist.) Then after it's dry, I spray the CHI Iron Guard all over (but mostly on my ends) so that I don't fry my hair with my straighter. Am I supposed to use this before I blow dry? I dunno. Prolly. Like I said, not a stylist.

And then here I am. All three products used and just finished drying. Flat. Blah. Boring. Limp. Sad.

Next I go in with a teasing comb (mine has three different layers. I notice a huge difference when I use this one instead of the one with just two layers) and hairspray. Go at the crown of your head first, and spray. Hit it with a blow dryer to dry the hairspray and then tease it like a gazillion (I don't count, but probably 10) times and then do the same to the layer just under it. I do 2-3 layers. Then do the same thing on the sides. After that I pull apart and spread out all the crazy teased hair, hit it one more time with hairspray and let it sit for a second. I usually let it sit while I'm brushing my teeth and then I'm good to go afterward.

Next, I take the other comb-y thing (If a teasing comb and a bristle brush had a baby it would be this) and comb out a thin layer on top of my hot mess of a head so that I don't look like I've been electrocuted. 

Finally, I take my flat iron and clean up my ends so that they're all going in the right direction (that's all I really need since my hair is already straight) and then quickly go over the rest so that it looks smooth. If I have extra time, I'll even go over the teased portions. I figured this trick out (that is probably TERRIBLE for my hair) and realized that it helps the volume to stay and not look frizzy or tangled where I teased it. 

And after that (which takes me about 10 minutes from wet to done), here we are. Honestly, this is like the longest I spend on my hair, EVER. It's usually braided, in a bun or wavy (from sleeping in a braid or a bun). But when I decide not to be a lazy bum, viola.

Let me know what you think and share with me your hair care wisdom!

P.S. I know I need to get my roots done. Stop judging me.

-L

Ipsy Vs. Birchbox: July Edition

Hey guys! Happy summertime!

I think this might be one of my very favorite monthly posts, and this month is no exception. I was given the suggestion to go a step further than just showing swatches, and to actually show you how I use the product, so I swallowed my pride and obliged. Also, I've added a couple of coupon codes for some of the products. Let me know if you like this!

Let's dig right in.

I'll start with Ipsy this time. The theme for Ipsy this month was "Beach Beauty".

First, I love the bag. I seriously immediately put it in our pool bag. It's a plastic, waterproof material that is perfect poolside.

The first product I pulled out was Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray. This is a sea salt spray unlike any other. This spray is the best because it has a soy complex in it that keeps your hair from looking dry and frizzy, and also adds texture, as you can see in the pics. It came in a smaller than full size, but I know I will get dozens of uses out of it, and when it's out, I'll be keeping the bottle to refill for traveling.

Let me give you a little background on my hair. It is as straight as the day is long. All that I did this day was use dry shampoo and this spray, and this is what I got. You can use it on wet hair but I didn't do that this time. Even my hubby complimented me and asked me to do my hair like this more often. I will definitely repurchase this. In bulk.

And also, you can buy this at ulta.com, and here is a code for $5 off. You love me. You're welcome.

Code: 108723 

Valid through 08/15/2013

Next is this nail polish by Nailtini in the color Mai Tai. I love this! It's a great summer color-the perfect cross between orange and pink. It came in a full size bottle retailing at $13.00. (The entire subscription is just $10.00/month....are you following???!!!) I put it on and it lasted without chipping (with a topcoat) for a full week. And even then, I justified it for a few days after as chips were minimal. That's my kind of nail polish. Low maintenance!!

You can buy this on tinibeauty.com and this code will give you 30% off: hot4ipsy.

Then there is this eye shadow pallet by BH Cosmetics. It's the "California Collection" in the colors Hollywood (deep purple), San Francisco (neutral brown) and Malibu (gold). The pictures on the left are when I first put it on (using only a primer under it) and the pictures on the left are 8 hours later. It didn't crease, so I'm sold, baby.

Next was a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen or a tinted sunscreen that moisturizes. Take your pick. It's by Coola, which is probably this product's only redeeming trait. Honestly, I'm not a fan. It's an odd, very orange color. The sample size was incredibly small (maybe 2 uses). I love Coola, but this, not so much.

And last but not least, we have a lip crayon by POP Cosmedics in the color Fuscia Flirt (that middle one). I'm in love with this. I've worn it every single day since I got it. The size is great! It's a bit smaller than full size but it will last me a long time, as a little goes a long way.

Way to go this month, Ipsy. I'm a happy customer.

Next, let's go onto Birchbox!

The theme for Birchbox this month was Power Play. Frankly, I'm not really following the theme when it comes to the products, but I like them anyway.

First were these thick bobby pins by Birchbox. They come in a set of six for $5, and the sample came with two. Mine were the white and blue ones. I really like them. They hold my hair well, they're super sturdy, and they're cute. I might even buy more.

Next was this lipstick by ModelCo (a brand I really like) in the shade Peony. The line is called "Party Proof" with the idea that it'll last. It's a matte lipstick that is supposed to be more moisturizing than most matte lipsticks. I really liked it, but the color wasn't great. It's a "once in a while" color instead of an "every day, go-to" color. A lighter pink would have been more practical, for me anyway. The idea is great though. It does what it says it'll do and it doesn't transfer, yet it's not as big of a commitment as a lipstain.

Birchbox also sent over this hair oil by I.C.O.N India. The sample size was great and I liked it a lot! You can use it on dry hair, too. I've used it three times and I can definitely see the repair properties. It smells great, too! The full size is $40, so I probably won't buy it seeing as that's way too much to spend on hair oil, if you ask me. 

This next product is pretty nice. It's a foot lotion by a company called Pedi Cure which is hard for me to discuss considering I have a foot phobia. BUT, that being said, I used it and I really like it. It's like a pedicure in a bottle. Any callouses are pretty much gone after using it once (I used a lot and put socks on after overnight). The sample size was enough for at least four generous uses, and the full size is only $14. Okay, so bottom line is that I really recommend this but I just can't talk about it anymore because feet gross me out and I can't believe I actually used the word "callouses" and "foot" in the same paragraph. You'll like it, let's just not talk about it.

And lastly we have a Ceramidin (as in ceremides-a lipid already found in the skin) face cream by Dr. Jart. The sample they sent to me is the sensitive formula based on the profile you fill out when you sign up for Birchbox. I've used it the last 4 nights in a row. I use it at night and don't need any moisturizer the next day. It's an intense moisturizer but doesn't make your face look oily, shiny, greasy or anything else that would suck. It also kicks redness and helps even skin tone. The full size is $48, but I'm a splurger when it comes to skincare. I'll use it until the sample is gone (good size...I can probably get two weeks out of it) and then decide if I can't live without it. I wouldn't buy or need any other moisturizer or primer with this though, which justifies the cost. 

Nice work, my Birchbox friends.

After using the products in both subscriptions for about a week now, I have to say that this month, I would choose Birchbox over Ipsy. I loved my Ipsy products, but I've found myself having fun with the Ipsy products here and there but consistently reaching for the Birchbox treasures. Consistency is key!!

You can check out an Ipsy subscription here, and/or a Birchbox subscription here. Remember, both are just $10/month and each has their own points system/benefits towards free product.

And don't forget to let me know if you're into me loading you up with coupon codes. If so, I have plenty more!! Hit me with lots of feedback as I'm into doing either a Birchbox or Ipsy giveaway. I want to know which one ya'll like best.

-L

The Little Things

Each night, before bed, I sit with Landon and we talk for a minute. I ask him what the best and worst parts of his day were, and then I tuck him in for the night.

Tonight, my Landon said to me, "The best part of my day was winning my race with Grandpa!"

It's the little things.

That's all I'm saying, people.

-L

***CLOSED***Anniston's Accessories: Review and a Giveaway

Today's post and giveaway is sponsored by Anniston's Accessories. Product was gratis, but review and all opinions are strictly my own.

***This giveaway has been closed. Winners were chosen using Random.org. The winners are Jessica Carter and Malae Talley. Contact me via email or facebook in the next 48 hours with your contact information! Congrats!***

Hey everybody! I'm excited about today because the only things that I love more than cute clothes for myself are cute clothes for my kids! I can't thank Ellie and Maylie enough for being such gorgeous models. It's hard work to be that pretty, but someone's gotta do it!

That being said, I'm thrilled to work with Jen, the owner and designer of Anniston's Accessories. I could talk all day long about how adorable these little diddies are, but as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words!

(Above): Bows: Anniston's Accessories

One of the things I love most about these bows and clips are the backing! I don't know about you all, but I hate when there is fabric covering the backs of the clips. It makes it so hard to slide the clip into their hair, especially when they're smaller and their hair is so fine and soft anyway. Jen makes these clips with very thin, flat metal so that the clip won't hurt their heads, but it goes through their hair easily without pulling on or messing anything up!! 

(Above): Top: Old Navy; Leggings: Children's Place; Shoes: Anniston's Accessories; Headband: Anniston's Accessories

4th of July might be over, but we're down with being patriotic year round, especially with accessories this cute!

(Above): Top: Old Navy; Shorts: Old Navy; Headband: Anniston's Accessories; Leg Warmers: Anniston's Accessories

(Above): Top: Wal-Mart; Shorts: Children's Place; Shoes: Anniston's Accessories; Headband: Annison's Accessories

Are you ready to hear my VERY favorite thing about Anniston's Accessories? It's that you have the option to go to Jen and have her completely style your daughter from head to toe, but you also have the option to get a few pieces here and there to slowly build your collection and mix and match with what you already have in your little one's closet. 

(Above): Top: Children's Place; Skirt: Anniston's Accessories; Bows: Anniston's Accessories; Boat shoes: Old Navy

(Above-Maylie): Skirt: Anniston's Accessories; Bows: Anniston's Accessories

(Above): Romper: Anniston's Accessories; Shoes: Anniston's Accessories; Headband: Anniston's Accessories

Nothing is making me happier than cute prints and bright colors, and the little ones are no exception. 

And lastly, I adore that a lot of the product is actually hand made by Jen herself. Not only that, but her company's namesake and inspiration is her daughter, Anniston. So obviously, Jen will stand for nothing but the best. But don't take my word for it. Run over to Anniston's Accessories facebook page or etsy shop and decide for yourself. Or you could just enter our giveaway!

Good luck! And please, let me know what you think!

-L
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ANNISTON'S ACCESSORIES' GIVEAWAY INFORMATION AND RULES:

Jen is graciously going to GIVE AWAY not one but TWO (yes, you read that right) pieces to two of you. She is giving away a chevron skirt AND a romper.

Remember that you don't have to have little ones to enter, win or enjoy these goodies. Nieces, little sisters, cousins, friends, etc. would fawn over these gorgeous pieces.

All you have to do to enter the giveaway is to follow these steps:

1. Like the Anniston's Accessories Facebook page
2. Share the Anniston's Accessories Facebook page
3. Leave a comment stating you've done both of those things

A second entry can be made (ONLY IF THE FIRST THREE CRITERIA ARE ALREADY MET) by:

1. Sharing this post on Facebook and
    Becomming a follower or referring an additional follower to this blog
2. Favor Anniston's Accessories Etsy Shop
3. Leave a comment stating you've done so

The giveaway will be open for one week and close on Saturday, July 27th. The two winners will have 48 hours to get back to me and claim their prizes, or another winner will be chosen. Winners will be chosen at random using a random number generator.