My Dream Makeup Store

Inspired by Pink Poppy to finally write what I wanted to write a few months back, here it is.

Like Pink Poppy I can't stand the mall either, so I was extremely delighted when I discovered Sephora. The one I found in Austin, Texas, wasn't in the mall. It was in the Arboretum, a very nice shopping area. It looks like the one here may be in the mall so it may depend on your location. Any way I will brave the mall for them, especially as they are not in a department store.

I was fed up with my normal fare, the stuff I'd worn since I was 16 - heavy eyeliner and mascara. For a Mom of 2 that has a million things to do on her daily list any way I didn't want that anymore. I wanted light and natural. Something that enchanced me, not showed you what great makeup I had on. I first discovered Sephora online via Mindy's vanity. So many of her favorite things were available on there that of course I had to check it out. And I do love her light and natural look. Once I discovered they had an actual store in my town, well an hour away but close enough, I knew I had to go.

I went in with a specific idea in mind: throw out the heavy, in with the light. Kristen introduced me to Christian Dior mascara that took my lashes to a whole new meaning of beautiful - naturally beautiful. She also tried a Benetint on me, which I loved, but my husband said it made me look painted, so out with that. For foundation she introduced me to Tarte tinted moisturizer in Veil which I immediately fell in love with - that is the meaning of sheer coverage. For extra coverup she pulled out Tarte concealer in Undercover which matches my skin tone perfectly and blends in those dark undereye circles. She said they weren't bad, but hey I can see them. To finish it off the beautiful shimmery light glossy sexy pouty I love it Nude liner and Sugar Coat gloss.

She did a complete do on me ... and then .... I didn't buy a thing! Not that day any way. Feeling hesitant but not wanting to buy stuff that I'd end up being unhappy with at the end of the day, like I did at M*A*C just previously (their silicon foundation is just sooo heavy), I asked if there was a way I could write down what she used, wear it home, see if I really liked it, and then come back and get it later. She not only wrote down exactly what she used she gave me generous sized samples of the two concealers I was debating between! She would've given me samples of everything but I knew if I liked the others at the end of the day I'd be back for them. And no pressure! I didn't find out until I came back later to get my stuff, but their makeup artists don't work on commission.

I ended up going home and loving everything that was on me, except for the blush. I went back and bought it all. She had forgotten to write down the lip liner and gloss, so I experimented to find which one she used. I picked the wrong one and discovered it when I put it on the next day, so I brought it back and discovered their wonderful return policy. You don't like it, bring it back. Now that's a return policy. I brought it back and found the one I'd used originally.

I use my makeup lightly so this has lasted me a good 4 months. And for a $138 to love absolutely everything I use without tons of trial and error I really don't think that's a bad bargain. I'll be back and this time to find another look, another light and natural just something fun and new. And maybe even something to play around with. And I know if I don't like it I'll bring it back, better yet I'll just do the samples and if I like it I'll go back and buy it and if I don't I won't have to bring anything back I'll just try another.

My Dream Makeup Store

Inspired by Pink Poppy to finally write what I wanted to write a few months back, here it is.

Like Pink Poppy I can't stand the mall either, so I was extremely delighted when I discovered Sephora. The one I found in Austin, Texas, wasn't in the mall. It was in the Arboretum, a very nice shopping area. It looks like the one here may be in the mall so it may depend on your location. Any way I will brave the mall for them, especially as they are not in a department store.

I was fed up with my normal fare, the stuff I'd worn since I was 16 - heavy eyeliner and mascara. For a Mom of 2 that has a million things to do on her daily list any way I didn't want that anymore. I wanted light and natural. Something that enchanced me, not showed you what great makeup I had on. I first discovered Sephora online via Mindy's vanity. So many of her favorite things were available on there that of course I had to check it out. And I do love her light and natural look. Once I discovered they had an actual store in my town, well an hour away but close enough, I knew I had to go.

I went in with a specific idea in mind: throw out the heavy, in with the light. Kristen introduced me to Christian Dior mascara that took my lashes to a whole new meaning of beautiful - naturally beautiful. She also tried a Benetint on me, which I loved, but my husband said it made me look painted, so out with that. For foundation she introduced me to Tarte tinted moisturizer in Veil which I immediately fell in love with - that is the meaning of sheer coverage. For extra coverup she pulled out Tarte concealer in Undercover which matches my skin tone perfectly and blends in those dark undereye circles. She said they weren't bad, but hey I can see them. To finish it off the beautiful shimmery light glossy sexy pouty I love it Nude liner and Sugar Coat gloss.

She did a complete do on me ... and then .... I didn't buy a thing! Not that day any way. Feeling hesitant but not wanting to buy stuff that I'd end up being unhappy with at the end of the day, like I did at M*A*C just previously (their silicon foundation is just sooo heavy), I asked if there was a way I could write down what she used, wear it home, see if I really liked it, and then come back and get it later. She not only wrote down exactly what she used she gave me generous sized samples of the two concealers I was debating between! She would've given me samples of everything but I knew if I liked the others at the end of the day I'd be back for them. And no pressure! I didn't find out until I came back later to get my stuff, but their makeup artists don't work on commission.

I ended up going home and loving everything that was on me, except for the blush. I went back and bought it all. She had forgotten to write down the lip liner and gloss, so I experimented to find which one she used. I picked the wrong one and discovered it when I put it on the next day, so I brought it back and discovered their wonderful return policy. You don't like it, bring it back. Now that's a return policy. I brought it back and found the one I'd used originally.

I use my makeup lightly so this has lasted me a good 4 months. And for a $138 to love absolutely everything I use without tons of trial and error I really don't think that's a bad bargain. I'll be back and this time to find another look, another light and natural just something fun and new. And maybe even something to play around with. And I know if I don't like it I'll bring it back, better yet I'll just do the samples and if I like it I'll go back and buy it and if I don't I won't have to bring anything back I'll just try another.

Our Anniversary Retreat

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving - quiet, calm, peaceful, and relaxing. On Friday I went to see my cousin's wedding dress. She's get married in San Diego in May. It was beautiful, it almost made me cry. We got back to the house and headed home soon afterward. Let our weekend retreat began!

Friday we had wonderful massages at Well Within downtown. Just what I needed to get rid a of a 5 day headache, at least for a day. We got home too late to go to dinner so we just went straight to the massages and had a quick bite afterwards at the Taco Bar in El Palomar. We checked into the Capitola Inn and Suites that evening, into a beautiful room with a gas fireplace, seating area separated from the bedroom, all the amenities one could use and beautiful artwork on the walls by Sally Bookman. Here is one of the one's that was in our room.

On Saturday we went .... shopping!! Yea!! I haven't done that in ages. We walked the Pacific Garden Mall . I got a super cute hooded long sleeve shirt from Element at Pacific Wave. Check it out here, it's the landslide, the green one on the bottom in the middle. Next we hit up O'Neill where I got some super cute black pants. I never buy black pants because I can't stand how plain they are - or they're jeans. These ones are threaded with bright pink thread and have cute pockets on the sides. I can't find them anywhere online otherwise I'd post. I also got some other cute stuff there including my anniversary outfit, this shirt and this skirt. On to Urban Outfitters. I found a sweet little tank I can't seem to find on their website, and the perfect pair of tennis shoes.

They're actually a chocolatey brown and pink. They're super cute and super comfortable. I've been on the hunt for good, comfortable, and still cute tennis shoes for months now, have even bought a few, and these fit the bill. Those other ones are going on eBay! Actually they were super cute but I bought the last size they had and it was a little too small. They're similar to the one's I just got only by Via Uno and one was all pink and light pink, and one was all blue and light blue.

Thinking that was it for the shopping for the day we headed back to the hotel to change for dinner. Once dressed and in my cute little outfit and short jacket we realized we needed a jacket to go with the outfit. Actually my husband realized it when I told him my legs were popsicles. Since Urban Outfitters was right next door to our destination we dropped in again and bought an awesome long black trench coat to go over my outfit. They must have different merchandise in the store than online because I can't find that one on there either. Oh well. Then we had our romantic fancy dinner at Clouds. Fantastic food, not extravagant prices, and an outstanding waiter. We brought our dessert to the hotel and enjoyed it in front of the movie after a hot tub rendezvous.

For Sunday we went to a little German bakery downtown called Hoffman's Bakery. This weekend was a weekend of trying new things, enjoying each other's company, and realizing what an awesome thing God has blessed us with, this thing called marriage. 4 yrs and counting. The weekend couldn't have been any more perfect.

Our Anniversary Retreat

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving - quiet, calm, peaceful, and relaxing. On Friday I went to see my cousin's wedding dress. She's get married in San Diego in May. It was beautiful, it almost made me cry. We got back to the house and headed home soon afterward. Let our weekend retreat began!

Friday we had wonderful massages at Well Within downtown. Just what I needed to get rid a of a 5 day headache, at least for a day. We got home too late to go to dinner so we just went straight to the massages and had a quick bite afterwards at the Taco Bar in El Palomar. We checked into the Capitola Inn and Suites that evening, into a beautiful room with a gas fireplace, seating area separated from the bedroom, all the amenities one could use and beautiful artwork on the walls by Sally Bookman. Here is one of the one's that was in our room.

On Saturday we went .... shopping!! Yea!! I haven't done that in ages. We walked the Pacific Garden Mall . I got a super cute hooded long sleeve shirt from Element at Pacific Wave. Check it out here, it's the landslide, the green one on the bottom in the middle. Next we hit up O'Neill where I got some super cute black pants. I never buy black pants because I can't stand how plain they are - or they're jeans. These ones are threaded with bright pink thread and have cute pockets on the sides. I can't find them anywhere online otherwise I'd post. I also got some other cute stuff there including my anniversary outfit, this shirt and this skirt. On to Urban Outfitters. I found a sweet little tank I can't seem to find on their website, and the perfect pair of tennis shoes.

They're actually a chocolatey brown and pink. They're super cute and super comfortable. I've been on the hunt for good, comfortable, and still cute tennis shoes for months now, have even bought a few, and these fit the bill. Those other ones are going on eBay! Actually they were super cute but I bought the last size they had and it was a little too small. They're similar to the one's I just got only by Via Uno and one was all pink and light pink, and one was all blue and light blue.

Thinking that was it for the shopping for the day we headed back to the hotel to change for dinner. Once dressed and in my cute little outfit and short jacket we realized we needed a jacket to go with the outfit. Actually my husband realized it when I told him my legs were popsicles. Since Urban Outfitters was right next door to our destination we dropped in again and bought an awesome long black trench coat to go over my outfit. They must have different merchandise in the store than online because I can't find that one on there either. Oh well. Then we had our romantic fancy dinner at Clouds. Fantastic food, not extravagant prices, and an outstanding waiter. We brought our dessert to the hotel and enjoyed it in front of the movie after a hot tub rendezvous.

For Sunday we went to a little German bakery downtown called Hoffman's Bakery. This weekend was a weekend of trying new things, enjoying each other's company, and realizing what an awesome thing God has blessed us with, this thing called marriage. 4 yrs and counting. The weekend couldn't have been any more perfect.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everybody! We're taking off tomorrow for my Aunt's house to spend the holiday with her family, my family, my parents, and my Grandparents. We'll be back Friday and then off to a hotel to celebrate our anniversary this weekend so I may not be back for a few days. Hope everybody has a wonderful day! Prayers for safe trips and wonderful, relaxing times!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everybody! We're taking off tomorrow for my Aunt's house to spend the holiday with her family, my family, my parents, and my Grandparents. We'll be back Friday and then off to a hotel to celebrate our anniversary this weekend so I may not be back for a few days. Hope everybody has a wonderful day! Prayers for safe trips and wonderful, relaxing times!

Happy Birthday Little Guy!

We had a beautiful evening and I just wanted to blog it before I forgot. The hero of the day has been 5 year old Big Guy - his ever watchful eyes caught his little brothers name being spelled wrong (by Grandpa) on his birthday cake. Saved the day when little brother wanted to open his big brother's gift instead of his own by reminding him what was in his gift. And on the way home tonight from Oma's said very sweetly "Happy Birthday, Little Brother".

Little Guy has had two parties so far and has one tomorrow on his actual birthday. Sweet little 3 year old, he's so very special having all these birthday parties. And to think I was worried that he would have one good one. The things God works out. Tonight he sat near his birthday cake until the appointed time, keeping watch over it on the counter - with the assistance of Uncle or Oma. "That's my birthday cake. That's nummy." Unwrapping his gift tonight that he special picked himself with Oma at the toy store he made sure to take every last piece of wrapping paper off before he got to the present itself.

Tonight Daddy has them picking up their toys. Little Guy says "It's too hard Daddy". Daddy says, "Ask your brother, he'll tell you what to do." Little Guy says "What do I do, Big Brother?" They work so well together and are the sweetest little boys ever.

Happy Birthday Little Guy!

We had a beautiful evening and I just wanted to blog it before I forgot. The hero of the day has been 5 year old Big Guy - his ever watchful eyes caught his little brothers name being spelled wrong (by Grandpa) on his birthday cake. Saved the day when little brother wanted to open his big brother's gift instead of his own by reminding him what was in his gift. And on the way home tonight from Oma's said very sweetly "Happy Birthday, Little Brother".

Little Guy has had two parties so far and has one tomorrow on his actual birthday. Sweet little 3 year old, he's so very special having all these birthday parties. And to think I was worried that he would have one good one. The things God works out. Tonight he sat near his birthday cake until the appointed time, keeping watch over it on the counter - with the assistance of Uncle or Oma. "That's my birthday cake. That's nummy." Unwrapping his gift tonight that he special picked himself with Oma at the toy store he made sure to take every last piece of wrapping paper off before he got to the present itself.

Tonight Daddy has them picking up their toys. Little Guy says "It's too hard Daddy". Daddy says, "Ask your brother, he'll tell you what to do." Little Guy says "What do I do, Big Brother?" They work so well together and are the sweetest little boys ever.

My Husband Is the Best

Our anniversary is this weekend. Yes I know who thinks to get married so your anniversary falls on Thanksgiving occasionally? Well apparently we did. And to boot our son's birthday is two days before which also happens to be my Mom's birthday. So this year it's my Mom and son's birthday, Thanksgiving the next day, our anniversary the next.

My sweet hubby has planned a wonderful anniversary weekend for us. Everything that I thought of doing and never got around to - he has planned. As a surprise. The only reason I know is one of the things didn't work out and the other I thought he may have already planned so as I went to check it out today I asked him to make sure we weren't double booking. We have two nights at a local hotel with a fireplace and my parents are watching the boys.

Have you seen Shall We Dance? If not and you have been married for any length of time or want to be married, GO! It is the most beautiful, amazing movie. My husband remarked there was only one part of it he didn't like. It was a place where the movie could've gone the wrong direction but didn't. My thoughts on that were I thought that was a great place because it was a space where a lot of people have made the wrong choice or allowed the wrong feeling and the characters in the movie didn't and the movie ended up in a beautiful direction!

My Grandparents are here today. My Grandpa made gorgeous little baby beds one for my niece Emily. And my Little Guy wanted one and he happened to have one for him as well. Now he's got his little puppy dog, his baby bear they gave him from when he got stitches in the hospital, and my stuffed kitty in there.

My Husband Is the Best

Our anniversary is this weekend. Yes I know who thinks to get married so your anniversary falls on Thanksgiving occasionally? Well apparently we did. And to boot our son's birthday is two days before which also happens to be my Mom's birthday. So this year it's my Mom and son's birthday, Thanksgiving the next day, our anniversary the next.

My sweet hubby has planned a wonderful anniversary weekend for us. Everything that I thought of doing and never got around to - he has planned. As a surprise. The only reason I know is one of the things didn't work out and the other I thought he may have already planned so as I went to check it out today I asked him to make sure we weren't double booking. We have two nights at a local hotel with a fireplace and my parents are watching the boys.

Have you seen Shall We Dance? If not and you have been married for any length of time or want to be married, GO! It is the most beautiful, amazing movie. My husband remarked there was only one part of it he didn't like. It was a place where the movie could've gone the wrong direction but didn't. My thoughts on that were I thought that was a great place because it was a space where a lot of people have made the wrong choice or allowed the wrong feeling and the characters in the movie didn't and the movie ended up in a beautiful direction!

My Grandparents are here today. My Grandpa made gorgeous little baby beds one for my niece Emily. And my Little Guy wanted one and he happened to have one for him as well. Now he's got his little puppy dog, his baby bear they gave him from when he got stitches in the hospital, and my stuffed kitty in there.

Have You Done Your Christmas Shopping Yet?

I'm so glad I started this blog. I just read a memory I'd already forgotten about my Little Guy cleaning Daddy's drum. I told my hubby about it and he admonished me for never telling him about that - oops. He said that's instant tell Daddiness.

We went to Toys R Us tonight and knocked out 8 of the 9 presents needed for the nephews for Christmas. Well "needed" is used loosely there. Hey but Lego's rock - they're encourage creativeness, engineering, team effort. We got the littlest ones Thomas the Train stuff, I can't wait for my 2 year old nephew to see his. It's a little pull along Thomas the Train . And it's $5 cheaper there than Toys R Us. Oh well it's the thought that counts and for $5 I ain't doing the return. How's your Christmas shopping going?

Have You Done Your Christmas Shopping Yet?

I'm so glad I started this blog. I just read a memory I'd already forgotten about my Little Guy cleaning Daddy's drum. I told my hubby about it and he admonished me for never telling him about that - oops. He said that's instant tell Daddiness.

We went to Toys R Us tonight and knocked out 8 of the 9 presents needed for the nephews for Christmas. Well "needed" is used loosely there. Hey but Lego's rock - they're encourage creativeness, engineering, team effort. We got the littlest ones Thomas the Train stuff, I can't wait for my 2 year old nephew to see his. It's a little pull along Thomas the Train . And it's $5 cheaper there than Toys R Us. Oh well it's the thought that counts and for $5 I ain't doing the return. How's your Christmas shopping going?

It's a Jolly-Hollidayy Gingerbread House

I've been commenting so much about it I thought I'd better post about it. My boys and I made our very own gingerbread house today!

Shhh no telling it was a kit from Costco but hey the thing was STILL difficult. Given that the icing tip got misplaced and I didn't find it til' halfway through and then attempted to put it on. Note to self: don't attempt to put on an icing tip halfway through the icing. Equals very messy.

It was still fun and the boys did a wonderful job! They are gingerbread house artists! And they even got their very own gingerbread men cookies to decorate and demolish and boy were they yummy.

It's a Jolly-Hollidayy Gingerbread House

I've been commenting so much about it I thought I'd better post about it. My boys and I made our very own gingerbread house today!

Shhh no telling it was a kit from Costco but hey the thing was STILL difficult. Given that the icing tip got misplaced and I didn't find it til' halfway through and then attempted to put it on. Note to self: don't attempt to put on an icing tip halfway through the icing. Equals very messy.

It was still fun and the boys did a wonderful job! They are gingerbread house artists! And they even got their very own gingerbread men cookies to decorate and demolish and boy were they yummy.

Not Much Happening Today

My husband pass his insurance test. Yea him!! Went to Jamba Juice, yum!, and took my boys and my nephew to the park. Made a real dinner for the first time in... awhile. It was sooo good. Got to love Trader Joe's!

Not Much Happening Today

My husband pass his insurance test. Yea him!! Went to Jamba Juice, yum!, and took my boys and my nephew to the park. Made a real dinner for the first time in... awhile. It was sooo good. Got to love Trader Joe's!

It was a Good Thing

I got interrupted as soon as I hit publish.

Well I finally have a moment that's not taken up by every thing and every body. We're here and it's a relief and a whole new adventure all in one. We've been spending the days getting used to being here. It's weird because we're so used to being here on vacation as this is where all our family is from that it seems like a vacation at times. Then the reality settles in that, no, our house is leased for 2 years, and this is where it's at. Every morning I wake up [sidenote: I just got a note on my cell from my hubby that said "You put a smile in my days! Love you beautiful" awwwww he's soo sweet] and see the gorgeous view from our windows overlooking the harbor and the ocean and think what a blessing it is to be here enoying this each morning, something we could never afford. On Sunday my son and father walked to the little harbor cafe, Aldo's, where we joined them. Sitting on the deck with my family in the warm sunshine with the ocean breeze and the salt air and the seals playing nearby was a little slice of heaven.

We've been attending Twin Lakes Church. Pastor Rene has incredible sermons that really speak to our lives, to the lives we want to live. It's strange finding your own niche with such a huge church. You have to attend groups to actually meet people - that or be extra friendly I guess : ) . With two kiddos though who like to sit through the service with us there's not much time for chit chat. I pray that we'll get to meet some families who are at a point in their lives similar to where we are or even further along, somebody that we can grow along with, support and be supported. Friends are such an amazing part of life, I miss ours out in Texas.

It may take me awhile to get back into the swing of things here, but count me back!

It was a Good Thing

I got interrupted as soon as I hit publish.

Well I finally have a moment that's not taken up by every thing and every body. We're here and it's a relief and a whole new adventure all in one. We've been spending the days getting used to being here. It's weird because we're so used to being here on vacation as this is where all our family is from that it seems like a vacation at times. Then the reality settles in that, no, our house is leased for 2 years, and this is where it's at. Every morning I wake up [sidenote: I just got a note on my cell from my hubby that said "You put a smile in my days! Love you beautiful" awwwww he's soo sweet] and see the gorgeous view from our windows overlooking the harbor and the ocean and think what a blessing it is to be here enoying this each morning, something we could never afford. On Sunday my son and father walked to the little harbor cafe, Aldo's, where we joined them. Sitting on the deck with my family in the warm sunshine with the ocean breeze and the salt air and the seals playing nearby was a little slice of heaven.

We've been attending Twin Lakes Church. Pastor Rene has incredible sermons that really speak to our lives, to the lives we want to live. It's strange finding your own niche with such a huge church. You have to attend groups to actually meet people - that or be extra friendly I guess : ) . With two kiddos though who like to sit through the service with us there's not much time for chit chat. I pray that we'll get to meet some families who are at a point in their lives similar to where we are or even further along, somebody that we can grow along with, support and be supported. Friends are such an amazing part of life, I miss ours out in Texas.

It may take me awhile to get back into the swing of things here, but count me back!

I haven't forgotten you...

or so I like to believe. Every time I get a half post out it gets interrupted from this busyness called settling in. And so this is it for now in the hopes that it will become an actual post.

P.S. Things are settling nicely!

I haven't forgotten you...

or so I like to believe. Every time I get a half post out it gets interrupted from this busyness called settling in. And so this is it for now in the hopes that it will become an actual post.

P.S. Things are settling nicely!