IPSY - REVIEW!

Let’s just get into it, because I've been away for far too long and I am in the mood to blog it to you, baby!

I need to discuss something fun and new in my life: Ipsy!

Ipsy is a subscription beauty bag--doesn't that sound enticing on its own? For $10 a month  you get 4-5 trial-to-full sized products in an adorable themed bag that is selected based off of your results for the subscription quiz.

I subscribed and went through the little channels to get off of the waiting list immediately because I wanted new makeup for our trip to Louisiana. I honestly didn't expect my bag to arrive before we left for our trip, but it came two nights before! Matt comes inside and says “There’s a giant pink package in our mailbox” and I squealed with delight!

I’m going to be straight-up with you. I was a bit disappointed in my bag at first. I wasn't crazy about the circular bag, the tiny trial sizes, or the theme.

…..Then I used the products!

Here is the quickie.

So the bag is adorable, isn't it!? I love polka dots and the pencil case style is adorable. It surprisingly holds more make up than any of my other little bags, so I love it even more now. Its sturdy, and similar styles cost $20 at Sephora!

Absolute  |  You’re The BALM  |  Green Apple  |  $2.99 on Ipsy.com
Image by BRIGETTERAMOS.com

I went for this first because I am a huge chap stick/lip balm fan. I am not a fan of this, but it isn’t a bad product. I don’t enjoy the taste of it- if it were flavored I would wear this all the time! The Queen loves it and asks to put it on constantly, so it’s a win in her book. You can buy these as a 2 pack of different smells (Watermelon & Grape, or Strawberry & Bubblegum) for $5.99. (note, that is not my picture of the lipbalm)

Lord & Berry  |  Black Silk Kajal Kohl Liner  |  #1001  |  $15 on BeautyCar.com  |  $7.50 worth of product

I’ve only tried this once because I rarely wear eye liner. I haven’t found an inexpensive one that doesn’t smudge and run the entire time it’s on my face. This was no different, unfortunately. I will try it out a few more times but it doesn’t look too hopeful! I don’t know why they gave me this. IPSY, LEARN YOUR CLIENTS!!

Coastal Scents  |  Forever Blush Duo  |  Fresh / Elegant  |  $7.95 each on CoastalScents.com |  $3.98 worth of product

LOVE IT! Somewhere on Ipsy’s facebook page I saw a tip to put Elegant in the hollows of your cheekbone like a contour, and Fresh above that on the cheekbone itself for a glow. I LOVE the way it looks on my skin. It had a gorgeous pigment payoff and lasts a decent amount of time.

Urban Decay  |  Perversion Mascara  |  Black  |  $22 on UrbanDecay.com  |  $5.50 worth of product

I wasn’t excited about this until my friend told me with was the seckz-and homegirl doesn’t lie when it comes to her lashes—so I tried it and WOW WOW WOW. I don’t spend a lot of money on make up- but this I will be going out to purchase for myself very soon. It lasts forever, flakes a tiny bit at the end of the work day, and separates and lengthens my lashes beautifully.

Dr. Brandt  |  Pores No More Refiner Primer  |  $45 on DrBrandtskincare.com  |  $11.25 worth of product

I’ve tried monostat chafing gel as a primer, and Baby Skin pore blur, and they both weren’t a good match for my oily, large pored skin. This makes a noticeable difference in my pores and my makeup application. It smells a bit medicated-like Noxzema-and is tinted so it blends into my skin.

Overall, I am pleased with my products but not their sizes. The only full size product in my bag was the lip balm I didn't care for.


What has been your favorite Ipsy bag product, and your least favorite? What other INEXPENSIVE subscription bags would you recommend?

Join IPSY with me!

STAHP

I'm going to need you all to stop circulating this now, okay?

I am not saying Beth isn't in a cargo crate at Terminus, yelling her southern little songbird lungs out... But that's not her sweater cannibal Mary is sporting.

Thank you.

-Annie

HOMESCHOOLING IS NOT YOUR DECISION

I hate the feeling of having to justify decisions we make for our daughter. The look on almost everyone's face when it's mentioned that we are highly considering homeschooling her, is astounding. This is something that has been a constant discussion, a highly researched decision we are trying to make for her, not a decision we are making on a whim.

"Kids need socialization." That's the first thing everyone who feels a need to chime in on what we do for our daughter throws out at us. I threw it out too, when my best friend home-schooled her how 2+ grade advanced son. Before I thought I'd be a parent considering homeschooling. Being cramped in a room with 32 similarly minded/developed children and one adult is not my idea or desire for socializing. Being surrounded by different maturity and intelligence levels is what we consider socializing, and how we naturally learn. Experience, not memorization. School is preparing you for the real world- where everyone is exactly the same? It breaks a child's natural desire to learn, and instead they compete for stars, candy, bribes, and above all else to be seen as the best in the class. Don't get me started on the bully epidemic, the rising media coverage concerning sexual assault on children, statutory meetings with older students (who are still minors) and my favorite scare: my 7th grade music teacher trafficking child pornography. Who better than to teach, nurture, love, and protect my child than me? No one, that's who.

If you'd like some statistics regarding current homeschooling vs. public schooling in America, I'll provide them. For now, I'll just stick with this gem I found on Pinterest. It takes a village, and I love my reliable, loving village that helps us raise Nora with love, acceptance, and humor. I thank you for accepting her sensitivity and her soul made of glitter with a never-ending supply of applause and laughs when she wants an audience.  Its the village I don't know that scares me, us, and we don't need our parental decisions questioned or debated.

FAVORITE PRODUCTS OF 2013

I have been meaning to write a product rave for quite a while now, but I just haven't gotten around made the time to do it. Bad Annie, BAD. Well here is a big list of my favorite products of 2013. Nails, face, skin, and hair are covered in this post. What? You think I forgot about make up?1 Pshaw to you, darlin'. I needed a list exclusively for my favorite make-up products, but that is for another day! I am super excited to share it all with you! Onward!

1. Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover

How does it work? Open the cap, squeeze the gel onto your cuticle surrounding your entire nail, wait,  & scrape. FOUR easy steps to have better-than-professional grade cuticles. No cutting, no painful metal push- tools, and no rotary files removing the cuticle (and the top layers of your nail!).

How broke will I go? Roughly $4 and change and it lasts a very long time.

Downside: It doesn't work as fast as the directions say. I have to leave it on for about a minute before it works, instead of the suggested 30 seconds. 

2. Sinful Colors Nail Hardener & 3. Sinful Colors Quick Dry

How do they work? Open, apply to nail, close. These bad girls do their jobs, and do them well. I use the hardener as a base and top coat most of the time because my nails are super weak. I dab the Quick Dry on each layer so the dry time is lessened drastically and this is important to me! When do I have time to sit around and wait for 3-4 layers to dry? HAH!

How broke will I go? $3.99! I've paid upwards of $8 for a nail hardener that does the same thing. No, I will not be going back, thank you!

Downsides: The Quick Dry is watery/powdery. I cant explain the texture. it works, but it's thin and gets all over my cuticle. The Hardener has a slight color pick up if you dont want long enough to apply it to a colored polish. Wait a bit longer (I can't do that) and you'd be fine.

4. Sally Hansen Cream Hair Removal Kit

How does it work? Open, apply thick layer to desired area, spot test, remove completely, apply moisturizing cream. Lets be realistic, the older we get the more these rogue hairs pop up, it's a sad truth. Plucking, waxing, and epilating hair will make it come back brand new, appearing thicker and darker. Using a cream removal method acts like an acid to melt away the exposed hair, leaving the root in tact, and allowing it to regrow exactly the same: no thicker, no darker. I've experienced some redness around the areas immediately afterward, but its gone after the moisturizer soaks in and my skin rests a bit. No breakouts or rashes, though.

How broke will I go? $5 and change. A little goes a long way. I use this under my eye brows to get rid of the thin hair that my tweezers don't pick up. Smooth eye makeup, yes please!

Downsides: This shit stinks. Seriously, it smells exactly like Nair, and I am super sensitive to smells. So this being on my face turns my stomach. It works fast though, so it's a minor price to pay for an overall great product.

5. Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer

How does it work? Open/pump, apply to dry skin areas. I use this everywhere except my neck and face (see 6) and I only need to reapply if I've washed my hands. One application lasts me until my next shower, and I've had quite a few compliments on how soft my skin is. I've been using this for more than 6 years and I do not plan on stopping any time soon.
How broke will I go? $6 and change at Target or Shoprite for the biggest bottle. Walgreens usually carries the smaller bottle with 30% more for about $5 and change.

Downsides: The pump straw doesn't reach the bottom and I have to beat the hell out of the bottle to get the last 3/4 of an inch out, and the squeeze bottle top doesn't fit the pump bottle. Hashtag first world problems?

6. St. Ives Timeless Skin Collagen Elasin Facial Moisturizer 

How does it work? Open, apply liberally to face and neck. Fresh out of my shower I apply this to a dry or damp face and neck. The end. It smells clean, doesn't need reapplication, and doesn't break the bank. I cannot say if it does anything for wrinkles of tightening the skin because I've lucked out in both departments (I'm aging well, being 28 and all...).

How broke will I go? $4 and change at ShopRite.

Downsides: I do not like the packaging, at all.  I don't like dipping my fingers into the tub of lotion. I'd like a pump or squeeze bottle, because it's more sanitary.

7. Sally's Generic Value Product Conditioning Balm - Compare to Matrix Biolage Conditioning Balm

How does it work? Beautifully! Ha! Pour into hand, apply to shampooed hair, wait desired amount of time, rinse. It smells and works exactly like the original, at less than half the price. It leaves my hair smooth and shiny. A little goes a long way and this bottle has out-lasted 3 of the same size shampoos- and there is still plenty more remaining!

How broke will I go? $6 and change, depending if you're a Sally's card holder or not. It will cost you $5 to become a card holder for 1 year and you get the alternate pricing on products.

Downsides: The packaging flakes away after a while. It's a minor inconvenience to rinse away the little black specks that rub off. They eliminate the cost of fancy packaging to deliver an affordable product, so I'll take that arrangement everyday!

8. Sally's Generic Value Product Tea Tree Oil Shampoo - Compare to Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo

How does it work? Apply to wet hair, lather, rinse. Repeat if desired. This helped to clean my hair of impurities and build up without stripping it of natural oils. My favorite part about this shampoo is not what it does to my hair and scalp, but what it does to my lungs! The hot shower steam with the tea tree oil gives off a soothing vapor while you shampoo and rinse. (Sometimes, Matt uses it just for the vapors!)

How broke will I go? $6 and change, depending on your Sally's card status.

Downsides: I go through a bottle fast. I mean, 2-3 weeks fast. It's a thick shampoo so I need a bit extra to get it all over my long locks.

9. Ion Anti-Frizz Solutions Leave-in Conditioner

How does it work? Spray into towel dried/damp hair. Would you like me to repeat that? Simple, right? I use this on my ends because I haven't had a hair cut in 2 years and 7 months, therefore my ends needs some help keeping their shit in order. This lasts FOREVER. I've been using this product since 2005 and I've only been through 3 bottles. If you abide by product expiration dates (and I don't know of a single person that does) then you might be disposing of half-full bottles and starting over. That's crazy talk to me.

How broke will I go? $6 and change. I buy this at Sally's so again, prices vary if you're a 5 dolla' VIP with a Sally's card.

Downsides: If you go overboard, you will feel the build up. You learn how much you need, and then use that amount. Some days I go crazy because I love the smell and I'll spritz it all over my hair and when it dries, my hair looks worse than when I washed it. So, moderation. This shiz works!

10. Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deeeeep Conditioner

How does it work? Squeeze, apply, wait 3+ minutes, rinse. I have no complaints about this product, let me just tell you that now. I love the smell. I love the texture. I love the result of my hair. I love that a little goes a long way and the bottle lasts me forever. I love the packaging. No flip screw pump tops, pick it up and squeeze it into your hand. THUMBS UP FOR EASE! I love that it costs:

How broke will I go? $3 effin dollars and change. DASSIT! (Target)

Downsides: None. Seriously.

What made your 2013 favorites list? Have you tried any of these products and have a similar/opposite feeling about them? Comment below and let me know!

The Clueless Woman was not reimbursed or compensated to provide opinion on the above products. If you would like your product reviewed please email TheCluelessWoman@gmail.com or visit the contact page. The views expressed on this blog are purely that of the blogs author. I Have No Idea What I'm Doing will only endorse products or services that we believe are worthy of such endorsement. This blog does not accept any form of cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions. However, we will accept and keep free products, services, travel, event tickets, and other forms of compensation from companies and organizations. Those products, services, advertising space, post, or sponsored compensation will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content. This blog abides by word of mouth marketing standards. We believe in honesty of relationship, opinion and identity.
Basically, no one will pay me to sell you on something, if I don't love it myself.

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RAGE AGAINST EARLY CHRISTMAS!

I've been reading SO MUCH criticism about early Christmas celebrators on my Facebook and Pinterest pages. The music is on, the commercials have begun, the flyers and sales and recipes are circulating. I am guilty-if it were up to me, our home would be lit with the tree and decorations from my mothers last few jolly seasons with us, our stockings would be pinned and awaiting the goodies. My front door owl would have his Santa hat on instead of turkey feathers. Oh, yes. I am ALL about the Christmas season!

I don't think 25 days is long enough for this feeling! I wait all year for the spirit of Christmas to fill every room I enter! Every kitchen and every home is buzzing with anticipation of that magical night and fantastic morning! Its a perfect prelude into a New Year. New clothes, new toys, new stuff, new you! I don't understand why everyone is so upset that Christmas is pushed into our store aisles starting in October. I mean, what exactly can you decorate for Thanksgiving, that wont be replaced with some Christmas/Santa/Winter/Holiday thing in less than a month, anyway?
My fall dish towels get a few good weeks on display, and then out come my Poinsettia towels, then Snow men, then the Christmas TREE SET! Then Halloween because my life is so disorganized, I just can't care for a while.

Thanks Flickr for my Christmas Story photo. Best scene!

You don't have to decorate to be Thankful for Thanksgiving. Shit, it doesn't need to be Thanksgiving for you to express you're grateful. Thanksgiving should be daily, but Christmas only comes once a year! AND I PLAN TO CELELBRATE AND DECORATE LIKE CRAZY!

MUSIC FOR MY SOUL

I have a varied taste in music that I enjoy. I like a little bit of everything (except screamo. I just can’t get down with it.) When I need to get up and move for any reason: the gym, to clean the home when I’m just not motivated, to dance a bit while getting ready, these are some of my songs that I turn to.

THESHITICANTFIND is my playlist for
the songs I can never find because their titles
are just so, so wrong! Don't mind that!

Adam Lambert – If I Had You

Beyonce – Run The World

Ciara – That’s Right

Jennifer Lopez – On The Floor

Katy Perry – ET

Kid Cudi – Immortal

LMFAO – Shots (if I need to wake up early, I’ll set this as my alarm)

Pitbul – The Anthem

Ciara – Like A Boy

Fall Out Boy – My Sons Know What You Did in The Dark

Florence And The Machine – Dog Days Are Over

House of Pain – Jump Around

Kanye West & JayZ – Nigga’s in Paris

Ke$ha – Take it Off

Lady Gaga – Born This Way



Lady Gaga – Applause

Pussycat Dolls – When I Grow Up

Shakira – Rabiosa

System of a Down – BYOB

System of a Down – Sugar

Ying Yang Twins – Shake

Enur – Calabria

The Doors – Celebration of the Lizard King

The Transplants – Diamonds & Guns

Joan Jett – Do You Want to Touch

Fisherspooner – Emerge

Korn – Falling Away From Me

Pigeon John – Hello Everybody

DJ Class – I’m the Shit

Pussycat Dolls – Jai Ho

When I am in a mood for singing, or need inspiration, or music that will get rid of a funky mood, these are like my bibles.

Alanis Morissette – Anything from Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie, Jagged Little Pill, and Under Rug Swept.

Lorde - Roayls

Kelly Clarkson - Addicted

India Arie - Beautiful

Amel Larrieux - For Real

Florence And The Machine - Breath of Life

Thom York - Hearing Damage

Incubus - Make Yourself

India Arie - Can I Walk With You

Jem - They

Keysha Cole - I Changed My Mind

NECESSARY THINGS TO LIVE MY LIFE

What does it take to live my life? Not much, really. Not a lot of money, or things, or complications. I am a little busy, but its nothing anybody else couldn't handle. Its manageable, my life.
It takes patience to deal with the things I deal with. From small things like the terrible twos (small thing in MY experience, she isn’t constantly terrible. I’m beyond grateful!) to Brody getting into the garbage for people food while he’s already sick, to waiting until 8:30 to be allowed to do something for myself like homework or go to the gym.
Speed that a plus size mama with bad knees should have, for those fun shopping trips with an antsy, curious runner.
Reflexes like a cat, to be able to catch a clumsy, over tired child before she falls, or be able to scoop her up, get her onto the counter, and feed her some ice cream in less than 5 seconds when she does fall.
Organizational awareness, to keep the clutter (mostly) at bay.
Few self needs, because money isn’t exactly falling from the sky around here! I get very little for myself, even when I need something I will put it off as long as possible.
A sense of humor is key, because laughter is what gets me through what sleep cannot. Without laughing, I’d be crying, and I am not a pretty crier!
The ability to nap during the day is super important to me, because that is where I get most of my consistent, from 12-2!
Honesty is super important because even if I did decide to start lying, I would be horrible at it because I have such a bad memory. I can’t remember the things I do, never mind keeping up with a story of things I didn’t do. That’s too much work, and I’m busy enough.
I don’t have a crazy work ethic, but I have an insatiable need to provide for my daughter. I would rather struggle with managing my time by squeezing in two jobs, than struggle to pay my bills or take her places, or buy her Christmas presents. My pride as a mother is strengthened because I am willing to accept the work, whatever it may be, to better her life.

I like to think the biggest necessity in my life is strength to keep going. Persistence. Perseverance. My life is not exactly perfect, how I planned it to be, or ideal for some. I have some shit I go through in my personal, you will never know this unless you are severely close to me, life. I think the main reason why I am where I am is because I haven’t laid down and become a victim of my circumstance, I keep pushing through because that’s how my mother raised me. There is nothing handed to me in this life that I cannot handle. I handle it- that’s all there is to it. I handle everything head on, and plow through it.

HOW AM I DIGGING WINTERTIME?

Oh my gooooood I am over winter already and it hasn’t even officially begun! Every single year I forget how sweltering the summer is, and how subarctic the winter feels. I wish for it to be winter as I’m baking on the pavement, and wish for the summer when I’m slipping on it. I cannot be pleased!

There is much that I enjoy about every season, though.

In the summer I love the ease of not having to layer up simply to let the dog out.

In the winter I love the quite nights with closed windows and seeking the warmth of blankets and oversized sweaters.

I enjoy the leaves changing color, and the crispy sound they make on the ground in fall.

I love the sound and smell of rain and grass being mowed, and birds coming back to chirp in spring.

While winter may not be my favorite weather- I wouldn’t like to live where winter doesn’t exist. I love watching heavy snow fall- there’s nothing quite like it! I love feeling the cold glass of the window as I look at the snow collect, while warm in my home. I loved watching the child’s first clumsy climb into a pile of snow, and how she didn’t feel the cold when she clasped a fistful in her tiny chubby fist. This year, I can’t wait to take her sledding down a hill and teach her how to make snowballs.

Winter also brings me CHRISTMAS which is my favorite time of all! I’m unapologetically stating that Christmas is more exciting than the kid’s birthdays. Yes. Because Santa comes, and there are decorations and spirit and family and food- OH THE FOOD!! and cookies and home made candies and hot chocolate with marshmallows or whipped cream and traditions and that (awful) traditional Christmas music! I am entirely too excited, and it’s a month and a half away! I am that woman that wants her Christmas decorations and tree up before Thanksgiving!

What would Christmas be without the cold? It wouldn’t be the same for me.

OH THE FOOD! My favorite winter food is hot ham. Spiral, honey glazed, or pineapple glazed that my father in law makes, I LOVE a good ham! The only time of year anyone in my family ever makes it is Thanksgiving and Christmas-which is pretty unacceptable now that I think about it. My mother made this Pumpernickel cheese ball, where you dip the shredded bread- oh it was delicious. I'll be making that this year-well trying to make it I should say!

IF I HAD ONE WISH TO CHANGE THE WORLD.

Join the challenge!

If I had one wish that would be used to change the world, I would wish for: equality.

Complete and total equality amongst humans.

I don't believe there should be people with their own set of rules and laws that the rest of us will never benefit from. I don't believe that the rich should have more opportunities than the working class. I don't believe your gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation should ever be a factor. I think we should all have the same amount of chances, opportunities, and benefits. In order for this wish to work, it would have to balance out the population to have an even scale of work ethic. I do believe if you want something, you must work for it. I believe in hard work bringing you more opportunities than luck ever will. Mainly I want equality so that we don't have to fight anymore. How long can we fight a fight that shouldn't even be warred? How can you tell people they are not allowed to love?

How can you discriminate because of a color, accent, or ethnicity? How can you hate someone for believing in something different- something neither of you have proof exists- but something you have faith in. The pictures quote from the Macklemore song Same Love hit me hard with this one line. I have never been one to dispute anyone's beliefs. I don't even know what I believe in sometimes; my faith is constantly challenged and I admire those who are unfaltering in their  devotion. I don't think any good person should be less deserving of their basic human rights. I want us all to be equals. No more poverty, no more GAY rights, no more categorizing ourselves. We are people. We have one set of rights-and we ALL live within them. No more starvation. No more unequal healthcare. We'd all be just equals.

WHAT MAKES ME SMILE?

Autumn Spiced Blog Challenge

The days my daughter puts her face on mine, and just holds me tight with her chubby, perfect arms; that lights up my life. When she comes over to me and gives me a kiss, and then carries on with her business-that little break she takes to show me she loves me-that is my happiness. When she sees a mark on my body that isn’t regular, like a beauty mark or a freckle and points, asking “boo boo?” in a concerned tone, that caring soul makes me melt. When she grabs my hand to pull me to whatever she wants to show me, experience with me- that act of “join me on this journey to the other room, mommy. I want you with me.” is heartwarming. She gives me a happiness I never knew was possible. She allows me to open my mind and experience a peace, a chaos, a perspective I’ve never needed to have before. She causes me to worry every second I am alive. She forces me to have patience and to think in a better way. She teaches me to think twice about everything, because when the questions come, I want to be able to answer her with openness, honesty, and completely without any judgments. I want to be a better person, a better woman because of her. She motivates me and inspires me. She loves me for exactly who and what I am, and she in her entirety lights up my everything.

WHAT AM I GRATEFUL FOR?

Join in the Autumn Spiced Blog Challenge!

I am grateful for all around health; My daughters, nieces and nephews, siblings, family, and friends. I am thankful for what health we do have that keeps us going. I am grateful for the love expressed to my daughter and in turn, to myself. I am grateful for my life and all of my belongings. Belongings are nothing to compare to the souls I surround myself with, however many people aren't fortunate enough to own objects. I am grateful for my skills and abilities, for my working senses and functioning limbs and brain. I am grateful for a healthy child. I am grateful to have the thoughts I create and the ability to better myself daily. I am grateful for life- for each day- every moment. I am grateful for my opportunities and evolvement. I am grateful for my soul and to the parents that created my body for my soul to have a place to inhabit. I am grateful I created a body for my daughters soul. I am grateful for her soul, beyond all other things I have ever been grateful for, because she is an incredible, sweet, charismatic, beautiful, generous, funny, energetic, silly soul who makes me happy without even trying. I am grateful for my reasons to exist, and for existing.
I am plain, grateful.

On a sillier note, I am grateful that Daryl is still alive on The Walking Dead, cookies and ice cream, really fantastic food, and chapstick!

MAKE-IT MONDAY: OWL PUMPKIN!

 

Would you believe that at my unspecified age, I have never carved a pumpkin before? Well, believe it. Tonight-yes November 4th, don't judge me-I carved my first pumpkin! Before Halloween, I wanted to carve Loki, but I couldn't print the stencil because my printer abhors me. I wanted to carve something that wouldn't look too ridiculous sitting outside well into November, so tonight I freehanded the only bird I like- and the becoming-theme of my kitchen- an owl.

He was cute, but too big. I had to scale him down, and then figure out which parts I wanted to cut out complete, shave, and leave. This is SO much harder than I thought it would be because you have to cut to make the shapes and give your pumpkin an identifiable form, BUT you have to leave parts in tact for structure! It took me almost 2.5 hours from start to finish. 15 minutes of that was Matt trying to convince me to put my hand inside that disgusting, stringy, seedy hole and rip the guts out. Oh, that was ICKY! But, I did it, and in true OCD style, I re-drew my plan over and over, and over again on the skin with a dry erase marker. It comes right off so it worked perfectly!

After I was completely done carving scooping sawing drawing poking scraping shaping this beauty, I put some bleach and water in the sink, dunked the pumpkin inside and out with the mixture, let it dries, slathered some Vaseline on that bad boy, and put it outside.

I am SO proud of myself! My first pumpkin came out pretty damn good if I say so myself. There! I said so myself!

whooo! whoooo!

Preserved and nocturnal, between the child's plastic fall pumpkins.

 

 

Here are the others. Matt's Thunderbirds logo, and the child's felt, painted, and pierced creatures.

 

 

While it may be a bit late in the game, I've just put my November pumpkin out! What did you carve this year? Do you freehand or use stencils? Let me know with a comment down below!

 

Thanks for stopping by to my first Make-it Monday!



DAY THREE.

It has been mentioned here on my blog that I lost my mother in 2010 very unexpectedly. If you were not aware, you now are. The article of clothing I am very attached to, that is the center of my 15 Day Blog Challenge, is a blue sweater of hers.

Can't you just feel the oversized mommy comfort this brings me? yesssssssss.

She wore this sweater almost every day of her life. It was soft, warm, comfortable, and had pockets for her cigarettes- hello, bonus! It has big buttons that close in the front so it could be thrown on and off quickly, worn closed or opened. It was an object that brought her warmth and comfort.

It is now an article that brings me warmth, comfort, and the representation of a hug from her. Not that we hugged a lot-ohh nooo-my mother was vehemently disgusted by physical affection. We are not a touchy feely people! But it was her sweater, and now I swear it, and therefore it is a hug, dammit!

This is my favorite article of clothing next to my Hogwarts tshirt. I don’t get attach to clothes (tell that to the three bags of pre-partum clothing still waiting for me in the closet that I cant donate!) but this is the one object I’d like to remember when the zombies rise.

Do you have a sentimental article of clothing? Socks your grandma knit, or a shirt of your best friend who moved too far to visit? Comment below and tell me about it so I know I’m not the only one!

DAY TWO, BABY

I wish I were more interesting.

Sometimes, I converse with myself-intensely.

I am actually counting each word.

VERY excited to start freelancing work!

Entirely too exhausted to complete this.

Revisit DAY ONE for the blog challenge, join in, and let me know so I can read your posts!

WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU?

What exactly can I offer you?
I can offer you an identity.
Nothing illegal! What I mean is, I can help you build your business identity. I can help you draw in the crowd, bring in the money, and keep them coming back for more. I am your graphic designer, and I am here to help you create your brand.

What is it that I do?
I create! I create the sign above your door that people can see driving down the road. I create the watermark for your photographs to keep them yours and to gain you exposure (see what I did there!). I create the menu for your small business, the business card you will hand out whenever the opportunity presents itself, and I create the design that will be your money-maker. I create the graphics you will post on your blog, website, and social media accounts.

Thank you www.asenathhorton.com

THE BEGINNING: DAY ONE

[1]

Family above all else. My siblings are the most helpful, selfless, generous people I share this life with and I’m very blessed to have them. They help each other (and me) in anyway they are capable. I love my siblings immensely and thank my stars that we were raised the way we were.

[2]

I lost my mother at 25. I guess 25 years is better than nothing, right? But with my mother, no amount of time would have been enough. She was just a classy, funny-as-hell broad that you loved to be around. I miss her excruciating amounts.

[3]

I cried when I found out the child was a girl. Four months after losing my mother, we found out the gender of “nugget” and I said “It’s still early, though. She could still grow a penis!” It wasn’t until I was driving home, missing my mother, and thinking about the incredible relationship we had as mother and daughter, that I realized I was beyond ecstatic to have a girl. I didn’t realize I wanted a daughter so bad until it was confirmed that I was building one. So when people tell me to wait for those teenage years when she hates me and I’m wrong about everything- suck it. My mother was my best friend no matter what age I was, and I have complete confidence that while we will fight, the child will feel the same towards me.

[4]

I have no self discipline. I do what I want, when I want to do it, and that is why I am still not back to my pre-partum weight. I don’t bargain with or restrict myself from the things that I want and enjoy because life is short.

[5]

I want to own a home more than I want to be back into my pre-baby clothing. I want to be a home owner and enjoy the struggles and hassles and the yard! Oh, the yard!

[6]

I loathe ketchup. Get that nasty away from me!

[7]

I unapologetically love TV, movies, and fiction books. I love getting away for a while in the comfort of my home, wrapping myself in their story and being enveloped. I can’t afford to travel so why not?

[8]

My mom called me Poopy my entire life. I believe it came from my unyielding love for Winnie the Pooh. I used to cry when it (and Gumby) was over and the credits rolled.

[9]

I love to clean late at night. (Another reason I want my own home instead of an apartment!) If I could clean at night without disturbing anyone, my apartment would always be perfectly organized and gleaming.

[10]

I can spend 12 hours on my computer without a 2^nd thought. I haven’t in a very, very long time, but I could.

[11]

I am not a morning person. I do not enjoy coffee. I will have a morning conversation with you and not remember a single word of it. It is best to leave me alone until after 12pm, just to be safe.

[12]

I am terrified of birds. However, I love owls. They are a special little fowl that I enjoy and would probably even pet. All other birds should just go away, though.

[13]

I am also terrified of spiders, thousand-leggers, and any bug that jumps. Screw it, bugs. I’m just scared of bugs. I also wouldn’t want to come face to face with bears or sharks, because I’d pee all over.

[14]

I gnaw my nails off when I am stressed while reading, and I won’t realize I’ve done it until I’m finished and in pain.

[15]

I take 600+ pictures and videos with my phone in a 2 week period.

FUNKY FABRIC SHIRT TO DUST COVER: MINI-TUTORIAL

Hey there! I wanted to post a really simple, fast, and useful tutorial for you. I made this Thursday between the time I put the child to bed, and before she fell asleep. Super simple! Now here's the backstory and tutorial!

7/2010. Me at 24 in my awesome shirt from Target

So once upon a time before I became a mommy, I was thinner and wore cute tops like this. (Big ups to my sister-from-another-mister Ryne over at 1, 2, 3, 4, Kids, Bacon, Coffee, More. for this photo of outstanding quality and character!) I saved this top hoping to fit into it again once I've reached my weight-related goals, but when I pulled my Al Borland shirt at the beginning of summer I noticed a small-yet noticeable-hole right on the stomach. After weeping for a few moments, I tossed aside my old plaid friend and awaited inspiration.

Being the mother to a toddler, a student, employed, and book lover, I really don't have the time or the space I need to use my sewing machine often. So after dusting off my sewing machine for the 70th time, it dawned on me. Use my funky fabric for a dust cover! It will allow me to peer over at the colorful plaid, and keep the dust off of my lovely, barely used machine. Let us begin.

Step 1: I cut the bra top and elastic off, and place on the child to wear. (That’s not mandatory.) Because the top is an empire style top which flares out at the bottom, I didn’t need to neatly rip my seams apart. I cut the seams off and folded the two pieces- good side together/insides out-and making sure I had the needed length, cut the flared excess fabric away. I was left with 2 squares of fabric.

Step 2: (not photographed) pin. I didn’t care if the patchwork matched up-the patchier the better-so I didn’t line anything up. I pinned one side, sewed it using a straight stitch size 3, checked for any gaps. Pinned the second side, sewed it, and checked it. For the top, I threw it over the top of my machine before pinning, because I didn’t want excessive fabric drooping below the machine. I gathered the fabric, pinned one on each side, gathered the fabric on the edges, continued pinning on top of the gatherings, and then finally sewed the top.

Step 3: Simple hem along the bottom. I saved this for last because if I accidentally made it too long, I could cut and hem to make it fit even better. Luckily all I had to do was help the raw edge.

It isn’t fantastic, but it fits and it works! It only took me about 15 minutes from start to finish.

Show me your dust covers-bought or made! Help me make better tutorials, comment below and tell me what I could have added to make this more helpful!

ABS & ASS: BACK ON TRACK

For about 2.5 weeks I've been super demotivated. My body has not come back fast enough and I was going to punish the gym by not using it.
So, I just wasted my money and my indulgences, because I didn't even attempt to burn to calories off! Well, I saw some results today in my most unflattering pants. That motivated me all over again! Also in the time I had not gone to the gym I lost 1lb, and that makes me even happier.

 

So I need to really get on track with my stomach. My abdominal muscles (or lack thereof) is straining my lower back, and that doesn't feel good at all. Tomorrow I am starting an ab & squat challenge, and I am going to repeat each set 3x through out the day. A bit after breakfast, a bit after lunch, and while at the gym with weights (for squats). The more, the heavier, the better!

Found it over at 30dayfitnesschallenges.com!

 

 

Also, I will be posting some freebies here in short time! I'm so so excited about it!

 

(Slow Cooker finale is coming up, soon. I'll explain why this time it took so long when it's posted. Well, Ill just tell you now. It's your fault for not giving me delicious recipes. I hope you're proud of yourself!)

 

 

 

DOMESTICATING MYSELF WITH FRUGAL LIVING

Before Friday night, when I took my family and in-laws out to eat because I did not feel like cooking- we had not been out to eat in quite a while. I've been really trying to cook more, buy more produce, and keep up with my kitchen duties. I cannot-and will not-lie to you... Cooking just isn't fun for me! It's very stressful! The dog under my feet, tripping over the car, kicking toys and magnets, little hands pulling food off the counter- onions burning my eyes, the heat, splatter, waiting, tasting.... It's too much!

Now baking: I LOVE to bake-when there isn't a 2 year old running around who thinks the oven-glass door is a mirror for her to sit in front of and watch herself make awesome faces. So baking doesn't actually happen too often, but when it does I enjoy it!

 

Yes, I attempted to do a slow-cooker-week a while back but life got in the way. This week I am serious about it! I made some meatballs last week that we're so delicious, they were immediately requested for this week and claimed as a new favorite dish. That's motivation!

 

I'll figure out dinner first thing in the morning after I take note of the pantry and freezer inventory for my shopping list. After that I will meal plan the rest of the week. Through out the week I'll post my meal plan, ingredients, prep, cook time, and results of the meals.

 

No pizza or perogie dinners (favorite go-to's when we come home late/are tired) this week, ONLY meals that have been slow cooking.

 

 

Send me your favorite recipes to try out! Post them below if you'd like them to be public of private email me!

WEIGHT LOSS: FACIAL PROGRESS

 Before: 9/2011  During: 6 & 7/2013

I didn't realize how heavy I had gotten. This wasn't due to pregnancy. This was 2 months of a crumb-cake and Pepsi diet. Trying to keep myself awake with a new born, eating something that would fill me up quickly. How incredibly fast the weight came on, and how incredibly slow it is leaving! But, IT IS LEAVING. The first progress pictures I am sharing, and I hope I'll have more soon. As nerve wracking as this is, it's also liberating and motivational to me.

I owe thanks to my family and friends who are endlessly supportive (and patient with my constant blabbering's of weight loss)!

My current short-term goal is to lose 8lbs by 8/28. 15 Days. :)