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Tuesday, March 31, 2015

beauty: in my makeup bag-the basics

i love nail polish, and beauty products, and makeup. i love the products i use, but i also like new ideas of what everyone else uses.


i started taking things out of my makeup bag planning to do one post until i realized i have far too many things in there. for the next few weeks let's talk about what's in my makeup bag starting with the basics.


it's hard to believe i fit so much stuff in this small bag, but i really do fit a ton of stuff in there.

i've talked about face primer before. i always start with primer. i currently use monistat chafing gel-yes, you read that right. next i cover under eye circles and blemishes with clinique concealer. i prime my eyes with urban decay.

i use bare minerals original foundation, concealer, blush, warmth, and tinted mineral veil

i never thought i had a lot of brushes until i took them all out. most of them are bare minerals. eye shadow brushes are avon and clinique. i apply a couple of coats of mascara while warming the eyelash curler in my hand and then separate eyelashes as needed.

what are the basics in your makeup bag?

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Monday, March 30, 2015

random rambling...spring has sprung

a lot of people get super excited for fall. while i do actually love fall, most of the time i don't enjoy it. fall means winter is coming, and i really don't like winter. spring is totally different. spring means summer is coming, and i LOVE summer!
i run outside all year, but spring running is my fave! the weather on saturday was 100% perfect.

summer means 
sun
pool days
bbqs
fireworks
long nights
tennis
sandals
bright colors
and so much more
are you excited for summer or are you dreading it?
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Friday, March 27, 2015

party

i'm an any excuse to have a party kind of person so when stephanie mentioned celebrating her bloggy birthday, i was totally on board. instead of giving her presents, she and a few others of us are giving you present...ad space+target giftcard. i have a never ending wishlist at target so this is perfect.



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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, March 26, 2015

unblogged bloggable...build your blog conference

i had the opportunity to attend build your blog conference last month. i always say utah is a blogging mecca, and it's really true. it was a bit of a last minute decision to attend the conference. since it was here in utah, it was pretty easy to make the arrangements to attend.
the downside of a last minute decision is i went pretty unprepared. i'm right in the middle of blog re-design so i didn't go prepared with business cards or a media kit. i spent the week of the conference freaking out about it until i finally had to give up and realize it would be fine. 

i started the conference the night before with a jeans fitting with alicia.  

 ready or not...
 i found out the night before that i did actually have friends going. it made the conference so much more fun.
sandy, jacque, me, kelly

 the conference included main sessions in the morning and break outs throughout the day. i learned a lot about my social media strategy and realized i need to up my game with pinterest and facebook.

kelly, jacque, and i had dinner at nordstrom before heading back to talk to brands. i made a few connections, and i'm excited to hopefully have a few new partnerships. after the networking session, we hung out in the lobby talking and laughing for a few hours. we ran into a few friends. i loved attending the sessions and learning, but the time with friends was my favorite part.

we attended the first break out session in the morning before it was time for the girls to check out of the hotel. when they went to put the stuff in the car, jacque had a flat tire. we got that taken care of but ended up missing most of the afternoon. i'm excited to watch the videos they made of the conference.

we got back in time to get dressed for the evening and take some pictures.
sandy, kelly, jacque, me, sarah 

 the conference ended with a dinner gala
jacque and i met in the bathroom of bright night last summer, and we became instant friends. i was so happy when i found out she was attending the conference. even though i wasn't as prepared as i should have been, spending the weekend with friends made it a great weekend.
 with the band from the gala

 after it was over, sandy and sarah took us to a delicious pho place. i was definitely hesitant about going, but the food was amazing.

as nervous as i was about attending, build your blog was a definite success. now to implement the things i learned...


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Wednesday, March 25, 2015

what's up wednesday

i kind of can't believe it's only wednesday, but in the spirit of not wishing my life away waiting for the future...yay it's wednesday! i found a fun wednesday link up last week, and i'm excited to join in this week. head over to guest host life with rosie if you want to link up.
What's Up Wednesday

What I loved about the past week
getting out of here for a weekend in the sun

What I'm looking forward to
spring break with this babe and her sister and brothers. i can't even wait to see the little thing. i'm dying.

What my latest obsession is
fruit infused water

What I've been daydreaming about
sleep. is that weird? every morning i think about when i can sleep again #illsleepwhenimdead

What I'm watching
i love love love the bachelor, but i'm kind of happy it's over. i like not having a show right now.

What I'm listening to
the radio

What I'm craving
i gave up candy for lent (no i'm not Catholic), and i'm ready for it to be over.

What I'm doing this weekend
getting together with some other bloggers for a blogger chat

What else is new
ok it's not really this bad, but it is cold. utah has the weirdest weather. it was 70 degrees last week, and now it's 50.


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Tuesday, March 24, 2015

beauty...fave spring/summer polish

last week we talked about the steps to making nail polish last. i like to stick with seasonally appropriate colors. i like the change in seasons, and i get excited to start using the new season of polish. spring is here which means bright and bold polishes. i have far too much polish, yet i can't seem to resist participating in nail swaps or picking up new colors. these are some of my current faves..
spring/summer colors
essie madison ave-hue
essie wife goes on
essie peach daiquiri
essie the girls are out
OPI-shorts story
essie-50 ginza
essie-turquoise&caicos
essie-mint candy apple
metalic
essie-pin the tassel
essie-jiggle hi jiggle low
essie-good as gold
glitter
OPI by sephora-spark-tacular top coat
essie-summit of style
OPI-my favorite ornament
sinful frenzy
zoya-ginny
essie-a cut above

i love trying new colors. what are some of your faves?
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Monday, March 23, 2015

weekend happs

my weekend was spent taking a quick little trip to st. george. weekend getaways are my favorite!
i left work early enough on friday afternoon to beat some of the weekend traffic. i spent the evening visiting my grandparents. i wish i would have taken a picture, but they're not too big into pictures. my friends (laurann, kim, michelle, stefanie) got there around 10:00 so i went to the condo to meet them.
saturday morning started off with a nice long walk around the park. i usually run a lot of miles on saturday morning so it was nice to sleep in and relax.

we spent most of the afternoon at the pool. i read, chatted with my friends, and soaked up the sun. it was absolutely perfect!
that night we went to the eureka in mesquite to play bingo. i've played bingo on a cruise before, but that's it. we had a ton of fun, and stefanie and kim even won. some of the people there were so serious about it. the bingo part was fun, but the people were even more fun.
i left sunday morning and made it home right in time for church.
the weekend was exactly what i needed-a very refreshing break from reality. how was your weekend? any exciting happs?
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Friday, March 20, 2015

foodie friday...girl scout cookies+cupcakes

it's the best cookie time of the year...girl scout cookie time. i love girl scout cookies-especially samoas and thin mints, and i also love cupcakes. why not put the 2 together?!?




1. put thin mint at bottom of cupcake liner
2. fill 3/4 full with white cake batter mixed according to package
3. bake and let cool
4. add 2 tsp mint extract to your favorite buttercream or vanilla frosting and color green
5. frost and enjoy

 






1. put samoa at bottom of cupcake liner
2. fill 3/4 full with white cake batter mixed according to package
3. bake and let cool
4. add 2 tsp coconut extract to your favorite buttercream or vanilla frosting and
5. frost and sprinkle with coconut
6. enjoy

both of these cupcakes are killer. this would easily work with any girl scout cookies. what's your fave? 
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Thursday, March 19, 2015

Meet More Mormons

every once in a while (usually the first sunday of the month) i talk about churchy things. several months ago, i wrote a post about being a mormon (member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints). i'm back to introduce 18 more mormons.

    Looking for some new blogs to follow? These are some of the best.

Awesome Mormon Bloggers You Should Know

  Alexis Tanner, We Like to Learn As We Go   profile_pic_1100x1540   I'm a SAHM to 3 kids 4 and under so life can be a little crazy! I love to blog about how I'm learning to be a mom, family activities, crafts, recipes, product reviews, book reviews, and giveaways. Come learn with me!   Check out a few of her posts:   Kids' Painted Valentine's Bags Father's Day Shirt Cake Chewy Eggnog Cookies
  Brittany Bullen, BrittanyBullen.com and International Bloggers Association   clickable headshot   My mission is BrittanyBullen.com is to help my readers discover the incredible potential within them. I love musicals, marketing, writing, the occasional DIY project and talking about how much better life is since I joined the LDS church. I started the International Bloggers' Association to create a community of supportive bloggers who are dedicated to helping each other succeed.   Check out these posts:   DIY Marble Countertop Look for Under $30 How to Audition Like a Pro When You Feel Like an Amateur 9 Reasons to Stop Being Afraid of Mormons     Kathleen Clegg, Fearlessly Creative Mammas   lunch   We are very close sisters (in heart, not distance) who blog together on all things creative and on family. We love to create recipes, craft projects, and DIY. We also do some book reviews because we both love to read. We have some family members with Celiac Disease, so expect us to throw in some gluten free cooking along the way. We love to get our inspiration for our projects from our real life so that not only can we use what we're creating, but so our readers can use the project as well. You won't find anything too fancy on our blog because we are not fancy people. We are moms like many of you. We enjoy spending time with our families, traveling and sitting on the beach. (One of us actually lives by the beach. The other, not so much.) We get together as much as we can, but it isn't often enough, so we talk on the phone almost daily. We love blogging and hope you will swing by our blog and check it out.   Check out a few of their posts:   Chemo Bucket of Cheer Chocolate and Vanilla Sandwich Cookies Grandma's Butterscotch Cookies
  Candice Schenk, She's Crafty   headshot_5   I'm a crafty girl who is a wife, mother, daughter of our Heavenly Father, photographer, wanna be interior decorator, party thrower, Young Women leader, organizer, power tool enthusiast, craft supply hoarder, and lover of all things creative. My little part of the blog world reflects all of these things.   Check out a few of her posts:   Harry Potter Birthday Party Girls Camp Treats Home Tour: Craft Room   Stephanie Loiaza, Six Sisters Stuff   sss_logo   We are six biological sisters who started our blog to stay in touch with each other. As it has grown, we decided to just focus on quick and simple family recipes, easy DIYS, fun activities for families, and home projects.   Check out a few of their posts:   Fresh Food Friday: 50 Easy and Delicious Chicken Breast Recipes One Bowl Chocolate Cake (made from scratch!) 25 Easy Hairstyles With Braids
  Amberly L, A Prioritized Marriage   lambertsen15 (1)   The goal of A Prioritized Marriage is to inspire other couples to put their marriage first and make an effort every day to build up their relationship with each other, no matter what life brings. There is always room for growth and learning in your relationship, no matter how long you've been together. If you want a strong marriage, you have to work at it continuously. You have to be willing to set aside your pride and look for ways that you can improve in your role as a spouse and make your marriage better. It is important to not only set goals that you can work toward as a couple, but also to look at what you can do personally to help your marriage be amazing! The goal of A Prioritized Marriage is not to portray what a perfect marriage should look like, because marriage relationships aren't perfect and no two marriages are the same. The posts that you find here will always be a transparent and honest portrayal of a real married relationship that is constantly growing and evolving. The purpose of this blog is not to say what you should or shouldn't be doing in order to have a happy and successful marriage. The purpose of this blog is to encourage couples to look at their own marriages, find areas where there is room for improvement, and set goals to help their marriage relationship reach its full potential! A Prioritized Marriage is written for everyone. Whether you're still single and preparing for a future relationship, dating someone and starting to think about marriage, engaged and planning for a future together, or married for any length of time, you can choose to change the future of your marriage relationship now and apply these posts to your life.   Check out a few of her posts:   Why A Prioritized Marriage? The Man I Didn't Even Know I Needed The Time I Took It To Facebook   Looking for some new blogs to follow? These are some of the best.   Bobbie at A Vision to Remember   headshot   I first found my love for sewing when I had my first daughter 7 years ago. Since then, all 3 of my girls and my little boy have been my inspiration for everything I do. Right now, I love to make and sew rag quilts, car seat tents, baby blanket, rag quilt patterns, car seat tent patterns, ruffled curtains. Many times you can find me in my sewing room sewing away at customer orders, but when I am not doing that I enjoy blogging. You can find sewing, home decor, craft, and DIY tutorials on my blog along with updates to shop, A Vision to Remember.   I hope you find your "Vision to Remember" Inspiration here on my blog or in my shop.   Check out a few of her posts:   7 Ways I Use Vinegar to Clean Easiest Quilt Binding Method Ever! How To Decorate a Large Wall
  Camille Walker, My Mommy Style   my_mommy_style_head_shot   My Mommy Style is written by three women that also happen to be family! Camille and Janae are sisters and Melissa is their cousin. We wanted to create a space online that we could share the beauty of motherhood and family life. We believe there is not just ONE right way to be a Mother and we enjoy sharing those different "styles" to our readers in hopes that they can find something that will influence them in a positive way. It is so easy to compare one's self to others and we hope to encourage women to be the best Mom that they are no matter the differences. We share parenting tips, recipes, travel, activities, inspiring stories, fashion, health, decor, holiday fun, fitness, DIY, and learning activities for children.   Check out a few of their posts:   Healthy Lunch Box Ideas - Week 2 A Complete Guide to Nursing Your Baby He Knows Us By Name
  Andie Thueson, Maybe I Will   andie_all_made_up   I know from experience how hard it can be to stay fit and healthy while raising children or meeting the demands of a career! My aim is to make fitness and healthy eating simple and fun! Just because you need to lose some weight or get in shape doesn't mean it has to be this exhausting chore! I firmly believe that fitness and health is NOT a destination!! It’s a way of life! So follow along on my day to day journey as I am navigating motherhood, my waistline, AND my sanity! So what can you expect?!?! …You can expect; Kick Boot-ay workouts, drool worthy healthy recipes, and AWESOME Tips to help you become a more Positive, Fit and Healthy Person! – Plus lots of fun!   Check out a few of her posts:   Why I Love to Work Out (and You Should Too!) Finding Your Balance By Making Me Time a Priority 10 Exercises You Should Re-Embrace From Your Childhood
  Heidi Hillman, A Lively Hope   welcome_photo   I'm Heidi: a maker, mama, dreamer and planner. A Lively Hope is a place for me to share all the things I love. I tell the story of our family, including my handsome engineering genius husband and our three miracle children (one biological girl and two adopted boys). Here you'll find everything from books and homeschooling to home improvement projects and goals. I love to scripture journal, create art and make things. I share thoughts on faith, parenting and taking time to develop our talents. I love to share free printables and ideas to help your busy family. I hope I can offer the inspiration and encouragement you need.   Check out a few of her posts:   In Which I Share Strong Feelings About Feeding Our Children 2015 LDS Free Primary Theme and Scripture (Free Printable) Chunky Crochet Blanket Pattern

  Danielle Davis, Today's The Best Day   danielle_headshot   A website dedicated to celebrating the journey of motherhood and enhancing every mom's parenting experience. Danielle, the owner and creator of Today's The Best Day, was told at a young age that she probably would not have the opportunity to become a mom - and her dreams were shattered. But after several years of fertility treatments and countless prayers - she learned that miracles DO happen! With a desire to better the lives of women everywhere, Danielle created this website to be a place where women can come together to strive to make EVERY day, the BEST day for themselves, their marriages and their families.   Habits of a Successful Mom 10 Ways to Stay "Best Friends Forever" With Your Husband Dos and Don'ts of Being a Good Mom
  Meredith Ethington, Perfection Pending   hello   I’m a mother of 3 writing about my quest to stop trying to be the perfect mother, and just be the mother I was always meant to be. I love encouraging other moms to do the same! I like to write about all the “perfect” and not-so-perfect moments I encounter everyday raising my three kids. I also occasionally share recipes that my kids will actually eat, so that maybe you can try them out on your kids too. Just call me your test kitchen.   How to Become the "Sorry Not Sorry" Mom The Survival Skill Every Parent Needs Asian Chicken Salad
  Staci Potter, The Potters' Place   family_pic_14_001   The Potters-Place is a blog where you will find a creative place to show what we are creating, making, DIY-ing, and doing at our place. We hope to help inspire you to create a happy, simple home! We sale a monthly box called the Potter Packs. They sale for $20.00 a month and that includes shipping. We like to keep it a secret but we can tell you this, each pack contains a printable, a yummy treat, seasonal items, a craft, cute things to wear and other fabulous items we know you will love.   Craft Room Glitter Pens Thrifty Finds
  Mandy Beyster, Sugarbee Crafts   sugarbee01   Hi! I'm Mandy and I blog at www.SugarBeeCrafts.com, where you'll find all sorts of awesomeness. If I can do a project, you can too, and I love to show you how with step-by-step tutorials. Crafts, DIY, sewing, recipes, and so much more. I have 4 kiddos and enjoy living in the midwest, where we are currently building our own home (the ultimate DIY!!)   Check out a few of her posts:   DIY Foam Frames of Awesomeness Giant Picture Tutorial Nightstands - From a Desk!
  Lisa at Pebbles and Piggytails     image     Pebbles & Piggytails is all about inspiring families to make life meaningful! Whether it's making a recipe or craft together, or just finding time together I believe in making moments count. I learned this first-hand when I was in a auto-pedestrian accident while 6 months pregnant in 2007. Although the driver was intoxicated, we miraculously survived and learned how precious life can be. I believe there is no way to have a perfect family, but that you can enjoy being together no matter how you live. I'm just a freckled-face, down-to-earth girl who loves simple but meaningful things. My blog is full of yummies and crafts to make as well as DIY projects and fun family activities. I also blog about funny parenting stories, finding joy, and all the lessons learned along the way. Come make your day meaningful!   Read some of her posts: My Accident and Miracle Simple Frozen Birthday Party Ideas A Quick, Cheap, Sugar Popcorn Treat
  Katelyn Fagan at What's Up Fagans?   image     What's up Fagans? is a blog about Katelyn Fagan and her family's adventure in this awesome, totally hard thing called life. They keep things real, honest, practical, and simple. At What's up Fagans? you'll find posts that are helpful to your soul, your home, your health, your children, and your spouse. The Fagans are a simple, imperfect, frugal, faithful lot, who want to help you find balance, happiness, love, beauty, and joy in your everyday life.   Check out a few of her posts:   Why I'm Not Telling My Kids They Can Be Whatever They Want to Be How to Get Over the Fear of Pregnancy After a Miscarriage I'm a Bad Mom and So Are You
  Elizabeth Lund at Balm to My Soul   image     I’m Elizabeth! I am a wife, mother, blogger, speaker and therapist. The focus of Balm to My Soul is to uplift, inspire and empower men and women. I love to blog about what I do, so you will find food (yum!), DiY projects, life lessons, articles on well-being, faith (I'm a Mormon!), and other great resources. So, come on over. Stay a while. Share your story with me! Maybe we can learn something together.   Check out her posts: Enough! 9 Essentials to Teach Your Daughter About Body Image The Five Minutes That Changed My Life
  Camille Gillham, Chicken Scratch n Sniff   1ckntag   Our mission at Chicken Scratch n Sniff is to strengthen the individual, teacher, and family. Find LDS lesson helps (Primary and Relief Society), scripture studies and journals, family time activities, and more!   Snuggle Up To Some Netflix Movies Tonight Studying the Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson The Miracles of Jesus: An Easter Scripture Study  

and mine so you can read a little more about me...

  dsc_0003 (1)   I'm a working girl dreaming about someday being a stay at home something. Like my life, my blog is about a little bit of everything. I blog about fashion, running, recipes, travel, happenings, crafts, and everything in between. I love connecting with others, and I want everyone to be my best friend.   Check out a few of her posts:  Random Rambling... The 10th Wheel Weddings and Wedding Cake... Steve and Rachel Random Rambling... Dating+Giveaway   

  I hope you've found some new people to meet in this list. I know I did!
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