unblogged bloggables-flashback to 1986

celsey and shawn turned 30 this year so the decided to have a flashback to 1986 combined birthday party to celebrate. we all dressed 80s style and celebrated the 80s-especially 1986. we had a candy bar, soda station, and 80s games and costumes.

 

wear it wednesday-holiday dress

since Christmas was on Sunday this year, my mom insisted we have new outfits to wear to church. in my head i wanted a black knee length lace dress or at least skirt. it is always risky to have something specific in mind. i got really lucky and found exactly what i wanted a few days before christmas.

dress nordstrom rack|shoes aldo

beauty time tuesday-new products

i did not officially say i was on a makeup spending freeze, but i also haven't been buying much new lately. i have sooooo much makeup, and i have been trying to use what i have instead of buying a ton of new stuff. i recently ran out of bronzer and wanted to try something new. i also got a few new things for the holidays.

IT cosmetics shadow/highlighter/mascara kit, urban decay subversion lash primer, urban decay beware shadow, MAC blush baby blush 

Too faced bronzer, Marc Jacobs eyeliner and lipstick. 

So far I love it all. I was hesitant to try a new bronzer, but I really like it. Have you tried anything new lately?

 
 

go green

8 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Recycle

By: Maurine Anderson

Many of us are used to recycling things like newspaper, glass bottles, plastic tubs, and soda cans, but did you know that there are a great many more things that you could be recycling as well? Here is a look at 10 things you didn’t know you could recycle.

Plastic bags and film

You may have known that it’s possible to recycle plastic store bags by bringing them to a designated drop-off location in your area (such as a nearby grocery store), but what you may not have known is that you can recycle other types of plastic bags and plastic film at these as well. In addition to plastic store bags, you can also include zip close food storage bags, plastic cereal box liners, furniture and electronic wrap, plastic shipping envelopes, product wrap (such as on toilet paper), and any film packaging or bag that has the How2Recycle Label shown at right. All plastic bags and film for drop-off must be clean, dry, and free of any receipts or labels.

Makeup packaging

Many people don’t recycle toiletry and makeup containers simply because they seem to be made of too many materials to recycle. Recycling this makeup packaging, however is easier than you think. Many makeup companies like MAC Cosmetics, LUSH, Origins, and Aveda have their own programs which allow you to take old packaging in for some sort of discount on their products. If your cosmetics company doesn’t offer a recycling program, you can also work through  a program like TerraCycle to recycle your makeup packaging responsibly. Alternatively, you can upcycle your old cosmetics containers simply by reusing them for new purposes.

Ink cartridges

You’ll often find instructions for recycling your old ink cartridges right on the package of your new ink cartridge. In fact, some companies even include packing materials and free postage right in the box in case you want to recycle your old cartridge via mail. Alternatively, you can have your ink cartridge refilled at a retailer like Walgreens or Costco. Office supplies stores like Office Depot also usually run ink cartridge recycling programs, letting you recycle your ink and toner cartridges in-store.

Batteries

As this article points out, batteries are another often under-recycled product. Alkaline or copper zinc AAA, AA, C, D, 6V, and 9V batteries should be placed in the trash, but most other types of batteries can either be recycled or have regulations concerning proper disposal methods. Batteries you can recycle include rechargeable AA and AAA batteries, lithium batteries, lithium ion batteries, and zinc air batteries. You can also recycle those rechargeable batteries that are found in devices such as cell phones, cameras, laptops, and power tools. (When in doubt, look for the battery recycling seals on recyclable batteries.) To recycle these batteries, visit a site like call2recycle.org to find a battery recycling location near you. If you wish to recycle your old car battery, meanwhile, you can bring it to a waste management center which will eventually recycle it, or you can look for an auto retailer or service center who might buy it back from you.

Computers and electronics

Computers and electronics can be recycled either by bringing them to a local Goodwill or shelter, or by going through a local responsible recycler. (You can go to e-Stewards.org to find a local recycler near you.) Some retailers like Staples and Best Buy may also take your old electronics off your hands for recycling.

Appliances

If your old appliance still works, you can take it to a local Goodwill so that it can be re-used. Non-working appliances can be recycled through a local appliance recycler. Visit Earth911.com or recycle-steel.org to find a recycler near you.

Fluorescent light bulbs

Yep—fluorescent light bulbs can indeed be recycled. The easiest way to recycle these is to take them to a local IKEA, Home Depot, or Lowe’s.

Christmas trees

Christmas trees—real or fake—can be recycled as well. To recycle a real Christmas tree, take advantage of Christmas tree pick up or drop off if your city offers it, as these services will take the trees and grind them into mulch for city parks. If your city doesn’t offer such a service, you can alternatively work through an organization such as Boy Scouts, who might pick up your tree for recycling for a modest fee.  To recycle a fake Christmas tree, consider donating it to a thrift store or charity so that it can be reused.

homemade bath bombs

i am not a huge soak in the bath person. i like the water really hot, and it's hard for the water to stay really got for very long. when i do take a bath, i want a bath bomb. it makes the bath so much better. bath bombs in the stores can get pretty pricey, they're fairly simple to make. 

mix together

1 1/3 c baking soda

2/3 c cornstarch

2/3 c citric acid

2/3 c epsom salt (optional)

1/2 c coconut oil-melted

8-10 drops of essential oil (peppermint, lavendar, orange, lemon)

8-10 drops of desired color food coloring

glitter (optional)

mix dry ingredients. add coconut oil, oil, and then food coloring. mix together. shape into ball in mold. (plastic christmas ornaments from the craft store work great). sprinkle with glitter. dry on cookie sheet over night.

wear it Wednesday...sweater weather

we had a very long, beautiful, warm fall here in Utah. winter is here and so is the season of layers and sweaters and scarves-all things I love. 

Nordstrom sweater, old navy top, Joe's jeans, DSW booties, gifted scarf 

 

 

 

 

beauty time Tuesday

Living in Utah means cold winters which also means very dry lips and hands. I use hand sanitizer every hour all day long at work so my hands get even more dry. Being in and out of the cold all day doesn't help either. I am constantly looking for the best remedy for dry lips and skin. I've been meaning to try lanolin for a couple of years and finally did. I'm a little afraid to jinx it, but so far it's the perfect solution for my lips. It doesn't seem to be working for my hands though. Does anyone have any other good suggestions?

 

what i'm listening to

i love christmas music! i listen to it as much as possible during the holiday season, but i also listen to it throughout the year. i always have a song or two on my gym/running playlist. i get pretty excited when the christmas songs shuffle through. recently i find myself really liking instrumental christmas music. it's great in the background.

i love the piano guys christmas in the background on pandora.

i recently discovered baby nephi. the christmas album was designed as lullabies for children, but i love it too. it's very relaxing. it can be found anywhere music is sold.

i enjoy listening to the music, but it would also make a great gift for the very young child on your list.

i will always love n sync christmas. i'm enjoying pentatonix this year. what are some of your faves?

this post was sponsored by baby nephi. all opinions are my own.

beauty time Tuesday-November empties

Most of the products I emptied in November are products I use and empty regularly. They are staple products and things I will definitely buy again. 

Bath and Body Works lotion

Degree spray deodorant (I use this for deodorant and also on my feet when I wear no socks. I've talked about this before. It's the best.)

Batiste tropical scent dry shampoo

Clinique toner

Clinique eye cream 

Johnson and Johnson baby shampoo for washing makeup brushes-I'm not sold on this. I need to keep looking for the perfect thing to clean my brushes. 

Intuition razor refill 

Mary Kay lash love mascara

Clinique chubby lash

Clinique high impact mascara

Clinique chubby stick eye shadow

Mary Kay satin lips gloss-I liked but didn't love this. I probably won't buy it again. 

 

one little word: december goals

does anyone else feel like 2016 has been the fastest year of your life? i can't even believe we are at the end of the year already. i have in pretty serious denial about it. even though christmas is everywhere, in my mind it is still summer. the weather is starting to convince me otherwise, but the whole time thing is throwing me off. believe it or not, here we are at the very last month of 2016. i have less than a month of my focus to be still. it has been to focus on slowing down a little this year. i will have a full recap next month, but overall i feel really good about choosing still as my word for 2016.

yearly goals to be still

1. morning and night quiet time-i continue to do ok with this goal. i use my drive to the gym in the morning to try to set the tone for the day. i try to keep to positive thoughts and preparation for the day. my quiet time at night is pretty short but better than in the past.

2. attend the temple monthly-i went to the salt lake temple one evening. i was too late to do any ordinances. i had a lot on my mind so i sat in the visitor's center and enjoyed the peace and quiet

3. color once a week-not a goal anymore

4. prayer book-keep list of people i need to remember to pray for-i have the list. i have added to it a few times

November goals
1. finish listening to general conference-almost
2. write 3 things i am thankful for each day-i did pretty well with this. i set an alarm in my phone. this is a goal i want to continue.
3. continue csatt fitness goals (the 30 day challenges do not line up with the calendar months. i always have monthly goals with that.)-doing well

December goals
1. finish Christmas cards by December 11
2. participate in #lighttheworld campaign throughout the month
3. continue csatt fitness goals

how are your goals? did you pick one little word for the year? link up with us below.

beauty time Tuesday-#noshavewave

Anyone who knows me very well knows how obsessed I am with laser hair removal. I love silky smooth skin, but who wants to shave all the time?!? Laser is great, but it can get expensive. It's definitely not convenient. I recently discovered silk 'n. I have heard of at home treatment options for years and finally decided to try it. It's so easy to use. I have only used it a couple of times, but so far I love it. It takes several treatments to notice results, and I am so excited to continue to use it. I spend a lot of time shaving every single day. The thought of not shaving anymore makes me so excited. This is quick and easy and I don't have to spend hours in an office getting touch ups. I can't wait until I finish all the recommended treatments.

I've teamed up with silk n' to offer you a discount through the end of the year. Use code SILKNTALK for a 15% discount. 

**i received this product for testing. all opinions are my own.

foodie Friday-apple cinnamon overnight oats

Does anyone else struggle a little with breakfast? I'm usually rushing out the door to get to work, and I need something I can eat in my car. Overnight oats have been the perfect solution. They're simple to make. They are good for 3-4 days, and they're easy to eat in the car. 

I made pumpkin overnight oats several weeks ago. To say they were a fail is a major understatement. They were not good at all. I like berry flavors but it's hard to find fresh berries this time of year. Last week I tried something completely different, and it was so delicious. The recipe is a list of ingredients. Layer each ingredient in a 4 oz mason jar, shake, refrigerate, and eat. 

Do you make overnight oats? Or any other quick breakfast?

 

 

Thankful

I love the month of November and the additional focus on gratitude. There is so much to be thankful for. Today and everyday I am have so much gratitude for my life. Although it is nothing like I ever expected, I am very blessed. My heart is full as I celebrate all I have to be thankful for. 

Family

Friends old and new

Strong healthy body

Job I love

Beauty all around 

And so much more! I feel especially thankful today for the life I have-a life very different than I ever expected but nonetheless a very beautiful life. My heart is full.