The Oil Cleansing Method

Okay so as of late my skin has broken out and dried out SO much.  I don't know if it's due to the screwy TN weather this year or just stress (probably both) but I'm HATING it, especially so close to graduation and pictures for the holidays.  I haven't changed any of my face products either so I'm really frustrated.

So naturally, I complained about it on the ol' Facebook and a lovely woman suggested I try the oil cleansing method.  I remember very vaguely my sister saying something about the oil method a few years ago but this woman reminded me.

-The Oil Cleansing Method-

This method uses natural oils to help balance out the oils in our skin.  "Like dissolves like". This is also a more eco-friendly way to take care of your skin and rid of the chemical products we often use to rid of acne, dry skin, grease, etc.
Depending upon your skin type (dry, oily, combination), a certain blend of oils will be combined and applied directly to the face.  Suggested oils are castor combined with olive, sunflower, or grape seed.  

For similar recipes and information, check here, here, and here.

For dry, combine more castor than the other 2:1, for oily, more other than the castor 2:1, and for combination a 1:1 ratio.  For my personal ratio I combined 1 part castor oil and 1 part olive oil.  I also have some tea tree oil to add a drop or two in for whenever I'm feeling a tad dry.  I purchased a small bottle in the travel size section of my local store to try this out for a few weeks.  I also purchased small bottles of the oil so in case it doesn't work, I don't have a ton of oil just laying around.

1) Apply approximately a quarter size about of mixed oil to palm of hand.  Rub together to make "warm", blended.
2) Apply oil directly to face.  That's right...just slather it right on there.  If you've got make-up-DO IT!  The oil should get it all off.
3) Gently rub oil in pores all over face and neck.
4) Wait about 1 minute.
5) Apply a pretty hot (but not scalding) wash cloth directly to the face (lay it over).  Leave on until cool.
6) You can rinse it and reapply a warm cloth again if you're not feeling confident.
7) After it's cool, gently wipe face and neck of all oil.

**PLEASE NOTE: I've read from many different sources and from first hand accounts that your face will go through a phase of getting zitty again.  DO NOT FRET! That's your face getting in deep and pulling the impurities from way down up and out of your skin.  Just leave them alone, keep up the method, and between 3-7 days they should leave and your skin should be back to its awesome, blissful stage...and STAY there! (at least from what I've heard and read)

I started it on Sunday and tried it out for a week.

Day 1 (Sunday)
Before the "wash": I haven't washed my face today nor have I applied anything to it since yesterday.

(You can see my T-zone is especially zitty lately)

After the "wash": My skin feels pretty silky and not dry.  It was kind of bizarre just slathering oil all over my face but it came off well and my skin feels hydrated.  Nothing else is on my face!

(I know it doesn't look different (YET!) but it feels different)

Day 2 (Monday)

Before "wash": I hadn't done a thing to my face before washing it besides getting in the shower.  It got a little wet but I dried it really well before "washing".  I did notice this morning, however, that my t-zone zits had gone down in inflammation. SCORE!

After "wash": It still feels silky smooth and the whole process is kind of relaxing. I can dig it.

Day 3 (Tuesday)

Before "wash": I put on a full face of make-up today and it went on SO well!  No flaky parts, no spotty foundation, nothing!  (Unfortunately I forgot to take a before picture...maybe next time?)

After "wash": E.V.E.R.Y bit of my make-up came off AND my face still feels amazing!

Day 4 (Wednesday)

Before "wash":  I woke up to a tiny amount of dryness on my upper lip and upper eye lids.  I also have a few zits in my eyebrow...but the zits from day 1 have gone WAY down in both size and inflammation.  I wore makeup again and it went on fine.

After "wash":  I had a bit of a hard time getting all all of mascara off (in part because I had a ton on) so I used a tad of Vaseline to finish getting it off.  Other than that it all came off and my skin feels like a baby's =]

(Ignore my hair-I just got out of the shower)

Day 5 (Thursday)

Before "wash": I've got a few more zits...I don't know if it's due to the method, my upcoming cycle, or stress.  Besides those zits my skin feels hydrated and soft.  I didn't wear any makeup today so maybe that will help out a bit too.

After "wash": Everything went well, as usual.  I added a tad of tea tree oil to my zits afterwards so the skin around it won't dry out and peel when I put on makeup.  Maybe tomorrow things will start looking better?  Maybe this is my "bad" stage and things will clear up again?

Day 6 (Friday)

Before "wash": I have broken out more BUT now I realize it's probably more due to my monthly cycle than the method.

After "wash": I actually "washed" my face in the morning instead of at night so that was different but my skin held up and didn't get dry all day (even under my makeup!) 

Day 7 (Saturday)

Before "wash":  I slept in my makeup from the night before.  I was trying not to do that but alas...I did.

After "wash": Since today was INCREDIBLY busy, I "washed" again in the morning instead of in the evening.

So yesterday, on the 8th day, did I keep it up and see any difference? YES!  I plan on using this method at least until my little bottle of the mix is gone.  After that I'll decide whether I want to go back to using a billion different products to make the "perfect" combination...and spend a small fortune. Ha! As of now, unless something horrible happens I see myself using this method.

If you use this, let me know how it goes for you!  Any problems, any awesome results.

If something bad comes about from this I'll post an update.

Happy "washing"!!

Style Inspiration

I've never really had a certain style.  I like all genres of clothing.  I have no particular preference of any either.  So naturally my closet and drawers are a mix/match of various designs, lines, colors, and trends.

But I've been trying to hone in on a few more professional pieces and looks for future employment.  And I've found women who I just ADORE in their style choices.  They are some of my inspiration!  Check out 4 of my favorite style inspirations.

1. Sarah Jessica Parker-not only do I love her confidence as both a mother and an actress but I L-O-V-E her style.  SJP and her most popular character, Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City, are closely tied with style and fashion.  What was also pretty cool was that SJP was able to help in shaping Carrie's personal style and SJP was able to keep the entirety of the SATC Carrie closet after production!  Whether or not you love the show or the women, you've got to admit that the fashion was fierce.  But one awesome thing about SJP is her unique way in which she blends the classic with the modern.

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Just look at this Alexander McQueen dress from 2010.  Simple elegant shape but with a wonderful funky color and pattern.  I LOVE it.

Below are some Carrie style choices that are also pretty amazing and SJP pulls them off flawlessly.

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I just love the awesome textures, pops of pattern, and boldness of these 3 looks.  Very unique but pretty wonderful.  Although SJP has shown a lot of Carrie flare post SATC, she is also known for a more laid back style and line. 

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The versatility and simplistic looks she has are impeccable and I want to draw more inspiration from her in her confidence in style choices and colors.  

How does one get looks like SJP/Carrie? ACCESSORIZE!  Flair for accessories is what both SJP and Carrie are known for.  Quirky hair pieces, bold detailing, and sassy shoes are what make a SJP outfit.

2-Kate Middleton-the Duchess of England has definitely evolved into some amazingly classic and understated pieces making her looks timeless and elegant.  Known for her dresses Kate purposefully seems to blend colors that match her to a T and lines that work with her toned and slim physique.

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Notice the simple shape and the muted gray/blue tones in both the jacket and shoes.  Classic and chic.

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Here we have subtle detail and elegance.  Again she goes with a muted tone seemingly both proper and respectful for the benefit she is attending.  I ADORE this dress for its line and strap/bead-work detail.

These 2 looks below show the chic and casual Kate that is not often focused on although they both still pull together grace and modernity.

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She gets bold with patterns here and pops of color making these looks modern and a bit more playful.

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This last look shows again muted tones but a flirty shape and pattern while Kate attends a Polo match.

How do you dress like Kate?  DRESSES, DRESSES, AND MORE DRESSES!  Once you find a line that works with your shape (Kate's seems to be mid to quarter length sleeve jacket layered over a cinched waist in knee length) in toned down colors, find accessories that match and bring simplicity and class to each look.  Set with a basic curl to the ends of your hair and you've got a Kate-inspired look.  If you really want to make the look perfect, find a hat that is a bit bold in shape but matches the tone of your colors.

3. Nicole Richie-having come from a famous family and a wild background the mother of 2 and fashion designer has a style with a bohemian flair and relaxed chic look.  She brings this casualness into the spotlight although she's not afraid to bring some glam and sparkle either.

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Known for the maxi dress Nicole brings a great drapery line that is both comfortable and flattering to her petite physique.  A maxi dress automatically provokes thoughts of whimsical summers and walks on the beach.  Matches with a great gladiator sandal and simple hand-bands easily complete this look.

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The dress above shows Richie's glam rocker side.  A great silhouette along with some edgy coloring and cuts definitely add a touch of pizzazz to the more known boho-chic lady.

Below we see the characteristic layering technique Richie is iconic for.

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These looks demonstrate a great way to layer pieces, mix textures, and combine colors that work for a laid-back and pulled together look for any women.

How do you achieve these Nicole Richie looks?  Think beach + Dylan + Hepburn.  Utilize Headbands, loose braids, and subtle vintage eyeliner to complete your boho look.

4. Marilyn Monroe-last but certainly not least, MM has always held a special place in my heart for her brazenness and her beauty.  Her curves have helped a multitude of women embrace their shape and opt out of the pencil thin ideal of style and beauty.  Marilyn used her curves to her advantage both in her professional and personal life although that life was short-lived with her unexpected death.  Her legacy lives on through revamps in fashion and trends in today's style.  One unfortunate thing about MM's style is that most seem to think of her style in the Gentlemen Prefer Blondes get up or the Seven Year Itch dress.  One of the most tragic things about MM is that people equated her to her roles instead of separating the two, an unfortunate mishap that sometimes happens with actors.  So here, I want to discuss her owns style, not her characters.

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This dress embodies everything MM. Curves, a soft glow, and sparkle.  This dress was worn when she sang "Happy Birthday Mr. President" to JFK.  Iconic as it is it also envelopes sex appeal and luxury.

Below we see the classic black-and-white casual outfit.  These colors are classics which can be paired with anything to make it more modern or toned down to keep the vintage flair MM had.  It's a simple three quarter length sweater with some white pedal pushers.  Both comfy enough to lounge around in or run some errands in.

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This last look shown above is from an award show.  She brings about her sexiness in this strapless gown along with a touch of class with her fur drape and silk gloves.

So how do you dress like Marilyn Monroe? You use your femininity and confidence as a women.  No MM look is complete without platinum blonde curls, figure hugging pieces, and a knockout smile.  Also make sure you bring some confidence and red lips and you've got it made!

So that's it! My inspirations, my fashion muses.  I've got more but these are probably my favorites right now.

Do you have anyone who inspires your fashion sense or personal style?

Sunburns

Nobody has ever believed me but it's true. Sunscreen/sunblock does not work on me.  It doesn't matter the brand, the SPF, the re-application, nothing.

Last summer I hardly spent any time in the sun since I was working through the day (with the weekend as the exceptions) and when I did go to the pool it was usually after 5 pm so the sun was mostly hidden but the heat wasn't.  So I've kept a fairly pasty (not pale, as in gorgeous Snow White) complexion the past year and a half.

And here I go, trying to be the celebrity/pro-skin/no cancer hero by buying 50 spf water/sweat resistant, sunblock for fair-skinned children and I spray it on my entire body (read from face/ears to in between by toes), waiting the 20 minutes (as suggested per the bottle's directions) before putting on my suit and going out.  I go out for about an hour, flipping every 15 minutes or so....It gets so hot, and it's only about 12:30 so I go back inside, cool off and chill for a bit.  I go back out round 2 and lay out a bit, continuing the flipping and dipping in the pool every 20 minutes or so because it's so damn hot.  I go back home again around 3:30 to eat some lunch, re-apply the spray and we go back around 3:45 to swim for about 30 min-all of which I am in the pool, NOT sunbathing....

Then a few friends and I decide to go eat and when I change clothes I notice how hideous my naked body is with what is becoming the most bizarre sunburn ever.  I laugh and show my husband who noticed nothing but my naked body (surprise, surprise!) and proceed to gently put on a sun dress to head out.

As the evening progresses, I get more and more uncomfortable and after some movin' and shakin', I notice just how awkward this pain-in-the-ass-sunburn is really going to be.  I've got burns in the creases of my butt, my boobs and upper back, showing up like paint ball splatter all over my legs...it's bizarre, stupid and frankly pisses me off because it looks so damn silly! It's not that I even mind being sunburned or the "pain" associated with it, but with it being all goofy looking just makes me mad.

So believe me: with every inch I was able to reach with sunscreen/block burnt to an uncomfortable crisp, varying in shades of lobster pink, it DOES NOT work for me.  These burns are my proof.

So bring on the skin cancer and the wrinkles and the need to wear long sleeves in the middle of a Southern July...because this shit just plain burns.

"These are a few of my favorite things..."

It's true.  Sing it from the rooftops like the VonTrap children! 

I am in love with the following things:

1) Navy or Ink colored anything. Whether it's nails, clothes, or accessories I am in love with this color right now.  I haven't found one person that's wearing it and not found them a tad classy.  It's just so chic!

Navy/Ink colored nails

(photo courtesy of Vogue.com)

Navy/Ink colored apparel *droooooooooooooool*  I want this tunic SO bad.

(photo courtesy of Mod Retro Indie Clothing & Vintage Clothes)

2) Copper colored eyes/shadows.  I have been told that my actual iris' are the shade of "honey", "tigers eye" and "copper"-all of which I find very flattering.  [Unfortunately the DMV and other governmental agencies only have options for brown, green, blue, and hazel so I'm legally a hazel eyed person.] So, with my Scotts-Irish/Cherokee skin tones and my "copper" eyes I adore copper shadow-on myself as well as on others.  I don't think specifics really affect this shadow either because I've seen different ethnicities, hair colors, and skin tones wear it (trust me-just Google it and you'll know what I mean) and it always looks fierce.  See what I mean:

3 different shades of copper eyeshadow/bronzer-perfect for different skin tones.  This specific brand is from Stila.

(photo courtesy of My Makeup Reviews Blog)

God I love this photo! Simplistic surrounding makeup and this fierce shade! Tell me you don't love the copper trend and I'll buy you a drink.

(photo courtesy of Marie Claire.com)

So naturally-since I am so in love with these two things...

This is my navy purse-purchased from Target-that I ADORE! It matches with everything (for the fall/winter), is big enough to hold everything I need it to AND looks stunning on its own accord.  [Special thanks to my sister for the Target gift card which pushed me to go check things out in the first place!]

And here is my M.A.C. copper eyeshadow that I rocked yesterday to work!  My sister bought this for me when I was 17 and I still haven't scratched the bottom of the pot yet! Granted-I don't wear it every day but I could and it would still last forever! One (of many) things I love about M.A.C. cosmetics is that they use high pigments (meaning more concentrated colors/elements) so the you don't have to use as much when applying-therefore it lasts longer and isn't too heavy!  I know the rule of throwing makeup out when it gets too old but I refuse to toss this until it's bone dry.

This love is pretty strong.  I love these colors separate but throw them together and you've got an amazing combo of chic/fierce-which in my opinion is a perfect balance for a girl who's got a rounded personality. 

(photo courtesy of Google search)

[This is more gold than copper but you get the gist of how awesome they look together.]

Check these pairings and tell me you're not in love too...it's okay: I don't mind the affair as long as the love is real, LOL.

(photo courtesy of Smarter Blogs)

(photo courtesy of Omiru.com - C. Ronson "Annabelle" Shoes | $146 at Active Endeavors)

OR

(photo courtesy of 25 park)

Perfect slim Navy clutch

(Photo courtesy of Google search)

(photo courtesy of albanysalsashoes.com)

(photo courtesy of la-sheboutique.com)

*This second outfit is my favorite! There are so many textures that work so well together and the colors are so smooth together...*droooooooooools* one day...one day, LOL.

Well-I'm sure you all get the idea...I'm in love with copper and navy.  If any of you decide to try this fierce combo together PLEASE show me so I can add it to this blog!  I'm going shopping today so if I can find something that works-I'm doing it!

**Love and Kisses from the Mrs.**

Fashion Tips

I, by no stretch of the imagination, consider myself a fashion guru or even an attempted expert. But-I do observe things (it's the Sociologist in me) and fashion and the like tend to be something I both enjoy and like to take notes on.  The following tips are things I find to work well for me and have later found to be true for others. I won't claim magazine or internet sites as my sources (though I wish I could!) because again, it's mostly based on my observations.
1) How to pick your color

**Have you ever noticed that when you wear that certain shirt how you always get compliments? Or awkward glances? Well-this is a great and easy way to determine what your color is. Pick out a shirt you haven't worn in a while or be so bold and buy a new blouse in a color you never would. If you're getting a lot of compliments or stares ask yourself (or even those so kind to give you the compliment) what makes this shirt complementary-is it how the color works so well with your skin tone and hair color? Is it the neck line? Is it the fit or line? Color is the quickest thing people are usually attracted towards when looking at clothes-details seem to swiftly follow suit. So if you notice that every time you wear a red blouse (regardless of cut and neckline) and that cute guy in marketing smiles at you or you get envious glances from your co-workers, think that red may be your color. Obviously, compliments are not the way we want to run our lives but they help in making us stand out even when we know we're fabulous.
**Also check out pictures of celebrities-it sounds kind of high school but with the fashion experts and the oh-so-ever-changing style of the famous, colors that are complimentary to certain hair colors, skin tones, and eye color are key in making their look and trends spot on.
**With how the texture and shade of both our hair and skin wax and wane, make sure you alter a little or you'll be just plain boring. If you're already changing your hair color-why not change into a hue that you've never worn before? Magenta? Or Navy? Olive Green? You'll be surprised at how well you can rock these colors with the simple tweak of your own person (think hair and skin) if you so choose. You don't want to be plain; our fashion is an outward expression of the story we're telling within ourselves. What better way to shout your inward story outwards than with a new color?! (I did this when the mustard color trend was in and I now own a fabulous sweater making my outward self a bit (more!) unique and funky).

(I have found that depending on what the season is and (now) what color my hair-this effects what my color is. But after many trial and errors (along with pasty white skin and a few changes in hair) I have found that my color is purple; NOT lavender but purple. Regardless of the line, details, or make-up I am wearing I always feel confident, pretty and classy in a shade of purple and continue to receive compliments when I wear it.)

2) How to choose your line for your size

**This may sound a little creepy but I found that the best way to find what is a good line or shape on you is to try on wedding dresses. NO-you probably don't wear such fabulous and whimsical outfits on the daily basis but the basics of lines are the same throughout and if you can pull of a wedding dress with a certain line I personally feel that you should be able to pull off the same line in a simple sun dress or tunic top. If it weird’s you out to go to a wedding boutique just to find out a good line for your shape, research it! Wedding magazines and design classes (at particular schools/campus') are amazing and cheap ways to do the same thing without the awkward "No ma'am-I am not getting married anytime soon...just trying to see if this princess style is really me" convo.

(The wedding dress I chose was something I hadn't thought about but ended up being a.m.a.z.i.n.g! It was an empire/sheath style dress-this hides my belly and makes my boobs look big, lol (2 things I like to hide/bring out when I am feeling sassy). I have found that my prom dresses from the past and other styles of dresses and tops I go for are also similar in this aspect-I've found my line!)

 

3) How to choose the right "IT" dress

**Okay-so if you (like me) are in the search for a newer (and smaller! YIPEE!) dress to bring in 2011 you may feel like you have no where to start. Well, these simple tricks are a great way to determine what makes something "IT" for you.

             ~Are you comfortable showing leg? This sounds silly but most dresses, especially in our day and age, are not the ball gown length. So, if you think your legs are "hideous" or "too white" then maybe rethink the dress idea or if you're still so gung-ho on the idea, get a pair of sparkly leggings to hide them. (And girls, I DOUBT your legs are hideous or white).
            ~What's your line? (See 2) for helping with this) Most dresses (unless you're spending a hefty chunk) aren't stylized to stern lines and shapes but they are still loosely made from the basic line of whatever the designer was looking for. If you know you always look fierce in empire, go for it BUT remember: the new year is to try new things so maybe get a completely unexpected line! Totally up to you.
           ~Are you going for the LBD (little black dress) or are you looking for something a bit more flashy? This girl loves the traditional lbd but if I'm going for it I make sure to jazz it up something crazy with a metallic clutch or sparkly headband and cocktail ring because I find just black a bit too drab for my personality. Make sure you're taking the occasion, the company, and location in to account so you don't feel out of place (don't read that as in "feel too different"-read that as in "maybe this micro-mini wasn't a good idea for my work function")

(I have yet to find my "IT" dress to bring in the new year...but once I do it'll be posted here-don't fret chickens!)

4) How to make it all work

**Say it with me now: C.O.N.F.I.D.E.N.C.E! A girl can't work any top, skirt, shoe, lip liner without confidence-I refuse to believe it. If you want to go GaGa (meaning like Lady-not a baby) the go GaGa! But remember why she's so memorable and intense: she owns it. I'm not trying to sound like Tyra but what's the point of perusing for 2 hours, trying on 15 different things, and paying a buttload of cash-all for it to sit in your closet and for you to "find the right time to wear it"?! Clothes & accessories are for wearing. Say it out loud and often. If you had the metaphorical balls to buy it (i.e. spend the dough/time/effort) then you damn well should wear it. If you feel like you're lacking in the confidence department remind yourself the entire time you're getting ready of good traits you carry (not even related to fashion/style) and why you are who you are. Simple as that. You'll walk out of the house in a potato sack feeling like a million bucks and you'll look great!
**If you have all of these fabulous clothes and accessories and have no idea how to make them all work together-check out mannequins at the mall. The associates/managers are hired to design them and if you walk by an outfit you absolutely love in the window display-go home and see what/how you can make it work with what you've got in the drawers. If mannequins creep you out, check out ads and other people. There are many fashion forward people in the world so use their awesome talents and make them your own!

(I have kind of set a goal to wear at least 1 piece of jewelry (besides the wedding rings) a day when I remember-this adds a little sparkle or personality or even simplicity to an outfit I am claiming as my own. De-cluttering my closet to the things I know I'll never wear again has also helped bring old pieces in to new light for me-it's like shopping all over again because I'm finding these pieces I haven't seen in so long!!)

I know this was a bit long but I felt a "fashion flare" and wanted to share with my fellow readers!  Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did and let me know if you completely disagree or have something else to add!

*For awesome sites to check, view:
http://glamourist.blogspot.com/
http://lefashionimage.blogspot.com/

Love and kisses.

My husband ROCKS

It's true. I'm going to brag for the most part in this blog so if you're not up to hearing me gloat, move along to another blog.

Okay so let me recap it all: Derrick got loan money for this semester and we've finally indulged ourselves and bought some cool stuff-new PC, new monitor, Bose headphones, knick knacks, school books, recreational books, a new vacuum (yahoo!), a bike and bike lock, new XBox 360 slim, video games, HP #1 audio book, blah blah blah.  He got a lot and since we do alright with my paycheck, it was a bunch of "play" money so we could catch up on things we wanted-FINALLY.  With that being said, Der said he wanted to do a grand date with surprises for me since he doesn't get to do that often. So we'd been talking about it and planning for it for almost a month-and naturally I got SO excited! But with the car wreck we thought things would have to be postponed and that made me very sad.  It's the little things in life to me-I wasn't upset about my car being totaled, I was upset about our date and getting my hair done, lol. (I know-priorities, right?!) So, we got a rental car yesterday and decided to still go on with the date-YAY!!

Alright, so I went and got my hair done...and did I get it done! 

Ignore the bad photo-it was from my crappy phone & has been slept on since yesterday BUT-it's much shorter and now a chestnut color! I've never had my hair colored anything but shades of blond and a few red streaks, and even then it was like 5 years ago, but I'm DIGGIN' the new style and color.  Once I can get some better pics I'll post them here  =]

It was a great surprise for both Derrick and me-he likes it! He's now calling me his "dark haired lady" or "black beauty" instead of his "blond bombshell".  He's so cute.

Okay so when I came home I started getting ready while he was running date errands and I was so excited!

  When he came home he had these: 

 a dozen of lovely red roses. 

 I love getting flowers from anyone, especially from my husband!  It was so nice.   I thought there was a card in the middle of them but when I pulled it out it was a Starbucks card for $25! Ah, he supports my coffee habit-good man.  (I used it this morning for the seasonal Pumpkin Spice latte and a blueberry muffin-delicious.)

So we continued to get ready and once it was time we got in the rental and headed out! I had no idea what we were doing or where we were going but I was excited-new doo, cute dress, heels (though a little tight), and some matching jewelry. I like having a reason to get dolled up sometimes, ya know? So he took me to the mall-I was wondering if he was going to take me to Olive Garden? TGIFridays? Hmm...well we got out and I remembered he said 1 of my surprises was "something I could wear"-which doesn't help too much because one can wear almost anything. Lingerie? Shoes? Earrings? Perfume? I was so curious. We got out holding hands (me blushing a bit because I like being on his arm) and he took me to Charlotte Russe-to get new shoes!!! *Insert melting here* I'm not even a huge shoe guru but come on-they were cute, fairly inexpensive, and SO SWEET of a gesture!

I got 2 pairs

a pair of short tan boots and a pair of dark gray heels with button details (both SO cute and comfy!)

*le sigh* It was wonderful.  So then we went to Carrabba's for dinner-a great place for yummy food and a sweet, romantic atmosphere.  We had great appetizers, wonderful dinner, and delicious tiramesu for dessert.

All and all a WONDERFUL date.  A wonderful husband. A wonderful time. <3 

September Goals

I'm totally stealing this from SarahL but whatev, I doubt she'll mind this time around =]

Okay we've got:

~School

1) Study more for the GRE

2) Apply for FAFSA

~Work

1) Annual Evaluation on September 14th

2) Train Kristy

~Books

1) Read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

2) Read The Portrait of Dorian Gray

~ Miscellaneous

1) Start training for 1/2 Marathon (13.1 miles!!)-I am starting with 30 minutes for 2 weeks, 45 minutes for 2 weeks, and then 1 hr for 2 months-details here

2) Download HP #2 to iPod

3) Buy early X-Mas presents

4) Spend more time with friends (Shelley, Destiny, Kelly, Tonya-in particular)

5) Get hair cut and styled-think pics below

~Home

1) Finish painting for bedroom and hang

2) Print off more pictures for hanging and sending

3) Get shelf up for bathroom

**Alright-let me know what you think and I'll keep you updated on how I do!**

xoxoxo J