Weatherwise

Last week was so incredibly random. How do you get snow, awesome sun, and tornadoes in one week? First, it snowed 3" on Monday. Snow Day! Yessss!!!! I made the most of it. We probably will not get another this year so I took it while I had the opportunity. Organization, crafting, and photos ensued. Then it went to like 78 degrees by Thursday. Gotta love some NC weather. I was much happier on Thursday than Monday.

Within 4 days it went from this....

To this...

Kefir, spinach, banana, mango smoothie :) mmmmmmmmmmm

All the great weather on Thursday got me even more excited for a weekend getaway. I had a very relaxing weekend with some precious ladies! I needed to sit still and have some renewal of the mind spirit; In order to do so I must escape the Rox or I will being doing something or volunteering to do something. You will not believe that on Saturday I slept until 12:30..... P.M. that is...Can you believe that? I did not even think that was possible after Senior Week 2001. Who knew??? 

This just proves to me how important rest is. I have been super productive this week so far and feeling really energized. Some may blame the Kefir smoothies, I credit the sleep :)

I spent the entire weekend in nite nite leggings, a super long tee, and the occasional hoodie when I went for my causal walk :)

 I will spare you the detail of my facial mask and no makeup for nearly 48 hours. It was amazing.  Here is what I used this weekend on my face. It is one of my favorite products from Merle Norman. Check out Wendy's Merle Norman in Roxboro for your own stash.

Here's a recap of the most random week ever.{weatherwise}

Happy Hump Day!

Support the locals!

For people who love to shop local, I'm with ya.... Although the Rox has a somewhat limited (ie..no Target, no mall, no Belk, etc.) selection for shopping adventures, there are several that are well worth the shopportunity!

Here are some local shopping venues / ideas - which may or may not be included as my actual Christmas list-

(ugh hem...pay attention Sean Austin). 

Idea #1:Wendy's Merle Norman - N. Main Street

Gift Certificate: Who doesn't need beauty supplies all year round? I do! Also, here is my recent favorite purchase.

 

I LOVE this train case. My Memaw always kept her make-up in this hot pink train case (proabably circa 1940's) - in our day would be known as a Caboodle? (spelling...IDK?)  I always loved going in her makeup and playing with her foundation and all her powders. She always had a TON - must run in the family! 

Anywho, visit Wendy's Merle Norman locally, or your nearest Merle Norman for this sweet deal. (The eye colors and the dual lip pencil are my fave! It also comes with 2 travel cosmetic bags (the patent is in my purse right this second!)

Stop #2: The Bootery - Madison Blvd.

Who doesn't love/ needs shoes? This is an actual need. I need some black, chunky shoes that are comfy for work, and can go with dress pants and jeans, with a some minimal amount of cuteness. Luckily my old friend Max has the inside scoop for all footwear fashion at The Bootery.

-he knows about shoes - (Kimberly is one lucky girl!)- since his family has owned it for like a heck of a lotta years now- (since 1953 to be exact) - I love a local family business! Find out more information about their store here.

I have my eye on these two:

comfy and cute! I also think they will give me just the right amount of height for all my fave jeans!I tried these on in there one day and you would not believe the arch support. I now know that is what I am lacking in footwear needs.

Just sayin'- in case we hits da' lottery - I could use another pair ;)

IDEA # 3: Big Daddy's Auto Detail ;  Say-  What???? - @ your service!

Today I got my car cleaned inside and out + waxed for $40. - What a steal right? Especially for my car. Big daddy probably thought he shoulda charged this mama more- but, I am 1 happy lady! (No more snacks for GA in the car and I ain't going to Daddy's on the dirt road in this baby for a while).  It was long overdue for a thorough cleaning- This would be a great gift idea for men or women - or if you just wanted to do something nice for someone. There are other great places in town too, but I think Big Daddy has a great price right now, especially for a wax!

nice and shiny!- had to crop photo - y'all know how that goes.

Still Recovering from Black Friday...

Can I first apologize for that ginormous heading up there - will correct after Google search of how to shrink said photo ;) 

annnndddd Yes. I am still in fact recovering from Black Friday - stayed up Thanksgiving night and finally went to bed at 4:30 am. Got up 5 hours later to go get GA- All that staying up late used to be easier......But, Black Friday totally taunts me-  I stalk the cites online for who just got the black market version of the sales papers in hand. I love it when they get leaked and the scanned copies from someones Iphone get circulated via internet too early. 

Anywho....

So, in honor of my being absent for soooooo long, we will take a quick recap of Life on the Rox over Thanksgiving.

{REWIND}

Standard Thanksgiving Activities: 

1. Kissing babies 

2. Corn Hole 

3. Austin Family Photo 

4. Gator-rides from Daddy 

5. Hunting (Hubby and Brother-In-law both got a deer! - yep...that's how we do!)

6. Black Friday Shopping & Recovery 

7. BFF visitation / shopping / crafting 

GA and Reagan hit the Merle Norman for a make-over!- They are their mama's child.

 crafting for The Summers

  

girl time (with 3 children in tow of course)

- and that's how we do Thanksgiving....On the Rox! 

And now for a brief preview of some upcoming Holiday Posts!

1. Drafting my Spreadsheet of Christmas gifts (any my own list of course)
1.5 - Decorating 101 

2. The Santa House ... on the Rox (get excited!)

3. Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast - tradition...

4. Mis Cupleanos! (es correcto en espanol?)

5. Angel Tree Shopping
6. the Rox Christmas Parade

7. More Local Shopping- Support the Locals!

There are so many exciting things I love about the Holidays.  For certain, I begin the dash to Christmas as soon as I pack up, and trash, and eat the Halloween candy. I LOVE ME some CHRISTMAS Y'all! - so get pumped for some Holiday cheer via Life on the Rox! 

Sorry it's been a while -busy,  busy girl.......

You think you know someone....

Long time..... No blog. I have missed it for sure. I have been such a busy girl this week and I am hoping this week will leave more time for writing!

This one is ABOUT ME. One of my favorite things to do is learn about other people and what their interests are. I love finding common interests with others and I love meeting new people and making new friends. I am also a list-person. I love making lists as you can see in number 16 below. While searching FB over the weekend, and catching up on some blog reads, I copied these from  a note I had posted on FB back in January of 2009. Good Gracious how time flies and how things CHANGE. I know I have updated these since my original post on FB as well. I still think it is interesting to see how things change. I think everyone should journal or keep some sort of written journey of their lives. Looking back on how far we have come is very refreshing and can be a good way to assess goals and priorities. Now, I choose to keep mine through blogging :) I think this is fun but you may be completely bored and just simply need sources of entertainment which you find from Life...On the Rox! 

Here is 40 random things about ME in NO particular order(via January 2009) ~ new responses are in red : ) 
1. My daughter is also my lifesaver
2. I love to shop at thrift stores
3. I take naps like it's my day job (this was when GA was smaller and I had time in-between classes at MC - now naps are only reserved for Sundays)
4. I love Jesus (even more!)
5. I'm an obsessive cleaner ~ I vacuum EVERY day (yea right...now I'm lucky to do it 1-2 times per week. I do love some clean hardwood floors though! )

6. When I am mad at you, or nervous, or if you are getting on my nerves.... I can't make eye contact with you (hasn't changed)
7. I seriously think I have ADHD - at least a little - I can't sit still!
8. I LOVE to clip coupons! It's like shopping with NO money! (Better at this now)
9. I think that family is important over all things
10. I eat salad with no dressing at all (dressing is disgusting, slimy, and it makes your food sloppy)
11. I love to get my nails done even if I have NO money for groceries ( I don't get my nails done anymore. Now I only buy groceries...with a coupon of course!)
12. I like to take really hot baths until the water runs out (shhhhhhhh...Don't tell Sean Austin about the water!)
13. I love Diet Coke like u would not believe!  (some things never change...)
14. I love NC State (Go Pack!!!....You 'da Bomb.com, Love me some red & white!)
15. I go to Meredith for all the nice jewelry - The Curse of the Onyx :) - (got it and graduated since then- Go me!)
16. I make a to-do list every day on recycled paper scraps
17. I am rarely on time for anything unless it's real important (I typically run 10-15 minutes late for work almost every day. I really want to be better at morning routines. I am NOT a morning person and never have been)
18. I have a bad habit of saying I'll do something, then I won't do it...like come by your house to visit... ( I forget, what can I say???...)
19. I love a little text message even though it takes me forever to write back ( I semi hate texting now and talking on the phone is one of my not-so-faves!) - Have you read my Pet Peeves on Voicemails? )
20. I like to eat a lot of carbs..then take a long NAP...I LOVE NAPS!
21. My favorite Candy is Circus Peanuts (Standard!)
22. I am addicted to Smashbox cosmetics (thank you random person at ULTA) - (this was a slight disagreement while I lived in Raleigh and experimented outside of my classic Merle Norman regimens....Thank goodness I'm back to my senses now. )
23. I organize my closet according to color and length of clothing.
24. I procrastinate like it's my day job (but I still get it done!)
25. I own SEVERAL large Rubbermaid containers of ribbon
26. My nicknames are Ber, Baby-D, and Baby Dunk
27. I think Mayonnaise should be banned from use on food (don't even get me started!)
28. I cannot sleep unless I know what I'm gonna wear the next day
29. I love Lean Cuisine's (ewww... what was I thinking? - clearly this was post 10-pound loss)
30. I love to write people notes and cards
31. I love to get notes and cards
32. My favorite color is pink (any shade)
33. I eat an apple every day (banana too!)
34. I love walking at Reedy Creek Trail behind Meredith (miss these days for real - now I walk in Lochridge, not nearly as fun or pretty)
35. I hate going to the post office (DANG I hate the post office!)
36. I secretly love moving...anywhere..I love to unpack and organize in a new place (not even kidding...as long as I don't have to actually move the boxes ;)
37. I hate talking on the phone...unless I really love u
38. I cannot go to bed before 12:00AM ..it's impossible
39. I wear heels every day to work - I'm getting too old for this....good for your calf muscles though.But flats make me feel short and dumpy!
40. I love ketchup with almost everything (Standard!...Sometimes I eat certain foods just so I can consume ketchup. Its full of licopene? which fights cancer and gives you youthful skin so I should be well preserved in several more years.)

I stole this part from Momfessions) This list was "100 things about me" but I condensed :)

 Things about me and my bloggin’ self:
- well there was 40 things up yonder so...I think that was enough.

Things about my relationship with Jesus:
1. There have been times in my life where the relationship was stronger or more powerful in my life. I think God works in us that way. It cannot be easy all the time or we would never feel his presence when we need it most. 

2. I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was in elementary school at Grace United Methodist Church. Although I don't fully think I understood it then, but I do now more than ever. The relationship has always been with me which I believe has protected me from many things. I have still experienced a lot of heartache which most people will go a lifetime without ever experiencing. But, I got through it because of my relationship with the Lord.

3. It is a daily learning experience.

Things about my family:
- should I even go there? ? ? ? ?

- I come from a divorced family, which doubled into 2 more families. Geez Louise. Holidays are crazy busy for me. 

- I also have Sean's family to consider which makes Holidays even more FUN!

- Overall, lots of people who have supported me through the years and more people to love GA 

- there are many people I consider my family even though they are not blood-relation.

Things I like to do:
- BLOG...duh. 

- Garden and can things 

- organize things

- make craft projects ( I love any kind of project)

- visit aquariums (one of my faves)!

- coupon shop

- Hang out with Sean and GA

- Plan parties and events! 

- Sew

- recycle 

- make photobooks :)

Movies I Enjoy:

- Fireproof

- The Notebook

-The Blind Side 

- One Night with the King

- The Other Boleyn Girl

- Wedding Crashers

- Double Jeopardy 
- The Help (oh my It was so GOOD!) 

 
Five books I enjoy:

- The Help (oh my It was so GOOD!) 

- The Awakening

- Rebecca

- Olivia

- The 5 Love languages

 “Favorites”:
- photographs & photography

- #7 Combo from Chic-fil-A with Fruit and Diet Lemonade

- Lady Antebellum & Jason Aldean

- Girl's Night Out 

- Burts Bees Chapstick

- Spaghetti with Garden Sauce (no meat)
- I love to drink Ginger Ale 

Verses I love:
- Proverbs 31 
¹⁰ A wife of noble character who can find?
   She is worth far more than rubies.
¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
   and lacks nothing of value.
¹² She brings him good, not harm,
   all the days of her life.
¹³ She selects wool and flax
   and works with eager hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
   bringing her food from afar.
¹⁵ She gets up while it is still night;
   she provides food for her family
   and portions for her female servants.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
   out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
   her arms are strong for her tasks.
¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
   and her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
   and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
   and extends her hands to the needy.
²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
   for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
²² She makes coverings for her bed;
   she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
   where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
   and supplies the merchants with sashes.
²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
   she can laugh at the days to come.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
   and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
   and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
   her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
   but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done,
   and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
- Lamentations  Chapter 3:

22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
   for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
   great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
   therefore I will wait for him.”

Things I’d do if money were not object:
- Buy a monogramming machine 

- add another bathroom to my house (or sell it and move to the country-side of the Rox)

- Spend money on services for children that needed it. 

- Travel More

Cool things I’ve done:
- traveled across the country in 2 days driving (from Atlanta to Seattle), gone for 6 weeks while visiting Atlanta, Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco - all for work but it was a good experience!

- taken my photograph at the "booked-in" section of the Person County jail, just for fun. I wanted to wear an orange jump suit and have my picture taken in front of the big ruler....DONE!

Five places I would love to visit:
- Savannah, Georgia 

- Charleston, SC

- Disney World with Georgia Anne 

- All the NC lighthouses...I have never seen any :(

- The Aquariums in Atlanta and Australia

Things I dislike:
-mayonnaise

- salad dressings 

- seafood

- shopping carts that make noise or wobble 

- conversations before 9 AM or breakfast, or Diet Coke

- The News and Observer 

- prejudgments 

Things I don’t think I’ll ever do:
- bungee jump 

- sky dive

Things I say every day:
 - I love You 

- Seriously? 

- You have got to be kidding me...

- congratulations (inside joke in our house)

If you made it through all this "congratulations." I am sure there were plenty of times you wanted to click the little red X in the upper right of your screen. Otherwise, you may quite frankly be stalking me because I don't know if this was even entertaining. However, I would love to know you!!! Write your own "about me" blog and post! I would love to read it! 

I had such a great weekend and I hope you did to! 

Summer Beauty Regimen Vol. 1

Ever since I was a little girl I have been fascinated with make-up. From the time I got my first Lisa Frank stationary set and my first Barbie Lip gloss I have been completely obsessed. I always loved playing with my mom's makeup and looking at all the fun bottles, packets, and compacts that she had. Now, the absolute best place on earth for great makeup is none other than... 

I mean look how flossy this lady is… An icon for the ladies for sure. Just check out that flawless skin.

If I could have any dream in my life fulfilled, for sure it would be to have my own Merle Norman studio.  Maybe I should start saving up? It is such magical place. I love to go and sit and let them try new products on me. They also did my make-up for my wedding and my face was flawless. Here is my local MN where all the magic has happened since I was 13.

Wendy's Merle Norman Cosmetics

See that chair to the right and that lovely little table? That's where the magic happens!

The new owner Wendy is really nice and Misty is a great make-up artist! They are really good at showing you new products as well as having all your standard Merle Norman staple products in stock. I love nothing more than a “Promotion” time (which is right now by the way...get going!). They always give you free samples and new products to try and usually some sort of little make-up bag (I have tons from over the years that I can’t part with). They are always really cute and just the perfect size for all your daily essentials.

Luckily, I have always been blessed with really great skin. I owe it all to Merle and the good Lord. I started using Merle Norman when I was 13 (maybe before if you count all the times I got into mom’s makeup).  I always loved to watch my mother (and still do) sit and put on her make-up. YES! She would sit down in front of the mirror at her vanity (which I now have) and apply all of her moisturizers and beauty products. It is also a really great time to sit and talk with her :) So, thanks mom for taking me to Merle Norman.  I started out as a make-up diva at a young age so naturally I would LOVE makeup today. 

One of the things that aggravate me about makeup on people is that it does not match their skin tone. You must have this done by a professional.  Again, MN is the best place for this.  They can look at my face and pretty much guess my foundation color. Professionals. Yes they are. 

Now, to get started.

First, you must apply the MN Luxiva Daily Moisture Cream. Now, I don’t use this everyday but I should… Sometimes I get started with my makeup routine and I forget because I’m running late or whatever. But, when I do remember it gives you such great moisturizing and a great protective layer against the oils in makeup or daily facial dirt. I get MUCH better results with my makeup when I remember.

Second, MN Total Finish is the ABSOLUTE best product they make. This foundation is so magical that it can cover any flaw, blemish, or scar on your face. It is very similar to a theatrical type makeup. It is heavy but whenever I have this on, I ALWAYS get compliments on my skin and face. It is worth every penny and more! It comes with a large sponge that you can also wet for a matte finish. The most EXCELLENT product ever. If you have blemishes or need heavy covering around the eyes (like me) it is a MUST!

Total Finish....also comes with a large sponge applicator :)

Now, I have had this makeup combo for YEARS because it truly gives me that flawless look and it works so well with my skin.  Remember that what works for me may not work for you. It is such a good combination that I actually feel so much better when my face is complete.

Next, you need to apply the MN Luxiva Ultra Powder Foundation. This is a foundation combined with pressed powder. It is more powder than anything and it takes away the oily look of foundation, leaving you with a soft fresh look and feel. It also smells great and can be used alone without the foundation layer underneath. This is a MUST for your purse because it is great for touch ups. I have one in my car, purse, and my desk drawer. See…

They did just recently change the packaging which completely broke my heart. It has been the exact same since I began using it all those years ago. This white compact was a classic and I love the big mirror on the inside. It also looks a tad bit pearly in your makeup bag which you all know I love.

Now it is black. eww :(

 They switched it to this which just does not float my boat but hey, still the same great product inside. It went down in size by .5 oz and is now a dollar cheaper. Maybe it will fit in my MN makeup travel bag better? I still cannot justify the change. Me no likey!

Finally, if I’ve been tanning or chillin’ pool side I cover with an amazing product I stumbled upon at Ulta. Smashbox is the next best thing to Merle Norman. However, I only use their accessory type products such as bronzers or eyeshadows. It is not a staple cosmetic company in my opinion.

Use this with a large kubuki brush or large loose powder brush. Do not "dab" it on your face or it will be spotty.

Speaking of lip pencils, nothing finishes my face better than my MN Lip Pencil Plus.

The title really is Gold Amber...Unbelievable I know.

Just looking at it reminds me of another thing I like about Merle Norman.  Most of their products are accented with gold which is another classic trait of mine. I love GOLD. Jewelry, shoes, bags, makeup adornment. LOVE LOVE LOVE me some gold anything. A true Diva. You see? This lip pencil is dual action. A lip pencil on one end; the color on the other. And Merle was tricky on this.  It only fits in MN sharpeners so you must purchase one of those also. But, the sharpener is so handy and it saves a lot of your pencil by only trimming down the wood part and not the makeup. A smart purchase for sure. This lip pencil is called Gold Amber (Imagine that?) two great things in one :) It is my fave. This is also my final step in fixing my face. This color works best for all year round depending on what gloss you put over it. (See gloss in accessory photo below as #3)

One thing I cannot stand is for my face and my body to be different colors. NO m’am! So, the bronzer really helps with that.  I dust a little bronzer on my neck to in order to make it look more natural. Note to self: check out MN’s bronzers. Pile all of this together and you have one amazing, glowing, fresh look. Especially during summer. Have you ever taken a picture with your make-up just perfect and your face comes out really white? I have found that this is due to the SPF in the makeup. Now, Merle does have some SPF in her makeup to rid you of those harmful UV rays. Thank you Merle for looking out for us. But, in order to fix this you must use a bronzer on top of your foundation and pressed powder. Then you will not have the glowing ghost face :)

  Finally, some of my accessory products that compliment all that perfect face polishing would be….

#1. New MN Eyeshadow. This came in my latest promotion pack called “An Eye-deal Gift.” It is just the right color for summer. It is shimmery and has those pewter and gold tones that makes your eyes glow. The color is called Desert Shimmer.

#2. Blush. This is a staple I’ve used for a while from MN. Also a find from a promotion. This is why it is so great to experiment with your make-up. You find just the right compliments for your face.The color here is Sugar Melon.

#3. MN Moist Lip Color. Now, I am not a fan of sticky wet lips like most lip glosses. However. This gives you a clean finished look over the dual lip pencil plus gives your lips a little *pop*. Especially in photos. I got this for the wedding and honeymoon and it was PERFECT! The color here is sheer kiss and it compliments many different shades of the dual lip pencil.

#4. Lash Prep. This really is a great product for extending and giving you very full lashes. Cover your entire lashes top and bottom. Then cover with MN Lash Lift for some super scrumptious lashes. You may have to use a lash comb to remove a few clumps.  I fell in love with this when I had my bridal portraits done.

My last and final thought for today is do not waste your money on lame products that simply will not do the job. If you have never tried MN you needs to get on that ASAP!  Go see Wendy and the girls on N. Main in the Rox.

More beauty tips coming in Vol. 2 of Summer Beauty Regimens. I'll give some info on keeping that skin looking good, facial cleansers and treatments, and some of my other favorite shower must-haves!