You can Thank Me Later

[Disclaimer: any typos in this post are not my fault.  Please blame the little tortoise cat I like to call Ginny for any typos or errors.  She loves to help, a lot.]

But seriously, you will.  Before I turned say 22, I rarely washed my face.  Didn't use skincare.  Nothing.  You were lucky if I took off my makeup before going to bed. Then I turned 22, and my skin changed.  Which I have heard of.  Suddenly I was breaking out, my pores were clogging, my skin tone was uneven.  So I had to make some changes which including washing my face and taking off my makeup every night.

Fast forward three years later, still doing my best to keep my skin clean and looking better.  It works, most of the time.  My pores have become more stubborn over the years, clogging just because they feel like it basically.

I had seen the Clarisonic Mia 2 at stores before.  Online.  But at a price point of $149 seemed a little much for me.  I mean they made tons of knock off options at various other stores so why would I spend that much on a skin care tool.  Boy was I wrong.  I've bought the knocks offs, didn't really notice much improvement.

But from the first time I used my Clarisonic Mia 2, I noticed an incredible difference in my skin.  It felt squeaky clean without making my face feel tight and dry.  I've been using it now for about 3 weeks and my skin has made some major improvements.  My clogged pores have just about all cleared up  and my skin tone has evened out dramatically.  My skin feels clean and healthy for the first time in awhile.  Plus, it only takes a minute!  20 seconds on your forehead, 20 seconds on your nose and chin, and then 10 seconds on each cheek.  I mean coqme on.  Everyone has a minute.

Plus it comes in a ton of cute patterns and colors.  I mean how cute is the paisley print of mine?  After using mine a few times, I went on to the website and became obsessed.  They have a ton of different brush heads and cleansers.  Mine came with a sample of three of their cleansers, the Daily Foaming Cleanser, the Deep Pore Cleanser, and the Hydrating Cleanser.  Which I'm not sure which one I will be ordering a full size of when I run out of!  They are great cleansers.  But the best part about the Clarisonic Mia 2 system is you can use any face wash with them!

Trust me when I say that this little skincare tool is well worth the investment to improving your skin.  I used to spend the money on facials to help clean my skin up but now there is no need!  But seriously, you will thank me if you use this on your skin.  It has dramatically improved the way mine looks.  Even my makeup seems to go on better!  Come on, take a minute out of your day and improve your skin.  Only a minute!1

Summer Beauty Tips

So here in the Ozarks, we've been pretty blessed with a relatively cool summer.  And by cool I mean not blisteringly hot with 80% humidity all the time.  But there have been days that have lived up to that name.  I, like most women, work at least 40 hours a week and when I know that it's going to be 90+ the idea of putting on a full face of makeup is gross.  So here are a few of my tried and true tips to a lightweight face that is work appropriate.

1. Trade in that heavy foundation for a BB cream or tinted moisturizer.  This has the perks of a moisturizer but coverage for us who need it to even out our skin tone.  I sometimes swipe a little powder over my t-zone just to help the coverage last all day. A few of my faves include:

smashbox / laura mercier / l'oreal

2.  Swap out your contouring/bronzing/highlighting/blush routine for a little cream blush.  Just a little bit will give you that just pinched flushed look.  

maybelline / revlon / benefit

3.  Lashes.  We all know I love lashes.  Skip the smokey eye and swipe on that mascara.  Lashes for days will wake up your eyes and brighten up your whole look.

smashbox / tarte / lancome

4.  Tinted lip balm.  Now unfortunately I am no where near glamourous enough to wear bold lip colors but if you are rock it here.  Now is your chance.  With a muted eye and pink cheeks, rock that hot pink lip.  If you are like me, reach for a little tinted lip balm/lip stain to finish off that look.  

tarte / benefit / covergirl

Well, there you have it.  My perfect, go to summer look.  Oh and if you're like me and can't leave the house without your eye brows on, throw those on too.  Because I look weird without them!

Ready Set Gorgeous

Okay, so I have the most stubborn pores.  Seems like a weird thing to talk about right? Pores.  But seriously, mine clog up just because they feel like it I think.  So when this new CoverGirl foundation promises to not clog your pores I was all over it.

[image cred: CoverGirl]

I did my typical research before I went.  Read a few reviews on how it went on and how the shades matched and all and a few bloggers said to get two different shades and mix them to get the best results.  So I went and got two shades.  And loved it.  I love the way it goes on, I love the finish, I love the lightweight feeling.  But finding a shade to match my skin is apparently impossible.

You would think a foundation with 12 shade options a pale girl with cool undertones could find a match.  Amiright? I bought shades Creamy Natural 110 and Buff Beige 115 and mixed the two at first. Seemed too dark.  Tried each shade separately.  Too dark. Went to the store and bought what I thought was a lighter shade. Even darker.

So for now, I have thrown in the towel on this foundation.  I'm not sure what to do honestly because I really loved the coverage and look of the foundation.  I'm a pale girl with no hope of getting tanner unless I spend some serious time in the tanning bed.  Which is not the best for your skin but who knows.

Maybe if I do win a dream vacation to the beach and get super tan I can try this foundation out again.  Who wants to donate to the "Amanda-needs-a-serious-vacation-especialy-if-its-to-the-beach" fund?  Anyone? No? Okay, back to the drawing board then!

Lights, Camera, Flashes

So I took a bit of a hiatus from here [story of my life, am i right] and I was posting over on Wordpress.  Big mistake.  I've read more blog posts about how switching to Wordpress is a terrible idea.  Anyway, moving on.

Mascara.  Let's talk about it.  I love me so mascara.  And as much as I love the price point of cheap mascara, it flakes in my eyes.  I can't handle it.  I work at least 40 hours a week if not more and I need my mascara to keep up with me.  Am I right?

I watch way too many blogs, vlogs, etc from make up gurus and have tried a few mascaras that I have liked alot.  But nothing, I mean nothing has given me lashes like Tarte's Lights, Camera, Flashes Mascara.  I kid you not.  We're talking mega volume, false lash look.

It has a two sided brush that at first I thought was annoying.  Why do I need to deal with a doubled sided brush.  But when used, this brush creates mega lashes.

 I mean hello! Check these out!

You have got to check this out.  Seriously.  

Anyway, expect to see me back on the old blog again.  The URL has changed though. midwestmascara.blogspot.com.  Because I believe a few swipes of mascara can change anything.

Shake Things Up

Hello to all!

I hope where ever you are you are warm and snow free.  Because all of us Northerners [ok maybe just me] at this point in the winter months are tired of digging our cars out of the snow.  Winter around here can't seem to make up its mind.  A week ago we had inches of snow on the ground, and yesterday it was 60 degrees with the most unbelievable wind. Anyway, I'm rambling.

I firmly believe that it is a good idea to shake up your makeup routine from time to time.  Now in previous years, I was set in my ways.  Bare Minerals make up all the way, all the time.  But as of late, I have branched out to try many new products.   Your skin is different all the time and the same product may not always produce the same results.  I still reach for my CoverGirl 3 in 1 foundation most days but lately with the weather constantly drying out my skin I've been reaching for 2 products. 

1. Bare Minerals has always been my old faithful.  The standby.  I can always wear that makeup and feel great about the way I look.  They recently came out with a BB Cream primer.  Which I found a little odd so of course I marched right over to heaven Ulta and picked it up.  And I have to say I am very pleased.  It has a light tint to it that really just evens out my skin tone which I love and I have to say any make up that I put over it does not budge all day.  I'm all about a good primer that will make your make up still look fresh by the end of a long day.  They're coming out with a liquid foundation which I can't believe but am so so so excited for.  I have been waiting and waiting for them to come out with a liquid.  So, of course, I've already pre ordered it and I will let you know how it is once I try it out.
2. Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation.  One of the best parts of this is it was only $4 at Walmart.  Talk about a steal.  I'd say it has medium coverage and has a very matte finish which I love.  I'm not a fan of the dewey look.  But it stays on very well and paired with the BB Cream primer is a match made in heaven.  I am definitely a fan. I also love it because they have so many shades to choose from.  I was able to find a cool shade in one of the lightest color [of course] that matched perfectly.  Finally, a foundation that is not yellowy!  A little concealer and bronzer and mascara (of course) and I am on my way!

As always, I am not a make up artist or anything in any way.  I'm just a girl who loves makeup, especially make up that comes from heaven Ulta. 

Until next time... xox

Beauty Favorites

So we all know that I am the worlds worst blogger but such is life.  Life is just plain busy lately.  But after many requests to write a beauty blog, here goes my best effort.

I hate to admit it but I have commitment issues when it comes to make up. [don't worry not in my relationships. Casey and I are great].  I guess I am extremely picky and enjoy trying new products.  But here are a few products that I love lately, and one that kind of let me down. If you follow me on Instagram, I've actually already posted about a lot of these but in case you want more detail, read on!

1.  Covergirl Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation is a great foundation that is not too heavy but has fantastic coverage.  I wear the lightest shade Ivory [shocker I know] and it is [for once] a close match to my skin.  It's claims to be your primer, foundation, and concealer all in one.  Confession: I still use my Benefit 15 hr Primer and concealer.  But that's just me.  Great stuff though. I actually just picked up my second bottle of this today, which must mean its a win!
2. Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in Honey.  Now honestly, this is  new purchase but I am loving it already.  It's definitely a my lips but better shade.  It doesn't dry out my lips either.  So balm stain for the win!
3. The Goody TangleFix Brush.  Now you are probably thinking that this is one funny looking brush.  And it is.  Now incase you didn't know, I have very thick hair that gets very tangled.  Like one little wind gust and I've got a rats nest on my hands.  Straight out the shower? Also a rats nest.  This brush brushes through my tangles in one brush.  Amazing.  Seriously.  And at only $6 at Walmart.  Definitely a must if your hair gets tangled.
4. Now this is actually a product that let me down.  I recently ran out of my Covergirl 3 in 1 foundation and when I went to get another one they were out in my shade.  Sad day.  So I picked up this CoverGirl Tru Blend to see if it was comparable.  Unfortunately I was not impressed with the coverage or its lasting power.  The coverage was light, so that could work for some people.  However, by the end of an 8hr work day it was like I had never even put any on my nose and around my chin.  It wore off very easily which I typically have long days at work and need my makeup to last!  Even with the Benefit 15 hr Primer [which is the best primer I have every used FYI] it didn't last.  I have a lot of redness around my nose area so that's where I needed it!  Oh well.  You never know until you try!

Anyway, if you want to see more makeup recommendations, let me know! I'll do my best to see what I can do for you!  I am by no means a makeup artist but I do happen to be pretty opinionated.

Until next time :),

Amanda Gail

A Few Makeup Favorites

1. Smashbox High Definition Concealer

2. Benefit Hervana Blush

3. Benefit Bronzer

4. Benefit Stay Flawless 15 hr Primer

5. Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation

Hello, my name is Amanda and I'm addicted to makeup.

But seriously, I do.  I scour the internet reading review after review, watch make up tutorials, and overall just kill my bank account anytime I get anywhere near Sephora, Ulta, or even Target or Walmart.  Even if I just need a replacement of something, I always seem to come out with some new product to try!  It's a problem.

But I thought I'd share a few of my favorite products that I am just loving lately. 

1.  I have been on an everlasting search for the perfect concealer.  I am very fair skinned and have very translucent skin.  Oh and I have bad allergies.  Needless to say I have TERRIBLE dark circles under my eyes.  It's probably my least favorite part of my face.  This concealer is one of the greats I believe.  It goes on smooth, doesn't settle in the creases of my under eye, and blends well with just about any foundation!

2. This blush is amazing.  First of all Benefit blushes and bronzers smell INCREDIBLE.  I use this one in conjunction with the bronzer to create a contoured look.  Super easy. 

3. This Benefit bronzer is my favorite!  Just because you're pale doesn't mean you don't need some bronzer!  It has a highlighter to go with it that makes contouring a breeze!

4. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS PRIMER.  Okay I said it.  I was super skeptical.  15 hours is a prettttty lofty promise in my opinion.  And the price tag of $30 is a bit much for me too.  However, I read the reviews and they all said it was great.  And they were right.  This stuff is phenomenal.  My makeup looks just as great at 10pm as it did when I put it on at 6am and makes all my makeup go on super smooth.  DEFINITE buy if you like a primer under your makeup.

5.  I've never worn much Tarte makeup.  And I'm not sure why.  This Amazonian Clay Foundation is incredible.  Lightweight but provides incredible coverage.  Plus it has tons of great things for your skin it.

But I am by no means a make up artist.  But I like to play around with different products and brushes.  If you guys like this post, maybe I'll do an eye make/product post as well?  Let me know.

These are my favorites for now.  But I know I'll find some more stuff soon.  

Have a favorite product?  Let me know!  I always love to try new products!

xox

5.6 What do I do?

Well since I can't answer with my job, I do a lot of things.

I laugh, a lot.

I eat, a lot.

I love my boyfriend, family, kit cat, puppy dog

I plan for our future, for what I'm having for lunch

I daydream about the dream vacation or even what I'm having for dinner

I play with my kitty and soon with my new puppy

I organize because I'm messy and can't seem to put things away.

And most importantly,

I pray because the Lord has graced me with more than I deserve


xox,

5.5 BFF BESTIE LOVE OF MY LIFE

Embarrassing my best friend by publicly professing my love for her?  Yes please.

My best friend Rachel and I have been a pair for about the last 10 years.  CRAY to think about.  We have lived in different cities for 99.999% of our friendship but that's okay.  When we get together, oo Lordy it's a hoot. She's the bomb.com.  We have so many inside jokes and I know no matter what we will always be there for each other.  She'll be the maid of honor in my wedding.  And I'm sure one day we'll be in the same nursing home getting into trouble!

So bestie, BFF, gangsta biotch, grass cutter, best friend....

I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU AND I DON'T CARE WHO KNOWS IT!!!

Xox,

5.4 Favorite Quote

Okay, can I cheat on this day? Can I have two favorites?  Because there are two quotes that I pretty much live by.

"Before you ask which way to go, remember where you've been"

• What a great quote.  Everybody comes from somewhere.  Everyone has a story.  Whether it be good, bad, sad, inspirational.  We all have one.  Sometimes, it's good to remember where you've been, where you've come from.  It can easily point you in the exact direction you've been meaning to go in.

"To exist for yourself is meaningless"-Denis Waitley

• What is life without someone to share it with.  Whether it be family, friends, boyfriend, husband.  However you want to define it.  When you've made it to the top, when you've achieved everything you've ever wanted to, don't you want someone there cheering for you?  I know I do.  I exist for my family, my boyfriend Casey, and the big man upstairs.  Who do you exist for?

Until tomorrow! [look at me go!]

5.3 Things that Make me Uncomfortable

Things that make me uncomfortable... Hmmm

Does anyone like to talk about the uncomfortable things in life?  Not so much! Hah!  Okay here we go.

• Surprises: Party pooper, I know.  But, I tend to be a bit of a control freak.  I like to know what's going on. I like to be prepared.  You can't be prepared for a surprise!
• Gossip/Drama: I can't handle drama.  It makes me so uncomfortable when people hang their dirty laundry out for everyone to see.  Don't come to me with drama, don't talk behind my back.  We are all adults here.
• Divorce: My parents are divorced.  My mom remarried a pretty incredible man.  That's all you get.  Don't ask questions about it, because I'm just going to avoid it.  Now we're all uncomfortable.  
• People who call me babe, hun, darlin, sweetie, etc who are not my mother, grandmother, or my boyfriend: this one's pretty self explanatory

And there you have it.  Uncomfortable!

Until next time,

5.2 Gluten Free Lifestyle for Dummies

Bloggin every day in May…here we go!

Educated everyone on something I know a lot about….

Well I know a little about a lot of things but one thing I know pretty dang well is living a gluten free lifestyle. 

I have a disease called celiac.  If you're not quite sure what that is let me try to explain it in more understandable lingo.  Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease associated with a toxic reaction in the intestines to gluten.  Gluten is the common name for a protein found in specific grains, most specifically wheat.  Incase you were wondering, wheat is in everything.  From chips to crackers to bread to beer to even certain beauty products.  I'll spare you the details but it prevents my body from being able to absorb the necessary nutrients from my food.  I have to scrutinize every piece of food I put in my mouth.

When I was first diagnosed with this, I was relieved.  I had been feeling pretty terrible and it felt good to have a reason behind the misery.  But that feeling quickly left. I then moved to discouraged.  Then rebellious (not my best idea).  I used to love food, all kinds, and now I must watch everything I eat.

 Nowadays, I am just thankful that the medicine for this disease is simple, a gluten free diet. I still splurge from time to time.  You don’t realize how much you love a slice of pizza until you can’t have one. 

Advice because I’m supposed to be educating!  Don’t give up! It will get better!  Even more so, don’t rebel.  That was not one of my brightest ideas.  Educate yourself.  I read book after book about people who live an extreme gluten free lifestyle.  Like use two different toasters so the gluten crumbs from their husbands toast don’t touch their gluten-free crumbs.  Extreme.  It’s also easier to just look for ingredients you can’t have in a product rather than what you can have.  

Cheat list for beginning gluten free-ers:

All dairy products (sour cream, butter, cheese in the block form, yogurt, milk, cream cheese, etc)

Meat--any kind of meat that hasn't been pre seasoned or marinated in anything is safe to start cooking.  You can use most seasonings though

Veggies--eat your little heart out 

Fruit--Same thing, go for it

Good gluten free pasta: Heartland brand, I can only find it at Wal-mart but you can hardly tell the difference.

It becomes a lot easier over time.  And you’d be surprised how much is naturally gluten free!  Living gluten free is not always an easy choice.  But it’s the healthy one for me.  If you have any questions, I’ve been doing this for almost two years now so let me know! I’m happy to help!

Woo! Day two done!  Look at me go!

Until next time,

Blog Every Day in May: My life story in 250 words or less..

Okay I'm a day late and a dollar short on this blog every day in May thing okay? But I'm gonna give this my best effort!!

My life in 250 words or less huh?  Alright, here we go:

Born in a small town in Louisiana, I was a sweet tea drinkin, crawfish eatin, big hair wearin southern belle for the first 13 years of my life.  I am the youngest of my sister and two stepbrothers.  My family is the best one around.  (I know everyone says that, but seriously, mine is).  Now I am holdin down the fort in the good ol’ MidWest.  My life revolved around music, band to be specific growing up.  Music has a way of soothing the soul that I cannot even begin to put into words.  My stepdad has stage four brain cancer, and I thank the Lord for every day I get to spend with him.  I am a graduate of Missouri State University and am very proud of that fact.  I’ve wanted to be many things in my life: lawyer, dancer, broadcaster, wedding planner to name a few.  I now am a Sales Manager for the DoubleTree Hotel and am extremely thankful the opportunity to work for an incredible organization.  I love all things striped, purple, and anything that includes laughter and Harry Potter.  I am a cat mom to a little ball of trouble named Weasley, and I am the soon-to-be mom of a German Shepard named Gryffindor.  My boyfriend, Casey is the love of my life and I would be lost without him.  My life so far has been incredibly blessed, and I am excited to see where my life takes me from here!

[my little family]

The Adventures of being a Cat Mom

The adventures of being a cat mom never cease to keep me on my toes.  Never owning a cat, I had certain expectations about living with one.  Sharp claws, anti-social, not snuggly.  Just to name a few.

Maybe I should have changed my blog name to "Adventures of being a Cat Mom" because I could probably write a book on little Weasley.  He is so the opposite of what a cat is.

He's the biggest snuggler in all the land.

I post wayyyy to many pictures of my cat sleeping on Instagram.  But seriously, every time he climbs in my lap and snuggles in, it's just too cute for words.  I have to document it, I just have too!

Also, this little guy has to be in the middle of everything.  The situations he gets himself into are just hilarious.  He runs to the door when I come home, and always has to help me with whatever I'm doing. 

Although with the move, he has been a little stressed out.  Once he saw all his stuff being moved out of the apartment, he freaked out a little.  Then once we got over to the house, we thought with all his stuff he'd be okay.  But despite our best efforts, he spent the majority of the first week in our new house under the bed.  He's slowly coming around though, which is good because we have a new addition to our family coming home in about 3 weeks. 

Gryffin is now a 4 week old German Shepard puppy.  He will be coming home to us soon and we are hoping that him and Weasley will be best friends.  So stay tuned, soon it will be "The Adventures of being a Puppy Mom".  

My life is never dull, never.

xox,

New New New

Well let's see, I suck.  Okay maybe that's a little harsh.  But I have a hard time balancing my life with blogging.  I read all of your blogs all the time, and want to figure out a way to do the same.  I think the past few months I just wasn't feeling inspired enough to write.

So there's a lot of new around here.  New blog name, new background, and things of the sort.  Just decided it was time for a change.

There's also my new house.  Casey and I found the most perfect little rental home.  We are finally all settled in and are loving not having to climb 4 flights of stairs.  Did I mention the 2 car garage?

Did I also mention my new job?  I started as a Sales Manager for the DoubleTree Hotel about 2 weeks ago.  Talk about dream job.  I am so incredibly blessed to have this opportunity.  Loving where you work makes everything better.  Also, did I mention it's a 8-5 Monday - Friday job.  No more working on the weekends!!

Oh, and I bought a new car.  Jackson Jeep is my new 2013 Jeep Compass.  We are best pals, and I love driving that little SUV around.

My life is incredibly blessed with so many wonderful things right now to say the least.  

So maybe I can figure this out.  Stick with me?

xox,

The Importance of Family

I know I said I'd do better about blogging.  Then tragedy struck my family. For the last week, I've been trying to find a way to get both feet on the ground again.

Laying my 19 yr old cousin, Garrett, to rest is something no one should ever have to do.  It was easily one of the hardest things I have ever done.

I always say how much I love my family.  But last weekend, I was reminded just how precious and lucky I am to have such an incredible family.

There were 6 of us grandkids. Cousins. And we were blessed with the opportunity to grow up all within about a 5 hour radius of each other.  The center being my grandmother's (or as I call her JuJu) house.  We spent every long weekend, holiday, and well any time we could squeeze in together.  Even though my oldest cousin is 13 years older than me and Garrett being 4 years younger than me, we were always very close.

As the years have gone on, life has separated us by states.  Plane rides instead of short car rides.  But when we are all together, it was if we were never apart.

While all in one place for the first time in years, we took the time to really enjoy each other's company.

 It was truly a blessing to be able to laugh and cry with one another. To hold each other up during such a difficult time.

Now that we are all adults, we relate in such different ways than when we did when we were younger.  I felt at peace while with them.

This is my family.   My rock.  My everything.  Without them, I'd be lost.  There may only be 5 of us left now, but Garrett will forever be in our hearts. Over that weekend, over 2000 people came through the visitation and memorial service to express how he had touched their hearts. 

Family is the biggest, most important part of anyone's life.  I hope that your family means as much to you as mine does. 

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. '

Jeremiah 29:11

xox,

Tragedy

On November 4th, around 3 am, tragedy struck my family. 

My youngest cousin, Garrett Cole Luce, was struck and killed on the train tracks that run through Texas A&M campus. 

Words cannot begin to explain how I feel. It is not yet known why he was on the tracks.

I don't usually do this, but I'm asking for your prayers as my family prepares to put him to rest. 

He was a wonderful, God loving man and I know he has seen our Lord's face. He was loved by many and never without a smile on his face. I however do not yet know why he had to be taken from us so young. He was only 19.

I pray for God to grant my family peace and to wrap us in his arms as we try to cope with this terrible tragedy.  For I know, that it is only by trusting in Him that we can get through this. 

Call your parents and tell them that you love them. Call your grandparents, your sister or brother, your best friend. Because life is too short to do without doing so. 

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

    for they will be comforted.

Matthew 5:4

Xox,

Amanda

*Insert Bad Break up Song Here*

By this point you all have probably stopped checking to see if I am going to update again.  I was going to say that I was taking a "hiatus" from blogging but the reality of it is that well, blogging and I broke up.  We needed space to say the least.

I had lost the inspiration to write.  Nothing felt good enough to post to the world to see.  So needless to say, blogging and I are working things out.  And I am hoping to work on getting back into a regular routine of things.

A lot has changed since April...A LOT.  So here's a little update.

1* As of June, Casey and I got a place of our own.  It's seriously the bees knees.  Our little home has a long way to go as far as my Pintrest decorating dreams go but hey its a work in progress.

Here's a little sneak peak of our living room.  It's a work in progress so its by no means ready for it's internet debut.  Maybe some day soon.

2* If you follow me on Instagram, you are very familiar with the addition to our little family. Right after we got our new place, Casey and I got a precious little orange tabby cat.  His name is Weasley and is he makes every day full of a laughter and smiles.

Pretty cute, huh? He is so snuggly and full of personality.  Too cute to handle

3* Casey went back to school and I am so incredibly proud of him.  He's going to school to be a teacher.  He hopes to one day teach history and coach baseball.  In the meantime, he got an incredible opportunity to coach for a middle school here in town while he's taking classes.  The head coach is a high school history teacher and is going to let Casey student teach with him.  I am so excited for the opportunities that are coming his way.  He is one who definitely deserves them.

4* I currently work full time for TLC Property Management.  I work as a leasing agent on one of the biggest apartment complexes in Springfield.  It is exhausting, entertaining, and I learn something new every day.  It's a good job to have so I'm grateful for the opportunity right now.

Anyway, don't give up on me okay?! Blogging and I are getting back together.  It's just a work in progress.  Trying to find how to balance working full time, finishing school, and my life with Casey.  We'll figure it out though!

Until next time,

Liebster Blog Award

Happy Sunday!

Hip hip hooray for me!  Robin over at Sunshine State of Mind nominated me for this cute little blog award. Robin is such a sweet heart and a fellow gluten free gal!  It's always exciting for me to find someone else who lives gluten free, I don't feel quite so alone.

Okay, so the Liebster Blog Award is for bloggers with 200 or less followers.  Let me tell you guys, I did a little jig when I reached 20 followers so you bet your bottom if I ever reach 200 followers I just might cry.  Anyway, here's how it works. 

1. Choose five up and coming blogs to give the award to, must have 200 or less followers
2. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them
3. Post the award on your blog
4. List the blogs you gave the award to with links to their sites.  Leave a comment on their blog to let them know they have received the award
5. Share five random facts about yourself

And the winners are... [cheesy I know]

Elizabeth over at Fearless & Frugal // she may not know it but I love all her budget tips! College girl on budget right here

Courtney over at Life Well Expected // she's brand new to blogging and always posts the sweetest comments on my blog!

Megan over at And Today was a Fairy Tale // she always posts tons of pictures and I am a sucker for those.  A picture is worth a thousand words. OH, and the verse at the bottom of her blog is totally my have.

Brielle over at Adventures of Law School // number one: I could never go to law school well even survive law school so big props to her and number two I feel like we have the same sense of humor sometimes.  

Michelle over at Shell Bell // first her and her hubs are too cute for words and second her layout is done in mint green.  No explanation necessary

Five random facts about little ole me: 

1. I have a gluten allergy that pretty much takes the fun out of eating sometimes.  But I'm slowly figuring it out
2. I'm pretty short ok, really short  4'11" hayyy!
3. I absolutely would not be where I am at now without my incredible family.
4. I am freakishly attached to my Erin Condren life planner [if you don't know what that is, you need to check it out. It will change your life.  Check it out here]
5. I absolutely love to laugh.  Make me laugh, and we'll be friends forever.

Well that sure was fun.  Thanks again Robin for the nomination.  I like this award.  It remembers us little guys in the blogging world!

Sad to say tomorrow is Monday, but hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

Until next time,