It's...kind of a big deal

BSU vs. Michigan State

The "Smith Family Season Opener Party" is in Colorado.

And it's going to be loud and crazy!!

Pictures to follow.

My Reviews: Heaven is Here

I've read about 10 books since my Fifty Shades adventure.  Seriously.

But this is the one I'll review because it was amazing.

At this point, if you blog, you've heard of Stephanie Nielsen or better known - Nie Nie from the Nie Nie Dialogues.  Let me tell you, if you're having a day where you just need some perspective, you need to read her blog.  She is just inspiration all over the place.

And her book was no different.

She never really goes into detail about her recovery in her blog.  She'll give bits and pieces but she never really truly shares what she's been though.  Until this book.

Hands down, the most inspirational book I've ever read.  After I read it, I wanted to hug everyone I knew, I wanted to hold my husband a little closer and I want to be a better person.

I had heard all the news stories and had watched her on TV specials when they explain how she had burns over 80% of her body and how she was in a coma for four months, but it was so much, much, much more.  Her experiences were horrifying and humbling.  Her recovery was grueling and heartbreaking.  You wouldn't blame her for being bitter, but she's not.  She admits to having hard days, but she is so uplifting and inspirational.  What a beautiful life she has and she is such a beautiful person.

If you want a good read, that makes you want to be better and put your life into a little more perspective - this is a MUST READ.

I just love her even more now.

Revlon Expressions Experiment!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Revlon for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

I got some fun stuff in the mail last Friday:

 

 

Revlon PhotoReady Perfecting Primer & Revlon Colorstay Eyeshadow in "Inspired."

 

I'll admit I squealed a little, which caused my husband to ask me what was wrong and when I showed him, proudly, what I got in the mail...well I just didn't get the same reaction.  In fact I think the word "nerd" was tossed around but I wasn't paying attention, I had make up to unwrap.

 

Revlon asked me to try out a couple of new products for the "Revlon Expression Experiment."  An experiment to get women to break out of their shells and try new things! I didn't know what I was in for and I was worried I was getting sent some "mulberry" lipstick.  Why? Because whenever anyone besides myself tries to put make up on me - they ALWAYS put Mulberry colored lipstick on me - without fail.  But Revlon decided to push my comfort level another way with new products to try in colors I wouldn't choose for myself.

 

The first product:  Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer:

 

This is a great primer for before you apply make up or to use as a foundation.

 

Let me first tell you, I have pores the size of Texas so I can't begin to tell you how excited I was to try this out and see what kind of results this gave.

 

 

I used it today and this is my before picture:

 

 

This is straight out of the camera, all I did was crop it so I didn't include the rest of my scary face.  Also there is a HUGE, and I mean scary-huge "blemish" that has taken up residence on my chin as of yesterday so my chin will not be photographed.

 

My pores are awesome at collecting dirt and grime and producing pimples not unlike that of an adolescent boy.  As you can see I have some awesome red spots that are either healing blemishes or ones that are threatening to make an appearance.  Just lovely.

 

 

Fun Fact: Did you know that you can go on Revlon's website and check out online tutorials on how to use each product?  True story.  I actually watched this tutorial to make sure I wasn't skipping a step.

 

 

Now - I used a few pumps and IMMEDIATELY started noticing my skin's appearance was looking more smooth and almost creamier.  My skin never does that - ever.  So you can imagine, I was pretty excited. 

 

This is my skin after:

 

Yes, the right side of my face is just blurry, but in my defense - it is REALLY difficult to take pictures of yourself in a mirror with a DSLR camera.  But the left side of my face is actually in focus - no blur, no airbrushing, no editing whatsoever.

 

The effect is smaller looking pores and a matte finish which is very nice.

 

Also after using this I noticed I didn't have to use as much concealer and gave my skin a smoother look:

 

Again - this is no editing whatsoever.  Just cropping out scary almost-dry hair.  

 

My skin never looks this smooth.  I love the effect and I'll definitely keep using this because it's such a nice change!

 

 

---

Now - this second product I was sent is not your Mama's eyeshadow.  In truth it's not my normal eyeshadow either.  I always keep it neutral with browns and tans, and if I'm feeling fancy, some shimmer.  So this definitely is above my comfort level.

 

 

This is Revlon Colorstay 16 Hour Eyeshadow in "Inspired."

 

 

My first reaction was "Green and blue...on me?!!"  I was once told that I have the perfect eye color because I can wear any color of make up because my eyes compliment most shades.  I don't know if this was brown nosing, but this helped a little when I went to try this out.  

 

The back comes with four step instructions about which colors to use when and where.  It was helpful but I still decided to go back to the video tutorial for a little more help.

 

And then I started with Step One which is the highlighting color to put toward the inner part of the eye and also along the brow:

 

 

Please ignore my intense need to fill my eyelash extensions.  Highlighting the eyebrow and inner eye really makes your eyes open up a little - or at least that's how it goes in my situation so the first step wasn't anything too new.

 

It's the next two steps that were new to me - 

 

Step Two: Apply the turquoise shadow to the entire eyelid.  Step Three: Apply the green shadow to the outer eye for dimension.

 

 

I was worried this would resemble stage make up or look a little clown-like, but I was pretty happy with how pretty the colors compliment one another and aren't nearly as intense once they're applied to the eye.

 

The Fourth Step is to swoop the deep purple along the crease of the eye for a dramatic effect:

 

I also decided to apply eyeliner and mascara to the bottom lid as well for this step.

 

Again I was a little worried this purple would make the overall effect too intense and it would look ridiculous on me but I think the purple really sets the other colors off as well.

 

This is the finished product:

 

I think it turned out well!  I'm happy with it and I think it would be the perfect eyeshadow for a night out.  Especially now with all the bright tops and fashion - this would compliment a turquoise or purple top really well.

 

Also - the "16 Hour" wasn't a lie.  When it came time to take my make up off - and we're talking after midnight - it still looked fresh - no weird creases or fading and no odd streaks of color on my cheeks.  Can't complain!

 

I was really apprehensive about trying a new eye shadow, especially with blue and green because in my mind, those colors were reserved for the late eighties and early nineties, but clearly I was wrong.  It was a lot of fun playing with new shades and I'll wear this eyeshadow more often.  I'm glad Revlon pushed me a little with trying new things.

 

It's important to be pushed in new directions sometimes.  Have you ever seen that lady in the grocery store straight out of 1992?  The hair, the make up, the pants?  And you think, "Well maybe...that year was really good to her...?"  More often than not, it wasn't.  That lady probably just got so used to doing the same thing over and over again, with her hair, make up and style, and nobody every pushed her to try something new.  And now after so many years, it's all she knows.

 

Without trying new things, new styles and being even a tiny bit adventurous, life gets a little dull.  It's empowering to try new things and to evolve your own style.  How will you know your limits of style and color and "how big is too big when it comes to hair" without pushing it?

 

I mean look at me?  I never thought I could pull off blue and purple eyeshadow, but I must say - I freaking killed that look.  Now I'll wear it more often.  In your face 1992 lady!

 

Because I realize I can totally pull off these looks, I believe I'll try Revlon's Super Lustrous lipstick in Nude Attitude - because nude lips is what's up.  Also I'd love to try Revlon ColorStay Longwear nail polishl in Midnight...or Marmalade...or Bold Sangria.  Ok, it's a problem.

 

You know...just pinning stuff.

Android got a Pinterest app.

I think I've added about 1,000 pins since ever since discovering a fun "Everything" button.  Ooh, everything?  Surely that can't mean everything, I better click and see.  And I do.  And then when I get to the bottom of that everything, I go back and click the button again and there's some new everything.  It's crazy.  And awesome.  

So this is a small sampling of the fun things I've pinned:

Pinned here.

This is a laundry room floor.  If I ever win a lottery and have unlimited funds and I build a home from the ground up, a floor like this will be included in said home.

Pinned here.

DIY eyelash thickening syrum.  And I'm betting you don't run the risk of permanently changing the pigment of your eye.  (Because with Latisse, you could.)  I'm totally trying this.

Pinned Here.

Sometimes I read pins and think, "Some people are sheer geniuses!"  This is an old pill bottle with a rock glued on top, clearly, but this is where you keep your spare key.  You go outside, bury it until only the rock shows and instant hide-a-key.  I don't have my own dirt, but when I do - this is happening.

Pinned Here.

This is DIY handbag storage.  It's a little closet for your purses.  Remember that dream house?  This would totally be in that crazy, amazing, secret door closet I dream about.

Pinned here.

I see a denim jacket in my future.  I've also seen them in my past but when I see them now I think, "Cute" instead of "Whoa, Kelly Kapowski!"  Especially with maxi skirts lately.

Pinned here.

For just $24.99 you can roundhouse people, too.

I miss Chuck Norris jokes.  I know they're old, but they still make me laugh.

But this wasn't a joke, this was for real!

Anyways, I've now spent sufficient time away from cleaning, packing and doing laundry.  

This weekend we're flying to go to a Boise State Season Opener party.  Not where the team is playing, we're just flying to where the party is.  You read that right.

Go Big Blue!

These pins brought to you by:

Procrastination.  I'll totally clean our bedroom later.

In other news...again:

This necklace from J.Crew is $150.00

This necklace from Boppy by Design is $10.00.  And it was $13.00 with tax.  I know, I just paid for it.

Now...the offer is over - however, with the response she's gotten, I believe she'll probably offer it again.  All you gotta do is follow her Facebook Page!

***UPDATE:  This deal is STILL GOING - these bubble necklaces are TEN DOLLARS!!!  Meaning you need to get on this, people.

And in other news:

This is what I'll be picking up at Target tomorrow morning (because Walmart will be a NIGHTMARE):

And in other news:

This is what I'm reading right now -

Room by Emma Donoghue

I'm not finished yet, but it has been really good so far.  I truly hope it doesn't take a mean turn at the end because I'd hate the author if pulled one of those.  I don't even want to tell you what it's about, but I will say this:

I'm not "enjoying" it, because the story subject is a dark and intense subject, but seen through the eyes of a five year old boy.  When it dawned on me what was happening, I couldn't put it down.  It's been very compelling and I find myself concerned about this character while I'm at work.  I can't tell you whether or not I recommend it yet, but when I finish I'll give you my overall thoughts.  I'm about 40 pages from the end.

Well...that just about sums it up.  I promise I am going to finish a project soon.  I'm just in a rut!

In other news...

Let me just start off this post by saying:

I just got home from the gym after taking some supplement I was talked into by some dude at GNC.  I am WIRED.  As in, can hardly sit still, and oddly anxious about completely irrelevant things.  So please keep that fact as a frame of reference while reading this more-than-likely random post.  (Who are we kidding, all of my posts are random.)


We'll start off by introducing my most recent and proudest purchase:

While I'm not one to name my belongings, I have this sudden urge to call her Sandra.  Hmm - I'll go ahead and attribute that to the meth I think I'm on.  

But isn't it ADORABLE?!  I admire it every time I see it.  And you guys - it has the good pockets.  Not the flimsy excuse for a phone sleeve kind of pockets, but sturdy material inside that you know will keep that phone in place.  Also - it not only has the tampon-pocket (yes, it's what I call it - because that's what its for), but it also has a little pocket on the outside, which also doubles as a zippered pouch, so you get three useful pockets on one side.  Little change purse, a little side pocket for gum and chapstick and the tiny tampon pocket.  And then on the other side, it has the phone sleeve and the slightly bigger sleeve for...gadgets that are slightly bigger than your phone?  I have none, but I'll take the slightly bigger pocket all the same.  And then on the back it has the superfluous outside zipper pocket that I always picture clever pick-pockets getting into - so I never use it.

And I LOVE the color.  Again, a purse I don't have to switch out based on whether I am wearing grays and blacks, or tans and browns.  LOVE IT.  It's also BSU Orange too - which was a selling point I used on my husband.  That didn't work - what did work was comparing my old worn out purse to new ones and showing him that, indeed, I needed a new purse.  Believe it or not, women's purses wear out faster than men's wallets.

In other news:

I also purchased the following off of GroopDealz.com:

I purchased the white necklace.  I'm excited to get it in the mail!

I also purchased these:

I chose #8 - the blue ones.

And of course, since I already bought a new necklace and won't be buying more because - I just got one.  Today's deal are these:

On sale for $12.99 normally $50.00.  I want the green arrow one and the wrap coral one.  But I won't because I have will power...I do!!

In case you miss this deal - which ends in a few hours - they're from Boppy By Design.  And apparently her facebook page is one to watch because she was selling $10 bubble necklaces but the offer is closed.  Curses!

I'm finding Groop Dealz might be dangerous for me.

In other news:

I finished the trilogy.

Yeah, I know I said I couldn't get past the first book and the weird porny kinkyness (don't care if they're not words) - but I have this thing...where I have to finish a book I start.  There are currently two other books on my nook that I need to finish, and I've needed to finish them for a while.  They're slow, and boring me, but I know I'll have to sit down and finish them because...it's bothering me.

And then of course the first book kinda left me needing more information, like "Why are you such a sick, sick, sicko?"  (10 points for who guesses where that's from, and another 10 points if you know who said it to whom.)

Here are my thoughts:

1.  Even in role-playing scenarios I can't get past the bossiness.  Would it kill ya to say please?!  "Bend over...please."  "Sit behind the door and don't look at me...please."  "I'll bend you over my knee if you say that again...please."

Yeah I know, it doesn't work that way, but I have this huge aversion to people telling me what to do.

2.  I liked the second book better.  I'm still a believer that nobody takes their pants off that much, but whatever, they're fictional characters.  And I was ok until the introduction back into the Red Room and certain toys came back into play.  The kind of toys that made me blurt out "*@#% NO!!!!"  Which registered a strange look from my husband.  Now that I'm thinking back I can't remember which book the creepy toys came back, but I skipped through it because...yikes.

3.  The third book was kind of like the last Twilight book.  It wraps things up in a nice bow which makes you feel ok about it being over with, even if it's kinda cheesy.  

It seems like there will probably be another series that shadows this series, kind of like Stephenie Meyer's Midnight Sun which she probably won't finish because somebody had to be a party pooper.  Way to ruin it for the rest of us you dirty leakers!  I would like to know what Edward thinks, but now I can't because somebody had to stupid.  At least we get a few pages, right?

It probably would put into more perspective knowing what Christian is thinking, but then again - he's Fifty Shades, and super dirty.  I don't know if I wanna know that bad.  Then again I always want to hear about the cheesy falling in love stuff.  I'm conflicted.

And here's another thought:  Again - how are they going to make this into a movie without it being straight up porn?!  They're casting for the movie as we speak!  And last I heard they're thinking Alexis Bledel and she's so innocent looking.  And if she's Ana, she'll be doing some real naughty-dirty type shiz.  I'm a little scared for the movie.

Also I've talked to a few girls at work who finished the series and apparently I'm not all that prude-y like I thought.  They had a tough time with some of the kink too.  I'm glad I'm normal.

Anyways - that's all the rambling for now.

Carry on.

A little excitement!

Yes.  Summer is still in full swing and its HOT AS EVER!  I personally am reeling from being in 65 degree weather all last week with 94% humidity.  My hair - it was so soft and smooth.  I know I love my desert but my hair is simply stunning when it's not completely devoid of moisture.

I purchased some cute stuff and since it was chilly, I'll have to wait about three more months until it becomes appropriate to wear them here (long sleeve sweaters) but all the same I'm excited.  In fact I've noticed a trend on Pinterest, it seems other people are starting to look forward to a little cool down when the air become a little more crisp and the fall colors are everywhere.

Take a look:  This is Utah in Fall:

So I got in on the Pinning fun and here's what I found:

 Caramel Cake

Yes...please.

 Chai Spice Cookies with Pumpkin Hershey Kisses

Super cute and they sound delicious.

Chevron Pumpkin

I love painting instead of carving - it really his half has much work and much less effort.  And look - so trendy.

 Magnet Spiders for the Front Door

This is cute.  Creepy and cute.  Perfect for Halloween decor.

 6 Minute Microwave Caramels

I love caramel.  Especially when it's ready in six minutes.  Must try!

 Painted Pine Cone Decorating

Decorating with Pine Cones is easy.  Why?  Because if you find you're not in the mood to find them in nature, they're everywhere in fall and usually pretty cheap.  Can't beat that.

 Pine Cone Garland

I love decorating in fall-themes.  It's so warm and inviting.  And I LOVE this cute idea.

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Best of Both Worlds

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Mmm I love snickerdoodles.  But only in small amounts - I can say that all I want, I usually over do it though.

I'm also missing fall fashions too:

Like this one:

Missing Fall by jessajill featuring fossil handbags

That necklace says it's only $10, so of course I clicked and it's no longer available.  Isn't that mean?!  I'm thinking about writing the website an angry letter, even though they can't control what's uploaded to Polyvore.

Don't you miss boots a little too?  I know I do.

And then the biggest thing my household looks forward to in Fall:

College Football Season:

Fun Football Gear:

Boise! by jessajill featuring graphic tees

I don't know if there will be a trip up to Boise this year that includes me - the tickets have jumped in price so I believe my husband will make the trip and meet his brother for a guy's weekend - especially when they play BYU on the Smurf Turf.  I don't think anyone else in Utah cares about that particular game - they look forward to the Gridiron Holy War - otherwise known as BYU vs. U of U.  But we're excited to watch!

Then there was more fun had on Polyvore:

Dressy Game Day by jessajill featuring a blue blazer

I like the idea of dressing up favorite team colors too.  This is a little loud but it would be perfectly acceptable at a game.  

Anyway - that's how I'm feeling today.

Today's pins brought to you by:

Procrastination - ok, now I'm going to the gym!