The Early Bird

Tuesdays and Thursdays are hectic in this household.  I have class, Kage goes to day care, the house is in shambles.  It's basically a nightmare for my OCD ways.  But we survive.  And then Friday comes, and then the weekend, and life is good.

Today, I have an appointment with Dr. Laura before class, so Kage goes to day care early to allow me travel time to my appointment and then time to get to class.  It's going to be a lot of windshield time today.

But Kinley wanted to make today *extra* interesting by getting up at 6:00.  She doesn't normally get up that early.... well, not anymore.

And she is a crab!  OMG.

It's going to make getting us ready by 9 a real chore.  Hard to shower with a toddler on your hip!

We had a therapy session last night and I must say that we shocked our therapist by our new attitude and outlook!  So much to say, so little time!

I hope to find the time to write it all down tonight....cause it was a pretty good night.

Instead, I'll leave you with some Kinley cuteness while I run off to attempt a shower while she freaks out in her crib.  Happy Thursday to me!

And don't forget, the give-away ends tomorrow!  Get your name in!

So What Wednesday

Head on over to visit Shannon at Life After I Dew and join in saying So What... This week, I am saying "So What if..."

• I got a stupid B on my test that I swore I had an A on.  I missed it by two points.  And they were stupid errors.  I almost cried over the stupid B.  And the stupid boy in my group, that I really can't stand (that is so mean) got an A.  And he didn't even know the essay answers.  He BSd and got an A.  Grrrrr.
• I got an A on the paper that I expected the F!  I got a 49/50.  How in the world did I pull that off?  I seriously felt that it was the worst paper ever.  Obviously, the prof liked it!  And that's what counts, right?
• I want to be one of those wives that gets  up with their husbands to make their lunch and cook them breakfast before they go to work--but my body refuses to move before 6 a.m.  I just can't do it.
• I feel even more exhausted when I wake up than I did when I went to bed.  What gives?
• I really need to get a part time job.  Really, really.
• I haven't been to the gym in about two weeks.  Working on our marriage has become more important and me spending all evening, every evening in the sweat box doesn't help.  Maybe I'll go today.  Maybe.
• My tan is fading and I want to cry sob.
• I cried my eyes out when I dropped Kage off at the new day care yesterday.  But she did fabulous.  And I'm pretty sure I love this new lady.  She called my daughter perfect 4 times.  And yes, I counted.
• I feel like I'm torn between what I am and what I want to be.  Make sense?  Not to me either.
• It would make me so super happy to give-away this book to you.  So go and sign-up, because it's my new guide and I think that all women should read it.  It's ah-mazing.

It's been a "trying" weekend....

I am blogging on borrowed minutes, my friends.  Kinley Grace is going to wake up *any minute*....I just know it.  She's had two quick cry outs in the last half hour which is my warning that it's almost time.  Those cry outs represent my warning to drink up that last bit of coffee in my cup, get her apple juice sippy ready to go (with one ice cube) and go pee.  Cause it's almost go-time.

But this morning, I'm being a rebel.  I'm starting a blog after getting my warnings....  ooooooh you go with your bad self!  Okay, not really.

What a beautiful weekend!  We had perfect weather.  We had a happy baby (for the most part)!  We didn't fight!  We didn't argue!  We even got all of our to-do's accomplished and then some.  Yes, a great weekend indeed.

R had to work on Saturday but got home shortly after lunch-time.  We loaded up Kage and drove over to Zales to drop my rings off to be re plated.  I'm now ringless for 2 weeks.  We were trying to find a new stroller for Kage that was more mall appropriate and just didn't have any luck.  Her jogger has gotten so dirty from all of the trail walking and park walking we've done....I just feel ick taking it into stores and malls.  I need to get something a little more like this:

But sans the $250 price tag.  So my search continues and I pray that I come across another great deal on Craigslist. 

Speaking of Craigslist, we did pick up that tunnel on Saturday and Kage loves it!  Unfortunately, we can't fit the whole assembled thing into our apartment but the tunnel and one of the boxes fit in the living room.  She doesn't even know that part of it is missing!  :)  I swear, our place feels smaller and smaller with each new toy that we buy her.  I commented on Saturday night that this place would have been the perfect size--and dare I even say, big--for the two of us. 

Sunday morning we went back to Church ABC after our several month long hiatus.  Why is it that when our lives became so upside down and troubled, we left the church?  Isn't that not how it is supposed to go?  I dunno.  Regardless.  We went back.  And we were both so nervous that everyone would call us out on the jerks that we were for just "quitting" church.  But that didn't happen.  We instead got a bunch of "welcome backs" and "we missed you" and "it's so nice to see you!" 

And I really thought that I had blogged about our whole "church directory" photo experience, but for the life of me I can not find the post.....so maybe I didn't write it?  Here it is.  But whatever....months ago (like back in February or March?) we had our family portrait taken for the Church ABC directory.  It was the most horrific picture ever!  OMG.  We all looked ridiculous.  Well, wouldn't you know it that our first week back and the directories were in.  Hahaha  I thought for sure that those things were passed out long ago...but I guess there was a delay from the photographer company that did them.  So here we are, first week back and staring at that awful picture that we just wanted to forget. 

OMG. 

After church, we went home to let Kage nap before taking her out to the splash park and to go grocery shopping.  She had so much fun and her dad was finally able to watch her play in the water.  He always misses it because he works so late and most weekends.  I felt good letting him have this time with her and enjoy her.

And it's felt good to not be fighting and arguing and angry all weekend.  We've truly been happy, all weekend.  But it's been work.  It's been a 24/7 conscious effort all weekend.  But I think that's expected?  It's not going to be easy....I do know that.  But I'm willing to try and am trying.  And he is too.

Don't forget to enter the give-away too....  the book is amazing.

I wanna win it!

My friend, Amanda, over at Every Girl Like Me is hosting a give-away.  And I want to win it.  It's a book for daddies to read to their little ones and I think that's pretty cool.  So head on over and enter to win it too!

Tell her I sent you!

A Saving Grace and Paying It Forward **Give-Away**

Posting my story about our marriage struggles makes me feel pretty vulnerable.  Putting it "out there" for all to see and all to judge....it's a risky move.  But I always said that this blog would be my place.  It would be my platform.  It is my blog.  And my marriage is part of me.  I feel like it may just help someone to know that they aren't alone in the struggle.  And it helps me to be able to look back and see what progress I may or may not be making.  But I don't regret posting our story.  I don't regret putting it out there.  And I am so very thankful for the messages and comments that were left to tell me that I'm not alone and that we aren't the only ones fighting the battle to survive marriage hardship.
But one person in particular sent me a message with such kind words and advice...and a book recommendation to help me get through this very hard time. 

She has become my angel in disguise! 

I've always had a love for reading (English concentration in college) and reading a good self-help book is candy for my soul.  And just the other day when I was out in the backyard tanning during K's nap, I wished that I had a good book to enjoy.

And now I do.

I ran out immediately and got the book that "my angel" suggested to me.  I sat in the Starbucks inside the bookstore and drank an iced caramel macchiato and dived in.  Oh my goodness....the author wrote this book for me.  She wrote it about me.  She wrote it for us.

Okay, so she didn't.  But it's so well written and so me that it seems like she did. 

It's going to be my saving grace....my marriage's saving grace.

It's giving me a new outlook.  A renewed spirit.  Another chance.  It's giving my family another chance.

And because it is such an amazing book, I went out and bought another copy.  And I want to share it with you.  Even if your marriage is perfect in good health, I think you'll benefit from what she has to say.  And if you're like us, having some rough times, I think you'll benefit from what she has to say.  If you are married, you will benefit from what she has to say.

From her website:

In her most provocative book yet, Dr. Laura urgently reminds women that to take proper care of their husbands is to ensure themselves the happiness and satisfaction they yearn for in marriage.
Women want to be in love, get married, and live happily ever after. Yet disrespect for men and disregard for the value, feelings, and needs of husbands has fast become the standard for male-female relations in America. Those two attitudes clash in unfortunate ways to create struggle and strife in what could be a beautiful relationship.
Countless women call Dr. Laura, unhappy in their marriages and seemingly at a loss to understand the incredible power they have over their men to create the kind of home life they yearn for. Now, in The Proper Care & Feeding of Husbands , Dr. Laura shows you—with real-life examples and real-life solutions - how to wield that power to attain all the sexual pleasure, intimacy, love, joy, and peace you want in your life.
Dr. Laura's simple principles have changed the lives of millions. Now they can change yours.

 If you would like the opportunity to read and learn from this book (as I am), here's your chance to do so (for free, anyway--feel free to buy your own copy from your local bookstore or amazon.com).  To win your copy of The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands by Laura Schlessinger, just do the following:

Leave one comment per entry:
1.  Tell me something that you love about your husband (or wife--if there are any guy readers out there!).
2.  "Like" LivingOnTrees on Facebook (links are to the right or straight on top)
3.  "Follow" LivingOnTrees on Twitter (links to the right and on top)
4.  "Tweet" about the giveaway on Twitter including a link to this posting.
5.  Post on Facebook about this giveaway including a link to this posting.
6.  Become a "fan" and follow this blog on blogger.  (link to the right)
7.  Blog about this give-away including a link to this posting.

That gives you up to seven entries!  Dang-o, dang-o!

The give-away will end on Friday, July 15th at 5:00 p.m. CST.  At that time, a winner will be chosen using random.org.  Make sure that your email is attached to your profile or listed on your entry to ensure that I can reach you if you are the lucky winner!
Open to U.S. residents only.

This will be us in 14 years.....

This commercial makes me cry every single time I see it.....

Because I know that this day will be here before we know it.  And that is so scary!

These are a few of my favorite things!

So I've done the whole "Kinley's Favorite Things" post a while ago.  But sometimes, I'm nosey curious to see what your favorite things are.  What are your tried and true products?  What could you not get ready without?  What is your routine?

As I mentioned before, I have become obsessed with watching the YouTube beauty community videos and have learned about so many products that I now consider must-haves for my routine.  And I'm finding out that I love this new girlie-girl side of me.  Even if it always was there but covered up in baby puke and baby poop.  :)

So here we go....in no particular order.

My splurge.  Matrix Biolage color care shampoo and conditioner.  Love the smell, love the way it makes my hair feel.  Around $22-$25 a bottle (liter size) and purchased at Ulta.

I use the Chi Silk Infusion on my hair (wet) every day.  To be honest, I don't even know why.  I'm not sure of it's "claim to fame" or what it is even supposed to do to my hair, but I love the scent and I bought it....so I use it.  Purchased from a beauty supply store eons ago and I can't remember what I paid for it. 

The Alterna Hemp Texturizing Glaze is my must-have for when I want to wear my hair curly.  My cousin is a stylist and she has natural curl in her hair as well as swears by this stuff.  I now know why.  I use it on my wet hair and let it air dry.  My curls look awesome.  I got this at Ulta for like $19.

I use the Herbal Essence Max Hold hair spray to hold whatever look I'm going for.  Have had it since my wedding in 2008.  It serves its purpose and smells great.  Bought for a couple bucks at Walgreen's.

I alternate my shower face wash.  Every other day I use the St. Ives Apricot scrub--Walmart, like $3.  It smells okay and makes my face feel super soft.  On the "off" days, I use the Noxzema Clean Blemish Control  foaming wash--Walmart, around $4.  Love this stuff.  I use it at night as well.  Well, when I take the time to wash my face before bed.  Which doesn't happen too often.

I always moisturize after my shower.  And I like to switch up my scents.  Right now, I am using the Love Spell from VS because the scent is mesmerizing AND because they just had their semi-annual clearance and I got it for like $2.  I know....why didn't I buy several bottles. And I use the body spray occasionally too.  Cause it was like $2 too.

I use these make-up removing wipes before bed because they really work. Even for stubborn eye make-up.  I don't spend the extra on the Ponds or Olay because the Walgreen's brand works just as good for half the price--Walgreen's (duh) and about $3.  Super quick and easy.  I follow up with the Noxzema (see above) if  I feel ambitious.

The cosmetic wedges are a must have for applying foundation.  I have heard that a lot of girls use brushes to apply liquid foundation, but that seems weird to me.  So I use wedges--Walgreen's $2.

My most uber important item--blotting papers.  I use these things all day long, because I have super oily skin.  Love the Walgreen's brand cause they are just as good as the others and a dollar less.  Walgreen's (duh) and like $4.

And the biggie.

My make-up.

I'll start top-left.

Make-up brushes--or eye shadow brushes.  A crease brush ($2 Walmart) and a blending brush ($3 Walmart).  My ghetto eye brow brush/eye lash comb (it's all broken and gross but I still use it daily)--99cents at Walmart (so why not go buy a new one, right?)

My Mary Kay compact filled with random shadows. (couldn't even begin to tell you how much this cost....it's been around for some time.)

Mary Kay foundation brush ($6-ish maybe?) and my Rimmel Stay Matte powder ($4-Walmart) for touch-ups after blotting.

Moving to the left:

Mary Kay Triple Action Eye Enhancer.  ($14)  Not sure if they sell this anymore.  But it's the best eye shadow primer I have ever used.  And one tube lasts forever and ever.  Which is why the writing is all rubbed off and they probably discontinued it years ago and I still have mine.

Mary Kay creme eye color in Beach Blonde (like $6?) (thank you for recommending it, Gina!).  This also is a good base for your eye shadow and a subtle white-silver color.  Love this.

Rimmel Stay-Matte liquid foundation (clearanced at Walgreen's for about $3) in color 200 Soft Beige.

Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel.  Okay, say it.  WTHeck are you talking about.  I know.  I said the same thing!  But I'm telling you....it is hands down THE BEST make-up primer, ever.  Love, love, love how it makes my skin feel.  AND, it's like $5 at Walmart.  Try it.

Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Roller.  Ulta-$14.  I have serious eye issues.  This works.  It's like an eraser and concealer in one.  Love it.

Rimmel Glam'Eyes Lash Flirt.  Was clearanced at Walgreen's for like $3.  Serves it's purpose.  I was blessed with nice eye lashes that rarely need curled and fortunately they aren't picky about mascara anyway.

Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller.  Walmart-$13.  Told you that I had eye issues.  I use this morning and night and it seems to be working.

Moving on down and to the right.

Revlon Color Stay Finishing Powder in 030 Sunkiss.  It was like $5 at CVS.  It's an okay product.  I love the finishing effect it puts on my make-up but it does have a slight shimmer to it and my oily skin+shimmer= disaster.  So I don't use it every day.

Lipsticks and gloss.  Use every day.  And I bought these three (current rotation) for 49 cents each at Walgreen's on sale.  They are from the Wet n Wild line and I like them.  I do have to reapply a few times but that's not a big deal to me.  Gives me the option to change up the color if I want to.  And then I also use the Cover Girl Lip Slicks gloss ($5 at CVS) (the pink tube) in clear to wear alone for just a satiny look.

Then I have my SPF for the days that I go to the pool or splash park.  This one is SPF 50 and is made for faces.  It was like $5 at Walmart.

Finally, my Velocity moisturizer from Mary Kay.  This is very light and doesn't aggravate my oil slick of a face.  It was like $12 maybe?

My new Justin Bieber Someday perfume purse spray.  Love it!  $25 at Ulta. 

Binaca Breath Spray.  Must have for the purse.  (Thanks to Danielle for introducing me to this yummy flavor!)  $4 at Walgreen's.

DKNY Pure perfume.  My "signature scent" these days.  $50 Ulta.

And I mustn't forget my beloved Chi iron and dryer.  I use them basically, every day.  As you can tell from the wear.  They are both on their last leg but I love them so.  I don't want them to die.  :(  The iron doesn't even turn on/off via the switch anymore and only warms up if you lay it on a certain side.  I know.  Ghetto.

But mom bought these for me 4+ years ago for Christmas and paid a hefty dime for them.  I gotta her her money's worth!

I spent way too much time preparing this post--and I'm sure I left out so many things.  Seriously?  This is how I spent my Saturday nap free-time.  Lame.  But hopefully it will motivate you to prepare your own list because I love to get new ideas for things to buy and try.  It's like playing make-up with friends on-line, no?

So tell me about your must-haves and leave me a comment with a link to your post, m'kay?