Things I Like

Christmas is around the corner so I thought I'd put together some things I've been liking lately. Maybe it  will give you some ideas for gifts for your family or friends. You can click on the title links to view the products.

American Apparel Winter Leggings

My Chicago twin Christine turned me on to these. She was sporting some cute legging/tunic outfits that I assumed only people with legs longer than a hobbit could wear but she convinced me that hobbits can wear them. They are so comfortable and thick but not bulky. They keep my legs warm and don't lose their shape. I've pretty much been living in the charcoal pair I bought since I got back from MN. I will be purchasing the black soon. Oh and they are American made! Woot!

I also purchased this fantastic headband for Ryan. He has an active lifestyle and I have a desire for him to look like Baumer.

Loreal Double Extend Mascara
This is also a recommendation from Christine. I'm seeing a pattern here. I'm a tad bit obsessed with how much I love this mascara. If I was stranded on a desert island and could only bring one makeup product, it would be mascara. If you want your lashes to look really long and full, this will do it. It coats your lashes in some sort of chemical concoction that I'm sure shouldn't be near eyes, and then the mascara goes on over it. The greatest thing, no more raccoon eyes by the end of the day. The least greatest thing, it only washes off with warm water and I'm so lazy at night that I rarely take it off. Maybe that could explain my sudden blindness?

Sephora Gift Card
What woman doesn't like a store filled with so many beauty products displayed so beautifully it will make her head spin? I love Sephora and I'm not even that big into makeup but there is something about this store that lures me in and I can't leave without buying something. Some of my favorite brands are; Tarte (pretty chemical free), Nars (gluten free), Buxom, Urban Decay, Bobbie Brown, Laura Mercier, Sugar and those are just the ones I've tried. If you registered for their rewards program you get cool free gifts now and then. When we were in Chicago I bought some Nars Lipgloss and I got a special tote because I'm a VIP. Swag!

AE Highrise Super Skinny Jean
Don't be scared by the term, "super skinny" because these are basically a skinny jean. NOT a jegging! Sometimes I want something that feels "jeany" and not "legging-like". These fit that bill. They are also just the right amount of rise as to not give you the dreaded "muffin top" (sorry Ry). They stretch out a bit, not as bad as jeggings, so I'm almost wishing I'd gone down a size but I think I might just dry them in the dryer to see if that shrinks them a tad. They are only available online but they are on sale right now. Get a pair, they look great tucked into boots because you are too short and too lazy to get them hemmed.

The Body Shop Almond Body Butter
I was putting this on the other morning and I said to Ryan, "This smells so good! I want to eat my arms!" It was first thing in the morning and I haven't had breakfast yet but come on, if something smells that good, you must try it.

New Balance Minimus
I don't think I've been in a Foot Locker for years but I was looking for some minimal shoes to work out in at Lyceum. My Mizunos were causing the soles of my feet to hurt after each workout. I had researched shoes online and these were highly recommended but they were around $100. So when I walked into the Foot Locker and saw them for $50, I was happy. Another shopping miracle! So far I'm really liking them. They are great for cross-fit type workouts and TRX. I haven't tried running in them yet. I got them in pink because that's what they had and...why not?

Rodan and Fields
Christine, who has the most lovely skin, sells this skincare line and I have been using it for about 6 months. I started with reverse and now I'm using the anti-aging, as a woman of my age should. I love how my skin looks and feels! They have products for all types of skin conditions. Christine has a gift for figuring out the most affordable way for you to purchase it and she usually throws in some free gifts.

Mall of America
I flew to MN last weekend to meet my February Board friends at the Mall of America. There were about eight of us who were able to come and we had a fantastic time together. It's hard to believe we have now known each other 12 years. These friendships have been a great gift to me over the years.

 My favorite photo from the trip. "The Talls and the Smalls" Ann Marie might have been on her tippy toes and I might have been bending down but hilarious nonetheless.

She's fabulous, but she's evil.

This extra hour I gained today has left me feeling very productive. I went grocery shopping, picked up lunch for the family, made dinner with enough leftovers for my lunch this week, and then made gluten-free PB cookies. I still have an hour until The Walking Dead starts. So, blogging it is. After a 6 month break it seems like I should just give up but I'm feeling the need to write again.

I'm not going to bore you with what we have been up to in the last 6 months. Life just kind of goes on and most people who will read this are my FaceBook friends so they know what has been going on.

Family Pictures in Canada

 I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis which you can read all about if you click on it. It's an autoimmune disease and it means my thyroid doesn't work right. Fortunately my main symptoms are dry skin/hair, fatigue, stomach issues and extreme bitchiness. I mean, fortunately, because I have been reading blogs of people who suffer from Hashi's and there are some pretty horrible symptoms. So, to hopefully avoid these horrible symptoms, my doctor recommended some extreme dietary changes. I hate the term "Paleo" because it seems so trendy now but that is basically what he wants me to follow. Just when I was getting a bit comfortable with being gluten free, I now have to eliminate even more foods. Last night at dinner I wanted pumpkin pie but had to settle for ice-cream. I'm not a big fan of ice-cream but ya know, something is better than nothing.

Hanna is a cheerleader. I can't remember if I wrote here about how Ryan and I weren't too jazzed about this. When she told us in the spring that she wanted to try out, I didn't take it that seriously. She had never done cheer before or anything really like it. I did sign her up for a tumbling class at the rec center because she asked me to do that for her. So ya, she made the 8th grade cheer squad. It is expensive, requires a lot of time and is honestly, a pain in my ass (also Ryan's). That being said, their team is really good, they work really hard and they have had success in their competitions (first place in both!). What I'm trying to say is that I'm proud of Hanna, for going after something she really wanted and working hard. Oh, and yes, I appreciate the irony that Hanna is a cheerleader. I apologize for all the mean things I said about cheerleaders in High School. Marching Band Rules!

Hanna and her friend Jennie

 Last month I got my 20 year old tattoo covered up. Tip for those 18 year old kids out there thinking of getting a tattoo...research it! Don't get a tattoo based on how much money you have on you at the moment and don't get it done by someone you haven't researched or is wearing cracked glasses. I could have left it and been fine. I even could have had it removed but I decided to get it covered, so there. A big shout out to Gailon at The Yellow Rose for taking my idea and running with it. He was amazing! Three my three girls, red for Canada and poppies from a Robert Burns poem excerpt I found in a book as a teenager:
But pleasures are like poppies spread:
You seize the flower, its bloom is shed;
Or like the snow fall on the river,
A moment white - then melts forever,

Before (with Gailon's pen drawing over my old tat)

After

Yes, it hurt REALLY BADLY.

 I'm going to The Mall of America this Friday. I'm no stranger to big malls (West Ed) and I'm not going for the mall. A few of my February board friends are going and I'm always up for hanging with them. Minnesota here I come! I've never been, so this will be another state checked off my list. I'm looking forward to good conversation and hopefully, many hi-jinks.

These last 6 months have seen a lot of changes in my life. I appreciate the people/friends who have been understanding and accepting of who I am. It hasn't been an easy time for me so the support of others has meant a lot. Luvs ya! And yes, I'm being purposefully vague. Okay, time for some Walking Dead.