Things I Don't Love: Acne

As most of you know, I am knocking on 30's door! I will be turning 30 years old (can't believe it) in less than six months. Well, I am still on the fence about if I am ready for it or not, but I really don't have a choice in the situation. But, lately, I have been reminded about this age mark. I have never been an individual that had to worry about acne. Even as a teenager, I didn't experience really bad breakouts. I may get one pimple every couple of months, and even then, it didn't hang around long. Well, I think God is finding humor in my turning the big 3 0 because I have now experienced more acne than ever before. If I didn't know better, I would think I had just hit puberty. I even had to break down and purchase a back scrubber (sorry for the juicy details) that has now worked wonders.

After sitting down and thinking about all of this, I came to the conclusion that I haven't been so generous to my skin. I have done good about removing eye makeup daily with the best stuff on the market: Pond's cold cream. I have used it for years and still love it!!! But, that is the extent of my facial care. I haven't used special "face" soap or even attempted to exfoliate regularly. I usually just use whatever soap is in the shower at that time and never think twice about it. Well, today is the start of a new facial regimen for me. I am determined to have youthful-looking skin and to attempt to trick the signs of aging (as best I can).

After doing a lot of research by reading testimonials and reviews, I have decided to start using the following products:

Philosophy's Purity Made Simple

facial cleanser

Philosophy's Microdelivery

Exfoliating Wash

Philosophy's Hope in a Jar

(made Oprah's Ultimate Favorite Things list)

I have ordered these products and just waiting for them to be delivered. I am a true lover of anything Philosophy, so I am hoping for excellent facial results with these products. I will definitely keep you updated on my satisfaction level!!!

As most of you know, I am knocking on 30's door! I will be turning 30 years old (can't believe it) in less than six months. Well, I am still on the fence about if I am ready for it or not, but I really don't have a choice in the situation. But, lately, I have been reminded about this age mark. I have never been an individual that had to worry about acne. Even as a teenager, I didn't experience really bad breakouts. I may get one pimple every couple of months, and even then, it didn't hang around long. Well, I think God is finding humor in my turning the big 3 0 because I have now experienced more acne than ever before. If I didn't know better, I would think I had just hit puberty. I even had to break down and purchase a back scrubber (sorry for the juicy details) that has now worked wonders.

After sitting down and thinking about all of this, I came to the conclusion that I haven't been so generous to my skin. I have done good about removing eye makeup daily with the best stuff on the market: Pond's cold cream. I have used it for years and still love it!!! But, that is the extent of my facial care. I haven't used special "face" soap or even attempted to exfoliate regularly. I usually just use whatever soap is in the shower at that time and never think twice about it. Well, today is the start of a new facial regimen for me. I am determined to have youthful-looking skin and to attempt to trick the signs of aging (as best I can).

After doing a lot of research by reading testimonials and reviews, I have decided to start using the following products:

Philosophy's Purity Made Simple

facial cleanser

Philosophy's Microdelivery

Exfoliating Wash

Philosophy's Hope in a Jar

(made Oprah's Ultimate Favorite Things list)

I have ordered these products and just waiting for them to be delivered. I am a true lover of anything Philosophy, so I am hoping for excellent facial results with these products. I will definitely keep you updated on my satisfaction level!!!

Read more ...

Organization: Spin & See

This week, I attended a business conference in Springfield, Missouri. I love Springfield because it isn't a large city, there are things to do, excellent restaurants to enjoy, and awesome shopping!!! During the conference downtime, I always like to hit up the shops! So, I made a trip to the large Marshalls to find out what deals I could find.

I resisted the temptation to purchase several things, but this little baby was a keeper...

It is cute, spins around, and is something that I actually needed for some bracelets and necklaces. I am continuously reorganizing my jewelry to find a better way of storing it, and at the moment, I am all about T-bars and jewelry stands. In addition to its great qualities, it was only $9.99. Here is the stand with a few bracelets hanging on it...

This week, I attended a business conference in Springfield, Missouri. I love Springfield because it isn't a large city, there are things to do, excellent restaurants to enjoy, and awesome shopping!!! During the conference downtime, I always like to hit up the shops! So, I made a trip to the large Marshalls to find out what deals I could find.

I resisted the temptation to purchase several things, but this little baby was a keeper...

It is cute, spins around, and is something that I actually needed for some bracelets and necklaces. I am continuously reorganizing my jewelry to find a better way of storing it, and at the moment, I am all about T-bars and jewelry stands. In addition to its great qualities, it was only $9.99. Here is the stand with a few bracelets hanging on it...

Read more ...

Things I Love: Old Photos

I am staying with the "old school" theme a little longer. Yesterday, I did a little flashback of me and Nathan. Today, I am going to show you baby Kristin in all her glory! When I was going through the tub (literally) of old pictures, I came across several of my baby pictures. So, I thought I would share those with everyone.

Have a wonderful and blessed weekend! And, try to stay cool. ; )

July 1982

(Me, my grandmar, & grandaddy... I miss them!

That man laying in the floor would've moved mountains for me.)

November 30, 1984

(Yes, I won a local beauty pageant! And, I actually think

this dress is hanging in Kate's closet. I feel a picture of Kate in this dress coming...)

Fall 1985

(Portraits that were done at Dillards... I also have this dress, so you know

Kate will be wearing this one too in a picture!)

November 1986

(Me, Anna, and memaw... Man, I miss her! God took my

grandmother WAY too soon.)

Fall 1986

(I loved money already! LOL)

1988

(Take a look at Anna... She is a Cool Cat with her paci!)

I am staying with the "old school" theme a little longer. Yesterday, I did a little flashback of me and Nathan. Today, I am going to show you baby Kristin in all her glory! When I was going through the tub (literally) of old pictures, I came across several of my baby pictures. So, I thought I would share those with everyone.

Have a wonderful and blessed weekend! And, try to stay cool. ; )

July 1982

(Me, my grandmar, & grandaddy... I miss them!

That man laying in the floor would've moved mountains for me.)

November 30, 1984

(Yes, I won a local beauty pageant! And, I actually think

this dress is hanging in Kate's closet. I feel a picture of Kate in this dress coming...)

Fall 1985

(Portraits that were done at Dillards... I also have this dress, so you know

Kate will be wearing this one too in a picture!)

November 1986

(Me, Anna, and memaw... Man, I miss her! God took my

grandmother WAY too soon.)

Fall 1986

(I loved money already! LOL)

1988

(Take a look at Anna... She is a Cool Cat with her paci!)

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Things I Love: Anniversaries

Four years ago today, I walked down the aisle to meet my best friend and start a life as husband and wife. If someone would've asked me 13 years ago who I planned to spend the rest of my life with, Nathan probably would not have been that individual. Neither one of us dated each other in hopes of it ending in "I do!" Just ask Nathan... We were both high school students with goals and dating just to date. Or, that is what we thought...

The longer we dated, the more open we became with each other and Nathan soon became my best friend. I felt that he would listen to what I had to say without judging me, and at the time, that is just what I needed. And, I was there for him in the same way. Then, it came time for college. We didn't go to the same college, so our moto became, "If it is meant to be, then it'll be." It wasn't easy, especially at the end when we were 4 1/2 hours away from each other, but we made it.

I never in a million years thought I would find my soulmate in high school, but that is exactly what God had planned for me.

Today, I want to take a look back at where it all began... And, I know I am giving a few individuals (I won't name any names) ammo with all of these old pictures, but you only live once. ; )

April 25, 1998

(Prom: the first dance that we ever went to together.)

Fall 2001

(Man, look at my hair! I told y'all I have gone through many hair stages.)

Summer 2002 (I think)

(Isn't it sad when you know the year by your hairstyle?)

Valentine's Day 2004

May 2005

(My college graduation party at my house!)

October 2005

(We caught the bouquet and garter at Keith & April's wedding.)

September 2006

(I am sure you know where we are...a football game!)

"The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds, and that's what you've given me. That's what I hope to give to you forever." ~ Noah, The Notebook

Four years ago today, I walked down the aisle to meet my best friend and start a life as husband and wife. If someone would've asked me 13 years ago who I planned to spend the rest of my life with, Nathan probably would not have been that individual. Neither one of us dated each other in hopes of it ending in "I do!" Just ask Nathan... We were both high school students with goals and dating just to date. Or, that is what we thought...

The longer we dated, the more open we became with each other and Nathan soon became my best friend. I felt that he would listen to what I had to say without judging me, and at the time, that is just what I needed. And, I was there for him in the same way. Then, it came time for college. We didn't go to the same college, so our moto became, "If it is meant to be, then it'll be." It wasn't easy, especially at the end when we were 4 1/2 hours away from each other, but we made it.

I never in a million years thought I would find my soulmate in high school, but that is exactly what God had planned for me.

Today, I want to take a look back at where it all began... And, I know I am giving a few individuals (I won't name any names) ammo with all of these old pictures, but you only live once. ; )

April 25, 1998

(Prom: the first dance that we ever went to together.)

Fall 2001

(Man, look at my hair! I told y'all I have gone through many hair stages.)

Summer 2002 (I think)

(Isn't it sad when you know the year by your hairstyle?)

Valentine's Day 2004

May 2005

(My college graduation party at my house!)

October 2005

(We caught the bouquet and garter at Keith & April's wedding.)

September 2006

(I am sure you know where we are...a football game!)

"The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds, and that's what you've given me. That's what I hope to give to you forever." ~ Noah, The Notebook

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Things I Love: Desk Accessories

Everyone knows I am a HUGE Vera Bradley fan! Well, I was searching their website this weekend for cute desk accessories that are within my budget when I ran across this photo on their homepage...

Ironically, the item in this picture that caught  my eye wasn't even a Vera Bradley item. It was the metal @ sign sitting in the middle. So, from that point on, it was my mission to find it... And, I did!!!

Barnes and Noble sells this cute little item, but it wasn't available online. So, I did a search on their website to see what stores sell it. Found one, they put it on hold for me, and my sister picked it up...

So, this little baby will be making an appearance on my desk at school this August!!!



Everyone knows I am a HUGE Vera Bradley fan! Well, I was searching their website this weekend for cute desk accessories that are within my budget when I ran across this photo on their homepage...

Ironically, the item in this picture that caught  my eye wasn't even a Vera Bradley item. It was the metal @ sign sitting in the middle. So, from that point on, it was my mission to find it... And, I did!!!

Barnes and Noble sells this cute little item, but it wasn't available online. So, I did a search on their website to see what stores sell it. Found one, they put it on hold for me, and my sister picked it up...

So, this little baby will be making an appearance on my desk at school this August!!!



Read more ...

Organization: Makeup and Be Happy!!!

This summer, I have tried to tackle several different organization projects a week. Since May, I have organized (with a little help) the garage, attic, Kate's closet, my side of the closet, drawers, and the pantry. This last week, I even decided to organize my cosmetics drawer and bathroom closet. You don't realize how messy these areas are until you decide to do a little cleaning.

Here is the end result...

My primary cosmetic drawer is pretty small,

but I still like everything neat and organized!

Now, everything has a place...

Nathan & I each even have a tray of fragrances!

 

This summer, I have tried to tackle several different organization projects a week. Since May, I have organized (with a little help) the garage, attic, Kate's closet, my side of the closet, drawers, and the pantry. This last week, I even decided to organize my cosmetics drawer and bathroom closet. You don't realize how messy these areas are until you decide to do a little cleaning.

Here is the end result...

My primary cosmetic drawer is pretty small,

but I still like everything neat and organized!

Now, everything has a place...

Nathan & I each even have a tray of fragrances!

 

Read more ...

Trends I Love: Converse Sneakers

I don't know if I would even call Converse sneakers a "trend" because they have been around for so long. For years, I have seen many individuals wearing them and never thought twice about purchasing a pair until I saw this video.



Everyone knows I am a sucker for anything Target and fashion! So, if Target's fashion expert is making a suggestion, then I am definitely going to consider it. After a little debate, I went to a store and tried on a pair of these sneakers. And, all I can say is, "Why am I just discovering these?" I like tennis shoes, but I don't like them to look like tennis shoes, if that makes sense. I like sleek sneakers that look great with jeans. My husband says that I like tennis shoes that aren't made for working out. Exactly! Don't get me wrong, I do have "work out" shoes, but I am not a fan of them in my daily wardrobe.

So, now I want these sneakers in every color! I purchased my first pair from Kohl's in black (let me add that they were on sale, I used a coupon, and the shipping was only $0.99), but I want a white, gray, and pink pair too.  Take a look at how cute these celebrities look in their Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers!!!

Before you judge them, try on a pair. You might be pleasantly surprised... Just ask my sister! :)

Kate Hudson

Katie Holmes

Reese Witherspoon

Natalie Portman, Jennifer Aniston, Sarah Jessica Parker

I don't know if I would even call Converse sneakers a "trend" because they have been around for so long. For years, I have seen many individuals wearing them and never thought twice about purchasing a pair until I saw this video.



Everyone knows I am a sucker for anything Target and fashion! So, if Target's fashion expert is making a suggestion, then I am definitely going to consider it. After a little debate, I went to a store and tried on a pair of these sneakers. And, all I can say is, "Why am I just discovering these?" I like tennis shoes, but I don't like them to look like tennis shoes, if that makes sense. I like sleek sneakers that look great with jeans. My husband says that I like tennis shoes that aren't made for working out. Exactly! Don't get me wrong, I do have "work out" shoes, but I am not a fan of them in my daily wardrobe.

So, now I want these sneakers in every color! I purchased my first pair from Kohl's in black (let me add that they were on sale, I used a coupon, and the shipping was only $0.99), but I want a white, gray, and pink pair too.  Take a look at how cute these celebrities look in their Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers!!!

Before you judge them, try on a pair. You might be pleasantly surprised... Just ask my sister! :)

Kate Hudson

Katie Holmes

Reese Witherspoon

Natalie Portman, Jennifer Aniston, Sarah Jessica Parker

Read more ...

It's In the Bag: It Makes Scents to Me!!!

I must say, I love fragrances! But, I like the girly, floral scented fragrances the most. I don't like anything too strong; the kind that will knock you out when you enter the room! They actually give me a headache and make me sneeze. And, once I find a fragrance that I like, I will usually stick with it. If you notice, I have used my favorite 3 fragrances for awhile now. I would highly recommend all of these to anyone needing to try something new!

My top 3 favorite fragrances:

#1 - Victoria's Secret Heavenly

My Go-To Fragrance: This fragrance has been with me since my sophomore year in college,

and I still love it just as much today.

# 2 - Philosophy's Amazing Grace

My New Obsession: I smelled this fragrance for the first time at a relative's

house in Maryland during vacation in June 2010, and I have been obsessed ever since.

I would describe this as a clean and beautifully floral scent in a bottle.

#3 - Dolce & Gabbana's Light Blue

My Dress-Up Fragrance: My mom bought me this perfume for the first time for my birthday

in 2008 and I have been in love with it ever since. It is very light with a fruity floral scent.

Sephora says it is "deep and true," and I would have to agree!

A woman's perfume tells more about her than her handwriting. ~ Christian Dior

I must say, I love fragrances! But, I like the girly, floral scented fragrances the most. I don't like anything too strong; the kind that will knock you out when you enter the room! They actually give me a headache and make me sneeze. And, once I find a fragrance that I like, I will usually stick with it. If you notice, I have used my favorite 3 fragrances for awhile now. I would highly recommend all of these to anyone needing to try something new!

My top 3 favorite fragrances:

#1 - Victoria's Secret Heavenly

My Go-To Fragrance: This fragrance has been with me since my sophomore year in college,

and I still love it just as much today.

# 2 - Philosophy's Amazing Grace

My New Obsession: I smelled this fragrance for the first time at a relative's

house in Maryland during vacation in June 2010, and I have been obsessed ever since.

I would describe this as a clean and beautifully floral scent in a bottle.

#3 - Dolce & Gabbana's Light Blue

My Dress-Up Fragrance: My mom bought me this perfume for the first time for my birthday

in 2008 and I have been in love with it ever since. It is very light with a fruity floral scent.

Sephora says it is "deep and true," and I would have to agree!

A woman's perfume tells more about her than her handwriting. ~ Christian Dior

Read more ...

Things I Love: Vera Bradley

My love and admiration for this company started when I was in college. My first semester, I noticed several girls carrying duffels in the pattern Elizabeth (this print came out in Spring 1997), and they were embroidered. I love anything embroidered with my name! I had no idea where these girls got these bags, but I knew I had to have one. Well, I was a college student on a tight budget, so I could only wish for one for Christmas. Well, I finally received my first Vera, a small duffel in Chelsea Green, for Christmas in 2006. And, the rest is history...

I love Vera Bradley because the fabric is awesome. I usually wait to purchase items until they go on sale or off ebay, but the quality is top notch. They are washable and hold up very well. I broke down and purchased one of their beach towels this summer, and I was not disappointed. The fabric is very plush and washes very well with no fading. They even carry flip flops, office supplies, and clothing accessories now. Their patterns are now more modern looking and truly GIRLY, which I love!!!

Some of my favorite styles:

The duffel

The hipster

The trip kit

The turn-lock wallet

My favorite pattern to date:

My favorite new pattern:

Mocha Rouge



Two styles that are on my Wish List:

The attache

(I love messenger bags for school! I have their old messenger and love it.)

The weekender

(The perfect bag for an overnight stay!)



I truly believe a girl can never have enough Vera!!! I will keep you updated on deals and must have pieces as I add to my favorites...

My love and admiration for this company started when I was in college. My first semester, I noticed several girls carrying duffels in the pattern Elizabeth (this print came out in Spring 1997), and they were embroidered. I love anything embroidered with my name! I had no idea where these girls got these bags, but I knew I had to have one. Well, I was a college student on a tight budget, so I could only wish for one for Christmas. Well, I finally received my first Vera, a small duffel in Chelsea Green, for Christmas in 2006. And, the rest is history...

I love Vera Bradley because the fabric is awesome. I usually wait to purchase items until they go on sale or off ebay, but the quality is top notch. They are washable and hold up very well. I broke down and purchased one of their beach towels this summer, and I was not disappointed. The fabric is very plush and washes very well with no fading. They even carry flip flops, office supplies, and clothing accessories now. Their patterns are now more modern looking and truly GIRLY, which I love!!!

Some of my favorite styles:

The duffel

The hipster

The trip kit

The turn-lock wallet

My favorite pattern to date:

My favorite new pattern:

Mocha Rouge



Two styles that are on my Wish List:

The attache

(I love messenger bags for school! I have their old messenger and love it.)

The weekender

(The perfect bag for an overnight stay!)



I truly believe a girl can never have enough Vera!!! I will keep you updated on deals and must have pieces as I add to my favorites...

Read more ...

Parenting: Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center

Today was one of those rough days as a parent. Nathan & I had to hand over our baby girl to an unknown nurse (while she was screaming) in order to go into surgery. We are so very thankful that we decided to have the surgery because we were told that her adenoids were so large that they were blocking her nasal passage. For those of you that aren't around us a lot, Kate has been continuously sick with sinus infections for a solid year. It would get so bad that she would vomit from all the drainage. Plus, she was snoring terribly at night and had sleep apnea at times. Now, we know why!

But, let me say, that today could've been a lot worse! Nathan & I weren't scared at all to hand over our daughter to a complete stranger because of the awesome care they provide to their little patients. We know this firsthand because we have had experience with these individuals. When Kate was exactly a month old, she had to be rushed to the main Le Bonheur hospital by ambulance. After tons of tests, we found out that she had e coli in her urine. Then, in November of 2009, she had tubes inserted at the surgery center. Then, today was her adenoids.

Each and every time we have stepped foot inside the Le Bonheur facilities, they have greeted us with open arms. They treat our daughter like a human being, and actually care for her like one of their own. Every nurse, doctor, and individual that works at the hospital has smiles on their faces as soon as you walk through the door. And, they truly act like they want to be there! They understand that it is a very scary time for the little ones and their parents, so they go above and beyond to make sure everyone feels comfortable.

And the icing on the cake...

When we were released today, we were told they would give us a call in the next couple of days to check on Miss. Kate. We know they will stand behind this statement because they have every other time.

If anyone needs a recommendation for an awesome doctor, please let me know... I have a few that I would HIGHLY recommend!!!

Today was one of those rough days as a parent. Nathan & I had to hand over our baby girl to an unknown nurse (while she was screaming) in order to go into surgery. We are so very thankful that we decided to have the surgery because we were told that her adenoids were so large that they were blocking her nasal passage. For those of you that aren't around us a lot, Kate has been continuously sick with sinus infections for a solid year. It would get so bad that she would vomit from all the drainage. Plus, she was snoring terribly at night and had sleep apnea at times. Now, we know why!

But, let me say, that today could've been a lot worse! Nathan & I weren't scared at all to hand over our daughter to a complete stranger because of the awesome care they provide to their little patients. We know this firsthand because we have had experience with these individuals. When Kate was exactly a month old, she had to be rushed to the main Le Bonheur hospital by ambulance. After tons of tests, we found out that she had e coli in her urine. Then, in November of 2009, she had tubes inserted at the surgery center. Then, today was her adenoids.

Each and every time we have stepped foot inside the Le Bonheur facilities, they have greeted us with open arms. They treat our daughter like a human being, and actually care for her like one of their own. Every nurse, doctor, and individual that works at the hospital has smiles on their faces as soon as you walk through the door. And, they truly act like they want to be there! They understand that it is a very scary time for the little ones and their parents, so they go above and beyond to make sure everyone feels comfortable.

And the icing on the cake...

When we were released today, we were told they would give us a call in the next couple of days to check on Miss. Kate. We know they will stand behind this statement because they have every other time.

If anyone needs a recommendation for an awesome doctor, please let me know... I have a few that I would HIGHLY recommend!!!

Read more ...