Birchbox

Another lovely has arrived! It's the little things in life that make it all worthwhile, right? Can I get an amen?!

Let's see what has been bestowed on me this month:

• Benefit Cosmetics, It's Potent! Eye Cream- This little nickel of love is used to help reduce the dark circles and baggies under the eyes. They MUST have known it's Session time here in Florida so I will be using this liberally, and may even go buy the big guy. I love the fact that it doesn't irritate my eyes... I have very sensitive eyes that easily start to itch and water in any change in make-up or lotion. Woe is me.
• Juicy Couture, Couture La La Malibu- I haven't had a chance to use this spritzer but I'm really weird and I love getting sample perfumes! Is that weird? It's okay, you can be honest.
• Serge Normant, Dry Conditioner- Mmk... I haven't used this yet and here's why: I'm scared. I love dry shampoo and swear by it. By dry conditioner? Won't that make my hair even more greasy?! They say it's the perfect follow-up to dry shampoo but I dunnnooooo..... I just think it'll counteract with the dry shampoo and make my hair look like it hasn't seen a bath in weeks. I'll try this on the weekend. When I don't have to leave the house....
• W3LL PEOPLE, Universalist Multi-Use Color Stick in #8 Dusty Rose- Man that was a long title. This lovely can be used to add some cula' to your eyes, cheeks, and lips. I'm going to be honest here.... I opened it up and thought "My God that's it?! That's not even enough to put on one lip!" I'm sure the real size works great... But I'm going to stick with what I know and toss the container with a smidge of color in it.
• Benefit Cosmetics, Big Easy- This is an "oil-free complexion perfector." I'm always trying to find ways to "perfect" my skin and make it healthy. I haven't had a chance to try this out but will be doing so tonight. I'm noticing as I get older that my skin is looking less and less younger. And drier. So anything to help this old lady out {I kid people} is much appreciated.

There ya have it! My birchbox for the month. I can honestly say that I plan on continuing getting the box each month now that my gift subscription (thank you Ashley!) has ended. I mean, you pay $10 and you get neat little samples to try out. Who wouldn't love that?! And this is coming from a sister who has never paid attention to the make-up, beauty products I used. If you're interested in joining in on Birchbox, follow this link and check them out. Stay beautiful friends!

Aye mamacita!

Today's recipe is brought to you by my sweet "twin", Brooke!

 

 

Isn't she just gorgeous?! Monday, Hunter and I went to her house for dinner and she treated us to a homemade baked chicken enchilada dish. Yummmm!!!! To be honest, I didn't get any pictures of it because we ate it wayyy too fast... But! Never fear.... Here's the link to the recipe that she used. People... try it. It's so good! I'll be making this on the regular in my house. Hope ya'll enjoy!

 

High 5 Fer Friday

Hey ya'll! Tis a lovely Friday, isn't it? After making it through the first week of Sessions, I can say this year is looking pretty good! Let's see what all we had going on this week...

1. Monday started off with a delicious dinner made by my sweet "twin" for Hunter and I. That girl can cook! She made a chicken enchilada casserole and I shamelessly helped myself to more than one serving. Thank you Brooke!

2. As I mentioned earlier, Sessions started this week in the Florida Legislature and we've hit the ground running. I do somewhat like the chaos that comes with it. Am I weird?!

3. I've mentioned before that I am part of the Junior Women's club here in Tallahassee. What an awesome group of professional women to be amongst! I had to forgo seeing my youth babies this week for a meeting, but totally worth it. I loved catching up with them and planning for our next big event. All you locals... jot this down in your calendar!

4. One of my brothers will be coming home this weekend to visit. I can't wait to catch up with him and see how life in Jacksonville, FL has been treating him!

5. As always, I'm a lucky lucky lady to have a guy that puts up with my craziness and hectic lifestyle. He makes me a better woman :)

Have a beautiful weekend friends!

Linking Up...

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Summertime and the living is easy

Yes, I'm already skipping spring and looking forward to summer. I cannot wait to be back on the white, sandy beaches and soaking up the sun rays. I can picture it now, smell the salty air, and hear the waves crashing.

But then I realize one sad, sad thing... My body's as white as a ghost and not very toned up. Great...

 

For those who have never seen me before in person, I'm pretty petite and tiny. So no, I'm not trying to lose weight by any means. I'm actually in the process of trying to gain weight... But that's a whole 'notha post to talk about. {Trying to figure out why I haven't gained normal weight in almost 10 years is a bit unsettling and I am getting professional help on this}.

What I am trying to do, which in essence will hopefully help me gain weight, is to tone up. I want to have solid, rocking muscles. I want to feel good about myself. And most importantly, I don't want to look like a little Popsicle stick out there, cooking and melting on the beach. Not cute folks!

Therefore, I am starting a journey and will be sharing with ya'll my progress as I move forward. Here's what I plan on doing to help me achieve my goals:

• Eat healthier- rather than reaching for 5 Oreo's, reach for protein and energy bars, or fruits
• Walk/run- get me and my dogs out of the house
• Sign up for a local 5k- I can get outdoors while supporting a good cause {winner winner chicken dinner... chicken sounds so good right now!!}
•  Use my "Insanity" DVD's at home to save money from going to the gym (thanks to Hunter for letting me borrow those!)

So far, it's looking like a promising plan! Then again I haven't started so we'll see how promising this is in a couple of weeks- ha! I'll keep ya'll posted on my progress as I trek week to week. Wish me luck and if anybody wants to join in on this fab-summertime-living-is-easy healthy kick, put on your running shoes and come on out!

Join me next week to see my "before" image and how I've done my first week thus far!

A picture is worth a thousand words

Since my brain is slightly fried from Sessions going on here in sunshine state Florida, I decided to bless you folks today with some pictures I came across. Enjoy!

My sweet Manny

My sister and cousin when they were just little brats ;)

Me and Hunter's sister, Hannah, before her Homecoming dance

*Post-graduation from FSU

My pretty awesome parents

This is where my soul loves to be

We actually do well cooking together

A work in progress... Guest bathroom

I'm a Florida girl, born and bred. It would be sinful of me to not have some sort of beach theme somewhere in the house right?! Therefore, the guest bathroom was designed as paradise on the shores... Kidding. But it does support the beachy idea.

*Artwork done by a sweet friend

*This curtain covers shelves holding various things

*Yes, that is Jep's shampoo up there...

*Good read for the time spent in the bathroom of course!

If you would like to visit the previous hot spots in the house, you can check them out below:

Country Living Room
Our Dining Room
"Chicken" Kitchen

Celebration Time, Come on!

Holy majoly, I've been with the Florida Legislature for a little over a year now. Man, time has flown by!

Just a year ago, I was embarking on a new journey with the Florida Senate Secretary's Office. And I can honestly say, I have enjoyed every minute of it. Not many people can say that about their jobs.

I remember my first day like it was yesterday. Picture this:

-Flooding, torrential rains that morning
-Lightning struck a tree near our house and knocked out all power, electrical outlets, etc.
-My straight hair decided that that day was the day to act wild
-I thank God every day for that day

A year later, I have learned so much about the legislature and all that it entails. I wasn't sure where God was taking me when he brought this career into my lap since my degree is in Marketing and I used to know nothing about politics... Embarrassing, I know. But... That just shows you that God knows what He is doing. He knew that I would be happy here.

I can say with total conviction that I enjoy coming to work each day. Granted, I'm sure we'd all say that being on a beach somewhere with a margarita in hand is more ideal, but you know what I mean. I love my job. The people I work for and with are phenomenal people! They are what make this job so enjoyable.

God has a good way of knowing what's best for me. Thank goodness He's in control... Can I get an amen?!

Happy One Year Anniversary to me!