Happy Anniversary Dave

Posted on May 19, 2013 by thebrowsingbrunette

Today is our 6yr wedding anniversary.

He stood by me as I graduated college

He put up with me during two pregnancies

I can’t really even put into words how much I love my husband. He has given me everything and I will spend the rest of my life trying to make it up to him.

You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.
You shall be together when white wings of death scatter your days.
Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.
But let there be spaces in your togetherness,
And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.
Love one another but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other’s cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.
Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together, yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.

-Kahil Gibran The Prophet (read at our wedding)

Bully

Posted on May 19, 2013 by thebrowsingbrunette

This post might not make sense as I just wrote what I was feeling after watching the documentary.

I decided to watch Bully today and it made me an emotional train wreck. The cruelness of some children is baffling and the lack of caring from school officials and administrators was appalling. I think bullying has evolved into something more hateful and violent since I left school. Kids in this video were choking, stabbing, punching while everyone else just laughed and watched. My children are small now but eventually they will grow up and then I have to hope that I raised compassionate, loving, outspoken children who will stand up for themselves and others.

The whole video broke my heart and basically I cried the entire time. It was hard to watch these kids get verbally and physically abused and it was shocking that kids would act like that with a film crew present. The thing the was most gut wrenching was suicide. Two families opened up about the lost of their sons to suicide and I just lost it. One of the boys was 11, ELEVEN. I can’t imagine the loneliness and heartbreak that must have been plaguing these children. One of the families started an organization called Stand for the Silent to help end bullying. While I was reading through the website I learned that a few years ago a nine year old boy hung himself in the nurse’s office while he was waiting for his parents to come pick him up. This is devastating on so many levels but especially as a parent. It’s scary to think that I won’t always be able to protect my children, that they might not always open up to me about what is bothering them, that they might be the ones who bully. I would like to believe that no parents raise a bully but the truth of the matter is not all parents are actively engaged in their children’s lives or aren’t the parents that a child deserves. I hope that we are laying down the foundation for our children to be respectful and accepting of everyone. But make no mistake you mess with one of my babies I’m coming at you full force. No child deserves to have their school experience disrupted due to a bunch of little jerks who are lashing out because they have their own problems they don’t know how to work through. If you haven’t seen this documentary yet you MUST watch it.

eloquii by the limited

Posted on May 17, 2013 by thebrowsingbrunette

So I haven’t written really any fashion related posts which is crazy because I love following style blogs, reading fashion magazines, and clothes browsing in general but I just haven’t felt like I had seen anything that was for me and by that I mean something that would FIT. I’m super impressed by the style and sizes available by eloquii by the limited. Finally a line that offers what is stylish and on trend for everyBODY. Above are just a few of the pieces I’m lusting after. I typically don’t buy clothes for myself (Carter and Presley are well dressed though!) but I really would like to save and get some wardrobe staples from this line. The limited makes quality clothing so I feel like spending the money on outfit staples would be a good investment. I would love it if other retailers would take a cue from the limited and offer clothes for real size women not just anorexia looking teenagers.

Rough Week

Posted on May 16, 2013 by thebrowsingbrunette

I’ve been a mother for 3 and 1/2 years and I think this is the hardest week of parenting I have encountered to date. No my children haven’t asked any hard hitting questions like where do babies come from, it’s been their behavior. Presley has thankfully been seizure free for 6 weeks but she had to switch medications due to developing a drug rash from the first medicine. Well the new medicine they put her on has basically made her crazy!! The main side effects are crankiness and irritability which if you have a one and a half year old you know that they are already like that so this really just makes it worse. She cries over everything, throws herself down on the floor in a fit of rage, and nothing I do comforts her. As if that wasn’t enough Carter has been acting up lately. Not listening and just acting like a brat in general are what seems to be plaguing him. By the time Dave gets home I’m ready to poke my eyes out. I love my children no question but they have been wearing me thin this week. Earlier in the week Carter looked at me and said, “You aren’t being a good mommy today” OUCH! I realize he doesn’t fully understand what he is saying but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t hurtful. Presley bit me in the boob and the butt all in the same day. Seriously what is going on over here! When Presley was talking to my mom several days ago she said, “I Sassy” she was 100% right. I’ve been praying for patience and guidance with them and to be a better mother the next day after I feel like I’ve failed miserably when no one has listened to me all day. But thankfully not every moment of every day has sucked the life out of me. The pictures above are some sweet snapshots that remind me they aren’t always hell on wheels.

Bargain, Browse, Buy

Posted on May 15, 2013 by thebrowsingbrunette

I have acne prone skin and still get zits pretty frequently. I have been using acne spot treatments since high school so I’ve used a ton of different brands over the years. The products I’m featuring today are all products I’ve used over the last 12 months and have had varying degrees of success with.

BARGAIN: I’ve been doing a lot of research into e.l.f products lately as a ton of them are supposed to be dupes for higher end products. While shopping for other e.l.f products I saw this little gem for ONE DOLLAR. The zit zapper by e.l.f has similar ingredients to other acne spot treatments. It is comprised of Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, Witch Hazel and Camphor. Salicylic Acid is almost always the main active ingredients in acne treatment which it what helps dry out the zit. This has the lowest concentration at 1% but I feel that the lower amount allows the zits to heal a bit more milder and natural with some added help. It has a roll on applicator which I like to easily target problem areas. For a dollar it’s a must for your makeup bag even if you only suffer from the occasional breakout. 

BROWSE: When I bought Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Spot Treatment it was in impulse buy. Dave and I were having a mini vacation last February in Chicago and I of course was having a major breakout that I wouldn’t clear up. We were shopping and I spotted a Kiehl’s and had heard good reviews of their skincare so I picked up their spot treatment. It worked well for smaller breakouts I feel like bigger zits that have deeper roots it didn’t knockout as fast as I’d like. It does have almost the same ingredients as the zit zapper but it has a slightly higher Salicylic Acid count at 1.5 %. While it works I don’t think you have to shell out $18 when it’s cheaper counter parts work just as well in my book. 

BUY: Surprisingly enough Clean & Clear Spot Treatment has the highest concentration of Salicylic Acid at 2%. With that higher amount goes more sting! By that I mean if you have an “open” breakout this is gonna give you a little punch as it does have a slight burning feeling which is totally bearable but a you have been warned. This does dry out zits very fast but know with that does come some flakiness around the acne sight. I find this works particularly well on smaller breakouts but also dries out those larger zits well if you use it continually on the zit. If you are like me and have bigger and more frequent breakouts this does a great job at speeding up healing time!

*Linking up with Small Town, Big Wardrobe*

*Both the e.l.f zit zapper and clean & clear spot treatment can be found at target and right now you can get $3 off a $15 beauty product order at target.com using the code BEAUTYBOX courtesy of BeFrugal. You can also earn 4% cash back if you sign up for free with BeFrugal

L’Oreal Mascara

Posted on May 14, 2013 by thebrowsingbrunette

Not that long ago I posted about my mascara picks and I’ve recently switched it up when I bought L’Oreal Voluminous False Fiber Lash Mascara . This L’Oreal purchase was out of necessity (mascara ran out the day before we had a wedding to go too!) but I deviated from my Maybelline because L’Oreal was on sale. I’m really glad for the sale because I’m in love with it!! I couldn’t get a good picture with my eyes open (I am TERRIBLE at taking pics of myself especially my eyes! It’s tricky business). The pictures still show a difference in the volume and length. You can especially see the volume towards the edges of my lash line. The main reason I like this more than my Maybelline Illegal Length is this gives volume AND length. Also this doesn’t flake or clump. It has great lasting power which is great because you aren’t losing any of that volume or length throughout the day. This is really a drugstore gem, try it you won’t be disappointed.

A little bonus in this post, BEAUTY COUPONS!! Use these coupons from BeFrugal to save on beauty products: (If you use the target coupon you can score the mascara and some awesome elf products for cheap!!)

Use these coupons from BeFrugal to save on beauty products:

Elizabeth Arden coupon code: free 8 piece gift set with your $55+ order, expires 5/15. Plus get 10% cash back.
Nars coupon code: free mini Laguna Bronzer with any order, expires 5/31. Plus get 8% cash back.
Smashbox Cosmetics coupon code: free shipping and 15% off your $75+ order for new customers, expires soon. Plus get 8% cash back.
Target coupon code: $3 off your $15+ beauty product order, expires 5/28. Plus get 4% cash back.
Yves Rocher coupon code: 5% off any order, expires 5/31. Plus get 15% cash back.

Cash back rates can change from day to day. These rates were valid 5/10. Join now for free and earn cash back when you shop!

Friendships

Posted on May 13, 2013 by thebrowsingbrunette

I thought by the time I was almost 30 (I’ll be 29 on June 1st), I would be more secure in my friendships. Friends have come and gone since I was younger, some falling out solely my fault other times a failure on both our parts. I now find myself wondering how much is to much to share, do people really want to know how I am when they ask the kind question “how are you?” I have friends but not people I talk to or see as often as I like. Church has opened up the door to many new friendships but I find that most people aren’t as willing to open up and share as quickly as I am which kind of ends the friendship before it happens since I feel like people aren’t interested. My kids are young, my husband works two jobs, and staying home is lonely. Sadly I still find cliques exist in adulthood. Sometimes I still feel like I’m waiting to get invited to the cool kids table at lunch. I might not always be able to come sit down but I’d still like to be asked. I’ve been praying a lot lately for friendships new and old.

To the friends I have, the friends I’ve lost, and to the friends I have yet to find: “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: “What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” -C.S. Lewis

Guest Posting on BeFrugal today!

Posted on May 10, 2013 by thebrowsingbrunette

Today I’m guest posting over at BeFrugal.com! I was extremely excited when they asked me to share some of my beauty shopping tips. BeFrugal offers online and printable coupons PLUS cash back at over 3000+ stores and is completely free to sign up!

*BeFrugal does offer a referral program for Bloggers (which you can read about here) however all opinions expressed in any post regarding BeFrugal are 100% my own*

Bargain, Browse, Buy

Posted on May 8, 2013 by thebrowsingbrunette

I’ve tried several types of moisturizers over the years and two out of three of these I’ve been really pleased with. Check out the bottom of the post for some beauty coupon codes!

BARGAIN: Simple Light Hydrating Moisturizer is what I’m currently using and loving! It absorbs quickly, doesn’t irritate my skin, and has SPF 15. I don’t wear makeup everyday but I still like to protect and hydrate my skin and I feel that this does that really well. Prices vary depending on where you buy it but I went with $12 since that’s the most expensive I’ve seen it. Keep in mind that you are getting 4.2fl oz so even if you pay $12 you are getting a lot for the price (it is the most fluid ounces of the 3 products that are featured in the post)

BROWSE: Before I say anything else about this product I want you all to know I am not crazy enough to pay $68 for ONE OUNCE of moisturizer. My mom got it in a birchbox or maybe a beauty test tube from QVC I can’t remember but either way it was FREE. I was not super impressed with Peter Thomas Roth Laser-Free Regenerator™ Moisturizing Gel-Cream. First off I didn’t really care for the gel-cream texture. I just felt like it was way to thick and just kind of sat on my face instead of absorbing. I used it for a couple weeks and didn’t really notice a difference in my skin so I stopped. It may be something after reading the claims/benefits you might want to try but it just wan’t for me.

BUY: Everyone raves about Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar so about 2yrs ago I decided to try it. I will admit that $40 is steep for 2fl oz but a little goes a long and will last you awhile. If this is a moisturizer you are interested in trying I suggest buying it in a set with something else like this one from QVC where you try a few different products from Philosophy for a better price (they are all amazing, haven’t used one I haven’t loved). It leaves the skin smooth and hydrated and like I mentioned before a small amount can cover your whole face. I think this product is a really good investment for your skincare routine.

Here are some beauty coupons codes for various sites if you are interested in purchasing anything I blogged about today courtesy of BeFrugal.com. BeFrugal.com offers coupons and cash back for shopping online at your favorite stores, sign up for FREE! These coupons do have expiration dates, so shop soon!

*Beauty.com $10 off $50 + Free Shipping

*Beauty.com Free Shipping on orders $25+

*Drugstore.com 30% off everything in the makeup department

*Ulta.com $3.50 off $10 (this will only apply to the simple skincare as the rest are considered prestige cosmetics)

*Linking up with one of faves Catherine over at Small Town, Big Wardrobe*

Findation

Posted on May 7, 2013 by thebrowsingbrunette

findation1

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 3

Okay this might be one of the best things I’ve found on Google, EVER. A few weeks ago I did post about L’Oreal’s Matchmaker app and how it can help you find the right foundation. It worked great and my foundation matches pretty much perfectly Well I’ve been hearing alot of good things about Revlon’s ColorStay Whipped Foundation. I’ve been doing alot of research over the last week reading up on reviews and watching tutorials/reviews on youtube. In my research I couldn’t really find anything helpful about shade matching with this particular foundation. The glass jar the foundation comes in is pretty thick so it’s hard to hold up a shade in foundation I know works to see if it matches. After several google searches I came across findation.com. The slideshow above is screen shots what I entered and my results. You need to select at least 2 foundations that are good color matches for you however the more you enter the more accurate the matching. Once you’ve selected your foundations click find your matches and it provides you with what color you are in virtually every brand. I got 81 results!!! I was blown away. From drugstore brands to high-end brands it has everything. You can even email all your results so you have them handy anytime. I did a color swatch on my face with the Revlon Foundation and it appears to match perfectly. I truly believe that you may never buy the wrong foundation color again with this handy little site!

*Linking up with Lady and the Blog for Tuesday’s Best of Beauty*