Monday, August 5, 2013

Summertime Blues

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Target via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are 100% my own and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.


August is here and in full swing. How did this happen? Where has summer break gone? It vanished into thin air. I am not gonna lie, the first week that school let out, I hunted for a BIG rock to hibernate under for three months. I wasn't used to my kids being home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It took a solid couple of weeks for all three of us to acclimate. The girls were used to being at school and on a set routine. I was used to having time to work, run errands and get things "done"....alone. Phew, when you put a mom and her two girls together for one summer, things can get a little hairy, out of control and testing of some serious patience.

But, we found our rhythm and had one of the best and most adventurous summers ever. We started it all off with glamping at Jellystone, a few water parks here and there, lots of pool time, playing dress up, sleep overs, crafts, board games, sleeping in and a trip to California.

What makes me sad is that all our planned summer fun is coming to a close and we are gearing up for a new school year. Yep, focusing on back to school is in full force. It's school supplies time, clothes shopping, getting the kids back on a bedtime routine and anxiously awaiting "Welcome Walk" when the girls' new teachers come to our house and introduce themselves.

Logan will be heading to third grade and Landry starts kindergarten. Last year was quite the whirl wind and we had our first REAL experience with girl drama. I am already on my hands and knees with fingers and toes crossed that this year will be a clean slate and that we can focus 100% on academics and not the social aspect.  Logan has already started talking about what she wants to wear the first day. All Landry can talk about is riding the bus to and from school. They are both excited and ready. And so am I. I think. 

I must admit, I wanted to pull my hair out on numerous occasions this summer...between the sisterly fights, the "I am bored" syndrome and trying to keep the kids busy while staying up to speed with my obligations; it wasn't the easiest of times. Now that summer break is coming to a close, my heart is a little sad. I am going to miss these nuggets, the ruckus in my house, the neighborhood kids in and out all day long, pool days, late nights and even later mornings. This is why summer is my favorite time of year. It might be scorching hot out, but the memories that are made during these three months are well worth the sweat.

Our focus over the next few weeks isn't about our next vacation or buying more sunscreen or what water slide we are going to ride next; it's gearing up for school....full throttle ahead. Just thinking about homework, projects, getting up before the sun rises and packing lunches makes me cringe a bit.

Isn't it funny how the summer started off with the same feelings? I think it's part of my "creature of habit" syndrome. We get used to one routine, have it down pat and then BAM, we are forced to start all over again. It's a vicious cycle, but one I wouldn't trade for anything.

One thing is for certain, we are all eager to see what this school year has in store. I am sure lessons will be learned, tears will be wiped and most importantly achievements will be made.

So, if you have kids starting school, what are your feelings? Are you ready to push them out the door and onto the bus or are you tearing up because your summer days are numbered?

EXPECT MORE. PAY LESS. Thank you Target for sponsoring this post.  









Shanna

Friday, August 2, 2013

I'll be there, y'all...

Texas Style Council

Today is the first day of Texas Style Council, Miss Stesha has safely landed on Texas soil and we had a big ol' slumber party last night. Bless her heart. She traveled from Canada, started at 6:00 AM and didn't get here until midnight. She is a trooper and you guys should have seen the scene we made at the airport when I picked her up! Hot messes, I tell ya!

I am off to show her a little bit of Austin, a tour guide if you will, before tonight's clothing swap hosted by Lulu's. I apologize for the quick hello today, but I think you will understand. I mean, I have a blog friend, turned real life friend that flew all the way in from Canada. It would be rude of me to take much longer typing this post.

In case you want to follow our adventures gallivanting around Austin and at #TxSC13 make sure to follow us both on Instagram @shannasaidso and @stesharose.

I plan to give a full report on the conference, our time together and everything in between. Stay tuned next week....most likely on Tuesday.

Until then, have a great weekend and can't wait to meet all of you that are attending this weekend's festivities!

I have a two ladies that will entertain you today since I wasn't all that fun. 

Meet Allexis with Life of a Coy Fish. This precious and humorous Guatemalan is living in Utah and documenting her style and life stories. I didn't realize a fashion blogger could be funny too. You are getting two for the price of one with this gal. Her lists post had me rolling. See, I told you she was cute and a comedian. And I can bet you a million bucks that you will definitely relate to her with these truths. I think we all can. I am telling you ladies, Miss Allexis is onto something. If you don't like fashion. Fine. Read her funnies. If you don't like funnies. Look at her fashion. Whatever tickles your fancy, just go an check out Life of a Coy Fish. Now.

Need some more funny in your life on the glorious Friday? Well, Allie with Tales of a Twenty Something is your golden ticket. Her post yesterday literally made me laugh outloud...so candid this lady. The title will reel you in. That's for sure. She was on a roll the day before with a letter to her future hubs. Allie, I am right there with ya...I can't cook...that's why I married my man. And for all you single ladies out there....this one is for you. Okay, even if you are not single, this post is for you. I think we just might have a future famous comedian on our hands. This girl is legit and her posts will have you wanting more. Having a bad day? Go read Tales of a Twenty Something and everything will be A-Okay! 

Alright-y! That's all for today! Don't forget to follow along on Instgram if you are just a tad bit curious about what all this Texas Style Council hype is about. I will say, I am quite the nervous wreck right now. I have never been to a "real' blog conference. Eeeek!

Shanna

Thursday, August 1, 2013

NYX Cosmetics Favorites

NYX

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

I haven't done a beauty review since my elf one back in May. Well, I am happy to report that I have discovered another affordable cosmetics line that I couldn't wait to share with you. I posted on Instagram about how fuming mad I was that elf changed their waterproof eye liner pen. The new one totally bummed me out and I wanted to shout my anger to the IG world and to elf. Anyway, a sweet friend commented that NYX actually made an eye liner pen and that I should try it. Of course, I drove directly to Ulta and found it. Now, it's not $2.00 like the elf one, but still affordable and I love it just as much if not more. 

So, that's how my new infatuation with NYX started....with a rant on Instagram. Gotta love social media.

NYX is sold online, at Ulta, Nordstrom and a few other retailers. 

I got super lucky and tried these products without any recommendations (except the eye liner). I would never lie to you and for the record this post is NOT sponsored. I truly love the ones featured today and fully intend to give a few more a whirl.

Let's begin...

1. Shine Killer ($13) - If you live in a hot and humid city you know that summer months can cause our faces to be greasier than fries from McDonald's. I already have super oily skin, so the weather just adds fuel to the fire. This product REALLY helps eliminate shine all day long. I put this on first and let it dry before I add the Pore Filler.

2. Pore Filler ($13) - I used to wear Pore-fessional from Benefit, but it was $30 and lasted me about a month. So, when I found this one for less than half the price, I knew I had to give it a chance. It did not disappoint. In my opinion, it is just as good as the Benefit one and is a great primer as well. I see a big difference in my face when I use versus when I don't.

3. Soft Matte Lip Cream ($6) - This one is great when you want long lasting color that isn't glossy. This is almost like a stain and the color is vibrant. If I want a little shine, I just add a tinted gloss over it. It also won a Temptalia Award. I bought the Bright Fuchsia one (SMLC 07).

4. Super Skinny Eye Marker ($9) - This is what began my NYX love affair. It goes on clean and easy and stays on all day. They also sell a "fat marker" too. I highly recommend if you like using pens as your eyeliner. One of the best ones I have found.

5. Fly with Me Mascara ($9) - I really like this one because of the wand and that it doesn't go on super thick and clumpy. I will say that because it's a lighter weight formula, you will have to apply a few coats. It really accentuates individual lashes and make them look longer.

Have you ever tried NYX cosmetics before? If so, what are some of your favorites? Do tell!

Shanna

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