Monday, October 31, 2011

The triumphant return of Miss Piggy, convos with Siri & music...

I have had so many random things going through my head lately - and just haven't had a chance to sit down and blog about them!

First up: a question dear bloggy friends... Should I not be admitting out loud that I actually want to see the new Muppets movie while it's in theaters?

Well - because I do. I don't want to miss Miss Piggy's triumphant return to the big screen! She was my idol as a child...

And she's still as awesome as ever! Check out some crappy iPhone pictures of pictures I took for you from her spread in the latest edition of InStyle Magazine. You're welcome...



As much as I adored Miss Piggy - the Martians were my favorite.... yip yip yip yip yip yip! 

Who was your favorite Muppets character?




yip yip yip yip yip yip!

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I like this guy - I've decided... I just love it when I hear awesome new songs on the radio that I want to share with all my bloggy peeps. I have to take more crappy iPhone pictures so I can remember the songs :)



I also heard this song on the way home from work today...



At first I was like... this sounds ok... and then T-Pain's part came on and I thought... well I just really don't think I get what this song is saying. It goes in about 2 or 3 different directions as the song goes on. I like whoever this Lily Allen person is - she has a beautiful voice. She should probably stay away from T-Pain though. 

"She'll be waiting for me naked with one of my chains on..." ???

 No... T-Pain. Just... no.





And last but certainly not least... I've been talking to my phone again. No - not ON it. I think I actually talk TO it more often. It's like a game - how is Siri going to respond to the random crap that pops into my head? Observe...


It would've been funnier had she said "You should ask your Magic Mirror." hmfph.

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Monday, October 24, 2011

Monday... We meet yet again...



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For me it's a beach bar
Or on a boat underneath the stars
Or with my band up on a stage
For a while everything's okay

For some it's a fast car
Moonshine in a mason jar
And everybody has their way
Somehow to escape

Reality, yeah, sometimes life
Ain't all that it's cracked up to be
So let's take a chance and live this fantasy
'Cause everybody needs to break free from reality

Yeah, some days it's a bitch, it's a bummer
We need a rock and roll show in the summer
To let the music take us away
Take our minds to a better place

Where we feel that sense of freedom
Leave our worries behind, we don't need 'em
All we need is a sunny day and an old tailgate
And we'll escape

Reality, yeah, sometimes life
Ain't all that it's cracked up to be
So let's take a chance and live this fantasy
'Cause everybody needs to break free from reality

Everybody raise your hands and voice tonight
Set your soul free, let's take a carpet ride
We'll leave it all behind

Reality, yeah, sometimes life
Ain't all that it's cracked up to be
So let's take a chance and live this fantasy
'Cause everybody needs to break free from reality

Come on everybody, break free
Come on everybody, break free

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Friday, October 21, 2011

Birthdays & Such...

So - my 32nd birthday was this past Monday.

No - I don't feel old. Perhaps I have reached the "denial" phase of life - but I think 32 is a pretty gosh darn good age to be. I'm in my "prime". Whatever will I do with myself?!? Well I'll tell you...

Before my 33rd birthday I will be:
  1. earning my Bachelor's degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Chemical Dependency (this is huge - as I've been in and out of college since age 18) 
  2. traveling to Canada (and out of the country) for the first time to get my certification in Yoga For Round Bodies.
  3. stopping smoking again (this time for good) 
  4. letting my hair grow back out 
  5. keep working toward a 100% vegan diet
  6. incorporate more exercise into my daily routine and try to like it. 
I suppose you could call these my "birthday resolutions".  I think it's better to resolve to do things from birthday to birthday. Everyone makes New Years resolutions. I like to be different. :)

Do you have any special birthday rituals now that you are an adult?

I got a birthday card from my sister and niece that was far too cute not to share...

My Niece - photo via Twilight Photography Designs

To get the full effect - watch the video. So cute!

 
She's in Kindergarten now and she can write her first AND last name... 
See?


I personally enjoy the extra haphazard "Happy" up there above... whoever that is in the picture she drew...

 
Then here we have her little family - Mom, Kaitlyn & Dad (I'm guessing)
 
But wait! That balloon - it's missing something...
 
Much better.... :)
 
And for myself this year - I got the new iPhone 4s.

Siri has been awesome so far - it's sooooo cool! 
 
Mr. C is enjoying asking me to tell it strange things. Today he said: ask it "Where can I find drugs?" because supposedly if you ask it that it will tell you where the nearest rehab is. Which is funny... Except my Southern accent is apparently hard for Siri to understand. 
 
Here's what she thought I said:
 
 
Apparently Siri comes equipped with a sense of humor and all...

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{plus size} fashion friday

FRIDAYYY!!!!

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This is my current theme song...



I'm linking up with Blonde Episodes again this week for another episode of...

PLUS SIZE FASHION FRIDAY!


Today I'm going to highlight some of my favorite finds at Igigi

I love Igigi's site - and their style. I have to admit though that I've never purchased any of their clothes. That's because you can only order them online, they are pricey and I hate to do the whole buy-a-new-brand-of-clothes-online-and-have-them-not-fit-and-have-to-return-them thing. 

Even if a company has "hassle free" returns - I end up leaving my needs to be returned item in the backseat of my car or some other random place and forget to mail it back. Then the time limit for returns expires... It just never works out for me. I play this little game with Old Navy's Women's Plus clothing online all the time. Their sizes tend to differ - so once you think you find a size of their's that you fit into perfectly, you order something else in that same size and it won't button or swallows you whole. But I'll stop bitching now... 

I found some things at Igigi that make me think I may have to take the purchase plunge and hope they fit...

Like this lovely work ensemble...

Or this one...


This dress is absolutely fabulous - simple, yet bold and elegant. 
Love it!


I love this dress too - not her brown shoes and hat though. 
Doesn't match!

This little gem you can wear two ways...

And...

These are GORGEOUS!

And then there's these...

That would look fabulous with this...

Add on one of these = ready for a night on the town!

Or maybe this dress instead....

So many choices! 

Have a WONDERFUL weekend all! 

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Saturday, October 15, 2011

"Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion."

That is my favorite quote from my favorite movie - Steel Magnolias. If you haven't seen it, it's most definitely worth watching.

I'm certain that you will all think I am bi-polar after the rosiness of my last post - and now this one.

I may be bi-polar. But if I am - I have yet to be diagnosed. And I think it would just be putting a label and a "band-aid" of medication on a disease known as "life sucks".

My whole year has been filled with epic ups and downs. Today I have the tears - with no laughter breaking through to balance it out. Perhaps the laughter will come tomorrow...


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Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Things that make me happy...


Things that..




Hockey season is finally back! 

My birthday is in 5 days.

After this week - there's only 1 more week of wretched Algebra left! 
And right now - I'm passing... but only because my dear friend Jeffy is a brilliant tutor! 
I'd be totally screwed right now without him. 
I'm so blessed in the friends department. 

My amazing friends. 

HALLOWEEN IS SOON!!! 
I just love Halloween... It gives me an excuse to wear my pimp costume and smack people ;)

Coming soon: Thanksgiving and Christmas!
Christmas is my most favorite time of year EVER! 
(Not including the beginning of hockey season of course - that's hard to beat.) 

Planning a vegan Thanksgiving.

Going to see my family for Christmas. 

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.

And this collabo:

 

& this song too...

 

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& last but certainly not least...


YOU - my fabulous bloggy friends! 
I am so grateful for all the wonderful friends I've made through blogging - I may not get to visit your blogs as often as I'd like right now with all that's going on, but I want you to know that I appreciate you and your comments. 

Ya'll ROCK! 

Have a wonderful Wednesday loves!

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Monday, October 10, 2011

mmmm



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First up - I'd like to honor the holiday today. FYI - I still have to work today. Enjoy it if you actually have the day off. Happy Columbus Day anyway. I'd like to celebrate with one of my favorite Americans: Toby Keith. Pro football player turned musician - 100% proud American. I love this guy... And this song! 


Now - because it's Monday and we all know how much I hate Mondays... 
This - ladies & gents - is quite possibly the most perfect Monday song EVER... 


Now for one of my favorite Lule Bryan songs...


Now let's wrap this thing up with a new one by Miranda Lambert:


Have a good day lil Monsters! If you have today off - sleep in late for me, k?

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Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Weekend Highlights & Pictures

This is the Tiny Dancer of the family - my niece modeling her new dance costume!


Random picture from an iPhone app I have that cracked me up...


Totally... (via)


Major weekend highlight: 
Sitting in a luxury suite Saturday night with all my favorite hockey friends courtesy of Phoenix Coyotes COO Mike Nealy. Being a die-hard, won't-shut-the-hell-up Coyotes fan does have it's perks! This is my little friend Maddy with Fox Sports Arizona's Coyotes TV Color Analyst Tyson Nash.


Getting this little surprise present in the mail from my mother. She made it herself.
:D


And last but certainly not least - the start of Vegan MoFo. An entire month of vegan fabulousness from some of the best vegan bloggers around the interwebz. 

I will be sharing lots of vegan goodness myself - click on the banner below and check it out!




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Monday, October 3, 2011

Murad Review

The great folks at Murad Cosmetics were generous enough tot send me samples of some of their excellent products to review. I'm all about bringing you honest reviews - so my reviews will be honest and straight forward. I want you to find the BEST products out there and if companies send me bad products, I will tell you! So I will start with the company's description of the products they sent - and then close with my thoughts on them.

First up:
WHAT IT IS: Murad’s Acne & Aging Skin Solution Kit is a maximum strength regimen that encompasses patented formulas that deliver acne-fighting and age-defying technology to promote healthy, younger looking skin. The limited time 3-step regimen kit specifically addresses adult acne concerns. The Acne & Aging Skin Solution Kit is part of Murad’s Anti-Aging Acne system, created to reduce acne and aging concerns simultaneously. Ideal for those who suffer from adult acne, the products in the Anti-Aging Acne line work together as an integrated system to reduce existing blemishes and prevent new blemishes from forming, while repairing skin’s barrier and optimizing collagen levels to minimize the signs of aging.

FEATURES/ BENEFITS:
• Time Release Acne Cleanser delivers a sustained release acne treatment, even after rinsing, while optimizing hydration to restore suppleness.
• Acne & Wrinkle Reducer is clinically proven to reduce acne while minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. • Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 20 | PA ++ fights premature aging through advanced UV protection and healthy collagen support, and minimizes blemishes and oil production As an added bonus, each kit offers one of two products for added benefits:
• Acne Spot Treatment speeds healing of stubborn blemishes on-the-spot and prevents new blemishes from fully developing
• Skin Perfecting Primer Acne & Shine Control disguises flaws with a powder finish while balancing oil production, minimizing the appearance of pores, reducing blemishes and dissolving dull, dry skin.

THE MURAD DIFFERENCE: As with all Murad products, this formula is rooted in The Science of Cellular Water™, Murad’s proprietary system for optimizing cell hydration and skin health.

HOW TO USE:
• Time Release Acne Cleanser - Massage a small amount over dampened face and neck. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
• Acne & Wrinkle Reducer - Every day after cleansing and toning, massage a thin layer over face, neck and chest.
• Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 15 | PA++ - Every day after cleansing, massage evenly over face and neck.
• Acne Spot Treatment - Cleanse skin and apply a thin layer on affected area 1 to 3 times daily or as needed
• Skin Perfecting Primer Acne & Shine Control – Apply a thin layer to the face before or in place of foundation to control acne breakouts, reduce oil and minimize the appearance of pores.

RETAIL PRICE: $45.00 (for the trial size products I received)
• Time Release Acne Cleanser 2.0 FL. OZ
• Acne & Wrinkle Reducer 0.8 FL. OZ
• Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 20 l PA++ 0.8 FL. OZ
• Acne Spot Treatment 0.25 FL OZ $45.00 (Sephora inside JC Penny Exclusive)
• Time Release Acne Cleanser 2.0 FL. OZ
• Acne & Wrinkle Reducer 0.8 FL. OZ
• Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 20 l PA++ 0.8 FL. OZ
• Skin Perfecting Primer Acne & Shine Control 0.17 FL. OZ

AVAILABILITY: Available June 2011 at the Murad Inclusive Health Spa®, Murad.com, Sephora inside JC Penney, and leading salon and spa locations. For more information, to purchase or to find the nearest location, call 1-800-33-MURAD or visit Murad.com.

On their website they have the a full size kit (90day supply) listed for $119.00.

This kit contains:
Time Release Acne Cleanser, 6.75 FL. OZ. Eliminates acne while restoring suppleness for younger-looking skin.
Acne & Wrinkle Reducer, 2.0 FL. OZ. Clinically proven to reduce acne while diminishing fine lines and wrinkles.
Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 20 | PA++, 1.7 FL. OZ. Helps promote a smooth, youthful appearance while controling oil.

MY VERDICT:
Though I would not purchase the entire kit - I really liked the Acne & Wrinkle Reducer. I will most definitely be purchasing more of it when I run out. When I first started using the entire regimen together - my face broke out. This is not uncommon - I've found that this happens when I completely change my skincare regimen. The overhaul changes the PH in your skin and acne flares can be expected as your face adjusts. Mine did - but after the initial shock my skin calmed down and cleared up rather nicely. I did however, find the entire regimen to be mildy drying to my skin over time. That is my only complaint. If I didn't live in a desert it likely wouldn't be as much of an issue.


I also felt as if I needed more of the cleanser than normal to get my entire face clean. My least favorite product was the cleanser. It is more of a cleansing cream than cleanser - so to speak. It had no lather and though lather isn't necessary for a clean face, I prefer the "clean feeling" I get from a good lathering face wash. This face wash missed the component.


If I use the moisturizer as an AM moisturizer and a more intense one at night I find my skin to be in perfect balance. My thoughts for Murad: The face wash needs a bit of tweaking - and a perfect compliment to this regimen would be a more intense overnight wrinkle reducer face cream. It would take the kit from good to perfection! Overall I give this kit 4.5 stars.



I'm a tough customer - not many products will get that shiny Belle of the Desert 5 Star Rating right there. Murad's Intensive Resurfacing Peel with Durian Cell Reform is the first! Congrats Murad! Here's what the company has to say about it:


WHAT IT IS:
Murad’s Intensive Resurfacing Peel brightens and smoothes skin by combining the benefits of a peel with gentle microdermabrasion. Bamboo beads buff away debris and exhausted cells to reveal youthful-looking skin, while Glycolic and Salicylic Acids stimulate cell proliferation. Skin looks younger and feels smoother after just one treatment. Intensive Resurfacing Peel is part of Murad’s Age Reform Intensives collection. This breakthrough collection features Murad's latest revolutionary anti-aging technology, Durian Cell Reform® which enhances the penetration of active anti-aging ingredients.

FEATURES/ BENEFITS:
• Resurfaces to reduce fine lines and wrinkles • Brightens tone and smoothes texture
• Durian Cell Reform enhances the penetration of active ingredients
• Dried Plum Extract and Vitamin C brighten skin for a youthful glow
• Winner of Fitness Magazine's Beauty Award for Best Cell Reform Product, 2008.
• Winner of Star Magazine’s Superstar Beauty Awards for Best Face Peel, 2009

THE MURAD DIFFERENCE: As with all Murad products, this formula is rooted in The Science of Cellular Water™, Murad’s proprietary system for optimizing cell hydration and skin health.

HOW TO USE: After cleansing and toning, gently smooth onto face and neck. Leave on for up to 10 minutes and gently rinse with warm water. Formula is intense and if you have sensitive skin, you may only be able to leave product on for a few minutes to start. With continued use, product can be left on for longer increments. For optimal results, use once per week and follow with recommended Murad moisturizer and sunblock.

RETAIL PRICE: $45.00 for 4 x 0.17 FL. OZ.

AVAILABILITY: Available at the Murad Inclusive Health Spa®, Murad.com, Sephora, Ulta, and leading salon and spa locations. For more information, to purchase or to find the nearest location, call 1-800-33-MURAD or visit Murad.com.

MY VERDICT: 
This product will be a staple in my skincare routine. Use this once a week for a month and you will see a huge difference! My skin looked brighter and tighter with just one use. THAT is why this product earned my five star rating!

Murad Safety Rating: this is an important component for me. Murad does not test on animals - but I also want my beauty products to be safe - and I want to share products with YOU that are safe. If I am going to put it on my skin it needs to be free of toxins. 

According to EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database Murad gets an overall low hazard rating. 

Bravo Murad!

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