MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Christmas Wish List

One of my favorite things that I would definitely put on your list for Christmas is a Clarisonic Brush. It's awesome!!!! I use mine all the time and so does everyone else that works with me. We also use them in our facial rooms. They come with a charger and they are also waterproof, so you can keep them in your shower. They are a little pricey, but definitely worth it. It's perfect to add to your Christmas wish list.

Clarisonic benefits:
-6X more makeup removal
-Skin is soft and smooth
-Cleanses so well that products absorb better
-Gentle for use twice daily
-Reduces oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes
-Reduces the appearance of visible pores
-Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

(Below):

This is the new "Mia". It is the travel version of the regular Clarisonic. It does all the same things and still comes with a charger, but it's just a little more petite with only one speed.

Do you have anything on your "Wish list" that you would like to share?? Anything you love and can't live without?

A Very Cool Makeup Experience!

Several weeks ago, Joseph and I went down to Louisiana to be with his dad and his uncle Rodney, who is the director/producer of a new movie that hopefully will be coming to theatres, "Flag of my Father". We got to the set about 5:30 that next morning and stayed until 9:00 p.m. It was a long day, but a very fun learning experience, especially for me. I was able to go watch the lead makeup artist do the makeup for all the actors and actresses, even some battle wounds too. With all the high-definition cameras that are out now, she had to use certain products that are made for high-def television. I learned a lot about special effects makeup, and also learned that its something I would never be good at! :)
(Below is a picture of a cemetary scene. We were able to watch everyone in action!)


This is the lead makeup artist working on Gigi, the lead actress of the movie. She is trying to create a deep scratch from a car accident. She used silicone to build the texture and did the rest by painting free-hand. JUST REMEMBER....ITS FAKE!! Its kind of gross to look at, but it was such an awesome thing to experience, because its a whole new level of being a "makeup artist." She was truly an "artist"!

Gross, I know! But....it looks so real!

Hanging out in the r.v.

They have two screens that shows the two different angles. You can watch this to see how it will look like on screen.

Me and Gabriel (playing gigi's husband in the movie)

Me and John Schneider, "Bo Duke", (playing one of Gigi's brothers in the movie)

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

I LOVE Christmas time! I know its a little early, but I started decorating yesterday (I'm still not done completely) and after I got done, I just sat down with my hot chocolate that my hubby made me, and I just felt so peaceful and happy. Something about Christmas and Christmas music just makes me joyful!

I still need some decorations for my table, but I love these very pointy Christmas tree my mother in law gave me.

These are some candlesticks that my friend gave me that she wasn't using, so I just tied a Christmas ribbon on them to make a little festive. (I need to straighten that ribbon up!)

The stockings are hung and the fireplace on!

Lots of BEAUTIFUL Babies!

I have been rather busy going to see some of my close friends have their babies. My best friend, Laura, (below) had Miss Grace Elizabeth (yes, named after me! Whooo hoo) on Oct. 14th! I am such a proud Aunt! If there were some type of papers that you could sign to be a "legal" aunt, I would do it! She is the most precious thing you've ever seen! I went to Little Rock to be there for the birth and then went back a couple weeks later because I couldn't stand to be away! I wish I lived close, because I would probably go see here everyday!

I think I held her for a full two hours straight. Laura insisted, and I didnt say no!

Big Beautifu Eyes!! I love this picture! I went to help Laura take Grace to get her newborn pictures. She was supposed to be really sleepy or asleep so we could take some good pictures and poses, but she was WIDE awake....as you can see!

The nigtht when Grace was born, I drove back to Fayetteville for the "gender" party for one of my best friends, Shannon. She had a cake cutting party that showed the gender of the baby by whether it had blue icing in the middle or pink icing. The picture doesn't show, but its a boy! Westin will be here in March! I can't wait!!!

Another close friend of mine, Haley, had Miss Stella Rose on Oct. 20th. She has the best, thickest, darkest hair you have ever seen! You would be jealous of the newborn's hair if you saw it! She has the most beautiful face and definitely looks just like her mama! I can't wait for Haley to come back to work, but I wish she would bring Stella everyday too. She's the newest Glo Girl!

So...that's what I have been busy doing this past month! I continually pray for my friends who are struggling to get pregnant. Why is it such a hard thing these days?? I know its frustrating and I really pray that God would provide for them at HIS perfect timing! Its such a miracle from the very beginning process and been amazing to see some of my very close friends get to experience that! What a blessing!!

South Carolina Trip

We went to visit Joseph's sister and brother-in-law, Kristi and Fabio (below), in Columbia, South Carolina. We also met Justin and Laura, Joseph's brother and new sister-in-law there. It was the first time that we had all been together since Justin and Laura got married. We went to Charleston and spent the night, which was an interesting night with six adults in one hotel room! We slept on an air mattress which deflated about an hour after we went to sleep! :) We woke up the next morning and ate at "Joseph's Restuarant" for breakfast. Of course, we had to go there since it was called that. We then went to Patriot's point and toured the ship and submarine.(above)

Patriot's Point in Charleston

91 degrees in October- Whew!

My two sister-in-laws

Me and Joseph in Charleston- a little windy that day!


We have been SUPER busy these last few weeks and I have lots of updates! I will post soon!

Natural and Flawless

Recently I had someone ask how to achieve a "natural and flawless" look when doing your makeup. So, I wanted to share a couple of my favorite products that will do just that.

One of my very first posts was all about Foundation Primer. I am a big believer in using this in order to achieve a flawless complexion. I won't go into all of the benefits again :), but I do want to remind you that a good foundation primer is going to prepare your skin by filling in lines, pores, and most importantly keeping your foundation on all day.

Everyone I'm sure has heard, tried, or seen mineral makeup. This is one thing that I love for more of a natural look, yet you still get good coverage and sun protection.

There are a TON of different mineral makeup lines. One of my favorites is Laura Mercier's Mineral Powder.

Another thing that I love is Tinted Moisturizer. It is a very sheer foundation but also gives sun protection. It is great for achieving a smooth complexion and hiding imperfections but without the heavy feeling.

As far as eye makeup...something that is quick and easy and would still give you some color but be natural is a cream eyeshadow. Use one color on your lid with some liquid liner and finish with some mascara. These are easy to apply. Most are even water-resistant and crease-resistant, and they last forever. One of my favorite ones is the Laura Mercier Metallic Creme Eyeshadow (particularly in Gold). Bobbie brown also has a Long-wear Cream Shadow (I haven't' tried it, but it looks good)

Invest in a good bronzer to give your face a natural "sun-kissed glow". Apply the bronzer to the high points of your face. For more fair complexion's (yes, you can still wear bronzer), choose a shade with more pink tones, such as Laura Mercier's Shimmer Bronzer. (I know I recommend a lot from her line, but I love it!).

Choose a neutral lipstick/gloss to finish your "natural look"!

I would love to hear what your favorite makeup items are for a more natural look!

Summer Comfort

It has been kind of crazy these past few weeks. I have been really busy at work and with other things. Joseph just recently got a new job and is going to California tomorrow to sign his contract and work out some of the details of what he will be doing. It has been a long process that started the first of July and I am ready for him to start working full time since he lost his job in April. He has been so patient over the past months and continues to be determined about finding the right job and taking it slowly so he does what is best for us. God has really taught us to rely on Him and that He does provide...in his perfect timing!


We continue to pray for Jason and Katie (http://www.therowefam.blogspot.com/) as they find strength in the Lord to get through these past couple of weeks and the months to come. I feel so encouraged by them to see how strong they have been through everything. What an amazing example of Christ's everlasting Love, Hope, and Strength! One thing that Katie said at Reese's funeral that really stuck out.... is that God is either Everything or He is Nothing, and I don't believe that He is Nothing, so that means that He is EVERYTHING! He is Enough! We have to trust that he does comfort, heal and give strength to any and every situation! What an awesome truth!

As tough as it has been to wait patiently for things in my life to come, The Lord gives me strength to take each day at a time, and trust in Him to provide at His perfect timing!

Isaiah 54:10
"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you

"We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

My New Favorite Products!

I have discovered some new favorite products that I love for the summer!

April Rain- "Day and Night Rainew"

Its an anti-aging moisturizer with 6 different peptides and a time-released delivery system that will keep you perfectly moisturized for a full 8 hours. My skin feels so smooth and hydrated. I love this!

Ahava Mineral Body Lotion

I love this because it's lightweight and it's perfect for after you have been in the sun. It has a very light, clean fragrance and its good for both men and women.

Laura Mercier's HydraTint Lip Balm

These are PERFECT for summer because I can protect my lips from the sun, get conditioning treatment and a sheer color all at the same time. If you are a chapstick wearer but want a hint of color...you would LOVE these!!

Philosophy's New Fragrance: Unconditional Love

This new fragrance is fresh, soft, and a great mix of floral and fruity notes. Perfect new fragrance for summer!

I would LOVE to know some of YOUR favorite products that you are using for the summer. I am a product junkie and I am always looking for something new and fun to try!

Happy Birthday Shannon!!!

Today is Shannon's birthday!

Thank you for being such a good friend over the years!

I hope you have a wonderful day!

We went to...

PARIS!!!!!

A year ago almost to the day, we booked our trip to Europe!! We thought it would never get here! My parents and siblings with their spouses all went. We had so much fun together! Joseph and I decided to do something extra for our anniversary, so we went to Paris a few days earlier before we met up with my family in Barcelona. We finally arrived on Friday, May 22nd at about 5:00p.m. after missing our flight to Paris. We were able to get another flight out a few hours later...but were very tired already at that point. We checked into our hotel quickly and got ready for the opera. (This is something Joseph has always wanted to do)

We are at the opera seeing "Tosca". Although the entire thing was in French, we still enjoyed it. (Even with jet lag)

Inside the Opera De Bastille



Later that night...view from our hotel.



The next day we went on a "Day in Paris" tour. We were going to see the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, have lunch in the Eiffel Tower, and cruise along the Seine River. Everything was going well, until we hopped on the tour bus and realized that we weren't going to ANY of those places. What????? WE WERE ON THE WRONG BUS!!! We quickly told them to let us off and then were able to find our real group!











River boat cruise on the Seine River




View from the Eiffel Tower















We met a couple from Conway who were on the same tour as us and hung out with them all day. What a small world! (That's who is taking all these pictures of us)

Notre Dame Cathedral

Later that night, we went on a "segway" tour around the city. It was soo much fun! I felt like Paul Blart on "Mall Cop". If this is something you ever get the opportunity to do- you must do it!!

A typical beverage for France. A very delicious and the most expensive espresso I have ever had. I thought I was ordering something else, but got this instead. I finished it in almost three sips. :)

Chocolate Croissant- YUM!!!

We had a great time! I wish we could have stayed a little longer, but definitely enjoyed our time that we had!