It was a huge week followed by a huger (I doubt this is actually a word) weekend.
On Saturday, our friends Scott and Sheila welcomed their son, Noah, into the world.
On Sunday, two big things happened. First, I found out my long-time friend Matt (we went to school together from kindergarten until the end of college) got engaged. Second, our friends John and Megan welcomed their son, Greyson, into the world.
All of this news points to one thing. --> We're grown-ups now.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Mi Casa
Back in March, my husband and I bought our first house. Here's a photo and some details:
Outside:
3.67 acres of land
Large porch
2-car garage
2 sheds
Small deck
Inside:
4 bedrooms (3 upstairs, 1 downstairs)
2.5 bathrooms (2 upstairs, 1/2 downstairs)
Large country kitchen
Large living room with brick gas fireplace
Sunroom (This is where our two rabbits, Jack and Ellie, live.)
Here's what we've done with it so far:
1. Bought a king bed and Egyptian cotton bedding (Heavenly!)
2. Had VidSec Systems install an alarm system
3. Bought a microwave for the kitchen
4. Bought a small flat-screen TV and a DVD player for our bedroom
5. Had Clinton Fences build a fence around our back yard (They did a great job at a great price. Our dog Louie loves it!)
6. Bought a John Deere riding mower
7. Removed the strange display shelf from the living room ceiling
8. Removed the country-style wood window frames with curtain rods
9. Replaced the gold-tone cabinet handles in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room
10. Bought hanging flower baskets for the porch
11. Bought two glider chairs and a glider loveseat for the porch (We've only built the two chairs so far.)
Here's what we have on our near-future To Do list:
1. De-weed the landscaping and yard (We started yesterday and it's much harder work than I expected. We're both sore today.)
2. Stain the fence
3. Build the glider loveseat
4. Buy two accent chairs for the living room
5. Have the driveway re-sealed
6. Replace all the light fixtures (In particular, the NASCAR fan in the downstairs bedroom needs to go.)
We're also considering replacing the entire first floor (currently vinyl tile and carpet) with distressed hardwood.
Overall, I'm loving that there are lots of things we want to do but there's nothing we need to do.
Outside:
3.67 acres of land
Large porch
2-car garage
2 sheds
Small deck
Inside:
4 bedrooms (3 upstairs, 1 downstairs)
2.5 bathrooms (2 upstairs, 1/2 downstairs)
Large country kitchen
Large living room with brick gas fireplace
Sunroom (This is where our two rabbits, Jack and Ellie, live.)
Here's what we've done with it so far:
1. Bought a king bed and Egyptian cotton bedding (Heavenly!)
2. Had VidSec Systems install an alarm system
3. Bought a microwave for the kitchen
4. Bought a small flat-screen TV and a DVD player for our bedroom
5. Had Clinton Fences build a fence around our back yard (They did a great job at a great price. Our dog Louie loves it!)
6. Bought a John Deere riding mower
7. Removed the strange display shelf from the living room ceiling
8. Removed the country-style wood window frames with curtain rods
9. Replaced the gold-tone cabinet handles in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room
10. Bought hanging flower baskets for the porch
11. Bought two glider chairs and a glider loveseat for the porch (We've only built the two chairs so far.)
Here's what we have on our near-future To Do list:
1. De-weed the landscaping and yard (We started yesterday and it's much harder work than I expected. We're both sore today.)
2. Stain the fence
3. Build the glider loveseat
4. Buy two accent chairs for the living room
5. Have the driveway re-sealed
6. Replace all the light fixtures (In particular, the NASCAR fan in the downstairs bedroom needs to go.)
We're also considering replacing the entire first floor (currently vinyl tile and carpet) with distressed hardwood.
Overall, I'm loving that there are lots of things we want to do but there's nothing we need to do.
Yellow Tail Red Wines
Right now, I'm loving Yellow Tail red wines. Here's what's I have in stock:
Merlot - My dad brought this to dinner the other night. It's light and dry with flavors of plum and spice.
Shiraz - It's light and dry with flavors of cherries, strawberries, vanilla, and spice. I use it in my berry sangria. See below for recipe.
Cabernet-Merlot - It's light and dry with flavors of blackberries and spice.
After looking these up, it's clear that I go for light and dry with various fruit flavors. Good to know.
Berry Sangria Recipe*
1 botttle of red wine (I use Yellow Tail Shiraz)
1 12-oz can of lemon-lime soda (I use Sprite)
1/2 cup of raspberries
1/2 cup of blackberries
1/2 cup of sliced strawberries
1/2 cup of blueberries
1 oz of brandy (I use E&J VSOP)
1 tsp of sugar
Combine ingredients in a pitcher and chill.
Suggestion:
If the sangria hasn't had enough time to chill or you just want a way to keep it cold in your glass, try using a scoop of sorbet instead of ice cubes.
Warnings:
1. Several glasses will stain your lips, teeth, and tongue a lovely shade of purple.
2. The fruit seems to soak up all of the alcohol. Eat at your own risk. :)
*This recipe was adapted from the recipe sheet that came with my Libbey sangria set.
Merlot - My dad brought this to dinner the other night. It's light and dry with flavors of plum and spice.
Shiraz - It's light and dry with flavors of cherries, strawberries, vanilla, and spice. I use it in my berry sangria. See below for recipe.
Cabernet-Merlot - It's light and dry with flavors of blackberries and spice.
After looking these up, it's clear that I go for light and dry with various fruit flavors. Good to know.
Berry Sangria Recipe*
1 botttle of red wine (I use Yellow Tail Shiraz)
1 12-oz can of lemon-lime soda (I use Sprite)
1/2 cup of raspberries
1/2 cup of blackberries
1/2 cup of sliced strawberries
1/2 cup of blueberries
1 oz of brandy (I use E&J VSOP)
1 tsp of sugar
Combine ingredients in a pitcher and chill.
Suggestion:
If the sangria hasn't had enough time to chill or you just want a way to keep it cold in your glass, try using a scoop of sorbet instead of ice cubes.
Warnings:
1. Several glasses will stain your lips, teeth, and tongue a lovely shade of purple.
2. The fruit seems to soak up all of the alcohol. Eat at your own risk. :)
*This recipe was adapted from the recipe sheet that came with my Libbey sangria set.
The Dark Knight Rises
Last night, my husband and I decided to make it a date night. After a very low-key dinner and dessert (Five Guys and Cold Stone), we drove to our favorite movie theater, the AMC Hoffman Center. We used two of my Silver Experience Tickets for admission to The Dark Knight Rises. Although it started off slow and was long overall (2 hours 44 minutes), I thought it was well done. I particularly liked Anne Hathaway's Catwoman.
Based on the previews, I'm looking forward to seeing The Bourne Legacy and Flight in the near future...
Based on the previews, I'm looking forward to seeing The Bourne Legacy and Flight in the near future...
Over-Eager Salespeople
A week ago, I ventured to the local mall to do some clothes shopping.
I went into one of my favorite stores, Express, only to be hounded by several different salesmen. One of them even made a couple comments on the way I look. "Did you just get your hair done?" and something to the effect of "Ooooo, girl, you got that body!" The whole thing just made me uncomfortable.
I had a similar experience, though not as over-the-top, at American Eagle. The salesgirl was very insistent that I take a look at the new slim boot jeans. After turning her down and finding what I actually wanted (a pair of white skinny jeans), I headed to the checkout counter. The same girl asked for my AERewards card. I told her I don't shop there too often, so I don't want or need a rewards card. She pretty much forced me to do it anyway.
I never used to have this type of problem. Perhaps it's because I look a little older and the salespeople think I actually have some money to spend. Regardless of the reason, I wish it would stop. A simple "Welcome to the store. May I help you with anything?" will suffice.
Needless to say, I won't be heading to the mall again any time soon.
I went into one of my favorite stores, Express, only to be hounded by several different salesmen. One of them even made a couple comments on the way I look. "Did you just get your hair done?" and something to the effect of "Ooooo, girl, you got that body!" The whole thing just made me uncomfortable.
I had a similar experience, though not as over-the-top, at American Eagle. The salesgirl was very insistent that I take a look at the new slim boot jeans. After turning her down and finding what I actually wanted (a pair of white skinny jeans), I headed to the checkout counter. The same girl asked for my AERewards card. I told her I don't shop there too often, so I don't want or need a rewards card. She pretty much forced me to do it anyway.
I never used to have this type of problem. Perhaps it's because I look a little older and the salespeople think I actually have some money to spend. Regardless of the reason, I wish it would stop. A simple "Welcome to the store. May I help you with anything?" will suffice.
Needless to say, I won't be heading to the mall again any time soon.
Big Changes
For the last two and a half years, I've been working as an electrical and test engineer for a defense contractor. Even though the company has been great, I haven't been able to shake the idea of teaching middle school math.
In June, I started talking to an advisor about an accelerated teacher certification program. I also submitted an application for substitute teaching.
At the end of July, I sat down with my boss to explain the situation and give my two weeks notice. I was grateful for how understanding he was. I was also surprised when he asked me to consider working part-time for a while.
I took a couple days to weigh the pros and cons and to come up with a realistic weekly schedule. I concluded that working part-time was the best plan forward. So, as of mid-August, I will be a part-time engineer. And, as of early-September, I will be a part-time student.
It doesn't seem like subbing is going to happen (I found out I'm 164th on the list), but I'm toying with the idea of coaching one or two evenings a week at my old gymnastics studio. More on that later...
In June, I started talking to an advisor about an accelerated teacher certification program. I also submitted an application for substitute teaching.
At the end of July, I sat down with my boss to explain the situation and give my two weeks notice. I was grateful for how understanding he was. I was also surprised when he asked me to consider working part-time for a while.
I took a couple days to weigh the pros and cons and to come up with a realistic weekly schedule. I concluded that working part-time was the best plan forward. So, as of mid-August, I will be a part-time engineer. And, as of early-September, I will be a part-time student.
It doesn't seem like subbing is going to happen (I found out I'm 164th on the list), but I'm toying with the idea of coaching one or two evenings a week at my old gymnastics studio. More on that later...
Saturday, August 4, 2012
My Arsenal
HAIR
My hair is shoulder-length and has a wavy-to-curly texture. It tends to feel dry and look frizzy if I don't take care of it properly. My baby hairs (hereby referred to as "my babies") sometimes have a mind of their own.
I haven't seen my natural hair color since I started dying it in the 6th grade, but I believe it's a light ash brown. Over the last couple years, I spent a lot of money on salon color treatments and color prolonging products in hopes of getting it as close to natural as possible. A few months ago, I realized that I could achieve better results at home for a fraction of the price.
Daily Shampoo: Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smoothing Shampoo
Daily Conditioner: Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smoothing Conditioner
Leave-In Conditioner: Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Heat Defense Leave-In Conditioner
Shine Serum: Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smooth & Shine Serum
Dry Shampoo: Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Dry Shampoo
In case you couldn't tell, I LOVE the relatively new Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion product line. It leaves my hair feeling silky and looking shiny.
Hairspray: L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray (Extra Strong Hold)
The bottle boasts "THE FINEST HAIRSPRAY USED BY THE FINEST STYLISTS". It also says "DISAPPEARS AT THE STROKE OF A BRUSH", which is absolutely true. I really like that it comes in a regular size and a travel size. The only thing I don't particularly like? The scent. However, I just saw that an Unscented version is now available. Can't wait to try it.
Clarifying Shampoo: Joico K-Pak Clarify Chelating Shampoo
My old hairstylist recommended this. I've started using it once every week or two, especially right before I color. It gets rid of oil, well water deposits, product build-up, chlorine, etc. Just be sure to follow up with a good deep conditioner.
Color: Clairol Natural Instincts Brass Free Brunettes in 6C Light Brown
I use this every five to six weeks. The key is to use a hair coloring brush and bowl to apply color to roots. Only pull color through to ends for the last couple minutes.
MAKEUP
My face and lips almost always feel dry, even in southern Maryland's crazy summer humidity.
I have fair skin with cool (read: pink) undertones. It never tans but it does freckle heavily when I spend time in the sun. My eyes are dark brown and I'm blessed with long, full lashes.
Skin Primer: Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting (Green Tint)
Eye Primer: Urban Decay Eyshadow Primer Potion
I only use primers for special occasions or big nights on the town. The Color Correcting Primer's green tint neutralizes my cool undertones. The Eyeshadow Primer Potion keeps my eye makeup firmly in place, even when I (accidentally!) sleep in it.
Foundation: L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Makeup in C2 Natural Ivory
Powder: L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Powder in C2 Natural Ivory
The L'Oreal True Match line works well on my dry, sensitive skin. I really like that it comes in Cool, Neutral, and Warm shades.
Bronzer: NYC Sun 2 Sun Bronzing Powder in 719A Terracotta Tan
This bronzing powder has two shades in one compact. I use the darker shade on my cheekbones and the lighter shade on my forehead, nose, and chin.
Eyebrow Gel: Prestige Brow Perfection Revitalizing Clear Brow Gel
Like my babies, my brows can get unruly. This gel keeps them in place without feeling too stiff or sticky.
Eye Liner: Rimmel London Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil
I used to buy super cheapy eye liner pencils that would catch my eyelid as I used them. Then I found the Soft Kohl Kajal eye liner pencil. It always glides on smoothly.
Eye Shadow: Cover Girl Eye Enhancers, Rimmel London Colour Rush
Just like primers, I don't use eye shadow too often. These two brands offer a variety of shades. My favorites are the multi-color compacts.
Mascara: Maybelline Volum' Express One-by-One Waterproof in Blackest Black
I use this mascara every day because it never looks clumpy and it never smudges. I even trusted it on my wedding day.
Lip Gloss: Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss
This gloss is ultra shiny and comes in a variety of delicious flavors. My favorite is Minty Lip Shine because it's clear and cool and refreshing. My only complaint? Actually, my husband's complaint. It's a little too sticky for kissing.
NAILS
My fingernails have always been a source of disappointment. I broke my disgusting nail-biting habit a while ago, but I still find myself picking at my cuticles. My thumbs are usually the worst. On a more positive note, my toenails are in good shape.
Cuticle Dissolver: Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover
Fast Dry Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color
Bright Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Color
Clear Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Hard as Wraps Acrylic Gel + Nylon
The Sally Hansen line is accessible and affordable and it works.
Nail Polish Remover: Onyx Professional 100% Acetone Nail Polish Remover
When I want my polish off, I want it off NOW. That's why I don't mess around with weak removers. 100% acetone gets the job done.
Artificial Nails: Broadway Nails Real Life in Real Short Length
Since my own nails aren't usually in great shape, I use Broadway Nails for special occasions. It takes about an hour to do a really careful job, but the result is a professional-looking manicure for only 5-6 bucks.
SKIN
As I mentioned before, my face and lips almost always feel dry. This goes for my body as well. On top of that, I'm somewhat sensitive to certain ingredients.
Exfoliant: St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub
I've been using this apricot scrub for as long as I can remember. It leaves my skin feeling fresh and smooth.
Facial Cleanser: Olay Total Effects 7 in One Nourishing Cream Cleanser
Body Wash: Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter
Facial Moisturizer: Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer with Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Facial Cream: Olay Complete All Day UV Moisture Cream for Sensitive Skin
Everyday Body Lotion: Olay Ultra Moisture Lotion with Shea Butter
My mom has always used Olay daily moisturizer and I started following in her footsteps back in middle school. When I got my first facial in February 2011, the facialist said I had some of the best skin she's ever seen. Her only suggestion was that I switch from a foaming cleanser to a cream cleanser. I now use Olay's cream cleanser and other skin products. I'll never stray.
Scented Body Lotion: Victoria's Secret Angel Touch Lotion in Heavenly
The Angel Touch lotion practically disappears on your skin, leaving it silky and scented. Perfect for date night.
My hair is shoulder-length and has a wavy-to-curly texture. It tends to feel dry and look frizzy if I don't take care of it properly. My baby hairs (hereby referred to as "my babies") sometimes have a mind of their own.
I haven't seen my natural hair color since I started dying it in the 6th grade, but I believe it's a light ash brown. Over the last couple years, I spent a lot of money on salon color treatments and color prolonging products in hopes of getting it as close to natural as possible. A few months ago, I realized that I could achieve better results at home for a fraction of the price.
Daily Shampoo: Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smoothing Shampoo
Daily Conditioner: Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smoothing Conditioner
Leave-In Conditioner: Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Heat Defense Leave-In Conditioner
Shine Serum: Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smooth & Shine Serum
Dry Shampoo: Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Dry Shampoo
In case you couldn't tell, I LOVE the relatively new Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion product line. It leaves my hair feeling silky and looking shiny.
Hairspray: L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray (Extra Strong Hold)
The bottle boasts "THE FINEST HAIRSPRAY USED BY THE FINEST STYLISTS". It also says "DISAPPEARS AT THE STROKE OF A BRUSH", which is absolutely true. I really like that it comes in a regular size and a travel size. The only thing I don't particularly like? The scent. However, I just saw that an Unscented version is now available. Can't wait to try it.
Clarifying Shampoo: Joico K-Pak Clarify Chelating Shampoo
My old hairstylist recommended this. I've started using it once every week or two, especially right before I color. It gets rid of oil, well water deposits, product build-up, chlorine, etc. Just be sure to follow up with a good deep conditioner.
Color: Clairol Natural Instincts Brass Free Brunettes in 6C Light Brown
I use this every five to six weeks. The key is to use a hair coloring brush and bowl to apply color to roots. Only pull color through to ends for the last couple minutes.
MAKEUP
My face and lips almost always feel dry, even in southern Maryland's crazy summer humidity.
I have fair skin with cool (read: pink) undertones. It never tans but it does freckle heavily when I spend time in the sun. My eyes are dark brown and I'm blessed with long, full lashes.
Skin Primer: Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting (Green Tint)
Eye Primer: Urban Decay Eyshadow Primer Potion
I only use primers for special occasions or big nights on the town. The Color Correcting Primer's green tint neutralizes my cool undertones. The Eyeshadow Primer Potion keeps my eye makeup firmly in place, even when I (accidentally!) sleep in it.
Foundation: L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Makeup in C2 Natural Ivory
Powder: L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Powder in C2 Natural Ivory
The L'Oreal True Match line works well on my dry, sensitive skin. I really like that it comes in Cool, Neutral, and Warm shades.
Bronzer: NYC Sun 2 Sun Bronzing Powder in 719A Terracotta Tan
This bronzing powder has two shades in one compact. I use the darker shade on my cheekbones and the lighter shade on my forehead, nose, and chin.
Eyebrow Gel: Prestige Brow Perfection Revitalizing Clear Brow Gel
Like my babies, my brows can get unruly. This gel keeps them in place without feeling too stiff or sticky.
Eye Liner: Rimmel London Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil
I used to buy super cheapy eye liner pencils that would catch my eyelid as I used them. Then I found the Soft Kohl Kajal eye liner pencil. It always glides on smoothly.
Eye Shadow: Cover Girl Eye Enhancers, Rimmel London Colour Rush
Just like primers, I don't use eye shadow too often. These two brands offer a variety of shades. My favorites are the multi-color compacts.
Mascara: Maybelline Volum' Express One-by-One Waterproof in Blackest Black
I use this mascara every day because it never looks clumpy and it never smudges. I even trusted it on my wedding day.
Lip Gloss: Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss
This gloss is ultra shiny and comes in a variety of delicious flavors. My favorite is Minty Lip Shine because it's clear and cool and refreshing. My only complaint? Actually, my husband's complaint. It's a little too sticky for kissing.
NAILS
My fingernails have always been a source of disappointment. I broke my disgusting nail-biting habit a while ago, but I still find myself picking at my cuticles. My thumbs are usually the worst. On a more positive note, my toenails are in good shape.
Cuticle Dissolver: Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover
Fast Dry Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color
Bright Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Color
Clear Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Hard as Wraps Acrylic Gel + Nylon
The Sally Hansen line is accessible and affordable and it works.
Nail Polish Remover: Onyx Professional 100% Acetone Nail Polish Remover
When I want my polish off, I want it off NOW. That's why I don't mess around with weak removers. 100% acetone gets the job done.
Artificial Nails: Broadway Nails Real Life in Real Short Length
Since my own nails aren't usually in great shape, I use Broadway Nails for special occasions. It takes about an hour to do a really careful job, but the result is a professional-looking manicure for only 5-6 bucks.
SKIN
As I mentioned before, my face and lips almost always feel dry. This goes for my body as well. On top of that, I'm somewhat sensitive to certain ingredients.
Exfoliant: St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub
I've been using this apricot scrub for as long as I can remember. It leaves my skin feeling fresh and smooth.
Facial Cleanser: Olay Total Effects 7 in One Nourishing Cream Cleanser
Body Wash: Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter
Facial Moisturizer: Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer with Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Facial Cream: Olay Complete All Day UV Moisture Cream for Sensitive Skin
Everyday Body Lotion: Olay Ultra Moisture Lotion with Shea Butter
My mom has always used Olay daily moisturizer and I started following in her footsteps back in middle school. When I got my first facial in February 2011, the facialist said I had some of the best skin she's ever seen. Her only suggestion was that I switch from a foaming cleanser to a cream cleanser. I now use Olay's cream cleanser and other skin products. I'll never stray.
Scented Body Lotion: Victoria's Secret Angel Touch Lotion in Heavenly
The Angel Touch lotion practically disappears on your skin, leaving it silky and scented. Perfect for date night.
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