We adopted a cat! Meet Chevy, everyone!

Meet Chevy! The newest member of our family!

I have been wanting a little animal for the longest time and Ross has been telling me "no, not right now" for months! Well, on Halloween, we adopted the cutest cat EVER from the Bonnie L. Hays Animal Shelter here in Hillsboro, OR. I've been around animals my entire life and I am really into rescues/strays-  #YayForStrays. When we went to the shelter we were looking to get a kitten because they are easier to train than older cats that are set in their ways. We were looking at an adorable and super playful kitten named Pumpkin, but when I saw Chevy with his partial mustache and serious/annoyed face, I knew he had to come home with us! The shelter let us play with both, but there was something about Chevy- I don't know, like some connection- that I just loved to pieces. He's an older cat, roughly 6 years old and when the shelter picked him up, he was a stray. Obviously we had some concerns about getting an older cat (with potential health issues) and that was a previous stray. Regardless, I had a gut feeling that he would be perfect for our family!

We have had Chevy about a week and a half now and he has been the best company, with Ross working so much! He sleeps a lot, but when he's ready for attention, you better drop whatever you're doing to play with him or he will walk under your feet and do whatever it takes just to get attention.

I hope this inspires you to take a chance on older animals or simply to rescue in general. Strays are the best...It's almost like they know that you saved them and are just so truly grateful!



Edit: I have added some new pictures of him. (:

Current Obsessions: Nov. 2013

I know,  I know! I've been M.I.A. for the months! Seriously, a million and one things have happened since my last post in May. I will be doing a Where Have I Been post in the next few days! Any who, I figured since it's been so long since I've checked in with you guys that I would do a Current Obsessions post. I love watching and reading Favorites videos and blogs. So, without further ado, here are my Current Obsessions- in no particular order.

 Hard As Hoof

My nails have always been awful. Thin and brittle, breaking or peeling anytime I get the slightest growth. I was telling a co-worker of mine at my previous job how bad they were and she said her aunt swore by Hard As Hoof. On her lunch break she went by Wal-Mart and picked grabbed the last two Hard As Hoof and gave me one...super nice of her, right?! I started out using it three times a day, but now that it's been about 3 or 4 weeks, I only use it once a day. I cannot get enough of this stuff! My nails are not crazy thick and still peel on the rare occasion, but I can tell a dramatic difference. I've never been one to say "You have to go out, like right now, and get this stuff!", but seriously, if you have brittle nails, you need this in your life!

Sweet Potato Chips

I am on a low calorie diet (I will get to how I track them in a minute) and have been looking for satisfying snacks that won't have MyFitnessPal yell at me anytime I have a little snack. These are delicious and 160 calories for 17 chips. I usually eat half a serving for 80 calories...just enough to satisfy my craving for a "semi-fat snack." I bought these at Fred Meyer for around $4.

Coastal Scents Hot Pot in Sundried

I have been wearing this color a ton lately: All over the lid, blended into the crease, or smudged under my lower lash line. This color is stunning and makes my blue eyes pop. I usually pair it with a nude lip.

Pumpkin Spice Tea

Who isn't obsessed with pumpkin this time of year?! Like everyone else, I love Starbucks's Pumpkin Spice Latte, but don't drink it that much for two reasons: (1) I don't want to drink my calories (2) because coffee makes me shaky. The scent of this tea is a bit strong, but it doesn't taste as strong as it smells. I picked this up at Target for around $5.

*not sure why the screen shot came out blurry.*

Apps: Snapchat, MyFitnessPal, and Vivino

Call me cheap, but I refuse to pay for apps! 

Snapchat has a cult following for damn good reason: it's freaking amazing! Who else finds themselves making ridiculous faces in public because you're Snapchatting your besties?! Guilty!

MyFitnessPal has been a God-sent for counting calories! I am going to be a Bridesmaid in my friend's wedding in January and when I ordered my dress I was a rail-thin college student surviving on grits, oatmeal, and granola bars. Don't get me wrong, I am still petite, but when I tried my dress on last week I cried. I had gained a few pounds and it was very obvious. Ross and I love our wine- empty calories- and whenever we moved across the county we were practically eating McDonalds three meals a day. Enough said, right?! So, as I sat on our bed in tears because my fat ass could barely breath in my dress Ross suggested in a loving way that maybe I count calories to get to the size I need to be to fit in the dress. My feelings were so hurt and not because he kindly suggested I get on a (healthy) diet, but that I needed to. I have been using this very easy-to-use app for a week now and I can already tell a huge difference AND I went to get my dress altered yesterday to get a little length taken off and the boobs taken in and my dress fit like a glove. I definitely will make a conscious effort to keep up the positive, healthy lifestyle changes in terms of my diet. 

Vivino is a free wine app that allows you to scan the picture of wine bottles and then see how other people rate the wine. Ross and I love this! I know I mentioned a second ago that I'm trying not to drink my calories, but a little treat every now and then is fine! The app also allows you to rate the wine so you can go back and see what you liked and didn't care for. Since we've moved to Oregon where there are wineries everywhere, this app has been wonderful! 

Daily Dose of Pretty...

• Jamming out to Crusin' by Huey Lewis and the News (ft. Gwyneth Paltrow)...my go-to karaoke song! 
• Leftover Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchiladas for dinner #HealthyEats  
• I picked up two of the new Limited Edition Revlon Parfumerie nail polishes. I just applied Italian Leather and it's gorgeous!

I'm a college graduate and I have (positive) peer pressure to thank for that!

Let's be honest, I never thought I'd see there day where I was actually walking across the stage to receive my college diploma. To be honest, I never had any intentions of going to college. I remember when I was in high school I only took the ACT because all my friends were doing it and were all going out to lunch after. Like most teenagers, I was always in the mood to eat so I figured, what the hell, I'll pay x number of dollars to take some stupid test and hang out with my friends later. After weeks went by and I received my (pathetic) ACT results. Keep in mind, I really didn't apply myself much during the test (or high school, for that matter) and the final score proved that to be true: I got a 17. Whatever! I wasn't going to college...at most I figured I would take a few classes at the local community college and then find or stick to some job I already had. Well, because I obsessively care what people think of me, I figured after high school graduation (which, by the way, you basically only need a pulse to graduate from high school these days) I would apply to the community college and enter the LPN nursing program and be on my way in less than two years. After all, I wasn't going to be the only loser of all my friends not going to college.
Well, long story short, nursing school was a hell of a lot more difficult that I ever thought it would be- I tip my hat to you ladies and gentlemen that were able to complete the program. During the time of taking nursing classes and my general studies, I failed out of two or three of my classes- yeah, I got a few F's. I simply had no desire or motivation to study or even be in class. All I wanted to do was go out with my friends and drink: the typical mindset of a late teen/early twenty-something girl. Since nursing was no longer an option, I decided to change my major to early childhood education (at the community college) with no real intention of going off to a four year university.
Fast forward about a year later. My mom got very sick with cancer and during a final beach vacation two weeks before she passed, she made me promise her that I would graduate from college. She said that she was so proud of me for going to school and she really wanted me to stick with it. I agreed, but really didn't give it much thought. I was in complete denial of her prognosis and simply made the promise to make her happy. After she passed away, my entire world came crashing down. I was only 21 at the time and I remember thinking all the things she would miss. She passed away October 27, 2009 and I applied to Troy in mid- 2010 for the Spring 2011 semester. As time went on, something happened. I became a mature, productive person that actually cared about my grades and my future. Yes, I wanted to keep a promise to my mother and graduate from college, but I also wanted that college degree for me. It really meant something for me to be the first member of my immediate family to go to college and graduate.
During my first semester at Troy, I really applied myself and worked my butt off! For the first time in my life, During my first semester at Troy and throughout my years there, I graced the doors of a library to study, got annoyed when students were disruptive in class, and was the nerd that sat front row center of all my classes. I did extra credit work to improve my score, even if it was by the tiniest little bit.  My first semester at Troy I got a 3.0 GPA for the Spring semester. I'd never had a 3.0 in my entire life. I continued to strive for better grades and eventually started making A's. During my two years at Troy, I only received one C and that was in a physics class I took. And, if I may be so bold, I am still just as proud of that C as I am of any A I even received.

Yesterday, May 10th, I walked across the stage of the Trojan Arena and became a Troy Alumni. I am so proud to be a Troy Trojan and for the person that I've become over the past two years. It's funny now to look back 6 years ago. I was such a mess and I think that if it wasn't for positive peer pressure, I might not have applied to college and be the person that I'm proud of. I am also thankful maturity kicked in and that I began to apply myself to prepare for a better future. I don't know what tomorrow brings (or the day after that), but I do know that I have the confidence and willpower to succeed.

Side Note: I don't want this post to come across like I only graduated from college because of peer pressure from friends and a promise from my mom. I graduated from college because with age comes wisdom and I wanted to better myself. While at Troy, I worked really hard, put in a lot of hours, and applied myself more than ever. It's just nice that caring about what people that is what gave me the push I needed to apply to the community college six years ago.

FOTD: Rediscovered Products

I was totally inspired to use some old pink finds when I saw Emily Noel's Gloss Daily post on great summer eyeshadows. None of the shadows I've used are ones she mentioned, but it was nice to shop my stack for some great spring shades. Some of the things I've used are discontinued, but hopefully this will inspire you to shop your stash and rediscover some amazing products. 

Face

Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream (in Light/Medium), Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation (in 805 Ivory), Hard Candy Glamoflauge Heavy Duty Concealer (in Light), Wet-n-Wild Blush (in 833E Mellow Wine), and Revlon Mineral Finishing Powder (in Brighten).

L to R: Revlon Mineral Finishing Powder and Wet-n-Wild Blush in Mellow Mauve.

 
Eyes

Loreal Single Eyeshadow (in 805 Morning Light), Clinique Color Surge Eye Shadow Duo (in 104 Strawberry Fudge), Revlon Colorstay Quad (in 06 In the Buff), Wet-n-Wild Mega Liner (in 868 Dark Brown), Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara, and Maybelline Brow Pencil (in Blonde)

Lips

Loreal Color Juice Sheer Juicy Lipgloss (in 500 Watermelon Crush)

 About the Look

 Because I used pinks on the eyes, lips and as a highlight, I wanted to keep the skin flawless and natural. I typically don't use Wet-n-Wild blush in Mellow Wine in the Spring/Summer because I love my bright pinks during those months, but because this was already a pretty pink look, I decided to warm up the skin using a deeper mauve color. I know the blush color isn't showing up well in the picture, but it sure packs a punch in real life. For eyes, I used Morning Light on the inner part of my lid and then sweeped the pink shade in the Strawberry Fudge duo over the rest of my lid and blended a little of the pink into the golden champagne shade I laid down first. I used the top shade in the In the Buff quad as a highlight and then used the third shade in the quad to blend the colors and add a little contour to my crease. I didn't smudge any shade under my eye because I liked the easiness of leaving it bare. I then used a dark brown eye liner to add definition, but still keep the look soft. Lastly, I added two coats of mascara.  

NOTD: ColorMates Nail Polish in Little Blue Box

A few days ago, I hauled some nail polish and a lip gloss I picked up at Fred's Dollar Store. This is my favorite of the bunch! In my original post, I described it as a mint green, but the more I look at it, it's definitely a seafoam green!

Artificial Lighting. 

Two Coats.

Natural Lighting.

Two Coats.

Fred's Haul and Bargain Alert!

Whenever I got out of class earlier today, I decided to go to one of the three tiny strip mall type areas in Troy. As I was leaving, I decided to walk around in Fred's just to kill a bit more time. Of course, I pranced my happy self over to the beauty section and found some amazing finds! There was a nail polish rack with ColorMates nail polish for a dollar with some great shades! I also spotted a makeup brand that I didn't recognized either called Ion Cosmetics. I must admit, I know nothing about these brands, but for everything I purchased being a buck, I couldn't pass up such a sweet deal! My total (including tax) was $4.36! 

ColorMates Nail Polish

L to R: Colormates Nail polish in Butter Me Up, Bahamian Blue, and Little Blue Book.

All have three coats and no top coat. 

Butter Me Up: This was the only one that came out patchy. The color is pretty, but I think next time I'll try using white as a base coat. Oh, and it isn't a creme finish and I don't see any microglitter in the polish, but there is a nice sheen with this one. 

Bahamian Blue: What a fun color for spring! This is a creme finish and it came out a bit darker than how it looks in the bottle, but it's still very pretty! This is is opaque in two coats, but I dd three so they would all be the same.

Little Blue Box: Okay, I have no idea why ColorMates decided to name this one Little Blue Box...it's clearly a minty-green... with a creme finish! With that being said, it's still just as gorgeous! This one was opaque in two coats, but as I mentioned before, I wanted them to all be the same. 

Ion Cosmetics Lipgloss

 The shade I picked up is called Dolly.

I just got back from class and shopping and my makeup is a bit worn off...#NoJudging!

Dolly: What a great everyday pinky-neutral. This is very creamy and feels nice on the lips. I love that it isn't goopy and sticky so I don't get the god-awful mummy lips...you know the ones!

Overall Thoughts: I will be buying a back up of the Bahamian Blue and Little Blue Box nail polishes! Talk about pretty colors with great color pay off! I also will be buying a back up of the lipgloss in Dolly and I am thinking about trying more shades! 

What are some of your great bargain finds?! (:

Review: Bogue Systems Ultra Sonic Jewelry Cleaner with Blitz Jewelry and Gem Cleaner

I'm. In. Love!

Last weekend I order an ultra sonic cleaner to keep my e-ring nice and sparkly and I wanted something to really give my mom's old ring a good cleaning. I bought the UltraSonic Cleaner by Bogue Systems (with Blitz Gem and Jewelry cleaner) from Amazon for $35.97 (shipping and handling was $4.98) after reading some great reviews about it!

Back story of the ring I cleaned...
Before my parents got married, my dad gave her an emerald ring (her birthstone). After she passed away my sister said I could have the ring if she could get mom's Bible. Deal! Even though the ring is a bit old-fashioned with it's totally-80s vibe, it's hands down one of my most favorite pieces of jewelry and is so special to me! After they divorced when I was in 1st grade (I'm 24 now) she quit wearing the ring. Over the years (many, many years) it's collected dust and icky things! I never took it to get professionally cleaned before I'm a freak and am convinced that someone would pull a switch-a-roo and swap out the stone for some knock-off. I know, it's a ridiculous thought, but whatever.

About the ultra sonic cleaner...

• The instructions say it cleans in 3 minutes...it's actually 2 min. and 50 sec.!
• The machine does make a noise while it's cleaning. It isn't very loud and it wasn't annoying to me. Ross (who uses Ultra Sonic cleaners for work all the time) said that the sound is normal because it's the motor running.
•  This particular machine only has an on/off switch. You'll hit "on" to start the machine and it will automatically run for the allotted time. 

About the Blitz Gem and Jewelry Cleaner (Concentrate)

• The directions say to only use this cleaner for gold, platinum, diamond, ruby, topaz, sapphire  amethyst, aquamarine, garnet, peridot, and other non-porous gem jewelry. 
• According to the instructions, shake well. Use 1 oz. of concentrate to 5 oz. of water to dilute. Do not use unless it's diluted! 
• Note: Blitz makes a Delicate Gem and Pearl Cleaner. 

 The Cleaning Process. (Sorry for the crappy lighting)

Before. 

I had no idea that the ring is two-toned: white and yellow gold. 

I thought all that was dirt and grossness. 

1st cleaning.

The yellow gold is brighter and I could tell that the ring is two toned.

The diamonds on the sides aren't shiny, though.

2nd and Final Cleaning.

The yellow and white gold are brighter, the diamonds that are with the 

white gold are shining and I could finally tell the karat of the gold. 
I am satisfied with this cleaning, but will give it another once-over 
whenever I buy cleaner for porous stones.

♥♥♥

Extra, Extra! We did an experiment. 

Ross put his Schick razor in the ultra sonic cleaner (with just water, no solution) and the blade came out sharp again. Ross (a physicist ) was telling me that some razors have a diamond coating on the blades and that when they get dull it's because the diamond coating blades are covered in gunk...like shaving cream and stuff! He's pretty excited that he now won't have to buy new blades as often!

FOTD: Lashy and Bright, Bold Lips!

A few weeks ago I bought the Milani lipstick in Rose Hip (14). Expect a review because I have some strong opinions about the formula. Anywho, since I wasn't going anywhere today I thought I would do a little experimenting. First off, today was the first day I tried to put on false lashes. The final result is alright, but I still need a little practice. I haven’t mastered how to get them completely aligned with my eye and I’m having some trouble with the ends- no biggie, though! I love pin-up looks and although this isn't exactly a pin-up look, I was a little inspired by that era.

The products...

 Lashy eyes and bright, bold lips: Hello, glamorous!

 What I’m wearing…

Foundation: Rimmel Lasting Finish in 100 Ivory.

Concealer: Hard Candy Glamoflauge in Light 

and Maybelline The Eraser in Brightener.

Eyeshadow: Covergirl Quad in Country Woods.

Eyeliner: Revlon Colorstay in Black.

Lashes: Salon Perfect in Demi Wispies.

Mascara: Covergirl Professional in Black.

Blush: Wet-n-Wild in Pearlescent Pink.

Lips: Milani Rose Hip

I love the lipstick, but it’s definitely a “sometimes” color. The lashes are very glamorous, but I think since I’m just starting out with false lashes (and my lashes are pretty decent), I think I’ll try some that aren't so dramatic.

♥♥♥

Daily Dose of Pretty…

• I’m on my 6^th book of the semester…holy cow! Where has the time gone?! Two more books to go and thankfully the other two aren’t 700+ pages!
•  Monday was grad fest and I picked up my cap and gown for graduation commencement on May 10^th.
• Since our engagement, I’ve been looking at some amazing places to (possibly) elope. Some that I’m in love with are Santorini, Greece; Hawaii, and Ross wants to go to either Fiji or Aruba. Ah! Decisions, decisions! 

Creamy Mac and Cheese (for the Cheese Lover)

Ross and I are both cheese lovers...he more so than me. So, we stumbled across this recipe and tweaked it to what we like. This recipe is very fattening (but very delicious) so we only eat it on days when we want to indulge. 

What you'll need...

1 stick of Butter (half stick shown...we read the original recipe wrong when I took the picture)

1/2 cup All Purpose Flour

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/2 tsp. Pepper, to taste

1/2 tsp. Garlic (if you aren't a garlic fan, use a 1/4 tsp.)

2 cups (which is 1 pint) Half-and-Half

2 cups Milk

10 oz Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese

16 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese

8 oz Mozzarella Cheese

1 (16oz) box of Elbow Macaroni

Note: Be sure to do all the prep work first or this will be kinda stressful! (:

Prep Work...

Flour, Salt, Pepper and Garlic Mix

about 10 oz of Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Chopped

2 Bowls: Mozzarella and Sharp Cheddar Cheese mixed together. 

About 4 oz Mozzarella Cheese and 8 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese per bowl. 

My bowls are too small so 8 oz of Sharp wouldn't fit, but it will be added on top later.

♥♥♥

Let's Get Started...

1. Cook macaroni according to box instructions. Cook al dente. 

2. In a big skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.

3. Gradually whisk in flour mixture until smooth.

4. Cook and whisk for 2 minutes.

5. Gradually whisk in half-and-half and milk.

6. Cook and whisk continually for 8-10 minutes, or until mixture is thickened.

7. Add one bowl that has the sharp cheddar and mozzarella mix. Stir until smooth.

8. Add in all of the extra sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth.

9. Take skillet off stove burner and strain macaroni.

10. Mix together the cooked macaroni with cheese mixture. Transfer to a greased 13x9 casserole dish.  

11. Sprinkle cheese (sharp and mozzarella) left in bowl.

12. Bake in 350 degrees oven for 20 (may need to bake longer to crispy top.)

♥♥♥

Pictures of the progress...

Butter, flour, half-and-half and milk mixture.

Added first bowl of cheese (mozzarella and sharp) and extra sharp cheese.

Combine drained macaroni with cheese mixture. Stir. 

Transfer to greased 13x9 casserole dish.

Sprinkle second bowl of mozzarella and sharp cheese on top.

My bowl was too small to add all of the sharp cheddar cheddar in the bowl, so I sprinkled the rest on top.

Baked at 350 for 20 minutes.

ENJOY! 

Update: Wet-n-Wild Coverall Cream Foundation broke me out!

Hello, Pretties! A few weeks ago I reviewed the Wet-n-Wild Coverall Cream Foundation and mentioned that the coverage was pretty good and for the price, it couldn't be beat! Well, sadly, I started breaking out a week ago and had a sneaky suspicion that the foundation was to blame. I was right! I quit using the products and the blemishes went away. I should also note that I was on Spring Break (reading, not partying- Lame!) so I wasn't stressed and I wasn't on my monthly!

How does this change my thoughts?
If you have acne prone skin (like I do), I'd say to pass on this foundation. Yeah, the price is great but breakouts aren't cute! If you don't have acne prone skin, you may like this foundation.