lilita’s Neighborhood

*Last week the license plates finally came for DH's company vehicle- they expired Aug. It's been parked in our drive waiting on the plates since then. So Thursday morning DH gets into vehicle to drive it after nearly 2 months-- won't budge. It's a 2008 Ford Escape-- so it's not very old. DH was so pissed off when he came back in to drive away in his own truck. So now we will have to wait on company to arrange to get that piece of shit towed out of our driveway. There are two vehicles available-- another Escape and a Dodge Journey. DH opted for the Journey- we are hoping it's not such a piece of crap like that Escape. Honestly after experiencing that Escape-- it's no wonder the American car companies are in such lousy shape. That vehicle was unbearably loud-- the road noise made it impossible to hold a conversation or listen to the radio- and was seriously the most uncomfortable ride. After a brief 10 minute ride in it, my feet would feel prickly from the floor vibration. It was also downright dangerous to drive-- you seriously couldn't see out the back-- it's like the entire rearview mirror was a blind spot. I would take my 1997 Bonneville everyday over that piece of garbage. 

*I've been doing some flu prevention techniques since I received a helpful email about this subject. Highlights-- #1 is washing your hands and not touching face. (I am reading "The Secret Life of Germs" and the author says that 80% of illness is through touching/contact.) The other point is doing some oral hygiene to prevent illness taking hold-- Gargling 2 times a day with warm salt water or Lysterine (I opted for this since I can't see my kids taking the time to do the salt water properly) and swabbing out the nose with warm salt water after blowing nose. Basically this removes them from your system so they can't take hold. I also couldn't see my kids doing the warm salt water so I bought saline spray for them to use for swabbing out their noses. Anyone interested in the flu email, I will gladly pass along. My other flu prevention is wiping down surfaces that get touched by everyone-- remote controls, door knobs, light switches, drawer pulls, phones, etc. I have been doing once a week with my normal cleaning routine. I've started using humidifiers because I notice that we tend to get less illness when they are in use during cold weather (not to mention my skin doesn't get so dried out.) Hopefully some of these will help prevent the flu taking hold here. 

* I've been working out routinely for the last few weeks. Every other day I do the treadmill for 1 minute intervals- one minute running/one minute rest for 10 times. May sound lame but I have some issues with my IT band (tendon that runs from hip to knee) and this seems to be the best way for me to actually get a whole workout in. If I keep running along, it tightens up and I am unable to proceed but I can get through the minute on the treadmill (times 10) without issue. I do set the treadmill at a higher incline and speed so that I am working more than what I would if I was trying to run for 10 minutes straight. After I finish up my reps for that, I hit the speedbag (I have my own platform and bag) for 10 minutes or more. This week I started bench pressing again... I was sore for days after but I lifted again yesterday and so far not too bad. Anyhoo, this weekend DH kept saying how I already looked skinnier-- so I shared my workout theory with him "If you let yourself go enough, a few weeks of working out makes you look like you've made a lot of progress." LOL I've already done my workout today. That may also be part of the reason I've had little time to blog... 

* My kids got their grades from 1st 9 weeks recently and they all got straight A's. The boys also got scores from state proficiency testing taken last spring. Both boys got "Distinguished" in all areas. My youngest got perfect score on 3 of the 4 areas (Reading, Math and Social Studies) while also scoring a distinguished in "Open Response Writing." (I remember when they were starting this testing, one teacher said that to get a distinguished on that part,one's just a natural writer, so they really only strive for proficient on that one.) My middle son got perfect scores on two of the three areas he was tested on- Math and Science- while getting a distinguished in Reading also. I knew they were smart kids but seriously didn't expect perfect scores on almost every area. DD will be taking ACT again in Dec. She thinks with taking Pre-Calculus now that she will do much better on the math- even though she already scored a 30 in June. She's trying to get a better score so she will get more scholarship money-- she is trying to get into Governor's Scholar Program which often means full tuition paid for at in state schools. It amazes me how fast it goes-- I don't remember really thinking about college until my senior year.

*I am researching cameras for my Christmas gift. My Kodak is getting sketchy to say the least-- definitely not taking sharp photos anymore. For example, Oct. 30 FOTD-- not a single one was very clear. I am leaning towards Panasonic Lumix because it's highly rated for photo quality-- I really want a good one for EOTD/FOTD photos.  

 

*I made some new eye shadows. I've been on a more natural eye kick so I came up with the "Natural-Eyes" collection- they are "almost matte"- ever so slightly pearlescent. Flaxen Light is the lightest of the three- a very golden  light brown. Brought To Light is a rather light taupe color. In Crease is a mid-tone tan that works beautifully "in (the) crease" to give just that little bit of definition. 

Oct. 13 FOTD using "Natural-Eyes" collection

Tanya Foundation

Raisin Rush Blush

Flaxen Light inner corner and brow highlight. Brought to Light middle 1/3. In Crease as crease color. Loreal Extra Volume with Collagen Mascara. 

Sally Hansen Natural Butter gloss in Bloom

Oct. 29- I've had to switch my foundation color-- it's funny how quickly it changes Tanya was just looking a little off so I went to my more winter shade of Dayna Dark

Beach as an all over skin perk up.

Perfect Pink Blush

Eyes- Just Browsing Brown for brow fill, Fiery inner 1/2, Copperhead in crease and along lash line. Flaxen Light as brow highlight. Loreal extra volume with Collagen mascara. 

Lips- Lili sent me some samples of Lip Tars and requested a "red" look. Here's my first attempt--- one thing I notice that's important for me to do with Lip Tars is put a clear gloss on first because I'm not a bold opaque lippie girl. NSFW/Grandma/Uber combo. 

Oct. 30-- not one of the FOTD shots turned out in focus- not even close-- even the EOTD are rather blurry-- I need a new camera. 

Eyes- 

Bonanza all over lid below crease, Red Blooded in middle 1/3 and crease. Enigma (why haven't I been using this one??? It's such a unique color-- green/purple/smoky) used as liner over Gelle Drops then applied dry to outer V.  

This is for LT- 

The Cover Girl Amaze Mint glosses I have-- they are sheer but also a bit opaque and little sparkle. 

Left to right-- Pink Positive, No Care Bare, Freedom of Peach   

I also made a new glow per H's suggestion that I make a "green" glow to counteract redness. I am thinking of calling it "Bewitching Glow." Here's a sample of it on bare skin-- 

A couple of photos of the dogs since I was outside taking photos for Bewitching and they were being silly.

Last photos of my kids pumpkins... DD did 3 carvings in one pumpkin-- members of Green Day from 21st Century Breakdown artwork

My youngest and his friend carved this one

Middle son and friend carved this one. 

This is my youngest being silly-- he dressed up as a "redneck" 

So since there has been a lot of stress, there has been a lot of retail therapy...and also lots of break outs! >< I bought the mavala double lash because it was on sale at a local retailer for about $12 CAD.  I haven't been using it as consistently as I should so I can't report much back about it.  Since I've spent many nights away from home, I haven't applied it those nights, and when I am home I'm so dead tired that I completely forget to apply it.  I'm not looking for dramatic growth though...really hope to just strengthen them and maybe have them a bit fuller so that all my mascara and curling won't pull them all out.

Along with the stress, my face has been breaking out TERRIBLY.  This is the worst that it has ever been in my life.  People keep commenting on it though which makes it even worst...Chinese adults just don't seem to have any tact.  Well at least the ones I've encountered (my parents most of all).  While browsing through the Whole Foods, I found this natural acne gel and for the first night it seemed to work really well...it calmed down the spots and they were less red and painful.  I also loved that I could understand pretty much everything on the ingredient list and there were no parabens or strong chemicals like benzoyl peroxide but instead used lovely tea tree.  So I bought that and used it a couple of days and was satisfied enough that I went to look up the brand.  It's a Canadian brand which makes it another plus, and I found they have this acne kit with the gel that I have, a acne wash that only has 4 ingredients and they're all natural except for the 2% of salycid acid (but at this point of my acne I think I do need the little bit of medicatedness), as well as a supplement vitamins with more all natural organic properties that I only have to eat twice a day with my meal (I tried other acne supplements but those required like 4 times a day and I could never remember...) 

So far I've only tried the kit for two days so I don't have much to report yet.  The wash was a bit drying but just using my Lush Eu Roma toner was enough to moisturize it.  The supplements are also a bit big but luckily I don't have too much trouble swallowing it down with a glass of water.  I know that my lifestyle right now might also ruin the chances of this kit working because I am hardly sleeping, eating junk (but at the same time, my team fortunately tries to make more healthy meals for one another, and while I work, I tend to touch my face without realizing it >< 

Oh and I loved the CS of this Dermamed company.  I was about to order from their site (prices were better than what other retailers were selling it for...I guess its the whole, get it from the source!) and I noticed that their office is in my city!  So I emailed them and asked them if I could come in and pick up the order instead of having them waste package for shipping it 10 minutes away.  They agreed and told me to just let them know when I come in and they'll have it ready for me!  So I did and they were super nice and it even has a 30 day money back guarantee if this doesn't work out in the end.  I'm trying my best to be consistent with this though and not let my schedule wreck havoc on my face....

Last thing...I've started the no'poo regimen!  For those who don't know what it is.....it is weaning your body off of using shampoos...all the brand, lab produced shampoos.  Our bodies are supposed to be able to naturally generate oil that nourishes our hair but since we've been using shampoos, it strips our scalp of too much oil and so our scalps over-produces and we keep trying to wash it and it becomes a vicious cycle.  So instead of washing with shampoo now, as a transition/detox period, I am washing with baking soda and conditioning with apple cider vinegar!  Don't you love these two things?  Remember my last post about using this stuff for face scrub and toner?  It's about the same idea here but for your scalp.  I've been doing this for a week now.  I still have to wash my hair every day but my hair is so much shinier and full of natural body than with even my favourite lush shampoo!  I love lush, but it can get quite pricey and these two ingredients are so affordable.  Eventually my scalp is supposed to get used to producing the natural oils and tone down and I'll be able to wash my hair less and less (still washing with just water though) until eventually my hair will only need to be rinsed with water alone!  I am really liking it so far.  My hair right now is getting a bit oilier faster than usual but that's only as my head starts to get used to it.  It happens to everyone this way and it's just a waiting game from here.  I have noticed though that the greasyness is not as bad looking as it was before when my head gets greasy and my hair is in so much better health now.  Google no 'poo to read up more on how to do this if you're interested!

While watching a bit of news this morning, I saw a story on how physical activity actually makes you smarter. Just a brisk walk and other activity increases brain performance. Maybe we should all have stationary bikes as our seats and taller desks for our computers? LOL Makes sense seeing that more blood would be pumping all around. I do see that the cross country and track teams usually have the majority of kids on honor roll- almost every athlete that went to state last year also made all-state academic team from DD's high school. Of course running gives you plenty of time in your own head. Anyway, I'm off to test the theory by hitting the treadmill (this would have nothing to do with hubby's comment about jean size being the same-- OK, maybe it would LOL) and also the speedbag. I'm getting pretty good at  the speedbag but it's harder since hubby swapped my platform bracing with his old and broken one. Yes, the man actually broke the bracing that connects platform to wall-- stress fracture on one part of the bracing from repeated beating. Now my platform isn't as steady because of the broken brace, so the bag doesn't snap back as quickly because so much energy is absorbed by the broken brace-- meaning I have to hit a lot harder to keep things going. I feel like I'm losing IQ points-- better get going on that physical activity. LOL 

Today's rant- FRESH in my mind because I just found this letter from ALW Sourcing LLC in my mailbox this morning? Weird on two levels because I checked mail at about 4 pm yesterday and wonder how the heck I had mail between that time and 7 am this morning? Anyhoo-- this letter says that we have a balance of $118.09??? Seeing I've never heard of ALW Sourcing LLC I read on-- "This is an attempt to collect a debt." and then on the back is small type saying that the account they are trying to collect on is Cincinnati Bell. WTF?? We have not used Cincinnati Bell since Sept. 1998---at least I think? I couldn't even recognize the phone number associated with this account--- was it my cell before updating here in 2005? Was it actual Cinci number? I immediately call the number on the letter and ask about this matter. The rep couldn't tell me any more on the matter only that it would be "put in dispute." So my next order of business was to look up ALW Sourcing LLC on the internet and I see someone posted a complaint about how they were trying to collect a debt from her in her maiden name when she hadn't used in over 15 years- making her sure that it was fraud. Then someone else added to the complaint that they were being harassed by them because of someone with similar name. Finally a last person said they had to contact state attorney general to get these people to leave him/her alone. Next I looked up contact for Cincinnati Bell- thank goodness for internet--- they no longer had either hubby or myself in their system--- so no progress there- they couldn't even tell me if it was home or cell number account.  My next call was to state attorney general because this concerns me since I could get no information about this "debt." I am waiting for a callback from them concerning this. Then I spent a good chunk of time trying to locate old phone numbers... I save almost everything so I found box of old checks and the number was on it... associated with our Cincinnati address!! I have never received ANY kind of bill from Cincinnati Bell since 1998- but this leads me to believe that desperate times are upon us when debt collectors will bring up bogus debt from accounts not in use in 11 years. How is a consumer supposed to combat that kind of "out of thin air" debt? I mean how many people have financial records to combat this debt from an account that hasn't been in use in 11 years? For me, it's 3 bank accounts, 3 moves, (at least) 5 phone numbers (including cell) ago-- who would have proof that it was paid, that the bill is fraud? I am pretty sure the statutes of limitations are up on this even if it was legitimate- but I assure you, it is not, which concerns me even more. Are these debt collection agencies sending out these bogus debts hoping that consumers will panic and just pay it? Because we have impeccable credit, I KNOW this is a fraudulent debt, it would have shown up on credit reports on at least last two homes when we applied for mortgages- not to mention credit checks I do myself annually. It concerns me because those who may be in some financial uncertainty may just "go ahead and pay it" because they wouldn't know as I do that this is not legitimate. Now I'd like to send ALW Sourcing, LLC a bill for my time that I have had to waste on this matter of bogus debt--- how much should I charge for their bogus letter making me track down information to prove my "innocence" in this matter? I WILL be making a complaint with my state's attorney general and BBB. I would hate to see anyone be taken by this kind of thing because I didn't do my part to stop it. 

The most important thing is to have the right tools- it makes the job go much faster and better. I actually saw a painting expert say that it's more important to buy a good brush than it is to buy expensive paint. My tools of the trade.

 

1. Roller Pan- come in metal and plastic- doesn't matter which you use.

2. Roller Pan Liners- These can be purchased for between 50 cents and about $1-- so worth it when it comes to clean up time. Instead of having to wash out the roller pan, just toss this away after the remaining paint has dried. It also makes switching to another color quick and easy. 

3. Cup or container for "cutting in" paint. When edging and doing corners- it's much easier using a container like this instead of going to roller pan. Especially when on a ladder, one can hold this on one hand, brush in other and quickly edge without going up and down- unless you want the added exercise but that comes with more drips. 

4. Rollers- depending on the size of the painting job, you may want to spend a little extra on this item to get a handle that feels comfortable in your hand. The cheap handles often are skinnier and not very ergonomically correct- which can mean hand craps after a big job. I've purchased lengthening handles but find that these often malfunction- the handle collapses into itself and doesn't stay in position you wanted- thus why the one I own has tape. LOL If you need the additional length, it's probably better to just use a screw in extension pole IMHO. The roller covers I do not spend too much on- but I wouldn't recommend el cheapos (like bargain places like Dollar Tree) because these often shed a lot. The nap of the roller needed depends on the surface you are painting- smoother surfaces need less nap, whereas something like stucco needs a longer nap so the roller will get paint into the crevasses. Recently I bought a small skinny nap roller (about 4 inches in length and much smaller diameter) and have found this exceeding handy. I actually used just this to paint the single wall yesterday. Smaller rollers let you get into tight spaces like above the window in my own example and gives you better control around places like outlets. I also like this smaller roller because the one end is curved and napped- so it fills in tighter to corners than a traditional roller.

5. Paint pad- I don't use this for every paint job but find it very quick and easy to use (without taping) when edging crown moulding, baseboards and around windows and door jams. The trick with this item is never dip pad in paint, instead apply paint to pad with edging brush (still needed to get deep into corners) leaving about 1/4 inch from the guarded edge with no paint- this prevents seepage onto moulding and such. When using this technique- it's a quick back and forth motion along the moulding and it's edged. 

6. Brush- spend money on this. A good brush can be cleaned and used repeatedly. I like 1 1/2 inch slanted size brush for my edging. Cheap brushes have too stiff bristles that leave marks- and often bristles behind too. Get the brush recommended for the type of paint you are using. 

7. Detail (from art store) brush. When doing the boys' room I was doing multiple colors and sometimes had only a few inches of wall that was exposed- so this kind of brush came in exceedingly handy since even my regular brush was too bulky in this situation. I also found it wonderful to use when painting their bathroom with the pedestal sink plumbing and the mirror (which is glued to wall) 

8. Painter's tape- this is a low adhesive tape, so it comes back off without tearing off paint. If I have both crown moulding and baseboards, I may not need tape but tight areas, like small space between door jam and corner, taping off the woodwork makes it easy to just slap paint into the corner. I also use to cover around wall light edges (like in bathrooms) and plumbing that you can't really remove. It's crucial for painting techniques like using multiple color- especially if doing sponging or other faux finishes because you can't get tight into corners without using the tape to protect the other walls. 

9. Screw driver- necessary to remove switch plate covers and outlet covers. Can also be used to open paint can. 

10. Outlet Safety Covers- like the ones you use to baby proof the house. After removing outlet covers, pop these into the outlets- the outlets will be covered and no "oops" of getting paint on the outlet. Worth it!! I actually still keep these around for all my painting jobs. 

11. Can opening tool- this is one I bought but you can use a screw driver or like yesterday, the paint store gave me a little can opener for free. 

12. Music-- paint is much more fun when you are rocking to songs you like

* Tarp for floor. I really recommend this paper on top, plastic on the bottom blue one like in this photo- The paper kind of absorbs small spills- so doesn't run right off- yet the plastic keeps from seeping through. This one also stays in place better than the thin plastic ones. 

*Ladder- size depends on job- I could reach the top of this wall with just a two step one. 

*A measuring cup is often handy to scoop out paint into edging container rather than taking the chance of pouring into it. 

*Plastic Zip Lock bag for outlet covers and switch plate covers and the screws while painting- nothing gets lost. 

*Plastic wrap- wrap brush and roller with it when taking a break or in between coats to prevent drying out. Cover roller pan to prevent drying out in between coats if doing multiple coats in one day. If stopping for the day, put the wrapped brush and roller cover in the freezer. Take out a little before starting the next day's work. 

*Rags- for the occasional "oops" 

*Paint clothes- I have old clothes that are my painting clothes- I have various paint colors, stain and other stuff on them but I don't care since I'm not ruining anything after the first spot. 

*Flip flops- I like to wear these while painting because if I should step in a drip, I can just carefully walk off the tarp in my bare feet rather than accidentally track paint all over. 

Once you've gotten your supplies together it's time to pick out the paint. Usually the more expensive paint isn't worth it- any reputable brand will do ( I wouldn't recommend Big Lots or bargain basement paints) The finish is important- flat is fine for a household of adults but is nearly impossible to clean- so anyone with kids- go for an eggshell. Trust me, kids touch the walls- even after years of yelling not to touch the walls and making my kids scrub the walls- I still found handprints in the boys' room after only a couple of months. Scrubbable paint is a must if you have kids. Also in high humidity areas (kitchen and bath) no flat paint. NEVER buy ceiling paint- it's like white chalk water= buy flat white paint base and ask them to add extra white to it- tell them you are using on ceiling. Ceiling paint sucks!!! 

Picking your color- believe it or not- ANY color (blue, red, yellow) etc will work IF you follow this tip- grab all the color swatches in the color category you want--- like all the blues- put them in order (usually the paint store has them numbered) and pick the color in the middle- it will be the neutral. If you look at the blue I picked out, it is definitely gray toned which makes it very livable even for those who are afraid of color. Also go a bit lighter- once the color is on all the walls, it starts bouncing off of itself and the color gets more vibrant- so going lighter usually combats this issue.  Flooring color will affect wall color- our Cincinnati home had "country blue" carpet and the living room was painted blue. We repainted and hubby kept thinking they had painted the ceiling blue- all because of the carpet- also when I learned that ceiling paint is garbage. So if flooring color is strong- consider how it will effect the paint color you want. To combat the blue carpet, I chose a slightly yellow off white color. The wall color in my master bedroom is a bit of a greenish yellow, so I opted for reds to counteract the green. It's kind of like concealer (makeup)- choose the color opposite of the color you are trying to combat.  

I used to watch Christopher Lowell's show all the time and he had the "layers" of decorating. Layer #1 & 2 were the most expensive things to change- flooring and large furniture- so he recommended going solid and more neutral there. Then you bring in trendy colors with paint and accessories like pillows- because they are less expensive to change. Painting dramatically changes a room for very little money if you do the painting yourself. 

Actually Painting-

1. Move all furniture away from walls. Remove from room if not too big of a PITA. Remove things hanging from walls. 

2. Patch any holes with spackle- sand when dry. 

3. Vacuum, baseboards especially, to prevent brush/roller from getting dust and trapping in paint. Wash walls with Sodium Tri-phosphate if they are really greasy and dirty. I usually only use Murphy's oil soap to remove the worst of the handprints. 

4. Remove outlet and switch plate covers- put in ziplock bag so you don't lose screws. (If doing a bathroom- remove towel holders, TP holder, etc.)

5. Tape- if in a very tight space, tape door jam or other areas. If doing different colors on adjoining walls, tape at corner on wall that you aren't painting) tape along window casings, door jams, ceiling, and baseboard. If using the paint pad these aren't necessary unless there is no moulding at the ceiling. Try to really get the tape edges down flat- this will allow less seepage. I usually do 2-3 ft strips at a time, overlapping over the previous tape. 

6. Pour into roller pan- don't pour more than the sunken area full. Never paint right out of the can- you want to pour a little into another container rather than contaminate the paint. Plus the paint will get dried out- so a little into another container is the way to go. Pour (or scoop) some into edging container- once again a little is better so paint doesn't dry out and also prevents huge spills. 

7. Cut in with brush at corners, along taped in areas- do about 3-4 ft width at a time. If you haven't taped you can edge along baseboard and moulding quickly with a paint pad. Apply paint with a brush about 1/4 inch from guarded edge of paint pad. Put guarded edge up against the moulding/baseboard and slide along. The 1/4 inch gap keeps too much paint from seeping out beyond the guard. If you taped, apply paint with a brush into corners. If free edging (no tape) dip slanted brush into paint about 1/2 an inch. wipe off excess on side of container- trying to make brush edge more pointed- carefully place brush right at edge of area you want to paint and slowly drag along. This takes a steady hand so I recommend taping or a paint pad when possible. Only do about 3-4 ft widths so you can roll paint on still wet edges. 

8. Roll- saturate roller by dipping in paint and then rolling on angled area. Should be fairly evenly saturated without being dripping with paint. Apply to wall in a W, M, N motion.

 Then go back over to even out- starting at same edge (more paint there) and working back over. Don't over work the paint- you can actually start removing paint by overworking it. Reload and apply to area next to it. Try to keep a wet edge on the areas you are working on. Once you've filled in the area you've already edged, go back and edge another 3-4 ft. swatch. Work fast- this is where good music that gets you going is valuable. It's easier to do a second coat that try to get everything even the first time around- trust me, you'll have little missed spots no matter how well you think you covered everything. If roller is overloaded with paint, it will tend to slide along wall rather than roll- if this happens, roll onto a nearby area that doesn't have paint to take off some excess and roll over the "slide" again. Continue alternating edging and rolling until finished with first coat. 

9. Let dry- if you are going to do second coat soon or you just needed a break- wrap brushes and roller with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Cover roller pan (and edging container) with plastic wrap. 

10. Repeat process on 2nd (and sometimes 3rd) coat. I repainted this wall after sorting and organizing my boys' dressers-- it depends on the paint you used when you can recoat. 

When finished- 

*if you are just done for the day- place wrapped brushes and roller in freezer to further extend dry time. Let thaw about 1/2 hour before starting next painting session. Pour excess paint back into can. Toss roller pan liner once dry. (Replace with new one next session) 

*if you are done with painting. It's clean up time- pour excess paint back into can. Let remains dry in roller pan liner and then toss out (not worth cleaning.) Use plastic wrap to pull out roller cover- discard (again not worth time, effort, water necessary to clean) Clean off ends of roller handle- sometimes on next paint job this may bleed into new color. Clean brush (since you bought a quality one) with mild detergent and warm water. Let dry horizontally (or with bristles lower so ferrule doesn't rust) Clean out (or toss) edging container. Toss paint pad but clean off handle and guard for next time. Fold up tarp and save if paper/plastic combo. 

*Once paint is dry. Replace furniture, switch plate covers, etc. Enjoy your brand new room!!! 

Bathroom painting--- a little trick I figured out after getting that smaller napped skinny roller-- instead of removing toilet tank to paint behind it- encase toilet tank with a garbage bag (taping down at bottom)- the skinny roller usually fits between wall and tank- way less hassle than draining tank and removing!!!! Can't recommend this technique ENOUGH. LOL 

Painting new drywall- prime first! It will seal the drywall and joint compound- making paint go on more even (and you'll use less paint.) Have the paint store tint the primer to match the paint color you plan on using- it can save you additional coats needed to achieve the end results. 

Changing from one extreme to the other- like very light walls to dark saturated color- prime first (with primer tinted to match new wall color) primer gives better coverage and seals everything- so you'll have to do less coats of paint. 

I think that's it--- my brain is fried... I need a shower (worked out today-- yeah, me thinks I am putting on some weight because I haven't been exercising consistently.) 

I picked up three- 

1. Dome eye shadow brush $2.99. Larger eye shadow brush. Dense but soft bristles. One of my favorite types of brushes for applying matte shadows and really buffing the color onto the eye. I own a couple of  similar brushes like this- one being the Cover Girl version but this one is softer and cheaper. 2. Duo crease and spoolie brush- $2.99. I really got this one for the small crease brush although spoolies are always nice to have for brow taming and mascara declumping. Unlike double ended brushes- I feel fine storing the spoolie end in brush cups like my single ended brushes. Once again this brush is very soft and it is on the smaller size so gives more precise application. 3. Brow brush and stencil set $3.99. This one I only got for the brush because brow stencils always seem overdone IMO. Surprisingly the bristles are very soft and instead of using this one for brows, I will be using it for a liner brush. It is smaller than most slanted liner brushes in both width and length which can give better control Also the bristles are shorter than my slanted liner brushes- so less bending and giving further control. 

What I liked about all three brushes is that they handles are short. I find shorter handles better especially for precise application- nothing worse than being up close to the mirror and the brush handle getting in the way. 

Lesson for all--- always be on the lookout for brushes-- you never know when you'll come across a good one. A key to good natural hair brushes is seeing the individual hairs of bristles taper to a point. If you see blunt ends- don't bother buying IMO. 

 

One FOTD from last week. This was right after my hair coloring-- you may see it's a wee bit darker. I mostly color to hide grays. I like using Feria by Loreal because it tends to keep highlights instead of being 100% monochromatic. I think a dead giveaway for colored hair is being monochromatic. I add highlights every couple of dyes which also helps blend out the grays when roots start coming in. 

Sept. 30-

Tanya Foundation

Raisin Rush Blush

Eyes- Just Browsing Brown as brow fill. Littlestuff4U Sunkist all over lid below crease. Miss Gigi in crease. Mad Magnetism liner with a bit of Miss Gigi topping and along bottom lashes. Loreal Extra Volume Mascara

Lips- Cover Girl Lipstain topped with elf Baby Doll plumping lip gloss.

Note-- I still love the look of Loreal Extra Volume Mascara and have been using both regular version and waterproof versions. It gives me lots of volume with a single coat- making my lashes look very dramatic with the added length from using Beauty Society Enormous Lash. My only complaints about this mascara- the wand is rather large and a LOT of mascara is on it so I have to scrape quite a bit off before using. The other problem is that it does flake. That being said, some of the $20 per tube ones I've tried like Anastasia and Tarte also flake- so at the $2.50 I paid for a tube- it's a minor issue especially since it makes my lashes look out of this world. 

FOTD Sept 28. 

Tanya with B 1.1 foundations

Mauving On Up blush

Eyes-

 SSS all over. Miss Gigi in crease. Lined with In Color Fabuliner in brown then topped with Miss Gigi and then Miss Gigi along lower lashes. Just Browsing Brown for brow fill. Loreal Extra Volume w/ Collagen. Lately I've been taking a mascara brush to the brush that goes with this mascara to take off excess. Then apply a single coat of mascara using brush w/ mascara. Then I use old brush with a little mascara on it to finish up. 

Lips- Cover Girl Outlast Lip stain with E.L.F. plumping lip in Baby Doll

 Last week I picked up the new Green Day CD "21st Century Breakdown" after hearing  the song "21 guns"- it's so reminiscent of the Beatles but still Green Day. I get fixated on certain songs for a while and I think this one will be one of those. First the vocals are way out in front- I'm big into lyrics and vocals- and then there's change ups in the tempo that keep me interested. So while I am blogging I keep repeating this song-- be happy that you can't hear me singing along. LOL 

Sept 18

Tanya with a little B1.1 foundation

Perfection Blush

Golden Zephyr Glow

Earthy Girl for brow fill

Eyes- MMBB Smolder liner, Baby Popo all over lid below crease. Mr. Sully outer corner/lash line, Empress' New Clothes in crease. Loreal Extra Volume with Collagen mascara.

Lips- MMBB Adorable liner, Sally Hansen Natural Butter in Bloom

Sept. 22

Tanya foundation

Perfect Pink blush

Earthy Girl as Brow fill

Eyes- SSS all over lid below crease. Smokin' outer V. Milan Gelle Drop line and then Green?? dabbed on top. Loreal Extra Volume with Collagen mascara

Sally Hansen Lipnotic in Bejeweled

Sept 23

Tanya foundation

Loca Mocha Blush

Whisper Pink Glow

Earthy Girl as brow fill

Eyes- Apricot Dreamzzz all over lid. Hush-Hush in crease. Gelle drop line and then Tealy dabbed over. Loreal Extra Volume with Collagen mascara

Lips- MMBB Adorable liner with Sally Hansen Citrine mineral gloss. 

WalMart- Might as well put that first because it's probably the #1 visited store on my list. My relationship with WalMart of one of any addict-- love/hate. I became addicted to WalMart when my kids were little because I liked "one stop shopping." Anyone who has kids in car seats can appreciate being able to pick up groceries AND unusual items like windshield washer fluid or a hammer at the same stop. The hate part is easily filling a cart (I do most of my grocery shopping here) and knowing that I'll be back in a week-- I seriously don't understand how we go through so much stuff. Most areas of WalMart have little pull over me. I rarely purchase any makeup there except for mascaras, occasional lippies and nail polishes. So I can usually breeze right past that area. Most of the personal care items are ones that I just repeat buy- contact solution, deodorant, etc since most of that stuff my personal stash is homemade or mail order- not available at WalMart. So what are my temptations at WalMart? Believe it or not, the clothing departments. I love graphic tees or plain fitted tees but hate paying a big price tag because I tend to spill a lot on myself. I can't seem to go in WalMart without perusing their tops selection. I rarely buy any bottoms there other than ones with adjustable waist like sweat pants or shorts for the boys because the entire family has issues with small waists/big bottoms and thighs- which make WalMart fitted bottoms usually unwearable for us. I readily admit that a good percentage of my daily top wardrobe is from WalMart. I rarely am tempted by the shoes at WalMart but often hit the craft aisle for beading stuff for DD. My other draw here is seasonal stuff- like when they have college dorm stuff recently I bought these cute storage carts- one in black for the boys and one in lime green for DD. Along with a bunch of storage boxes for DD to organize stuff in her closet better. 

Target- First I always look at "One Spot" where there are random items for $1 or $2.50. Yesterday I was at Target and saw  small square plastic and wire bins for $1 (I resisted buying since I've bought so much storage) but thought how perfect they would be for brush storage. There are usually some kind of cheap scrapbooking supplies there. Yesterday I bought several stamp sets- Fall set/Calendar set/Halloween Set- since DD is quite crafty too. They had "The Office" stuff like coffee cups for $1- so I got one of those. For $2.50 they had these small square canvases with two tone graphics- I got black on white and white on black bamboo ones for DD's room. I also always check the on sale clothing at Target. I really like this certain brand's fit in tees and see if there are any colors that I need on sale. I always hit their clearance racks because I often find really cute stuff for so little for DD- yesterday I found plain fitted tees in her size for $2.24 each. Also found a sweater dress for under $5 for her. Cute dress shorts and capris for under $10 each- so if you get lucky it's paradise. I also like their seasonal stuff- like PJs. Last year about this time I found some cute capri bottoms and tee shirts for PJ's that were Halloweeny- so yesterday they had a new round- and I got DD a pair. They happen to be her favorite sleepware and at $7 each piece- pretty affordable. I also check the shoes at Target-- sometimes you can find some really cute ones. A few weeks ago I got DD a cute pair of flats there. I always checkout their makeup brushes-- still looking for return of Sonia Kashuk black blender that I love so much, but also the Studio Tools and other inexpensive ones there. One of my biggest pulls is the housewares area. I always check out their bath area- found really cute fabric shower curtains for under $10 there- they are always rather seasonal so I just keep my eye out every time for the next round. I love their kitchen gear too- so I am always walking through those aisles too. 

Kmart- This is actually where I buy a lot of cosmetics. They carry my favorite red cleansing sponges, but also have brands like Max Factor that I don't often find at WalMart. Plus they often have BOGO sales- so all my Loreal HIP items are Kmart buys. They also have that double eyelash curler that I love. I was in there yesterday and picked up a spare since it was on sale for under $5. That's how much I love it. Yesterday was a great day to hit Kmart because they had clearance items another 40% off. The really excellent finds- some sleep camis for DD- $1.50 each. Even the clearance shoes were 40% off plus BOGO too. The Thera Shoe (Fit Flop styled) shoes were on clearance $4.99 price plus the BOGO-- so you could have gotten 2 pairs for $7.50-- normally $19.99 each. They didn't have any colors that I wanted in my or DD size so I didn't buy any. I also find myself drawn to housewares at Kmart. They have flocked hangers (like Huggable Hangers) for about $1 hanger but sometimes they are on sale so I grab more. I love these hangers and probably will end up converting entire house to them. I also check out Kmart's garden stuff-- I recently bought a bunch of flowerpots for next to nothing- for next year to add even more color. I often get my hair color here because they regularly have sales on it. 

Big Lots- Big Lots is the kind of store that sometimes I walk out without buying a thing. Sometimes I have a lot. There are certain areas that I check--- craft supplies (got a lot of beads for DD there), cosmetics (brushes only) and kitchen stuff although since living so close to TJ Maxx- I find less and less that I buy in this area. As you all know, I have found some awesome brush finds here. I also love the electronics area-- not for real electronics but for cell phone cases and such- this place has some killer finds. I also have found Oral B electric toothbrushes (from Drugstore buyout) for a fraction of the price-- got one a few weeks ago for $52-- had TWO brushes- one for travel which is perfect  for DD to take while on business... he brushes too hard with regular toothbrush so I was jazzed about this find. 

TJ Maxx- Another store that I can walk out of without a purchase or have my cart full. The purses are right next to the doors, so I always check there. I like to change my purse with the season so I'm always looking to be sure I haven't missed a really cute one. I peruse the shoes but rarely buy- most of the shoes are for more dressy occasions so I am not that tempted but if there's a pair of Chuck Taylors-- I'm usually grabbing them. I rarely purchase clothing from TJ-- it's too hard to find something I want and I've even found that sometimes the price is more than the regular store-- case in point was a tee shirt that I got DD from mall store on sale for about $7.99 and TJ price nearly a year later was $12.99. If I had a need for dressier clothing I would probably do more shopping there but you guys don't care about my wearing WalMart graphic tees that I bought for $5. LOL My number one draw for this store is the housewares--- I can easily spend an hour just in these aisles--- searching for items. I've found wonderful stainless steel measuring spoons. Single French presses for $6.99- ($14.99 at Target-- DD wants to give one as gift for Xmas to best bud and I am hoping I can find another at TJ) I have already purchased 2- but DH took one to TN office and then ended up giving it to plant manager and taking his from home so that they wouldn't have to wait on each other to make coffee when they are both there. LOL. Then the spare he just took to Chicago. (That reminds me of WalMart finds-- he wanted electric tea kettle like we have at home for Chicago coffee making. Luckily for me WalMart had them on clearance $12.50!!! Orginally over $30. I bought all three-- one for DH, one for DD's friend if she needs it for French Press, and one for my mom's Xmas basket.) At home DH has espresso machine so he usually makes that rather than French Press. I've bought several Calephon (sp???) pots and pans. LOVE them but don't like original price tag so I get happy when I find a deal at TJ. I recently found some really cute storage solutions. They were these fabric covered, zippered boxes. Our entertainment center is very deep (made before flat screen TVs) and I wanted something to store DVD's in more effectively. I ended up taking the lids off but saved them in case I ever want to use the old way again. I have found decorative items there-- DD's room is almost entirely TJ finds- and I just like the hunt of what may be there. I have bought multiple bedspreads there. Every bed in the house has a TJ quilt... all under $50 each which is bargain when I've looked and seen prices nearing $200 for one. Yes, TJ Maxx's housewares can be a very expensive stop for me sometimes- but in a good way because my house looks awesome if I find something there. 

Those are the stores I shop regularly. Those are my danger zones-- what are yours? 

Maybe this post will make up for some of the neglect? So life hasn't changed all that much from last week... lots of running around being the chauffeur for my kids. I spent an hour Saturday letting DD drive me around- it seemed like way more than an hour but not nearly as bad as a few weeks ago. I guess I should be glad that KY requires permit holding new drivers to have 60 hours of documented driving and can't get license for 6 months after permit is issued-- MAYBE by then we'll have 60 hours in. Right now, I really have to force myself to allow her to drive- I am hoping with time/practice it will get easier. 

My boys have bass/guitar lessons on Wed. and Thursday nights. My youngest (bass) just started with this new instructor last week and already Dave has been promoted to "taught me the most" so far as bass teachers go. He's had 4 teachers including Dave. The thing that really makes this setup awesome is that Dave hadn't taught lessons in about 8 years because he was just burned out but taking on my son has him posting on Facebook about how great it is having a student like him and how it's re-energized his own love/interest in playing bass. It makes me happy to see that my son is doing something he absolutely loves and how even the teacher is getting something back. This morning I had to tell him that it was getting close to bus time because he was thumping away.

My middle son has been with the same guitar teacher since Jan. and I think he's the perfect teacher for him. Currently Eric is having him work on rhythm guitar because he isn't at the same level with that as his soloing. The 30th are tryouts for the middle school's talent show and he wants to do it. It amazes me how both all my kids do not mind being in the spotlight- I may be the only one in the family that dreads such things. He's not sure what he's going to do- it's in the evening so little brother could accompany him or maybe he'll just solo? We'll see. Tomorrow he gets 4 more baby teeth pulled. Hubby's company is cutting costs and dropping dental insurance at the beginning of Oct. So I wanted to try to get this in before then. He's going to look like a rodent or something since he's only going to have 4 front teeth and very back molars until the permanent teeth come in. 

Along with the dental insurance change, the company is also raising rates for medical insurance. So hubby has had me looking into getting our own private insurance. Basically we want something to take care of extraordinary medical costs- Thankfully we're a pretty healthy family-- no known allergies, medical issues, etc that we know of. Heck DD has never had a non-well doctor's appointment. So we will have a high deductible although the plan we chose actually encourages preventative care like annuals, PAP, mammograms, etc- get paid at 100% with deductible waived. We've even opted for the dental. Basically the premiums are what our costs would be for preventative stuff- so it's worthwhile to get just for that, but also have the added protection for fillings and such should we need them. So researching and getting this done has taken up some of my time recently.

I've been doing some organizing around the house-- what a time hog. DD needed some photos for her ancestry project which brought to my attention how some of my photo albums really need to be redone. I have about 1/2 dozen that are in the "magnetic" albums and they are in poor condition. So I am starting to put these in the kind that have the plastic sleeves to put photos in. Also organized my MMU biz stuff and you know how it is with organizing- one project leads to another and another and another. LOL 

I just finished Julie/Julia which made me quite aware of my blog neglect. Lessons give me time to read. I also recently finished The Time Traveler's Wife. Now I am on the new Richard Russo book- I've been saving that one because I love his writing style and there's nothing worse than getting done with a really good book and then the next one is eh, or worse. I love to read so I guess I should be happy that lessons do carve out a bit of time that I can do that without feeling too guilty. 

I haven't been taking FOTD lately- mostly because I've been doing my "classic eye" and how many times can you guys really see it before you stop reading my blog? Basically it's using Apricot Dreamzzz all over my lid. Then a bit of Cocoa Nut in the crease. A little dry lining of Espresso Yourself to outer lash line. It's really a combo that looks put together but not overly done and "classic." So this week I made a concerted effort to wear something different. 

Sept. 16-

Tanya with a little B1.1 foundation

Perfect Pink blush

Eyes- Do you see how long my lashes have gotten with the use of Enormous Lash?? Don't hate me LT. Other thing I noticed-- lots of flakies from mascara-- I think I need to really scrape off excess mascara from wand before application like  today because I didn't have this issue in photos today.  

Earthy Girl for brow fill- SSS (all over lid- somewhat foiled because I had sprayed face with MMBB mist and didn't wait for it to dry) Outer V- Miss Gigi. Upper 1/2 of lash line- Milan Gelle Drops with Blackened Blue dabbed over it. Lower lashes Blackened Blue applied dry. Loreal Extra Volume with Collagen (non-WP) 

Lips- Cover Girl Outlast 420 (why don't they put names on these?) lipstain Goldie Plumping Gloss

Sept. 17

Foundation same 

Raisin Rush Blush

Eyes- Look how long my outer lashes are-- starting to look like I'm wearing false lashes with the use of Enormous Lash and mascara. 

Earthy Girl for brow fill. Light Cocoa Mauve all over lid below crease. A tiny bit applied to arch too- used Revlon shadow brush ($2.50 Big Lots but available in many drugstores for around $6)  Cocoa Mauve applied to outer corner and crease using Revlon Contour brush ($2.50 at Big Lots but same as above) Milan Gelle Drops applied to outer 1/2 of upper lashes (using a liner brush) Iced Sugar Plums dabbed on top (using Studio Tools Smudger Brush $1.99 at Target) Loreal Extra Volume with Collagen (non-WP) I really wiped the wand off on the top of the mascara and found it applied much nicer this way. Beauty Society Enormous Lash is really making my lashes long-- 

Lips- MMBB Adorable liner pencil (just received 2 more of these today in the mail-- I love this color) Goldie Lip Plumping gloss. 

Lately everyone has been blogging about shoes and I recently picked up two pairs for my grandfather's funeral -along with a black wrap dress and two blouses (and black skirt) Today I stopped by the place I got the other shoes today and found yet another pair that I had to have. DD and I can wear the same size now- so that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. 

So here's the black wrap dress- it's pretty simple but has a bit of a ruffle about 1 1/2 inches along hem and front below waist. This kind of dress is ideal for me because I'm quite curvy and have a full bust- so most dresses that fit my top end up being too big in the waist and makes me look dumpy. To keep this from being too sexy I wore a black chemise. I wore the two tone pumps with this dress to the calling hours. Flash makes them look black and grey but really black patent with black suede. Very comfortable heel but didn't want to wear to funeral where I'd be going through grass. 

 This dress can easily be worn for many occasions so well worth the $25 I paid. Hubby said "I need to take you somewhere so you can wear that" as I was leaving with my mom to attend the calling hours. 

For the funeral I wore a black pencil skirt (although not too "pencil") and the black version of above top and the patent shoes. I like the little teardrop opening in the front and how the heel is chunky so wouldn't poke into turf like the two tone pumps above. 

I loved this top when I put it on. It had plenty of room through the chest but nice tucks in the waist area along with a belt- once again playing to curvy figure without going dumpy. I bought the wine colored version because I loved the fit of this so much that I'm thinking this wine color would be lovely for fall/holidays -close up of texture- It's got some nice detailing that makes this a worthy blouse for me to have

 and I am still considering going back to Kohl's to get the teal version. This outfit kept getting "You look hot" from my hubby even though it was certainly not the intent. Once again he said that he needed to take me someplace so I can wear stuff like this for happier occasions. 

Last are the cute pumps I couldn't resist- 

The front is black patent, then gray patent, then silvery and then the back is actually a bronzy color. They were $18.99 at this little shoe store that has onesies twosies of brands like BCBG, Nine West, Jessica Simpson, Clarks, etc. You never know what you'll find but that's part of what I like about it. I know I paid less than $30 for the black shoes I bought for the funeral so I keep getting drawn back in. LOL These are quite comfortable and not overtly sexy- so DD can also wear.