Five Things Friday: On the Go

I don't know about you, and I hate to admit this, but I don't always make time to really get myself ready for the day. Some days I am lucky to just get out of my pjs and throw my hair in a ponytail… no shower in the am. But, I have some tricks that help keep me rather fresh for only having spent 4 minutes getting ready.

1. My favorite deodorant! I have not tried, but I can guarantee it would keep me feeling and smelling fresh for days, shower-less. 

2. Olay wet cleansing cloths are wonderful to give your face a quick clean and a pick me up without needing to get out your soap and splash water all over your face, risking getting your hair wet when you don't have time to dry it!

3. Number three is really a two parter, but we are keeping it as one for the sake of the five-things. There are two things that help keep my hair with some body and oil-free, and the first is actually baby powder. You have to make sure you really work it in so you don't leave your hair looking like you have white powder in it or even with a grayish tint! I have enough natural grays that I make sure to really work it in so they are not accentuated! And the second thing is dry shampoo spray. It's not very expensive and is another option for keeping my hair looking good for a shower-less day.

4. When I don't get a good night's rest, which is most nights due to a lack of being able to sleep, I tend to have dark circles under my eyes in the morning. So a little under-eye concealer always helps with that.

5. And to perk my eyes up a bit and not look so sleepy, mascara! Almay's Get Up and Grow seems to be my favorite so far. I've tried the expensive kinds and many cheap kinds but they all seem to make my lashes clump, thick (not in a good way) and spidery.

So when I am really quick and on the go, this is my go to for looking and staying fresh! Do you have any quick tips to share?! 

Granny Shoes 350.365

I have a really hard time finding shoes that fit me. One reason. I need flats. Second reason. I have awful feet. With both of those issues, finding a cute shoe is so difficult. I walk the aisles of shoes in stores and just admire those pairs that will find themselves on small, petite feet one day. I did find this pair a while ago, and I love them. They are a neutral color to go with just about anything, but, I wonder if they are a bit grannyish. I have been told by my sisters and husband that I have some shirts that are granny-like, so I won't be surprised if these are voted in the senior citizen club that some of my clothes seem to be in.

 What do you think? Should these be sent to the ladies at the senior center? Or can they remain on my happy feet?

41. having people to tell me when clothes really need to go

42. the anticipation of upcoming family visits

43. warm toes

From K to F in 37 Days! 236.365

There are a lot of changes heading my way. 

That's expected when you get married and move away.

                                A big and noticeable one will be the changing of my last name.

It'll be a fun one, but will take a lot of work.

I want to do it with as much ease and style as possible. 

As for the style part... I'm only going to be able to enjoy having this purse with my initials for a few more weeks.
And then, goodbye M(A)K!
Hello MAF!
Though we won't be saying goodbye to this MK.
She will be staying with me. :)

I have also made a small purchase. 

I bought myself a self-inking return address stamp!

I've wanted one for a long time, years really, but never got one.

I write a lot of notes, will have a ton of thank you cards going out after our wedding, will always have bills to pay, etc... so this will be fun and time-saving!

But for now, as excited as I am for the days of being Mrs. Mono, I'm going to enjoy the remaining MAK days!

Every Girl Needs a Little Bling 233.365

Every once in a while, I like to pile on the bracelets. 

Not sure what brings it on, but it happens.

I usually do it with a simple outfit so it's not too much though.

Today was one of those days.

White skirt.

White and peach shirt... one of Mono's favorites!

These bracelets. 

The reason for today may just be because MONO IS COMING HOME!!!!

New 'Dos! 199.365

I think they could fill a garbage can to the brim with all the hair that was laying on the floor after we left the salon! Three hours and six haircuts later, we finally walked out looking as fabulous as ever! There's seven of us - Mom, Nahida, Irma, Ines, Neijra, Merima and myself - all scheduled for haircuts this week. Mono is schedule for a trim next week and Dad is his own barber so he is the lucky one not needing to fit in a time. My Mom has an appointment on Thursday and the other 6 of us had appointments in a row today! What a scene it was, but a whole lot of fun… for us and for the ladies cutting our hair! We had such a fun time. 

 Nahida went first and looks sleek and quite stylish in her new 'do.

Irm just wanted a nice trim and a few layers to help with the curls. They had a great product to help her keep the curl and manage the frizz factor. She looks gorgeous as always with that amazing head of hair! Merima got a healthy snip to the bottom of her locks and the twins, well there was a slight battle as to how not to come out with the same cut… though that is what they basically wanted. I think they each came out with just the right look for their personalities. Parted on different sides, one is longer and one is shorter and one has a heavier bang. They are looking grown up and quite fabulous! I came out with a plain cut and a little change up on color. My hair had gotten quite blonde in the sun and it wasn't what I wanted. I asked if they could just put a light color to help me get back to being not so blonde. I'm actually a little darker than I thought I'd be, but it covers up the grays (yes, I already have them) and I am nice and even and super happy! 

Can't wait to see mom's new look on Thursday!! Not sure she will let me post a picture though. She's funny that way. ;) But I know she will be gorgeous like the rest of the gals!

Viva La Juicy 167.365

Okay, so this past week I spent some money.

Maybe I shouldn't have, but I think it is okay.

I'm not the type of person that wears a ton of makeup on a daily basis so I don't really own much.

While my friends were here, they had some great products that I tried and fell in love with.

So yesterday, my Mom's friend and I went shopping before she left (today).

Mom was out so she and I were home and decided to go out for the day.

I bought a few new products... That's okay, right?

Just basic things... None of which I had and I will certainly use them often!

One of the new items was this fragrance. It's just a small travel size bottle. 

I never can pack my perfume when I travel because of the size restrictions so I thought one of these would be perfect!

Now I just need a case to hold it all in. 

Target has a few and I bought one I liked, but it was not the right size for some of what I bought.

Maybe I can run there tomorrow!

Do you have any favorite products that you cannot live without?

(Oh, I can live without these by the way)

Heels and Hay Bales! 152.365

June 2nd: What you wore today; your favorite shoes

I probably have two favorite pairs of shoes. These and my very flat black patent leather flip flops. The flip flops that I wore when I broke my foot while simply walking through Central Park. I do really love them, but since I rarely wear heels, I thought I'd show them. I have favorite heel and favorite flat. I should have taken a picture of my flip flops too. Maybe tomorrow.

And my outfit... a comfy black and white patterned dress. Hair in a simple up-do. Silver and black accessories.

And finally... I got my pictures on top of a hay bale! Ever since I moved down south, nearly six years ago (six years next month), I have wanted to do this. There were freshly plowed fields, lined with bales and as Mono and I were driving up to Church tonight I stopped the car, flipped on the emergency lights and hopped out of the car! Mono is so good to put up with my crazy love of taking pictures. He even knows to pause before he takes a first bite out of food so I can capture fun meals! What a great sport he is! Thank you Mono for taking some pictures of me with my hay bales... finally!!!

And this may just be the best one of them all... shown with lots of humility...

Yes, I was attempting to hop up on the bales of hay that were nearly as tall as me without any help. I realized after one attempt that if I made it on my own, I'd either rip the hay right off the bale or I'd scratch the heck out of my legs and then get a nice picture with blood dripping down my legs. Then came Mono to the rescue... of course after catching my first attempt on film! ;)

On my lists of prompts to write today, along with what I wore and my favorite shoes, is things I am good at. We can just say jumping on top of hay bales is not on that list.

On that list though I'd say, I am good with kids. I love them. I am good at baking cupcakes, wrapping gifts and painting. All real random, but those came to mind first.

Tidbits About the Day (126)

I had such a great day today! It's quite late so I don't have much time to blog tonight, but I wanted to keep up with my pictures and brief note for the day. I still haven't loaded up the past 2 weeks or so. Today my Mom, Mono and I went to a designers' show house and I was in my glory... so was my Mom! Mono did good too. ;) After we left there, we grabbed a bite to eat (soooo yummy!) and then did a little shopping and errand running! What a wonderful day!

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Hunter Wellies (78)

I would like to introduce to you, the newest couple in town...

Mr. and Mrs. Hunter Wellies!!

Mrs. Wellies came into the picture first.

And yesterday, she happily married Mr. Hunter Wellies!

Welcome to the family!

My family had given me the egg blue wellies for my birthday and they had arrived a few days early. Let me just tell you, when any box, envelope, etc comes in the mail with my name on it, it gets opened immediately! 

Yesterday, on my actual birthday, I had a big box wrapped beautifully from Mono. I could not imagine what could be hiding in such a large box.

And that's when I opened the fabulous pair of black rain boots that I was eying since last year.

Mono always spoils me with the best gifts ever. I don't know how he manages to pull it off, but nothing ever disappoints!

I prefer to call these two William and Kate... in honor of the Royal Wedding next month. ;) Yes, I am a bit fond those two, so I found it fitting to name these two wonderful pairs of wellies after them. 

Thank you again to my family for the blue pair, and to Mono for my black pair!

Now only if it would rain or get a little cooler or something. ;)

Go Green... (75)

Or Duck Egg Blue. ;) 

Yes, Duck Egg Blue Hunter Wellies. Well, I call them wellies. Sounds better than plain ol' boots. Don't ya think? 

I told you I'd tell you which ones I got for my birthday!

It's St. Patrick's Day so I should be wearing green, but this morning, while it was cool and I was running errands I wore my blue wellies and my nice navy and white jacket from my family. On a day people proudly deck themselves out in green, I rocked my blue! When I came home, before going to Church, I changed into a black skirt and a green top - a little more festive for the day. But there is always tomorrow… no green required! ;)

I'll post a pic with the jacket later!

A Hunt(er)ing We Will Go! (74)

Today I came home to a HUGE box sitting waiting for someone to open it. I thought to myself, "Oh, who is the lucky one to get that package?" I walked over and saw my name on it! I dropped my purse and keys and ran to the drawer to get a scissor to cut it open, while thinking to myself, "What on earth could this be? I didn't order anything that would be here yet." And then it came to me that my birthday is just a few days away. Could this really be my first birthday gift? Oh yes it was! I tore the box open to come across this:

For my birthday, I had a little list of things that I really wanted and these made it to that list. I never in a gazillion (not just a million) years ever thought anyone would get these for me. They're kinda too pricey for a birthday gift. If I could, I'd have two pair. Black and Duck Egg Blue. Today, I am a proud (and very happy) owner of .... You'll find out which color in tomorrow's post. I will be wearing them so I will post a picture of them with my outfit. ;) I'm making it so you have to come back tomorrow. hehe- 

My god-mother and her family sent me these wonderful wellies from Hunter Boots. My aunt loves these and thought about giving my cousin (there are only two of us girls - the third girl in the family is this aunt's daughter) and I them for Christmas, but she wasn't sure we'd like them like she does. She decided otherwise (on another fabulously wonderful gift). Well, when I was in NYC with her a few days after Christmas, we were walking through the city and I said, "Oh my gosh! Everyone has these boots I love." I guess coming from a relatively un-fashionable place, not seeing them frequently at all, I didn't know it was a trend. I just liked them, completely un-knowing how many others did too! She then began to tell me how that was going to be my Christmas gift. Needless to say, I was a bit bummed. I was still thrilled about the gift she had given me, but to think I was so close to owning a pair! I had forgotten about that conversation we had so never in a million years would I have ever thought she'd save the idea for my birthday (a WAY too generous gift). When I called her on the phone to thank her, she said, "Mare, I knew what your birthday present would be while we were having that chat in the city that day." 

So today, I thank them for tomorrow's outfit and their HUGE hearts. I truly have the greatest family. Not just because I received an amazing gift (actually gifts, they sent me another gift too. You'll see that in tomorrow's post) today, but because my family isn't just family. They are my friends. I love each and every one of them. I wish we lived closer, but phone calls, keeping up with each other on Facebook and occasional visits keep us all close. I have a really, really fun family. Both sides and now my new family... Mono's side. We both come from loving families and we all get along so well and enjoy each others' company. That's part of what I am especially looking forward to at our wedding. A lot of both of our families all together at once!

An Opporunity Of A Lifetime

Tomorrow morning I am meeting with a wedding dress designer and I am quite excited! This is going to be the closest thing I will get to working with a real fashion designer, and that excites me! I can't wait to sit down and show her my ideas and pick her brain and see what the two of us can come up with. And then of course, see if the outcome is even a possibility…monetarily. I know anything is possible in the fashion industry, unfortunately (there have been many unfortunate designs out there in Hollywood). But the dreams I have dreamed up that are now sketched out on paper may not be possible in the "wallet" industry…… No matter if the dress on paper turns to a dress in fabric or not, it will be an experience I will remember forever I am sure. Now if only I could be meeting with a bridesmaids dress designer, my issues in that area could be nearing completion. I'll update you all tomorrow or Sunday, whenever I am able to get back to blogging!

Money May Not Grow On Trees, But My Jewelry Does! (26)

I had been eying this jewelry tree for quite a long time. I put it on my lists for any gift-giving occasion, and after it repeatedly being denied as a good gift for me, I gave up....

I guess I should have given up a lot sooner, because not long after it was my gift from Mono!! I was so surprised and delighted! I put it out on my shelf and loaded it up right away. I wish I had a better spot to display it though. 

Do you have any neat ways of displaying your jewelry?

(Aww, there's my scrapbook from my first trip to Destin...and one of my ice skates... both in the background.)

Two Of My Favorite Things (17)

Scarves and Pearls!

They will dress up any outfit! :)

I'd LOVE to have her closet!

Kate Middleton... soon to be the wife of Prince William! :) Ohhh how exciting! That's whose closet I would like to have. No, let me change that.... That's whose closet I would lllooooovvvvvveeeee to have. Even just a few pieces maybe? Do you think she would just let me borrow a few things? ;)

Aside from lengthening a few hemlines (most seem to be pretty decent though) or pinning a few shirts so they weren't quite so low cut, I'd love to have her wardrobe. I think she has a very classic style. Whether she is dressing up for a fancy occasion or dressing down to be casual at a sporting event, she always go with class.

 I like her color choices and the way she is simple, but always accessorizes nicely. She always has nice jewelry and a nice bag. Simple, but nice.

 The bags, the coats, oh my!

 Her hair and her makeup are kept simple, but she is always looking so put together. I guess that is part of the job for the kinda princess. I guess I'd be too if I was in her position instead of living in the country, in the middle of no-where! ;) Maybe I should pretend and dress like her.... ha.... I would totally look out of place!

 I think she is adorable and I'd like to go take nearly everything out of my closet, give it away and go on a Kate Shopping Spree!!! I'd buy a few basics, a couple of nice accessories and bags, and keep it simple and classy. :)

 Oh there is the mustardy yellow that I like - pretty close to it!

 And I totally wish I could pull of wearing some of her hats!! I LOVE them! I have no occasion that I could even fake wearing one to.

 And I am in love with her cream coat. SO me. I had a cream colored coat once... I had to get rid of it. It was starting to get super old and look super old. :( That was a really sad day for my closet.

I really love Kate's style. I am pretty sure she is the closest to me that I can think of... of course just not the nearly royal part! ;)

So, if you could have someones closet, who would you choose? What is it about their style that you like?

Zebra Stripes And Barbecue

What to eat?!

Oh, I just love this picture. Isn't he so handsome?

Sweet Tea! Nothing goes better with a good, Southern meal!

I liked our booth. A little kid must have been there before me...crayons on the walls. 

Perfect! A bottle for each of us. Authentic for me, Spicy for him!

My meal!

Mono's meal!

 

Mono and I are going out for dinner tonight to Jim ‘N Nicks, and I’m wearing my new, step out of the box, zebra print shoes. I am really “stepping” out of the box with these beauties. For those of you who know me, I rarely step outside of my comfort zone. Yesterday there was a huge sale and I found flats that fit me, are comfortable… and best of all, still stylish! I found this pair of zebra printed shoes with some patent leather on them, and something inside of me just clicked with them and we fell in love. So tonight, they are making their grand entrance to dinner… at Jim ‘N Nicks. For all of you who don’t live around here, it’s a barbecue place. I know, you’re probably thinking it might not be such a great idea to have brand new shoes with white on them at a barbecue place, but I’m saying, “Live a little. What the heck and why not wear them!?”  No, really, I am thinking to myself, “Should I put a napkin over them?” I spill things. I’m not overly clumsy or anything, I just have bad luck with things like this… spilling (or being spilled on) things on new clothes, getting ink on a new purse. You know, must I go on? But I am looking forward to our night out at dinner, and a yummy Southern barbecue meal with my best friend in the entire world! Off I go, stepping out into the real world in a little crazy style!