Friday, September 28, 2012

Fashion Friday: If this, then that, TAKE 2

Al has been taunting me with a *surprise* for almost two months. Then, at the beginning of this month, he told me to block off this weekend for the surprise. I'm giddy with excitement - and don't worry, I promise to share all the glorious details when I return on Monday! Until then, it is regularly scheduled programming (Fashion Friday and Saturday Share, with Sunday off for rest!)

This week I decided to do another installment of "If this, then that." 
I was motivated by these:
Aren't they simply magnificent? I've been watching them for months after seeing them on the feet of many of my favorite fashion bloggers. Of course, Nordstroms doesn't even have the current price listed, but based on my knowledge of Valentino (and the price fluctuation over the past few months) they range from $700-900.

And even in my wildest dreams I will probably never own a pair of thousand-dollar shoes...
So, the search began for a substitution; for a way for me to feel the glamour of the Valentino's without the sharp pains in my pocketbook. 
Here are my results: 



{Both are still a higher price tag than I like, but the most comparable look by far. And I could justify the cost for a birthday gift or after saving my shopping budget for 3 months.}
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Thursday, September 27, 2012

It's OK...Thursday

Its Ok Thursdays

It's OK... that I have not posted anything on a personal level on ye ol' blog lately. I'm just too tired to pour my heart out!

It's OK... to not care, even a little bit, about the new iPhone.  I'm a Google/Android/PC girl and that is OK.

It's OK... that my house is still a mess. We moved in just two weeks ago, so it is understandable that not everything in cleaned up or in place.

It's OK... the Army is stealing my husband for NTC even though they are not deploying. What is 26 days when we've done 3 years apart?
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Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Mel's Big List of House Projects

This is why I have been so busy...


Today's list is where I am going to put down, in written form, all the house projects we have planned in the next two months. We prioritized the projects based on budget and time and decided that the below projects were the most important and should happen on the front end. Some of these are bigger, more involved re-dos (like the kitchen) and others are small, decor projects I've had floating around in my head. 

We will focus on the basement at a later time. We have so much house and need to be really careful about what we're putting our money towards.
In the meantime, the basement will be primarily used as storage.

 I know, I know. This list is really for me and not really something the rest of you can use as a resource. Perhaps it can help you organize your own projects, perhaps not. Either way, I wanted to get all my ideas down in one place (you know, those Pinterest ideas that I will actually implement!) For some reason, when this stuff is put out there for everyone to see, there's a heightened level of accountability that makes it so worth it!
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Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Well, Hello There

Things are finally settling down in casa de melissa as the kitchen is nearing the end of renovations and the rest of the house is starting to feel livable. I still have a lot of work to do, including organize the pantry and kitchen cupboards, but things are settling down enough that I can return to my normal routine for work, blogging, etc...

I originally intended some long apology for not finishing my over-hyped series from the previous week. Then, a wonderful friend reminded me that I don't have to apologize for letting life get in the way of my blog. She's right. I blog for me and for the community I receive from all of you. But when my non-blog life interrupts, there's nothing wrong with that. Therefore, no apology necessary. 

Instead, I will say this: I will finish the series. It will probably be one or two days at a time until I am fully back in the swing of things, but I will finish. I should also return to the regularly schedule programming this week.

As things in my life start to fall into place, this blog will start to feel "normal" again as well. 
So, stay tuned and ride the ride with me!
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Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Uh oh.

Yesterday came and went and I did not post my Big List. Are you as disappointed as I am? Perhaps if I tell you that our kitchen is completely gutted, I have to make coffee in the living room, and Al tripped over a box last night just looking for a bag of razors - maybe then you can forgive me. I'd love to tell you that I will get them posted today, but tile is going in and it's probably going to be a long night. I will however continue the series as soon as possible. That, I can promise.

Thanks for your patience and not only will I finish the series, but I will provide some photographic evidence of the chaos we've been living in this week. 'Til then.
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Monday, September 17, 2012

Mel's Big List of Beauty Must-Haves

Among the moving chaos this weekend, the fact that our water just got turned on this afternoon, and I hadn't touched my work projects in almost a week meant that this post got seriously delayed. Please forgive me (and read on!)

 The Basics:
My number one cannot-leave-the-house-without-it item is chapstick. So basic and yet so necessary. I like the blue tube - which includes a moisturizer and SPF. Their botanicals are great as well, but I'm a pretty habitual person and tend not to sway from the blue tube.

 My everyday body lotion is Aveeno. At night, I like to use Aromatherapy Sleep Lotion (found at Bath & Body Works) It is calming and tends to help me sleep. It is also a very light lotion so you don't go to bed greasy. They also have a stress relief lotion that is equally nice. 

 Face: 
I wear very little face makeup. I will sometimes put on a powder compact, but so rarely that I don't really have a product recommendation on that. I do use a concealer for blemishes and uneven spots. For that, I use Covergirl. 

 I use a face moisturizer (with built-in SPF - very important) and facial cleanser, both by Aveeno. At night, before bed, I take off my makeup using Olay Facial Cloths

 Eyes:
I am not at all picky about eye shadow. I have tried many options ranging from Wet n' Wild to drug store brands to fancy department store versions. The expensive ones are legitimately nicer, cover better, and do not crease. They are, however, expensive and I tend to sacrifice the slight increase in quality for a cheaper option. 

 I know so little about mascara. Even though it is the only thing I am guaranteed to put on my face every.single.day. I still have no go-to brands. I usually buy something on sale or that I have a coupon for. I do replace my mascara every 3 months to keep it from getting dry (which causes those no-no clumps). If that is too frequently for you, a good rule of thumb is no longer than 6 months OR when it starts to smell.

 What I do know about eye makeup is that a great eyelash curler goes a long way. I know, it looks like a torture device and can't possibly make a big enough difference, but it really does. I use it once pre-mascara to shape the lashes and then again post-application to solidify the mascara.

 The other eye-makeup tip I have is to invest in a good set of brushes. If you are at all a regular makeup-wearer, you will be pleased to know that a large portion of make-up quality is application. I like the Sonia Kashuk brushes from Target, which come in a variety of shapes and angles, but two or three different sizes is perfect for makeup application for different occasions and techniques.

 Lips:
I am a huge lipstick advocate. Even on light makeup days, where all I put on is a swipe of mascara, I still like to carry a lipstick shade (or three, admittedly) in my purse. It gives me an insta-confidence boost and usually pulls together my look on an otherwise schlubbish (made that up - but using it again!) day. I like pretty much every Revlon lip product on the market. My go-to red is their Super-Lustrous and my favorite peachy-pink is their Colorburst Lip Butter.

 I also love lip gloss and my absolute, undeniable favorite is C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine (found at Bath & Body Works) in any of the amazing colors. They all taste like mint, so you can't go wrong!

 Other: 
For a night out, I will finish off my face with a mist of Urban Decay All-Nighter Spray. It acts as hairspray for for face (without tasting like it, yuck!) and keeps your make-up on for a long event or night out dancing. 

 The other go-to make up trick is to help get my lipstick to stay on for more than ten minutes and one coffee. Baby powder. So easy - just blot the powder on your lips so they are dry then apply lipstick. Make sure to blot. The powder keeps the color from falling into the cracks of your lips and acts as a bonding agent so it stays on longer. The brands of lipstick I like are never going to be "all-day wear" like they claim, but this little trick certainly extends their life.

 Hair:
Last year, when I spent the summer in El Paso, I hit my local Ulta before I left and asked for a product that would help protect my hair from sun damage. I already heat style almost daily and knew the extra sun attention would probably destroy my hair. The clerk recommended Paul Mitchell Seal & Shine. This stuff is amazing! It does an amazing job protecting against heat styling as well as providing a nourishing layer of protectant from the sun's heat. Think about it, you put SPF on your skin and lips, why not on your hair!?

For the rest of my hair product needs, I use Tresemme products. Yes, they are more expensive, but I have found them to be far superior and worth the extra couple bucks. My two favorite Tresemme products are the dry shampoo and the Tres Two Extra Firm hairspray.

 I am not particular on shampoo and conditioner. I usually buy with a coupon or whatever has a good deal at Target. There are, however, two more things on my must-have hair list: blonde bobby pins and a round brush for blow drying. You would not believe how much a simple hair-matched bobby pin can transform an awful hair day, simply by tucking a flyaway or humidity-induced curl. 

**Note: I was not compensated by any of these companies, nor do any of them know I am writing these reviews. All opinions are my own and reflect my true feelings on the product. 
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Sunday, September 16, 2012

Mel's Big Lists: Week 2 Schedule


I'm stopping in briefly amidst renovation chaos to post next week's schedule for Mel's Big Lists. I have to make it quick because Al has already gutted the kitchen and might accidentally get a little sledge-hammer-happy if I don't get over to the house to stop him soon! We are also moving all of our stuff today (the furniture and big pieces) so we can sleep in the house tonight (with no running water or appliances - because my husband likes to "rough it.") 

Anyway...on to the lists:

Monday - Mel's Big List of Beauty Must-Haves
Tuesday - Mel's Big List of Things I Will Never Do
Wednesday - Mel's Big List of Things I Thought I Would Never Do...But Totally Did!
Thursday - Mel's Big List of Miscellany
Friday - Mel's Big List of House Projects

Have a great week and enjoy!
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Friday, September 14, 2012

Mel's Big List of Fashion Blogs


Since today is normally Fashion Friday, it only seemed fitting that my Big List for the day was my list of fashion bloggers and sites. I've also included a list of online stores I frequent (usually just browse) for your reference. This list is seriously long, so please enjoy!

Fashion Blogs

Other Fashion-Related Sites

My Favorite Stores
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Thursday, September 13, 2012

Mel's Big List of Home & Decor Blogs

Today's list is my go-to resources for home decor and organization. This list has been especially helpful in light of our recent home purchase. I hope you find at least one new read in this list!

Home Decor Blogs

Organization Blogs

Lifestyle Blogs
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Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Mel's Big List of Budget Resources: PART 2

Part 2 of 2 on money, budget, and financial resources. 
Yesterday, I shared topic-specific articles to help with money questions you might have. Today, I have a list of websites, blogs and other resources that are my go-to's for all money-related information. 


The Billfold - Intended to create an open place to share tips and information, from varying perspectives it steers clear of "expert advice" and instead just attempts to make the money discussion as easy as possible.

Budgets are Sexy - "A personal finance blog that won't put you to sleep." This is a great place to start to overcome the fear and nervousness the often accompanies money. The blog is aimed at the younger crowd (hence the name) and intended to make money and budgeting fun!

CNBC - This news-based site has great resources for investing and the market and to track your stocks.  

Financially Wise Women - A great resource aimed at empower women to take control of their financial futures and to be "financially wise!"

Fox News - This news-based site is my favorite for small-businesses and entrepreneurs. 


Get Rich Slowly - I especially love their "Essential Money Skills" section about half-way down on the right-hand side-bar.

Kiplinger - This website (based off the familiar magazine) is chock-full of financial news and information. Some of it is hidden behind politics, current events and other not-so-related information, so my advice is to focus your attention on the "Tools" and "Family Finance" tabs for the most helpful information.

LearnVest - From their Mission Statement: "To empower women everywhere to take control of their personal finances so they can afford their dreams." This site is easily at the top of my list for helpful resources on literally everything from paying down debt to starting a business. {Especially read anything in the Knowledge Center}

LifeHacker - This site (owned by the same people who run Gawker and Jezebel) is not just a money-related blog. It has hundreds of tips and tricks to "hack" your life (i.e. make it easier) in every way, but they often serve as my gateway source to many other great articles and resources. 

MoneySense - Canadian-based magazine and blog, providing a wide spectrum of information on money, careers, real estate, and investing. 


Mortgage101 - Centered around mortgages and home-buying. I recommend checking out their mortgage learning library for info on everything from pre-approval to default to refinancing.

SavvySugar Money - A subpage of a larger female-focused blog-a-zine that contains many great tips for career, money, and spending.

Wise Bread - "Living large on a small budget" 

**It is important that you seek professional advice and consult various sources before making major financial decisions. None of these articles are deemed to be the best option for you, nor do they take into account any personal circumstances that might drastically change your decisions. These articles should be used as an information portal and a place to start learning about how to handle money. For loans, debt payoff, money management, and especially investments, you should consult a professional first!
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Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Mel's Big List of Budget Resources: PART 1

Part 1 of 2 - Money, budget and finance resources. 
Today, I have some great articles for your reading pleasure and tomorrow I will post a list of blogs, websites, and other resources I use when I have a question or need to understand a particular money-related topic. 

Budgeting

Mortgages and Other Debts

Savings

Other Tips
Put your investments in the right type of accounts - Get Rich Slowly, via LifeHacker

And a bonus article about a man who gave up his money and possessions and has lived that way for over 12 years! It is not something the vast majority of us would be willing to do, but it does provide a great perspective on how to live without money dictating our lives! 

**It is important that you seek professional advice and consult various sources before making major financial decisions. None of these articles are deemed to be the best option for you, nor do they take into account any personal circumstances that might drastically change your decisions. These articles should be used as an information portal and a place to start learning about how to handle money. For loans, debt payoff, money management, and especially investments, you should consult a professional first!
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Monday, September 10, 2012

Mel's Favorite Gadgets, Books, & Eats


Today, I started easy and put together a round-up of my favorite things (of the season). I hope you enjoy!

My favorite gadgets

BBW Candles, especially Autumn and Fresh Balsam (as winter rolls around.)
Or, as an alternative, flameless candles which are perfect for lanterns and hard-to-reach places. No need to worry if you forget to put them out when  you got to bed or leave the house! 
These acrylic trays and drawers for stacking, from the Container Store. I can't wait to reorganize my makeup and bathroom supplies in a pretty way using these trays.
The Ninja Master kitchen blender set. We picked ours up at Sam's Club for about $50 (big steal!) and we've used for everything from smoothies to chopping veggies and baking ingredients. We were able to get rid of our chopper and our older-model blender and replace it with the 5-piece set. Best money I've spent in a very long time!

 Splurges

 A pair of green Hunter boots

 This dress from Spiegel - perfect for a night out, but still elegant enough for a work event or dinner party with a client.

My favorite books
My favorite eats 
Cheesy Potato Soup - Warm, hearty, & filling.
Coffee ice cubes in a cup of Baileys. Add in a fireplace and this is a wonderful fall drink!
For a sweet and healthy treat, caramel apple cake.

Up tomorrow: part 1 of my list of budget and money resources!
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Sunday, September 9, 2012

Mel's Big Lists!

Tomorrow marks the beginning of a two-week-long series where I provide tips, tricks, advice, links, and share my favorite blogs and things with y'all. In other words, you will be bombarded with my entire list of resources for everything I like and do. Some days will be fun, others will be serious. Some days will be short and sweet, others will be extensive.

I am doing this because you are my friends and friends share things with each other. Friends give advice about money-management fashion trends. Friends share the number of their favorite plumber and the blog they read for trashy celebrity gossip. Finally, friends make sure that they are there for each other, no matter the circumstance.

So, that is what I'm doing. I am giving you all my secrets, all of the things that make me more knowledgeable, provide me with fun, or simply make me feel better. 

Week 1 Schedule:

Monday - Mel's Big List of Gadgets, Books, and Eats
Tuesday - Mel's Big List of Budget Resources: PART 1
Wednesday - Mel's Big List of Budget Resources: PART 2
Thursday - Mel's Big List of Home & Decor Blogs 
Friday - Mel's Big List of Fashion Blogs

I will announce the Week 2 Schedule next Sunday. I hope you enjoy this series!
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Saturday, September 8, 2012

Saturday Share

Starting next week, I am going to have a series of posts set up as we close and move into our new home!! The transition is going to be crazy-busy, so I developed some great posts to help you with a vast array of topics, from budget and finance to fashion to home-buying (fitting, eh?) Stay tuned for the official announcement and schedule next week. In the meantime, enjoy my link roundup:

READ: this article and then the book: Overdressed - Not only did The Budget Babe write an amazingly honest and interesting review, but the book is worth a read as well. Admittedly, I have not read it through yet, but it is most certainly on my list and I've heard many great things!

DO: something good for others by donating basic, cheap items you most likely have extras of throughout your home. {seriously. Who doesn't have about 100 pens they don't use?} - Via Unclutterer

PREPARE: for National Military Voter Readiness Day on September 15! Learn how to request and fill-out absentee ballots. If you're a resident, make sure you're registered. 
Learn more about the Heroes Vote initiative, here - this is so worth a minute of your time!

LEARN: how to be happy, er, unhappy with these tips - via The Art of NonConformity
{A great article about the things we do that affect our happiness and cause us to get in our own way. Good reminder. Valuable read.}

GET ORGANIZED: with 99 tips for organization on the cheap - via Style at Home

Have a great weekend!
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Friday, September 7, 2012

Fashion Friday: Great Fall Outfits!

Today, I put together a few outfits from the new fall fashions. Lots of jewel tones, pattern-mixing, and great, structured pieces. These outfits can be worn for a day shopping with friends or a night out for cocktails. Depending on your work environment, you could also wear them for casual Fridays or a business-casual workplace.
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Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Winner!

This giveaway was immensely successful. I had the most entries I've ever had, and many new followers/lurkers/etc... came out from behind the scenes to say "hi!" So exciting!
That is always my ultimate goal with these giveaways - not to increase the numbers and get more followers - but to build more relationships and make friends. 

I want to thank each and every one of you for making this such a success!
{And Army Wife 101 for giving me a special shout-out this week!}

On to the winner: 

None other than my beautiful mother! 
The funny thing is that she has tried to enter almost every giveaway I've hosted and has the worst time accessing the Rafflecopter from her various computers. I walked her through the entry this time and, as luck would have it (and the random raffle selector), she won!

Congrats, mutti! I will email you confirmation soon!
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Monday, September 3, 2012

Lazy Labor Day & Relaxation Songs

I am kicking back and taking it easy today, enjoying the fact that Al has the day off and there is nothing on the to-do list. Instead of some long post, I am encouraging all of you to take the day off and relax. Hug your kids, kiss your spouse, and watch some junk TV.

And enjoy some of my favorite relaxation songs:





Relax. Enjoy!
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Saturday, September 1, 2012

12 in 2012: Month in Review

August flew by. Which is funny (as in interest, not "ha ha") because July might very well have been the longest month of my life! Even so, September is here and I am going to enjoy the long weekend by visiting the Colorado State Fair and spending time with friends. Before I run off to have all that fun, I wanted to check in on my monthly goals:

1. Speak up.
This is continuing along fine. I probably won't even check in on this any more this year!

2. Spend less.
We have no choice but to spend less. We just bought a house and my new job isn't cutting a check until November. I have purchased a few things here and there, mostly off clearance racks or at thrift stores, but mostly I have not purchased anything that we didn't need for the house!

3. Spread the Love.
I have, once again, been terrible at this during the month of August. I did run a few great giveaways for my bloggy-loves, but I have not been very good about sending little notes to my friends and family back home.
Resolution: change that, ASAP!

4. Snap it.
I have been back-tracking with some photos here and there, to fill in some of the gaps. I am nowhere near the goal, but I still intend, by the end of the year, I will have 365 photos in my album on Facebook. 

5. Spice it Up.
We have been making so many new recipes! This month, we made a great turkey and egg noodle casserole and we've been really into soups. Al made a great beef n' barley soup and split pea soup (my favorite!) I finally tweaked my zucchini muffin recipe enough and am getting it right every time. I found a vanilla glaze recipe to make them more dessert-like for special occasions. It was a big hit!

6. Sweat.
Not happening. No shame.

7. Stamp It.
Still waiting to get my bar results!

8. See the Sights.
We have not gotten out to see local sites much this month. With the house, the new job and so many other things, we just haven't had the time. Hopefully that will change a bit this fall!

9. Style it.
This is going fine. I am continuing my Fashion Friday series and enjoy incorporating my passion for fashion with this beloved blog. Find my fashion inspiration here.

10. Save space.
Right now, my focus is on packing and moving, which always requires me to do a big purge of my closet and the rest of the house. I have done a great job of getting rid of things we don't need and either selling or donating them.

11. Slow down.  12. Sleep more.
Check and check. At least as much as anyone can.
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