Showing posts with label Mel's Big Lists. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mel's Big Lists. Show all posts

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Mel's Big List of Miscellaney


Did y'all forget about the rest of this series? Well, hopefully, the delay will be rewarded with this massive post of awesome links. This list is basically everything else I didn't share in the other lists. Consider it the leftovers (but in the awesome way that only re-heated holiday leftovers are) of the Big Lists.

 {You should have seen my "links to share" folder of my bookmarks. If you think this list is a lot to chew on, this is probably a third of the original. So, I took a lot of time to really pare down the nonsense and provide only the best of the best!}

On fashion:
8 Cheap Ways to Update Your Wardrobe (Wisebread)
Building a Work Wardrobe on a Small Budget (The Grindstone)
The Everygirl's List of Fashion Essentials (Part One, Two, & Three)

 On business: 
50 Things I've Learned as an Entrepreneur (FWW)
How to Network (Corporette)
Make your Business Work for You (The Daily Muse)
Manage two Personal Brands (The Daily Muse)
Use CVMaker to Revamp your Resume (Lifehacker)

 On productivity:
7 Productivity Myths Debunked (Lifehacker)
8 Ways Goofing-off Increases Productivity (Forbes)
50+ Better Questions than How to be More Productive (Productive Flourishing)
Keep an Online and Paper To-Do List (DayTimer Blog)
Know what you Pay in your Time (Wisebread)

 On blogging: 
6 Ways to Manage Social Media (VMacandCheese)
How to Make a Media Kit that Rocks (TheBlogMaven)
Use these 5 Boosters to Grow your Blog and Brand (IHOD)

 On finance:
Discover your Money Values (The Everygirl)
The Four Pillars of Personal Finance (DQYDJ.net)
Rebuild your Credit (Wisebread)
What is the Fiscal Cliff? (Wisebread)(and Calculate your tax increase possibilities)

On technology:
Clean-up your Digital Clutter (Unclutterer) and then Streamline your Online Life (The Daily Muse)
Decide between iOS and Android (or PC) (Tech.YourWay)
Organize the Photos in your Computer (Tech.YourWay)

 On travel:
Essentials for all the bags you may carry (Everygirl)
How to Plan a Stree-Free Return from Vacation (Unclutterer) and Get Back in the Work Groove when you Return (Careful Cents)

 On all the rest: 
15 Free Ways to Learn Something New (Wisebread)
25 Things I Learned in my 20's (Thought Catalog)
43 Things Children Teach Us (Finding Joy)
Transform into a Morning Person (ugh!) (CBSnews.com)
Understand BMI and how to track yours (Healthy Homefront)



Posted by at Labels:
1 comment:

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Mel's Big List of Things I Thought I Would Never Do...But Totally Did


I read an article the other day, explaining the fact that we always have certain expectations of what our lives will look like. Things we vow to never do, people we vow to never be like, etc... That got me thinking: what are some things I thought I would never do that didn't go as planned...

{When I first wrote out this list I had paragraph-long explanations under each point. After proof-reading the list I decided to remove all of them. I have never, ever been ashamed of who I am and I have never believed in regret. Every single one of these "mistakes" or unexpected life events made me the person I am and for that, they need no explanation. Instead, I present them in all their glory, the good and the awful, and I ask only that you love me anyway. No regrets. No judgments.}

 1. Work retail/spare jobs after law school.
2. Be a smoker.
3. Sing Karaoke.
 4. Drink myself sick. 
5. Date a married man. Date the same guy twice. Date someone long-distance.
6. Live in Colorado. And love it.
7. Maintain a blog for this long.
8. Own a home before 30.
9. Hide a keg in my bathtub when my landlord stopped by.
10. Climb a mountain.
11. Stay up for 38 consecutive hours. For work and for play.
12. Sneak out of a bedroom window. Sneak into a bedroom window.
13. Stop biting my nails.
14. Get a ticket for littering.
15. Skip school to go shopping. Skip work to ride motorcycles.
16. Work in finance. And enjoy it.

Posted by at Labels:
1 comment:

Monday, October 15, 2012

Mel's Big List of Things I Will Never Do

They say 'never say never' but I think sometimes it's OK to set boundaries for yourself and to decide when something just isn't your cup of tea.

 1. Use Twitter. It's not that I have anything personal against the popular social media platform, I just decided that with the blog, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and many others, that I had enough of it in my life. I have to draw the line somewhere and hashtags sounded like a good place to do that! Plus, I'm not good at brevity.

2. Run a Marathon. I'm not a runner. Not even a little bit. I exercise for my physical health and for my emotional well-being, but I tend to stick to yoga, boxing, kick-boxing, and weight-lifting. Running bores me (and makes me want to vomit) so doing an entire 26-plus miles is just outside my realm of comprehension. Kudos to those of you who do, really, but I'll hand out water and cheer you to the finish line.
Source: someecards.com via Mel on Pinterest

 3. Have kids too far apart. I am 5 years older than my closest sibling and while we are very close now, it wasn't always that easy. We fought like crazy as kids - drawing blood, hair-pulling, physical fighting - and that took a long time to get through. I am 13, 16, and 23 years older than the rest of my siblings, so those relationships are much more complicated. As a result, I think there is a huge benefit to having kids close together. they learn from each other, protect each other, play together, etc...
{I'm aware that this is up to God and nature more than planning, but I'm still going to try!}

 4. Leave home without chapstick. I've spoken before about my chapstick addiction. It is my makeup lifeline and I can't leave home without it.

 5. Be a SAHM. I have immense respect for SAHMs. My Oma was her entire life, my step-mom is, and my mother was for my baby years. There is no doubt they work hard, sacrifice of themselves, and get s**t done! BUT, that is not the life for me. I want to be a mother, but I want a career too. I want a career that requires me to work out of the house, or at least partially. I want (need) non-kid interactions, intellectually stimulating work, and something just for me. Having that will make me a happier person, a loving wife, and a better mother.

 6. DIY Cleaning Supplies. I see recipes on Pinterest all the time for DIY Windex and other cleaning products. I'm sure they're effective. I'm sure they're financially savvy. But, ultimately: 

7. Read Twilight (or watch the movies). Be as shocked as you want to be, but I just don't see the allure. I will eventually read the Harry Potter series, and I'm sure I'll end up reading The Hunger Games some day. Twilight, on the other hand, doesn't have enough literary value to offset the silliness. The movies seem even worse to me and even I can't embrace the "fantasy" enough to see past the bad acting and weird premise.

 8. Forget to Vote. It should be familiar to all of you that I am a huge voting advocate. It is an easy way to express your opinion, initiate change in your government, and do something about the stuff that pisses you off. So easy, in fact, that I will always make sure I'm there when poll-time comes around.

 9. Cheat on my husband. For two reasons: 1) my husband and I have a very trusting and opne relationship. If I was unhappy, I would talk to him about it. Cheating accomplishes nothing and often hurts way too many people in the process. 2) I don't handle guilt well. In college, I kissed a guy at a party while I was in a relationship with another man. I felt so awful that I was sick to my stomach for two days, until I told my boyfriend. He forgave me and I was mad that he did. I felt as though I didn't deserve forgiveness for the horrible thing I had done - and it was just a kiss! I can only imagine how much worse I would feel cheating on my husband. 

 10. Eat black licorice. It's gross. It tastes like rubber feet and smells like plastic. Same for those black jelly beans. Ew!
Posted by at Labels:
1 comment:

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!
Posted by at Labels: ,
No comments:

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. 
Posted by at Labels:
1 comment:

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!
Posted by at Labels:
1 comment:

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
Posted by at Labels: ,
1 comment:

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
Posted by at Labels: , ,
1 comment:

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!
Posted by at Labels: ,
No comments:

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!
Posted by at Labels: ,
No comments:

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!
Posted by at Labels: ,
2 comments:

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!
Posted by at Labels:
1 comment:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)