NYX Intense Butter Glosses

Hey There!

Awww man! Why did I wait so long to pick these up? I know why. I purchased a few NYX Intense Butter Glosses (or whatever they were called) a few years back and they were thick, unflatteringly staining and terrible colors. I tossed the ones that I purchased. But, I am in love with the regular NYX Butter Gloss and I was willing to take a chance.

And bay-bee! I am so glad that I did. I purchased three fantastic colors; Chocolate Crepe, Toasted Marshmallow and Spice Cake. They are deeper, darker colors that will work better in the fall but I can sheer them out. It's not a problem.

They are smooth and creamy and smell like a dream! They aren't as sweet vanilla smelling as the regular Butter Glosses but they still sweet - cake batter smell. They wear well and last a long time! They do stain so you can put it on and then do a brief touchup later. I love it.

So now that I have test driven these, I plan on trying some others shades out. Tres Leche and Napoleon may end up in my home!

Have you tried these out yet? Why not? You need to run to ULTA, Walgreens or CVS and try them out!

Quickie Review - Buxom Full-on Lip Cream in Dolly

Hey There!

I love Buxom lippies. They have just enough color, they tingle a little bit, they smell really good, they have the cutest names and I have yet to meet a bad color. I picked up the Full-on Lip Cream in Dolly. I wanted the limited edition one but that one has shimmer. I'm kinda over the shimmer lip gloss/creams.

The tingle doesn't bother me. I know that some folks get weirded out by it but it's the same as Carmex to me. No big deal. It's kinda that thing about if it's tingling, I know that it's working. Now, I don't need plumper lips or anything but I do feel that when I wear them I tend to poke my lips out a bit more. So, I guess I end up with plumper lips.

The color isn't super amazing but it is wonderful. It's a sheer light brown sugar color. I normally use Buxoms over lipsticks to help with the staying power. I don't mind using them on their own but the give so-so lipsticks that extra zing.

Buxom lip glosses are just a tiny big sticky (but not uncomfortably so) and they last for several hours (with me eating and drinking). I think that's really the appeal to me. I know that when I but a Buxom lipgloss on, it's staying.

I enjoy this new color. I have several mini's (because that's when I rack up) and just a handful of full sizes but love all of them. If you are new to Buxom, this might be the color to try out first. It gives a hint of color and allows you to feel the tingle.

Making The Ulta Move From Sephora

Hey There!

I think I will probably make the switch from Sephora to Ulta. It's nuthin' against Sephora, really. It's just that I've noticed recently I haven't been purchasing a lot of high end products and when I do, I like to get the best point/perk value for them.

Sephora uses points and once you reach a certain point you can choose from some mini sized products. Well, I'm currently sitting on about 1000 points and nothing seems to tickle my fancy. That happens a lot and it's kinda a problem.

Ulta give you points that turn into cash. So, when you get 100 points you get $3 to spend. If you save up to 2000 points you get $125 to spend. Right now in Sephora world, I have $50 to spend in Ulta money but I've got 10 crappy perks or 3 or 4 kinda ok perks.

Also, Ulta sells a lot more stuff than Sephora. You can get NYX beauty products, a nail file, the latest Revlon nail polish and a pack of hair rollers. And then you get 15 points for your purchase.

Both places have "Baller Perks". Sephora has VIB Rouge (when you purchase $1000 worth of merchandise in a calendar year) and ULTA has Platinum (when you spend $400 in a calendar year). The Sephora VIB perks consist of free shipping, random gifts, makeup appointments, special events. The ULTA Platinum perks consist of earning points faster (1.25 points per $1 spent), your points never expire and you get a bonus birthday gift.

I've read the online reviews of both programs for months and I just have to say, ULTA is probably going to be my go-to. I like being able to get facial wipes, the new BareMinerals lippie, an EOS lip balm and a Zoya nail polish, all at the same store. That just works for me.

Have you thought about this showdown? Which place works better for your needs?

It's A Haul Y'all! - Charming Charlie & Marshalls

Hey There!

Let the Birthday hauls keep on rolling!

I've mentioned more than a few times that I'm moving and because I'm in the new neighborhood at least 2 - 3 times a week, I have begun exploring the shops and restaurants. One of the stores that is in the area is new to me -- Charming Charlie.

(I've added a link to a Yelp review of the store - it is obviously not one anywhere near me as a safety precaution. Whoever took these pictures did a great job capturing the essence of the store).

Can I explain how fantastic a Charming Charlie store is? I had not been in one until a month ago. I walked in for the first time and had to stop and take a deep breath. It's a large jumble jam of pretties and sparklies and shinies and I didn't know which way to turn first.

I just dove in and spent 20 minutes doing a first glance at a store that you need an hour to thoroughly peruse. I saw the jewelry and the shoes and purses and phone cases. Oh my gosh -- it really is Claire's or Icing for adults and I love it.

After a first run, I walked away with prom earrings for the kiddo/young adult that lives with me, and a purse for myself. If you remember from my previous wristlet haul (link here), I like smaller purses. I use to have serious shoulder problems and my doctor suggested I take the 30 pound pocket book (which was actually filled with books) off of my shoulder. I moved to wristlets and crossbody purses and my shoulders have been feeling just fine.

So I picked up this teal green beauty (originally $15 on sale for $9.99) because I have several shirts this color or with shades of this color and I don't have any purses to go with it. Now I have the perfect accessory. It's soft and it has enough compartments for everything that I need to carry. It can also be used as a wristlet or you can attach the gold and teal chain to it. Perfect, I tell you.

I also ran into Marshalls. You never know what you'll find there so it's always a good time. I mentioned the Essie spring polishes that I found (yesterday's post) but I also picked up a full sized H2O Targeted Care Mint Foot Rub and a bottle of e.l.f. Brush Shampoo.

I discovered the H2O Targeted Care Mint Foot Rub a while back and decided that it was a much more purse friendly product than the Aveda Foot Relief Moisturizing Creme. That stuff used to be my holy grail jam but at $9.50 for 1.4 fl. oz. and $24 for 4.2 fl. oz., I had to make some better life choices. So, in walks my new boo at $1.99 for 2 fl. oz. and $4.99 for this 4.2 fl. oz. size that you see here, and I fell in love! The products is thick and healing and I can slather that stuff on at night and wake up with magic feet the next morning.

Now the Kohls, regular price for the 1.4 fl. oz. is $5. That's more than the Marshalls price but if you can't find one at Marshalls, it's still better than the $9.50 Aveda price. But, if you shop at Kohls, you know how to use Kohls cash and you won't pay full price for it anyway.

The other little goodie that I picked up was the e.l.f. Brush Shampoo. I no longer have a Target in my current area (30 days and counting until the new place!!) and my Walmart never has this in stock. I was thrilled to see it so that I can test it out. I only saved .31 cents but I haven't had enough stuff for an online order lately so paying almost full price was ok. I still think it's a good deal, if it works.

So that part one (or two? I forget) of quite a few Birthday Hauls. I didn't go super crazy but I did do some damage. Birthday money isn't for saving!

Breaking Into Spring Nail Polish

Hey There!

The weather is being iffy. It's time for the April showers. I'm not mad though because the pollen count has been manageable because of all the rain. Because the weather has been iffy, I decided I needed to transition to the spring nail polish color.

Before I transitioned, I used my final 2 winter/fall polishes. The first one that I used was Milani Nail Lacquer in Heather. I have owned this color for a while. It was the first Milani polish that I ever purchased and I absolutely love it. The color comes off brown on camera but really it's a cream grape color. It's rich and pretty and is so easy to work with. It behaves better than some of my higher end nail polishes. I love it.

My last winter/fall polish was Zoya nail polish in Areej. Areej is the perfect berry color. You could totally get away with this year round but it's not quite as bright as you see in the picture. It's a creme polish and I love creme polishes better than all the rest. They are so rich and warm and Zoya does a great job with cremes.

About a month ago I lucked up on some Essie polishes at Marshalls. I love buying polish from Marshalls. Essie normally goes for $8.50 (I have no idea while the bottle says compare at $6.00) and I got these for $3.99. I picked up Sunday Funday (how aptly named!), Pansy and Spaghetti Strap.

I have Sunday Funday on my toes and I love it. It's a pretty coral shade and that was the perfect ice breaker (literally in some parts of the country). As a first polish of spring, I give it a high 5.

Pansy is this week's toe color. It's a bright, fun pink. A great weather transition color.

Now, Spaghetti Strap is going to be a problem. I only used 2 coats of the other 2 polishes but I used 3 coats of this one. It's super sheer. I don't normally go quite this sheer but I'll give it a try and see.

My only Essie complaint is that all 3 are hard to work with. They are a bit runny and you have to do that thin coat with a "pat pat pat" of another coat, trick. Maybe with some age they will perform better. I know that sometimes helps.

But other than that, these polishes are all nice colors that I will wear again (except, maybe Spaghetti Strap). The Essies will see a lot of play this summer!

What do you have on nail polish rotation now that it's getting warmer? Did you buy anything new? Did you know Marshals had discounted polish?

Sephora VIB Sale

Hey there!

You aren't going to believe it. Seriously, you'll call me a liar and walk away from me. You'll slam the door in my face. 

I only purchased 2 things during the Sephora VIB sale. 

Stop calling me a liar. 

I had sooo many things in my Sephora shopping cart and on my Loves List. I had potions and lotions and pretty lipsticks and glosses. I had picked a highend face powder and a lowerend one. I had 6 or 7 blushes to choose from and at least that many bronzers and highlighters. I had saved all my little pennies for this special week. I was ready. 

And I failed to pull the trigger. 

Everyday I'd go to my shopping cart, look at it and then remove things. Then by the 21st I decided that I wasn't going to make an online purchase at all. I did go in the JCP store and purchase 2 items but nothing close to what I planned on.

I looked at the items and decided I just really didn't need anything. When you are packing for a move, you get to look at really take inventory of what you have and it you quickly decide you just don't need any more stuff. At least that's what I did.

So in a few days I'll chat with you about the two things that I did get. Until then I'll just have to find other things to spend my pennies on.

And then I'll tell you about it.

Outfit Of The Day - Birthday Outing

Hey there!

A few fine folks wanted to know what I did for my birthday. Well, the night after my birthday I went to a local place and saw a cover band for Journey called Departure. I love that band and I love the venue. I'm there at least 2 - 3 times a month.

Anyway, I had to look cute but casual (it's a very casual atmosphere) so pulled out some old standbys and paired them with a brand new find!

I found my jeans at Walmart and I love them. They are Riders by Lee and they are comfortable and fit so well. They hug the curves and are super sexy (at least that's what I've heard!).

I paired them with one of my favorite pair of red sandals. They are a pair of Anne Klein's that I picked up at DSW. I love sandals and these red ones are the pop of color that any outfit needs. And, you can dance all night long in them. Trust me -- I know!

I wore just a plain brown tank top that I picked up from Forever 21. I pay a bit more and buy the longer ones. I let them hang over my jeans and cover any middle issues that I might have going on.

My top is the new item. It's from Live 4 Truth. I picked it up from Ross and I have been wearing it every chance that I get. It's just a cute red kimono that pairs well with jeans (and of course my red sandals!). It's lightweight and loose fitting. It's perfect for this time of year when it's nice during the day but a tiny bit chilly at night.

Again, my outfit was perfect for the venue. It was laid back and relaxed but I knew that I could still pull phone numbers when needed (puts down her cherry coke zero and winks). I enjoyed my evening and my outfit!

What's your perfect birthday evening? Do you have an outfit already picked out or is it too far away? Do you choose a new birthday outfit or is an old standby the way to go?

Zoya Earth Day Exchange

(image borrowed with lots of love from zoya.com)

Hey there!

I wanted to mention that Zoya is doing their Earth Day Exchange (link). What it is, is an opportunity to turn in any old or toxic or crappy polish in exchange for 50% off of new, BIG5FREE polishes. The link explains what that is and how to do it.

I have several Zoya polishes that I have managed to snag during promotions. And, I've been saving old polish that I didn't want, for this promotion. It really gives you an opportunity to go through what you have, toss the old, bring in the new and start fresh.

I don't have very many polishes on my Zoya wish list but I thought that I'd at least mention some of the colors that have caught my eye.

(image borrowed with lots of love from zoya.com)

Zara is a duo chrome shimmer, blue toned purple. It has a cool metallic finish and looks really nice against almost all skin types. I don't have this type of purple in my collection so I figured this is the one to add.

 

(image borrowed with lots of love from zoya.com)

Leslie is also a cool metallic finish but it's a truer pale purple. It's a soft spring color that I think will look fantastic on my finger and toe nails.

 

(image borrowed with lots of love from zoya.com)

Pandora is a cool metallic nude pink (see a trend here?). It's going to be a pretty shimmery nude that is going to work well for spring. It's a bit pearly and champagney and I know I'll enjoy it.

 

(image borrowed with lots of love from zoya.com)

And I know that I have said PixieDusts are not my favorite but Cosmo looks so pretty! It's a silver grey pixiedust that is going to add some sparkle to a party nail or even my toes!

I've been eyeballing a few more but these are 4 that will probably end up at home with me. I'm not sure about the others in my basket.

You should take a look at your polish collection and think about getting rid of some of your older stuff. Even if you don't pay $4.50 or $5.00 for a new polish, you shouldn't put anything too old on your nails.

And besides, can you really pass up a deal like this?

Pinchme - April 2015 - Preview

Hey There!

Do you know what Pinchme is? (link <-- just tells you what Pinchme is) Well, my sister hooked me up with the site. Once a month they have free samples that you can try. You try them, review them, tell your friends about them -- all that fun stuff. It's like walking into Sam's Club or Costco for the freebies! Most months they have several things that I like to try. And it's free! They send you everything for free! But, you have to be quick. Normally within the first 30 minutes that the site goes live (12pm noon on a certain Tuesday of the month) the good stuff goes away.

This month I got quite a bit of good stuff. I'm most excited about the Olay Fresh Outlast in Cooling White Strawberry. I like Olay bath products and I am pretty sure I'll like this. AND, look at this size! It's a 3 oz sample. That's a good sample size! I also got a coupon for my next purchase.

I've gotten Gevalia Kaffee samples before and I like them pretty well. This one is a medium House Blend. It's not as strong as I like but it will do the trick. I'll use my Keurig spare cup and make it this week.

I got a Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion. I've actually tried this product before so I know what to expect. Nivea was pretty smart on this. The concept is a great one. I'll make you wait for my review though. It's more fun that way!

I'll try a Pure Via Sweetener this time. I got a sample pack and a coupon. I can't remember trying Stevia products before so this should be interesting.

I also got a $100 Wine Voucher for nakedwines.com. I've never gone to this site so I don't know what it's about. I'll try it out and tell you good folks if you should try it or not.

So that's my pinchme box for April. It's nothing super fancy but it is a FREE, fun way to try new things. This looks like a good batch of stuff to try. I'm excited about it.

If you decide that you want in on free stuff then you really need sign up! You need to go see what it's about! It's free stuff folks! Get you some!!

Milani Powder Blush and Lipliner

Hey there!

The trickle of items from BirthdayFest are coming in. I am testing out items, wearing them and making sure I have good reviews for you good people.

I know that I said I wasn't going to buy the Milani Powder Blush but I had a CVS coupon and some CVS cash and my blush and lipliner were $2.98 total. You can't beat that.

So, I did pick up the Milani Powder Blush in Tea Rose. It's a pink color that you only need the smallest of dabs to do ya. But that;s normally the way of Milani blushes. You will own a MIlani blush forever because you only need a little bit. They are just that pigmented. In the addition to a pretty color, you get a powder in a pretty, rose shape.

The Milani Color Statement Lipliner in Haute Pink was my second purchase. I love the quality of the Milani lipliners. They are smooth and creamy. I never have problems with the formula. I have almost all of the Milani Color Statement Lipliners already so I was looking for a shade that I didn't own. Haute Pink was certainly one I didn't own and one that I have very few plans on wearing. It's a hot, Barbie pink that matches almost nothing that I own.

So, the blush is fantastic and I will wear it a lot. The lipliner, not so much. Was it worth the purchase? $2.98? Absolutely. That's why I save my CVS points so that I can make purchases like this.

Walmart Beauty Box - Spring 2015 - Review

Hey There!

I talked about my Wal-Mart Beauty box for Spring (Preview that I titled incorrectly). I always love the Walmart beauty box. It's $5 a quarter.  Of all my beauty box subscriptions, this is the only one I'm still getting. The rest didn't stand up.

My Walmart Beauty box had a Burt's Bees Renewal Intensive Firming Serum ($19.99 for 1 oz) in it. I have been using my L'Oreal Age Perfect Glow Renewal for two months now and I really like it. Because of that, I was super excited about this Burt's Bees Serum. I was all ready to try it when I read the ingredients -- apple and  hibiscus rejuvenating complex - I put it down. I'm allergic to apples. The last time I put something on my face that had a fruit based ingredient that I was allergic to, my face when red, hot and began to burn within 2 minutes. No WAY was I putting this on my face. C'est la vie!

I got Lady Gaga Fame Black Fluid perfume ($18.77 for .5 fl oz) in this box. Honestly, I haven't tried it yet. It's allergy season and the slightest hint of perfume brings on snot-fest and stuffy nose-fest, all at the same time. My nose and it's problems are modern miracles I tell you. So, I won't be trying this until probably the end of May or June.

Every month there is a lotion included in the box. This month's lotion was the Dial 7 Day Moisturizing Lotion ($4.88 for 21 oz). I liked it. It smelled good and moisturized my hands very well. No, I wouldn't purchase it, except for the fact that it was small and fit in my purse. It wasn't anything life changing but it was good.

I enjoyed my Caress Fine Fragrance body wash. It was nice, bubbly and cleaned my body so well. Would I purchase the full size? No. Even though it smelled nice, it wasn't anything special either.

I also got the L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Restoring Shampoo and Conditioner ($3.97 for 12.6 oz). It's tiny and you really can't get a great feel of the product. I was able to use it one and a half times.

I also got some samples. I got a sample of L'Oreal Age Perfect Glow Renewal Serum (that I loved), Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream (that burned my face as almost all Olay products do) Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion (like it but not sure that I'd spend the extra money on wash off lotion) and Garnier Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream (nice but not sure what it's doing).

So once again, I am in love with my Walmart box. It never fails (so far), my Walmart box does not disappoint. I know it sounded like I didn't like it or was nonchalant about it but I really did enjoy trying everything inside.

Have you signed up? It's $5 per quarter. You can go wrong!

UseItUpByApril - Finale

Hey there!

I decided in January that I'd dig through my makeup, beauty and bath stash and decide which products I'd try my hardest to use up by my birthday (UseItUpByApril post). I saw some other folks trying it and I thought it might be easy to do.

Nope. Not as easy as it looks. I even did an update post in March (UseItUpByApril - Update post). That should have given us a clue!

I apparently did not find enough random strangers to help me power through the Maybelline Baby Lips. I did finish 1 of them. The other is in my purse and about halfway finished. I used this at least once a day and it's still going strong (and the other 5 or 6 are still hanging around the house). That should be a testament that Maybelline Baby Lips products will last you a good, long time. But, I really think it's a testament that I have too many lip products in rotation.

In my update post I told you that I had used my Lancôme Bienfait Teinté once since the project started. Well, now I've used it twice. I have to say that in my defense...ummm...I don't know. I love it during the summer but I have really been going powder only and ALL of my foundation-like liquids have gotten almost no love. I have never been a huge fan of liquid foundation and I guess this BB Cream got caught up in that.

Well, the Make Up Forever HD Primer made it into the empties post. But, it made it in because it went super liquidy and rancid. Because I don't do much in the way of foundation, I don't worry too much about my powder wandering away. The Benefit Watts Up Soft Focus Highlighter is still in play. It gets used when I do my eyebrows and need them to be on point. I'll be honest...Sasquatch has been in the building this winter and my eyebrows have been untamed, hairy beasts. I'll do better next time, I promise.

ALL of the perfume samples have been sampled! And only 1 of them got to stay. Yep! Out of all of the perfume samples that have darkened my doorway, only one was good enough to stay and that one was only just good enough to stay. I didn't run out and buy anything. When the J'Adore runs out, it just runs out. I discovered that I like a sweet, sugary scent. I love my Pink Sugar Scents and my Body Fantasies Cotton Candy scent. That's about all I want on my body. Is that too childish for a 43 year old? I mean, I'm asking the question but there is a big, fat, "I don't care if it is" right at the end so feel free not to answer.

I touched the Coastal Scents Bright Eyed Brightener once this entire time. I just couldn't make it work. I really tried but it's way too bright and it creased like crap under my eye. This product is going in the Big Green Empties Bucket.

Two. That's how many of the eight shower gels that I used up. It's hard to use up shower gel when you have about 25 in various stages of use. It sounds excessive I know but you have to understand...I like bubble baths and shower gels! I like smelling good. Sometimes you change it up (like every day). This portion of the project was a big fail but it was a great smelling fail.

I have learned a lot though this project though. One, I have acquired (through samples, gifts or purchases) a lot of stuff that I don't like and still try to use it up. I can' keep doing that. If I don't like it, I just don't like it.

Two, I like bath stuff and I don't care who knows!

Bath & Body Works Car Scents

Hey there!

It's not my fault! It's my car's fault.

I've been going back and forth on whether or not I was going to a new car freshener and every time I went into Bath and Body Works I'd see those car clip on thingies.

I got a coupon and decided that I needed a Mason Jar Scentportable Holder. I peeked at them with my sister about a month ago with my sister and decided to leave them. But each time I left them in the store. Then, my car hanging fragrance thing stopped working. Reason enough.

I picked up 4 scents for $10. I didn't get really fragrant ones but ones that I thought would work in the closed confines of my vehicle. It's about to get hot and I don't want it to get too fragrant.

Yes, I said a Mason Jar holder. I had to choose from a sparkling purple holder or a beaded appliqué holder or a coral dragonfly flower or...well you've seen them. You know all the cuteness I had to look through. In the end I decided to go with summer drinking cute.

Once I decided on a Mason Jar holder, I had to pick 4 smellies for my car. I picked Watermelon Lemonade, Cinnamon Caramel Swirl, Island Margarita and Peach Bellini.

Yes! I know that they are all food scents. I don't need you to point that out to me. I don't need your judgment!

Besides, it means my car is gonna smell better than your car.

Or at least you'll get thirsty for a delicious summer beverage.

Let's Enjoy 43

Borrowed (with absolute love) from madebysteffie.sendasmile.com

Hey there!

Just a warning -- this is not about makeup or home goods. I turned 43 yesterday so today I get to talk about life. I get to have a real moment on my blog. If that's not for you, you may want to check back in tomorrow. But, if you want to give me a birthday gift, you can let me have this moment and be ok with it. There's some babbling and some tears, but it will ok.

I told you yesterday that I'd probably write about how fantastical turning 43 is. Well, it is pretty fantastical but that has very little to do with me. It has everything to do with the kiddo and lifestyle.

You see, I've been a single mom for quite a bit and raising kids is hard (you know that!). I've mentioned the kiddo and I've mentioned how magically wonderful she is. She is AMAZING! I am a lucky momma. But, the kiddo is graduating in less than 30 days. When she graduates, we get to shift from kiddo to young lady and we get to shift from teenage lifestyle to adult young lady lifestyle.

That's a big leap for me and her! We both are about to see some changes! We're moving to a different area. We're getting rid of old, childish furniture and we're getting new, adult people furniture. We're transitioning from mommie and child to mother and daughter. That doesn't seem like anything big, but any mommie getting ready to turn to a mother because their child is graduating high school or college or joining the service or getting a big girl/boy job knows that it is major! Life is about to shift.

And I'm excited about it.

43 is going to be a new adventure because it really will be new. The kiddo (and we will have to find a new name in 28 days -- help me with that please) will have a different set of rules. Those high school rules and regulations will change to college permissions and restrictions. No, neither of us knows what they are just yet, but there will be some and we are both excited about it.

So what does that mean for me? Well, major thing, I'm moving to a city (about 20 miles from where I am now) that is structured around a work/play lifestyle that I enjoy. When I researched the city I didn't ask one damned question about the nearest school. I didn't ask where the local park was and I didn't look to see if a daycare center was near me. Nope! I wanted to know where shopping was and if I could grab a bottle of wine on the way home from work. Priority shift.

I also have begun the process of not running home after work. Sometimes I meet co-workers or friends for a drink or bite to eat after work and sometimes I just go shopping. Yes, there is a bit of guilt associated with it but that's a mom thing. I've been told by the best "moms of post college kids" that it never goes away but it does dull a bit.

I can also travel a bit more. Not Disney Land type travel -- touring wine country or ladies spa weekend type travel. I don't have to check in with the kiddo to make sure she locked the door, warmed up her dinner, did homework, etc. I simply tell her I'm going out of town, I left you food and snacks, deuces. The only time she calls me is if she can't find the pop tarts or ran out of toothpaste (both are true phone calls, recently!). She is learning to be independent and find her way in the world. That mean's I'm learning to do the same thing!

So I'm ready 43! While the kiddo is blossoming into a great, responsible, beautiful, young lady, I'm blossoming into me. I'm able to take off my mommie hat (hold it in my hand or sit it right next to me -- you know keep it near in case of emergencies) and be me. I haven't been me in 25 years. I've been wifey and mommie but I haven't been me.

I'm going to enjoy the hell outta 43! If you want to see it, take a peek at my Instagram (<-- that's the link) and you can see what fun and exciting things I'm up to. On my blog, I'm going to do some new, fun stuff too! You get a the same birthday gift that I get!

Only I get to wear it, eat it, touch it, smell it and you get to read about what I thought about wearing it, eating it, touching it, smelling it.

That's almost the same thing!

Enjoy 43 with me.