Monday, July 29, 2013

Bedtime routine for more beautiful skin


As I get older I notice my body aging more and more, and I am realizing how important all the regimes for keeping my body healthy are.

Younger looking skin is all about preventative maintenance!

I am an avid coffee and Dr. Pepper drinker, but all that caffeine and acid is slowly but surely wrinkling up my little bod. My honey has been kindly encouraging me to drink more water. I have been trying my best to adapt certain routines into my evenings after the kids go to bed, the only time I really have for myself. Here are few bedtime routine tips I have been practicing:

1:Warm Showers
A warm shower before bed eases the body. You don't want it too hot, just warm, to bring down your body temperature. A decrease in your temperature slows your metabolism and signals to your body that it's time to rest. It's also one less task in the morning, and you can set your hair before bed for some no-heat curls. Kind of a win/win!

2:Drink Water
I know we've said this already. But I'm learning just how important it is. When I get ready for bed, whether I had some already or not, I drink a tall glass first. Drinking plenty of water hydrates your skin, also making it plump and filling in lines and wrinkles. It flushes out toxins and dirt that clogs pores. It's the ultimate cleanser and energy booster!

3:Brush and Floss
If you want to keep your teeth, take care of them. Without a doubt, brush and floss. In fact, I've learned to go as far as using a gum stimulator to get beneath the gums where floss doesn't reach. I suffered from painful gums for months. I finally got into a dentist, only to learn I had gum disease. Worst cleaning I've ever had. It was so painful. This new dentist introduced me to a gum stimulator and I was astonished how much yuckiness came out from under my gums, even after regular brushing and flossing.

4:Clean and Moisturize
Always remove all of your makeup before bed. Sleeping in makeup is so bad for your skin. After removing, clean your face with a deep cleansing scrub. I like St. Ives apricot scrub. Once my skin has been rid of all germs, I treat and moisturize with H2O Waterwhite Advanced Brightening Cleanser and Cream . This stuff is honest to goodness amazing. I have always suffered from a dry t-zone. Since I started using the H2O cleanser, I have not noticed my face drying out at all. To end my cleaning ritual, I dab a spot of anti-wrinkle cream around my eyes and mouth, where lines have begun forming.

5:Get a Good Nights Sleep
Your beauty rest is so important to your health. But did you know how you sleep can effect your skin too? I did a little research, and even asked you ladies on Facebook how you slept. Most of you are side sleepers like me. But according to an article on CNN Health side sleeping is bad for your skin and breasts. It causes the skin in your face to get smashed, forming wrinkles over time. It also causes your breasts to sag. However, according to the article, sleeping on your back makes for perkier breasts and a reduction in wrinkles. Perkier breasts when I'm 40 sounds rather appealing!

What are your beauty routines?

Love dearly,
Steph

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Saturday, July 27, 2013

Life this week through Instagram

 First was a much needed day out with my honey. He introduced me to Thai food. A-ma-zing! The rest of the day was spent antiquing and thrifting. Yeah, he does that!
 Got to work on some goodies for my niece. I'll have more pictures to share soon. I made her quite a few things.
 Allow me to introduce you to smiley egg rolls, the best egg rolls around. When Logan and I first met we spent the weekend on Pensacola Beach. My BFF lived there and kindly let us stay with her. We got frozen egg rolls one night and Logan served them to me shaped like a smiley face. I burst into laughter! I knew right then and there he was a keeper!
We've had tons of rain here in the high country. I mean TONS. As in I just assume it's going to rain everyday and when it doesn't I jump for joy. Some days I daydream of being back in Phoenix.
I started on my headboard! Here's a tip, provided the BFF: I live in a small town with no real craft supply store. This was a bummer because I needed foam and had to go 40 miles to get it. It's already pricey enough as it is. That super awesome bestest bestie of mine had the idea to just use a mattress pad (or egg crates) since it wasn't furniture I was going to be sitting on. Twin size mattress pad, $9.94 at Walmart. Thank you so very much!
And how about ending the week with this smile! We made mohawks in the bath. This here is a curl hawk, it's a mohawk for girls with class!

Much love and smiles this weekend!
Steph
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Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Style Guide: Fall 2013 Trends & Makeup tips



Browns, blues and greens are going to be the trend colors for Fall this year. I am ecstatic! I, myself, am a little coral-ed out. As much as I love coral, I feel I wear it every year. I need a change.

I loved this image from Vogue and how they stepped out of the traditional black smokey eye and went with a rich, chocolate smokey eye instead. The dark-eyed look is kept fresh by being paired with a crisp white blouse, and accented with accessories from this years Fall color trends.

Makeup tips:
Be sure to use a nude lipstick or other soft color. Either play up the eyes or play up the lips. Don't do both. Remember, less is more. You don't want to look like you're wearing too much makeup.

Get yourself a set of falsies. Really play up your smokey eye this year with lush false lashes.

For more makeup tips follow along with your favorite beauty bloggers

So much love from me to you today!!!
Steph
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Monday, July 22, 2013

Living room inspiration ... HELP!

I've been doing a lot of pondering over how I to style my living room. It has sat untouched, mostly filled with the secondhand items I've looted over the past several months. Before moving, my grandparents gave me a vintage sofa set. Vintage and velvet, hells ya! I love it! I do not love that it is tan, though. I also do not love that they match. I want them coordinating, not matching.

I decided to start with the sofa first. And I immediately turned to my BFF, Candace. Of course she knows me well, and suggested I reupholster the sofa in bright turquoise or teal. I FELL IN LOVE WITH THAT IDEA! More so when I saw this image from Home Beautiful with the deep turquoise sofa accented with the silver table. I had already wanted to redo my coffee table silver. (My main theme throughout my home is "Mixed Metals" with splashes of color.) Nothing like having my thought process confirmed by designers. Thank you, designer, for testing the waters for me. Much appreciated!

Here en-lies my problem, and where I need your advice, dear readers. I live in a small town and have no vehicle, so I can't go gallivanting all over NC to find a fabric shop that sells turquoise velvet upholstery fabric. So I need to buy online. Did you know turquoise velvet upholstery fabric isn't quite as dime-a-dozen as, say, black, brown or gray? Yeah ... I do now. 

The best I could find is this swatch from Joann's. Retail price .... $64.99/yd. WHAT THE BLEEP?!! Even with a 40% off coupon I'm still looking at over $585 to reupholster this. That is definitely not within my budget anytime soon. Single momma of three here!

I thought maybe I could compromise and just do the cushion, leaving the rest tan. I know I can throw in more splashes of color with accent pillows. My fear is that it will lose that richness I'm going for. I found this image on Beautiful Home, too, where a designer did something similar to what I had in mind with patio furniture. But you can see a huge difference in style. This has more of a beachy feel, which is not what I am going for. And what about my silver table? It seems I would lose the mixed metal effect by having my sofa tan.

Here is what I'm asking:
Does anyone know of an online retailer that sells the fabric I'm looking for at a more affordable price?
What are your thoughts on my alternative idea? Do you agree with the difference in design styles? And losing the silver effect?
Any other alternative suggestions?

I am stumped. A little disheartened. But determined and anxious! You wouldn't happen to know any design genie's, would you?

Lots of love and Monday greetings!
Steph
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Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Lady Etiquette: Be a lady, not a gossip

Sure, you can have it. Scroll down ...

I know it's been a while since we first addressed the Lady Etiquette series. It is something I feel deserves a lot of thorough consideration, as our goal is to uplift others with it. Today's encouragement comes straight from God's mouth.

1 Thessalonians 4:11:
"Make it your ambition to live a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands."

I recite this verse like a mantra in my home. Every time one of my children tattles on the other, I simply respond with this verse. When they begin talking about what one of their friends/classmates did to get into trouble, I respond with this verse. It's one of my favorite verses. I honestly believe being a busy-body and a gossip is one of the most unattractive things a woman (or anyone) can do. It goes back to holding yourself to high level of respect. Not necessarily being self-righteous, but rather exercising a shred of meekness.

It seems I've been saying it a lot lately, more to adults, however, than to my children. I keep getting told everyone else's business in some way or another, which I don't care to hear (or read). In a day and age with Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc., it's so easy for our personal business to be aired all over the place. 

Keep your private life private. 
Don't over-share. 
Don't share others' private business. It's their business to share, not yours. 
If others are spreading rumors, saying nasty, hateful things, do not allow that poisonous talk to seep into your thinking. 
There is no need for you to concern yourself with other people. You only need to worry about yourself. 
Keep your eyes focused on your tasks and your goals. 
Inspire others by encouraging them to grow in character and abound in faith!

Or you can use my chalkboard background and create your own graphic designs!

Oodles of love!
Steph
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Monday, July 8, 2013

Revamp Your Closet Doors

(Sorry for the iffy photo. It has been nothing but overcast and rain here in the high country. Can I just say, I miss sunlight.)

A great way to bring new life to your room is by adding decorative curtains to your closet doors. Being in an apartment, I am limited with what I can do in my space. I fill my bedroom with mixtures of soft textures, mixed metals, and bright colors. Imagine my surprise when my neighbor offered me these delicate, powder blue curtains. My dresser is a very rich color (peacock green), so I needed soft hues surrounding it. I knew these curtains would be perfect for adding a splash of color to the walls without overwhelming the space. In fact, they really tie the corner of the room together, creating such romantic look. I love sleeping here! 

I also did a little rearranging, and now the vintage Gimbel's dresser that holds my fabric stash is just to the left of the closet. Once I get the headboard finished (it will be comprised of old dresser drawers), I will show you guys the whole bedroom.

What do you in your space?

Love dearly,
Steph
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Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Photo Diary


Liam lost his first tooth. I have to admit, that was an overwhelming moment for me. I thought I had another year. I thought surely he would be seven, making his way closer to second grade, before that happened. But here we are, fresh out of kindergarten, and the first of many is gone. 

I remember the days when he grew his teeth and went around, grinning, with that one lone tooth. Now we're growing up and moving on to adult teeth. This breaks my heart a little. My little Liam boBiam is no longer that long, skinny baby that fit perfectly across my lap. He would look up at me with the oddest expressions. Now he's shopping in the boys department, riding two wheelers and losing teeth. He still makes the odd expressions though! I hope that not something that ever changes. I want to him to always be expressive in his own way.

Much love!
Steph
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Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Fourth of July Guide

1:  HAVE A FUN BREAKFAST
Fourth of July Toast

Have a fun and delicious breakfast to start. 

2:  DRESS FOR THE OCCASION


Get to feeling patriotic by dawning our nations colors.

3:  DECORATE

A fun craft is always a great way to express yourself.

4:  PICNIC IN THE PARK
Gingham picnic basket

Family fun time begins with picnic's in the park. Throw together all your favorites, plus some Frisbee's or footballs, whatever you like.

5:  HAVE A COCKTAIL
Bourbon Peach Cocktail

Treat yourself. Have a delicious summer cocktail.

6:  ENJOY THE SHOW
Boy carrying fireworks, 18 October 1949, Daily Herald National Media Museum

Enjoy your local fireworks. My favorite way to watch them when I was a kid was right from the roof of my house.

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