Free your mind

Have you ever tried stumbleupon.com?
It's pretty much my favorite procrastination/discovery tool.
When you have a paper due, facebook only updates every so often, but I can press the stumble button WHENEVER I want, and it brings a new treasure to my screen.
Plus it is based on all sorts of my interests so at any given moment I can find a blog about baking, or pictures of cute animals... I know, HOORAY!

But today, I stumbled on something much cooler, a list of 50 questions to "free your mind" and I want to explore them with you.
Question #1. How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?
This is such a difficult question for me. Sometimes I catch myself listening to my little sisters' stories and missing the simplicity of high school. I miss my old job, my sports teams, (easy homework) and quality time at home every night.

Other nights I find myself in deep envy of my other friends who didn't go to college. They are married and some are having their second child. They are living the life that I so look forward to, the sweet moments with their children, the celebrations with their spouses. It all seems carefree, away from the stress of school and the real world looming in the future. I wish I could break free from where I am, I question the decisions I have made along the way.

Sometimes I think even further into the future. I see my parents remodeling, and looking toward building their dream home. Their nest almost empty and nothing but the brightest in sight. I see the love they have been building for 25 years and I envy even that. I want people to take me seriously as an adult, and I want to be building my dream home too, damn it.

Then there are the nights I reminisce on Freshman and sophomore years of college. Pre B., before the puppy, before I was really intently serious and focused on the future. When I cared, but I didn't... really... care, you know? And I miss it, the silly choices you make in some friends, the ridiculous things you do to pass time that seem so fun at the time- but in hind sight, not so much. I miss staying up until three watching Disney movies with 10 sorority sisters piled on one couch. I miss being able to go for half price apps every other night (especially since those 40 pounds finally caught up to me).

I think about all of these ages, nearly every day, I would say. But then I breathe. Because when you really think about it, every age is what you make it. I miss the years in my past because I enjoyed them fiercely. Just as I wouldn't trade one day now, I wouldn't give up my past. As cheesy and cliche as it may be, I love and miss my past because my past shaped me. It taught me that there are some types of boys that will only break your heart. It taught me what real friends are, and how to love, and how to laugh, and how to work hard.

Sometimes being 22 is completely overrated, like when I am at the gym and the newly enlisted men look like 15 year olds, and I catch myself wondering if their mommies even know where they are. And sometimes it is completely underrated, like when I see the stress on my friend's faces as they try to build a future for not just themselves but for their babies and husbands too.
In the end I can recognize that I love who I am, and I love where I am.
22 is just fine with me...
for now.

How old would YOU be?

Hot Summer Trend:

They'reeeee baaaaaaaack.

via
Headbands, the thicker the better, and head wraps are coming in this season, in a MAJOR way.
Is this a trend you are jumping on board with?

The Next Level

I'll be honest, my fitness journey took a little bit of a detour at the beginning of the summer, but... I'm back!

In the last couple of days I have tried to be very conscious of my caloric intake, skipping unnecessary additions like salad dressing, working out with my handsome to make it more fun, and... wait for... going to the gym!
Shocking, I know.

Today- I mixed things up.
B. headed back to Pullman and won't be here for a couple of weeks, in the meantime my goal is to lose 10 pounds.
Yeah, it is gonna be rough.
So I downloaded the totally free NTC (Nike Training Club) app for my ipod.
The app provides a plethora of workouts based on what your goal is, and your fitness level.
The coolest part is that it motivates you via rewards like "badges" and more workouts for the time you spend working out.
Pretty cool huh?
Today was my first attempt, and it was not so pretty. I had asked B. to help me with timing and technique the other day but we didn't get around to it, and now I am glad we didn't because I would have been SO EMBARRASSED. My baby sister and I did the workout together, and we concur that if you want to be completely worn out and feel like you will not be able to move for a month, try the Quickstart Full Action workout first.

What steps are you taking?

He Said - Family Dinners

First I would like to say that if it were up to me, we would be having BBQ everyday (yes, even when it rains outside).




But, we already know that when it comes to being in a relationship, you get to do what the other person wants to so every once awhile.

I'll break down how the story goes from my perspective and see what you guys think.

It usually starts with me initiating the idea that we should cook together. We did this together when C. and I started dating and we both enjoyed it enough to make it a thing.

Second usually goes with the decision. This can be comparable to congress decoding the 2011 budget or whether or not Andy Dick wants to like women that day. I guess what I'm trying to say is that this isn't the easiest thing I've ever done.

Third follows getting supplies and the severity of this depends on where we are cooking. If it is at my place, we need everything all the way down to needing something every house should have like salt and pepper. Her place, we usually need one or two things. (we still consistently eat at my place)

Fourth would be the preparation. Now like any man that gets into the woman's domain known as the kitchen, we want to be alpha male and hit the ground running. This tactic usually works for about 10 minutes when the sense comes back to me and I realize I'm not where I belong and I take my plastic in the living room or act occupied until just about the finish.

There are other techniques that I use to "scam" out of finishing making dinner, but I know C. Ia reading this so you'll have to trust me.

Lastly is eating the meal. This, by no comparison is what I low best because I get to enjoy it with my wonderful girlfriend.

Until next Friday folks.

B.

Friday Feature: He Said/ She Said- Family Dinner

Long boring title, I know. But there is big news for this Chic Chick, well, the blog at least... B. has decided it would be fun to start chiming in. You know how we all talk about how there are two sides to every story? Well, we thought it would be fun to start sharing both side... hence: he said she said. FUN!
He won't get to read my posts before they go up, and visa versa- and because I can't sleep tonight, mine is going up first.


We are starting off fairly neutral- with family dinners. My family is huge, as you heard, and we are huge on having dinner together, this becomes more challenging when with me coming and going, and my brother coming and going, and cheer practice, and selling tickets, and working late and blah blah, you know.

But we try, and it is especially nice for B. to join in when we are home, so that we all bond more. {insert corny stuff here} . But I also feel a little guilty when this happens because we eat a lot, my mom always has to double check to see if B. is eating with us because that means doubling the recipe because, let me tell you, that man can EAT (not that you would know it with such a chiseled physique ;] ). The point is, then the family dinner starts t look more like Thanksgiving dinner, and we know it is stressful for my parents, and expensive and whatever...you get the point.

So, we try to give back sometimes, by buying everything and making dinner for them. This is where my fun begins.I enjoy cooking, and I enjoy giving back to my family for everything they do for me, and for us. But, sometimes these dinners are made more frustrating than not. B. often waits until the last minute to decide that we are going to do this, and when he gets off work he is ready to shop- for what, we have no idea & at 4:00, I am in full on relaxation mode, I know my honey is getting off... now I have to get in the mindset for the commissary? (yeah, it takes a mindset- don't act like you don't know).

- Next comes the inevitable 30-a million minute discussion about what we are going to make, because B.'s and my cravings are never really in sync, (unless someone mentions taco bell).

- When we finally decide, it is time to shop, this is the most dangerous part of the dinner. Why? Because he has been at work all day and I have been home alone all day, we are both hungry and we have an empty cart. This is sure to end in eventual Swiss roll, gusher, queso dip, ice cream disasters. Every.Time.

-Cooking should be the most fun part, but it is just as easily turned around. I sometimes forget that he wasn't necessarily taught how to cook in the same way, and that he doesn't know where everything is in the kitchen, and that some of his jokes, when I am already frustrated- are less funny, and more frustrating. But we make it through, and in the end it is always a great experience.

- Eating is clearly the most enjoyable part. I love the pride you have in making a meal for others. I love giving back to my family. & I especially love how we all inevitably end up at the table for an hour or so after the meal has ended laughing and sharing stories and jokes.
I love my family, and I love B.
& I especially love the quality time we get in family dinners.

- & That's what she said.


...yeah, I thought you would like that

My secret weapon

We ALL have those days.
You know them.
The days that you throw on the simplest thing because getting dolled up is SO out of the picture.
The days where you are so tired that no amount of concealer is gonna keep your dark circles a secret.
Where you feel dull and don't really want to make the effort to be dewy and glamorous.
Yeah- I'm there 60% of the time lately.
Which is how I found this product- looking for something to give me a boost.
& why I love love love this product.
Without further ado- I present you:
Stila One Step Correct

via

This baby is touted for correcting redness, reducing fine lines or wrinkles, and giving your skin much needed moisture.
It does this by swirling the white, green and peach elements together in one defying pump of product.
Sounds too good to be true, huh?
I personally don't have too much redness, and I certainly don't see many wrinkles at 22 (thank goodness) but, the reviews I read were just raving so- I had to try, and boy am I glad that I did!
Here is horrifyingly close up shot of my face pre- one step correct.

please excuse the brows in BAD need of a wax.
& also note this is prior to any other makeup application.
There is some slight pink in my cheeks at this point, and my biggest problem is that I think my skin lacks luster or "sparkle" if you will.

enter: one step correct-

O.k, the lighting here is terrible and makes my face look red, which it is not.
I noticed that the product really does tone down the pink in my skin somewhat, there is not a dramatic difference in that area, however, it is toned down a bit.
I also noticed that some of the little lines starting to emerge under my eyes were less noticeable.

Most importantly, and my FAVORITE part of using this product is that it gives my face a dewy glow. It can be used as a nice moisturizing primer prior to adding the rest of your makeup. Or, for those days we already talked about/ my everyday look- leave your face bare after application, add a little mascara, and enjoy the fresh glow it gives you.

It is a little pricey at around $40, but my bottle is really lasting, especially since it only takes one pump. This is a product I will buy again and again...and again...and... well, you get the picture- but will you get the product?

Dream Big!

Sometimes I lose a little motivation to get things done, to branch out, to take risks.
Today I found this:

And it was a good kick-in-the-pants reminder to get back on track.
Focus.
Try.
Achieve.
What new paths are you gonna travel?

Congratulations!

The winner, as determined by random.org...

...is AbbyLynn, who said: I have a black dress and a new pair of wedges that would go great with this jewelry I believe...and I havent gotten to wear the wedges yet! Great for a summer wedding I have in June...
Email me within 24 hours to claim your prize!

Thank you all for entering the giveaway, there will be others!

Last Day to Enter!

BY 1. Following this blog publicly
2. Tagging Chic Chick LTCin your facebook status.
and
3. Leaving a comment about where/how you would wear your new goods.
You COULD be the winner of a whole chic starter kit.
Today is the last day to enter...
What are you waiting for?

Dear Mom,

Remember how many times we have laughed until we cried?
Remember all the conversations in our heads?
Remember my highschool graduation?
Remember our road trip to Pullman for Alive?
Remember how I resisted leaving for school?
Remember when I called you crying Freshman year because everything was going wrong- and "someone stole the ink right out of my printer"
Remember that same year when you had to come rescue me early because my mono was so bad- and how miserable but fun that trip was?
Remember when I joined the sorority and when I got confirmed and you made the drive an extra time for that too?
Remember Elton John?
Remember our drive to pick up Thor- "I thought you were shooting at me"?
Remember all of our moms weekends together?
Remember wine tasting and hoarding extra tickets, just for fun?
Remember when we ran out of gas?

Because I do.
I love you mom.
Thanks for laughing with me, thanks for wiping my tears.
Thanks for teaching me to cook, for teaching me to be independent, for teaching me to love, for loving me.
I love you.

Happy Mother's Day!

I'm not being lazy, I swear!

But finals are over, and I'm FINALLY with the fam again.
and well, you know how that goes-
We are watching ghost shows and playing kinect and posting is just so hard to do when you are in the middle of dance battles.
I hope you don't take it personally.
I DO have a ton to tell you.
But for now, thank you for those who have entered the giveaway.
If you haven't done it yet, you should!
It is super easy and your odds... well, they are looking pretty darn good!

Pssssst.

Did you enter the giveaway?

-You should!
only 6 days left...

GIVEAWAY!

Wanna win free stuff?
Yeah, I thought you might.
The winner of this giveaway will receive a bib necklace, earrings, a ring, and hair ties from Chic Chick LTC.
{not exactly what you will win but... pretty close!}

-along with all of the other goodies!
Pretty cool right

and all you have to do is:
1. Publicly follow this blog.
2. Make a status about and tagging "Chic Chick LTC" on facebook
3. Leave a comment on this post telling me what outfit of yours the necklace or earrings/ring would go with- or where you would wear them.
That's it!
You have a week to enter- good luck!

- Don't worry should you not win, or want to pick out accessories for yourself, just visit my etsy shop

Amen.

All I have to say today is Amen.
Church today was all about believing.
Do not doubt like Thomas, rather believe without seeing.
Believe without fear.
Believe.
Sure this was more related to religion, but what I love about Church is that it is a good reminder about everyday life as well.
Believe that you can achieve what you want, believe that the stress will subside, believe in each other, believe in yourself, believe.
Well, I heard you Father Kevin, I heard that is natural to doubt at times, that what cannot be seen with your eyes can be seen with your heart, and that we are forgiven our doubts.
and I say:
Amen.