[Try It] Try It Tuesday!

I can almost guarantee I'm not the only one with this problem: I pin ideas like crazy and then never do them. In order to keep that from happening, I'm instituting a "Try It Tuesday" around these parts. At least every other Tuesday (maybe every single one...let's see how I feel haha) I'm going to try something I've pinned and post it. This could be a new manicure, a hair style, a recipe, a home DIY - anything!

Since I'm sure I'm not the only one who never tries their pins...I'm going to make this a linkup! So here's your warning: next Tuesday, October 16th, will be the first Try It Tuesday linkup. I will always try and give you a week heads up for the next linkup so you can choose and try a pin. Now go find something on your pin boards to try out for next week!

For my first attempt at pin recreation/inspiration, I chose a manicure that I had pinned from The PolishAholic.

This is the manicure that I was inspired to try:

Via

And here's what I did:

I started with a base color. I chose Sally Hansen's Fuscia Power.

Then, I dotted Sinful Colors Easy Going and Wet N Wild Ebony Loves Chris on the tips. I tried to concentrate most of the dots towards the tips like the inspiration photo with only a few dots towards the nail base.

I originally read you should use a toothpick to dot, but I couldn't get a toothpick to pick up enough polish that it would leave anything on my nail. I read that there are "dotting tools" out there for this specific purpose, but I have no idea what they look like or where to find them. So, in a pinch, I just used the polish brush and ended up with some less than round dots. And I'm ok with that.

What are you going to try from Pinterest?

[Help] Have You Had or Thrown a Bridal Shower?

I need some help from some of the most creative women I know: you ladies!!! I have been given the amazing honor of being Matron of Honor in my friend Jena's wedding. I'm starting the process of planning both her shower and her bachelorette party, and I wanted to get some input.

She has been dreaming of getting married for as long as I've known her. I want to give her the best, most awesome shower and bachelorette party that I possibly can, and want to know this: what did you do/have at a bridal shower or bachelorette that you just loved? Was there a game that was especially fun? Was there a twist to the party you really enjoyed?

Please, let me know in the comments! Ya'll are amazing!

[OOTD] This Bird Has Flown

Another Monday rolls around. Oy. I thought I would continue to channel the weekend by posting a less blog-worthy outfit that is closer to what you really see me in on days where I only leave the house to run errands. This is real, folks.

I had an exciting and fun filled weekend!! Friday night I met with the University of Pittsburgh alumni group to watch the Pitt/Syracuse game...we lost by one point but as a Panther fan this is the kind of thing we're used to.

Top: Gap Outlet | Jeans: Gap | Flip Flops: Old Navy | Necklace, Earrings: Kohl's | Bracelets: I don't remember! | Visor: online via South University, where I got my AS in IT

Saturday I spent the afternoon at Horsetown with my dance team gals looking for fun jeans and new boots. I found the most perfect pair of cowboy boots and I'm super excited to start breaking them in! We had a blast with 7 of us girls taking over the fitting rooms and browsing the boots for hours. Then in the evening, we went to a wine and cheese party at a friend's house - and if you know anything about me, you know that is the best kind of party in my book! I love cheese and I love wine...not much I enjoy more from a food and drink perspective! Sunday we went to a new place to check out the Steelers game with the Steelers Fan Club in the area.

What did you do this weekend?

I have a pair of bonus shots for ya...

A Lexibomb.....

Aaaaaaand me being an idiot with my camera remote. As you can see in the above pics, I'm holding it, but it stank (which is why I don't use it any more) because you had to click it about 5 times before it would activate the shutter, and you had to be in direct sight of the sensor, which could make the lens in the way if you held it just so. That was a waste of a purchase, I can tell ya for sure. So this photo shows my frustration...

Happy Monday!

[Random] Sunday Soup #7

Let's waste some time, shall we?

Via

Hilarious: a bulldog on a trampoline.

Who cares if this was a publicity stunt? Still crazy!!!

What do some of your favorite 90s actresses look like today?

Via Real Simple

The Frisky talks about the real fashion rules we need to worry about...it's about time someone wrote this!

Bon discusses how blogging is like high school.

This video needs no introduction, it's just a great watch:

These t-shirts are awesome.

I love this list of 101 things to do you with your significant other.

[Quotes] Thought for a Saturday

[Conversation] Which Side Are You On?

It's Saturday, and I'm about to get a little heavy here.

Politics.

Now before you go running off, let me say I am not going to get into my personal views, or attack the views of anyone else. In fact, that's kind of the point of this.

I hate politics. Hate them. They are so polarizing and I think polarization is the last thing this country needs.

One side and its media points the finger and talks trash about the other side. The other side does the exact same thing. Politics have become less and less about the issues and more and more about dissecting what the other side said and pointing out their shortcomings and the way they lied.

People get into heated discussions not about issues, but about politicians and what they said. It becomes about dragging politicians and the political media through the mud instead of focusing on why we're electing these folks. Focusing on how to fix the issues in this country that many of us agree exist.

A President is only one man. Regardless of what the perception is, no man is an island, right? So much of what goes on in this country happens because of a lot of people and all their influences. The polarization, and the reason for the polarization, and the fanaticism that accompanies politics just makes me sick. And it makes me sad. I wish I could just tune out the entire political spectrum outside of what I read and research for myself.

What do you think about politics?

[OOTD] Friday Fun

This week has been exhausting.

Hark! What light through yonder window breaks?

Top: J Crew | Skinnies: Target | Shoes: Shoe Carnival | Sunnies: New York & Company

I've been teaching this week, but one of the courses I'm teaching isn't complete and it was a rough one to get through. Plus, I've had something almost every single night. At least I'm done and all I have to do is proctor an exam today. Last night I finally got some down time at home, and I'm looking forward to a few fun things for the weekend: PITT alumni gathering for the game against Syracuse tonight, then shopping with some of my dance team ladies at Horsetown for some new boots and fun jeans tomorrow afternoon, and a wine and cheese party at a friend's place tomorrow night. Should be a fun weekend!!

What are you planning to do this weekend?

[Fashion] Wish List Update

I've been making a bit of progress on my wishlist and I'm kind of excited. I'm about halfway there! How is your fall shopping going?

1. I have not found my smoker flats yet. I tried on those super cute burgundy ones at Target but the 9.5s were too tight and the 10s were too wide and looked ridiculous when my foot wasn't completely flat. I was bummed because I really liked them! Still...onward towards the right pair!
2. I'm likely going for my boots in a week or two. Excited!
3. Well. I say this is a "kind of X" - I found a sheer cream colored top but it's a little too sheer - I have to wear a tank underneath and I definitely think it takes away from it a bit. Aside from that it's a perfect match, but I'm keeping my eye out for a less sheer version on sale. It's such a classic blouse that perhaps having 2 is ok? Perhaps? :)
4. I went back for the Old Navy version of this mint top. Molly talked me into it. Kind of. 
5. This, I think, is my BEST score. I've been kind of keeping my eye out, tried on some burgundy pants but just didn't love them. Then I saw some on the F21 website for $25 and decided to check out the store for them. They didn't have them. After walking around the store and not seeing them, I started to leave. As I was leaving, a peek of burgundy caught my eye - there was a pair of burgundy jeans randomly stuck on a rack they didn't belong on. And they were my size. I went to go try them on but the line was HUGE and I was in a hurry...so I decided, what the heck - they were $15!!!!! I figured if I got them home and they didn't fit I could return for store credit and no doubt could find something to spend $15 on. I got them home and they fit perfectly. I'm so excited about these pants!!!
6. Ya'll already knew that I got this top - still haven't purchased the scarf, though I still might! I'm also kind of loving the mustard cardigans. If a cheap one comes along....
7. I got these shoes but got them in the black and white cloth instead of the plaid. Just thought they were more unique.
8. Still no polka dot blouse yet, though I've tried on a number.
9. No box clutch, though I am in LOVE with the pink and black lace one from Kirna Zebete's Target collection. However, I'm a bit hesitant to bite the bullet...my local store had the BLACK one and the faux fur animal print one on sale for $11, but the pink and lace remained $35. I think I'm going to hold out for a bit and see if I can grab one if it ever goes on sale...but I love it so much I just might end up going full price in case they sell out.
10. No green heels yet
11. No red bag yet, though I've found a few that weren't quite right.
12. Grey Gap tee was in my last update.

Overall, I'm pretty proud of myself! And I've only purchased a few things not on my list - a pair of hunter green skinnies on sale at Target, a thrifted red blazer (love!! I'm so proud cause I suck at thrifting), and I feel like I bought something else but can't think of it right now. Oh well.

What is your best fall purchase so far?

[Beauty] Products: Skincare

I'm always so curious to know what beauty products other ladies swear by, so over the next month or two I'm going to do a few product related posts, focusing on something specific, and invite you all to leave comments with your faves so we can all potentially discover some new great products!

I'm kind of a flip-flopper when it comes to products. By that I mean I have zero loyalty until a product completely blows its competition away. I am on a constant search for the perfect _______ (fill in whatever there...curl product, skin cleanser, blush, whatever!). In order to find the perfect "one" that may or may not even exist, I am always switching up what I use. If I get something and it doesn't impress me, I won't buy it again.

Today I'm going to start with skincare. This is an interesting topic to me because so many women are crazy sticklers to their skincare routine and I just haven't gotten there yet. I have what most would call "combination skin" - oily T zone, normal everywhere else. However, I find that "combination skin" products don't work well enough to curb the oil, but that "oily" skin products do a great job with minimal impact to the rest of my skin. So what do I use?

Cleanser: I have not yet found a cleanser that I adore. I have found a ton that I hate, but none that I've loved. I tend to stay away from rough cleansers with strong exfoliants in them because they make my skin angry red. Currently, I'm using St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Cleanser. So far, I don't love it but I don't hate it. What is your favorite cleanser?

Toner: Since I have oily skin, I enjoy using a toner. I've read all over the place that toner isn't necessary, blah blah blah, but I've used one for 10+ years now and I just like them. I don't like the alcohol-y ones, though, so currently I'm using Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner. Do you use a toner?

Moisturizer: I always thought it was a contradiction to use moisturizer on oily skin but since I use a toner I find that my skin feels dry and taut afterwards so I always make sure to moisturize. In the morning, I use a moisturizer that isn't specifically for oily skin and while I like it, I think my next one will be specifically for oily skin. I find this one can leave me oily mid-day. I'm currently using Aveeno Ultra Calming Moisturizer.

Sunscreen: I also top it off with some sunscreen. Wile the moisturizer has SPF 15, I like something a little stronger than that and go with Neutrogena Dry Touch Suncreen over it.

Nighttime moisturizer: I use something specific to nighttime and really like it - I find it keeps my skin soft and feeling good! The Body Shop Nutriganics Smoothing Night Cream is one of those products I actually keep buying.

Anti-Aging: There is one last piece to my skincare puzzle. I use a retinol cream for its anti-aging benefits. I love Roc's Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream.

What products are must-haves in your skincare routine?

[Round-Up] September 2012

This month:

I read...

{Fifth Avenue, 5 AM - Sam Wasson}

If you're a Breakfast at Tiffany's fan, you will love this book! It's a behind the scenes look at making the movie, and it really gives a lot of insight into the changes in the American woman during that time!

{Ford County - John Grisham}

This was a combination of short stories surrounding folks who live in Ford County. While I wasn't in love with this book, it was an interesting read.

{The Imperfectionists - Tom Rachman}

This was another book of loosely joined stories. I think reading this directly after another book of loosely joined stories I was kind of tired of the format. I probably would have enjoyed this more if I read it first.

I listened to....

{Maroon 5 - Overexposed}

Loving this album!!

{Far East Movement - Dirty Bass}

This is one of my favorite workout albums. Great songs to make you move your butt!!

I wore on my nails....

{Piggy Polish Coral Reef}

{Wet N Wild Wet Cement}

{Ulta Vintage Violet}

with

{OPI Black Shatter}

I watched....

{The Bourne Legacy}

I could have done with this movie being about 45 minutes shorter. The chase scenes are a little overdone and the other Bourne movies are much better, which bums me out because I like Jeremy Renner!!

{The Five Year Engagement}

This was a cute, quintessential romantic comedy. Not much straying from the expected, but a cute movie nonetheless!

I watched on TV....

{True Blood}

Seasons 4 & half of Season 5

I am obsessed with this show right now. I can't wait until I catch up to the end of the fifth season...I'm down to the last 7 episodes!