it's long but I need your help!

You know when you just get so bored with something? That's how I felt with my hair, especially after I hadn't been 100% happy with the highlights my second time getting them.  I don't know if it was because it was highlights on top of existing highlights, the fact that she did them with more of a reddish undertone to them (NOT MY original girl) and the fact they turned brassy on the rather quick side, how quickly they grow out, I don't know, I just wasn't happy.  Wow was that totally a run-on sentence.  Anyway, I had an appointment set with my girl for the 30th (today) however after this past weekend I was this close (put your thumb and index finger really close together) to going to Target to get my hands on a box of hair dye.  I held out and didn't do it - - she would have strangled me.

I happened to be perusing on facebook (a daily morning ritual in bed on my cell phone), and saw she uploaded a status "back to work! excited!" and people were commenting.  So I [nonchalantly] added "are you booked solid today?? :) :)" and well what do you know I got a response saying that she had cancellations and to call the shop...so that is JUST WHAT I DID.  She was able to take me in a couple of hours and that was perfect because I  had just settled down to my cup of coffee.

I went in and told her I wanted to get rid of the highlights and she could tell they had turned brassy which I don't understand how it happened since they used the same colors as the first time, but whatever that doesn't matter any longer because I am a brunette again!  At first it was a shocker going from really light back to REALLY DARK (but isn't that always the way with brown hair dye?) and now I'm used to it again like I am me.  I do plan on going back in a couple of weeks to add some highlights (HA?) but they are a "different" type kind called "Balayage" sounds so fancy right? Who knows, we'll see. 

So of course I gave you all a pic on my instagram but here it is again, and I'm adding a new picture so you can see me today. Ha. Obviously my hair doesn't look as good as that freshly blown out look from the salon!

Damn I wish I knew how to give myself a salon blow out.

(i'm about to link to a LOT of products, but this is not a review - - I just need everyone's help!)

So another thing that's been bothering me  -- my makeup.  Fall is always that time of year when my skin gets all funky on me.  Speaking of funky, this spacing is totally funky. How did that happen? I copied the word "balayage" from the internet because I couldn't remember how to spell it so I guess that's what happened. Oh well - um yeah, so my skin.  Well, I tend to have a lot of blonde baby peach fuzz on my skin (i mean, who doesn't really).  And my skin sucks so badly.  It's either super dry or super oily. Totally a fail in my book. So I've been using the Simple moisturizer on my face and I feel like it just isn't cutting it.  I was using Olay Regenerist (in a circular container for like $25 a container) but that was making me feel too oily. So there's my first issue.  My second issue is my f ace primer.  I was using Bare Minerals - but I ran out.  So I looked on the internet for those make up bloggers/vloggers and watched a few tutorials. This one girl SWORE by the  Loreal Magic Lumi face primer (in "illuminator") so what did I do ? I went out and bought it. Um. It sucks.  It's SO GREASY, and my make up is still creasing at least 3-4 hours after applying it! Like at first I think I was lying to myself that I liked it because this girl looked so fabulous on her skin in the video but I'm trying to not lie to myself and I have come to the conclusion that it really is suck ass primer.  I mean, am I really going to have to go back to shelling out $30 for the Too Faced Primed and Poreless primer? It was really that good.  Maybe if I stop getting chips and cheesesteak wraps at work for a month I can go get it. Maybe I will. 

Now that's the face moisturizing and priming issue. Onto the make up which I said I was going to talk about before.  I bought (about 2 years ago and have been using since) the Bare Minerals Get Started kit. For the past two years I've really enjoyed this kit- I did have to replace all of the items obviously except the brushes, and I got a different bronzer, the READY bronzer in color Skinny Dip  Well anyway, I've just been finding that my face is looking SO ORANGE lately and honestly what is up with that? Did I suddenly forget how to apply face makeup and bronzer? are my brushes too used? I mean help me people! are the shades too dark for my face? I honestly tried doing what this girl was doing on her vlog but I ended up looking crazy weird and I had this INSANE issue of make up neck. You know when you get a line across your neck and it isn't blended in properly? I can NOT get my make up to stay on my neck for the life of me.

So help me out here.  I have very pale skin but I can't rock the pale look like some girls can.  I feel like my pores are on the big(ger) side, my make up doesn't look right on me.  I am always feeling like I look like an oompa loompa...give me suggestions on moisturizers, primers, face make up (powder, pressed or liquid, i'm willing to try all!), types of brushes.... HELP!

what to do when you forget your spaghettios for work.

I mean, I was having one of those mornings.  My alarm goes off at 4:45am, and I snooze about 7-10 times (I don't know about you all but the iOS 7 makes it REALLY easy to press snooze!). That's just the way it goes in my life.  I can't get up out of bed for the life of me, especially now that it's very dark out in the morning and COLD.  I guess that the cool weather is going to come sooner than later. It is October 24th, after all.

So ANYWAY, it was one of those mornings today, and I drove into work with ease...very surprising because people are really crazy on the road lately. I went to put my things away and realized the spaghettios that I specifically went to Walmart for last night, had been left next to the pantry cabinet at my mom's house. UGH.  I had them yesterday and they were really so great, I forgot how much I loved them (With a side of potato chips for dipping!).

So now what? What am I supposed to do for lunch? The cafeteria food sucks and is rather pricey. I decided I AM GOING TO GET PIZZA. I love pizza...who doesn't, esp in the Northeast (the REAL pizza...not that domino's shit).  So now I have something to look forward to come noon.

So the point of those 3 pathetic paragraphs was, if you forget your lunch, go get pizza. It will make everything better.

An update on my life as of 10/24/13:  I am now the single admin in my department.  I support 8 people. It sucks. YAY!  No but really, Monday was the two people's last day at work and it was pretty awful saying goodbye, as much as they annoyed me on a daily basis.  It's much quieter now that they aren't here and I don't know how I feel about it.  One thing that I do know is that I will be able to get my work done by myself and anything that goes wrong will be blamed on me, as opposed to "whodunit" and that awkward feeling of no one wanting to admit their mistakes.  I also know that I'm going to have to learn how to multi-task and that I hope my bossypants eases up on me with her workload.  For the last two years it has been a one-on-one relationship and she is going to learn how to share.  I've been fairly busy so it's making the days go by quick with the exception of the last hour in the day- it always drags.

Gym: I took a personal health assessment at work, and failed. Yes that's right, I failed (with a 54 out of 100!)  It is because I have sugary drinks during the day (a coffee and soda) and I am not eating any fruits or vegetables, I skip breakfast, and I haven't gone to the gym in months.  I took this test because I qualify to get $10 off my benefits per month which I am willing to check in once a month with this "health" coach. So that got me thinking (and the fact my ass has grown a pants size) that I REALLY need to get back into going to the gym.  Of course I'm writing this only after 3 days of going to the gym (straight from work) and things could change within a week...but I'm really trying to make a habit of going straight from work because there will be no excuses but to just drive there. So with that said, I can say that for the month of October so far, I have logged in 10.25 miles! I'm really happy about this. I going to try to do a minimum of 4 miles per day whether it be on the treadmill or elliptical or bike.  I'm still really nervous to go swimming because of my eyes but at this point I honestly think they are healed...but I get the occasional vision of my eyes burning holes in their sockets when I suction cup my goggles and get in the chlorine water.  Whatever, I know it will be okay.

Vacation over Thanksgiving Break: Not happening.  It's way too expensive to go anywhere (well, out of our price range after taking 2 other vacations this year [not including wildwood and AC]).  I just remembered anyway that Mike and I like to set up our Christmas tree on Black Friday anyway so I'm okay with this...and I get to spend 3 glorious days off of work and with Mike and the kitties. :)

Most of you saw pics on my instagram, but here are a few from the past couple of weekends.

As you can see my past couple of weekends have been busy!! We went to a wedding 2 weeks ago, and this past weekend my nieces and sister in law came to visit.  Amelia (the baby) is just the CUTEST...like a little doll.  And doesn't Jillian look just like me and my mom? It's scary.

Random..

...things that I don't like or understand.

1. My hair. Okay, so I got my highlights done in, August? I can't remember. But my roots, holy lordy are my roots BAD! And did I forget to mention that they have turned a brassy orange now? I tried convincing myself this was okay when I got them done, ya know because "the fall is coming up" but seriously, I was very disappointed with the backup hair person while my girl was out.
      a. the fact that my roots grow, and I'm not seeing the length of my hair get longer.
      b. so maybe I don't look brassy in the first picture (or maybe i totally do), but the 2nd pic is proof in itself!

2. Black leggings. Why must they fade after like 10 washes? Am I going to have to start wearing them dirty? I mean, I can't find a darn pair of black pants that haven't faded after 10 washes yet.  And I've gone through my fair share of leggings. What the heck. And not to mention, it's totally throwing off my entire outfit today.
     a. Black leggings that are pant-like, as in they have a zipper and button, that have a huge crotch (yeah I wrote crotch and cringed ha) area and then when you sit down and you get that awkward bulge in your pants. Just....why?

3. MY CAT WASHROOM AKA THE BENCH THAT WILL HIDE THE UGLY KITTY LITTER BOX ORDER BEING CANCELLED AFTER I GOT AN EMAIL ON THE 10TH SAYING IT'D BE SHIPPED TO BE BY THE 15TH.

IF I HAD A PIPE, THIS WOULD BE ME.

4. One thing I don't understand is: How people think chipolte is better than Qdoba. It's not. They don't even have queso dip for nachos. What kind of mexican restaurant doesn't have queso dip? And I'm sorry, maybe I don't like "lime" flavored chips with an INSANE AMOUNT of CRUNCHY, HUGE [not] crushed seasalt on them!

5. Peanut sleeping on my pillow, every. single. night....INSISTING ON HAVING A CAT BATH AT 3 AM IN THE MORNING. I first thought it was cute (mistake number one), then I coaxed her to come on my pillow the following nights (mistake number two), and now I'm just paying for those stupid crazy cat lady mistakes of mine.  She's hogging my damn pillow making that awkward noise when people make out sloppily except shes licking her fur and I don't like it one bit.

basically this is Peanut. But my pillows aren't brown, and I don't have a 1980's quilt on my bed.

6. THIS DAY. WHY IS IT DRAGGING.

7.  I don't understand why I am being such an anti-fall activities queen.  I used to LOVE carving pumpkins but after last year when I tried the pinterest trick of putting vaseline on my open cuts on the pumpkin (AND IT DIDN'T WORK) I think that is what made me anti-fall. I only put out my fall decorations on October 6th.

8. I don't understand why I feel the need to vacation (again).  Maybe because freezing my rear off in Niagara Falls, spending a week in my hotel room while there was a tropical storm in Mexico, and CRAZY ASS WIND in Wildwood ARE NOT MY TYPES OF VACATIONS.

I can't think of anything else and quite frankly it's almost 4pm so I'm booking outta here and then I have to go home and figure out what the heck is for dinner.

Bye.

Office Remodel (video) !

Hi! So FINALLY, I was able to take photos this weekend.  Surprisingly, I had the time this afternoon, otherwise it was an extremely busy weekend! My brother from OK was in town for a close family friend's wedding, and I went to a baby shower on Sunday!

Anyway, I haven't had the time yet to edit the photos (sizing, enhancing the lighting you know) so here is a quick (10 minutes, yikes!) office tour! Hope you enjoy :)

Oh, and because my camera is stupid, it cut off the end! so watch the end as well :)

Nantsssss ingonyama bagithi baba !

So you might have think I just went "jasdklgjaldkfjgla" on my keyboard, but I really didn't.  I meant to write that subject line.  Do you know what that means? "There comes a lion" as in THE LION KING, the part we all sing (or at least I do) "naaaaaaaaaa topangaaaa badabeechie baaa" and I wrote topanga like Corey and Topanga. But that's neither here nor there.  I just didn't know what to use for the subject of this post. And I'm really getting to the point here. I'm singing the Circle of Life to Linus in this photo.

All I can say, is that cat must really love me. :D

And just so you don't think I'm constantly talking about Linus, look how adorable Peanut is.

I just can't get enough of her white paws and pink nose.  I'm happy to say that she finally is allowing me to give her big sloppy kisses right on that cute pink nose too.  She's not really robo-cat when I do that now.

P.S. the "shirt" I am wearing is from Target.  It was a clearance rack item, one of those sleeper shirt things.  That's why its wrinkled, and huge.

But onto more important things. It's Breast Cancer Awareness month.

 

If you haven't seen the pink cleats scattering the football fields of every NFL game or the umpteen amount of pink ribbons floating around Facebook lately then you might not know that it's Breast Cancer Awareness month. But have no fear because Erin from Two Thirds Hazel got a whole bunch of bloggers together to bring you a giveaway just to make sure you remember.  The point of the giveaway is to raise awareness about this deadly disease as well as to raise money for breast cancer research in order to hopefully one day end it. And what better way to do that than to throw a whole bunch of PINK prizes your way to entice you to feel yourself up to check for lumps. That's right, feel yourself up by giving yourself a breast exam! Aka the only mandatory thing you'll need to do in order to enter for your chance to win. Win what you ask? Well let's take a little peek and see the prizes shall we.

1) A $300 gift card to Victoria's Secret PINK. Or just Victoria's Secret if you so choose. But either way you'll be getting TONS of new bras to carry those lovely lady lumps of yours around in. And with this much money you might even be able to snag some new panties and a bikini or two!

2) Over $100 worth of makeup and accessories. Snag yourself a lip duo from Sephora, a few blushes, nail polish, lip balms, a makeup bag, a watch, a scarf, a rose quartz and pearl bracelet, a pink pouf from Stella and Dot and more!

3) Over $100 worth of ad space. Get your pretty face on the sidebars of some awesome blogs in order to grow your own blog and gain more exposure.

4) $60 worth of Essie nail polish. You'll get five different pink polishes as well as base and top coats. Add in a pretty pink nail file and your digits will be thanking you for months to come.

5) A set of pink Vino2Go wine glass cups. Because what better way will there be to celebrate winning this giveaway than to sit down and pour yourself a glass (or two, or five) of wine.

6) A $25 design credit. After you're done shopping for new bras, painting your nails, applying makeup, throwing on new accessories and drinking wine, go update your blog with this awesome credit.

Erin // Karly // Kallie // Melissa // Sami // Taylor // Whitney // Helene

Erin // Shanna // Chelsea // Shannon // Samantha // Jordyn // Sarah // Lauren

Lauren // Misti // Nadine // Nicole // Stephanie // Stevie // Michael // Allie

Juliette // Royal // Maddie // Sarah // Steph // Akirah // Mason // Amanda

And now that you've met all of the amazingly generous ladies behind this giveaway, I think it's about time we got to entering it. So start stripping and begin feeling because the best method of prevention is early detection. If you've never given yourself an exam and need some guidance be sure to read the following information brought to you by the National Breast Cancer Foundation on the best ways to get the job done. If you already know how to get yourself to second base then carry on and head straight down to the Rafflecopter below to enter!

1) IN THE SHOWER Using the pads of your fingers, move around your entire breast in a circular pattern moving from the outside to the center, checking the entire breast and armpit area. Check both breasts each month feeling for any lump, thickening, or hardened knot. Notice any changes and get lumps evaluated by your healthcare provider. 2) IN FRONT OF A MIRROR Visually inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead. Look for any changes in the contour, any swelling, or dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples. Next, rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match—few women's breasts do, so look for any dimpling, puckering, or changes, particularly on one side. 3) LYING DOWN When lying down, the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, move the pads of your fingers around your right breast gently in small circular motions covering the entire breast area and armpit. Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast. -----------------------

Since the primary purpose of this giveaway is to spread awareness, the only thing that's mandatory in order to enter is for you to give yourself the breast exam. The second option available for entry (although definitely not mandatory) is to donate to the Susan G. Komen foundation. This option will get you the most entries because you'll be given an extra entry per every dollar you donate. A $20 donation equals 20 extra entries. Make sense? Good. So get to entering and find some pink fluffy feelings in your heart to help out a great cause!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

No words.

Hi. Just checking in here.

So you are all expecting my office remodel on the blog as of Tuesday, October 1st.

It's now a week later and I have YET to take pictures.  Ok, I really have an excuse though.  We didn't exactly get a load of sunshine this weekend and I pretty much finished everything up Sunday morning.  I'm waiting on a print I ordered from Etsy to arrive, as well as this piece of furniture that is going to hide my kitty litter box.  Who wants to photograph  a beautiful room with a big ass kitty box in it? I know I could easily remove it, but let's be real, that just isn't realistic! So anyway, I ordered this fun piece that I think is going to fit in perfectly with the room and decor.  P.S. that was not included in my budget ;)

In other news, I've been officially notified that I STILL HAVE A JOB.  I'm not going to get into much detail other than the next two weeks are going to be purely miserable for me as my two co-workers have been "let go".  Their last day is the 21st.  It's very upsetting on all ends.

From their point: I'm new one, and I keep the job. (How is that fair?) And they have more experience. They no longer are working (aka are unemployed and have no source of income...but they really do [package]).

From my point: I worked my @$$ off for the last 2 years for my boss and have constantly excellent reviews & bonuses.  I know they were let go (via gossip) but they have not told me yet -- I think they assume I knew because I work for the boss (totally not the case), and let's just say they aren't exactly taking the high rode and are ignoring me (like I made this decision) and also yelling things like "I'm so pissed off about this" loud enough for me to hear.

From a business point of view, I am costing the company less money than they do. Fact.

It's a really awkward situation all around, but I can say that I am truly thankful that I still remain employed with good benefits.

I hope to be able to take office pics this weekend (but follow me on instagram @elemoh as I constantly upload "sneak peeks")

Oh, and in case you were dying to know, Linus is excellent at sleeping in a complete ball like this for hours.

See you guys soon :)

FRIDAY!!

1. I love this movie.  This might be my favorite Nicholas Sparks book-made-to-movie out of all of them.  It's a close tie with The Lucky One and Dear John.

My favorite song from this movie: 

2. I'm really loving these bracelets lately.  I only have 3, but I wear them all the time.  

3. As the caption reads, FINALLY. OH MY GOSH. I can't tell you how much better I feel with this little piece of technology back in my hands.  I could NOT continue on with the Galaxy.  Sorry android users, APPLE is THE BEST. And the new iOS 7? YEAH, It's the sh**. 

4. This watch. (*the word "THIS" is a link to the actual one I want)  There is a friends and family sale coming up in Macy's and Michael and I might treat ourselves to new watches as our early Christmas gifts to each other.  I spied this watch on a random at the Ocktoberfest Rachel & I went to (actually she spied first) and we both were lusting over this. It's so cute in person!

5. I've gotten a lot of compliments on my lashes today at work.  I'd like to believe its the $23.00-expensive-as-hell-for-mascara I spent my money on*, but really I'm thinking it's the first time I've worn mascara since LASIK to work. And my eyes are just looking so awake and beautiful (as opposed to looking like a walking zombie like normal) So I'm convinced this is probably the best mascara I've ever laid my hands eyelashes on.

*P.S.: I really didn't spend $23.00 of my own money on this.  I had a $20 gift card to sephora, do you honestly think I would spend that much on MASCARA. Please.

Ok. maybe when I run out of it, I just may.

It really is that good.



After a whirlwind of a week, I guess it's pretty obvious that I'm ready for the weekend! Plans include: RELAXING and on Sunday I'm hosting my family over for my mom's birthday. On the menu: Penne Vodka (homemade, not that jar crap...thank you R for the recipe!), homemade meatballs in the crockpot, and a birthday cake.  OH. AND, PHOTOGRAPH the NEW office!


Linking up with Carolina Charm, Follow the Ruels, & Lauren Elizabeth.

i'm in a weird mood

I know I've been non-existent lately, long story short: Work life is crazy. And has taken over my day. Funny how that works right? I go to work and actually work. Who would have thought ;) <--- Just kidding by the way.

I'm not sure if I've mentioned before that my job is going through a lot lately.  My job, as in the company.  Last year they announced 8,500 layoffs, and yesterday, they just announced 7.500 more. Which brings the grand total to 16,000/  A workforce cut of 20%.  That's pretty scary.  I really can't say much more until it becomes public knowledge (which what I just wrote is at this point).  I am finding out this week how I am effected personally.   I'm not sure what is going to happen when someone says "I'll talk to Lauren Thursday afternoon about her status".  It could mean either I'm getting laid off, or I'm staying with my group...obviously, but it's so nerve wrecking!

So any way, as you can imagine I've been extremely busy and my weekends have been crazy too.

In the beginning of September, I posted about my home-office / 2nd bedroom makeover.  I'm excited to say that it is just about complete, and I consider that goal COMPLETE.  I am planning to take pictures on Saturday, so I have nice lighting from the morning shining in the room.  So I'm hoping (fingers-crossed) to get that up next week!

Hope you all are great, I miss you!

Especially I'd like to give a shout out to Kelly- - thanks girl! Your kind words haven't gone unnoticed on the twitter.

Here are a few pictures from the weekend....because nobody like's reading a post without some pics: