Lately

With the warmer weather come the dandelions, spring craftiness, relaxation and Jackyboy rolling

over like it's his job.

Our squirmy worm is now 4 months & scootin' around on his belly at warp speed.  

Spring cleaning is underway, along with birthday planning, vacation dreaming and

a little laziness thrown in the mix.

Family pictures happened.  I'm still recovering. 

Happy Spring!

Condren Love

So awhile back I won a $100 gift card to Erin Condren.  $100, I know, awesome.

After a few weeks of scouring the dozens of options, I decided on a life planner, and that's when love
began to grow.  I was always put off by the prices (the planner starts at $53) so winning the gift card gave me the perfect opportunity to try it out.

I love it!  There were so many unexpected personal touches that came with it, too.  Stickers to mark birthdays, appointments, parties etc.  I think my planner and I are going to have a really nice life together.

Thank you SO much Lauren!

makeup must haves

My skin care must haves go hand in hand with the makeup I need in my life.  Daily.

makeup must haves by amberoutnumbered featuring urban decay makeup

1. Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm - I was a little late to the BB party, and after trying a drugstore brand, wasn't completely sold on the idea.  But of course after a trip to Sephora I was sold.  Beauty Balm is a godsend to anyone needing a speedy makeup routine.  The product moisturizes, primes, tints, prevents and protects skin (spf 20) - total no brainer.  The only downfall for me personally, is the coverage is very light, so on days I have more time or want more coverage I mix it in with my foundation.

2. Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Mushroom - I've been a long time user of Urban Decay's eyeshadows and their new revamped formula is A-MAZING.  The color glides on whether you use your finger or a brush and is highly pigmented. I haven't tried it without my eyeshadow primer, but with it the color lasts all day.  I've even woke up the next morning and my eyeshadow still looked fresh and vibrant.  Definitely worth the price!

3. elf High Definition Powder - The powder creates a "soft focus" effect which makes it great on days you'll be taking pictures.  It masks fine lines and other imperfections and gives the skin a subtle glow.  Make sure you tap out your brush before applying otherwise you'll look like a china doll. 

4. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Sin - If you've never used an eyeshadow primer, get on it!  Spread some of this on eyelids pre eyeshadow application, and your colors will be crease-free, vibrant, and last seriously all day.  The great thing about it, is it has a soft, shimmery champagne color that's pretty enough on it's own.  It's the bees knees!

5. Buxom Lash Waterproof Mascara -  Unfortunately I wasn't blessed with super thick eyelashes.  Well this is where Buxom Mascara comes in.  I've tried TONS of different mascaras ranging from drugstore brands to higher end, and this one by far is my favorite.  It makes my lashes SO full and big without clumping and on top of that, it's waterproof, which is a necessity for an emotional basketcase like myself ;)  Even better it doesn't have parabens, sulfates or synthetic dyes or fragrances.  

6. elf Kabuki Face Brush - I personally use this brush solely for my high definition powder, although you can use it for lots of things - bronzer, blush, highlighter and mineral makeup.  The powder goes on smoothly and evenly with the brush - Awesome.

7. Loreal True Match Lumi -  In my younger days, I didn't really have a need for foundation.  My skin was clear, dewy and there wasn't a dark circle in sight.  Motherhood took a toll on that youthful glow and now I've got dark spots, circles, redness and pretty lackluster skin.  This foundation is pretty light but has buildable coverage so it's perfect for summer.  Like I said, I'm pretty new in the foundation department and while this one is good for now, I'd like something more full coverage so I'll probably continue use through summer and seek out another option in the fall.

8. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil - Perversion - As with mascara, I've tried my fair share of eyeliners.  Not to sound like a makeup snob, but drugstore brands just don't cut it for me.  UD's eye pencil applies smooth and creamy (good for blending) but dries in a rich color that doesn't budge.  Perfect for a dramatic smoky eye!

9. Lorac Ooh La Lace Baked Shimmer & Matte Eyeshadow Palette - My go to when doing a smoky eye.  Three matte colors and three shimmery ones create the sexiest bedroom eyes - I just love it.  And that's all I have to say about that.

10. Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish - Dolly - Hell to the yes.  It's surprisingly difficult to find lip color that lasts longer than 30 minutes and isn't sticky. Chalk full of Vitamins A & E, it not only moisturizes like crazy, it's also super shiny.  Added bonus - it creates a look of fuller lips.  I didn't notice any tingling so that's a plus in my book.  

There ya have it. 

What are your makeup must haves? 

More specifically, any full coverage foundations you swear by?

Make the Switch!

As we all know, Google Reader is going away.

Fine by me.  I've never used it, EVER. 

I've been using Bloglovin' to follow my favorite blogs since before

I even had my own blog, and I love it.

With that being said would you hop over there and follow me? 

I'm really nice, I promise :)

Heatwave

Isn't it technically supposed to be winter?

Spring hasn't even hit and it's supposed to be 91 degrees today! Yuck.

With the warmer temps coming, I was in the mood for a light, cool snack.

Cue - the best pasta salad EVER!

Greek Pasta Salad

Ingredients:
12 oz rotini pasta
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp dried basil leaves
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
15 halved cherry tomatoes
3/4 cup crumbled Feta cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1 (4 ounce) can chopped black olives

Really the possibilities are endless.  You can add broccoli, cucumbers, mushrooms, asparagus etc.

1.  Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.  Add rotini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente; Drain. 

2.  Add olive oil, red wine vinegar, herbs, onions, olives and tomatoes to large bowl.

3.  Stir it up!

4.  Add feta, mix and enjoy!

This recipe makes a lot so it's great for midweek snacks/lunches. 

What are your favorite hot weather snacks??

Skin Musts

Aging's a bitch isn't it?

I used to be able to drink like crazy, leave my makeup on, eat fast food constantly and my skin

was still smooth, bright, and flawless.

Nowadays, ummm not so much.  I have permanent bags under my eyes, fine lines and dare i say a wrinkle or two.  This is very depressing.

So on top of my effort to drink more water, eat more fruits/veggies these are some

of my current favorite skincare products.

Skin Must by amberoutnumbered 

Philosophy Miracle Worker / Olay face moisturizer / Philosophy Microdelivery Peel  / Aveda beauty product / Beauty product / Frownies® Eye Gels | Birchbox

It also needs to be said that I've discovered SO many awesome products from Birchbox.

I can't recommend it enough!

So tell me, what are your skincare must haves??

Enjoy the First Ray of Sunshine in Spring 2013

With the sun shining and the weather really starting to heat up, it's time to grab some new sunglasses. 

You can go for a conservative retro-chic look or something totally wild and colorful. 

Summer is coming so you will get a little more freedom than usual. Embrace it. Yes, Sunglasses have been a wide application around all groups of people. The main reason is that sunglasses play an important role in UV radiation protection.

I am so, so glad I was introduced to Firmoo.  For years I had been wearing sunglasses

on top of my regular eyeglasses while driving.  Not a very good look, and probably not too safe if you ask me.  I had shied away from purchasing prescription sunglasses because of the extremely high cost, but thanks to Firmoo, I didn't go broke.  Designer shades for a fraction of the cost?

Sign me up!

I was, and continue to be so impressed with the quality, durability, and style of my prescription sunglasses.  I'm guilty of tossing them in my purse when I take them off and I've yet to see a scratch!

 Millions of people around the world benefit a lot from the sunglasses.

In comparison, wraparound sunglasses are a better choice for sunglasses because of their wraparound design. First, they will offer better eye protection by preventing UV rays from more than one angle, the front and the sides. Second, they can shield wind or other fine articles from reaching your eyes and cling firmly to your face. Third, they can make your face look smaller. Fourth, they will protect the skin around your eyes by covering larger parts of your face with their distinct shapes. All in all, these features undoubtedly make wraparound sunglasses an ideal choice for you to enjoy comfort and fashion at the same time.

But for the people who have vision problems, a pair of sunglasses is not enough. In this case, prescription sunglasses can provide an excellent service. Nowadays, prescription sunglasses have attracted more and more people and played an important role in our life. They are specially designed for people with myopia, hyperopia or presbyopia. Stylish prescription sunglasses not only provide you with a clearer vision but more importantly they put you in a position of fashion and vogue. If you have to wear prescription glasses and want to wear sunglasses, stylish prescription sunglasses are the very item you can lay your hands on.

Where will you get sunglasses? Purchasing online may be a better choice. You can buy the high-quality sunglasses at wholesale prices. The latest styles and designs will make you outstanding among the public. Firmoo should be one of your better choices.

Firmoo is the world's most popular online eyeglasses store. Years of expertise in optical industry enable Firmoo to offer varieties of prescription eyewear to the consuming public in high quality yet at extremely affordable prices. The low prices Firmoo offers never compromise the quality of eyewear while treating the quality and services to consumers as top priority.

Enjoy fashion & comfort at the same time. Now is the brightest time to buy sunglasses!

*While I was compensated by Firmoo for my review, all opinions are 100% genuine based on my experience with the product.

Take Precautions and Prevent Diabetes During National Heart Month and Beyond

No matter what time of year it is, it’s always important to practice healthy habits as an individual and as a family. I myself have always considered myself to be somewhat of a “health nut,” and most of my family too. Which is why I was completely shocked when one of my youngest cousins was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes only a few short months ago. I knew she had been struggling with her weight for some time, but didn’t realize how serious the issue really was.

heart health

After talking with her doctors and doing some research, we started to come together as a family to make some changes to lifestyle habits. The 2 best ways to both prevent or manage Type 2 is through a healthy diet and regular exercise. Syracuse’s St. Joseph’s Cardiac Hospital points to a clear connection between diabetes and heart disease – since February was National Heart Month, what better time is there to start practicing healthy habits with your family, too? 

Here are some tips to consider:

Nutrition Tips
1. Try Healthy Snacks Without Refined Sugar

Refined sugar has no nutritional value and does nothing to help you get healthy. It’s okay to eat some  “sweets” as long as it is in moderation. The best thing to do is to try and sweeten things with a healthier substitute, such as honey. Here is a great pumpkin-pie oatmeal recipe that we like to make for breakfast sometimes. The recipe calls for Splenda, but even that isn’t great for you, so we like to use honey instead.

2. Eat Lean Proteins

You need protein in your diet to stay healthy. The best type of proteins are lean, which include legumes, nut butter, and lean cuts of meat such as chicken, turkey, or salmon. Lean proteins should take up ¼ of your plate at each meal.

3. Eat Plenty of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

vegetable stir fry with chicken

Aim for eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. These should take up ½ of your plate at each meal. Sometimes it’s hard to get picky eaters to eat their fruits and/or veggies, so if that happens, try getting creative. Grill the veggies, or put them in a stir fry. Try to make creative snacks with them, or make delicious smoothies that hide the taste of veggies that are mixed in with fruit.

4. Eat a Healthier Version of Starches

Starches – which seem to make up 95% of comfort foods – should only make up ¼ of your plate at each meal. To cut down on calories, and increase nutritional value, try making healthier versions of starches with your meals. Make pureed cauliflower or mashed sweet potatoes instead of mashed potatoes, and use whole-grain pasta or stringed squash instead of white pasta. Each little change makes a difference.  

Exercise Tips

1. Exercise Daily

Exercising daily doesn’t mean you have to be running miles and working out for hours at the gym. It just means that you should push yourself to try and be active each day, in whatever way you can.  If you can get a great workout in at the gym or a fitness class, great! If that just isn’t feasible sometimes, do some at-home Yoga or Pilates, go for a walk around the neighborhood, etc. Whatever you can do to get active is a big help.

2. Go for a Bike Ride

family bike ride

Go biking with your family to the park or around the neighborhood. Get a group of your kids’ friends together and take them to a biking trail. Most kids love biking, and they forget they are exercising while doing it.




3. Go to the Park

Go to the park and play on the jungle gym with your kids. Fly a kite and run around to see it soaring through the sky. Kick a ball around together, or play some catch. Get an organized game going of soccer, kickball, or another sport. Just have fun!

Carolyn is a 20-something year old with a passion for life, fitness and overall well-being. She is an avid cycler, golfer and has been known to bust some serious moves on the dance floor. Check out Carolyn’s blog at http://fullonfit.blogspot.com/! 

Life Lately

We've been busy birds around these parts.

We've had dentists, a wedding, grandparents, hockey, carnivals and in a few
weeks.....family photos!

We've decided on one outfit, now I just need to figure out another one!

Here's some inspiration I've been collecting

                                                              Source: thecraftedsparrow.blogspot.com via Bailey on Pinterest

 

                                                                 Source: spiritphotographers.com via Amber on Pinterest

                                                                     Source: onelittlemomma.com via Tish on Pinterest

                                                         Source: blog.peekaboophotos.com via Amber on Pinterest

                                                                 Source: cutecuddlesdog.blogspot.ca via Karen on Pinterest

 

                                                            Source: thecraftedsparrow.blogspot.com via Devon on Pinterest

                                            I think I'm liking the dark grey/blue combos!

                                      I'd love to see your pictures,

                                   give me ideas!

The Many Faces of Cute

Warning guys, this is an obligatory "look at my baby he's so cute omgggg" post.

BUT it must be done.  He's just growing so damn fast it blows my 

mind right outta my head.

One Month

Two Months

Three Months

Dude, seriously....you're growing faster than my brain can handle.

Not cool!  Slow it down...take a deep breath.  Give mama a minute here.

I Can Hear the Bells

Weddings are great aren't they?  A room full of people who all share a love for the 

same two people....it's tearjerking, kind of. 

Over the weekend my stepson tied the knot and to say I had a blast would

be the understatement of the year. 

(ok, maybe not...anytime I get a chance to get dressed up and go out I have a blast.

If I'm not having a blast, I drink until I am.)

On to the pictures!

Loved my Trina Turk dress from Rent The Runway.

Why does my cleavage look like a baby's buttcrack??

Little brother & big brother

I'll share more when the professional ones come in!  Can't wait!

Bucket List 2013

I realize this kind of thing is usually done at the beginning of the year, 

but better late than never right?!

Some things I'd like to do this year:

bucket list by amberoutnumbered on Polyvore