Okay Seriously...

Warning: There are no photos in this post, because the words are what is important. Fear not, the world isn't going to end without a picture.

We have made it to the middle of another week. I was talking to a friend yesterday, and we decided that July is the month that never was. Time is just going by so fast, and I don't know whether I like it or not. I'm ready to go on vacation with my love, I'm ready for Chicago, I'm ready for September to roll around so that we find out more about our future, but I'm not ready for all the moving stress that is about to happen.

This is also why I'm not sure if I'm happy about how busy I am these days. I'm usually the type of person that likes to live as simply as possible. Home-work-gym, home-work-gym, and I'm a happy girl. Now I'm juggling dog sitters, travel, hotels, regular work schedule, party planning, photo shoots, squeezing in workouts {even at 9pm like last night}, trying to eat healthy, and trying to clean. As you can see, I'm definitely leaving cleaning last...I mean, the house is clean, but it's definitely not organized at the moment. I have kept up with the dishes and I remembered to put the trash out. I'm going to call it a win.

I'm sure everyone is all like, "What a whiny baby", and yes...yes, I am.

Although, I didn't say that I absolutely hated it all. I just said that I'm not sure how happy I am about it. Typically, stressful situations like this lead to a breakdown for me, but I have vowed to myself that I am NOT going to get to that point. I am challenging myself to make it through August with a peaceful mind and by taking things one day at a time. I have to remind myself that this is an opportunity for personal growth and one month of insanity will NOT kill me.

Can you imagine if I had kids? I don't know how you momma's do it. So for everyone that tries to influence me to have children, this is an example of why I shouldn't.

Moving on...to the real point of today's post.

Keeping up the MOTIVATION.

Working out is the thing that is keeping me centered, so I am trying my hardest to keep myself healthy from the inside out this month. I tend to get sick in stressful situations, but I am trying my best to avoid that. Fitness and healthy food is the best medicine, and I have no excuse not to protect myself. 

My problem now as of now, is that I eat like shit when Will isn't home. Okay, so maybe not as bad as other's eat, but I'm basically eating "snacks" all the time and no real food.  What's worse is that I tend to lose my appetite when Will is gone. I stand in the kitchen not wanting to cook for one and nothing sounds good, so I just grab the first thing I see, which leads to mindlessly snacking. It NEEDS to stop.

I saw these questions on Mal's blog recently, and I'm a sucker for Q&A's. Plus, It's good to see my answers and remind myself what I need to be doing.

1. What did you eat for breakfast?

A turkey sammich on Garlic Sour Dough. It was bomb.com.

2. How much water do you drink a day?
I usually aim for 60 oz, but I have been SO dehydrated. Something seems to be off weather wise, which also might be why I'm getting tired quick.

3. What is your current favorite workout?
Jillian Michaels Extreme Shed & Shred. Hands down.

4. How many calories do you eat a day?
Oh boy this varies. I aim for 1,400-1,600, but I try not to go crazy.

5. What are your favorite healthy snacks?
Larabars, Coconut Peanut Butter, Veggies & Hummus, Toast or Bagels spread with Avocado and a dash of salt, Fresh Pico de Gallo, and lately...anything POPCORN. Although...I'm not positive that's as healthy as I tell myself it is.

6. What do you usually eat for lunch?
I actually have Brunch at about 10:00AM instead of lunch, but it's usually leftovers or something savory. I can't do sweet early day unless it's a protein shake after the gym.

7. What is your favorite body part to strength train?
My core. I do love toning my arms and bootay, but if I work my core, the rest follows.

8. What is your least favorite body part to strength train?
I don't have a least favorite...

9. What are your “bad” food cravings?
Pizza, chocolate, and things like fried pickles.

10. Do you take vitamins or supplements?
I take a Multi, Fish Oil, B Complex, Cinnamon, and Biotene. Fish Oil is my FAVORITE. It definitely makes me feel more calm throughout the day, which I was surprised to find.

11. How often do you eat out?
Lately? Too many times. Normally? A handful of times a month.

12. Do you eat fast food?
Pretty much never. Fast Food= Fat Food.

13. Who is your biggest supporter?
My amazing PT stud of a husband.

14. Do you have a gym membership?
Yes, it's called signing your life over to the Army. One of the perks is access to FREE gyms!

15. How many hours of sleep do you get a night?
I usually get seven, but I try for eight or more.

16. Do you have a “cheat” day?
No, those don't work. It's a shock to your system and leads to bad habits. I try to live by the 80/20 method. I eat mostly healthy foods 80% of the time, and then allow myself small indulgences the other 20%. Much easier to manage.

17. Do you drink alcohol?
Most of the time no, but I have been imbibing more lately.

18. Do you have a workout buddy?
My hubby!

19. What is the best thing that has changed about your life since committing to a healthy lifestyle?
More energy and less stress. Or at least stress seems easier to manage.

20. What was the last healthy thing you did?
Other than go to the gym everyday and maintain a healthy lifestyle? 
I ran a new route around the neighborhood, which included running two hills up the Mesa- but by running, I mean jogging slowly.

If you made it to this point, thanks for listening to my rant, and a special thanks to these ladies for helping us all with our movivation: Mal Smile's, The Pink Growl, and Life Oceanside

Life isn't all rainbows and ponies, but that's what makes the good days so sweet.

The Good And Not-So-Bad Of Last Week!

Happy, happy Monday!

I know that sounds strange, but I had one very glorious day off yesterday and Will forbade me to do anything but relax. He also told me to quit working so much, so I even gave up one of my six shifts this week. I now realize that working excessively is NOT worth it, and I just can't hang like I used to. That and the fact that traveling, working in vastly different Colorado stores, and trying to keep up with everyday life is just too much. Thank goodness for my supportive husband that knows me better than I know myself.

Reasons why this last week rocked my socks:

#1 I got to hang out with this pretty lady for the week:

#2 My new job role is AMAZING.

Like seriously, my boss actually said, and I quote, "It's like you were meant for this job. In fact, you should take my job. You'd probably be better at it." BAM.

So what is it exactly? We are starting a new training program that we are creating from scratch at the same time. It makes it a little tough, but that's kind of why I love it. We are teaching the girls and learning ourselves in the process, and with zero materials or guidelines, we just inspire based off of what we know and love about Hooters. Most of the girls we are training are afraid of "corporate" coming in, but I'm proud to say that I received hugs from them every day and I actually cried when I left the store. In three days I became attached and felt so fulfilled.

#3 We got to celebrate Buck's Dirty 30 in Denver.

We had an amazing dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, and then hit up downtown for fun and games! I get really bored just sitting at a bar, so when I saw that the Viewhouse had party games set up, I was in heaven.

I just love us...Mid-night photoshoot using my new remote:

And this is what happens when Buck has the camera. 

Obviously, I was in good spirits.

#4 Will and I started having phone dates every night instead of just texting.

We tend to text a lot, but it's just not enough when we aren't going to see each other for a month. We decided that we need to actually talk on the phone, and it is amazing to hear his voice each night. Every little bit helps ;)

#5 My truck broke down.

I know this seems like a bad thing, but let me break it down for ya.

I actually had to work a night shift at the Kipling Hooters for the first time in YEARS {I'm a 'Day girl'}, so I had a drink after work with the managers. Yes, I drank two nights in a row. When we left, they waited until I got in my truck, and we all headed out. Well, until my truck wouldn't turn over. Thank goodness Chris didn't race off so I was able to catch him, and as we had no jumper cables {dumb on my part}, he took me to the hotel. The next day, my awesome roomie took me back and then my REGIONAL Manager didn't hesitate to help me fix it. It was actually a simple fix, and it just made me feel so good that they all jumped at the chance to help me. I felt so taken care of by people that I barely even know...Makes me tear up as I type this, actually.

I had to thank them, so I picked up a few little cards and this.

{Like my decorating skills?}

I posted that to Facebook as well, and the status read:

"Lesson for today kids: Keep your car battery terminals clean if you want your battery to actually power your vehicular device, and make sure to thank your rescuers with a personalized cookie cake."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So yeah...I am feeling pretty fulfilled after last week, and am happy that it helped the time fly by to get closer to wrapping my arms around Will. It also has me excited for what this week holds. I'm working in store through Wednesday and then off to Denver again Thursday. I will be training at our Parker Road store on Thursday, and then we have a Charity Golf Tournament on Friday. I originally wasn't going to work the Golf Tournament, but now they have asked me to sing the National Anthem, and by asked, I mean Volun-TOLD. I'm soooo nervous, and I don't know why. I mean, yes, I always have stage fright, but I'm feeling the pressure! How do I get myself into these things? Sheesh.

Well, I just got a knock on the door from the meter man. I guess we are getting some new "Smart Meter", and he will turn the power off for a couple. I'm taking that as my cue to go to work. Remember kids, Perception really IS Everything, and enjoy your Monday!

I'm Feeling Re-Inspired

Mal, Hallie, and Nikki have been having a motivational link up that I have partaken in, and this week we are getting extra inspirational by sharing what inspires us. I'm feeling all kinds'a inspired lately, so I went a bit farther.

Who:
Will is athletic by nature and a PT Stud {Physical Training}, and I hated losing time with him when he went to the gym on weekends. Post Deployment, I decided to jump right in and haven't looked back!
What:

The culprit was my slowing metablism.
Where:
I also think Colorado is inspiring, because the Altitude makes every day tasks harder. You will ALWAYS be out of breath after taking a few flights of stairs, but you see a difference in your body without even working out as it adjusts. If you add working out into the mix, it just makes it better.
When:
I'm working out six-seven days a week. I do take it easier two-three days a week, but I like to burn the extra calories everyday, and I ALWAYS want the high.
Why:

#1 Not having to feel guilty about what I eat (within moderation of course).
#2 Health and that feeling of being 'clean'.
#3 Sculpting my body to look how I never thought it could.

Example of #1: Blating with Sami this week! 

We went to  Benihana's for her first time, and we are going to Cheesecake tonight for dinner. Obviously = LOTS of motivation to work out.

You know what else inspires me?
This blog and YOU.

Recently, my posting went from five+ days a week to as low as one day, and y'all are still here. I lost some followers, but who needs puff followers anyways? I'm now getting into a more realistic habit of commenting that I hope will help me become more efficient and less stressed when I open my email to 300+ emails.

"Technology is a tool, not a learning outcome...we need to use it as a platform, creative outlet, free therapy. It's not the about numbers {unless you are or have a goal to make money} or a popularity contest."- Unknown

Maybe one day I will be a SAHW {SAHM's work harder than I do now, so props to ya}, and I will be able to put days on end into this blog, but until then...this is my haven and not my only obligation and/or job. I need to remind myself of that when I worry about whether to answer emails or go for a workout. My health, my husband, and my sanity come first, but you guys are next in my life line ;) This really is a learning process; a great way to learn multitasking and how to prioritize life. Don't ya think?

Paid-Cation!

I can't believe that I'm about to get paid to head up to Denver {one of my favorite cities in the US} to teach! Yes, I am teaching Hooterific 101 and not school curriculum, but if you can learn to be truly Hooterific, you can go anywhere as a female. It really is a science and definitely full of Psychology, problem solving, acting skills, and hospitality administration. I'm so used to training the newbies that only absorb about half the info, but now we have the chance to build on a real foundation. As you can tell, I'm pretty excited about it, even if it is just Hooters ;)

Although, you may be surprised to find that this is very out of my comfort zone. My true Introvert colors are showing, and I had anxiety like whoa yesterday. The training part is great, but heading up there without Will, having to leave Weiser at a sitter, and being in a new environment full of a bunch of girls that I don't know...It made me almost say no to the promotion initially. Luckily, my desire to challenge myself and try new things outweighed my anxiety, so here we GO.

It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all- in which case, YOU FAIL BY DEFAULT." 
J.K. Rowling

Will {unintentionally} did his part in keeping my mind off of it this weekend, though.
He consumed my mind with his shenanigans, hanging out with his old BFF Thomas. Not that I don't trust them, but I kept receiving pictures of copious shots... I don't trust Mr. Jack Daniel's; he's a manipulative fellow, as you know.

Thankfully, I can report that Will is back to school today, and I have spoken to him sober for the first time in two days. I swear, it's like he transports back to College days in Virginia. Glad he's having fun, I guess. 

Now it's time for ME to have fun, but fear not, I am still blogging this week. Wednesday is the reveal of the One Year Anniversary for The Messy Project, so be READY. I can't even explain how excited I am to share it, because I had so much fun styling it and learning about my camera. Just wait until you see the pictures. Eeek!

An OOTD And A Romantic Colorado Sunset

A little over a week ago, Will headed to Virginia for training :(

I was trying not to talk about it, because I do have a sort of stalker that is a little too interested in my life, but it's just toooooo hard to not tell all my besties, and by besties, I mean all of you.

** To anyone who thinks about trying anything, let me just warn you...I have a loaded Beretta within reach while at home, Will fashioned me a sweet waistband with a knife, and I'm not afraid to use either one. My husband does not play when it comes to ensuring my safety, so you should ensure yours and stay AWAY. Kthxbye**

We tried to have as much quality time as possible before he left, which is why we went out to dinner twice in one week. That means that I got to dress up twice for y'all for my lover ;)

Top JC Penny's (Similar) || Skirt Priceless (Similar) || Shoes Priceless (Similar)

I wasn't having the best hair day ever, but I was so excited about the shoes that I didn't care. Do you guys have a Rainbow or a Priceless near you? If so, check them out. I never dared to venture in until I ended up working right next to them, but now I LOVE getting accessories and finding random treasures. I think it made for the perfect outfit for a swanky Steakhouse Downtown with this hunk:

We had an amazing dinner, a wine tasting, and then there was a "surprise". Knowing Will, I knew that it could be absolutely anything, as he is always trying new things, so I left an open mind. Conversation in the car driving near Memorial Park:

Me: I think I heard there is a lake at this park, but I've yet to see it.

Will: There is a lake at this park, and that's where we are going.

Sneaky little thing...I was wondering why he made late dinner reservations, but it was so we would have time to witness this:

Le sigh...He's a keeper!

Oh, and yes, I did wear those heels aaaaall the way around the lake. Surprisingly, they were pretty comfortable, but new shoes = blisters. Owie.

At least we have already killed a week of our time apart. I miss you, lover.

I Got Naked!

But I'll get to that in a minute. Unfortunately, I can't talk about what I really want to talk about, so we are gonna take the easy way out and play Random Wednesday.

+ I caved. I bought a Naked Palette, and am absolutely loving it!
The Too Faced palette was lacking the intensity that I was looking for, but the Naked palettes are known for theirs. My goal was to find a palette that didn't have a lot of matte shades, it needed to have mauves/browns/golds, and would be versatile enough to cover all of my needs. I think I've reached my goal, and it even came with a double sided brush! Those suckers can run up to $30! I would have paid the $50 even without the brush, but that just made me feel even better about the purchase, as I planned on paying the extra money for a double sided brush already.

+ I'm realizing that I'm growing up...A few years ago I would have NEVER paid that amount of money for makeup. I'm still going to use my Covergirl for the rest, but my eye shadow will make up for it.

+ Our hotels are booked for our trip, and I even got a Military discount at the W for HALF OFF. I almost peed myself when the guy told me, and especially since I was about to shell out $300 for the room.

+ I have practically been on a popcorn diet. It's Gluten Free, you can get your fill without consuming too many calories, and these days, it comes in a million flavors. 

I want to make dis:

+ I've noticed that Pinterest has changed things up, so I'm having to relearn to do things. Like for the life of me, I could not figure out how to embed pins into a post with the new interface. Hopefully someone will write up a tutorial soon...Anyone?

+ Now that I'm not getting paid to be in a bikini, I do not have the same motivation as a few weeks ago. I am happy to say that I am still working out every day; I'm just not pushing myself as hard or eating as well. I guess you could say that I'm giving my body a little break.

I am still allowing Jillian Michaels to kick my booty, but I need to get back to running. I'm actually trying to get used to running indoors and outdoors, so that I can run on vacation. I know, I know, exercising on vacation sounds awful, but not to me. The thought of not exercising for ten days gives me palpitations. Just call me addicted.

This particular workout is the one that gave me abs. I totally recommend it if you are ready to get your butt kicked. It's not near as bad as Insanity, but it can and will give you the results you've been looking for. Even if I can't make it to the gym, I can't find and excuse to say no to Jillian.

Well, today is kinda my Monday, so it's past my bed time. It just better go by fast, because next week I get paid to go to Denver! Hello...mini workation.

Laters...

Allow Me To Brighten Your Monday...

You get to watch me make a fool of myself!

Didn't know I had that little secret talent, didya?

And in case you need to shield your eyes from the awesomeness, I'm selling these beauties:

I have far too many sunglasses, so I'll sell these for $50 OBO. I bought them for almost $200 in Aspen and they still retail for $130+. Lemme know if anyone loves Ray Ban's as much as I do!

I Need Your Travel Advice For CHI-Town!

You may have noticed my hint that we will be in Chicago soon, but in case you didn't, we will be visiting Virginia, Ohio, and Illinois, in the near future. I can't tell you when because I have at least one stalker out there that doesn't need to know our exact business, but comment if you are in the those areas and would like to meet up! I've already talked to Holly about rendezvousing, so come join us!

This will be my first time in Ohio and our first time in Chicago! What should we do while in Chicago? I know about the Coffee Bean and the Sky Deck, but I'm clueless as to anything else. Any and all suggestions would be awesome!

Has anyone ever purchased a Go Chicago Card? I feel like it's worth the money to have entry into all the main attractions, but I don't know how much we will actually be able to squeeze into two or three days. Are there any to-die-for restaurants or must do activities? Do tell ;)

Now I will leave you with a few pictures that I submitted for a contest. I stumbled upon said contest over on Samantha's blog, and thought that $1,000 and a chance to be in Military Spouse Magazine sounded fun. I don't actually think I will win since we don't have many good quality pictures in uniform, but I figured I might as well at least try.

They aren't near as good as Samantha's pictures, but they most certainly put a smile on my face! Well, everyone have an awesome weekend, and don't forget to share your tips for Chicago. I want to get this trip planned, because I am SO ready for a real vacation!

Somebody Is Trying To Steal Our Money!

I say "somebody" because it happens to be a department of the government, and I don't need them flagging me for airing their dirty laundry. Let's refer to them as the "Check Eaters". You know, the ones that take most of your pay before you even see your check?

Source: Uploaded by user via Janna on Pinterest

Now I accept the fact that they eat our checks. We elected all the fools that put us in this economic spot, so there is no way around it at this juncture. What I can't accept, is when the Check Eaters try to steal from soldiers and their families. Allow me to explain...

When a soldier deploys, the money that they make during their deployment is tax free as a little perk for putting their lives on the line. Fair enough? So we did our taxes this year, got a little money back and were happy as a lark. Then all of a sudden, the Check Eaters in Virginia (our home of residence) decided that we should be taxed on a portion of the money Will made while he was deployed. Now I could see this as a mistake if they tried to tax him on all of the income, but how does a trained Check Eater look at a soldiers W-2, see income that is non-taxable, and decide that he should pay taxes on a portion of that. He's all like, "For shits and giggles, let's see if these suckers will pay this."

Um...no.

So what did we do? We called and explained ourselves to Check Eaters that acted like they had never come across a situation like this. They had no clue that we shouldn't be taxed or so they said, made us send them his W-2 again, and said they would review it. Cue to a few weeks later and we got ANOTHER letter saying that we owed the money PLUS penalties.

Um...what?

We called AGAIN. This time, they searched their office for his W-2, and found that it had not been "reviewed" yet. So let's get this straight...

1) They don't know how to do their jobs.

2) They just tell people they owe random amounts of money.

3) They assess penalties when they are the ones that are too busy to review W-2's.

We are pretty sure that they are going to review it and we will be off the hook, but think about how many times the Check Eaters tell people they owe money after they have already filed, and how many people just pay it because they assume that a Government Agency would not try to screw you.

Moral of the story:
ALWAYS second guess it when someone tells you that you owe money after the fact. Especially when that someone is a "Check Eater". It could save you hundreds of dollars. You're welcome.

Apparently, We're Getting Old.

Well, I'd say 60% of us?
I mean, I know there are a LOT of bloggers that haven't even hit the drinking age yet, but I think we still outnumber them. Right? No judgement, teeny boppers. I love to see you playing the field, doing beer bongs, and giving you hangover tips, but I am VERY happy that social media was basically non-existent during my party phase.

Anywho, I saw this little list of "Signs That Your Almost 30", and was inspired to write my own. All of the following have happened to me in the past month or so {no joke}, and I just HAD to share in the hopes that I'm not the only one. I'm not, right...?

1) Your friends start tagging their children on Facebook when they are in trouble.

2. Everyone is running marathons, aka... everyone's metabolism is slowing down.

3. You don't want to pay exorbitant amounts of money to see artists in concert that you have already seen. Probably multiple times.

4. Every time you talk to someone younger, you shake your head and "When I was your age..." comes out before you can even stop it.

5. You watch old movies and realize that you are now older than all your favorite characters. The ones that you used to look "up" to.

6. When a loud band comes out, happy hour is over and it's bed time.

7. Your husband ends up with strange tan lines now that you are obsessed with skin protection. Yep, this totally happened recently. If only there were pictures...

8. You sign up for Equifax.

9. You realize that you are past the point where you thought you would be done popping out babies, you are kid free, and you don't even bat an eyelash.

10. You are about to go on vacation, and you look for deals because there is no way that you will be crashing on everyone's couch the whole time or staying in motel hell.

Source: stacyablephotography.zenfolio.com via Janna on Pinterest

We are TOTALLY staying there soon soon...EEEEEEK!

11. You are too old for the Juniors section, but too young for everything else.

Word to the wise...we are ALL too old for Hollister and Aeropostale.

12. Gluten free is your new motto.

13. The car radio is set to the Easy Listening station, so you have no clue who the artists are on the POP stations. If you can even call them artists...

14. You plan to run errands on the way to date night, so that you don't talk yourselves into having "Date Night In", instead.

15. You'd rather die than have a hangover.

16. Our parents were younger than we are now when they got pregnant, but somehow we turned out okay. However, 16 And Pregnant is still ridonkulous.

17. It takes longer to warm up than the actual work out.

18. You feel it's your duty to skool the children.

19. You only pack one pair of heels for a 10 day vacation, and you may not even wear them.

20. Someone brings their kids over, you can't figure out the Playstation trying to put on a DVD, and the five year old finally asks for the remote and does it for you.

21. You let a toddler play with your phone because it's locked, and the next thing you know, the kid is calling China. I can't even put the code in right myself! WTF?

22. If you have to go out, then you demand to barhop because sitting at one club is way too boring. Been there, done that, steer clear of the creepers.

23. A trip to the grocery store takes twice as long because you actually read the labels and you have to organize your coupons before you hit the register.

24. Your best friend tags you with stuff like this on Pinterest:

Source: nickmom.com via Dani on Pinterest

We even dedicate boards to each other. We are special.

25. Movies like Dark Night give you heart palpitations and bad dreams.

26. You carry a water bottle with you everywhere. Especially while imbibing.

27. Finding Kale Chips on sale is the highlight of your day.

28. And the realization that Whole Foods and Organics are really worth the money.

29. Your husband that used to overdraft his account on the regular, warns you that the checking account is "low" when the balance drops below $1,000. I've taught you well, babe!

30. Everyone on your Friends List has reposted the link to the 30 Signs You're Almost 30.

Am I right or am I right?

A Date Night Where We Actually Left The House...

I hope everyone had a safe 4th and enjoyed the long weekend, as we certainly did! I'm not going to bore you with all of it, but I have to share date night and a new restaurant we tried. I guess I should mention that I was a little homesick on the 4th, but looking forward to the Cajun cuisine pepped me right up. I don't believe I've ever told you, but my mother is from Louisiana. As such, I basically think that my veins are filled with Blackened seasoning. 

I can put it on anythang.

True to form, it was a rainy afternoon because we decided to run a few errands before our reservation, but hallelujah the clouds parted when we reached Springs Orleans.

Once we had ordered, I tried to capture a romantic moment, but you know how that goes...

And oh boy, oh BOY!

We ordered Disco Fries {smothered in mozzarella and gravy}, Calamari, a Crawfish Poboy, Crawfish Etouffee, and of course...Beignets for dessert. Lemme tell ya, it cured my homesick right up, and I won't even blame it on "emotional eating". No excuses here. Just deliciousness.

Well, that and this guy. He always puts my heart in the right place.

In case anyone is wondering, the dress was from Old Navy, but like three years ago. I'm just happy I finally got to rip the tags off! Hence why a spending freeze is necessary, and I've realized that I need to utilize what I already have. Are there any fashion/closet challenges going on? I think it's about time I try one of those.

I Popped My Ulta Cherry

I could have worked yesterday, but I figured that a fun day was worth more than the couple dolla's I would have made on a Tuesday lunch shift. I also knew that hanging with my girl Amanda {Aunt Amanda according to Weiser}, would be full of laughs and crazy Southern 'tude.

There was shopping, a grub fest, more shopping, ice cream, and I had my first Ulta experience! I know, I know, I am so far behind the times, but I have always been happy with my Covergirl eye shadow and mascara. I figured if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

So what changed?
Card.com sent me a FREE card to try out. I was skeptical at first, but they are legit, they are good for people that can't have or don't want a real credit card, they work great for direct deposit, merchants treat it like a real CC, and most importantly- your credit doesn't take a hit when you sign up. I used it to by this beautiful set, and I felt like I won the lottery!

Thank you to everyone that responded via text, Twitter, and email about whether I should go with Too Faced or Urban Decay. I heard equal thoughts about both, which just made my decision harder, and then Megan made it even worse by telling me about The Nude 'Tude palette that she uses. I was actually ready to order that one offline when I got home, but I found the Too Faced palette at the PX on post for $6 cheaper than anywhere else! I took it as a sign and raced home with my new BFF. I still think I want to get the Nude 'Tude palette, but my birthday and Christmas are in the next six months, so I can wait.

*Ahem William Bogert.

Anywho, I will be playing with my new BFF a lot in the near future, and I will share her awesomness soon. I LOVED how my eyes came out in the store, so I think that I will be satisfied.

Do you guys swear by a certain eye shadow?