My Week in Instagram

I kind of like this little weekly recap via Instagram photos. If you have Instagram, my username is startactingmyage (naturally). Don't have Instagram? That's ok! You can follow my feed on the web here: http://followgram.me/startactingmyage. Or, you can just check back on Sunday's to see what I was up to this week. If that's not enough, I suppose you could become a stalker. But please, do us both a favor and don't.

Here is what I was up to this week:

Made some good ol' fashioned mac and cheese after a particularly long day and it was the most delicious thing ever.

I never get tired of writing my name on the board! But I do get tired of explaining how to say my name 24 times, so now I'm abbreviating it for the kiddos :)

Took a half day to take care of some things, such as an oil change. While I waited I spent some quality time with my friend my planner.

Another delicious meal. Grilled ham and cheese, strawberries, and chocolate milk. I hear chocolate milk is a good thing for your body to drink after a workout.

Yeah, I don't know why I took so many pictures of my meals this week. Maybe I was feeling proud I actually cooked. If you consider mac and cheese and grilled ham and cheese cooking? Ok, so I suck. Maybe I can redeem myself with my chicken, rice, corn concoction with a side of garlic bread?

And here are a few snapshots from Friday night. I don't know this small mustached man, but in the middle of "American Pie" he got up on our table and went on a rant about Rick Santorum, which prompted me to tell him after his performance that he was "my kind of people." I need to hang out in the East Village more often.

And here is Kevin serenading our roommate Brian with "All or Nothing" from O-Town to end the night. I did take a video of this performance but Kevin has forbid me to post it. You'll just have to use your imagination.

And our cab ride home. I thought for a minute this speedometer was telling the truth, that we were in fact going 100 MPH. However, I soon realized it was thankfully broken. I had a heart to heart with the cab driver about faulty dashboard readings and told him the story of my running-out-of-gas tragedy. We're having lunch next Thursday. Just kidding. But we should.

Again, if you have Instagram my username is startactingmyage. I would love to get to know my readers more, so be sure to leave your username as well! I'm kind of addicted to Instagram. If you aren't on the iPhone train, that's ok. You can view my feed here: http://followgram.me/startactingmyage

There you have it. 'Twas another fantastic week. And a bit of good news to share with you all, I was offered a long term sub job AND will be nannying for the same kiddos I nannied for last summer! All that news came to me in the same day. I will be the guidance counselor/reading teacher for the last two months of the year! I couldn't imagine a more perfect job for me. And of course I'm overjoyed to be spending another summer with Miss Peyton and Miss Haley! Polly Pockets, the swimming pool, the science center...it's all calling my name!

Make it a good week, folks!

Thrifting!

Hey guys! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I had a relaxing yet productive and exciting weekend. I ate lunch with my dear friend Stephanie who was in town for a bit. It's always great catching up with friends you haven't seen in so long. I had nearly every class in college with Steph so it was nice to catch up with her. Thanks, Steph!! :)

This afternoon Kevin and I spent a couple hours perusing a new antique store. It was a GIANT antique store (for those in the area, it's called The Brass Armadillo) with lots of vendors and a wide assortment of goodies. I brought a few treasures home with me, and found many others that I would have LOVED to purchase if I had a bigger home.

Here are the items that didn't make it home with me...today:

A very cool feather hat that would have made awesome wall decor in a closet or bathroom

So many cool *overpriced* handkerchiefs in this basket

Words cannot describe how much I loved this lamp! However, I wasn't willing to pay what the price tag was asking.

I loved these colorful pastel dishes. Maybe someday.

I really loved this radio! It was bright teal and worked! I even had Kevin thinking it was cool. But the $28 price tag scared me away. I was on the hunt for some DEALS!

A very pretty serving plate!

I was looking all over for canisters for flour, sugar, etc. and this one ALMOST made the cut. I had plans on purchasing it but after walking around and coming back, I changed my mind. I still may go back and get it someday. Four sturdy canisters and matching salt and pepper shaker for $25. Did I make a mistake passing it up?

I really liked this coat but Kevin said it looked ridiculous on me. I couldn't find a mirror anywhere so I had to take his opinion.

Alright so I didn't really have intentions to buy this dresser but I did love the colors on the drawers!

If I had a house and a full-time guaranteed job, I really would have considered buying this one. It's a refurbished corner cabinet for about $200.

Now that I have tortured myself again showing you things I didn't buy but wanted to, here is what I actually did bring home:

A pretty peach towel with some lovely embroidery for $2

Some very well priced ($1.50) vintage handkerchiefs for our wedding (use still to be determined!). The photo is a little dark, but the purple is very pretty with crochetted edges. The yellow is see through with tiny white polka dots. And, the blue one is a very pretty bright blue with a floral design. Anyone have any ideas of what I should use these gems I've been collecting for??

This might have been my favorite purchase of the day! I can NEVER find vintage jewelry I like but I love this turquoise necklace. For $1.50!

This was another favorite. I have been wanting to start collecting kitchy salt and pepper shakers but have had trouble finding a good set to start with (there are always HUNDREDS of salt and pepper shakers at antique stores). How much more perfect does it get than MASON JAR salt and pepper shakers?!

They are smaller than they appear in this picture, about 3 inches tall.

Kevin found lots of goodies, too, but nothing he "had" to have. When we purchase a home antiquing will be much more fun, and dangerous, for us. His man-cave will be well stocked with old beer signs.

Do any of you go to many thrift/antique stores? Anyone in Iowa have any recommendations? I always love finding new places to go. I also was looking forward to this post so I could spread the love of thrifting! There are so many AWESOME things out there and it's a great way to spend a few hours on the weekends.

Happy Birthday, Kev!

Today is Kevin's birthday! He is 25 on the 25th! He finished out his busy season yesterday so we went out with his coworkers to celebrate and had a blast. I have been giving Kevin a present a day. Today it was his "birthday cake", pickle wraps. I woke up early to make them and served them to him in bed. I think that earns me some fiancé points. Not sure what we'll be doing today but I'm just happy busy season is over and he won't be working any more Saturdays and long long nights!

Happy birthday, Honey! I love you very much.

Peas and Carrots Embroidery

Kevin's birthday is Saturday (his golden birthday, in fact! 25 on the 25th!) and I have been working on one of his gifts all week. I finished it last night and was too excited to wait till Saturday to give it to him and he was too impatient to wait.

I am so proud of this one! I didn't use a pattern, and I didn't pencil it in, it was completely free handed! 

I am especially proud of my cursive!

 

Hanging right by the where Kevin proposed to me! If you are wondering what the heck is the deal with the peas and carrots, read our engagement story here and more peas and carrots stuff here.

 To my surprise Kevin actually liked it a lot. I didn't think he'd care or appreciate embroidery but I think he liked the meaning behind it. It's one of my favorite crafts to date!

TOMORROW'S FRIDAY!!!!

What's In My Bag?

This theme has been floating around blogs for awhile now, and I always think it's interesting. Hopefully you think so, too!

I have two bags to go with both sides of my life. The first bag is my teacher bag that I take with me to school everyday. The second bag is my purse that I use when I'm beeboping around town or going on all those romantic dates Kevin takes me on. I want to start by saying everyone in my life hates this purse and thinks it's stupid. However, every single time I come across someone new, they LOVE it. I mean, who doesn't love a fox purse that comes equipped with ears, button eyes, and a floral print? I was very hesitant to buy this purse for the simple fact it had EARS. But (staying true to the meaning behind this blog) I am an 8 year old in a 23 year old's body and I knew I had to have it. And, I got it on sale at Target for $10! What do you think? Love it or hate it?

So... here's what's in my bag!

Sunnies: Forever 21, $5
iPhone: $50!!! (That never gets old!)--I'll be posting DIY cover ideas tomorrow!
Earbuds: I listen to music constantly
Lipstick: Freebie from Clinique (Thanks again, Grandma!) This is a 4 color palate with a brush. It's the perfect amount of matte and gloss
Wallet: Gift from my aunt for my 21st birthday... been using it ever since!
Chapstick: Damn wintery lips
Sub card: This is a "business" card I leave after all my sub jobs, a little self-promotion on my way to securing more sub jobs! I always carry one around with me, you never know who you're gonna meet!
Sharpie pen: My favorite kind of pen
Gum: You don't want janky breath!
ID badge: There are SO many stores that offer educator discounts! I always carry this with me just in case
Keys: Shows how few responsibilities I have... car, apartment, mailbox; Napoli keychain, bracelet from my little buddy Haley, and spreading that peace!

My second bag is also a favorite. I got it super on sale at Target for $4! It's big and it has lots of pockets. I also love the print on it.

Planner: I am OCD, I love crossing off items on my to-do list, and I love seeing all those sub jobs lined up!
Lunch box: Insulated from my mama! No school lunches for this lady.
iPhone: Oh, did you know I got it for $50? I'm sorry. That's the last time you'll hear that.
Camera: For taking pictures of great ideas I see in classrooms
Water bottle: I drink about 2 of these a day! I got to boot camp everyday and need to be well hydrated!
Wallet: Usually empty
Emergency books: A few of my favorites just in case I come to a class with no sub plans!
Bag o'Sharpies: I'm obsessed. See the DIY here.
Sub cards: More self-promotion. Secretaries, I'm coming for you!

There you have it. I feel like that was way too much information for a "What's In My Bag?" post but I'm ok with it. If you see me on the street, please don't mug me.

Color Run 2012

HOLY CRAP! I can't think of something I'd rather do than this. There are few things I love more than COLOR and I happen to very much enjoy participating in organized races. I am SO totally doing this. Read on if you want to know what the heck I'm babbling about...

The Color Run is a touring organized race that travels across the United States. No matter what part of the United States you are in, there is probably a run close to you. Not many traveling 'things' in general stop in Iowa, but luckily enough for us, we are bordered by three states with superior cities.

Living in Des Moines, I think I am probably closest to Kansas City. However, I do have best friends living in the Twin Cities and family living in Chicago. Maybe I'll run it 3 times!

The Color Run is a 5K race (about 3 miles). You start off with a white shirt and by the end of the race you are rainbowed from head to toe! I can't think of anything that I would love more. Each kilometer is a designated color, and in the end there is a gigantic color celebration. At first glance, I thought it was paint that was creating all the color. It's actually a natural and organic dust (I can't only assume it's magic fairy dust) that is edible (though not recommended) and perfectly safe!

Watching this video will make you want to run it. I promise.

Honestly, how much fun does this look???

I will be running this race in either Kansas City, Chicago, or the Twin Cities. Anyone want to run it with me??

Update: I signed up for the color run! I am running the Twin Cities race for sure, possibly Chicago! If you want to run, you can join my team! If you register by March 1st you get the lower rate of $30, prices go up after 3/1! If you are interested, leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail and I'll give you our team name. (Note: The only benefit of being on a "team" is the lower rate. You can certainly register individually. If you want on our team, you are not obligated to run with us for the whole race, though you are certainly welcome to! YAY COLOR RUN!

My Favorite Products

I have been wanting to do this post for a long time and I'm very excited I finally got a chance to do it! I'm a bit of a product junkie and am a sucker for a new goodie to stock in my bathroom. I spend a lot of time in the beauty aisles of Target and get really excited to try something new. I also get very excited when I see a product review on another blog! I thought you all might be interested in the products I use faithfully.

First up is the true inspiration behind this post: Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara. I am in love with this mascara. I repeat, I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS MASCARA. I have been using it since high school and have been faithful ever since. I have tried many different mascaras over the years, but have always faithfully returned to this orange beauty. It makes me lashes plump and long, it doesn't flake, the mascara stays off my eyelids, and it doesn't clump. The rubbery brush helps you control where you are applying the mascara and doesn't get it all over. I can usually always find this on sale, and it often comes in a two-pack, which is always a good deal. I can usually get it for $5 but I think it retails for $6 or $7 normally. If you love mascara, you WILL love this one.

Nexxus Humectrus is a close second for my favorite product. I use this product daily after I get out of the shower. I always have super static-y hair no matter the season, no matter if I air dry or blow dry. However, when I use this product my hair is NEVER static-y. It's a little pricey at first glance ($8-$10 depending on if it's on sale or if you get a tube or in this form). However, it will last you a LONG time. I use about a dime size amount everyday and that is all I need. Even if you don't have a static problem, a leave-in moisturizer for your hair is always a good thing.

This is a freebie I got from my grandma (she always gives me her free gifts when she purchases from Clinique. Thanks, grandma!) I have been using this for awhile and it has lasted. I always get super dry skin in the winter (gross, I know) but this moisturizer is amazing. When my freebie runs out I think I might splurge and buy a real bottle.

 This is my perfume of choice. It's called "Sexy Little Things NOIR" from Victoria's Secret. It's not overpowering but it does last me all day. It's light and florally and has lasted me a LONG time. I use it nearly everyday and have used not even half since LAST Christmas.

I love e.l.f. products! They are SUPER cheap but get the job done. I never use concealer or powder because I can't be bothered with it. However, I picked up concealer and powder from e.l.f. and I actually love it! I don't wear it all the time, but if I'm trying to look extra nice I will throw some on. These are very light but have great coverage and blend very well. I also love this blush/lip stick. I use it daily as a blush and I love the color. Everything in the photo below was $1 each! And that's standard price.

I always used the stick eyeliner until I discovered HIP from Sherri Dupree Bemis (you can see her video in my "Girly Stuff" link. I wear this everyday and I love it. It goes on easy and stays on all day, and doesn't flake. It's also a little pricy at first glance, $10, but it last a LONG time! I have been using it since last spring and have over half left. It does get a little cakey on the top and I have to scrape off the top layer once in a while. However, I would definitely recommend this eyeliner.

I am VERY picky about what toothpaste I use and this is my favorite by far. It's the only whitening toothpaste I have actually seen results from and it's the perfect amount of mint. I haven't gotten any cavities so I'm assuming it's doing it's job on that end, too :)

Last but not least, it's a requirement to have fun Band-Aids in stock. At the moment I am harboring Barbie band-aids in my cupboard. No matter the injury, child inspired band-aids will make it better :) I especially recommend Barbie band-aids because it makes your fiancés injuries much more humorous...for me anyway :)

There you have it! These are the products I love. I am always looking for new products, especially make-up products! If you have any recommendations, send them my way! I would love to try them out and turn them into another blog post.

Hope you enjoyed my favorites :) Happy Hump Day!