Sunday, October 28, 2012

Two Makeup Favorites

I figured that every once in a while I should share some products on my blog that I really love. After all, I love hearing about and trying new products of all kinds! Something I am really particular about, however, is what makeup I wear.

And, for good reason.

I have really sensitive skin. If I wear certain foundations or use certain lotions, I end up regretting it. I either get red patches or I start breaking out. On the other hand, I really like a good deal! I don't have tons of money that I can just go out and spend on makeup. So, if you are anything like me you appreciate things that are nice to your skin and aren't too harsh on the pocket book.

I want to mention and review two products today, and they are both ones that I love. The first one is Clinique's Even Better foundation.  


I know a lot of you are probably screaming, "Clinique? I thought you liked a good deal!" Well my friends, let me explain. This foundation is $27 and it lasts me on average almost an entire year. Every person is different on how they use their foundation, and with this one you don't need very much to cover the entire face. Each day I end up using a squirt about the size of a pea. This foundation is moderate coverage and has SPF 15. 

One reason that I absolutely love Clinique is because everything they make is really good for sensitive skin. They are hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic (won't clog pores), and they are fragrance free. This specific foundation is to help even out skin tone. I tend to get areas on my face that are a little more red than the rest of my face, and this helps to take care of that! It has a nice finish and it is for combination skin. I just can't say enough! Once you learn how to apply it well, you will love it!

{For many years before I tried this foundation I used Clinique's Superbalanced foundation. If you are looking for a more sheer coverage, it is a great option. I love them both.}

The second product that I want to mention is L'Oreal's True Match powder.

When they say true match, they mean it! I found a shade under the cooler colors that matches me perfectly. I apply it very lightly with a powder brush and it gives me a nice finish. This is especially nice when you only have a minute to touch-up and you need a quick go-to. I have also been really impressed with it because it doesn't seem to crease (which is always soo nice).

If you are looking to try a new powder, even if you use powder only, I would recommend at least giving this a shot.

I know finding a makeup that you really like can be hard to find. I figure sharing a good find is how we can help each other out. If you know of any must-haves, let me know!





Sunday, October 21, 2012

A Carefree Weekend

Carefree weekend? Doug and I haven't been able to have one of those in a long time.. and by long time I mean I don't even remember the last one. Not that this is always a bad thing, we are just two very busy people who always have something weighing in the back of our minds. You know that feeling when you are attempting to relax and do something fun but you know there is that "thing" you should really be taking care of? Which then results in you not quite enjoying yourself as much as you planned.

Well, this happens a lot when you are two very busy people.

However, this weekend was different! We honestly and truly had our first completely carefree weekend we have had in a long time. Doug didn't have any homework, no projects needing to be finished, no sickness plaguing the house, just freedom. So what did we do? We took advantage and had a ton of fun!

Saturday we woke up and hung out in our pj's for a couple of hours. We read, played games, and took our time getting ready. We then went to the USU vs. New Mexico football game! We had awesome seats and the weather was literally perfect (which quite added to the whole "awesome carefree weekend" factor). The game was awesome. USU kicked some serious booty and there was a lot of jumping up from our seats, screaming, and high-fiving going on. Doug even caught a shirt that the cheerleaders throw out! Also there was this darling little girl in front of us who would sleep until and music came on the BAM she would sit right up and dance. Of course as soon as the music stopped she would lay down and continue sleeping. Really, it was darling.

    
Happy and carefree at the game

We decided to leave a little bit early from the game in the 3rd quarter (since at that point we were winning 31-7) and move on with our day-long date. Let me tell ya, having a whole weekend to hang out with my hubby and not worry about other things getting done was good for the soul.

Anyway, we then went to the Pumpkin Walk that they hold every year in the Autumn. I had never been and Doug insisted this was something that I didn't want to miss. So off we went, and we even found good parking. The theme this year was "Let the Games Begin". There were so many cute booths! Since I can't put up all of the ones I loved, here is one that made me giggle:


Melman from Madagascar

Then of course they had little wood cut-outs at the end for this children to put their heads in and get their picture taken.. so we did. Aaannnnnddd we laughed hard.







After we had a good laugh at ourselves we went back to the car and there was a beautiful sunset. I love a good sunset, especially when the cloud make it look all the more majestic.


To end our fun-filled, cuddly, hand-holding, perfect weather, carefree day, we went ahead and caught up on the latest episode of this show. If you have not seen it before I highly recommend it.


I sure do love my husband and I am always so grateful for the time we can spend together. There is just something extra special about not having to worry about one little thing while with each other. Here is to hoping more of these days come along!

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Time Flies!

*Disclaimer* -- I am typing this on an iPhone, so if all the pictures end up out of order and clumped together… sorry!

May has come to an end? When did that happen? I truly can't believe how fast the time is going these days. We have sure been busy around the Ball home, so I will try to highlight some thoughts :) --

• Doug graduated! I couldn't be more proud of him. He has worked so hard to earn this degree. The official degree is Bachelor of Physics with a Math Minor. Woohoo!

• Remember how I wanted to do something different to my hair? I think I have narrowed it down. I want to cut it so it is just below my shoulders, and give the color a refresher. I'll try to attach pictures of examples I am thinking of.

• I found a new lipgloss that I LOVE! I have the hardest time finding lipgloss that I die for. It's Maybelline "Sandstone Shimmer."

• Kiwi snow cones are (once again) proving to be my absolute favorite treat!

• My little sister made choraliers at her Junior High! Yeah! Go sis!

• Puma is still as cute and furry as always.

• I can't wait for our trip to California! I am dying go with my family to Disneyland, AND to spend time with Lena and Jake!

• I went mountain biking with Doug for the first time. Man, I am out of shape! It's about time to whip myself into gear. It was SO fun even though it was tough. Doug is really good at it :)

• Last of all: one day I will be making these owl cupcakes. Good grief they are cute!

Sorry again of the pictures are nutty! Love you all!



Monday, April 16, 2012

Making Memories

So - it is official. I now have a new sister-in-law! 






Aren't they cute together? I am really happy for my brother. Going to their sealing was such a neat experience for Doug and I. The entire day reminded us a lot of our own wedding day (coming up on 3 years ago!). We wish them the best in their new life together.

Among other things, life is going well. This is one of those times where I intended to post a lot about other stuff as well, but it just isn't coming the way I thought it would. Oh well! I wanted to post a little bit about things I am finding out about my personal style. I guess that will have to wait until another post!

Monday, March 26, 2012

Yearning

I found this picture today of Doug and I at East Rock Park in Connecticut. (Which is right by Whitneyville) :) Our good friend Marvin took it for us with his nice camera one Sunday when we ran into him. This picture made me miss the greenery and I yearned to be there and show my family what we experienced. I want to start writing about our experiences we had last summer. It would take me months, but I can't let them be forgotten. Heavenly Father watched over us every step of the way.