#2014BloggerChallenge - High End vs. High Street

Topic # 4 for the #2014BloggerChallenge is High End vs. High Street - Is High End ALWAYS better?

First off, let me clarify that I had NEVER heard of the term "High Street" and I assumed it meant "drug store" so  I asked the #2014BloggerChallenge group on Facebook about it and  I did come to learn that it is a UK term (the host of the challenge is in the UK and so are many of the participants). It was explained to me by the lovely, Rachel of All Natural Inspirations this way: "Here in the UK we never used to have 'malls' (or shopping centres as we call them) and all our shops were on the main street of the town or the 'high street' which is where the term comes from - and basically it is the equivalent to drug store but applies to all things, not just cosmetics. We use it for clothes, etc as well."

I do believe, in most cases "you get what you pay for" - however I do not think you MUST have the most expensive items  (designer labels) to have the best quality. 

Personally, I wear mostly moderately prices clothes (but I'm a HUGE sale shopper so I rarely don't ever pay full price or not use a coupon to reduce the price). I shop at Old Navy, Target and Bealls for the most often and once I get back down to my goal weight I'll be back in Express and NY & Co for the majority of my work clothes and "nicer" outfits.  I don't feel like I need to have $200 jeans and a  $1000 purse just for the designer name but I do always choose to spend a little more money on my handbag. I'm a Coach type of girl (which I buy at the outlets and it is never more than $150 for the type of bag I happen to like) and I noticed I can use the same Coach hand bag for MANY years, every day (I don't change out my bags often) and it'll stay in great shape. I know it's not a $1000 bag but it's certainly more than a purse at say Target. (not saying Target bags won't last, I just really love my Coach bags and will continue to purchase them unless their quality starts dropping). Whereas, I have friends who "must have" the labels and hear them complain that after a few months the leather is cracking, threads are coming out, they have holes in shirts after one washing, etc, so I'm not sold on designer items. I buy what I like and I tend to be a "cheap" person so I don't like to spend a lot of money on most types of items (i'd rather spend it on vacations!) but every once in a while I do splurge. One thing for sure that I don't go cheap on is my running shoes, you need a good quality shoe that is fit for YOUR type of foot. 

When it comes to make-up/beauty products, I am also not sold on the more expensive products. I've been getting both Birchbox and Ipsy for awhile now (links are back to my reviews on each of those that I have received) and have tried some pretty expensive, high-end beauty products. For the most part, I haven't been completely sold on ANY of them where I just HAD to go buy it after trying it. Although, I'm not really "in-to" beauty products so that might have something to do with it, so I haven't bought any of them again, but I am saving my Birchbox and ipsy Review Points for a few of my favorites. 

One of my good friends, Katie, blogs over at MakeUp Your Mind about beauty products. She's the complete opposite of me when it comes to this stuff and is super knowledgeable and open minded to all the different types of products out there. She has two GREAT posts that I want to share with you all:

Best High-End Beauty Investments 

and

Best Drugstore Buys 

In these two posts, she shares her favorites (regardless of price) and does a great comparison to prove High-End is NOT always better! If you look through her blog, she also has a bunch of other comparisons and reviews on all beauty products (My favorite is probably her post, Best & Worst of Drugstore Mascara, which is a comparison of a handful of drugstore mascara products. It has helped me to choose which one I plan to buy next when my current runs out!) I highly recommend you check out her beauty blog if you are into beauty products!

Well that concludes my post on High End vs. High Street, check back in 2 weeks for Topic # 5 of the #2014BloggerChallenge!

#2014BloggerChallenge - Books

Topic # 3 for the #2014BloggerChallenge is about books... either your most loved, or most hated. One you read yesterday or as a kid.

This is tough. I don't think I have a favorite book (or a most hated book). I LOVE to read. As you may recall, I read 5 books on our weeklong road trip in December. I just kept going. If books weren't so expensive, I'd probably even read more. I used to buy them used and sell them on half.ebay.com but ever since I started using my G's Kindle I spend a TON of money on books because I can't make the money back by selling them after the fact. I know you can borrow electronic copies from the public library and I really need to figure that out because lately I've been reading a lot again and it's adding up.

Anyways, getting off topic. Since I can't pick my favorite book, I'll talk about my two favorite authors and all of their books are on my "must read" list.

 

 Jodi Picoult  and Diane Chamberlain

In my opinion, they both have similar styles of writing; writing each chapter in first person from a different character's perspective and then switching between the characters to tell the story. I absolutely love that style of writing. Jodi Picoult's are usually more "controversial subject based" - where there really isn't necessarily an absolute right or wrong and the way she had the characters interact and the outcome almost always blows my mind. Diane Chamberlain's stories are usually more "love-story" based but always with a twist and usually some sort of "what would you do in this situation" question to be asked. Both keep me wanting to turn the pages and I can't put the books down! I've read MOST of their books published, and just started The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult.

 One of my favorites for each author are: 

My Sister's Keeper (Jodi Picoult) Anna is not sick, but she might as well be. By age thirteen, she has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her older sister, Kate, can somehow fight the leukemia that has plagued her since childhood. The product of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for Kate - a life and a role that she has never questioned… until now. 

Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to question who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of her sister - and so Anna makes a decision that for most would be unthinkable… a decision that will tear her family apart and have perhaps fatal consequences for the sister she loves. My Sister's Keeper examines what it means to be a good parent, a good sister, a good person. Is it morally correct to do whatever it takes to save a child's life… even if that means infringing upon the rights of another? Is it worth trying to discover who you really are, if that quest makes you like yourself less? (from the website description) ** This one was turned into a movie, the movie was good, but the ending was different. The book is always better than the movie, and this is NO exception! and according to Wikipedia there is a TV Series coming in 2015, I wonder if that is true*

Summer's Child (Diane Chamberlain) Early one morning, on the beach beside her North Carolina home, eleven-year-old Daria Cato receives an unbelievable gift from the sea–an abandoned newborn baby. When the infant’s identity cannot be uncovered, she is adopted by Daria’s loving family. But her silent secrets continue to haunt Daria and her family.

Now, twenty years later, Shelly has grown into an unusual, ethereal woman whom Daria continues to protect. But when Rory Taylor, a friend from Daria’s past and now a television producer, returns to do a story on the mystery of Shelly’s birth, something precarious shifts in the small village of Kill Devil Hills.

The more questions Rory asks, the more unsettled the tiny community becomes, as dark sins and closely guarded secrets begin to surface. Piece by piece, the mystery of summer’s child is being exposed, and it’s a mystery that no one involved is prepared to solve. (from the website synopsis)

Who are your favorite authors? What is your all time favorite book?

#2014BloggerChallenge - Skincare

Well the topic for the 2nd Post of the #2014BloggerChallenge is about skincare. It's kind of open ended, but to be honest I'm not that excited about posts about beauty, which to me skincare relates to. As much as I'd like to think I'm into it, I'm not. But the point of the challenge is to widen your horizons on your normal blogging topics so here goes. 

I don't really have a skincare routine. Should I have one? Probably. My routine consists of washing my face with either Neutrogena, Clean and Clear Daily Pore Cleanser (or Target version), or Noxzema, when I shower. I have all 3 in my shower and switch it up every few days. Although, my preferred of the three is the Clean and Clear, it's also the easiest of the three to travel with. That's it. I don't wash my face every morning or every night before bed. I don't worry about getting my makeup off my face before bed. I wash it while in the shower only. Sometimes I shower at night and sometimes it's in the morning, but that's when my face gets clean. I don't regularly moisturize, although lately I have been using my Purlisse moisturizer that came in a Birchbox, but not on a regular basis. Maybe a few times a week. I have noticed my face makeup looks way better (when I wear it) after I moisturize. If I put on face makeup, it's a mineral based powder, or if I'm trying to get really done up, I do use a liquid foundation first. This is rare. I hardly wear much more than mascara. 

As as a teen I had horrible acne. Luckily, after using Proactiv as a teen, I haven't had too many issues except once in a blue moon I'll get a period zit or two. In the summer, I do put on SPF (zinc oxide or a moisturizer that has SPF in it) often because I don't want my face to burn (yes, I know you can burn not in the summer as well, but I tend to be outdoors more in the summer). I'm also really bad about putting on lotion on my skin in general. My sister is obsessed with putting on lotion and puts on a ton after each shower. I'm the complete opposite and only put it on when I'm starting to appear ashy. My mom is a lotion person as well, although not as obsessed as my sister. I'm not sure where I became so nonchalant about it taking care of my skin and I'm sure in 10 years I'll regret all this when I really start aging.

So that's my routine, or lack there of. What about you? Do you have a real routine? What kind of products do you use? Am I crazy for not caring more about my skin?

#2014BloggerChallenge - New Years Inspiration

Just wanted to say thank you to Gaby @ Another Girly Blog for setting up the #2014BloggerChallenge. Twice a month, a group (like 400+) of us will be blogging on specific topics. Our first topic is "New Years Inspiration: share a quote or a picture that inspires you and you think will inspire others in the New Year." There are SO many great inspirational quotes and pictures but this one seemed fitting for New Year's Day. 

(via)

Remember, each day you wake up with the opportunity to make the CHOICE to make it good or bad. Try to find the positive in everything, even the bad things. Make the choice to make it a good year and you will have a wonderful story to tell. 

Happy 2014, only you can make it an amazing year, so do it!

Movies, Blogging Giveaways and Challenges, Fantasy Footall and Sick Babies - Random Wednesday

This is totally a post of a bunch of random things so it works out perfectly for a Random Wednesday link-up with Shanna!

• G and I went to see the Hunger Games: Catching Fire in iMAX last night. OMG AMAZING! Loved it! Granted I haven't read the book since before the 1st movie came out so I wasn't sitting there comparing the book to the movie the whole time since I don't exactly remember all of the book whereas I had JUST finished reading the books when I saw the first movie so I was constantly comparing the movie to the book and the book is always better (I've never NOT had that be the case). I'm sure that's the case with the 2nd as well but since I don't remember the book, I loved the movie! Oh yea, there was a preview (well more like a commercial before the real previews started) for Flowers in the Attic, the movie coming on Lifetime in January. I can't wait to see it. I loved those books when I was younger! All the rest of the previews sucked. I usually enjoy watching them to see what is coming out (even though I only go to the movies like twice a year and redbox everything lol) but not ONE of the movies intrigued me. That's what I get for seeing an action/special effects type movie - all the previews were for similar type movies and I have NO desire to see any of them. Give me chick flicks, romantic comedies, or dramas, you can keep the rest!

• Remember how I said in my Space Coast Recap that I was feeling ready for my half on Saturday, yea well, I lied. Initially I was feeling good, but the last day or so my "bad" foot (they are both "bad" but my right foot is all kinds of fused together and has had several surgeries so when I say "bad" I'm referring to that one. My left foot only had a bunionectomy and seems fine now, so it's still dubbed my "good" foot) has been hurting and if it stays hurting like it is, I will SO not be looking forward to it! Hopefully it'll clear up in the next 3 days!

• I've been entering a lot of blog giveaways lately (I never knew these existed before I started blogging a few months ago) and because most them require you to follow the giveaway sponsors' blogs, I am now following a bajillion blogs on blogloving, GFC, FB, and Twitter. I've come across a lot of really good ones that I enjoy reading on a regular basis. Which I really want to participate in one of those giveaways to get my name out there, does anyone know how? Well, I actually WON one of the giveaways. I was beginning to think no one actually won these things and it was just a way for them to get followers since I hardly ever heard about the winners, but it appears they contact the winners privately, at least that is what Jessica @ Here & Now did when I won). So I won this beautiful (and apparently popular in the celebrity fashion world - which I of course did not know lol) Dogeared Hugs & Kisses XO Sterling Silver Necklace  ($48.00 value!) from the Jeweler's Wife. I received it quickly after providing my address and it came in a nice box from the Jeweler's Wife.  Woohoo!

• I've entered the #2014BloggerChallenge. I can't recall where I first saw about this (see above and how I follow a bajillion blog now) but thought it would be a fun idea (and give me new topics, although I haven't yet had any trouble of things to blog about) From the host's blog: "The challenge is to write a blogpost twice a month about different topics. The #2014bloggerchallenge posts will go live during the 1st and the 3rd weeks of each month. Everyone who signs up will be sent an email with the post topics. The topic ideas are there to give you new ideas and encourage you to write about things you wouldn't normally write about." It's still open for entries through December 9th so go visit her blog if you are interested in joining. 

• Remember how I started playing Fantasy Football this year? Well it is the end of the "regular season" in my one (money) league and I'm inin 4th place (3rd in my division)!. Not too bad for a first timer! I have a chance of winning at least my money  back or even more if I do well in the playoffs. My record for that team "Bad News Beers" is 7-6. In my other (fun) league I have the same record with my team "Woo Girls" but am in 6th place (2nd in my division) and we have one more week to play before playoffs. I'd have to say I'm definitely enjoying playing but "care" more about winning in the money league (Obviously!). I think I'll continue to play next year. I've had a good experience with it, although I do need to learn more about the players (and watch more games) in regards to trades and additions and not just rely on other people's opinions and start forming my own. 

• EM has been sick for the past week and every time she gets a cold her eyes get super "gooky" (crusty/full of eye boogers) so daycare sends her home. This time is no exception. They always say they think it's pink eye and that she has to be out for at least 24 hours  (we took her to the DR the last two times and they reassured us both times it's just her way of getting out all the extra mucus since her face is so little but regardless we have to keep her home). So of course, she went back to daycare Monday (she hasn't been there since Wednesday of last week due to the Holiday) and her eyes were gooky and they called me around lunch time to pick her up. I explained to them that she always gets like this when she's sick but that I understand their concern and will come get her. They told me she could come back Tuesday if her eyes were clear. And of course, they weren't clear Tuesday morning so I kept her home with me again. Luckily, my company now allows telecommuting (on a non-reoccurring basis) for things that come up and this is the perfect opportunity to use it. I love working from home. I get so much MORE done without all the  office space distractions. Granted it takes me longer than the typical 9 hours to get 9 hours of work in since I obviously have to tend to EM as well but it's better than missing an entire day of work plus I don't have to commute!  EM plays so nicely down on the floor next to me while I work and took a long 2 hour nap. At this age, it's possible to get a full day in easily with her home. EM is acting more than fine and hopefully they won't send her home today after I drop her off.  BTW, EM is on a nebulizer  for her cough and that thing is pure torture, poor thing screams bloody murder every time we use it although when G does it he doesn't have to pin her arms down (to not rip off the mask) and she seems much calmer so he's now the one who administers the nebulizer. The two times I've seen him give it to her she barely cries and doesn't try to rip it off. Must be that Daddy touch! Hopefully we can discontinue using the torture device soon. Really hoping before our cruise on Sunday!

Little Girl BUSTED
was such a nice day out, had the door open and she threw her toys on the patio

Taking the Nebulizer like a champ for Daddy

Do you ever enter Blog Giveaways? Have you ever won? What? 

Do you play Fantasy Football? any pointers?