My Scent...

Video: Directed by my husband, Nathan Phelps; Fragrance: Cashemere Mist by Donna Karan

What's yours?

Why I Have Forsaken Nail Varnish...

...because I spent Friday night applying 3 coats of polish and one coat of sealer, only to spend Saturday night lamenting the wasted effort.



*I don't really call it "varnish," but I love it when other's do!

The New 'Do...

Sportin' the hawk.  Now Nathan, Elon and I all have the same hairstyle :)

Thanks to my talented husband for the picture!

A Little Naughty...

I just got finished painting my toenails black.  A deep blue-black that I love.  It just reminded me that while visiting NC a few months ago, my mom looks at my nails aghast and asks, "Are you wearing BLACK nail polish!"  Umm, yes, yes I am... What in the world was that about and why is my older sister looking at me in horror?  And then I remember-- I am not allowed to wear BLACK or CHERRY RED nail polish!  Why?  Because black is for s*t*n worshippers and red is for harlots of course!  How funny that I forgot this unspoken "key" to nail polish colors :)  So today, despite my mother's best efforts to raise a good girl, I am being a little rebel and loving my trendy black toes!

Get Your Face On Party...

I thought this would be a fun one. Beth is hosting a before and after makeover party. I think makeovers are so fun that I decided to link up :)


Before: {my three year old took this candid photo}
Sometimes I even scare myself...

After (sorry I don't have a clearer picture):

Muuuch better!

And a happier but more grainy, me:

Cleanser and Moisturizer: Cetaphil

Foundation: Mary Kay Cream foundation (heavy coverage for the pictures)

Eyeliner: Mary Kay Black Eyeliner Crayon (winged out on the upper and smudged, smudged, smudged! I also lined my water line.)

Eyeshadow: Ulta Holiday Blockbuster kit-- skin tone color all over, silver in the crease, black in the outer "v" and along the lower lashes

Mascara: Maybelline Stilleto lots and lots of mascara

Eyelashes curled

Cheeks: Loreal HIP creme blush rubbed onto the apples of my cheeks

Contour: {for photos} a brown eyeshadow brushed lightly in the area below the cheekbone to create definition

Lips: Dollar Tree cheapo nude liner over entire lip, clear loreal gloss on top

This is more makeup than I normally wear but I was preparing for a photoshoot wear my husband wanted a dark {I call it my "drugged out look} theme. If you'd like to see the short video that my husband was using this picture for, click on the photo below. Be sure to turn up your speakers!

New Shoes On The Block...

After yesterday's "heavy post," it's nice to get back to the shallow things in life--hee-hee! Anyway, Mervyn's is going out of business and I got these shoes with birthday money my mom sent. Can you see a pregnant woman with a huge basketball-belly perched atop these babies! Last time I had to see a chiropracter because I insisted on wearing heels!

What I Wore Sunday...

This Sunday made me realize that this was the first time I have worn the same thing to two Sunday services since I got to AZ 6 months ago. Which made me realize two things:

1. I have a love for dress clothes. The phrase, "All dressed up with no place to go," comes to mind!
2. I do, at least, wear the clothes that I buy!

BCBG Dress $1- Yardsale
Necklace- $1 Yardsale
Faux Patent Leather Heels- $5-10 Charlotte Russe
Total- Between $7-$12

What I Wore Sunday...

Wrap Dress: Anny Taylor via Ross $8.99
Elon's Tee: Next via Goodwill $1.00
Jean Shorts: Old Navy via Yardsale: .50
Black Tennis Shoes: Yardsale .75

Patent Leather Shoes: Goodwill $5.99

Total for both outfits: $17.23

Love That You Tube!

I have just spent way too much time watching Emily's videos on youtube. If you have time, check her out. Love the way she glamourizes her brown eyes!

Future Paintballer

I love Elon's shaggy hair. He is my BABY and when he wakes up in the morning all sleepy eyed and puffy haired, I just melt.

I've been letting his hair grow out for some time, in the hopes that I could acheive something preppy-shabby-oh-so-cool like this...



But then I realized this style only works when you dress your children like little models... hmmm, most of the time Elon has drool running down his chin and popsicle stains on his muscle shirt. Instead of preppy, he looked neglected.

And here, at the salon, popsicle stains everywhere! BTW, this was my attempt at slicking his hair down :}



First we took him to Great Clips-- which was, not so great. In no way did they do what I asked. Waste-of-money, cheap, but even cheap was still-- waste of money. Elon looks scared.

Doesn't this guy look mean. He gave Elon a typical little bland boy cut. Yuck!

We left there dissappointed and decided to take matters into our own hands. And with a pair of dull scissors and a beard trimmer we achieved this...

Perfect for our future paintballer!

Favorite Nail Polish

Since I've been doing some beauty posts lately, I thought I'd add to those by posting a few of my favorite beauty products. This NYC #217 nail polish costs a little less that $2 at Wal-Mart. It is a nice neutral semi-sheer color {more sheer than you can see in this dark picture}, a lot like the pink that manicurists use for french manicures. I like it because it gives a polished look to my hands and is cheap, easy to apply {due to the light color}, and gives my nails a pretty- yet subtle look. I think it would look good on any skin tone.

My Five Minute Face

Before: {My ex-con, small children run from me look}

After-- Better: {Not the greatest picture, but at least I won't scare anyone}:

Much Better: Five Minute Face plus the 20 second Carmindy Smokey Eye look:

Marie's Five Minute Face Makeover

Well, here it is. It is a little over five minutes because I kept disappearing to get Elon out of the kitchen. He knew we were occupied so it was a great opportunity to tear out all the contents of Marie's pantry. Also, ignore his background slams, bams, and gibberish.

Because of the lighting, you can't see everything, such as her highlights and blush. I think I may take a before and after picture of Marie later so that you can see the details. Enough preface and excuses, enjoy.

Good Night...

Ok, I tried to post the video of Marie three times today and I couldn't get it. It was taking forever! I need to go to bed so I'll post it on Friday. Good Night!

5 Minute Face...

I've been reading Carmindy's Five Minute Face and was able to secure Marie as a model for my experimenting! It is a super easy makeup routine, even for those who don't normally indulge. {My opinion-- everyone needs at least a bit of makeup.} I did a makeover video of her that I'll post tomorrow night. Also, Lisa's sister, Kris, posted a video of Carmindy doing a short demonstation of the 5 minute face technique. Although I'm no Carmindy, my model is much prettier. Now, off to bed-- I have to get up at 5:30 in the morning!

The NEW Me...

Here it is! I really like it, unforunately, I can't get it to look the way the stylist did... isn't that always the case?

I thought it was really funny reading all of your comments... a fight with a weed wacker, huh? Hey, I did like those punk, choppy looks.... I guess they just didn't like me because my stylist didn't want to cut my hair that way. Now I'm glad she convinced me. Those hairstyles look like a lot of straightening, blowdrying, highlighting, goop... a lot of work in general. I pleased with the look she gave me.

A New Look for 2008...

The lady that I babysit for presented me with a gift card for her salon as a Christmas present this year... hmmm, think she's trying to tell me somethin'? Anyway, after hours of researching trendy celebrity hair on the internet, I came up with these pictures of cuts that I like:











So I'm curious, which do you think would suit me best? Cast your vote in the comments section and I'll be sure to update you with a picture of the one I chose.