June Progress Toward Goals

Well, hello there!  Hubby and I are fresh off a beautiful vacation to the islands of Turks and Caicos and getting back into the swing of life.  I highly recommend it if you're looking for a quick, easy get-a-way!  We had a direct flight from Atlanta, perfection.  I'll share more in another blog post about our trip.  

Another month down!  Here's how I did:


1.  Only buy the absolute necessary toiletries/cosmetics/etc

This goal should really have been more about using up what I have but I haven't been purchasing items sooo I guess it's working?? I don't think I bought any cosmetic type products in June that I can recall?!  Maybe just some Neutrogena make-up remover cloths for the trip which I'm loving. 

This month I used up:

• Sephora's brand lipstick in the shade "Star" S06.  I find a lot of the colors to be very similar but I like the way they wear - would repurchase the brand and probably this shade in the future.  
• Stila eyeliner in Bluefin.  When I first started using this brand, I really liked it.  Mainly because they are roll-up eye liners.  I'm not so sure I'll continue to wear this liner though - doesn't seem to go on as easy as Urban Decay pencils, for example, and the color isn't as bold as I like.
• Smashbox Hyperlash Mascara in Black - I thought this mascara was fine - no preference for it either way.  I got it for free in a Sephora gift set.  

 

 2.  No more magazine subscriptions (unless they are free).  My goal is to finish reading the backlog of magazines in the living room and then start on my actual book collection!  My goal is 1-2 books per month.  

I have a confession.  Or should I say... my name is Ashley and I have a confession.   I discovered Audible and I am in LOVE.  I didn't think I would be one to EVER like audio books but I had an offer for a free download and used it for the Fault in Our Stars.  I listened to the whole book basically in one day while scrapbooking, cleaning, getting ready, etc.  Obsessed with how easy it was to follow along, back up, etc.  Then, I went on to download Bossy Pants by Tiny Fey - hysterical!!!  And THEN, I discovered, I could download books for free with my local library card WHAT!!  So, I listened to Blue Skies by Robyn Carr.  I'm unstoppable now!  I will say, there are some downsides - to Audible, it's kinda pricey.  To the library downloads, very limited books that I actually want to spend the time listening too.  Still, a very awesome alternative to watching tv while scrapbooking, etc.  Plus, great option to have while flying so I don't get motion sickness from flying. 

So, that brings my total to 3 audiobooks, 3 traditional books and 7 magazines for the month.  Yes, still loving me some Mary Higgins Clark!  Where Are you Now? was one of the best ones yet. 

         

 3.  At least one blog entry a week.  
Hmmm I did 2 in May.. that's like half the goal??  I have so many great ideas for posts.. just need time!

4.  Use the elliptical that's literally just  accumulating spider webs in the basement -- get in 20-30 minutes a day on the elliptical and walk Henderson 1-2 times  a week.

January - 56.53 miles 

February - 64.57 miles 

March - 62.27 miles

April - 46.23 miles

May - 68.84 miles 

June - 61.61. miles

 

5.  Less eating out at work.  My goal is to only eat out 2-3 times a week.  

Feel like I'm doing okay with this one - wasn't too great the last 2 weeks with being out of town and not having groceries but I'm back on the bandwagon now!

 

 6.  Since I beat my scrapbook page goal for 2013, I think I am going to go with ... 300 pages for 2014.   

I completed 49 pages in June!  Even though it's July, I'm going to throw out there that I finally finished 2010!!! I'm up to February 2011 now -- 2011 is going to be a beast - moved, 2 significant deaths in the family, San Diego and NYC trips, lots of family trips to TN with pics, Michigan, two big family weddings, holidays and more!  Overwhelmed just thinking about it.  The next several weekends are booked so scrapbooking time will be limited too.

 

How's everyone's goals going?  On track?  Keeping yourselves motivated??   

Favorite Things: Day 3 - Beauty

Today’s favorite things are going to be beauty products.  Somehow, I went 25 years of my life without ever going into a Sephora or Ulta.  I mean how is that possible?!  I have spent waaaay too much money in both of these stores since discovering them, I’ll tell you that!  I think I’m even a “VIB” at Sephora now!  It’s like a candy store, so much to look at, touch, smell, try on, love love love it!

Some of my recommended purchases:


Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion – my eye make-up stays put ALL day with this product. I just add a little to my eye lid before putting on any eye make-up and viola, it stays put for 15+ hours. One little tube lasts forever too. 

Urban Decay Lash Primer Potion - I've tried a few different primers over the years and this is my favorite. It has a nice thick brush and gives my lashes that perfect "boost" -- only negative to this product is that every Sephora and Utla I've been too this year has been sold out every time -- except the ONE time I found it!  Very in demand product apparently. 

My last eye make up recommendation for 2012 is the L'Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow.  I'm not one to typically buy drug store make up but I saw these when I was on a business trip and bought one on a whim.  I think the first one I bought was "Eternal Black" and what drew me to it was the hint of glitter.  This eye shadow is the BOMB.    I bought a second one -- pictured here -- in Midnight Blue and love it just as much.  It stays on all day (thanks especially to the above mentioned Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion) and I get so many compliments about the color!  The blue really compliments my blue eyes nicely.  For the $6.97 price, you can't beat this eye shadow. 

Another discovery made at Sephora this year was the Make Up For Ever line.  I really like their foundation and primer.  I have both the liquid foundation and the compact and change it up almost daily which one I wear.  I wore the compact a lot this summer because it's quicker to apply but I've found that either format lasts all day and gives me a good base.  Semi-pricey but both last a while and I'm willing to pay more for a good foundation (don't want to look orange, hate when some foundations give you a ghost look in pictures because of the pigment, don't want make up to come off on my phones or fingers when I touch my face, stay on all day, no creasing, etc). 

 

A fun purchase I made at Ulta was this baby cakes baked blush palette.  It has 4 shades and comes with a brush (that I don't use).  I like mixing all 4 colors for daily wear.  I've found the 2 on the left side are more "pink" and the 2 on the right are a good bronzer so mixed together it's the perfect shade for me.  Plus, it has a little sheen to it for the perfect glow. 

 

 

When Jen visited and we had our mini- MAC make over, I tried out their MAC Mineralize Concealor and really liked it.  I ended up purchasing it that day ($20 I think) and have used it daily since then.  You apply this concealer over your foundation and then blend with a foundation brush and then it basically somehow "matches" your skintone perfectly.  I use it under my eyes and on any problem areas and have been really pleased with it.  

 

 

 

 

Brown Sugar & Fig Bath & Body Works Shower Gel & Lotion – I think I love this set because it smells like my favorite Scentsy scent (French Kiss) that was discontinued.  I found this scent in the fall at the store and got worried because I thought it was only a seasonal product.  Come to find out, the outlets have it year round and there’s an outlet about an hour from me.  Score.

I'm always on the hunt for my new favorite shampoo/conditioner and styling products but don't have any that I feel like I really loved for 2012.  I do have a large basket under the sink of products I was hoping I would love... but none that I can't live without.  Maybe I'll have some for 2013. 

What were your favorite beauty products for 2012?  Anyone else in love with Sephora??