January Mini-Resolution Results

I'm back with a quick update on my January Mini-Resolutions.

1. Drink more water. While this resolution was a success, it is one I need to continue to work on and stick with. I keep a glass of water on my desk at all times which has allowed me to incorporate a lot more water throughout the day, but don't let me trick you, I still love coffee and diet coke ;) 
2. Make time for pleasure reading. I have had a hard time with this one, but not for lack of trying. Usually by the time I am home from work my eyes are so tired from the day, reading is the last thing I want to do. However, I've found that reading a 10 or so pages before bed is a nice way to end the night and calm my mind before turning out the lights. 
3. More blogging! This resolution needs some help. I wrote whopping three blog posts this month. (Four if you count this one) A poor showing on my part. However, as I type this I have two drafts saved for publishing and lots of ideas for future posts bouncing around in my head. So all in all, things are looking up for mini-resolution number three....right as the month is up.

I plan to continue working on these resolutions and building on them as I go. Life, such a work in progress. xx

Writing, Currently

       This little journal was a Christmas gift from my momma, and I am utterly obsessed with it!  The journal has space to write a short response to the provided prompt each day of the year for five years. I love this idea for a few reasons: there is very little commitment involved in the journaling process and this layout allows the writer to see what he or she was thinking and feeling in years past. I adore the idea of a journal, but have found over the years that my consistency with writing in one is mediocre at best. This way I get the best of both worlds.

Yesterday's prompt.

Make-up, Currently

I am by no means a make-up guru, but I have found some pretty great products over the last few months that I'd like to share with you. First up: BB Cream.


BB Creams are all the rage, but until I found this one I wasn't really getting why everyone loved them. Now I do. I use Garnier's BB Cream in Light/Medium. The formula is light but creamy so it goes on smooth with a bit of coverage. I love that it gives my face a nice glow without looking like I have on a bunch of make-up. No cakey face here!

I've found this to be the perfect grab-and-go cream if you only have a few minutes to spare before running out the door. However, it is the also a cream that works well when layered with a concealer and powder for a more polished look. I have been wearing this religiously since I found it in August and am getting near needing to purchase a second tube. I will certainly be picking this one up again, but I'd love to hear what you all are using! 

2013: a year of mini-resolutions

Resolutions, I make and break them every year. I've decided to change that pattern by trying out something new in 2013, mini-resolutions. Each month I will make a few small resolutions to stick to and then build on in the months to come.

January 2013

1. Drink more water. I am a diet coke and coffee addict. While I don't plan on giving either of my favorite beverages up, I do plan on cutting back on both and getting more (much needed) H2O.
2. Make time for pleasure reading. Prior to law school I was an avid pleasure reader. During law school I had zero time to read for fun, and when I did have time the absolute last thing I wanted to do was more reading. Now that I have graduated and have homework free evenings I have the time to read, but I rarely use it for such. I have a pile of books next to my bed begging to be read and I am going to dive in head first, starting with the 4th book of the amazing Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. 
3. More blogging! I have been a nonexistent blogger over the last few months and I desperately want to change that. I miss connecting with others via my personal corner of the internet and I miss keeping such an easily accessible record of my daily life.




Here's to 2013, may it be your best year yet! xx  

My Home Among The Hills

Jennifer Garner showing some WV love.

Alastor

I found this sweet little guy a few weeks ago stuck up under an SUV in a parking lot. After crawling around on the ground like a crazy (cat) lady to coax him out of his dangerous hiding spot, I discovered that I had a tiny, hungry, and dirty kitten on my hands. I took him to the vet straightaway and learned that despite being all alone in a parking lot at only 4 weeks old, he was pretty healthy. He weighed in at 1.3 pounds, and after a nice bath (or two) and some food he was good as new.  He is sweet, curious, and loves to help me study (aka nap while I read outlines and do practice questions).

He gets his namesake from Alastor "Mad Eye" Moody of Harry Potter fame. Where Mad Eye has a peg leg, my kitten has (what I have deemed) a peg tail. The seemed fitting considering my other cat is named after one of my favorite Harry Potter characters, Luna.

Girls Weekend: Vegas Edition

This time next week I will be celebrating life with two of my best girlfriends in Vegas. I can't wait!

We will be spending the weekend at the Flamingo Las Vegas. We got an amazing deal on a room, which makes the stay just that much sweeter. I am so looking forward to days by the pool with a cocktail in my hand, laughs, dancing all night, and (best of all) catching up with my girls!! I'll be sure to give a full report of our trip when I return. Now, back to studying, the bar is only 4 days away ya know!

 

e.l.f. lotion wipes

 

These are a current favorite in my beauty routine--e.l.f lotion wipes. I purchased a pack of these a couple weeks ago and fell in love with them at first use. In fact, I quickly thereafter placed an order for four more packs! 

Each wipe has enough lotion on it to moisturize your whole body. The main reason I love them and know I will continue to purchase them is because they are quick and easy to use. The wipe allows the perfect distribution of moisture while also offering a quick dry time. The lotion is not sticky and your skin feels instantly softer. Also, they are great for use on the go because there is no chance of these spilling in your purse or suitcase. 

The shea butter scent is delicious--light and slightly sweet, not overwhelming. There are six scents to choose from, so there is something for everyone. Best part is, each pack is only $3 so they are also easy on the wallet. I only wish they were carried in stores, but we can't have it all can we??

Firecracker Cookes

I am about to impart on you some invaluable knowledge. The following recipe is equal parts easy and delicious. It is so easy that I decided to make these cookies at approximately 3PM today and have already accomplished that goal and then some before I head to a barbeque tonight.

This recipe is slightly adapted from this one that I found on Pinterest.

Ingredients
1 18.25oz Box  Classic Yellow cake mix
{I chose Pillsbury Moist Supreme because it boasts to have pudding in the mix for extra moistness}
1 tsp. baking powder
2 eggs
{I used 1/3 cup eggbeaters egg whites to make it slightly lighter}
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup pure vegetable oil
1/2 cup sprinkles
{This is an estimate, I just added sprinkles until the cookies looked how I wanted them} 

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Combine cake mix and baking powder
3. Combine wet ingredients 
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix thoroughly
5. Mix in sprinkles
6. Spoon onto greased or parchment lined cookie sheet, leaving room for growth. I fit about 8 to a large cookie sheet.
7. Bake for 10 minutes
8. Let cool
9. ENJOY!

The cookies will seem way too soft when you take them out of the oven--but trust me, they will harden just enough while cooling. These are an amazing cake-like cookie that is soft and chewy with a hint of crunchiness from the sprinkles. These may just be my new go-to dessert!

How To French Braid Your Own Hair

I have always wanted to learn to french braid my own hair. Despite the numerous videos I watched or diagrams I read over the years, I have never been able to accomplish this task. Until yesterday. Yesterday, during a study break, I stumbled upon this video  and something clicked. I am now obsessed with french braiding my hair, and have done so successfully 3 times in the last two days. Happy braiding.