I was wondering if after all these you'd like to meet... to go over everything.
Hey guys (and girls)! Welcome to my Blog!
Just wanted to apologize for not posting anything for near about a month now!
I have been so very sick for ALL of December so far and yep, you guessed it... my Christmas tree is still undecorated. I don't even know when im going to do it because... I'm still sick!
The good part is... I have Christmas gifts!
But that is it.
My Christmas spirit just isn't here yet, No worries though! I haven't forgotten you at all! I just haven't felt up to blogging after work or on my off days. Truthfully, we are lucky if I get out of bed.
Horror Story, I know!
Thank you guys for keeping in touch and asking if I am okay, I am so blessed to have such great readers! I am hoping to be back in the grove by the first of the year with all the blogs I have prepared!
Yep, you guessed it! I am late again, and I do apologize. It's been a very rough week! My dad went into the hospital late Sunday night and finally got some answers around 3 a.m. on Monday and was admitted to the hospital and I stayed up all night just to get a call from my mom asking if I could take my brother to the dentist that morning and I had to call to cancel my doctors appointment then was supposed to go to work but I called out because honestly I was exhausted and decided I was going to call out and sleep! Then Tuesday, I went to work and then went straight to the hospital to see my dad and stayed the night and ended up staying until Wednesday night because he got released and then I've had work on top of work. Needless to say its been hectic and i'm glad it is over!
Anyways...
and welcome to my blog!
So my post today was supposed to be on how I stay organized with a blog, a job, chores, a relationship and family, but I decided I didn't want to take on that task tonight. Don't worry though, it's coming!
So in the spare of the moment...
I decided id share my playlist with you guys!
I love reading these type of things because I always find songs I may have forgotten on my own playlist! Don't get me wrong though, my playlists changes ALOT! But, here's what's there for this day and time :)
She Looks so Perfect- 5 Seconds of Summer
Honey, I'm Good- Andy Grammer
Beauty and a Beat- Kurt Hugo Schneider
Blank Space- Taylor Swift
I Don't *Eff* with You- Big Sean
I Really, Really Like You- Carly Rae Jepsen
Ayo ft. Tyga- Chris Brown
Closer, Faster- Against the Current NY
How You Get the Girl- Taylor Swift
F16- Colette Carr
Cool For the Summer- Demi Lovato
Confident- Demi Lovato
All you had to do was Stay- Taylor Swift
On My Mind- Ellie Goulding
Irresistible- Fall Out Boy
Uma Thurman- Fall Out Boy
Worth It- Fifth Harmony
Love Myself- Hailee Steinfeld
Classic Man- Jidenna
What Do You Mean- Justin Bieber
Lil Bit- K Camp
Love Me Like You Mean It- Kelsea Ballerini
Yeah Boy- Kelsea Ballerini
Lace in Leather- Britney Spears
Black Magic- Little Mix
Mannequin- Britney Spears
Circus- Britney Spears
Nobody Love-Tori Kelly
Drag Me Down- One Direction
Out From Under- Britney Spears
Paralyzed- Against The Current NY
Photograph- Ed Sheeran
Fight Song- Rachel Platten
Hit the Quan- Rich Homie Quan
Break Up in a Small Town- Sam Hunt
House Party- Sam Hunt
Take Your Time- Sam Hunt
Brave- Sara Bareilles
Good for You- Selena Gomez
Same Old Love- Selena Gomez
Shattered Glass- Britney Spears
Stitches- Shawn Mendes
Talking Body- Tove Lo
Oh Nana- Trey Songz
The Hills- The Weekend
Your Biggest Mistake- Ellie Goulding
Hello- Adele
Focus- Ariana Grande
Sorry- Justin Bieber
And so you guys... there you have it! My playlist! Tons of repeat artists, lots of pop but also some country and rap as well! What's on yours?
and welcome to my blog! Another late post today, my days are all very off since Thursday with no clue why.
Having a lifestyle blog gives me the opportunity to share some stuff that is wonderful, and most of the time that's what I wore with, but it also allows me a chance to talk about some negative things... an insight on everyday struggles. Personally one of my everyday struggles is that I am basically allergic to the sun. Now, you'll find images and information all over the internet like this
and that's with a simple google search for "Sun Poisoning"
and it'll say how sun poisoning is a "severe case of a sunburn" and while this may be true- it is different for me and there are several other people who have the same experience.
My sun poising starts of as a small pimple looking thing that is incredibly painful and super itchy. It is always on my chin or nose and once the bump opens up it burns like fire and you know that this isn't a sunburn in the slightest. It feels as though the sun targets one area of your entire body to torment and it does just that. Okay, so it opens up... burns... and becomes horrendous (it looks like a scab of some sort) basically at this point your cells are trying to protect you and heal the area. Which is why this is developed into an scabby thing that everyone stares at and asks what happened or how did you fall (insert crying laughing emoji here). After living with this for years I've learned how to cope and deal with all of this and more. Through trail and error of course. And because you can't find any of this on the internet I thought I would share it just in case there is anyone who has it and hasnt found a cure for it yet!
Let me just give you the background of how we discovered I was allergic to the sun.
I used a really cheap CVS Sunscreen (SPF 80) at Band Camp (I know it should stay at band camp but... one exception) when I was 14 or 15 and developed bumps on my nose (those pimple looking things I talked about). We put Neosporin on it and aloe thinking it was from the sunburn. The next day, my eyes were swollen shut. We went to the doctor and they sent us to an eye doctor to make sure that the eye hadn't been affected- they were not, but both doctors said they thought it was shingles and that there was no other explanation. But the culture came back negative. So I was "Whatever, okay" about it, at least until it happened again. Back to the doctor I went and no answers just more medicine. Would you believe that my pharmacist told me what I had? It's true.
Okay so now that I have a diagnosis, what now? He told me Abreeva is the same stuff that was in the cream they use for shingles... which is good for the pain and healing. Echinacea would help too. It builds your immune system and it's a natural vitamin you take twice daily. Tylenol would help the pain.
Thank God for him! So that's my story- it was a lot shorter than I thought it would be but felt like months in reality.
First, if your gonna be in the sun for 15 minutes or more... use a GOOD sunscreen. Personally since I got sun poisoning I have to use Banana Boat for Kids SPF 110+ or Australian Gold for Kids SPF 110+ and I settle for nothing less that SPF 100+ in a name brand for kids. I know they say it doesn't matter after SPF 50+ but I agree to disagree.
Hats. I hate them but they help especially if you are in the sun for 30 minutes or more.
Take the vitamin- they are disgusting and awful but if you know you are gonna be in the sun just go ahead and take it. It helps before the sun poisoning hits.
If you get sun poisoning, put Abreeva on it every 6 hours to help numb the pain and heal it and Tylenol to have the pain bearable. You might wanna try Benadryl too.
And that's about it, I know it isn't much to go on however it's what i've basically learned in six-ish years.
Love,
P.S. I don't take pictures when I have sun poisoning but the next time I do get it I will post pictures.
and welcome to my blog! October has come and gone, and November is here to put a stop to Hallowthanksmas! (for those of you who are asking yourselves what the heck i'm talking about... Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas all at the same time in every store you go to). Anyways, since October is gone and November is here... it's time for
Are you excited?! I am! I love these things! Right after the month ends... i'm all about these list of things people have that I need to go buy because it doesn't exists in my life and because someone else said they love it... I suddenly need it.
No... Just me?
Alright then...
So really, I have mostly beauty related stuff this month- which never happens but it did this month for some unknown reason.
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish: True Story... I haven't been able to get my nails done since my birthday so I pulled out my handy dandy Sally Hansen Miracle Gel polishes and did 'em myself. I think these are a great alternative to the gel polish from the salon (which I swear by). They don't last as long but they last fairly well and I am brutal to my nails... my only complaint is that I wish they had more shades! P.s. You can remove these polishes the same as you can with any ordinary polish!
L'Oreal Smudge Blush Sticks: Dollar Tree find... Dollar Tree HIT! I haven't really ever liked a cream blush since the Dream Mousse Blushes from Maybelline (which Maybelline discontinued... >:(!) This month however, I have fallen in love with the Rouge and Rose shades of this cream blush. I simply dab a bit with my E.L.F. Small Stipple Brush and dab it on my cheeks and I think it is STUNNING! I really recommend trying them out if they are at your local DT.
Wet n Wild Lipstick in Dark Wine: So... I love red lips and I've learned I also love dark red lips. This has been my staple lipstick throughout October. I also love Wet n Wild's lipsticks- both lines of them! Not only are they super inexpensive but they are also a pretty wonderful quality- unless you have a boyfriend who loves to kiss it off >:/ then good luck!
Avon Ideal Flawless Foundation: I bought this really early in the year and it got way too light for my skin really quick! BUT I think this is very pretty with my skin- the formulation (by the way- I have combination oily skin this time of year). Of course I have to wear a primer that helps my pores appear smaller so that the foundation doesn't give me "white dots" but I think its beautiful. Id rate this as a medium coverage foundation and its super blendable! And for all of y'all that have to have a pump on your foundation... this has you covered!
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge: To apply this beautiful foundation I just talked about I use the Real Techniques "Beauty Blender"... which I actually like way more than the Beauty Blender. Anyways, this is the same concept as the Beauty Blender- where you wet the sponge and apply your foundation as usual. I use both ends to apply my foundation and I really this the outcome is stunning and flawless.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Face Powder: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this powder. Now this isn't Maybelline's Dream Matte Powder (which Maybelline also discontinued and for why I have no idea but how bought we get rid of the terrible stuff in the line as opposed to the stuff people actually like). But, it's pretty darn close to it. Same fine grain, same texture, same oil-control, less coverage, but more colors. I do really like it and it isn't awfully expensive (about $6) and I've repurchased it!
Cetaphil Gentle Facial Cleanser: I usually stick with products that are geared for acne but I saw this on sale for $2.50 and I was like "Ummm Hello" so I decided i'd try it and see what the talk was about (my Mema swore by this cleanser... even when she had cancer) and I actually do like it. It was a good change and I haven't seen as many acne bumps popping up since I started using this product.
Bath & Body Works Pink Chiffon Body Mist: Smells like Heaven. Long-lasting. Smells so good. Two bottles. Need I say more?
Britney Spears Midnight Fantasy Perfume: So this was my hunt in September and I found it at TJ Max! I have went out a lot this month during the night hours and this is perfect for just that! It still the same girly level as Britney Spears Fantasy but not as sweet. Its more fruity and more on the blue berry/blackberry side if you ask me. The staying power? Oh honey, let me tell you... you don't have to re-spray until the next day!
Victoria's Secret Winter Cranberry Body Mist: This was in last years limited edition holiday body mist for the Fantasies line and I loved it last year... as I love it this year. It's really sweet almost like cotton candy but a totally different smell. I hope they bring it back this year because I really like it (and its not ever December yet)!
and for non-beauty favorites
Justin: Words can't even begin to tell you how thankful I am for this man. He uplifts me everyday and puts up with the most. He handles me at my very best and at my absolute worst. How he does it, I have no clue. But I love him and appreciate all his time and effort to make me happy.
Sticky Notes: These have saved my life! I use these to budget in my planner and notebook, I use them to mark what goes where when i'm rearranging, to remind myself I have things to do throughout the day, literally everything. And... I purchased mine at the Dollar Tree.
Planner: Like the sticky notes, my planner saves my life too. I wouldn't be able to keep up with life if I didn't have this. It reminds me of my work shift, my BSA stuff, when I have plans with Justin, when I have plans for everyone else, my budget... everything.
Confident by Demi Lovato: My "getting ready" song. I'm Confident.
Same Old Love by Selena Gomez: "Im so sick of that same old love, that shh it tears me up"
On My Mind by Ellie Goulding: "You think you know somebody" this song... is weird. I love weird.
Cleaning: Im one of those people who clean everything out twice a year and for October that has been my task. Surprisingly I love this task.
Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats: I dunno, these are classy. I like Classy. I LOVE the colors.
Gingerbread Candle: Usually this time of year I'm pumpkin-everything... but I've been loving gingerbread. These candles from the Dollar Tree are killin' it too!
Gain Pods in Tropical Sunrise: I just discovered this scent this month. I decided I'd give it a go as opposed to my typical Moonlight Breeze pods. I do really like them... maybe love? Maybe i'll rotate the two ;)
L.A.'s Totally Awesome Oxygen Power Cleaner: Another Dollar Tree find and another Dollar Tree hit! I swore by oxy clean in every load of laundry I do but this is the same stuff and does the same thing and works as good as the other. For $1, I will definitely repurchase!
And those are my October favorites! I hope you guys enjoyed and I'd love to know your October favorites too! Are you guys skipping over Thanksgiving this year? Because it sure feels like I have!
and welcome to my blog! Sorry this post is a little late, you know how sometimes you just plan stuff in the blink of an eye and forget about life for a few seconds? Well that's why Monday's post was late... and Fridays! But don't worry... hopefully I'll get it right this week ;) Anyways as I promised, today I am gonna be sharing how I did my ladybug makeup for Halloween. Now, truthfully... it's super simple and I would rock this even if it wasn't Halloween, so consider this a makeup-ish post :)!
Enough talk and more explanation?
Okay, fine.
Onward we go!
Face and Flawless
As far as my foundation goes... I did my everyday routine since it's long-lasting and full coverage anyways. But the blush used was Wet n Wild Color Icon Blusher in Heather Silk because it gives that doll-like color but also a warm autumn shade too, which I really like. Brows? I wanted something super light because ladybugs don't have eyebrows in my eyes but since I couldn't be born a lady bug I decided to give them a little something and Maybelline Expert Wear Twin Brow & Eye Pencil in Light Brown were perfect for that.
Bat an Eyelash or Two
Those eyelids contain a super simple combination of Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion and Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio in Silent Treatment (which I used in the exact order it told me to- because ladies aren't rebels- or are they?). I loved how the Eyeshadow wasn't too much for the lipstick either. Anyways, I used my very favorite eyeliner (in one of the 6 colors I have) Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eyeliner Trio for Blue Eyes (the black eyeliner) to tight line and use in the waterline. Then I applied Wet n Wild False Lashes in Shredding the Fringe and Rimmel London Rockin Curves Mascara. I actually really liked the lashes too, just not the lash glue it came with.
Lipstick be Poppin'
I love lipstick... probably because I used to hate it. I also love red... probably for the same reason. Mix that love potion together with Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lip Liner in Clear and Wet n Wild MegaLast Lip Color in Stoplight Red and those lips be poppin', those lips be PERFECT!
I realized that I used Wet n Wild products a lot for this look and no, i'm not paid by them but I LOVE almost everything they have in their line.
I realize today is November 2 but.. I feel like it is still okay to talk about Halloween! Mostly because Justin (my boyfriend) and I didn't do any pre-practice Halloween makeup and we wanted to share our looks with y'all (we just kinda did what we liked on the spot). Honestly, I think both his and mine turned out wonderful by doing the makeup on spot as opposed to pre-planning makeup- and it was much for fun.
Anyways Justin was a zombie, its too bad we didn't get any pictures with his awfully-disgusting-rotting-zombie teeth but those were pretty spooky themselves. So here are these two...
The makeup kit was pretty inexpensive too. I think we spent $10 max on the whole look at Walmart.
First we took the liquid latex that came with the kit and the sponge and applied it all over the face, letting it air dry between coats. About three coats later we had the desired rotting skin (beware though, that rotting skin lookin' latex stuff smells like rotting death!
Second, we applied a bit of makeup that was multiple shades too dark for him on top of the latex to give the skin a "dirty" look to it. This we borrowed from his moms makeup counter, but bronzer would have worked beautifully.
Then we took the black and white paint that came with the zombie kit and put black circles around his eyes and mouth and then white on the rest of the face (personally, I wouldn't have gone with so much white but Justin went by the picture on the kit and wanted way more white... to try to explain that he had all this other stuff to be applied was pointless-kinda like talking to a statue if you will).
After the fussing of how much white he had on his face we applied the tattoos from the kit. One on the forehead, one on the nose, two around his mouth, one on the chin and one on the side of his neck. Truthfully these tattoos were pretty neat. One had a maggot, one a fly, one with stitches and the others looked like open wounds.
Then came the gross stuff that we had to go outside for. The kit came with "bloody scab" which I put all over the tattoos to give it the appearance of it bleeding and then some fingerprint sized dots in various areas to give a real "scab" appearance.
We purchased some black zombie blood in a spray container too (this was separate from the kit) and it got sprayed all over the mouth area and some within the "wounds". And some dripped which led to a pretty cool effect too...
And that is how Justin and Kayla (but mostly Kayla) achieved this Creepy, Scary Zombie Face lookin' thing!
Beware... Some of it was hard to get off and little kids will be pretty freaked out by it. Just a bit of warning!
Did you guys dress up? If so what as? Any pictures you'd like to share? Comment or Email (laceinruffles@gmail.com)!
Today, as promised, I am sharing with you all the wonderful gifts I received for my birthday this year! Although it is late... I was going to do it when I got off work Friday but came home and went straight to bed instead and then Saturday I went with a few friends and their son trick-or-treating and ended up staying the night there due to the horrible weather that cut our night short (and came from nowhere). Now in no way, shape, or form am I bragging about anything I received- I am very grateful and I think it is an opportunity to share some ideas of what to give someone for their birthday- and these were PERFECT for mine!
Let us begin then...
Football tickets... we went to the Alabama vs. Arkansas game, it was my first and I really enjoyed it! I think this is a great gift to give someone if they are into sports (with their favorite team of course)!
Alabama Tunic... Anyone that knows me knows I am all about leggings and tunics in the fall and winter months. My boyfriend got me this for the game! (Bought at Blondellamy' Dean)
Gel Manicure... I swear by gel manicures and my boyfriend knows this but I hadn't been able to get one for quite some time due to financial issues so he took me to get one and sat through the whole thing! I wish I would have taken a picture of the manicure before!
Purse... I mentioned in my last post that Justin through me a surprise birthday party, with a surprise birthday party come surprise gifts and his sister bought me this adorable purse! It definitely suits me because I carry just the basics and for a while all that was- was a wallet!
Earrings... I think these are no brainers for anyone! Super easy and super pretty... and they came with the purse!
Foster Grant Sunglasses... I needed new sunglasses and Justin's parents got me some! <3 I love them and wear them everyday, great gift!
Necklace... I have always wanted one of these necklaces and I adore this one that his parents got me- prettiest thing i've seen!
Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet... the point of this is something that could be sentimental to someone. This was heart touching to me because cancer runs within my family and a few people have been hit with breast cancer, especially within the last year or so. I think anything like this is wonderful.
Little Mermaid Bathroom... Funny story- I have always wanted a mermaid bathroom because Ariel is my absolute favorite Disney Princess in life. So my parents and grandma went together and got me a little mermaid bathroom! Mind you it was for my 20th birthday, but at least I can finally say I had one! And will for at least another 2 years.
So that's what I got and it (my birthday) was incredible! Thanks for reading and I hope it inspire you for all your gift needs!
and that's with a simple google search for "Sun Poisoning"
