Cook-Out Chic....

I love Memorial Day! It feels like the start of Summer, and I love spending the day with my family. Also, if you know me, and how much I, ummm, dislike Summer this means the sooner it starts, the sooner it's over. I much prefer Fall and Winter.

But....since there's nothing I can do about this thick, stifling heat that has descended upon South Carolina, I just have to roll with it. Today, I will be spending the day with my family, having a cook-out. Do you call it a bar-b-Q? I don't know? We call it "cook-outs" where I'm from!

Since I wear uniforms for my job, I get pretty excited about planning my outfits for events. Below is what I'm wearing to my parent's house. The actual bracelets that I'm wearing are a little different from the ones in the picture below.

Cook-Out Chic by thepinkowl featuring distressed shorts

After the cook-out, I have a going away party to attend. One of my best friends is moving to Charleston and I'm so sad. But, it's only for school, so it's temporary. And, I can go visit him often! Here's an outfit similar to the one I'll be wearing to his party. I absolutely love wearing maxi dresses with a light denim jacket. Plus, it hides my uber-pail skin. I really need to up my game in the self tanner department, but it's such a hassle (just another reason that I prefer fall and winter. No one cares if you're pale)!

Party Outfit by thepinkowl featuring faux gemstone jewelry

Most importantly, I am so thankful for the men and women protecting and serving our country, and today I remember those who gave their lives for our freedom.


Have a beautiful Memorial Day!!
xoxo

Blessed...

Ever have a day when you look around and realize just how fortunate you really are? This weekend has felt like that for me. I know that I am extremely blessed to live the life that I do. I am so thankful for all the opportunities that I have been afforded in my life.

Is my life perfect? Absolutely not.

But....things could always, always be worse.

Things that I'm thankful for:

*This year, I have been cancer free for SIXTEEN years! If you don't know, I had ovarian cancer when I was 19.

*My amazing parents! I love my mom and dad so much, and even though I'm 30something I will always be their little girl.

*My boyfriend. He is my very best friend and we have so much fun together! We've been together for 5 and 1/2 years now (and no, we have no interest in being married. We know that we want to spend our lives together and that's all the "marriage" we need) and it just keeps getting better!

*A great job. I know I complain about my job sometimes, but all in all, it's a good one. I have job security and enjoy the supervisory position that I have. The pay isn't bad either ;)

*My sweet, precious nephews. They have my heart and I love them as if they were my own children!

*A wonderful apartment! I absolutely love my cozy, little apartment. I smile every time I walk in and it feels like....home. And that's exactly how it's supposed to feel.

*My faith. I will forever be grateful for the day I decided to become Catholic. It has been a very enlightening experience.

*My friends. I have a wonderful group of friends! A lot of them I've made through Twitter and this little blog and I cherish those girls so much!

*This blog. I feel like I've gotten my blog mojo back. I stopped blogging for a while, but it's been nice to be back. For me, it's not about how many comments I get or how many readers I have (and I appreciate each reader that has hung with me for the past 3 years on here and welcome my new readers!!). But it's nice to have a place to document my life, events and feelings.

I'll leave you with my favorite quote about blessings:

Better to lose count while naming your blessings, than to lose your blessings by counting your troubles.
~Maltbie D. Babcock

Ok. Now that I've gotten all that mush out. I shall return to regularly scheduled posting about superficial things. Like makeup. :)

Have a beautiful Sunday!
xoxo

Friday Favorites!

I'd be shouting TGIF from the rooftops.....except, it's my weekend to work. Boo. But, in honor of Friday, here are some things that make me positively giddy to look at. I am obsessed with vanities! I could look at other girl's dressing tables all day long. So here are a few of my favorites. You can see my vanity here Enjoy!

p.s. Scroll all the way down for some Friday Tidbits.

Source: google.com via The on Pinterest

Source: google.com via The on Pinterest

Source: google.com via The on Pinterest

Source: google.com via The on Pinterest

Source: google.com via The on Pinterest

Source: google.com via The on Pinterest

Source: google.com via The on Pinterest

Friday Tidbits:

*Bank of America and I are not friends right now. They had to cancel my debit card and order me a new due to some fraudulent charges. The card was supposed to be here two days ago. No card. I go to the bank, and they didn't even order me one. Luckily, they gave me a temporary card until my new one gets here in.....7 to 10 days. Ugh.

* My blog is getting a makeover and I can't WAIT to see what it looks like!

* I'm on day 5 of no Dr. Pepper, tea or caffeine. I'm still feeling great and, so far, I'm not even craving DP.

* I'm also planning a Summer Favorites giveaway! More details on that soon, as well.

Hope you all have a beautiful weekend!
xoxo

Oprah....

I have gone through so many phases with good 'ol Oprah. I loved her, I liked her, I couldn't stand her, I loved her again. I've questioned her judgement, searched for her book recommendations and have always wanted to go to one of her "Favorite Things" episode!

Honestly, this season has been fantastic! This season made me love her show again. She's had some riveting, exciting and fun shows. I'm going to miss her. Not necessarily because of her, but because of the "comfort factor".

For me, if the Today Show and Oprah are on, then all is semi-okay with the world. Silly, I know, but I find it calming. Now, what am I going to watch while I get ready for work everyday?

Best wishes to Oprah and whatever she decides to take over on in the future!

What are your thoughts on Oprah? Are you sad she's leaving or happy to see her go?

Have a beautiful day!
xoxo

Tidbits....

* My weekends off go by so quickly. I only have every other weekend off and I try to make the most out of the ones that I'm off. This past weekend, my 2 year old nephew and I had a slumber party at my house! He was such a sweet, sweet boy. He says please and thank you for everything!

* He will be 3 in early June and that makes me incredibly sad. I wish he and my 5 year old nephew could stay frozen in time at the ages they are now.

* I went shopping at Sephora, again (are you surprised?) and got the Urban Decay Roller Girl palette. OMG, it is amazing! It has a really garish looking red color in it, but don't be afraid! It blends out to an amazing, wearable pink color. I am loving this palette so much. Urban Decay eyeshadows are awesome!

* I am trying to decided if I *need* the Urban Decay Naked Palette. Do you have it? If so, do I need it?

* I am on a diet. My goal is to lose between 5-8 pounds. Not because I think I'm overweight, but because I just want to be healthier and feel better. I have some serious love handles that the world is not ready to see this summer.

* So, the first thing to go was my beloved Dr. Pepper (which I fully blame for said love handles. Dr. Pepper is like crack and should come with a warning label). I haven't had a soda, tea or caffeine in over 24 hours.

* I've been drinking water only.

* I hate water.

* But....it is amazing how much better I feel now that I've cut out the caffeine and soda. I don't feel sluggish, tired or foggy! Maybe soft drinks really are poison.

* We have reservations to eat at the Grove Park Inn in 2 weeks and I'm so excited! If you've never eaten (or stayed) there, you should! It's so beautiful and the food is DELICIOUS!

* HPB's mom sent him two Cooking Light cookbooks, which I hijacked from him (because, Lord knows that boy can't boil water) and I'm excited to try out some of the recipes.

* I'm also going to test out almond milk. Cow's milk sometimes makes me feel icky, so.... Anyone drink almond milk? Do you like it?

* I really hope my new debit card comes in today. I can't function without it! I never, ever carry cash and have had to resort to a credit card (which I never use)!

* That's about it for now!

Have a beautiful week!
xoxo

Eyebrow Obsession...

Lately, I've become obsessed with eyebrows. My eyebrows, your eyebrows, YouTube guru eyebrows, celebrity eyebrows, news anchor eyebrows....you get the point.

I have one good eyebrow and one janky eyebrow. I've also never really done much with either of them. Until recently.

I started out using the ELF brow kit, then Maybelline Define-A-Brow, Cover Girl brow pencils, but now, NOW, I have found my Holy Grail eyebrow product! The Milani Brow Fix Brow Kit in Light.

Hope you enjoy my little review/rave about this amazingly awesome product below:

Have a beautiful day!
xoxo

May Flowers and Tidbits.....

1. Thank you for all the nice comments on my vlog! I had fun making it and plan to do more later this week!

2. My uncle is doing so great! If you don't know, he was diagnosed with Glioblastoma. He had surgery and has amazed his doctors! He is already home and recovering, so that he can start Chemo and radiation in 3 weeks. He has a long road ahead, but his attitude is inspiring!

3. I am obsessed with Mob Wives. Seriously, the Housewives have nothing on these ladies. They don't play.

4. Just when I get excited about blogging again, Blogger decides to have the Epic Crash of 2011 and delete all of my scheduled posts. Contrary to what they said....mine did not return. Sad panda.

5. I am off on Monday and have NO plans. I am so excited to just "chill in my Snuggie" (my new favorite thing to say) and watch trash TV all day.

6. My next vlog will be a collective haul video. I could watch haul videos all day on YouTube! I love seeing what makeup and skincare products buy.

7. I really need to wash my car. Ruby Cube is filthy and needs a spa treatment ASAP.

8. Who's excited for the Real Housewives of New Jersey tonight?!?!?!? I AM!!

8 1/2. Tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes may be my new favorite mascara!

9. I love my boyfriend.

10. Life is good and I'm happy to be living it!

Have a beautiful day!
xoxo

April Favorites.....

This will be my first vlog! A few disclaimers first:

1. Yes, I know I sound like a hick.
2. I filmed this after working all night.
3. I'm wearing my PJs.
4. I talk about getting my hands botoxed. I was kidding. Sort of.
5. I filmed it in my bathroom.
6. I'm a tad scattered.
7. The first one I made disappeared into the Ether.

Now, if you can deal with all that mess.....ENJOY! :)



Have a beautiful weekend!
xoxo

Friday Lust List.....

Most of the time, there is a list in my wallet with things that I "want". It gets (ok, stays) a little (a lot) out of control. I was looking over it yesterday and decided to share with you what is on my "Lust List".

1. Nars Laguna Bronzer-the last thing I need is another bronzer, but it seems like this is the bronzer to have. I wonder if it can beat out my NYC Sunny?


The Original Beauty Blender- I have the one from Ulta, but all the reviews I've read say, if you love the one from Ulta or Target, you will be over the moon for the original BB. You will also be out 20 bucks, but whatever.



3. Tom Ford lipstick-Not just because I am obsessed with the man himself, but his lipsticks look divine! The packaging alone makes me want it! Oh, if only Tom Ford and his BFF Julianne Moore came with the lipstick.



4. Erno Laszlo TranspHuse Night Serum-Birchbox sent a sample of this out this month, and OMG I wish they hadn't. I have used (sparingly) this serum at night and I wake up with firm, glowing skin. I could tell a difference the very first time I used it. LOVE! BUT...this mess is $190!?! for 1 ounce. Seriously. Mustnotbuymustnotbuymustnotbuy.......


5. Mac Surf Baby Collection-All of it! I am obsessed with this collection and can't wait for it to come out. I will be online at midnight to make sure I get what I want before it sells out.


6. Katy Perry Purr Perfume-this stuff smells amazing! I typically do not go for a celebrity perfume, but this stuff is calling my name. I tried it on at Ulta and I couldn't stop sniffing my wrists.


So, what are YOU lusting after these days?

Have a beautiful day!
xoxo

Summer Fashion....from a girl who loves Winter.

dIt's not a secret that I hate Summer. Like, seriously hate it. I do not like heat, humidity, bathing suits etc. I truly think I was supposed to have been born in Alaska. I love cold weather! Nothing makes me happier than a day of wind and cold rain. I love snow and temperatures in the low thirties. I prefer Ugg boots, skinny jeans, warm sweaters, scarves and puffy coats.

No...I'm really not kidding.

But, for about 2.5 seconds, I like summer clothes. Maxi dresses with big bold necklaces, jean shorts with peasant tops and turquoise bead bracelets. Prarie skirts and gladiator sandals with hot pink painted toes. Oh yeah! I like it. For a hot (no pun intended) minute.

I recently cleaned out my closet and realized that I did quite a bit of Summer Wardrobe Enhancing last year and I have some super cute clothes that I'm pretty excited to wear this summer!

Hippie Casual by thepinkowl featuring metal bangles

If I had to describe my style, it would be: Hippie Casual. I love long flowy skirts with a basic tee, flowery dresses with chunky wedges and lots of bracelets. I also will forever love my skinny jeans (ripped of course) with a drapey, lace peasant top! (Seriously, it it weird that I obsess over skinny jeans and ballet flats going out of style again? I do NOT want this to happen. Ever).

Untitled by thepinkowl featuring vintage scarves

So....while I would rather be rocking my Ugg boots and a heavy coat, I guess I can deal with summer fashion. For a second.

Have a beatiful day!
xoxo

p.s. Thank you so much for all the sweet comments and well wishes, for my uncle, both on here and on Twitter. You guys rock! I will keep you updated, as I know more.

p.s.s. the clothes in my Polyvore boards are *not* the clothes that I purchased during my Summer Wardrobe Enhancing. They are just ideas and similar to styles that I own and wear. :)

Why?

This post is not about makeup. This post is about something far more important: family.

One of my uncles has been diagnosed with Glioblastoma. A very, very aggressive form of brain cancer. He is a very successful business man, a husband and father to 4 beautiful children.

It's not fair.

He is a hard worker, devoted father, law abiding citizen. He loves his kids. He loves his wife.

Two days ago he was playing 18 holes of golf. Today, he's lying in a hospital bed. Fighting for his life.

His prognosis is not good. He will have an 8 hour surgery on Wednesday. The doctor say IF he makes it through that surgery, he will have 24-36 months to live.

Why?

His oldest daughter (my cousin) is 18. She graduates high school in a few weeks and her only wish is for her dad to be there.

Please, if you are of the praying kind, would you say a prayer that he CAN be there? It's times like this that I question my faith, my God and all that I believe in. I know that God does not get angry with me for questioning. It's a natural course of the human life to be skeptical.

I guess I will never understand why wicked, evil people get to live into their 90's and honest, caring, hardworking people face something as daunting and horrible as Glioblastoma.

My heart is breaking for his 2 sons, 2 daughters and wife (my aunt and my mom's sister).

I will be back to regular posting tomorrow, but I need a minute to process this.

xoxo

MIA....

Sorry that I've been gone. My laptop has decided to be super slow and I have been unable to blog. I'm pretty sure it has a virus (awesome job, crappy virus protection).

Anyway, I purchased a new netbook (it's pink plaid!!! zomg.) and can get back to blogging! Also, my new netbook has a webcam, so I may venture into the world of vlogging or making some Youtube videos of product reviews, soon. I guess the only thing that holds me back, is putting myself "out there". I'm not a very insecure person, but I know people can be really vicious when they hide behind the name of "anonymous" and a computer screen. I'm from the great state of South Carolina and I have a very....southern twang. I can, however, use adverbs and conjunctions correctly, so that's a plus.

If you follow me on Twitter, you know I'm currently obsessed with Origin's Vitazing! It is my new go to tinted moisturizer for weekends and days that I don't feel like applying a full face of foundation. I think it's going to be perfect for summer!

Hope you all are having an amazing weekend, and to all you mother's: Happy Mother's Day!!

Have a beautiful Sunday!