Wednesday, August 31, 2016

#30DaysofSquats


Ugh. I despise 30 day challenges, yet I have two of them on my 101 list. Oh well. Up for next month is the #30DaysofSquats Challenge. I downloaded the Squat Challenge app from iTunes and plan on using it to keep track (and keep me motivated.) It's got a pretty basic design (main page, challenge page, squat exercise page where they break down different types of squats and random other crap.) The great thing about it is that it was free. The bad thing about it is the ads that pop up sometimes. You can pay to remove them but really, it's not that much of a bother. 


I was thinking about taking before and after measurements and photos but I'm pretty sure the universe doesn't really wanna be staring at my ass plastered on my blog. Maybe if I see enough results I will. This is your only warning, folks. 

#100DayProject: Day 020


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Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Monday, August 29, 2016

Sunday, August 28, 2016

#100DayProject: Day 017


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101 Update

I've been meaning to do a 101 update forever. I guess I was waiting for more items to be crossed off the list :)

You can see the original list here.

Here's what I've accomplished thus far:


* made homemade popcicles
* moved into my own apartment
* got a massage
* went to a concert (Toad & The Wet Sprocket & Counting Crows)
*went to a Red Sox game (twice)
* went on a brewery tour (twice. Sam Adams)
*read 15 new books (actually on book #36 & #37)


And that's about it. Pretty sad.

Here's what's in progress:

* watch 100 movies I've never seen (#62)
* redesigning my blog
* blogging at least once a week (major fail, but it's happening again)
* logging at least 15 miles a week on my Fitbit

And here's what I'll be checking off during the rest of this year:


* going camping. IT. WILL. HAPPEN.
* designing another tattoo (had a dream about it last night)
* hiking in the woods (see camping)
* visit Mystic Aquarium (plan on taking the kids this fall)
* 30 day squat challenge (next month)
* December Daily (preorder is September 1st!!!!)
* visit an orchard (with the kids)
*  go to a Patriots game
* go sledding


I'm already working on my next 101 list.

Here's to planning.

Saturday, August 27, 2016

Friday, August 26, 2016

Online Classes with Big Picture Classes

It's been a long time since I've taken an online class. Studio Calico used to be my place to go for learning new techniques but lately I've found the choices to be lacking. (Sorry SC, I'm jumping ship!) Someone had mentioned that Big Picture Classes offers a free one month trial so I headed over to their site to see what kind of classes they offered. Man, I was blown away. (Also, I am SO signing up!)


I love how they have them categorized, like Planners & Organization, Minibooks, Scrapbook, Pocket Pages and more. 


Geralyn Sy has been on my radar for quite some time. I'm a huge fan of her scrapbooking style and IG stalk her on the regular. So I was super happy to find out she is teaching one of the Pocket Prompts classes.


I've taken classes before by Lisa Truesdell and she did not disappoint. This Adventure Mini book class would be perfect for my Seattle trip! Can't wait to get started on it. 


Start the Year Right is taught by Barabara Picinich and is the perfect jumping off platform class to get my ass in gear and start my PL album again. I absolutely love her style! 

Interested in a free month trail? Head over to Big Picture Classes and sign up!


#100DayProject: Day 015


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Thursday, August 25, 2016

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Jen's Picks: Beauty Products

Hi all! I've been brainstorming for new blog content and I've come up with a monthly Jen's Picks post. Each month I'll be showcasing products that I use and think are pretty amazing. August is all about beauty products/skincare. Here's my top rated items. (Links to products are at the bottom of the post.)




My skin is super super sensitive. I've yet to find any liquid or cream foundation that doesn't make my face break out. I've been using bareMinerals Original Foundation for over a year now and I love it. It doesn't feel gritty like some other mineral powders I've tried and it actually covers imperfections pretty well. A couple swipes with my trust kabuki brush and I'm good to go.


I received a sample of the Diorshow Mascara from Sephora in one of my orders and I instantly fell in love with it. The wand separates your lashes and it containers microfibers for an extended lash. It's also free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates. 


If you have sensitive skin like I do, or are prone to redness, this little tube of Make Up Forever's Base Correctrice is just the thing for you. Just a little bit rubbed between your fingers and dabbed on to your skin will erase (seriously) any redness and helps overall tone. Usually when my face is behaving badly I use this, cover with the bareMinerals and you can't even tell I had any redness at all. 


Once a week I like to give my skin a really good cleaning so I use Origins' Clear Improvement charcoal mask. It's perfect for any skin type. Dry, oily, combination, you name it. And it works perfectly to get those deep pore cloggers. My skin is super smooth after each use.


Five days out of the week I usually curl my hair. I've tried many different heat protectants but Paul Mitchell's Hot Off The Press seems to work the best for me. I spray a little on the ends, give it a quick brush through and style as usual. My hair stays soft and I don't see any damage. 


How is it that a little $4.00 drug store buy can be my favorite eyeliner OF ALL TIME? Rimel's Exaggerate Waterproof Eyeliner is amazing. It's not as soft as a Kohl but does have some give if you're going for a smoky eye. Twist cap and a blender at the back.


A bit pricey, but StriVectin-AR's Advanced Retinol Eye Treatment is so worth it. I dab a little under my eyes every other day and have noticed my small lines starting to fade. I don't know what's in it, but it's worth it's weight in gold!


Ole Henriksen's Truth Serum was another Sephora sample that I received. It sat in my cosmetic bag for a few weeks when I decided to try it out one day. It makes my skin feel fresh and a little dewy. I throw it on at night before bed and let it do it's magic. 


I keep these Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Wipes everywhere. In the bathroom, my bag, the car. They're perfect for taking off foundation and also do an excellent job with eye makeup as well. 


Simple's Protecting Moisturizer is the best I've found so far. Each morning after washing my face, I apply this before my makeup. It's got an SPF 15 rating which is perfect for me since I work nights and can't remember the last time I've seen the sun. It's super light and doesn't leave my face feeling slick afterwards. 

Click on the photos for item details.


                            

#100DayProject: Day 013


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Tuesday, August 23, 2016

#100DayProject: Day 012



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Find Us On Etsy!

We're now on Etsy! Go! Like! Buy! Click on the cards to head over to the shop.


Monday, August 22, 2016

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Scrapbook.com Sale!


In case you guys didn't know, Scrapbook.com is having a 20%-40% off sale on all of their American Crafts products! I know I said I wasn't going to buy anymore scrapbook stuff so I'll just share my top picks for items I would buy. You know, if I was buying them.

You guys!!!! Skinny washi!!!
heart eyes all over
On sale for $5.59

Travel + Feathers for the win!
On sale for $5.19

Bright colors + patterns + more feathers? Yes, please!
On sale for $11.99

Floral Doc Martins + Constellations = <3
On sale for $3.99

Becky darling, make this in a 12x6 and it's mine!
On sale for $19.99

Pretty pastels + bold colors I need you.
On sale for $3.99

Wander + travel + beautiful colors. Perfect for my PL album.
On sale for $23.99

Hexagons + maps + cross stitch. Who needs anything else?
On sale for $11.99