Good Clean Redneck Fun :)

This weekend I took a much needed trip home.  Home being my parents house.  The definition of home becomes a little blurry after your college days are over.  I call my house in Lexington "home" too, but its a different kind of home than my parents house. 

Anyway...

My parents house is on a farm and we have a lot of land, so weekends at home, when the weather is nice consist of a lot of outdoor activities.  We spend the majority of our days outside. 

This weekend was no different.

As soon as I walked into my parents house on Friday, they told me I had a present they wanted to show me.  This was my present:

I was SO excited!!  So of course, a lot of the weekend was spent playing with my new present.  We spent a good portion of Saturday afternoon, Saturday night, and Sunday afternoon target shooting.  Everyone has their own guns in my family...

(I'm not even going to try to defend this outfit, especially the shoes)

(Me, my sister and my sister -n -law)

(Shooting my sister -n-law's gun)

(Getting some instruction from my brother)

(Abbie inside when we are shooting guns outside, she's not a fan)

Saturday afternoon we went on a Dollar Store shopping spree.  There will be another post about this, so I don't want to say much.  But, it is a glorious as it sounds...

Saturday night I cooked dinner with my mom and brother.  My mom was helping me prefect my fried chicken making skills.  We had a full on southern meal.  Fried chicken, biscuits, gravy, greens, mac n cheese, green beans, mashed potatoes....

On Sunday afternoon we went for a walk, which included playing in the creek (yes, you heard that right) with the kids and Bentley.

(He loved it, which is surprising because he absolutely hate the b-a-t-h)

This is a pretty typical weekend at home.  As much as I absolutely hate my home town, I love being home.  It is days full of messes and chaos, and guns and creeks and all other forms of redneck entertainment, but its my family, and I love it.

How was your weekend?

Act like a lady....think like a man

I am reading this book right now....

Not only is it hilarious....but it is also very enlightening.  I can't wait to see the movie!

Here are just a few quotes that I liked:

“Nothing on this planet can compare with a woman’s love—it is kind and compassionate, patient and nurturing, generous and sweet and unconditional. Pure. If you are her man, she will walk on water and through a mountain for you, too, no matter how you’ve acted out, no matter what crazy thing you’ve done, no matter the time or demand. If you are her man, she will talk to you until there just aren’t any more words left to say, encourage you when you’re at rock bottom and think there just isn’t any way out, hold you in her arms when you’re sick, and laugh with you when you’re up. And if you’re her man and that woman loves you—I mean really loves you?—she will shine you up when you’re dusty, encourage you when you’re down, defend you even when she’s not so sure you were right, and hang on your every word, even when you’re not saying anything worth listening to. And no matter what you do, no matter how many times her friends say you’re no good, no matter how many times you slam the door on the relationship, she will give you her very best and then some, and keep right on trying to win over your heart, even when you act like everything she’s done to convince you she’s The One just isn’t good enough.
That’s a woman’s love—it stands the test of time, logic, and all circumstance.
...
Well, I’m here to tell you that expecting that kind of love— that perfection—from a man is unrealistic. That’s right, I said it—it’s not gonna happen, no way, no how. Because a man’s
love isn’t like a woman’s love.” ― Steve Harvey


You're an investigator - can't nobody find stuff out like a woman. Y'all put the police to shame, make the little investigative tricks they show on CSI and Law & Order: SVU look like counting lessons on Sesame Street.”  
― Steve Harvey

 

Has anyone else read this??  What did you think??

From the mouth of babes....

Kids are so smart.  Their outlook on life is so genuine and uneffected.  You would be suprised how often my young nieces and nephews say something that really resonates with me and gives me just the motivation or direction I needed at the time. 

This weekend my niece Isabella got her ears pierced.  She is 9, this is a big deal.  I was so excited for her!  My sister sent me this picture after it was all done.

When I asked if it hurt, Isabella said "I just smiled really big, so I wouldn't cry."  Wow.  This seems so simple, but it really is such a positive outlook and great idea.  Just since hearing this on Saturday, I have already implemented this in my own life multiple times.  And it really does work.  It really is hard to cry when you are smiling too big.

And then there is this little gem of advice from my four year old niece.  It also, is very true and something we should all make sure to keep in mind...

I may be biased, but I think I have some pretty smart little girls here.  So, if you are having a rough day or think you may cry, just smile really big instead.

Oh, and don't forget to wear underwear to church.

Time for another product review....

Hello...

Long time no chat.  My apologies. 

I have some new (to me) products to tell y'all about.  I spend a lot (like a WHOLE lot) of time researching make-up, make-up artist, watching You Tube videos from make-up artist, and I follow a lot of make-up blogs.  We all know I love me some Kandee Johnson...  I learn a lot about make-up from all of these people, which I in turn, like to share with you.  One of the most important things that I have learned is that some of the most successful artist don't always use the most expensive products.  Being what I like to refer to as "checking account challenged" like I am, I love this!   And I love stumbling across awesome budget friendly finds!  Here are some of the newer things that I have found and love...

The budget friendly...

1.  NYX Cosmetics:  I have had so many people suggest NYX products lately.  KJ, my favorite guy that works at Sephora, etc, so I was anxious to give them a try.  I just happened to need some help with eye brow defining when I ran across this little set up...

This is seriously awesome.  Comes in every imagineable color combo, includes two different colored shadows and setting gel, and two brushes, one for the powder, one for the gel.  Its tiny, self-contained, and perfect.  Seriously one of the best brow products I have tried.  Annnnnnd.....it was $3.99.   You.  Are.  Welcome.

*Side Note:  My Sephora buy swears by their powder for photo make-up.  BTW...Mac make-up is not photo friendly.  We've all seen the pics of the girls with the flourescent white face.  No you are not crazy, your make-up doesn't look like that in real life, some just have crazy pigments that don't react well with a camera flash.  Unfortunately, our beloved Studio Fix is one of them.

2.  Loreal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes:  Y'all know I am always searching for perfect mascaras. This was another suggestion from Miss KJ.  KJ swears by Loreal for a drug store brand.  And we all know how I feel about Loreal Double Extend.  But this one comes in a close second.  It doesn't give quite as much length, but is a little quicker and easier to use, without the primer.  The brush is great too, for reaching all of your lashes.  And it gives a lot of volume.  Don't get me wrong, it is very lengthening, and it smells good.  Weird, I know, but it does.  And $7-$8.  Again, you are welcome.

3.  Elf Tinted Moisturizer:  I have been looking for a good tinted moisturizer for years (it seems like).  But I didn't want to spend a lot of money on it because its something I would only use once or twice a week maybel  In the winter, at least.  In the summer I use it everyday, so I don't mind spending a little more.  Nars has a great one, and of course my favorite, Laura Mercier.  These are my go-to's in the summer, but like I said, I was searching for a cheaper alternative for winter.  If you don't already know Elf, let me introduce you.  This brand isn't your cheap fall back for everything, but what they do well, they do great!  Brushes, check!  And tinted moisturizer, check check!  And ladies, its $3...

Thats all I have for now.  I hope you like these products as much as I do.  If you try them, let me know what you think.  And if you have tried a budget friendly product that you like, please, by all means, share the wealth!!  

Happy face painting Thursday :)

Make-up and a Make Over...

Once again, I have been a bad little blogger.  I would like to say that it is because I didn't have anything to write about but that is just simply not true.  Most of the time I find myself in situations thinking "I wish I could blog about this!"  But, I don't in order to not incriminate myself or those around me.  My partner in crime and I have decided that we need to start an anonymous blog to document all of our wild shenanigans.  I wish I could say that I will let you know when this happens, but obviously that would defeat the purpose of the anonymity.

What I've been up to:

Well, Christmas, family and all that, of course.   I had a great Christmas with the fam and I hope everyone else did too.  Sadly I don't have many pics. 

Now on to the make-up...

Here is a pic of my neice on Christmas opening her present from me.  I got her a caboodle.  Yes, a caboodle.  Remember those days?  Circa 1990.  Well, they still exist.  She loves make-up and yipp gyoss (as she calls it)  so I knew she would love this.  I filled it with lip glosses and scented nail polish and other goodies.  And she loved it!  Carried it around with her all night.  She is my little mini-me :)

I also have come across a bunch of new make-up finds lately that I thought I would share with y'all.  I love these new finds and I know you will too!!

#1.  Loreal Double Extend mascara. 

Also called "beauty tubes" and you will quickly see why!  This mascara has a primer that you use first, then the mascara.  I did it step by step for my mom and she said it looked like I had fake lashes on.  This stuff is serious.  It literally wraps your real lashes with some amazing substance that makes them longer, thicker and curlier.  Its kinda weird when you wash it off, just a heads up.  But it comes off very cleanly and doesn't leave racoon eyes.

Here is my after pick.  Extreme close up, kinda scary. 

But Lashes....Boom!

#2  My sister got this gift set for me (funny story, I actually got her the same gift set.  We got each other a lot of the same things this year, kinda scary). 

I love everything in this set!  Which is awesome, but also means that I will have to buy the big versions when I run out.  The "Stay Don't Stray" eye primer is the bomb.  It keeps your eye makeup looking like you just did it all day.  And is also a great concealer for under your eyes. 

"The Pore Professional" pore primer is great too!  I just use it through my t-zone and it is great at hiding your pores and smoothing out your skin before foundation.  And the "that gal" primer/illuminator is really fun.  And its not quite as glittery as some others I have tried.

#3  My sister also got me this fun OPI holiday gift set.

I love all of the colors and keep the tiny top coat in my purse.  Yes, I am that girl who has to have a miniature version of everything I use with me at all times.  Seriously, everything....my lotion, my mascara, hairspray, perfume, nail polish, eyeliner, eyelash curler, etc.  (Along with all my other lip glosses and compacts and all the usual stuff).  Always gotta be prepared.

One of my favorite current colors is Malaga Wine.  I used that then did a coat of the red sparkly "Speak for your Elf" color from this set.  It is a great, fun, sparkly red color.  Perfect for New Year's Eve festivities.

Malaga Wine

This is both together but it looks darker in this picture, and you can't really see the sparkles but you get the point.


On to make-overs....

Not the kind I'm sure you were expecting.  I need a desk mak-over, bad.  Even my coworkers are starting to ask when I'm gonna liven up my area.  They may be sorry after I add my Whitney touches with all my pictures, pink, and sports memorabilia.  But, I need ideas!  Help a sister out.  I have tons of space, and tons of shelves.  And if anyone would like to make me anything or donate some cuteness, I would greatly appreciate it.  I like pink, and paisley and Flors de Lis, and all that girly stuff.  I also really love sports and make-up.  Just to give you a starting off point.  Please let me know any cute ideas you have!!
Here is what we are working with:

Thats all for now!  I hope everyone has a great weekend!  I'm excited about my New Year's plans!  I will do a post next week to let you know how all of that goes! (Promise.)

Happy Turkey Day!!

Well, it is Thanksgiving day and I am partaking in the typical joys of the Holiday....Bloody Marys and Football.  I'm two bloody marys in and switching to Prosecco, which will then transition into Chardonnay, then pumpkin cheesecake....Its just what we do.

In my parents house today, we have.....My Dad, My Mom, my brother and his wife Kaci, and my two nephews, my sister and her husband Mike and my two nieces and nephew, myself, and (try to keep up) my brother -n-law's Mom and sister.  In case you lost count that is 14 people.  These 14 people bring a total of 5 dogs in addition to the 2 my parents have.  Yep, that is 14 people and 7 dogs, and 1 cat.  Now you understand the alcohol??

Pretty much every Holiday at the Smith house looks a little like this...

and this....

There is a really good reason this is my family's favorite movie.


Right now all the boys are out on the horses somewhere, dogs are asleep and girls are cooking....Gotta love the Holidays!

What are your favorite dishes, traditions, etc??  Are your Holidays this crazy??

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  Enjoy your tryptophan coma!

Why I Love My Sister...

(Well, other than the obvious "because she is my sister" reason, of course)

So, let me just admit to y'all, if you haven't figured it out already, I'm crazy.  I over analyze everything and can't make a decision to save my life.  Its just me, its who I am.  Deal with it.  I have come to terms with it and I've accepted that about myself.  The problem is, I know this craziness does not only affect me.  And Lord knows no one on earth has to deal with me more than this lady:

Yep, that is my beautiful sister. 

Let me go ahead and address all of the obvious questions that I know most of you are asking right now...

Yes, I know we don't look anything alike.

Yes, we came from the same parents.

No, we are not the same age.  She is (believe it or not) 9 years older than me.  This makes it extra special when we are together and she gets carded to buy adult bevvies and I do not.  That is SO not okay.  I still try to brush this off by saying that this is merely because she is fun-sized (5'1"ish) and I am not so fun-sized (5'5"ish).  Just go with it.

So back to all of the reasons why I love her...

1.  She ALWAYS answers her phone...

-Okay so maybe not always but most of the time.  This is especially important because I call her obsessively throughout the day.  We have a rule that if we call once and there is no answer then we call a second time only in case of an emergency, so that the other knows they have to answer.  We came up with this rule because both of us really like to sleep and do not like to be woken up so this way if we are sleeping we don't have to answer unless there is a second call.  Great rule right?  Yes, except that I use the second call method at least twice a day.  Hey, I have a lot of what I think are emergencies.

2.  She lets me vent...

-....and complain and bitch and moan and all of those things.  And she does it all with little to no complaining.  

3.  She always gives good advice...

-Even if I don't always take it, and usually don't want to hear it.  She is usually right too.  That sucks.

4.  She is my favoritest wingman...

-This stems from her own selfish reasons of wanting me to have babies.  But regardless, she is always down to hunt out viable prospects at Keeneland with me.  She will even make sure to position us in close proximity to any one she sees as a good target.  And make sure we are there with a pen to lend when he needs it ;)

5.  And this is a big one....She gave me these...

How lucky am I??

In all seriousness, I really mean it when I say I don't know what I would do without her.  She keeps me sane.  We have VERY different personalities but somehow we balance each other out.  No one can get on my nerves quite like she can (and I know that is true for her too!), but there is no one I would rather have on my nerves.  I guess if you have to be stuck with someone for your entire life, I got pretty lucky.  

Thank you sister for always being there for me through all of my issues.  I really hope you know that I would do the same for you.  Just don't ask me to make any decisions.