The Mary Kay Way

Recently I attended a Mary Kay meeting with Kelly Sullivan where I was introduced to the world of skincare and makeup that didn't come from Wal-Mart. To say it was overwhelming is an understatement. There is so little I know about the world of beauty. I wash my face with a bar of soap for crying out loud. *I know some women will cringe when they read that.* Please forgive me, I'm learning. The meeting is held every Monday night at Charity's Bakery (6:00- 7:30 pm) near the depot in our own home town of Cookeville. These women are incredible, and the products are amazing. I left there feeling more beautiful than I have in a very long time. These women were encouraging, hilarious, open, kind, and supportive. You definitely need to contact them or stop by for a free makeover one Monday night. After the meeting I asked Nikki if she would be interested in sharing her top five tricks of the trade to help all of us tomboys that struggle with the world of beauty.

-Kayla

This is Kelly Sullivan. A full time employee, Mary Kay Cosmetics Director on the side, a mom of two, a wife, and a friend to everyone. Not to mention she is gorgeous. Who wouldn't want her to help you on the road to beauty and success. Find her at https://www.facebook.com/kelly.b.sullivan.33

This is Nikki Klein. Of course she is breath taking as well. These women are beautiful on the inside and out. Nikki graciously volunteered to give us a few tips she has learned working under Kelly as a Mary Kay Consultant. you can find Nikki at https://www.facebook.com/Miss.Klein or reach her via email at nikkiklein04@gmail.com

Growing up my mother never wore makeup. The only thing she ever used on occasion was lipstick and mascara. That's it. So naturally as I got older, and started to want to impress the guys at school, I wanted to start wearing makeup. I wanted to look more grown up and to build my confidence but I was clueless as to what to wear or how to even put it on! A teenage girls nightmare! 

Now in my late 20's I have learned lots of do's and don'ts and I am going to share what I consider to be the most important tips to know about makeup.

1- Skin Care

Taking care of your skin is the most important thing ever! I highly recommend a good 3-1 cleanser and moisturizer for both day and night. Make sure your day moisturizer has at least SPF 30. You only have one face and as you get older those fine lines start to show up and suddenly looking older isn't so much fun. It never hurts to start using age-fighting skin care products. You'll thank yourself when you hit 40. 

2- Face Primer 

Face primer is very important. When you hear the word primer, you might think primer like for walls? You wouldn't paint walls without painting the primer coat first and the same goes for your face. Back to skin care, having a really good face primer helps protect your skin by minimizing your pores, help control oily skin, and places a barrier between your foundation and skin. Using a face primer helps even out your skin and gives your foundation a more flawless look.

3- Foundation

Whether you choose liquid or mineral powder the most important thing to remember is what's best for your skin type. If you are oily, you'll want oil free makeup or if you breakout easily a mineral powder may be best for you. Do your homework because as I said before skin care is the most important part. Next is color choice. You want to choose a color closest to your natural color or just a tad bit lighter. The best way to find your natural color is on your jawline. That's right your jawline instead of the back of your hand because your neck is lighter than your face and you'll want your foundation to look natural. Also make sure you are in natural lighting or a well lit area.

4- Bronzer and Blush

When using a bronzer a little goes a long way. A bronzer is to give color and define your features on your face. Apply bronzer to your neck, hairline, and underneath your cheek bone. When looking at your face, if you take your bronzer and start at your hairline, then to under your cheekbone, to below your jawline and down your neck you make the number 3. As for blush you'll want to smile and start at the apples(the round part of your cheeks) and brush back towards your hairline. Again less is more. 

5- Eyeshadow, Eyeliner, Mascara 

Eyeshadow can be tricky, takes practice and you'll need a good set of brushes. Never put foundation or concealer on your eye lids. It will cause your eyeshadow to crease. There are eyeshadow primers out there. When doing eyeshadow you'll want to start with your eye lid, then the crease, then to the eyebrow. The key to making eyeshadow look good is to blend the colors. 

Eyeliner is optional and can be worn many different ways. It really depends on what kind of look you're going for. I prefer gel eyeliner but to each their own. I also prefer a softer top line and a bolder bottom line. Depending on your eye shape you may not need eyeliner at all or will want to use a different color such as brown. 

Mascara should be applied from the root of the lash and do a zig zag motion as you go up. 

I really hope these help because the good Lord knows it took me many years of trial and error to get it right haha!

-Nikki

I don't apologize for being myself.

I'm a 26 year old single white female. I love to read. I'd rather stay home and read a book on the weekends than go out to some event or get together. The older I get the more I understand how messed up the human race is and the less people I like. I use to have a million friends, and now I strictly observe people before allowing them into my comfort zone. I am painfully aware that some people want you around for entertainment or just so they don't have to do something alone, but they don't truly care about you. There are people that you will go out of your way for that will never lift a finger to help or encourage you. Please leave those people behind as soon as possible. You may think that you are being kind by staying around them, but eventually that attitude will rub off on you. BEWARE. Losing friends is a good thing sometimes. I guess that's called getting old. Speaking of getting old, I try to be asleep by 9:00p.m. on weeknights. On the weekend when I try to stay up late, I'm usually still asleep by midnight. (Unless the book is really good). Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy going out with my friends for dinners and hanging out, but the older I get the more I pay attention to my surroundings and the situations I am putting myself in.


I have addictions, but they aren't terrible for me. I could quit anytime I want to. I just don't want to haha. Lets start with candles. My heavens Bath & Body works has me hooked. If you come over to my house you can guarantee that a candle will be burning, and it will be cozy. There will also most likely be a pot of coffee on, or I will offer you a cup of hot tea. I don't really buy coke or pepsi unless I have guests coming over. I prefer to get my caffeine from hot beverages, especially this time of the year.


I love to eat. I'm a total foodie. I usually have pizza at least one day a week at work. That means my coworkers do as well. (At least I share). And wouldn't you know it, the more pizza you eat the more coupons they send you. It's a never ending cycle. I work out.....just enough to keep from being 500lbs with my love of food. By work out I mean that I run up and down the stairs in my house, do squats while drying my hair, or sit-ups while playing with my dog. I use to be a fitness addict, but as it turns out, I love my body more with a softer tone. I am 100% comfortable with myself. I still have flaws and wish that I could change things about my appearance as all women do, but I have learned to love myself and my body. I do love being outside, but I hate being cold so as it gets colder I start reading more and watching HGTV to find fun things I could do with my house while I'm stuck inside. I also have a huge love for animals. My dog in particular. He's the best friend I've ever had. We know each other's schedules, and his emotions follow mine. Yes, I think dogs have emotions. When I'm excited and active, he's ready to play. When I'm sleepy, he's ready to snuggle. When I'm mellow, he's there to rest his head on my lap. When I'm traveling, he's in the car before I am. He is my right hand man and love.


I don't intend to be in a relationship for a while. I got burned in the dating game pretty bad, and I feel that you need to take time for yourself in order to fully move on. When I'm ready I'll know, but right now I'm not. I don't feel the need to have someone else validate my self worth, and to be honest I am really enjoying doing what I choose to do without having to compromise my schedule with a significant other. I love love. I'm a hopeless romantic at heart, but I believe that love has to happen in the right timing or it won't last. I've also learned that God's timing is much better than mine. I also believe that my relationship with God needs to grow before I develop a romantic relationship.

That's a little about me, and I don't apologize for being myself. I don't care if people like my way of life or if it offends anybody. I am who I am, and you know what they say.... You can be the ripest, most juicy peach in the world, but still somebody won't like peaches.

-Kayla

God Bless Our Veterans

I was recently asked to do a write up about Veterans Day. This was by far one of the hardest things I've ever had to write because it is truly hard to express the level of gratitude I have for these men and women. My grandfather and Caroline's brother know the meaning of service. This is to all of those who have served, are serving, or may serve our country in the future.

To those that put the safety of our country before their own, thank you.

To those that selflessly put their lives and dreams on hold so that civilians may sleep peacefully at night, thank you.

To those young and old, brave and bold. We rejoice in the lives that return home, and we respectfully mourn those that don't.

When we see the flag red, white, and blue may we always think of you.

We are so proud to be Americans. May we never forget that you are the reason we live in this great country. May we never forget to appreciate you as the heroes you are, and may we never forget to thank God for our Veterans. 

And though we may not know each name,

We would like to thank all veterans just the same. 

How To Make 168 Hours Count

  I was eating lunch with my mom and we were talking about a Rotary meeting she went to as she told me how one of the speakers made the statement, "You have 168 hours in a week..." I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since then. We have 168 hours a week which sounds like a lot more than it feels like, except when we are in a boring class or at work of course! So really, how can you not only manage life but also LIVE it in such a short amount of time?

Break it down. If you are like me and can get overwhelmed with deadlines and the mentality of "I only have two weeks before I have to do blah blah blah" break it down to days. Break it down to minutes. Heck, break it down to seconds. I'm a list maker and believe me when I say I make a list for EVERYTHING. You can't walk through my house without finding at least one big "to do" list that I have scribbled down. I even keep a list of things I need to do on my phone's notepad. Write it in lipstick on the bathroom mirror. Whatever floats your boat. 
Keeping a list will not only help you organize your thoughts, but it's revitalizing in the sense that you can literally mark your "to do's" off. Usually I draw 50 lines through mine and a big smiley face beside it to remind myself that it is DONE. If your list consists of things you need to get done this year, props to you. But it's not a bad idea to start small and make a list of things you need to do before work, after work, today, tomorrow, etc.

Work hard, play hard. I'm just going to go ahead and say it because we are all thinking it. Adulting sucks. However, that doesn't mean every single one of your 168 hours has to. There is a particular scripture my mom read to me many many years ago that I think of every single time I'm handed a task, because working your butt off for someone you dislike or don't agree with is tough. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord, not for human masters." Colossians 3:23 Wake up, and from the time your feet hit the floor until they get back in bed, own your life. Own the task you're setting out to do that day. Whether it's being a mom, working at your job, or just cleaning out the guest bedroom.... own it. There's just something extremely satisfying about working hard and being able to play harder. 

"She was a million miles from a million dollars, but you could never spend her wealth." A part of managing your time comes with stress, so rest. There can be a millionaire who worked her whole life to get what she has but let it consume her and has no relationship with her children, spouse, or friends. On the other end of the spectrum, there's a single mom who worked her whole life and 40+ hours a week to have little, but invested what few hours she had left to soak in life with her children and friends. Both might work the same amount of hours each week but what are we doing with the moments when we aren't working? This is hardest for me. At then end of my to do list I want to crawl in bed and go into hibernation.
 My goal this week is stay up an hour later than normal and call my brother and sister-in-law to keep a strong relationship with them. Or wake up an hour earlier to cook my daughter her favorite breakfast. Maybe for you it's coming home from a long day of work and actually looking at your husband instead of past him and cooking him dinner even though you don't feel like it.

So this week let 168 hours be a goal, not a deadline.

-Caroline

Stay Tuned

The holidays are upon us. You can check back soon for blogs about:

Decorating your home

DIY Projects

Gift Ideas

Budget Tips

Managing your schedule
Bucket Lists
Recipes

Our Favorites

And Many More!

We can't wait to share the Holidays with you!

Fall Reading List

Over the last two months I have been reading light hearted easy reads. There is so much going on this time of year that I find it hard to get into novels and serious reads. All of the books I have listed below are wonderful and can be finished in just a couple days. With the weather getting cooler it inevitably means I'll be spending more time indoors. I have a few classics on my reading list for this winter that I'll share with you next month, but for now I hope you give a few of these books a try and let me know what you think.

1. SAVING GRACE by PAMELA FAGAN HUTCHINS

If you love the idea of leaving your job and moving to an island then this is the book for you!

Its a suspenseful story of a girl trying to find her way while dealing with her past. 



2. PAPER TOWNS by JOHN GREEN

I can't explain to you how much I loved this book. It is a YA read, and it doesn't involve any real drama or depth. This book is spot on if you like interesting characters, memories of high school, and careless teenage fun.

 3. DARK WITCH SERIES by NORA ROBERTS

This trilogy.....my stars. I loved it. Nora Roberts is an amazing writer to begin with, and this series proves that further. I would finish one and couldn't wait to get to the next. It is a little hard to understand at times with all the mid-evil times names, but if you just keep reading it all comes together. I was not bored at any point in this series. Nora Roberts rocked it. As the title states, it is about witches so it was a fun read around Halloween, but it's not scary.

 

 4. LADIES' NIGHT by MARY KAY ANDREWS

When a group of women are court ordered to attend divorce therapy after running their husband's cars into pools, etc. there is bound to be some entertainment. Especially when they start meeting at the local bar after therapy sessions. This was definitely a fun read and would be great if you are going through a break up. I laughed out loud at this book!

5. TO ALL THE BOYS I'VE LOVED BEFORE by JENNY HAN

 This again was a YA book, but it was a nice read. It was almost too immature for my taste, but I can't stop reading a book in the middle. If I was one of those people I probably would have let this one go. I'm glad I finished it though because it turned out sweet. The concept is genius. A girl writes letters to her boyfriends for the last time, but she never mails them. She stores them in a box instead. When the letters are accidently mailed out all heck breaks lose. I thought the story could have been deeper, but it was a nice light read.  

6. THE BEST DAY OF SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFE by KERRY REICHS

I LOVED this book! It gives an amazing outlook on love and marriage for those of us that choose to wait until later in life. It goes through every moment you might have while you are single and all your friends are getting married and having babies. I think I finished this book in 3 days. It was a quick read and so spot on for those of us in this phase in life.

7. EIGHTH GRAVE AFTER DARK by DARYNDA JONES

Let me start by saying you need to start at book one in order to understand this series. It's quirky, sarcastic, laughable, and the story line is completely unique. It is so easy to fall in love with the main character because she is so easy to relate to. Her sense of humor and snarky comments are what keeps this series going. This is a must read for me. Book 9 is coming out soon so you better get a move on!

 8. A BEAUTIFUL STRUGGLE by LILLIANA ANDERSON

This book is definitely rated R and probably not suitable for younger readers, but it is a good book. It has confusion of the heart, denial, moving on, falling in love, office romance, law school stories, and chasing dreams. It has every component to make up a great story. While this book didn't knock my socks completely off, I did find myself wanting to know what happens next.

 9. INNOCENT LITTLE CRIMES by C.S. LAKIN

If you need a unique story this is it!!! Following the lives of 6 different characters as they are all brought to their knees by an old nemesis. I never saw this story line coming because I try not to read reviews before the book. I couldn't put this down. I also read this book in 3 days.

10. A DOG'S PURPOSE by W. BRUCE CAMERON

If you are a dog lover you HAVE to read this! I laughed, and I cried. This book brought out every emotion I have. I think my dog hated me while I read this book though because I wouldn't stop hugging him. This book is hands down one of my favorite books of all time.

Please let me know what you think of these books if you have read them or plan on giving them a try. Also, let me know what is on your reading list right now. I'm definitely looking for some more books to pile on my nightstand during the cold months coming.

Love,

Kayla