The Time I Spent My Life Savings at Sephora

This weekend my in-laws were in town, which was fabulous. I love them to pieces and they haven't been out to our part of the country in two years, so, it was high time.

We had a blast, they are just so much fun and it's so nice to see family since we live 1,200 miles away from any and all of our family.

Because we come from such a small town, it's a big novelty to go to an actual shopping mall. After we headed to one of the big Western stores in the area so everyone could buy new boots (except me, I just bought boots in January, people) we headed off to the mall to go shopping.

Things were going well--I hadn't spent a penny--since my mother in law insisted on buying the two shirts I wanted and they bought the husbands new boots as his birthday gift--so, yay me, still have money. I even put back the Tory Burch wedges I was super in love with.

Too good to be true, obviously.

I hopped into Sephora all "I'm out of face wash" and headed straight for the Bliss section. Well, after grabbing new eyeliner (SP's life lesson 583: don't buy the cheap eyeliner, spring for the fancy stuff, trust me). I scoop up my face wash and then this gorgeous Russian asks me if I need any help.

I'm all "No thanks, I think this'll do it."

And she's all "Ok, well, let me know if you have any questions." (imagine that in a thick Russian accent)

And then I'm all "Well, actually, I use the Youth as We Know It Eye Cream and I just ran out--is there anything that you recommend more?"

There isn't. She loves it. She swears by it. She uses it every day--and look, so crow's feet.

So. I somehow walked out of there with my face wash, eye cream, and a deep cleansing mask. Which I of course had to use the second I got home.

I might be broke, but, at least my pores are smaller.

Home Decor Success: The Den

Remember how I was all "I'm redoing the den" and I was all "I really love this rustic look from the HGTV Dream Home 2007"?

Well, I do.

But, it turns out, I love bright and eclectic more. (y'all should see my guest bedroom)

So, here was the inspiration:
And, here's what we ended up with.

I have no idea.

Although, I did manage to include blue in the color scheme and did the whole four prints in black frames on the wall.

Not exactly the rustic lodge look I'd planned, but, I love it. It's "me" (I credit/blame bff R for convincing me to buy the blue and red pillow which started this whole downward spiral)

And the husband hasn't noticed a damn thing has changed. Boys.

(please excuse the crappy Blackberry photo and the fact that I couldn't be bothered to close the bathroom door...tacky) (maybe one day I'll actually take a nice picture of the den so you can see the curtains and my amazing vintage lamp) (don't hold your breath)

Wordless Wednesday

Veggies, avert your eyes.....


Yes, that is me and Sara nom nomming on giant turkey legs at the Ren Faire. And no, we didn't eat the entire thing. And yes, they were delicious.

I missed my calling in life

This past weekend, my best girl Sara came to visit. And? It.was.awesome! We had so much fun and it’s real big time bummer that weekends aren’t like five days long because trust me, we could have used that time.

I had a blast showing her around Dallas and I’m sure there will be many more posts to come on our fabulous weekend, but, the most hilarious event of our weekend, was the trip to the Renaissance Faire.

Can you believe that Sara had never been to one? I know, I couldn’t either. Admittedly, it had been years since I’ve been to one, but, still.

We drove down to Waxahachie and entered what I can only describe as the best people watching EVER. Also, we saw a chick with elf ears—I guess we made a detour to Middle Earth, but, I can’t be sure.

Sidenote: I'm fairly certain I missed my calling in life. Walking around all day dressed like a beer wench and speaking in old English? Where was this at career day?! Sign.me.up.

“Basically, you’re the only person here in Burberry and pearls, and, I’m the only one in Chanel and Tory Burch—we’re obviously the ones being judged.” Best quote of the day, via Sara’s deep thoughts-- but oh so true!

We watched falcons, ate giant turkey legs, crashed a wedding and more—but, most importantly, got our palms read. I KNOW.

Now, maybe it is all voodoo science and whatever and you know I’m not one to believe all that, but, the chick said that I was going to be healthier as I got older, be very successful in my 40s and age very, very well—“while your friends will go downhill physically, you will not”.

Basically, she told me I was going to be a 40 year old successful hot chick. JUST SAYING.

I bet you never thought I’d ever want to get older, huh?

Oh, and, next year, we’re totally renting costumes.

SP Reads. A lot.

One of my “goals” this year, is to read more. Read like actual books. Not so much my online celebrity gossip nonsense and my “how to run faster” Runner’s World obsession, but, like books with lots of pages and plot lines and everything. I know, really ambitious.

I go through periods where I read a ton, and then I can go like a year and not read a novel. This is no bueno.

Especially since it’s said that to be a writer, you must also read. Welp, once upon a time, 500 million years ago, I went through a life crisis and decided “must document this in written form because I might be creative, but, I cannot make this shiz up” and, someday, someday, I hope that I will find that little piece of my life bound forever in the shelves of Barnes and Noble. I mean, a girls gotta have goals, right?

Anyways. I’m either read a lot, or, just read Allure Magazine and eat Bon Bons.

Currently, we’re in the “I read everything I can get my mitts on”.

As we know, I devoured Water for Elephants in ONE DAY and en route to St. Louis in January, I finished Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah—like, it took me two sittings to read it. TWO. I never do this.

I recently also read Flying Changes by Sara Gruen and was bummed because I didn’t know it was a sequel to Riding Lessons and I would have read that one first! I finished that book in about two days. Loved it. I love her style of writing.

So, when the husband/puppies gifted me an iPad over the weekend (I KNOW!) my first order of business, after downloading the Sons of Anarchy and Royal Wedding aps respectively (I bet that’s an ap that Clarence House never thought they’d be in the same sentence with), I loaded up my iTunes account and went in search for a book.

Enter, True Colors by Kristin Hannah.

And then continue with me staying up until 2AM because I could not stop reading the damn thing, ugly cry and all and oh my gosh I was so sucked it and it was so good and I want to read it all over again. I read it in one day. And it's not a short book.

So, to summarize: I’m really tired, I really like Kristin Hannah’s books and, the iPad is going to be the demise of me ever sleeping again EVER. But, I can watch the Royal Wedding and get a Jax Teller fix, so, there's that.

Pass the Diet Coke.

The Lucky Ones

This week has been rough--just emotionally taxing and I'm exhausted from working all weekend, but, such is life ya know--it happens.

I was wallowing in my self pity this morning (I have a PhD in wallowing, fyi) and after an entire bag of Sour Patch Watermelon gummies did not help (NO JUDGING), I decided to snap the hell out of it.

You know why? Because, I'm lucky.

I have a roof over my head, plenty of food in my belly (mostly, sugary food, but, that's not the point), puppies to love on, a loving family, and amazing friends.

Friends that text me during the Royal Wedding, friends who check in to make sure I'm surviving work trips, friends who come visit and send me puppy pictures, friends to have monthly supper club with, friends to quote TV shows and watch Army Wives with.

So, although today, my Princess Kate/Catherine/Duchess of Cambridge hair attempt failed (who knew redheads couldn't go brunette?!), and I'm slumming it in jeans and boots, and I still haven't gotten my mitts on a damn tiara, or title--I'm lucky.

And very, very, thankful. Always.

What makes you lucky today?

Remember how last week a Prince got married?

I'm sorry, there was a wedding?

BAHAHAHA—like I would forget!

But, the folks at Time Warner Cable sure as hell did and when my DVR broke TWO WEEKS AGO and I was assured it would arrive on Tuesday night, giving me plenty of time to set it and triple check to make sure it was working, it still had not arrived and guess what, it’s the next Tuesday and the blasted thing still isn’t here. Oh people are going to hate life when I find the time to call and rip them a new one. Trust me.

ANYWAYS. That meant I absolutely had to watch it live (which I was going to do anyway, but, I wanted to record it because oh my god it’s like my favorite movie only REAL. It’s like The Sound Of Music, only with tiaras! I am DYING)

My alarm went off and it was the one singular time in my life I did not hit snooze. Oh no, I sat straight up, turned on the light, and then the TV. Oh, and then got on Twitter, naturally.

Y’all, it was a damn fairytale. Because as some point don’t we all dream of being a princess? And at some point in our lives, didn’t we all want to marry Prince William or Harry? To which I say: HEY HARRY, I COULDN’T WAIT FOREVER AND THAT’S WHY I GOT MARRIED BUT I’M WILLING TO RECONSIDER.

Also: Pippa would be a good runner up to me. Marry her. Don’t go with Chelsey Davy, k? You know you want to.

I mean LOOK AT HER:

Y’all could have just gotten rid of Will and Kate and gotten married there instead and no one would have cared—she’s wearing a white dress and everything. Gah, Harry, use your brain!

(dudes, I secretly hoped that either Pippa would A. Tackle Kate and marry William instead or B. That Harry and Pippa would get married—just to ya know, shake things up.)

Also, you know that Chelsey was all “Imma cut that bitch” when Pippa and Harry walked out of the Abbey together.

Did you guys know I have a big huge coffee table book on Princess Grace? Well, I do. It was given to me by my daddy for Valentine’s Day years ago and I love it. I could spend hours looking through it on a regular basis—who are we kidding, I do.
And when Kate emerged in her gown, my heart did a little jig because it looked just like Princess Grace's. Although, I mean, I kinda sorta wished it was a little more dramatic, I mean, she is marrying the future King of England and all, but, if you're going to go for a specific look--Princess Grace is the way to go.

Well played, Princess Kate/Catherine/Duchess of Cambridge/Whatever We're Calling You Now.
But, it was perfect for her. Also? Thank you Kate for making modest stylish again. THANK GOD.

This dress will also be added to my list of items I must have just to wear around the house while doing housework or watching Friends.
Much like I used to dream of being Princess Grace when I was a little girl, I am certain that my future daughter will dream of being Princess Kate/Catherine/Duchess of Cambridge/Whatever We’re Calling Her Now.

Silly as it was, I couldn’t help but wish my mom had been alive to watch it with me—we watched Diana’s funeral together and I remember her telling me about Charles and Diana’s wedding—but, of course, I texted my sister and told her I now have 5,000 ideas for when my nieces get married—mainly that there will be boys choir and an Abbey involved.

I know there are bigger things going on. I know that our own country has been hit with a lot of devastation, I know that homes are destroyed, lives are lost and things are forever changed. Believe me, I get it—I’ve lived through natural disasters and lost loved ones in them—it's heartbreaking and awful.

But, sometimes, it’s ok to live in a happy little fantasy land for just a little bit. And ya know what? I'm really, really happy for these two.

And then cheer that the wicked witch is dead.

Sorry Britain, we can’t help but one up you.

Also, please expect any wardrobe additions to be solely based on my ability to look like Kate. Well, except for the two dresses I bought yesterday—so, everything after today.

And, of course, now, I really want to go darker with my hair—like a more reddish brown—like fellow redhead Julia Roberts sometimes does.

Damn you, England!

But, seriously, Princess Kate/Catherine/Duchess of Cambridge/Whatever Your Name is Now, call me--we'll do lunch. Or go shopping. Or whatever it is that you do.

I survived Jersey

Aren't you proud? Even though the roads make no sense, I still did it! I navigated from Newark to the shore--thus, I am awesomesauce.

This weekend was a whirlwind of exhaustion and fun. As much as I grumble about my crazy work schedule and the fact that I was you know, in Jersey--seeing people cross the finish line of a marathon always puts a smile on my face.

In this case, my sunburned face. Word.

And, like a good little minion, I woke up before the sun to watch the royal wedding on Friday. It was the one time in my life that my alarm has gone off and I didn't hit snooze. Thank goodness I had Danielle to text while watching it!

Obviously, that set me up for a long weekend, but, so.worth.it, of course.

And, sadly, I am leaving New Jersey without Dr. Chase or Dr. House, which, let me tell you, is the real crime. I could have faked an injury to end up in Princeton Plainsboro, I'm just saying!

What'd you do this weekend? Did you watch the wedding? Did you think that maybe Pippa was debating if she should tackle Kate and marry Wills instead? I mean, she was in a white dress and all.....

I'll be back with some substance soon--once I've maybe slept for more than five hours, but, who knows when that might be.

xoxox,
SP (I was a princess first, Kate/Catherine/Duchess of Cambridge)

(as you can see, so, so, tired)

Yep, still yapping about Boston

After the 5K, and sleeping off the pukey, it was off to Fenway for my very first Red Sox game. Now, we all now my love and adoration of my Texas Rangers (and mainly Josh Hamilton), but, I was super excited for the game (thanks again for the tickets, Sam!)
Me and Sarah at the game. It was kind of rainy before the game, but, it turned out to be a really nice day.
Sarah, me, Danielle, Jessica and Sam.
After the game, Sarah, Danielle and I hopped the T and somehow made it to Cambridge for dinner. And by "hopped the T" I mean we looked like totally lost tourist idiots who couldn't figure out the T. I can manage the underground in London like a pro, but, send me to Boston and I get all sorts of confused. True story.

ANYWAYS. The Red House. Cambridge. Awesome.
After debating between sparkling water, bottled still and Cambridge's Finest Tap Water, we ordered. I got a yummy pasta dish with mussels. Mussels. And garlic. Does that piece of garlic on my fork not look like a mussel?!?!
And this is our waiter Jesse. Who Danielle assured that we were not hitting on him. Because men love to hear that. Our reservation was for 5:30, we left at like 8:30. We had way too much fun!
Yep, that's exactly what you think it is. A picture of me, sittin' on a toilet (D, aren't you proud?). Seriously, how tall is that thing? I couldn't touch the floor!
My fave girls!
So, since dinner lasted for 500 hours, we had to book it to NikeTown hoping they were open--they were! But, after we left, I'm sure they wished they'd locked up about five minutes earlier. See that photobooth behind Sarah and Danielle? Yeah, we took it over. Danielle became a pro and was teaching everyone else how to use it. It.was.awesome!

Yes, we trekked all over Boston to get these pictures. And? I LOVE THEM!!
We had so much fun! I cannot even tell you how much I loved hanging out with those girls. Why is Maine so far from Texas??

I know, y'all really just care about the marathon posts. I'll get there, pinky promise.

I went to Boston? Are you sure?

So, I went to Boston over the weekend. I knew that it was going to be an awesome trip. Granted, there were some hiccups in the plan since one of the main reasons I was going to Boston wasn’t able to make the trip, but, that’s ok—she’ll have her Boston someday and we will rock that trip like nobody’s business. (Dear Boston, I apologize in advance)

First up after reading Water for Elephants on the plane (yes, I read it in a day. I never do that. The more removed I am from the book, the more I love it. I have to admit, I wish there had been more about the relationship between Marlena and Jacob—or maybe more of that dynamic—I don’t know) (also, I am now in love with the name Marlena)—anyways, after I read a book on the plane, put on some makeup and pretended I didn’t look like a freezing hobo (dear Boston, I’m from the south) I headed off to the first event—a blogger happy hour.

Which really turned into a bunch of screaming girls and me attacking my marathon guru with a huge ass hug. (um, why do I have no pictures of you until the baseball game?)

I got to meet Sarah and Danielle, and Katie—and see my fave little grad student, Christy again—and my favoritest redhead evah (imagine I’m saying that with a Boston accent).

Redheads unite!

Then, because I was about to cut someone for some H2O, we headed out in search of food and ended up at Kings—a restaurant/bar/bowling alley in a parking garage (seriously!) where Sarah, Danielle and I proceeded to eat way too much and we also met with Sam, his brother Josh and friend Matt.

Thanks to the five Diet Cokes I downed at dinner, I could not fall asleep and stayed up watching TV into the wee hours and then woke up to rain, rain, rain on the morning of the BAA 5K.

Sarah, Katie and I were going to walk it because we’re cool like that, but, then Sarah got cold feet (literally!) and decided to stay warm, and I just decided I’d do whatever and take it as it came. After all, it was a 5K. I could do this.

Me and my Christy--love this girl!
I could do it, and I did.

But, here’s where SP’s Life Lesson #523 comes in: don’t run a 5K on two Excedrin and a bottle of water. Trust me—it hurts coming up.

I went back to my hotel to sleep off the pukey, and that’s pretty much where the day goes downhill—or, uphill? I’m not really sure. It got awesome, let’s just say that.

Mainly because Danielle has hot legs and wins awesome contests. (OH MY GAWD SO MANY INSIDE JOKES)

Me and Sarah before the 5k.

There's also a super cute picture of me and Danielle after the 5k, but, she hasn't posted it yet. Sads.

Stay tuned for part 3 of 561. Or something.

Best. Weekend. Ever!

This picture pretty much sums up the weekend:

Sam is superman, y'all! I won't steal his thunder, because I'm sure he'll have an awesome blog up about Boston, but, dang it if seeing him on Boylston didn't make us all cry.

Best.Weekend.EVER!

And I just love this picture of Danielle, it's my second favorite picture of the weekend. Yes, our Sam had a major cheering section. He did it. Sub 3 hour marathon!

Only 364 more days, huh?

Someday Life

In my someday life, me and this girl will live next to each other....

This will be our view...

We will have little miniature farm animals (yes, I will name it Kevin Bacon) and our children will grow up and get married--and then we'll officially be related....

This girl and I will own a villa here... and we'll have assistants who tell us that our offices cannot rotate and we'll never fly coach (inside jokes--do y'all watch Mr. Sunshine? If so, you miiiight get those!).

(Ren, I would have posted a picture of you and me, but, I don't have any that you approve of!) (be grateful I didn't post a picture I found of the two of us from initiation brunch um SEVEN years ago. When did we get old?) I'll wear fancy shoes and Isla Fisher will ask me for fashion advice. Oh, and, I'll be skinny, duh.

I love my someday life. What does your someday life look like?

xoxo, Mrs. Igelsias Princess Counsela Banana Hammock

(oh my gawd, everyone, please go see Bridesmaids when it comes out so you'll understand my ridiculous quotes)

(pictures from here, here and here)