The Anti-EOTWR

I'm flipping the script this week and giving you the top five reasons why I don't have an End of the Week Roundup post.

1. Because this polar vortex has apparently done more than just freeze the outside up, but also my brain. 

Source

2. Because I spent my time taking this quiz, and the results were the least bit surprising:

3. Because the surprise gift box I got in the mail from Angie was so awesome, I was left speechless. 

4. Because I'm sick, again. And it's all Dave's fault. Again. He is really lucky I love him. And that he makes the best grilled cheese to go with my tomato soup.

Want to hear something gross? I left the house Thursday morning sucking on a cough drop and pulled into work, realizing I was sucking on the same cough drop that I popped into my mouth when I first woke up...meaning I didn't brush my teeth. Nothing like spending the whole day wondering if your coworkers realize how grody you are. Forgetting simple hygiene needs? That's the definition of being really sick. 

5. Because I couldn't do another all Nibbler and Squishee end of the week roundup two weeks in a row. 

Come on now, did you really think I'd post a Friday post without at least one Nibs or Squish pic? I'm not THAT sick. 

Linking up with Lauren and Jennie.

                                      

January Beauty Favorites

In November, I posted about a few of my favorite beauty items. I still use everything on that list faithfully, however I also found a couple of new products that I use regularly and I figured I would share with you today:

1. Sonia Kashuk Eye Shadow Quad in Fair and Square

I really like the colors in the Naked 3 pallet, but I'm not sure the pink hues would look nice on my fair skin and didn't want to shell out the $53 bucks to find out whether or not it would, so I decided to pick this up and try out the pinks. The color in the upper left corner was a bit too pink for me, but everything else looks good and satiated my want for Naked 3. 

2. Aveeno Baby Cleansing Therapy Moisturizing Wash

Okay, so I'm not sure if it was weird or not that I use a wash meant for babies, but it definitely leaves my skin really soft and has been helping me beat the super dry skin I normally get.

3. Tarte BB Tinted Primer

I've been avoiding BB creams (or any of those alphabet creams for that matter) for a while because I need something with a bit more coverage than BB creams seem to offer. However when I saw that Tarte was offering this up as a primer too, I decided to give it a shot. This has replaced my normal primer, Neutrogena's Shine Control primer, most days and I love it. 

4. L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara

I used to use Clinque's Lash Doubling Mascara, but I had a coupon for L'Oreal and decided to try out this mascara based on all the good reviews I read about it. L'Oreal's version gives me the same results that Clinque's mascara did for half the price.

5. Tarte Maracuja Oil

I talked about my new found love of this oil here. I love what it has done for my face. 

6. L'Oreal Colour Riche Lip Balm in Heavenly Berry

Another purchase that I "splurged" on because I had a coupon. I was worried the berry might be too dark for me, but since it's a lip balm it gives me the perfect color. I am pretty sure this particular color would be flattering on anyone, but I'm definitely not an expert so....yeah. 

7. philosophy Purity and Refresh Set

I started using each of these products around the same time a few months ago. I definitely noticed my face broke out less after I started using these two. Then I saw that philosophy offers the set for a little less than purchasing the two separately, which is win/win for me!

What products are  part of your daily routine? 

                                         

14 in '14 Update

As some of you may remember, at the end of December, I set a goal to read 14 specific books in 2014. I plan to read more than just those 14, but I highlighted those books as ones that I wanted to make it a point to read  during this year. 

Without further ado, here are the ones I've read so far...

The Graveyard Book

Ironically enough, I finished this book before 2014 even started. I began reading the book on the 28th of December and just blew through it so that it was done by the 30th. I really enjoyed it and I think I'm becoming a fan of Neil Gaiman. So far, I've read this and The Ocean at the End of the Lane and I've loved both books.

The Husband's Secret

This book was excellent. I normally do not like adult fiction and prefer young adult; however I could not put this book down. I loved how the author interwove three different women's stories into one and wrapped everything up at the end. It was a satisfying read. 

Beauty Queens

I listened to this book on CD instead of reading it because I love listening to audio books on my commute to work, and because reviews said it was better to listen to Libba Bray read her own book. There were parts where I hated this book and almost shut the CD off and then there were times where I loved it and thought it was a great listen. I gave it three out of five stars on Goodreads. I probably wouldn't recommend it to many people, but I also wouldn't tell people to not read it either. 

The Girl Who Circumnativgated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making

This book...it was kind of a disappointment. I think I was so excited about the premise of the book that I went into it with high expectations. It won awards, and even Neil Gaiman sang its praises. I put this book down so many times throughout the month, I finished three other books between starting and finishing this one. The ending of the book really got me into the story (sadly, a little too late) and made me wish that it wasn't ending, which was surprising considering I was literally counting the pages left in the book that I had left to read. I would recommend this book to people who like books like Harry Potter, but I would definitely add a disclaimer that it may not be as great as it appears. 

Want to be friends on Goodreads? Check out my profile here and add me as a friend. I'm always looking for people who also enjoy reading so I can find new books!

End of the Week Roundup

This week has been a bit light, event-wise. I'm pretty sure arctic temperatures put a damper on any type of social life anyone has....and if you're anything like me that social life is pretty slim to begin with. 

What I have been in abundance of this week is a ton of ridiculously cute pictures of Nibbler and Squishee. So this week, I'm changing it up a bit and making the round up the top five favorite pictures of Nibs and Squish. Enjoy! 

1. Starting with Squish, I was having a rough day Monday and when I came home, Squish cuddled with me, which he never does. It's funny, he always seems to know when I need love the most. 

2. I love Sunday mornings. I always wake up before Dave and lay in bed reading. If they aren't already sleeping on the bed from the night before, they'll jump up and cuddle me, each other, or everyone. It's such a peaceful way to start the day. 

3. Nibbler loves Sundays almost as much as I do. Why? Because I always do laundry on Sunday and he loves jumping into the warm clothes and burrowing himself in, kinda like he did here with towels I had just pulled out of the dryer. 

4. 

5.  And lastly, my personal favorite (with the one of Nibs under the towels being a close second), Squish using me as his human recliner. 

Hope you enjoyed the pictures, how was your week. 

Linking up with Lauren, Lauren, Lulu and Jennie!

                                        

Lesser of Two Evils

I have a confession to make. I was almost about to post a "fluff" piece today. You know, one of those gimmicky posts that you write on the fly when you don't have anything else to write about, or a post that you borrow from another blogger, or posts like Monday's post. 

Why, you ask?

I've had a major case of the writer's block along with an astounding circumstance of the mysterious missing creativity. 

I have to wonder, what is the lesser of two evils?

I've been blogging for 10 months now, faithfully every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I haven't missed a day yet. People who have been following me consistently are probably aware of this and (God willing) if they enjoy my blog, they probably look forward to reading something from me on these days. I know that I do when it comes to some of my favorite bloggers. 

When these bloggers miss a day where I'm expecting a post from them, I feel disappointed, almost like my day isn't complete. It's almost akin to me walking out of the house without saying goodbye to Nibbler and Squishee (which would NEVER happen, I'm like a tiger mom to those cats, it's bad I know...). You expect it to be there and when it isn't, it bums you out and you feel like something is missing all day.

On the flip side, there are days when my favorite bloggers obviously post fluff pieces. Because, let's be honest here guys, there is no way in the world anyone can post everyday for two to three years without once or twice going "well crap, I have nothing to say". Honestly, the days of the fluff pieces, I'm left feeling a bit unfulfilled with it. That isn't to say that I expect bloggers to "dance for me monkeys!", just that when you expect something and it's not quite at the level that you're used to, it's a bit disappointing.

The point I'm making here is that as a reader of many blogs, I see both sides of the coin and I can't tell what is the better option. Do I post nothing on the days I cannot come up with a post, or do I post a fluff piece and say to myself "better luck next time!"?

What are your thoughts? 

To fluff or not to fluff, that is the question!