my pretty, sparkly keys.

When we moved in, I can't tell you how many different keys we went through to get the right one to work.  It was so annoying.  They all got mixed up.  As I was thinking about something else, my sisters, parents, and us all have the same generic key.  [Well, I purchased a turquoise hibiscus one for myself, selfishly.] Which one goes to which house?  Again, very annoying.

This is nothing new with people jumping on the DIY bandwagon, but I decided that our new keys were going to be different so people knew whose place it went to. 

I introduce you to my pretty, sparkly keys.

Super easy to do.  Paint with whatever color nail polish you wish and when that dries, add a bit of sparkle polish.  I know my Dad isn't going to like carrying this one around, but when he sees it, it will just remind him of his little Diva.

An easy, quick DIY you can knock out in less than 20 min.

changes to le blog!

I had a pretty fun weekend.  I was in my hometown this weekend for my cousin's bachelorette party.   We went to a winery out in the country and it's the most relaxing, peaceful setting in the area.  I wasn't ready to come back and get back to reality!

In other news, the old blog has a new name!  What do you think of The Dream Tree?  I love the name for lots of reasons.  I may be doing a post on that in the near future, but in the meantime, bear with me as I update everything.  I'm definitely a creative person, but not quite so savvy when it comes to blog design.  So it may take a few weeks or so {cringe}

Also, the sexy Janna from Perception is Everything nominated me for the One Lovely Blog Award.  She is one of my best blogging BFFs and I love her.  Thanks girl!

I hope you all have a great week.  We're going on like 3 weeks straight of 100+ degree weather.  I haven't seen heat like this in all my life in St. Louis.  It gets in triple digits a lot, but nothing like this!

{product spotlight} - HIP chrome eyeliner

I don't normally use any type of eyeliner that isn't liquid, unless I'm wanting it for my waterline or a different color, mainly because I am never satisfied.  Well, I think I've found something that is going to be a staple in my collection.  It's perfect for my waterline and I even liked it on my top lid.

HIP Chrome Eyeliner by L'Oreal in Black Shock

Pretty much the name says it all: high intensity pigments. 

I have been through the brands and it seems a lot of pencil liners don't last like I want them to or sometimes the color isn't as black as I would like.  This eyeliner provides a very bold color that glides on ever so smooth.  It's rather creamy and reminds me a bit of liquid and I think that's why I like it.

It lasts pretty much all day, doesn't really smudge, and is very easy to get off.  Depending on where you purchase and what kind of promos you get, the price is close to $8.

I barely had to touch my skin because it goes on so well. In fact, it goes on so well that I have to sharpen it each time I use it because it's so soft.  I will definitely be using this baby to the nub. 

I am so in love with this stuff that I have been swapping out my liquid for this.  It's definitely dramatic, yet subtle at the same time.  I am excited to check out the purple and gold liners next!

What brand of eyeliner do you like?

* these are merely my own opinions and is not a sponsored post.

celebrate the day!

I'm not too sure what all we have planned for the day.  We are both off work, so that's super nice.

I would love to watch fireworks somewhere, but most of the towns around here have canceled their fireworks because of the drought.  We have been having 100+ degree days for the last week and haven't had rain in a couple months.  It's pretty sad!

Whatever you guys do, be safe and enjoy!

{recipe} beef & noodles

Starting off the week with a most excellent recipe for you.  I make these a lot and they are so good that I could eat them once a week.  Try them out sometime this week and see for yourself.  In fact, I think I may make them this evening for us.

And, on the plus side, they're low-fat!

They're super easy to prepare, but make sure you set aside a bit of time for the beef to cook so it can get oh-so-tender.

Ingredients & Directions

1 pound stew meat [or a roast cut into small cubes]

1/4 cup flour

1 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 gloves garlic, minced

3 cups beef broth

1 tsp dried marjoram 

1/4 tsp black pepper

8 oz Amish egg noodles [or any egg noodles of your choosing, that's just what I prefer]

Coat the meat with flour.  In a large saucepan, brown half of the meat in hot oil.  Remove from saucepan and brown the remaining meat with the onion and garlic, adding more oil if necessary. Drain off fat and return all of meat to saucepan.

Stir in the broth, marjoram, and pepper.  Bring to a boil and reduce heat.  Simmer, covered, for 1.5 hours, or until meat is tender.

Stir noodles into broth mixture.  Bring to a boil and reduce heat.  Cook, uncovered, for about 10-15 minutes, or until noodles are tender and soak up most of the broth.  Sprinkle with parsley if you wish.

my favorite purchase of the weekend: it's odd.

This past weekend I went shopping at the mall since I now live 5 minutes away instead of 50.  Must.Stay.Away.  Although I purchased a few new items for myself, my favorite purchase of the day is a bit strange, but I have an obsession with these things. 

Hangers.  Not just any old hanger, but the heavy-duty, store hangers.  You know what I'm talking about.  The ones that you ask for every time you buy a new piece of clothing.  Or at least I do. 

I have so many because I always ask for them at checkout.  I love them because I hang up most of my clothes to dry and the hangers prevent the shoulder marks, plus it's super easy to hang up my pants. 

I am now the proud owner of probably 30 new hangers and I couldn't be happier.  I went into Delia's with my little cousin because the store was going out of business.  As I walked in, the store was mostly cleared out with just the skeleton of the store left, but on one wall a sign read 'Hangers: fill a bag for $2.' 

Come again - $2, you say?!  Yep, I was sold. 

I proudly crammed as many of those beauties as I could into the bag and walked out with a smile. 

I am thrilled to stick these in my closet and put them to use.  I'm so weird, but it's exciting!

Does anyone else love these as much as I do?!

weekend daydreams...

Happy weekend. 

This is the first Sunday morning in a long time [like 2 months] that I've actually been able to get up, drink my tea, put my dance music on, and relax for a second [or two] before the day begins.  We have been running around like crazy for the last couple months and I think things are getting back to good again. 

This morning I'm sitting here thinking of some things I'm wishing for.  I feel a bit like Veruca from Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, being that selfish little brat, wanting things now!  I really loathe waiting and I have no patience.... It's just that I like things and I want them now, although my bank account tells me otherwise, and my hubs would kill me. 

But, here are a few things I'm wanting to snatch up real soon!

.one.

Check out this amazing camera bag.  It's perfect!  I am in desperate need for a cute/purse like camera bag.  My camera is too precious and expensive to keep being carried in its current bag and so I ran across this one.  I can't wait to order it.  Check out Darby Mack and look through the rest of her bags.  I guarantee you will be impressed!!  So glad I ran across her.

.two.

This happens to be a dress that I've been longing for.  It is just what I've been looking for: picture-perfect, simple yet sexy, cute.  I don't think it's going to work out, however, because I want it for my cousin's wedding.  Isn't there a rule that says you're not supposed to wear white/cream to a wedding, unless you're the bride, or something like that?? I'm all about rule breaking, but I also don't want to look like a tool.

.three.

I am all for having that dewy/luminescent look, especially for summer.  I have lots of different highlighters, but this one sold me at 'supermodel in a bottle.'  I want to glow this summer!

.four.

I have been eyeing these cuties for months.  Still haven't gotten a pair, but they are always on my wish list.  I love slip-ons and these should suit me quite well, I think.  In black.

.five.
Sadly, this isn't really something that I can go out an buy tomorrow, but I am missing my pool!  I just found out our condos aren't included in the neighborhood pool and I am pissed!  It's so hot here and I am missing the pool at my parents.  A bit of advice, if you currently have a pool, don't take it for granted (:

I also wouldn't mind a bit of a thunderstorm, too.  We desperately need rain, but a nice mix of clouds, thunder, and lightning would suit me just fine.

What have you been wishing for this weekend??

settling in....

I hate being a bad blogger with my lack of posts, but hopefully things will be better now. 

Praise the Lord, because the move is complete.  We've lived in our new condo for a week now and things are great.  We now have the daunting task of unpacking, organizing, and more organizing.  The adjusting part is easy.  Or so far it has been at least.  I don't miss my old town or house as much as I thought I would and that has definitely made the transition easier. 

Hopefully in the next few weeks I'll be back in full force, but in the meantime, this is what is occupying my free time when I'm not working 12 hour nite shifts at the hospital. 

a few of my favorite pins!

I found some pretty cool things on pinterest this week!  I sure wish I had the time & money to buy/do everything that I see, but until then, I'll keep dreaming and sharing what I find!

all pins via pinterest

hang on.

Life is getting ultra stressful and busy for me right now.

Between adjusting to nite shift and living so far away from work, and then trying to get our big move in order, I'm about at my limit.

So, my little blog is going to be a bit non-existent for a while, or at least lacking a bit.

I'll be back soon with new and exciting things, so bear with me!!  

{Not sure when I'll be getting internet at the new place either, ugh}

==============

Here are a few pics from my weekend. 

It was rather busy with parties and packing, too much drinking, and a day completely sick & recovering.

Still fun, although never long enough.

 

 

 

Product Spotlight - MAC See Sheer Lipstick.

I think MAC was one of the greatest creations of my lifetime.  I have worn MAC makeup for as long as I can remember because of the quality, fantastic colors, and the wide array of products. 

I'm not sure if you guys are aware of their recycle program, but if you bring in 6 empty containers, you get a free lipstick {in some stores it's a lipstick, eyeshadow, or gloss, but the one I go to is the lipstick}.

The last time I traded in my empties, I decided I needed a new spring color.  I have gobs of lipsticks that all come from the same color family {nudes}, and of course this one does too, but I like this one because it's got a pop of color.  It's a mixture of a nude, coral, pink that really stands out.

Not only do I like this because of the color, but the way it feels on my lips is great.  It's a creamy formula that stays on without looking too matte.  It's got a bit of shine that also helps to keep your lips from not feeling too dry.  My lips are naturally pretty pink and although this is somewhat pink, it's natural enough to wear every day and looks like you really aren't wearing anything.

 MAC can be expensive at times, as this is $14.50, but this and all their products are definitely worth it. A lot of drugstore brands are running about the same price these days, so why not spend a couple extra dollars and get a much better product! I'm one of those people that money is no object when it comes to looking and feeling good about yourself.  

What brand/color of lipstick is your favorite?

The lipstick in this picture looks a lot darker than what it really is.. .

These opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any way for this review. 

bluegrass + nature.

Saturday was so beautiful out with a temp of around 90, lots of sun, and a gentle breeze.  There was a small bluegrass festival going on out at our park so Eric and I decided to see what it was all about.  Neither one of us like country music, and even though bluegrass is a sub-genre of that, I love it because the sound is different.  Something about the banjos, fiddles, and guitars that makes music to my ears.  These bands were playing a bit of bluegrass and folk and it felt good to be there taking everything in - the food, the hippies, the sounds, and the park.

We left the music to see what else we could find to do in the park between the swings, the pretty lake, and the nature trails sprawled out across hundreds of acres.  It was just so nice out that I honestly didn't care what we did; I just wanted to be outside. I am definitely a salt water girl, but the surrounding of the lake was breathtaking and so peaceful. 

Nature is so amazing to me.  As we were looking in the lake, I couldn't believe all the little life forms right at the surface and swimming in the water.  On the trail I was thinking of all the wildlife and animals that call this home - up in the trees, on the ground, underground, and everywhere. I could spend all day, every day outside, but my life just doesn't allow that with obligations and work. 

It was just such a perfect day to spend together and to take in what nature has to offer.  It really made me appreciate a lot that day.