A Bit of Birthday Swag

So it is that time of year when I get to pick up a few things without guilt, or retribution.
And I typically spend these precious birthday dollars on beauty products from Sephora...
can you blame me??
As a bit of a back story....
this year has already brought some firsts...
a trip to the dermatologist with a subsequent removal of a chunk of skin from my arm (benign skin tumor, no big deal),
but the little old lady who was the appointment before me left with no less than 7 bandages on her face,
from things she had removed. 
I DO NOT want that to be my future.....so I will be taking Sun Protection very seriously from now on. 
I have such a bad track record with sunscreen breaking out my face that I often skip it altogether. 
But deep in the heart of Texas (and anywhere for that matter),
it is kind of important to protect your face, at the very least!
My No Foundation Foundation has SPF 30, but I wanted something a little higher,
and the Josie Maran Daily Argan Moisturizer SPF 40 looked just about perfect. 

I have had a good track record with her products, and I think the Argan Oil is just what my skin needs.
I also picked up this Infinity Cream, which is supposed to be a magic do-it-all product....eyes, lips, skin, cuticles, etc. 

And I love that it is in a tube, since you know I always manage to drop a glass bottle of expensive product EVERY TIME.
And just to keep it all in the family, I am also trying out her Argan Blend Concealer. 

I purchased the color Sand-Light, which I may not have done, had I not been in the store to see it for myself. 
I am typically closer to a Medium skin tone, but this lightest shade is great for fairer skin, or those with a yellow undertone,
which I have. 
The medium shade would be better if you had more of a pink undertone in your skin, in my opinion. 
I feel like it is the best of two of my favorite products, Benefits Boi-ing and Erase Paste.
The smaller pan is a salmon colored corrector used to cover anything red or blue colored
(under-eyes and blemishes, like Erase Paste)
and the larger pan is a nice creamy concealer (like Boi-ing).
They can easily be layered over top of each other to get a natural finish. We will see.....
Once I have used these products, I will give you a full review,
to let you know what I think about them!


Besides the Sephora goodies, I did go out in search of something nice to wear to meet Justin's Commander next week. 
The party is at a Golf Course, so it will be on the nicer side of a BBQ. 
At the GAP, I landed on this sweater. 
It was the right length, right color, and the right price.

THIS Sweater (which I have to say is MUCH brighter and a bit lighter in person)
it is Very Flattering even though it is not so fitted....so I will pair it with skinny dark jeans, boots and interesting jewelry.
And, it was $22.

I also looked around for Justin, but found something extra for me: THIS T-Shirt
Does this age me??  What? Class of 99'....ahem.
It was in the Mens department, but I got it in a small, and it is SO SOFT and broken-in. It was $4.99.
I am thinking of sleeping in it, working out in it, wearing the heck out of it.

My Mama sent me a cute Elephant charm necklace, similar to this one, but mine is on a long chain,
and a bit less textured than this one.  Super cute to wear alone, or layer with other necklaces. 
I have already received compliments about it...love conversation starters.

See you soon with a video about how I like my new products...easier to tell you in person (kinda)...

Oh, and as far as goals for my next year of life....
I am just focusing on love.

Loving myself.
Loving my husband.
Loving my children.
Loving my friends.
Loving my life and everyone who is in it.

That's it.  Keeping it simple, but profound.

I read (in one day) a fascinating book called Proof of Heaven.
I will let you search it on your own, but the main thing I am taking away from this amazing story is that love is what matters.
And I think I have known that all along, as I have experienced life and on my own spiritual journey.

love.

And like I have said before, each day I can love.
Feels good to know you can do something that is so important.

So that is my big a lofty goal for myself this year...and I think I will knock it out of the park!
See you soon.
xo