Sick Day

Riv is home sick with some kind of nasty flu-ish thing....

Poor Baby.

He has been so healthy this last year, so I suppose it is his turn on the sick wheel.

He wants me to be right next to him...

Guess I better enjoy that while it lasts.

I think as much as it stinks to have a sick kid, sitting here with him is such a gift.

Plus, I got a few minutes to do my nails...

I used those Sally Hansen Nail Polish Strips, and it was a cinch!

I started looking through some old photos from the Family Blog.....big mistake.

Am I the only one who can't look at old photos without totally getting emotional???

Where has the time gone, and why did I not cherish it more while I was there in the present??

I suppose that is why getting older is a good thing.

Perspective.

Weren't they the cutest little duo?!

Justin has a birthday this weekend....he thinks he is getting old.
I happen to think he is just getting better (actually I KNOW he is getting better!)

Perspective.

He still wants to run races....He still wants a challenge....He still drives me nuts.
He is still my hero.

I hope you will take a minute to snuggle up with your kiddos or lover this weekend,
whether they are sick or not....
I was reminded this week, yet again, of just how short life can be.
I hate those reminders.

I need to do a better job of living and loving, and making every day count.
XO

Summer Beauty Favorites

Just a quick one....
These are my Top 4 Summer Beauty Favorites!!
They are new to me, and I have loved using them the last few months.

Hope you are having a great week.
XO

Lash Love is Real Love

Hi!
Today, I have some thoughts on the latest Influenster VoxBox I received in the mail....
and it's always cool to get free stuff in the mail,
BUT it is extra cool to get FREE Mary Kay in the mail.
Influenster is cool like that.
(that is my disclaimer that all the products I am talking about were free, but my opinions are entirely honest and my own)
 
Okay. On to the good stuff.

So this box of wonder had 4 great products and a lovely makeup brush included.
I love all 4 of the products....even the lipstick!
The quality is great, they did not irritate my skin or eyes, and the packaging is very nice.

The Lash Love is my favorite, and I feel that it truly is lengthening without any clumps!
My short straight lashes were instantly transformed, without even using a eyelash curler.
Amazing.

The Lash Primer may or may not be doing anything for me.
I can't tell yet.
I have tried it with and without the Lash Love....and I am still unsure.
Maybe it is just a nice conditioner for my lashes.

The Cream Eye Color is lovely, and they sent the color Violet Storm.
It is very sheer and creamy, and build-able for the right amount of color.  A nice shade of purple for my brown eyes! 

The lipstick is also lovely!
And you know I am still not a true lipstick fan.....
but this True Dimensions Lipstick, in the color Pink Cherie is fun, on-trend, and so creamy!

Even without make-up on, a swipe of lipstick, and swipe of eye color, and mascara makes me feel much more put together!
The Cream Eye Color/Concealer brush that was included is also lovely.
Super soft, and very nice quality.

Out my window, I had a visitor....pretty impressive camouflage he has going for himself.

If you want to be an Influenster too, you can sign up here, or I can send you an invite via email.
Just let me know!
This is my third VoxBox review, and definitely my favorite!

Till next time.....
I have some new favorites to share.....

psst....anybody out there??

Excuse me while I clear away the cobwebs over here.....
It has been far too long, and to think I was doing so well in 2013 with my blogging....
tsk, tsk.

Well, the truth is that I have been working.
Actual working.
While getting paid.
Crazy, I know.
I started subbing at Riv's school, and I think they like me because I keep getting called back!
I am also going to be working there on staff next school year, since it will be Riv's last year in preschool.
I want to be there...and allow him to have experiences away from me.
(Just not too far away...)
It really is a magical little school, and I couldn't be happier to be a part of it.
I won't be teaching at his age level, as they keep parents away from their children,
but I do see him in passing in the halls.
It is cute to see him out on the playground, without him knowing I am watching.

So, I have been a busy bee filling in for different teachers, and experiencing new things.
Yesterday I taught Art to all the classes, and let me tell you, it was a  full body workout!
I loved it!

Ok, enough about me....
I will give you a Justin update.
So, as you know he has been training to go to the Phase II selection for the Combat Rescue Officer job, and he was supposed to leave this week.
That isn't happening.
Long story short, he fractured a small bone in his wrist, which caused a domino effect of problems for him.  The swelling in his hand, wrist and forearm was so severe that it completely cut off the circulation in his hand for a time, and he had to be rushed in an ambulance from the main base over to the Veterans Hospital to prep for possible amputation, because his hand was essentially dying.
(This is not a fun phone call to receive, FYI.)
 It was a horrible experience, but ultimately was just a good wake up call for Justin to take it easy.  He did not lose a hand, or even a finger, but we sure got a good scare.
(Sorry to my family for the roller coaster ride of texts and phone calls.)
So, what this meant was that he would not be medically cleared to participate in this selection.
You simply cannot do push-ups on a wrist that can't be bent, let alone hundreds of push-ups and pull-ups.

We were depressed.
I was angry.
We got over it.
He has another shot at this in October, so we are looking at this as an opportunity to train for 6 more months, after he heals properly. It also means we have to wait 6 more months....and Justin is sure feeling his age these days.  All those Ultramarathons seem to be catching up to him (mainly knees and hips), and he has to work so much harder than his 23 year old competition!

Other than little bump in the road, everything is great.
Paige and Riv are both signed up for soccer, and it starts this Saturday, which will be FUN.
At the very least, it will be FUNNY.
More on that later.....

If you are still reading.....
you are the best.


LOVE YOU!!!!

aging

Aging....
it is such a love-hate thing.
On one hand, I love that I am not nursing 24/7
I am not leaking through my t-shirts
I am not that uncertain new Mom.

On the other hand, I miss those quiet snuggles, watching my baby breathe
I miss picking out their cute little outfits
I miss not having wrinkles or saggy areas.

But you can't have one without the other.
I will take my aging skin and self for the knowledge I gained from those precious baby years.
I will take these new stolen moments, where I spy on them through my bedroom window, and watch them as they chit chat....
I will breathe, and know that these moments are fleeting, and they will be the ones I will miss in a few years.

I will be 31 in less that 2 weeks....so expect a few posts about reflection, and deep thoughts...
and a few about frivolous things for good measure.
I always manage some Sephora purchases around this time of year!

I think aging is breathtakingly beautiful and painful.
It's just about taking it ALL...
the good
the bad
the ugly
and the unexpected.
I have so many wonderful examples around me of how to do just that...
and I am all ears.

See you soon....
with some shopping bags! (hopefully)

A few of my Favorite Things!

I cannot even believe we are at the end of another year!  Can you?
This year has been one heck of a ride, and I am kind of glad it is over.
2013 will bring us change for sure, but I welcome it, and look forward to it.

2013 will also bring us much of the same, and that is comforting!
Down here in Texas it means lots of sunshine, and bad hair days.
Just know that I have some ideas, and I will be bringing you along.
All my love,
Ariel

Hair Affairs

Hey Ladies!
So....remember back in December when I got my hair cut off....
NOT my favorite thing, but not the end of the world.

I have been diligently working on growing it back fast, and healthy,
so I thought I would share what I have been using
and what I have been doing/not doing to get it this far along.
Hopefully by December I will be back to my old self again.

Remember growing your hair out takes time,
but I think the more you can leave it alone, the better your results will be.
(But, what do I know?!)

Have a great week, and let me know what your favorite hair products are!
XOXO

Favorites!

Happy Wednesday!!
Here are a few things I have been loving lately.
I hope everyone is doing well, and having a great week!
xo


For more info, click away:
Maybelline Master Shape
Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing
Trainerball
Tone It Up and Beach Babe DVD series
Sharpie Pens

The Dirty 30

Hi! Happy Love Day.
Just wanted to share some "stuff".
Nothing earth shattering,
but I have missed you!



Products:
Olay Professional Advanced Cleaning System
Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub
Goody Spin Pin
It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In Product
Alterna Kendi Oil Dry Oil Mist
Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark-Circle Roller
Maybelline Color Tattoo in Tough as Taupe-35

girl power....

and boy power too I suppose.

This subject has been on my mind and heart so much lately,
as our girl has been struggling with how people perceive her...
people making fun of her clothes, hair, mole, etc.
and how do we teach her

she IS good enough
she IS smart enough
she IS perfect to us

and GOD made her this way.

It is a battle I did not know I would face so early on,
but Paige is struggling at 5 tiny years of age with all of this.

As girls, I think we have had it so much harder in this way,
living up to this perfection in our minds,
and the perfection we perceive from others.
I was so blessed to be raised by a Mother that fought so hard to
build us up
when the whole world tried to tear us down.
I am trying so hard to be that Mother for my daughter,
but it is hard.

I want her to know she can do ANYTHING
I want her to know she can be ANYTHING
and that we will love her all the way.

If Justin and I can do nothing else but build our daughter up
and raise our son up right,
then we will feel accomplished in life.
I want our kids to be strong and kind.
I want our kids to be gentle and confident.
I want our kids to be hard working and generous.
It is a tall order, I know.
But it begins now.

I am only one, but still I am one.
I cannot do everything, but still I can do something;
and because I cannot do everything,
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.
HELEN KELLER



You may notice a few faces in this video if you read this...
I love the message she shares, and the Mother she is.

Oh, and Justin signed up for another (and hopefully his last for a while)
100 mile race in February.
We will all be going....camping....freezing....
I will be documenting....
and as much as I hold my breath anxiously while he does these things,
there is much for me to learn from him
and his determination and drive.
He may be crazy, but I guess I love crazy.
This story drives him...moves him .
He watches it often, and I see that twinkle in his eye.
He wants to live a life worth living.
I know I have shared this before, but it is worth watching again,
and again.

xo

Take Two

2 things to share today...

I purchased some Covergirl goodness at COSTCO today...
(it was on coupon)
and I really like these lip stains.
Despite the reviews, I enjoy them and have purchased them
a few times.
The colors in the pack were Sassy Mauve and Teasing Blush
and it came with two moisturizing topcoats.
I am rocking the Sassy Mauve today, because I often feel sassy
after braving Costco with the kids.



Also, I purchased the Shea Moisture Organic Baby
Head-To-Toe Ointment for Mr. River's chapped face...
poor kid is having a rough go of it....eczema and chapped cheeks are
painful! (Face cheeks....not the other kid of cheeks!)
I wanted to try this, and although a bit more than I would normally spend,
you seriously need like a drop of it.
A little goes a LONG way, and it smells yummy...
in a hippy-dippy-trippy sort of way.
If you don't like the smell of Frankincense and Myrrh
or Lavender, Calendula, Rose and Chamomile...
then I would skip it.
But if you don't like those smells, you are kinda weird...
and you probably wouldn't like to sit next to me since I tend to smell that way.
OK.

Confession....
I am enjoying a bit of this right now

because I worked out
4 out of the last 5 days.
Holla!


AND....
if you want to really help yourself out after your workout,
ask Santa for a foam roller this year.
Justin and I just started doing this, and it really helps relieve
muscle soreness, and it feels good...hurts while doing, feels great after.
(and a little birdie told me it helps with cellulite??)

If you want to see a good routine for you and your foam roller,
check these gals out!
(Don't mind the intro...it was their "Back to School"
Britney Spears tribute...HA!)

I love Karina and Katrina, and I think they are so fun and inspiring.
They make me want to try harder, and put myself first.
Check them out at toneitup.com if you don't know about them.

That was more like 5 things...but
are you really surprised??
Didn't think so.
xoxoxoxo

sniffles

hi.
we took our turn on the sick wheel..
and we are taking it slow this weekend.

just a couple things...
a new polish brand,
justin ran a race,
and I love you.





50 miles in 9:54, 7th place!!


See you soon!!
p.s.
2 hot mommies are days away from giving birth
to some seriously gorgeous baby girls.
I cannot wait, Jamie and Tricia!!!
I hope I can share their stories here!
xo

from the heart

Dear Michelle Pfeiffer,
Whatever you are having, I will take double...
Thanks.
She is 53 ladies!!!
Fifty freaking three...
love her!



And from one of my FAVORITE M.P. movies of all time...
one of my favorite scenes from I AM SAM...
from the heart.



Watch it.
smile.
Happy now?

I needed to smile tonight...
as I was up to my eyeballs in school "stuff"
an email came in saying Justin's Financial Aid was incorrect and miscalculated
and he isn't getting any for Spring....WHAT??
Ummm.....we are halfway through a Master's Program here...
this cannot be happening....
oh, and we owe the school money?
sure.
Yeah, we have that....not!

breathe.
smile.
This will all work itself out.
Why do these things happen when my husband is out in the woods??

breathe, and smile.
At least Justin is getting straight A's...

babies are healthy, roof over our head, food in the fridge.
breathe.
offering up prayers to the financial aid gods tonight among other prayers.
xo

show and tell

HAPPY THURSDAY.
I really cannot wait for this week to be over...
It is just one of "those" weeks, you know?!

Too much school,
Too much going on,
Checking out of the apartment...should be interesting,
Feeling funky.
I think the weekend will make it all go away.

SO, to take my mind off things for a minute,
I give you this totally random post about nothing important.
xo

1. I have no words for how beautiful I think these are. Seriously.

2. I am adding this to my Christmas list. I could not make this for under $100, and I think the colors are just right for our bedroom.

3. I just watched this , and I have to admit....even though it isn't the most appropriate song for a child (kinda bad), and NM isn't the best role-model (kinda out-there) I am BLOWN away. That little girl is something fierce.

4. Kinda wishes something like this would appear to hold all my fabrics so I can get my sewing space set up....

5. I think my new skincare may be working.....maybe.

6. They are priceless.






7. Pricey....but I love them. All from Anthropologie. I should seriously consider going to work for these people. Just being in the store lowers my blood pressure.







Cheers to the freakin' weekend.
-A

holla!

Hi!
Just a few random thoughts on a Wednesday night.

#1. You can't really be successful at having "bangs" when you live in Texas.
I learned that pretty much 10 minutes after I cut them a while back.
That stinks.
I really like bangs.

#2. These are especially cute to me....kinda like appealing to the 8th grade me...
but cooler.
I need to buckle down and DIY myself some of these....
they are mucho money for what they are....but I love TWINE!


#3. I have a new skincare routine that I am praying will kick my acne's butt...
You know what I mean.
I think I will now refer to my skin problems as Texas-itis..
and hopefully that goes away soon.
I really don't make a cute teenager...
really.



#4. Justin and I went and got DQ Blizzards tonight,
and totally ate them in front of our kids without sharing.
Parents of the Year.
Totally.

So glad I am back!
It's questionable as to whether or not you are as excited as I am.

xoxo,
A

HDOF freebie!

You know my girl Reags....
as if I can call her that.....
We just think she is the coolest....
And I think we would be friends if I were cool like her and lived in the NYC...
I have been there twice...sigh....
OK
Moving on.

She is totally awesome and giving away some much needed hair repair
after a long summer of hotness.
Go on over and enter to win.
Oh, and like her on Facebook while you are at it,
cause I know you check that thing like 5 times a day.
(It's ok, I don't judge.)
Love you gals...
Be back soon.


And go on over here to see our weekend adventure!
xo

gasp!

I am alive....
shocker!!!
We have just been bogged down with Justin's school stuff
and life in general
So, sorry I haven't been posting as much as I would love to.
Here is a little update,
some samples
some make-up
and gasp,
a LIPSTICK!



AND, because I am apparently the Queen of flashbacks
(maybe because it is 7:57am and I don't know what else to say)
here are my kids one year ago with my Mom.
Boo for babies getting bigger, and not snuggling anymore.
And missing my Mom.



And, FYI, we are growing out Riv's hair again...
seeing this photo confirms what I had been thinking...
I am missing those luscious locks of baby boy hair!
Enough of this buzz-cut nonsense till next summer!
Looking forward to a great weekend!
xo, A

Babies, Braids, and Spandex

She is something else.
She made me a Mother, and she changed my entire universe.
She has been with me all but maybe 10 days in her entire life.
She is ready for something new, and she is starting Pre-K in 3 weeks.
I am so excited for her, and this new experience!
3 hours a day for the full school year....it's going to be awesome!



She looks so much like her Daddy, it freaks me out sometimes!


We have been playing beauty parlor a lot around here,
thanks in part to the amazing Reagan
and today we worked up a 3/4 Halo braid.
(Here's the link to the full Halo)
Paige loved it!
Riv said she looked just like a Princess....aw, sweet Riv!





And, just to throw in something "Fashion-y"
I wanted to share with you my normal workout attire.
These pieces were purchased from the oh-so-fabulous Wal-Mart
and cost about $10 each.
Thanks Lululemon....love your stuff, but don't love the
astronomical price tag for something I need 5 of....$86 for running capris, um no.
Here is my philosophy...
if you don't have things you are comfortable in
AND
feel attractive in to work out,
it is less likely that you will be pumped to go to the gym.
SO, since I don't have mega-bucks to get the designer goods
I go the Wal-Mart/Target route, and I think I look just as good.
No frump, No Granny get-up...
just me and my black stretchies getting my sweat on!
(My hobbit shoes are amazing by-the-way...not available at Wal-Mart, but I try!)



Oh, and if you want to see our weekend fun...
come on over!
xo