Nov. 12: I'm thankful for my car. The heater works AMAZING, and it has heated seats. I'm spoiled, to say the least. But it was 28 degrees when I left to hospital last night!! (I was dropping off Dave some dinner, just to clarify).
Nov. 13: I'm thankful I get to spend time with Dave!! Our work schedules are completely opposite on the weeks that he works. He works 6pm-6:30am. I work 9am-5:30pm. On Dave's week on, we see each other for 10 minutes before he goes to sleep, and at night we miss each other completely. Because he leaves for work before I'm even off work. (He's been visiting me on my breaks as often as he can. It's nice to even have 15 minutes to just say hi.) I'm planning on making a yummy dinner tonight, and catching up with the man I love so dearly.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Thankful Days 8-11
At least I'm trying to keep up!!!
Nov. 8: I'm thankful for my faith, and for the freedom to practice whatever faith I choose. Mass was especially wonderful, and I love my new parish!!! (For those of you that don't know, a parish is the equivalent of a ward)
Nov. 9: I'm thankful for my wonderful sister-in-law Kelsey. My niece had her primary program, and I thought I had already slept through it. Kelsey was sure to text me and let me know that I could still make it. And I'm so glad I was able to!
Nov. 10: I'm thankful that I have more than enough money to purchase whatever groceries I decide I want and need. I made a menu for the week, and I'm excited to report on each dinner!
Nov. 11: I'm thankful for ibuprofen. I woke up with a nasty headache, and was able to simply take a pill and make it go away.
Nov. 8: I'm thankful for my faith, and for the freedom to practice whatever faith I choose. Mass was especially wonderful, and I love my new parish!!! (For those of you that don't know, a parish is the equivalent of a ward)
Nov. 9: I'm thankful for my wonderful sister-in-law Kelsey. My niece had her primary program, and I thought I had already slept through it. Kelsey was sure to text me and let me know that I could still make it. And I'm so glad I was able to!
Nov. 10: I'm thankful that I have more than enough money to purchase whatever groceries I decide I want and need. I made a menu for the week, and I'm excited to report on each dinner!
Nov. 11: I'm thankful for ibuprofen. I woke up with a nasty headache, and was able to simply take a pill and make it go away.
Friday, November 7, 2014
I'm thankful: Days 6 and 7
I'm doing really good at this challenge. (hahaha)
Nov. 6: I'm thankful that my anxiety has been manageable recently, and that I don't feel afraid in my new home.
For those of you who don't know what having anxiety is like, this is actually a really good depiction.
Day 7: Beautiful weather. I'm a huge fan of fall. I love the cool air. I love layering on clothes, and cozying up to my husband when it's chilly at night.
Nov. 6: I'm thankful that my anxiety has been manageable recently, and that I don't feel afraid in my new home.
For those of you who don't know what having anxiety is like, this is actually a really good depiction.
Day 7: Beautiful weather. I'm a huge fan of fall. I love the cool air. I love layering on clothes, and cozying up to my husband when it's chilly at night.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
I'm Thankful (Days 1-5)
Thanksgiving happens in the month of November.
November is a nice time to remember why I live such a beautiful life.
So I'm going to blog every day this month about something big things and small things that I am thankful for each day this month. I'm not currently up to speed, so I'm going to start days 1-5 here.
Nov. 1: I am thankful to have a warm comfortable bed to sleep in each night. There are so many that don't.
Nov. 2: I am thankful for all of my wonderful belongings. Unpacking all of our things this weekend made me realize how much I have. Literally!!!
Nov 3 (Dave's Birthday): I am thankful for my incredibly sweet, patient, loving, silly, funny, smart, hardworking, wonderful husband. He has made my life so happy, and has brought me so much joy. I didn't know I had the capacity to feel this much happiness until he was in my life. I love you Dave!!!!
Nov 4: I am thankful to have dental insurance. Dual coverage, actually. I had to get two root canals, and the insurance definitely allowed me to afford the procedure.
Nov 5: I am thankful for my job. It's not always my favorite, but it's good work. I know I am helping people.
What are you thankful for?
All my love,
Alex
XOXO
November is a nice time to remember why I live such a beautiful life.
So I'm going to blog every day this month about something big things and small things that I am thankful for each day this month. I'm not currently up to speed, so I'm going to start days 1-5 here.
Nov. 1: I am thankful to have a warm comfortable bed to sleep in each night. There are so many that don't.
Nov. 2: I am thankful for all of my wonderful belongings. Unpacking all of our things this weekend made me realize how much I have. Literally!!!
Nov 3 (Dave's Birthday): I am thankful for my incredibly sweet, patient, loving, silly, funny, smart, hardworking, wonderful husband. He has made my life so happy, and has brought me so much joy. I didn't know I had the capacity to feel this much happiness until he was in my life. I love you Dave!!!!
Nov 4: I am thankful to have dental insurance. Dual coverage, actually. I had to get two root canals, and the insurance definitely allowed me to afford the procedure.
Nov 5: I am thankful for my job. It's not always my favorite, but it's good work. I know I am helping people.
What are you thankful for?
All my love,
Alex
XOXO
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
I'm Scared of the Dark and the Dentist.
Which is a lie. Because I'm not scared of either. In fact, I actually really like my dentist. He's the same guy I've been seeing since I was 7. He super nice, he listens to me, and he's covered by my insurance. It's winning all around.
I have been having issues with my back two teeth for a long time now. When I went in for my check up in June, I told my dentist about it, and he suspected that my teeth had fractures. There isn't much you can do for them, except let them heal on their own.
Fast forward 4 months.
I can't chew on the right side of my mouth at all. Cold zings. Crunch zings. Soft zings. Everything zings. And it zings down my jaw for a good 10 seconds. So I went in to see what was going on. My teeth were still fractured, and not healing. So he suggested getting crowns placed.
Today, I had those crowns placed. (Well the plastic ones. The real ones come in about 2 weeks). They have to wear down the enamel all the way around the teeth in order for the crowns to fit properly. So I got to have laughing gas and numbing shots. The first numbing agent made my face and mouth really numb, but I could still feel the drilling in my teeth. And it was zingy. So he gave me a few more injections of the anesthetic. Still zingy. My dentist tried a different kind of anesthetic. And even injected some into my gums. Still zingy. After a desensitizing agent was put on my teeth it wasn't so bad. I was pretty tough, and we got through the procedure.
I even went to work with a numb face.
Now the numbing agent has worn off and DEAR MOTHER THIS HURTS SO BAD. He warned me it would be super achy. He gave me a lot of shots. (He joked and told me he had given me 20 shots. I think he's lying. It feels like 200).
So now my sweet husband is bringing me a smoothie, because the idea of having to chew anything makes me want to cry. And nobody wants to see that.
But at least I'm not afraid of the dentist.
I have been having issues with my back two teeth for a long time now. When I went in for my check up in June, I told my dentist about it, and he suspected that my teeth had fractures. There isn't much you can do for them, except let them heal on their own.
Fast forward 4 months.
I can't chew on the right side of my mouth at all. Cold zings. Crunch zings. Soft zings. Everything zings. And it zings down my jaw for a good 10 seconds. So I went in to see what was going on. My teeth were still fractured, and not healing. So he suggested getting crowns placed.
Today, I had those crowns placed. (Well the plastic ones. The real ones come in about 2 weeks). They have to wear down the enamel all the way around the teeth in order for the crowns to fit properly. So I got to have laughing gas and numbing shots. The first numbing agent made my face and mouth really numb, but I could still feel the drilling in my teeth. And it was zingy. So he gave me a few more injections of the anesthetic. Still zingy. My dentist tried a different kind of anesthetic. And even injected some into my gums. Still zingy. After a desensitizing agent was put on my teeth it wasn't so bad. I was pretty tough, and we got through the procedure.
I even went to work with a numb face.
Now the numbing agent has worn off and DEAR MOTHER THIS HURTS SO BAD. He warned me it would be super achy. He gave me a lot of shots. (He joked and told me he had given me 20 shots. I think he's lying. It feels like 200).
So now my sweet husband is bringing me a smoothie, because the idea of having to chew anything makes me want to cry. And nobody wants to see that.
But at least I'm not afraid of the dentist.
 |
| After dentist selfie. This smile felt so funny. |
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Dollar Tree Find
I don't usually go to dollar tree unless I'm looking for something specific. Like cheap tissue paper for gift bags.
Yesterday, I went to Dollar Tree looking for dish rags. They didn't have what I was looking for, so I wandered around, and found myself in the beauty aisle. I saw a package of what looked like decent nail polish, so I purchased 2 colors and left.
I tried them today. And OH MY GOSH! They are wonderful coverage, and pretty colors!
The line is called Milani. They sell between 3-7$ on Amazon. But they are at Dollar Tree. GO STOCK UP. I know I am.
I purchased Chocolate Sprinkles and Instant Pearl. (But seriously, buy them at Dollar Tree.)
All my love,
Alex Shuey
XOXO
Thursday, October 16, 2014
My Beauty Uniform
One of my favorite bloggers posted her beauty uniform on her blog recently. Visit her blog, if you haven't. THIS is the post where I am getting the questions.
Do you wear makeup?
Absolutely. I grew up a family where beauty and taking good care of my hair and skin was very important. I've worn make-up since I turned 12. Obviously, my routine has changed quite a bit since then.
What is your daily beauty routine?
I always wake up late. Like every single day of my life. So most of the time, my daily beauty routine has to be quick. I wash and moisturize my face most nights using Neutrogena Naturals. (Sometimes I forget, or I'm tired and lazy.) I found a foundation that is close enough to my skin color, that I can essentially use it like a concealer. I usually just dab a little under eyes to cover my dark circles, eyelids, and on my chin and around the corners of my nose, to cover any redness. I use powder finishing brush to apply my foundation. I personally hate foundation brushes. They are just too streaky. I line the tops of my eyelids with a minor cat-eye look. Then I layer on lots of mascara. I am an eyelash addict. I seriously love my eyelashes so much. I brush on a little bronzer, and maybe some chapstick.
Do you have any beauty “splurges”?
I have a few. GREAT foundation is always worth the splurge, in my opinion. There are lots of different kinds, but my absolute favorite is Teinte Idole Ultra 24 Hour Make Up by Lancôme. I am a 140 Ivory N. (The N means neutral. I don't really have pink or yellow undertones.) Since foundation is the base, and what most people put the most of on their skin, it's important to have good product. My other favorite splurge is great mascara. I love Lancôme Hypnose Drama.
My favorite knock offs are NYC High Definition Liquid Eyeliner. It's 4 bucks. And it lasts all day long. Longer than most of the high end liquid eyeliners that I've used. My other favorite knock off, and secret that I've kept for a long time is my favorite bronzer and blush. I LOVE the E.L.F Studio Contouring Blush and Bronzer. The color is pretty on everybody. And the bronzer gives a nice warm glow. It doesn't look overly shimmery or muddy. And the best part? 3 dollars. (E.L.F's brushes are great if you need a few. I like their pro series.)
Do you wear anything special on dates?
Dave and I don't have babies right now. So pretty much every night is date night. Hahaha. On nights where I have time, I like to do a smoky eye, or curl my hair. On busy days, I like to freshen up my mascara and blush.
What do you do to style and care for your hair?
My hair is naturally curly. For those of you who are blessed with wavy or straight hair, let me explain what this means. My hair is coarse. It does what it wants, how it wants, when it wants. And it is dry like a desert. But, I have spent the last few years making my hair work with me, instead of against me, and now I have a good hair routine.
I switch up my shampoo a lot. I use anything from Pantene to Redkin, but use color safe shampoo when I color my hair. My conditioner has been a toughie. Right now, my hair really likes the TIGI CatWalk Oatmeal and Honey Conditioner. I only apply it midshaft to my ends. It smells so yummy. Like fresh cookies. Our shower always smells like that for days.
I use Roman Oil after I get out of the shower. I work it into my ends. I personally use about 5 pumps. It makes my hair shiny, and I love the way it smells.
Learning how to properly blow dry my hair was a big step in my hair's health. I learned to blow dry DOWN the shaft of my hair that way I don't fry the cuticles.
I will openly admit, that I over style my hair. But I love my flat iron so much! I love curls, straight, bouncy, flirty hair. But I also like top knots on lazy days.
What do you like about your look, whether or not it's something "classically” beautiful?
I've always wished that I looked more exotic. Though I have a Lebanese heritage, most people have no idea. But, I do have dark hair, light skin, and dark blue eyes. I've always loved the way these 3 features play together. I love love love my freckles. I actually wish I had more of them. I love the way they dance across the bridge of my nose, and along my cheekbones.
What products do you pack when you travel?
What don't I pack? Hahaha. I usually pack my foundation, eyeliner and mascara, blush, and sometimes eyeshadow. I always pack my own blow dryer. Sometimes those hotel dryers get so hot. I have much more control with my own. And of course, my flat iron.
Do you have a game-changing beauty product?
I finally found the right shade of red for my skin tone. I always felt like such a clown wearing red lipstick. But this beautiful dark color brings out the natural pink in my cheeks, makes my teeth look whiter, and highlights my eyes. It's Maybelline Color Sensation in Deepest Cherry. I am in love.
Do you have a stance on bath vs. shower?
I love an occasional soak. I will sometimes put some Epsom Salt and lavender oil in if I've had a tough day. But I love HOT baths and showers. And I get more hot water taking a shower. Also-you can't really shave your legs in the bathtub, because that's kinda gross.
Do you have a signature scent?
I LOVE perfume. My mom always wore so many wonderful scents my entire life, so I have been seeking my "signature scent". I've always loved Light Blue by Dolce and Gabbana, but I haven't worn that perfume in quite some time. Body by Burberry is my favorite smell in the entire world. My mom got some for her birthday, and I steal a squirt whenever I go over to her house. (Dave will be getting me some for Christmas.)
Do you have any funny little tips you swear by?
It's totally gross, but because I fill my eyebrows using a matte eyeshadow, I will lick the brush I am using to apply the shadow. I don't know why, but spit works better than water in making it stay the entire day.
Was there a special person in your life (say, a friend or grandmother) who taught you about beauty?
My Grandma Carol and my mom. Grandma is such a beauty. She loves to try new shades of lipstick, and always wears just the right amount of blush. My mom though, is who mostly taught me what I know and view as beauty. I remember when I was little, watching my mom apply her make up, while I sat on the edge of the bathtub, simply mesmerized. She always made sure my sisters and I knew how beautiful we were.
When are times in your life that you've felt beautiful?
I feel beautiful at bizarre times. I feel really beautiful right before bed. When I'm in my jammies, and laying on the couch with Dave. (It probably has something to do with the sweet way that he looks at me). My Grandma Lynne always makes me feel like a stunner. "I could just look at you all day" she said to me recently. But I feel most beautiful when I paint. I am so in my element when I am creating art. I feel so whole.
Does Dave have a favorite look of yours? And does he ever weigh in on any other products or styles?
He likes it when I wear little to no make up. And when my hair is naturally curly. He doesn't mind when I try new things with my make up, unless I wear dark lipstick. Then it's no kisses for me!
What nail polish do you wear?
BASE COAT AND TOP COAT ARE EVERYTHING. I use the ORLY bonder, and Seche Vite. A good base and top coat pretty much allows you to use whatever nail polish you want, and have it stay. I really like the Sinful Colors line that they carry at drugstores. They are a two coat nail polish, but they have so many pretty colors, for a fraction of the price of OPI or China Glaze. The Nina Ultra Pro brand at Sally's is great too. I love the shape of the brush in their polishes.
Do you have any regrettable beauty trends you tried?
Emo Bangs. 3 inch eyeliner. So so bad. (Mother, why did you let me do this?!)
Do you have any beauty pet peeves? Or is there any product or treatment you'll never use?
STOP CONTOURING YOUR FREAKING FACES. Everyone can tell. The only time I contour my face is for professional photo shoots. When make up artists are doing it for me. It looks unnatural, and everyone can tell. (And you're not one of the Kardashians...just sayin.)
Some amazing women have told us how they talk to their daughters about beauty. But I'm curious to know—what would you like your children to know?
I've always had a hard time being my own kind of beautiful, because beauty in the media seems so mainstream. But I want them to know that it's okay to be their own kind of beautiful. And that honestly, kindness and goodness gets people much further in life than pretty hair and make up ever will.
Last but certainly not least: Do you have an overall beauty philosophy?
Everyone has their own idea of what is beautiful, and what is not. Don't get caught up in it all. Find your own brand of beautiful. Don't let anyone tell you that you aren't beautiful, because you don't fit their personal standard of beauty. Also, always take really good care of your skin.
Laura at Simpleton Pleasures-I would love to hear all about your beauty uniform!!
All my love,
Alex Shuey
XOXO
Do you wear makeup?
Absolutely. I grew up a family where beauty and taking good care of my hair and skin was very important. I've worn make-up since I turned 12. Obviously, my routine has changed quite a bit since then.
What is your daily beauty routine?
I always wake up late. Like every single day of my life. So most of the time, my daily beauty routine has to be quick. I wash and moisturize my face most nights using Neutrogena Naturals. (Sometimes I forget, or I'm tired and lazy.) I found a foundation that is close enough to my skin color, that I can essentially use it like a concealer. I usually just dab a little under eyes to cover my dark circles, eyelids, and on my chin and around the corners of my nose, to cover any redness. I use powder finishing brush to apply my foundation. I personally hate foundation brushes. They are just too streaky. I line the tops of my eyelids with a minor cat-eye look. Then I layer on lots of mascara. I am an eyelash addict. I seriously love my eyelashes so much. I brush on a little bronzer, and maybe some chapstick.
Do you have any beauty “splurges”?
I have a few. GREAT foundation is always worth the splurge, in my opinion. There are lots of different kinds, but my absolute favorite is Teinte Idole Ultra 24 Hour Make Up by Lancôme. I am a 140 Ivory N. (The N means neutral. I don't really have pink or yellow undertones.) Since foundation is the base, and what most people put the most of on their skin, it's important to have good product. My other favorite splurge is great mascara. I love Lancôme Hypnose Drama.
My favorite knock offs are NYC High Definition Liquid Eyeliner. It's 4 bucks. And it lasts all day long. Longer than most of the high end liquid eyeliners that I've used. My other favorite knock off, and secret that I've kept for a long time is my favorite bronzer and blush. I LOVE the E.L.F Studio Contouring Blush and Bronzer. The color is pretty on everybody. And the bronzer gives a nice warm glow. It doesn't look overly shimmery or muddy. And the best part? 3 dollars. (E.L.F's brushes are great if you need a few. I like their pro series.)
Do you wear anything special on dates?
Dave and I don't have babies right now. So pretty much every night is date night. Hahaha. On nights where I have time, I like to do a smoky eye, or curl my hair. On busy days, I like to freshen up my mascara and blush.
What do you do to style and care for your hair?
My hair is naturally curly. For those of you who are blessed with wavy or straight hair, let me explain what this means. My hair is coarse. It does what it wants, how it wants, when it wants. And it is dry like a desert. But, I have spent the last few years making my hair work with me, instead of against me, and now I have a good hair routine.
I switch up my shampoo a lot. I use anything from Pantene to Redkin, but use color safe shampoo when I color my hair. My conditioner has been a toughie. Right now, my hair really likes the TIGI CatWalk Oatmeal and Honey Conditioner. I only apply it midshaft to my ends. It smells so yummy. Like fresh cookies. Our shower always smells like that for days.
I use Roman Oil after I get out of the shower. I work it into my ends. I personally use about 5 pumps. It makes my hair shiny, and I love the way it smells.
Learning how to properly blow dry my hair was a big step in my hair's health. I learned to blow dry DOWN the shaft of my hair that way I don't fry the cuticles.
I will openly admit, that I over style my hair. But I love my flat iron so much! I love curls, straight, bouncy, flirty hair. But I also like top knots on lazy days.
What do you like about your look, whether or not it's something "classically” beautiful?
I've always wished that I looked more exotic. Though I have a Lebanese heritage, most people have no idea. But, I do have dark hair, light skin, and dark blue eyes. I've always loved the way these 3 features play together. I love love love my freckles. I actually wish I had more of them. I love the way they dance across the bridge of my nose, and along my cheekbones.
What products do you pack when you travel?
What don't I pack? Hahaha. I usually pack my foundation, eyeliner and mascara, blush, and sometimes eyeshadow. I always pack my own blow dryer. Sometimes those hotel dryers get so hot. I have much more control with my own. And of course, my flat iron.
Do you have a game-changing beauty product?
I finally found the right shade of red for my skin tone. I always felt like such a clown wearing red lipstick. But this beautiful dark color brings out the natural pink in my cheeks, makes my teeth look whiter, and highlights my eyes. It's Maybelline Color Sensation in Deepest Cherry. I am in love.
Do you have a stance on bath vs. shower?
I love an occasional soak. I will sometimes put some Epsom Salt and lavender oil in if I've had a tough day. But I love HOT baths and showers. And I get more hot water taking a shower. Also-you can't really shave your legs in the bathtub, because that's kinda gross.
Do you have a signature scent?
I LOVE perfume. My mom always wore so many wonderful scents my entire life, so I have been seeking my "signature scent". I've always loved Light Blue by Dolce and Gabbana, but I haven't worn that perfume in quite some time. Body by Burberry is my favorite smell in the entire world. My mom got some for her birthday, and I steal a squirt whenever I go over to her house. (Dave will be getting me some for Christmas.)
Do you have any funny little tips you swear by?
It's totally gross, but because I fill my eyebrows using a matte eyeshadow, I will lick the brush I am using to apply the shadow. I don't know why, but spit works better than water in making it stay the entire day.
Was there a special person in your life (say, a friend or grandmother) who taught you about beauty?
My Grandma Carol and my mom. Grandma is such a beauty. She loves to try new shades of lipstick, and always wears just the right amount of blush. My mom though, is who mostly taught me what I know and view as beauty. I remember when I was little, watching my mom apply her make up, while I sat on the edge of the bathtub, simply mesmerized. She always made sure my sisters and I knew how beautiful we were.
When are times in your life that you've felt beautiful?
I feel beautiful at bizarre times. I feel really beautiful right before bed. When I'm in my jammies, and laying on the couch with Dave. (It probably has something to do with the sweet way that he looks at me). My Grandma Lynne always makes me feel like a stunner. "I could just look at you all day" she said to me recently. But I feel most beautiful when I paint. I am so in my element when I am creating art. I feel so whole.
Does Dave have a favorite look of yours? And does he ever weigh in on any other products or styles?
He likes it when I wear little to no make up. And when my hair is naturally curly. He doesn't mind when I try new things with my make up, unless I wear dark lipstick. Then it's no kisses for me!
What nail polish do you wear?
BASE COAT AND TOP COAT ARE EVERYTHING. I use the ORLY bonder, and Seche Vite. A good base and top coat pretty much allows you to use whatever nail polish you want, and have it stay. I really like the Sinful Colors line that they carry at drugstores. They are a two coat nail polish, but they have so many pretty colors, for a fraction of the price of OPI or China Glaze. The Nina Ultra Pro brand at Sally's is great too. I love the shape of the brush in their polishes.
Do you have any regrettable beauty trends you tried?
Emo Bangs. 3 inch eyeliner. So so bad. (Mother, why did you let me do this?!)
 |
| And it's no help that my sister is a total babe |
Do you have any beauty pet peeves? Or is there any product or treatment you'll never use?
STOP CONTOURING YOUR FREAKING FACES. Everyone can tell. The only time I contour my face is for professional photo shoots. When make up artists are doing it for me. It looks unnatural, and everyone can tell. (And you're not one of the Kardashians...just sayin.)
Some amazing women have told us how they talk to their daughters about beauty. But I'm curious to know—what would you like your children to know?
I've always had a hard time being my own kind of beautiful, because beauty in the media seems so mainstream. But I want them to know that it's okay to be their own kind of beautiful. And that honestly, kindness and goodness gets people much further in life than pretty hair and make up ever will.
Last but certainly not least: Do you have an overall beauty philosophy?
Everyone has their own idea of what is beautiful, and what is not. Don't get caught up in it all. Find your own brand of beautiful. Don't let anyone tell you that you aren't beautiful, because you don't fit their personal standard of beauty. Also, always take really good care of your skin.
Laura at Simpleton Pleasures-I would love to hear all about your beauty uniform!!
All my love,
Alex Shuey
XOXO
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