Archives for January 2010

new blog layout instructions & a fab guest fashion post

January 20, 2010

Okay, so I’m sure by now you’ve noticed I’ve made a few changes around here. And I just thought, you know, that I would make sure you didn’t miss what’s round these parts.

First things first, I know A LOT of you have mentioned how annoying the scrolling (to the left & right) thing is with how wide my page is now…so, it would mean a lot if you could vote in the poll I have going on there to the right.

Also, if you are on a 17″ screen and you’re still having to scroll….leave me a comment.

I don’t want my blog to be annoying. Quite the opposite really.

Mmmmkay, next.

Did you see that I added a list of my favorite posts under Le Best of?

You should check them out.

AND if you happen to have a favorite of your own that I didn’t list, lemme know.

Maybe I’ll just add it!

Next up…On my girl’s blog, The Swell Life, I loved how she had inspirational quotes, so I got on that bandwagon.

I put up a list of my at the moment favorites, so if you’re needing some inspiration check them out. As my mood changes, I’ll add more or change them up.

I am also FINALLY showing off my blog roll on the chance you are looking for some amazing new blogs to read. I think you won’t have a problem finding them in that WAY long list.

Something else I’m thinking of adding are links to my videos, since some of you (for WHATEVER reason) seem to like them. Ya? Maybe?

Anyway, that’s about it for now…

So onto the guest post, right?

Here’s Molly, whom you will love in like 5 seconds of reading her blog...

~~~~~~

Hey y’all Summer lovers!

I’m Molly, and Summer invited me over here for a little mid-week fashion fun.

I play along with Summer’s regular Fashion Friday on my own blog, but to be on her blog…

WOW.

Summer is a big deal.

A really, really big deal.

I decided that I’m pretty much a rockstar’s groupie being over here, so I dressed like one.

Outfit Deets:

Jeans – Old Navy, Sequin Tank – F21, Cropped Jacket – Kohls, Booties – Charlotte Russe, Cuff – F21, Earrings – F21.

~~~~~~~

Seriously, you guys, are you in love with her or WHAT? Love that girl, and her thrifty shopping ways….and I so have eye color envy with her. Not fair!

{She also totally has me blushing with her insanely sweet words.}

Go check out her blog and love her like I do. And try not to be too jealous of her fabulousness.

P.S. If you ever need to get “home” on my blog, just click above the sign, not ON the name.

little glitches, little glitches….

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it’s called….body dismorphia

January 19, 2010

what you see

she doesn’t.

what she sees,

you don’t.

she stands there and stares

picks apart

obsesses.

it’s not enough

not right.

so wrong.

it must be hidden.

it has to be fixed.

~~~~~~~

I can’t say I don’t understand why she covers up when it’s obvious she is {too} thin.

I can’t say I don’t get why she felt the need for 10 plastic surgeries in one day.

Because I do.

I understand.

I get it.

So, I can’t judge.

Because while I may not have their extremes….

still,

in them…

I see myself.

I mention secrets.

I mention struggle.

I mention issues.

And if you’ve been here awhile, you already have an idea.

{if not, those links will help you to understand}

But, what plays over in my head day in and day out, I’ve never really opened up about.

It’s just that lately it’s not been enough to simply acknowledge it’s there.

It was on my birthday that God made it clear,

that now was the time to grow.

To heal.

I’ve already begun the work.

{with help….}

And I know it will take time.

But, I’m on my way.

I’m learning that the girl in the mirror that I see,

is not really the me God created.

~~~~~~~

So you understand why my heart breaks

when I see women like them

because I know it’s not an issue of vanity.

They just want to feel okay

with themselves.

So they keep trying.

Only in all the wrong ways.

I am so thankful for the people in my life who keep me grounded.

Who help me to see what is true.

What is real.

What is important.

More importantly

it’s my relationship with God

that has saved me.

His incredible love and grace….

His ability to show me my true worth…

But, I’m no better.

Even when I’m well….

I will always see myself in them.

it’s called….body dismorphia.

~~~~~~~

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monday muse: hair how to…get loose curls

January 18, 2010

Monday!!! Yay!

{working on positivity here….}

And how wonderful it is that there is NO SCHOOL today so BOTH kids are home!

And even better that it’s raining so we are all snuggled inside???

It will be great….I have hot chocolate and brownies (for them), so that’ll keep em busy.

And hyper.

Okay, never mind.

Anyway….

So after Friday’s fashion post I had several of you guys comment or email me asking how I got the curls.

And what better than showing you, right???

Let me just explain that I taped this on a “I don’t feel so cute” day….

and then less than 24 hours later I got sick…

so no judging please.

My sensitive heart can’t handle it.

kay, we good?

Okay, go ahead and enjoy then….

~~~~~~~

As far as products go, I am always switching them up.

On this day, while it was still wet, I used a drop of Moroccan Oil as well as some Rusk Curl Silk.

~~~~~~~

And here are the “afters.”

{in a pony}

and some of le fashion accessories:

{sweater: f21, leggings: f21, tank: Hanes, boots: f21, necklaces: platos closet resale, ring & earrings: le old}

~~~~~~~

I will be expecting to see lots of gorgeous loose curls now, so go get your practice on.

{I have another skin care giveaway worth $100 going on. Go enter!}

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a giveaway! proactiv anti aging, it’s not just for your teens anymore!

January 17, 2010

I have genius ideas sometimes.

Like when I thought up Ice Cream flavors that would taste like different kinds of cereal.

Genius right?

{it seemed like a good idea at the time.}

Or the time I told my sister on a Vegas night out, that there should be roll up shoes for your purse. Because my feet hurt at the end of the night and I needed them right in that moment.

I know it’s out there NOW,

but you guys,

I THOUGHT OF IT FIRST!

In addition to those brilliant inventions, I also thought and actually VOICED another need once to a Sephora rep once YEARS AGO.

{who apparently was an inside spy for Proactiv…}

I waltzed in one day and asked if they happened to have any skin care that combined acne relief with anti aging….

She told me no. No, there were not products on the market like that.

And then she ran back to Proactiv and told them to hurry, quick, invent this INCREDIBLY BRILLIANT idea before Summer gets all the credit!!!

I’m pretty sure that’s how it went down, but it’s okay.

What’s important is that the people benefit from my ideas….

who needs the fame, money and recognition?

Anyway….

So, you can imagine my JOY when I received an email from Proactiv.com offering to send me and one my followers several of these products.

And I have to tell you, I’ve been testing them out the last few weeks, and not only is my skin clear and glowing….but I saaaawear that I look younger.

In fact, I may even be aging in reverse.

Seriously though, I do love the stuff.

The night and eye cream were especially my favorites…so faboosh.

So.

I’m telling you, you want this stuff.

You NEED this stuff.

Proactiv isn’t just for your teens anymore!

Here’s what you get:

{total value: $100!!!}

Proactiv® Green Tea Moisturizer

~Feather-light moisturizer, designed specifically for acne prone skin, absorbs instantly, delivering deep hydration to dry, tired skin and helps nourish and soothe.

~Formulated with concentrated botanical extracts and powerful antioxidants, leave skin feeling refreshed and moisturized.

~Mineral-rich, non comedogenic formula, does not clog pores or leave skin feeling greasy

~Specifically created for the acne-prone skin, yet works for all skin types.

Proactiv® Clarifying Night Cream

~For acne prone skin, this moisturizer offers both the benefits of salicylic acid to help clear up blemishes and retinol to help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

~Contains unique combination of natural botanicals such as chamomile and kukui nut oil to soothe and calm the skin’s surface while you sleep.

~Moisturizing agents restore balance and replenish, leaving skin fresh and glowing.

Proactiv® Replenishing Eye Serum

~Designed to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with co-enzyme Q10 & hyaluronic acid.

~Contains green tea to reduce the effects of free radicals and vitamins and botanicals to rejuvenate tired eyes.

~Perfect treatment ‘round the clock for a refreshed look.

~Non-comedogenic; designed specifically for acne prone skin.

Proactiv® Nourishing Eye Cream

~Offers deep hydration with an ultra-rich formula of soothing botanicals, such as cucumber and chamomile extract.

~This luxurious cream contains soy extract for skin brightening benefits.

~Utilizes a rich blend of nourishing elements and antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, & E and green tea.

~Treat under eye area for intense overnight hydration.

~Non-comedogenic; designed specifically for acne prone skin.

Here’s what you gotta do to enter:

~My giveaways are a way of saying thank you for being a part of the Le Musings of Moi community….

So be sure to follow.

I mean, really, following only benefits you.

*wink, wink*

Leave a comment and let me know you follow.

~Leave another comment telling me why YOU need this product.

Extra entries:

~Twitter: follow me on Twitter

~Tweet it

~Faceblab it

~Blog it

And even more extra entries!!!

~You can enter this contest once a day!!!

Just come back every day and leave a comment (on this post!) telling me the biggest blessing of your previous day.

I’ll be picking a winner next Sunday, January 24.

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the new blog look is up!

January 16, 2010

It’s here!!!

Do you just LOVE it?

I know, I know, change can be hard.

And while I was so in love with my old look….

I really felt that I needed something different to go with the New Year and the “new” me.

I wanted something brighter and happier.

And clean and simple.

Yet still chic and stylish.

You have NO idea what I put my web designer through.

I just hope she doesn’t have nightmares about the millions of pink shades I had her looking through.

Soooo, what do you think?

My biggest question is….

Are you able to see the whole thing on your screen or are you having to scroll to the left (to the left) and right to get the full effect?

As it turns out, what I see on my computer isn’t always what other people are seeing…

and woah,

that was just news to me.

Like those navigation titles…to me they’re centered height wise, but to some they aren’t…

{It kinda bugs actually. But, what can ya do?}

Anyway….

Here it is,

the new

Le Musings of Moi.

I still have a few teaks to make, but come Monday….it will be squeaky clean and ready to show.

Hope you still feel at home here, and come back soon, ya hear???

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fashion friday {edited with working links!}

January 15, 2010

{lots of orbs in these pictures…I got lots of guardian angels I guess}

cardi: mark, dress: mark, leggings: F21, boots: Steve Madden {TJ Maxx}, sunnies: Dziner Eyes, necklace: vintage,

ring: f21

~~~~~~~

{before we get started, let me apologize for the NOVEL you had to read yesterday. And to the two followers who felt it was so bad that they had to UN-follow me. Whatever THAT’s about….}

And to you who stuck around….

Can I just say that I am IN LOVE with this dress?!?

Serious. Lee.

Only, it’s a smidge too big which breaks my heart, because now I have to ebay this lil baby and buy another one…which will hopefully be jusssst right.

I just must have this dress always until the day I die,

because there are a MILLION ways to wear it.

I have dreams of it without the belt and black boots.

Or a skinny black belt.

Or with jeans.

Or with my OTK boots….

White tights, brown tights, black tights, no tights….

You see?

You want it too, huh?

Well I have a brand new, size medium, only been worn once (for this picture) that’s for sale.

Lol.

Or if you want a real deal brand new one….well guess what???

I’m a mark rep.

Have been for a million years, and I just so happen to have my own mark store.

Ch-ch-check it out here.

Anyway, I am also IN LOVE with this black cardi as well.

{this is also from mark.com}

My sister bought it first and when she came to visit, I tried to wear it in so much so that she wouldn’t want it back.

But, she did.

So, I bought my own.

And I kid you not, I could LIVE in it. It’s incredibly soft and cozy and light, yet warm.

Ahhhhh……don’t you just love finding pieces that you know you could Lit. er. ally. DIE in?

Me too.

Speaking of Literally Dying.

I almost did yesterday.

Of emotions.

Holy Emotional Roller coaster.

And I can’t even blame PMS.

Or Jimmy.

First I woke up grumpy.

Then my baby didn’t nap.

And I HAD PLANS.

Every time I have plans, she doesn’t nap, and then mama doesn’t get to leave the house, AGAIN….

Because a napless baby doesn’t go to Ikea, or the mall, or even Walmart…

Public and a napless baby do not mix.

And then I found out I may not be able to go on my Miami trip because we have no childcare…

And then I cried.

A lot.

And so I did what every good stay at home mom does,

I pulled up the classifieds and looked for a job.

Because I was absolutely convinced that my kids would be way better off in childcare than in close proximity to a mama crying tears into her laundry.

Did I mention I am on hiatus from sugar and gluten this week?

Ya, so that didn’t help either.

Really no point to this other than,

when you make goals for yourself and a new decade….

be prepared to be tested in EVERY WAY POSSIBLE.

Good times.

Children are a blessing from God, Children are a blessing from God, Children are a blessing from God…..

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a post I’m not the most proud of

January 14, 2010

There are weeks I just have it, and there are weeks I just don’t.

Welcome to the week I just don’t.

I’m telling you guys, writing this week has been like pulling teeth…and yet I am dedicated to my craft (or whatever) so here I sit just typing away.

I mean, I can’t even comment well.

Or Twitter cleverly.

My Facebook status’ are even suffering.

I’m telling you, it’s Bad.

I’m Bad,

You know it,

come on….

Thank goodness for Mama Kat’s writing prompts…or I would just wither away and D.I.E.

{and so would you, because I know you need a post from me EVERY day, right?}

It’s been awhile since I’ve been a show off and done all 5 of them, and what better time than a writers block moment?

Without further adieu…

1.) Time for your tangent…what is your latest complaint?

(inspired by Jill from I Don’t Want An Oscar)

Latest complaint….hmmm, well I am trying to steer away from complaining these days,

buuuuuuttttt…..

if I had to be honest….

it’s that jeans don’t come with drawstring waists.

If they did, I would love them.

But, they don’t, and I don’t.

2.) If you could have given yourself a snapshot five years ago of what your life is like now, what would the picture be of and how do you think you would have felt about it?

(inspire by Sera from Laughing Through The Chaos)

I actually broke up with a guy once because he wanted to give me the white picket fence life….and that freaked me the eff out.

I wanted drama, adventure, FUN….

Five years later….white picket fence.

Ish.

{Still have drama (kids), adventure (shopping w/kids), and FUN (shopping w/out kids). I get DOWN.}

3.) What’s in YOUR name? What does it mean? Why was it given to you? etc..

(inspired by by Jade from Now That I’m No Longer 25…)

My first name comes from a season. You might know it, summer?

My middle names (I have two) are the first and middle name of my late grandmother on my dads side.

My last name is the same as my husbands….

which was actually NOT the last name he grew up with.

He changed his last name a few months before we got married.

We were a couple on the run.

{Not really, but it sounds exciting.}

Actually, it’s a long story for another time, but it’s actually something very meaningful to the both of us.

4.) Write a letter to the first person who ever broke your heart.

(inspired by Alecia from The Silva Family)

I actually wrote an ENTIRE post to all the lovelies (cough, cough) who broke my heart.

If you’re suffering from one, you definitely need to read it.

If your one of my heartbreakers, ya, you should head on over too.

5.) Welcome to the most shocking rose ceremony in writing prompt history. Please award roses to the ten people (or items) in your life that you’d like to continue pursuing a relationship with.

Rose #1:

You guys, my most amazing readers.

Honestly, it’s because of you and your comments and your support that I keep on writing.

So many times I question myself and my ability and I just want to quit….

but there you are,

and so here I continue to be.

Will you accept this rose?

Rose #2:

My husband.

I call him “The New Jimmy”….because while I quite liked him before our new decade goals,

I am even more quite liking him after.

Kinda nice that I like him more now then when we met, huh?

Definitely think I’ll keep him around forever.

{as long as he doesn’t pull that “why don’t you act like a housewife” shizz he tried on me once. lol. It’s okay. He was young. And dumb. And I mean that with love.}

Rose #3:

My babies.

They should definitely stick around at least until they’re 18.

At that point they can move out and then continue maintaining our relationship from their own home while working to pay for ours.

{that’s why we have kids, right?}

Rose #4:

My Girlfriends.

I have an incredible group of chick-a-dees around here that are absolutely amazing.

They are real life, true friends that have withstood the test of time.

They know me inside and out, all my secrets and all of my stuff, and they still stick around.

Not sure why…but they do.

And I love them madly for it.

{even through the lame, you took my couch from me, kind of fights!}

Rose #5:

My Bed.

I am IN LOVE with my bed.

And I don’t get to spend nearly enough time with it as I would like.

I just adore the softness of the mattress, the silkiness of non pilly sheets, and the fluffiness of my incredible down comforter.

And it’s all white, which somehow makes it that much more inviting and cozy.

Rose #6:

My Hair Girl, Nikki.

I am nothing without my hair.

Okay, while that may be a tad (just a smidge) over reactive….it’s actually just about true.

I would give up almost every indulgence just to afford to get my hair done.

In fact, I was quite honest with Jimmy before we got engaged, that my hair cost was non-negotiable.

And still to this day, I count down the days until my next appointment….in fact, I have 7 more to go. Countdowns on.

Rose #7….

My word, this post is seeming to last FOREVER!

Anyway, speaking of forever….

Lucky #7 goes to J.C. Cause it’s His number after all,

AND He is kinda like my Father

and He did die on the cross for me

….word.

Rose #8:

Reality TV.

Even though I don’t watch it during the weeknights anymore

(oh the angst of missing American Idol LIVE!),

it’s still a part of my life and always will be as long as Bunim/Murray are around.

Anytime I get a chance to sit down and watch T.V. and I see one of my many “shows” I feel a joy that can only compare to the feeling of eating a big slice of chocolate cake.

Without calories.

Rose #9:

My sisters.

The older I get, the more I adore them and any amount of time I get to spend with them.

Ladies?

Gentleman?

The final rose….

Rose #10:

Goes to the end of this PAINFUL painful post that was as torturous to write as it was for you to read.

Sorry, you had to sit through that.

I can’t always be at my best right?

Cause then I’d be perfect, and perfect just isn’t relatable.

Gotta keep it real.

Till next time.

{please come back for next time, it’s usually better. Swear!}

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he kinda has my heart

January 13, 2010

While there have been many posts about the many times I have wanted to go all Mommy Dearest around here….I have to be honest.

The kid who can push me to my breaking point (a.k.a Lexapro, word!),

also kinda has my heart.

{Always have to steal my kisses from you}

It’s been a long 4 and 3/4 years (but who’s counting?), but as he is getting older and about ready to start Kindergarten, I realize how sad I will be when he isn’t around to keep me entertained all day long.

Yes, I have Chloe too, but seriously….Taylor is the…um….well he’s the one.

Firstborn, or a kid with AMAZING leadership skills, may actually be a better way to put it.

{I love your smile, I really do…}

But, he’s so growing up and he absolutely has the sweetest heart I have ever come across. I mean, there isn’t an hour that goes by that he doesn’t tell me he loves me. It may be mushed in between the other 59.5 minutes of NONSTOP talking and questions, but it’s in there.

And he kinda has my heart.

{You’re the one that I want, you are the one I want, woo hoo hoo…}

He also loves to tickle my arm, so sweet, so soft….and while it’s only because he then wants his turn, still, he knows how to be fair.

He kinda has my heart.

{Gimme, gimme, gimme, gimee…}

And every morning he wakes up with such a bright spirit full of happiness and joy. And while it may be before the sun has risen, still it’s better than the wrong side of the bed.

Dang, he kinda has my heart.

{But, I’m crazy for you…}

I also think it’s super sweet how right at bedtime, he jumps into my lap and wants to snuggle and nuzzle and tell me what an amazing mom I am. I refuse to believe he is manipulating me to allow him to stay up longer…it’s truly because of his undying love.

And he kinda has my heart.

{And another one bites the dust…}

His room may be a mess, he may put toothpaste all over his sink, and he may ask the SAME FREAK’N QUESTION one too many times…but, it just seems that no matter what this kid does….

{Teach, your children well…}

He kinda has my heart.

~~~~~~~

{This has been a part of Wordful Wednesday}

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what are you hiding?

January 12, 2010

You can’t pretend you aren’t.

We all are.

Hiding something, that is.

Even me, who prides herself on being open and honest.

{almost}

Still…there are some things that have always stayed hidden.

Jimmy jokes that it’s one of the things he loves about me.

That he can’t quite figure me out.

I am a woman of mystery.

I have things hidden.

I often wonder what would it take though, for me to show my cards.

To stand up and say, “Here I am! All of me!”

But, the thought terrifies me.

The fear of rejection is what keeps me.

The fear of not being understood.

The fear of being hated, laughed at, made fun of….

abandoned.

So, I keep things hidden.

And yet, I am reminded…

That HE knows. HE sees.

And yet,

HE still loves me.

HE still accepts me.

HE doesn’t laugh or turn away….

HE never leaves.

There is nothing hidden….

…from our Creator.

How comforting that can be.

To be known so intimately.

So honestly.

And to still be loved, so unconditionally.

Despite it all…

And while I get that it’s nothing to do with what I do or don’t do….

My desire is to have nothing I feel I need to hide.

So that if what was kept in the dark was brought to the light….

I would stand proud.

YOU would stand proud…

But most importantly,

HE would stand proud.

I know I’ll never achieve it.

But, I know, I’ll never quit trying.

So, I press on….working on all that is in there.

Molding it, fixing it, changing it…

and hopefully all for the better.

~~~~~~~

What are you hiding?

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monday muse: molly sims soho apartment/home decor

January 11, 2010

I always go through these seasons…

I’m either obsessed with shopping for new clothes or I’m obsessed with re-decorating my house. They never overlap, and there is no rhyme or reason as to why one starts and the other stops….

I had a feeling the switch was happening last month, when I went to le Mall and I felt….

nothing!

Nada.

Zilch.

Walked out bagless…empty handed.

And then wham!

FULL redecorating mode hits like a tornado.

Only, with no money.

And um, no house.

I just can’t seem to do too much with the apartment, given that I’m not sure how long we’ll even stay here.

{Please God, don’t let it be long.}

If I could though, I would sell everything we own (except for our bed, which I looooove) and start completely over. In fact, the moment we move again, I’m going to do just that.

It’s taken years to figure out my home decor style….trying this and trying that….and while everything seems great for a season,

I realize….

eh, not so much me anymore.

But….

This time, this time is different.

{I promise you, Jimmy!}

I have found my home.

I mean, when I saw the pictures, I had a moment.

And it was like Jesus was opening his arms and saying,

“Welcome home, dear child.”

Or, ummmmm….

something like that.

I have begun my inspiration book for decor ideas, and all you will see on the inside are these:

Ohemgee!!!! Just had another moment.

The grays, with the black & white, and soft touches of pink?

The glass and crystal and chandeliers???

The zebra print rugs and fresh flowers?????

I have found my heaven.

My home.

This is me.

Welcome.

Must. Move. Now.

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