Fall Beauty Favorites

*Long post warning*

Happy Friday Eve! I meant to post a lot sooner following my project semi-colon post - but my computer decided to change it's password without informing me, so I was without computer access until today. So Hooray! I was able to troubleshoot my computer on my own and fix it!

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year for beauty. In the past month I've happened across a few game changing products that I feel like the world needs to know about!

TLDR: One-NYX Gel Eyeliner, Two-Wet n'Wild Wild Shine in Yo Soy, Three-Bed Head After Party, Four-Estee Lauder Cream Lipstick Electric, Five-E.L.F lipstain Crimson Crush, Six-Wet n' Wild Matte Lipstick Cinnamon Spice, Seven-Aveeno BB Cream Fair/Light, Eight-CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion


ONE: NYX Gel Eyeliner-I have been on and off of gel liner for years. On one hand, it stays all day long, on the other hand, it's a pain in the ass to get off. NYX has changed the game. This liner starts as a nice creamy liner, and goes on super easy, and dries into this incredible line that won't budge. The best part? It comes off with normal face wash! It's $10, and performs better than the MAC gel liner in my opinion (I was all about MAC gel liner for years). I use this product with the E.L.F. Professionals angled liner brush. Together, they make me believe in the beauty of the 60's all over again.

TWO: Wet n' Wild in Yo Soy (nude)-I wanted to preface by saying I hated this color when I first wore it. I thought it looked seriously lame on my skin. However, I couldn't get over how sleek and feminine it looked. So I wore it again. Now I'm completely hooked on nude polish. This formula is cheap, so you for sure need 2 coats. Also about 15 minutes to let it dry before you use your top coat. (Which is less than 1 episode of Scrubs!)  But for $1 (and change), you really can't beat it.

THREE: Bed head After Party- My sister-in-law Kelsey had used this product on my hair when I decided fringe bangs were a good idea (they're hit and miss for me.). I saw a small bottle on sale at Target a few weeks ago, and snagged that bad boy right up! I am a curly/wavy girl and my hair is also very short at the moment-which means my hair has frizz and tons of body. I put this in my hair mid blowdry, and after I'm done styling, and it gives me a gorgeous sleek finish! I'm addicted!

LIPS: Lips get their own dedicated section, as I've found so many amazing lip products recently!

FOUR: Estee Lauder Lipstick Electric- I love moody fall lipsticks! I'm really into the deep berry colors right now, and this one looks fantastic on my skin tone. It has a slight shimmer to it, and is a creamy formula that has the ability to stay on for hours. It feels wonderful on my lips. WINNING.

FIVE: E.L.F Lipstain Crimson Crush-This fun little lip stain rings in at $2! I bought it as a pick me up after a crappy day, and it made me feel so much better. It's a deep delicious red that appears that it could go with just about any skintone. It takes a few minutes to completely dry, and still comes off a little bit. But it's $2. Soooo...no complaints.

SIX: Wet N Wild Megalast Cinnamon Spice- ERMERGERD. This is the most amazing color of red ever. It's an incredible matte formula that stays on for hours and hours! I'm pretty sure I got this for less than $2, and I think it stays and looks better than some of the high end expensive lipsticks I've used. The rich dark red is PERFECT for fall.

SEVEN: Aveeno BB Cream- I know, I know. I'm late to the BB cream game. I was skeptical that a tinted moisturizer could do so much, as I've always been a sunscreen and foundation kind of girl. All I can say is holy smokes! This stuff is amazing! It rings in a little more expensive than other BB creams ($15), but it gives my skin the softest feel, while providing sun protection, and makes my skin appear flawless! I only need to use a little foundation under my eyes and BAM! Perfect glowy skin.

EIGHT: Cera Ve Face Cream- My mom gave me some great skin care products that she's been using on her skin. Her skin has been looking absolutely amazing, so I was very excited to try them. She warned me they may be too harsh for my skin. I didn't want to listen. I've known I had sensitive skin, but I gave myself all of the zits and skin reactions after using 3 products with 3% A.H.A in them (alpha hydroxy acids).
After calling my mom in a complete panic, she suggested I find something gentle like Cera Ve to sooth my skin. Thanks Mom, you always know best.
This lotion has been a life saver for me. It leaves my skin so nice and moisturized, but it doesn't make me break out at all. Actually, it's been clearing up any little zits I have, and all the leftover skin irritation from my dabbles in A.H.A. I may use it every night for the rest of my life.


If you have any great products that you think I need to try, please let me know! Feel free to comment your favorite products below!

Project Semicolon.

Sorry I've been so MIA for the last month. Trying to get back in gear eating healthy and exercising has been really hard. I just haven't really been in the mood. I've had a lot of headaches recently, and dealing with the emotional stress that is gaining weight has really bummed me out. I know it seems counter-intuitive that weight gain is actually hindering my motivation, but it is. It's been really hard for me.

I recently got a semicolon tattoo, in support of the Semicolon Project, but also in support myself. Basically, the idea of getting a semicolon is that in the english language, a semicolon can be used in place of a period if there are 2 similar clauses in sentences that follow each other. In that same way, in life, you can choose to keep going with your story, even when life kicks your ribs so hard you can barely breathe.

I was proud of my tattoo the day I got it, and then started to feel embarrassed. There are certain parts of my emotional journey through life that are difficult for me to share with others, and my tattoo is on my wrist. That was until a small experience I had today that reminded me why I felt so adamant about getting it first place.

I was leaving Panda Express (see? That's how motivated I am right now. haha!) I saw a beautiful blonde in a Jeep. As she moved her arm to place it on the steering wheel, it was covered in self harm injuries. Her entire forearm. My stomach dropped, and I got in my car. I started to sob. I wished with my whole heart I could wrap my arms around her and tell her things really do get better. No matter how dark things seem right now.

It hit me so hard because I used to self harm. I know the desperation that is felt in that moment. I understand the sadness, anxiety, and regret that is the maddening self harm cycle. I still deal with the shame associated with my old scars. Hell, last summer I spent hundreds of dollars getting chemical peels on the scars to make them disappear, only to have the scar tissue get damaged and become noticeable again after I started climbing.

I wished everyday during that time that somehow I would know I would be okay in the end. I didn't really believe anyone understood what I was experiencing. I had incredible parents that loved me to the ends of the earth. I was a talented artist and musician. I just couldn't process my feelings. 

If I could meet little teenage Alex now, I would wrap my arms around her, and tell her things get so much sweeter.

Ultimately, that is why I got my semicolon tattoo. I have grown so much in just a few years. However, my journey will always be part of who I am, and how I got to where I am. I am proud of the strength that I have now. I'm grateful I understand how much I am loved. I have a beautiful family, husband, and life.

I love you all very much. If you are hurting yourself, please seek help. No one is judging your journey. You are so brave.

Fashion Friday: Chase

This is my good friend Chase. She is girl that saved my bacon, and covered me while I was out on leave for my surgery! Hooray for saved bacon! Incidentally, she has some of the greatest fashion sense I've ever seen. I literally always want all of her clothes. Luckily, she agreed to let me take lots of pictures of her in awkward modelesque positions, and ask her annoying questions about where she likes to shop, how she shops etc. So here we go.

|Jewelry: Lou lou's Boutique| |Jacket: AliExpress.com|
|Graphic Tee: Former Tides| |Denim: H&M| |Plaid Shirt: SammyDress.com|

Where is your favorite place to shop and why?

Chase: If I had to pick a favorite, it would be H&M. (Which I like to call Hit and Miss, because you either find lots of things, or you find nothing at all.) H&M carries lots of clothes that fit different styles, and I dress in lots of different styles.

Do you have a specific style that you love?

C: Punk. I like punk rock. It's super edgy, and it fits my personality. People associate dressing punk with punk rock, which I happen to really like as well. My boyfriend is in a pop rock band and I love wearing all of their band tees! (Chase is wearing a Former Tides band tee in the referenced outfit!)

Let's talk jewelry. Where do you get your bling?

C: I get all of my jewelry from my mother, haha. She works at a jewelry boutique similar to Charming Charlie in Virginia. She sends it in the mail, brings it to me when she visits, but you also purchase it online, which I like to do as well. It's called Lou lou's boutiques.

Where is your favorite place to get shoes? 

C: It depends the shoe I'm getting. For heels I like Forever 21 shoes, for boots and flat shoes I like Aldo Shoes.

Do you have a favorite go to? Such as a necklace or lipstick?

C: I definitely have a go to lipstick. It's a shade I fell in LOVE with, and it just so happens to go with most of my outfits.

Do you have an overall "fashion philosophy" that you live by?

When it doubt try it out. Haha. As cheesy as it sounds, it's what I actually do. I hate it when people say "I could never pull that off." You don't know until you've tried! If for whatever reason, it doesn't work, at least you know and can say that you've tried it.

Thanks Chase!

Healthy Eating: Green Juice

I used to think juicing was the lamest thing ever...until I tried it. The first time I tried green juice (that I made myself) was all thanks to a pinterest recipe for detox popsicles. I tried the juice going into the pops, and I was HOOKED! So much, that I kindly asked (made) Handsome buy me a juicer.

I've had several people ask for my green juice recipe after I posted a picture of it last night on insta. I feel so flattered, as I am a amateur juicer myself. This is the third time I've made the recipe, and this round was by far the best juice I've ever had. I'm so excited to share this with you all. Hope you drink all the green juice! I know I will.


SASSY SHUEY GREEN JUICE POTION:

1-2.5 bag of spinach
1 whole pineapple
4 green apples
1.5 lbs green grapes
8 celery stalks
2 cucumbers

Juice all the things. Makes roughly 2 quarts. Store in sealed mason jars for maximum freshness. Consume within 3-4 days.

Tips and Tricks:
-I found that as soon as the spinach makes it's way through the juicer, the sooner you turn off the machine, the less frothy it gets.
-Same for the pineapple^
- Switch between juicing the spinach, and the fruit/watery vegetables.
-You will use the entire bag of spinach. It takes a long time, but it's worth it.
-I keep my juice in glass quart mason jars, even while I am juicing. It makes it super easy to see the froth
-Scrape the froth off the top, and put into a separate quart jars
-Pour the juice into a separate vessel, such as a pitcher.
-As the bubbles dissapate from the froth, juice will make it's way through. Carefully pour that into your juice.

THIS IS IMPORTANT:
-Pour the juice to the top of the quart mason jars, and SCRAPE ALL THE BUBBLES. Do this until just juice overflows the jar slightly. Seal with lid.
-Any bubbles in the juice will make the nutrients oxidize, which defeats the purpose and nutritional integrity of the juice.

Happy Juicing!

Healthy Eating: Grocery List

As some of you may know, Dave and I embarked on a health journey this year. We both wanted to lose weight, look better, and feel better. It took about 6 months. Dave lost 70 pounds, and I lost 30 pounds. I also lost 2 full pant sizes. (I don't even know how many pant sizes Dave lost.)

Flash forward to after my surgery. I didn't feel good, and carbs are so delicious. I didn't want to eat a hearty salad. I wanted pasta, ice cream, and wings! We enjoyed all of these sinfully yummy foods through my recovery. Now we're back on the same diet we were before, and our tummies are thanking us!

I went major grocery shopping Sunday night, and I am including my grocery list. I've had several people ask me what I eat, and this is it. I've organized it by the store that I purchased it at. Hope you enjoy!

Smith's
-4 green apples
-1 bunch celery
-1 avacado
-2 gala apples
-2 large carrots
-2 sweet potatoes
-2 cucumbers
-1 shallot
-4 bananas
-2 peaches
-1 bunch radishes
-1 bunch green beans
-1 package deli sliced medium Tillamook cheddar cheese
-1 container low fat cottage cheese
-5 80 calorie low fat greek yogurt (Dannon)
-5 chicken breasts
-1 lb 91% lean beef

Good Earth
-1 package muesli
-4 cups curry lentil soup mix
-5 cups quinoa

Macey's
-1 can tomato soup
-1 package onion soup mix
-2 lbs green grapes

Costco
-2.5 lbs bag spinach
-2 gallons 1% milk
-1 pineapple


Hope this is helpful! Have a great day.

Thoughtful Thursday: Sincere Compliments

Fact: I'm a gusher. What's a gusher? You may ask. I'm the kind of person that won't just give you a single compliment, I must compliment every aspect of what it is. If I love something about you or your look (gusherism #1: I never like, only love) I will let you know that I not only love your shoes, but I love the white stitching, and I love how the colors go together, and where did you get them, because you have the greatest style ever.

Gushers, you know the struggle. Non-gushers, we probably make you feel uncomfortable, and come off as cheesy or fake. I have finally found the perfect way to give someone a sincere compliment and mean every word, but not go overboard!

A few weeks ago, Dave and I were at the grocery store and a woman passed us. She gently patted my arm, and told me that she thought my hair was darling. She smiled at me, and continued her shopping. I found myself tickled by her compliment, and was left feeling a little more confident throughout the rest of my day.

What was so damn special about her compliment?  I feel like I compliment, and receive compliments all the time. What was so different?

A) She was completely sincere in her compliment.

She didn't say too much (gush), and her tone of voice was warm and friendly.

B) I didn't feel the need to give her a compliment back.

It's the same story every time. Someone gives me a compliment, and I look for something to compliment back. It has become some sort of small talk, which really takes away from the warmth and kindness of what a compliment is really supposed to be.

I am challenging myself this week to not gush, but give every compliment with warmth so it feels as sincere as it is!


What do you think about compliments? Are you a gusher like me?

Giveaway Winner!

Thank you to all who entered my giveaway! It was so fun to read your comments. I am looking forward to writing about a variety of subjects that I hold dear to my heart (and some things that I strongly dislike, and you should know about!)


The winner of the giveaway is...


JENNI RIGBY!!!


Congrats Jenni! I am so excited to meet up to get you the prizes (and see your DARLING baby.)

PEEPS! Stay tuned for my fall favorites giveaway I am doing at the beginning of October.

Neurosurgery

As promised, I'm expanding on why I'm doing my "Do Things I Can't Do" giveaway. It's been a crazy journey, but I'll keep it short and brief. 

Update: Just kidding. It's pretty long.

In the end of February, Dave and I were at the grocery store after we had gone to the gym. We were in line to make our purchases, and I blacked out. I sat on the floor of that grocery store for a good few minutes until I had my bearings, and we were able to head home. I thought for sure it had to do with the pre-workout we were taking. Too much caffeine for me or something like that.

Well, unfortunately for me, the blacking out continued to happen. It was soon accompanied by intense dizzy spells. We decided I should probably see my doctor. After running a panel of tests, (including wearing a groovy heart monitor for 2 days) we determined it was the arachnoid cyst on the back of my brain responsible for my problems.

I went to see my neurosurgeon, and he agreed it was the problem. I have had the cyst most, if not all my life, and symptoms can start that randomly. It needed to be removed. After a long consideration, and lots of prayers. I felt it was the right thing to do.

Fast forward to July 9th, 2015.

I had been pretty anxious about my surgery, and the day of, I was pretty much a basket case. My parents and Handsome were with me all through pre-surgery prep, which was a great comfort. I was wheeled into the area where you meet the anesthesiologist. She ROCKED. She helped me fell calm (probably had to do with the fabulous medication she gave me) and I was asleep before the put me under.

The surgery was an absolute success. I had the best outcome for my surgery possible. I woke up crying in the PACU, and was taken to ICU for my first night. The rest of the nights I was on the Neuro/Ortho floor, where I had fantastic nurses and care that helped so much with pain. I was encouraged to walk as much as possible, and my PCT's always took the time to help me walk around the nurses station. (Shoutout to all of you fabulous healthcare workers out there!)

\I was released after 4 days, and Handsome took fantastic care of me (and all my lovely neighbors brought me dinners. They were delicious, and so thoughtful!)  He worked later that week for a week, so my mom took fabulous care of me as well. (She even made me clam chowder, my favorite!) I was able to attend my sister-in-law's baby shower, and one of my best friend's weddings while I was staying with my mom! (She helped me get ready, and look pretty even though I hurt pretty bad.)

Carson + Nolle's Wedding. You can't even tell I had surgery.

I have good days and bad days, in regards to the the pain, but I'll be back to my normal self in about 3 more weeks. For now, I've enjoyed all the extra time with Handsome. I'm so happy everything is going smoothly, and that I'm healing well. Even if I have to wear a dorky neckbrace. 

Love him. And my marshmallow looking neckbrace

First Post and GIVEAWAY!!!

Hello! Fresh new blog for an entirely new experience. I am looking forward to posting about all sorts of sassy things, but focusing on self improvement as well (such as thoughtful thursdays!)

NOW FOR ALL THING FUN THINGS!

I had neurosurgery at the beginning of July; So I'm out for 6 weeks! (I'll post about that later!) I haven't been able to do much of the things that I love. So I figured I'd do a giveaway of all the things that I can't do, so that you can do it for me! Be prepared! All the prizes involved are totally awesome! Unfortunately this giveaway is only available to those living in the USA (sorry Laura)!


DO THINGS THAT I CAN'T DO GIVEAWAY!
Complete your entries!

MOMENTUM 2-for-NONE PASSES:  I can't rock climb at the moment. Too much jostling and physical strain for me. My good friends over at Lehi Momentum Climbing are totally awesome! Lehi Momentum is strictly a bouldering gym, which I absolutely love! I find that I have become a significantly stronger climber as I've been primarily bouldering. (Seriously. My top roping game is way stronger than it used to be.) I miss climbing with all my heart, and I can't wait to get back.

2 FUNTOPIA PASSES: Have you heard of Funtopia? Have you BEEN to Funtopia? Buckle up, because it's freaking awesome! There are various obstacles and challenges you go through, and there is a GIANT SLIDE that you have to wear a special suit for. (It makes you slide faster!)

SUCCULENT: In the last couple of weeks, we  Dave has made incredible progress on our yard...and I haven't been able to help at all. I can't garden (too much pressure on my head and neck) so take this pretty little succulent and plant it for me!

ROSE GOLD NECKLACE: I have been encouraged to wear a neck brace to help with my pain management, and to prevent over-jostling my head and neck! Necklaces scrape my neck to pieces, so I haven't been able to wear necklaces at all. Necklaces are typically my go-to accessory, and rose gold is fab. I fell in love with stackable necklaces while Dave and I were in California earlier this summer. So here is a stackable necklace in pretty rose gold for you!

NAIL POLISH: You would not believe how hard it is to bend over and paint your toes when your neck is stiff and painful! This is a great shade of polish on anyone's skin tone, and blue is my favorite color so there!




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