Is it November yet?

Kidding. 

I am not one to wish the months away, but man I am TIRED of political articles/commercials/arguing.  And I’m really tired of people responding to memes/articles shared on Facebook rather than doing their own research.

Granted, after Election Day, the rudeness and mean comments won’t end, but at least it won’t be directed towards so many people.

Here’s the deal, I like to stay as far away from political conversation as possible.  However, I have observed far too many people “act far too ugly” and perhaps what surprises me/hurts my heart the most, is a friend who claims to be the biggest Christian their ever was, get this new social media personality where she chooses to destroy a few candidates with her status updates, destroys the opinions of friends, and comments on others opinions and articles and it just BREAKS MY HEART.  It’s not informative, it’s mean.

Yes.  Every candidate has a list of positives.

Yes. Every candidate has a list of negatives.

Yes. We are all entitled to our own opinions and beliefs.

Yes. If you are a registered voter, you have the ability to change things.

But, I often wonder, when did everything become such a huge argument?  And not even a school yard argument.  These days, it’s downright mean and hurtful.  I’m embarrassed for people.  I fully believe with the way the world is today, Jesus is coming back soon.

During halftime of the Carolina vs Duke game last weekend (GO HEELS, GO AMERICA!) a friends husband had us take the I Side With quiz. I LOVED IT!  I strongly urge everyone to take the full version.  Full version meaning, rather than the few questions that are asked, expand to answer the additional questions AND choose “other stances” rather than just the standard “yes” and “no” – other stances gives you detailed responses.  I answered every question but the only thing I didn’t continue to do was rank my level of importance (I think I only ranked 4 questions).  IT IS AWESOME!  And it’s updated fairly regularly.  Friends husband had taken it a few weeks prior, and last week a new question was added (FBI/Apple/unlock iPhone) as well as candidates removed (can’t match with candidates who have dropped out of the race).  I think the results are accurate and the questions and answers provided are deep.

Here is the link.  I urge you to take the time to complete it – and pass it along.  I think many people would be surprised to see who they side with.  We agreeded to take it monthly as new issues surface.  I was also surprised with the results.  It’s a percentage so my Top 5 looked something like this:

I Side With Results: 89%, 86%, 84%, 77%, 70%  That’s pretty close, and your results allow you to see what topics you are closely matched to and then you can expand to compare your answers with the candidates.  Really cool!

http://www.isidewith.com/

So who am I voting for?  Well, here’s the shirt to answer that 🙂

Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake – bringing humor and sexy back! 🙂

The saddest TBT ever ;)

Friends, I have a very important announcement…

My beloved Asian Salad is no longer available. (cue the tears)

Chick-fil-A provided this salad for over 2 years and if I went to Chick-fil-A 200 times during the time this salad was on the menu, I ate it 180 out of the 200 times.

Such a sad day.

HOWEVER, I’ve heard the Frozen Coffee is delightful, so I guess there’s that.

Where Are They Now?

I tend to get attached to food and beverage items that have a short life.  #MajorBummer

In fact, I’m almost scared to try new things out of fear that they won’t last long.  OR if it’s a restaurant I like, I will go at least once (or twice) a week, alone and with friends, to ensure that the place stays open!

Recently, I was enjoying a “travel pack” of Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups…

 …and after I polished off half the bag in one sitting, I fondly remembered these delights:

I LOVED these!  They also came in mini form.  I wasn’t necessarily a fan of Reese’s Cups (at some point, they changed flavor and I haven’t liked them for awhile) but the cookie portion was INCREDIBLE!!!!  Occasionally you could find me cutting off the chocolate parts and just eating the pb and the cookie.  Or just eating the cookie.

And I can’t help but wonder why they left store shelves and if they’d be back anytime soon.

I’d like to credit myself with brining things back.

In 2012/2013 Caribou Coffee released the Salted Caramel Budino and it was DIVINE.  And short lived. So I kept emailing Caribou Coffee to bring it back.  If I made a purchase and received a survey, I added “bring back the salted caramel budino”.  Well, shortly after the Salted Caramel Budino left, so did 3 of the stores I would frequent.  It was a sad, sad, time.

WELL, the other day, I received this fantastic email:

SALTED CARAMEL BUDINO’S ARE BACK!!!!!  And that means that the Caramel High Rise AND Caramel Hot Chocolate options are going to be incredibly tasty as well!  I LOVE that Caribou Coffee first adjusted their vanilla to be REAL vanilla (not some chemical crap) and now they are providing REAL caramel!  I mean that’s just sugar/butter/cream and it is SO WORTH IT!  It really is worth paying a little bit more for quality!

SUPER PUMPED!

Anything you miss and/or have tried to bring back?  Were you successful?

Weekend Recap!

A few weeks ago, I celebrated turning another year older.

I have to admit, I was dreading it.  Now, I know I am lucky to be alive, but there was something about this birthday that just had me down in the dumps.  I didn’t care about my birthday last year, but this year, it was just plain depressing and I kind of wanted to just skip over  it.

In true adult fashion, I started my morning getting my car oil  changed…mainly because if I was a walk-in appointment I was guaranteed to be in and out in under 2 hours since all appointments for the next 4 days were taken since oil changes were on sale.

While I was sitting in the waiting area, I decided to make the most of my time!  I worked on a file for my M-F job, while listening to the LIVE Feed of the Beautycounter Leadership Summit!

IT WAS AWESOME!  I mean Beautycounter is going places AND changing the world for the better all at the same time and I am OVERJOYED!!!!!

Once I got home, a friend and her cutie little baby boy brought me lunch (woo hoo to Chick-fil-A and great friends!) and a cupcake and doughnuts – so yummy!!!

And then these pretties showed up:

I had a nice little FaceTime session with Claire and Little Miss Ari!!   Clearly Little Miss was PUMPED…I mean that smile and those hands and feet going! 🙂

And enjoyed some funny snaps, social media posts, and cards…

That night, Ben, Cassie, and I went to dinner and this SUPER AWESOME neighborhood bar/hang out!  It’s going to be especially awesome once it warms up a little bit!!!

Seriously, it was so much fun!!!!!

Saturday, Julie and I went to lunch and I am incredibly bummed because we did not take a picture!!!!!!  However, she gave me the coolest and softest t-shirt (mine is maroon and in the wash  or I’d post a picture of it)

We then walked in and out of a few shops and felt incredibly betrayed by one shops name since the name did not at all reflect what was offered in the store. #HowQuicklyCanWeLeaveBeforeItSeemsRude

That night Cassie and I headed uptown to see Vocalosity!

And it. was. awesome!!!!!!  Some people are just crazy talented!!!!

We decided to be super crazy and went out after the show.  Actually, we made incredibly wise food and drink choices thanks to Cowfish!!!

We shared a side of fries as an app (Cowfish has THE BEST fries – I’m not sure what they use as seasoning but it is incredible.  And the fries are just perfectly crisp) and shared a Smores Milkshake!  Our server even split it into two adorable glasses!!!

Despite my initial attitude leading up to my birthday, it was a fantastic day!  I know I am lucky, but sometimes life is hard! 🙂

Here’s to another year…..the Year of Megan! *Thank you Happy Endings for the inspiration*

March Forth on March 4th

Happy Friday, friends!

My Friday link up (thank you, April) is going to be a bit different today but I am SO excited about it!  If you’re new here, WELCOME! if you’re returning, WELCOME BACK! and if you’re a consistent reader, THANK YOU! 🙂

Why “March Forth on March 4th” and not the usual blog title of “Hello Friday/Friday Favorites/5 on Friday?” It’s simple…we’re celebrating today!

As you may or may not know, I was introduced to Beautycounter in June of 2014.  Let me tell you, it’s fantastic!  However, a lot of the things I am really proud of aren’t necessarily things that everyone is aware of.  So, allow me to share my 5 FAVORITES on this FRIDAY !  Let’s MARCH FORTH to safer, better, personal care products this lovely March 4th!

#1. Our Mission Statement (found here) is impressive and direct.

To get safe products into the hands of everyone.

But there’s so much more to it.

Decades of studies indicate that serious health issues (including, but not limited to asthma, learning disabilities, cancer, and infertility) are on the rise, and due in some part to our ongoing exposure to toxic chemicals – whether it’s in the shower, on our commute, while we eat lunch at a local restaurant, or when we clean our kitchens at home.

There are more than 80,000 chemicals on the market today. Many don’t have any safety data. This is particularly true of those used in the skin care and beauty industry.

Only about 10% of the 10,000 chemicals commonly found in personal care products have safety data.

What’s worse is the Food and Drug Administration (the agency that regulates cosmetics) allows companies to use chemicals known to be extremely harmful (lead, formaldehyde, and phthalates) in the products we put on our bodies and on our kids every single day, day after day.

#2. Our Ingredient Selection Process is the strictest in the industry.

Ban Intentionally: Our Never List is made up of more than 1,500 questionable or harmful ingredients we will never use, no matter what.

Screen Rigorously: Our screening process is truly industry leaded.  Few other companies, if any, are going to the lengths Beautycounter is to screen ingredients.

Learn Constantly: We do not assume the absence of data means a chemical is safe, so we review data regularly and commission our own studies.

Source Responsibly: Over 80% of the ingredients in our products are organic, natural, or plant-derived. We source from sustainable, non-GMO sources and believe in supporting the US economy.

Share Transparently: We are education first, product second. No hidden fragrances, flavors, or secret preservatives. We share everything!

#3. Beautycounter Products Work (Skincare, Cosmetics, Bath & Body, Family)

I wouldn’t use something each and every day if it didn’t work.  I also wouldn’t share with my family and friends – those that are closest to me and I care about immensely, if the product didn’t work. I originally started using 3 products, and in less than a month of switching my skincare routine, in the middle of a Bible Study, the person sitting across from me interrupted my sentence to say “I am so sorry but I just have to let you know whatever you are doing is working because your skin looks fantastic!” I wasn’t even wearing makeup! Score! 🙂

#4. This video sums it all up  so wonderfully!

We All Deserve Better

#5. Something safe for everyone!

Body Collection

Countertime

Cosmetics

Kidscounter

Essentials

Baby

 

 Our health is important.  The choices you make today, matter tomorrow.

Have a great weekend, friends!

If you have any additional questions (or if you’re still a little teary eyed from that powerful video, let’s chat! MLPastor.Beautycounter@gmail.com.  Clearly this is one of my passions!*

#MakeupMonday #5

Happy Leap Day!  If you haven’t checked it out yet, the Google homepage does not disappoint today!

An extra day in the month – bringing us an extra Monday and the final #MakeupMonday offer!!!

 

Mattify Skin Finishing Powder is a lightweight, translucent powder that blends invisibly to absorb shine, reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines, and set makeup. Unlike a powder foundation, it’s designed to be worn over your foundation, tinted moisturizer, concealer, or bare skin. In one universal shade that suits all skin tones, our Finishing Powder gives skin a naturally smooth and even finish, leaving behind no white residue.

 

​Powder Brush: A luxurious, all-purpose brush designed for dusting our Blush Duos or Matte Bronzer.
Inspired by artist paintbrushes, we designed all our Brushes to be weighted at the bristles to help you apply color in an ergonomic fashion. We also elongated the metal ring where the brush head meets the handle to help keep moisture away when washing—and extend the life of your tools. Our brushes are tailored to the size and shape of our cosmetics compacts, plus the bristle tips were custom crimped to pick up the ideal amount of powder or liquid formula.

Let me know if you have any questions!  I’ve really enjoyed #MakeupMonday and I thank those of you who have participated!!!  Great things are coming!!!!

Arts & Crafts

For the last 8 Christmas Breaks, I have helped my friend Chrissy wrap some of her kiddos Christmas presents a few nights before Christmas all while gossiping and drinking wine.  It’s a lovely tradition!  Seriously, we start talking about it at least a week before I get home and each year we have an additional project or snack. 🙂

This year, she had an art project that I was happy to complete, but knew I wanted to do it differently (and larger) once I returned home.  (larger because I really do not like the color of the living room walls so I’m all for covering them up as much as possible)

This was the Christmas project (image from an online search because I forgot to take a picture)

Here’s my original* final product:

Original* because once it was complete, I decided the stripes should’ve been wider.  Since I couldn’t fix that, I painted the white stripes black.  I’m also thinking about writing “home” in script along the bottom right corner. Decisions!

This project is SUPER SIMPLE! And only requires 6 supplies.

You will need:

1. A Canvas
2. Painters tape
3. Paint
4. Paintbrush (foam worked well)
5. Glue (I used Elmer’s but I’m sure tacky glue would be fine)
6. Glitter (I used the super fine glitter you can find at Michael’s)

STEP ONE:

Tape off your lines.  I already mentioned I wish I had thicker lines, but I also wish I put half a piece of tape at the top where I started so I wouldn’t have such a small piece at the bottom.

STEP TWO:

Paint the exposed lines.  I used a foam brush and painted 3 coats.  The paint I used dried rather quickly so by the time I was done with the last line, the first line I pained was dry.

STEP THREE:

Once the painted lines are completely dry (wait overnight to be sure), carefully peel off the tape.

STEP FOUR:

Draw the outline of your design with a pencil.  Place a line of glue over the outline.  Quickly sprinkle glitter over the glue.

Since I’m a little precise ;), I taped a few pieces of paper together and drew the outline of NC on that and then traced it on to my canvas.  Let the glue absorb the glitter.  Again, waiting overnight is ideal.

STEP FOUR again:

If you remember the final product, I didn’t think the outline was enough.  So I decided to fill the entire thing with glue and glitter!

It’s super important to LET THE GLUE DRY just like the image above!  if you sprinkle the glitter on the glue and then pick up the canvas to remove the excess glitter, the glue will run and your design will be ruined.  Let the glue dry overnight.  It was a little difficult to add glue and glitter to the canvas once the outline had hardened, so I suggest knowing if you’d like an outline or a bold design just to make the glue and glitter process easier!

STEP FIVE:

Brush off the glitter.  I had a piece of poster board on the floor I dumped the glitter on.  It made it easy to keep the glitter contained AND I could fold the poster board and put the excess glitter back in the container!  I did take the canvas outside and lightly tapped the stubborn glitter off.

HAPPY CRAFTING!!!!

What Up, Wednesday?!

Well, well, well, we’ve made it to day 3 of consistent blogging!

Let’s give a new link up a try, shall we?

#WhatHappensOnWednesday #StaysOnTheBlogForever

What I’m Eating This Week…

Sarabeth’s Velvety Cream of Tomato Soup (recipe) and Grilled Cheese (on good, crusty, bakery bread!)

Confession: I was supposed to make this last week for a Soup Bar Dinner Party but I just did not feel well, so it got pushed to this week.

What I’m Reminiscing About…

Sucre in New Orleans has some of the BEST macarons and other delectable desserts. The King Cake flavor was my favorite by far and I really wish it wasn’t seasonal because I could eat 10 more right now! (and yes, sucre ships and I’m all about mail order food these days!)

What I’m Loving…

I really like the Superfood SIDE salad at Chick-fil-A!  It comes tossed lightly in dressing with dried cherries, and then you add the roasted nut blend.  It’s also delightful with some grilled chicken and a sweet tea!  or be daring and enjoy it with classic nuggets!  SO GOOD!

What I’ve Been Up To…

Not traveling 🙂

What I’m Dreading…

---

Washing these dishes.  Pretty sure “Dry Clean Only” and “Handwash Only” are evil words. 🙂  And I need to peel the label off of that salsa jar.  I like making my own salsa, but goodness – the Arriba! Fire Roasted Mild Red Salsa is yummy!!!!!

What I’m Working On…

Full time job: Presentations and itineraries and newsletters

Part time job: Mailings and socials and educational events

What I’m Excited About…

FULLER HOUSE starts FRIDAY!  I mean have you seen the trailer????

#HappyBirthdayToMe #NetflixAndCake

What I’m Watching/Reading…

     Watching: Grey’s Anatomy, obviously!

Therapist: Meredith, you were attacked in your own hospital and you consider that small stuff?

Meredith: Have you read my file?

#Truth #SeattleGrace #SeattleGraceMercyWest #GreySloanMemorial

Reading: It’s My Pleasure

What I’m Listening To…

The rain.

What I’m Wearing…

The comfiest black sweat pants I bought from Gap Factory Store circa Fall 2008 (I remember this because a friend who was preggers at the time bought the sweats and hoodie for post baby) and a sweatshirt because I’m in my pjs and typing this Tuesday night!

What I’m Doing This Weekend…

Vocalosity on Saturday!!!

What I’m Looking Forward To Next Month…

Visiting the West Coast for the first time.  Hello Sunny

What Else is New…

This “family” is getting a YOUNGER sibling 😉 and I CANNOT wait to introduce it to you early next week!!!!! #OhBabyBaby

What Is Your Favorite Easter Tradition…

Growing up the Easter Bunny my Mom would hide eggs all over the house, but we weren’t allowed to hunt for them until we read the note left by the Easter Bunny.  It would tell us how many large eggs and how many small eggs were needed to find. I remember waking up and seeing a few in the bathroom (soap dish by sink and randomly balanced on shower curtain rod) and still think it was pretty cool.

Now, I like seeing families attend church together, and love seeing what everyone wears.

Feel free to join – and leave your link in the comments so we can all follow along!  Who am I kidding, no one reads this blog anymore 🙂

 

*Original What Up Wednesday idea came from reading Momfessionals because I think she is awesome, but 3 other bloggers are behind the concept.

*linkup

“…Leaving On A Jet Plane…”

Friends, allow me explain my lack of blogging with one picture:

4 consecutive weeks of hanging out in one of these.

I decided to make it fun and would send my Snapchat friends an obligatory airplane seat selfie, so clearly I’m going to share them with you!

Week One: CLT to New Orleans

(this was Sunday after the Panthers beat the Seahawks. I left for the airport 25 minutes after the game ended!)

Week Two: CLT to Boston

(I spent almost 3 hours in my seat, on the plane, before we departed because AA couldn’t locate a crew.  Seriously.)

Week Three: CLT to Baton Rouge

(this was a small 2 seats per side plane…so turbulent)

And BTR back to CLT at 6:35am after a night of being violently ill.

special thanks to Claire’s prayers because I was NOT the one needing a barf bag!

Week Four: CLT to Baton Rouge

Week Four: West Monroe to Dallas (6am! and a 1 seat/2 seat plane)

Week Four: Dallas  to HOME

 Here’s the takeaway – By the time I’ve taken these pictures I’ve already enjoyed a hot beverage and/or snack, and have failed to dig out my lip sheer or lip balm so my lips are so bare in these pictures.  It’s also clear I LOVE a good scarf!  BUT I really love a blanket scarf or really soft and flowy scarf for air travel.

Chilly plane? Wear your scarf.

Unfortunate smells? Hide in your scarf.

Need to cough? Cough into your scarf.

The great news is, as soon as I get home I divide my suitcase and wash EVERYTHING.

I also must travel with a full bottle of water and an emergency granola bar/bag of almonds or pretzels.

Any travel rituals you have?  Please share!

#MakeupMonday #4

I missed posting about #MakeupMonday #3, so just add it to the list appropriately titled “Things I Haven’t Had Time To Accomplish” 🙂 #WeAllNeedGrace #PostingEachDayThisWeek #ChallengeAccepted

The 4th Monday in February brings us a FREE Angled Blush Brush ($35 value) with the purchase of Color Sweep Blush Duo!!!  Make sure you scroll to the end of this post for an eye opening fact 🙂

Did you know that mica (the sparkles in makeup) mining is one of the top child slaveries in the world?  Children (as young as 5 years old) are sent into the mines under harsh conditions for up to 12 hours each day so that you can have glittery blush and eye shadow.  Even if you are using a safe mineral-based makeup, chances are they may be getting their mica from a child labor source.

The great thing about Beautycounter, we are a B Corp.  This means we have to meet extremely strict standards in regards to the sustainability and ethical practices of the ingredients we use.  Our blush duos not only come with a Certificate of Purity (no heavy metals), but peace of mind knowing that they mica comes from ethically extracted sources.

#TheMoreYouKnow #SwitchToSafer #BetterBeauty #KnowBetterDoBetter

Questions? MLPastor.Beautycounter@gmail.com

Links: Color Sweep Blush Duo (I love the Tawny/Whisper) Angled Blush Brush

Thanks friends!  “See” you tomorrow for a fun post!!