Low Scale Weekending

Hello, last day of August!

I'm kind of not singing the Monday blues because I had a great weekend and some really exciting things coming up this week. PLUS we're headed into a Holiday weekend in the States, holla!!

Friday

My sister showed up for dinner and we had plans to veg in front of the TV with drinks and snacks. We ended up watching Divergent, which she had not seen (but read the book) and tried a different pizza from Mellow Mushroom. Buffalo Chicken pizza was okay but I think I want to try a more traditional pizza from them next time. We each had one drink, and then I ended up with a headache and indigestion. Oils to the rescue, but I wasn't putting any more alcohol into my body.

Saturday

Saturday we got ready for a picnic for my mom's school. It's one big family so she likes to have hers represented and while I don't go every year, this year was Mels first so I thought I'd go again. Luckily the rain held off and we could enjoy the picnic outside.

We had a little over an hour to kill, so a trip to the mall was in order. I stopped by Victoria's Secret for another Lounge Bra and a cute tank that was on sale. Also picked up some more water resistant foundation for these hot Summer days we still have left.

Then it was time for hair cut!! I didn't know what I was going to do because I wanted to keep the length but I needed different layers or something. I'm definitely pleased with what I came away with and will be styling it non=curly for work so we'll see how that goes!


Saturday night Mel and I returned back to my place and she decided to introduce me to Hulu and The Last Ship with Eric Dane, McSteamy from Grey's. Now I'm hooked and can't stop watching it!

Sunday

Brunch Sunday at church and I brought chips and dip, form the store. Lame. I finished a project and then I had to film my August favs video and a swap segment.


I may have also watched more episodes of The Last Ship.


How was your weekend?!


Linking up for weekending with B Loved Boston!

August 2015 Favs

I had every intention of having the August Favs video filmed for this Friday, BUT since it's still a little early I wanted to hold off and film this weekend. I'll share that link on the blog when I have it, but it automatically gets tweeted when it posts, I think so make sure you're following me on Twitter.

Sephora Pink Detangling Combs

Yes, I said PINK and they have even have two sizes. One for travel or my purse and one for my bathroom! These have big ol' wide teeth and are perfect for my tangly, wind-blown hair. I tried the tangle-teezer and it did NOT work on my hair. Now, I'm just on the lookout for some awesome matching brushes because the ones I have are falling apart.

Awesome Disney Princess Shirt

We were interview clothes shopping for my sister and they had BOGO so I got a shirt, yay! They had this cute Disney princess shirt and it has 3/4 sleeves, I'm in love!

Vlogging Camera

I mentioned this one yesterday, BUT I thought I would go into a bit of detail about it and share a video that also talks about another camera I want. #allthecameras Now, I'm not a very good Youtuber, I film a lot more than I ever edit and post BUT it's so much fun that I want to keep doing it! You can checkout my Youtube channel here.
Canon Powershot N ($125) - The first...worthless for vlogging and has been greatly improved in the following two models. I actually ordered this one on accident not realizing it doesn't flip all the way up. Luckily I was shipping it to Omaha and needed to change the address so it was easy to cancel. *whew*
Canon Powershot N100 ($350) - This is the second one that came out last year?! You can film/snap from front and back at the same time! However, you cannot film from the back only, which is sadly disappointing. On the other hand it's super easy to flip the camera around and film for vlogging. This camera has the best lighting during filming out of the three.
Canon Powershot N2 ($300) - The mother load! This camera is so cute, compact AND the screen flips up. All of these cameras have Wifi capability but with passwords all over I haven't actually tried that out, I've only had it a week.

iJustine does a really good job of giving more deets if you want to watch her vid. I just searched for Vlogging Cameras on Pinterest and the N'something is the first one that came up and I was sold from the start and wanted both of the later ones.

Am I really going to start vlogging? We shall see, I always feel out of sorts and just need to conquer it! Do you have any fav vloggers I could watch on Youtube? I'm enjoying videos during my meal time as entertainment!

Starbucks Glass and Stainless Steel Tumblers

Which, these are on sale for 30% off, at least at Target last night they were and I'm pretty sure that's why I paid less for my glass one earlier this month. From what I've read and heard, if you're ingesting essential oils you're supposed to use glass, ceramic or stainless steel so these are perfect! I don't know about you, but I drink a lot more water when I have a straw to suck it down with.

Lounge Bra by VS

I still can't find a link for this bad boy and you know that's bad because I can find A LOT of things on the internet. I wish this came in nude or their champagne color because I would have it in both and wear it everyday.

What are some of your favs from this month?

Some things I picked up to try...all the Lays chips! I want to do a taste test video with my sister...that's tentatively planned for this weekend. Wish me lots of natural light and time!

I also found this pink sauce! It's a garlic dressing and I have yet to have a homemade salad.

August just flew by for me and now I'm looking forward to Fall, even though Florida doesn't really get the weather memo it's still my favorite time of the year. We have the Lady Antebellum with Sam Hunt and Hunter Hayes, WHeels Up concert in a week and the first UCF game next Thursday, so lots of exciting stuff coming up!!

Linking up for Friday Favs with Amanda and High Five for Friday with Bright on a Budget, Coffee with Caitlin, Cup of Tea, and Della Devoted!!!

August Spending Freeze?! Oh, Please!

Remember when I made this post?!

Well...FAIL! I ended up with quite a bit of extra income this month and may have gone a little overboard came across deals I couldn't turn down!
I should totally record my evil laugh for this little segment as it really should be called "look at all the things I bought/ordered/did in August" *evil cackle*

I ate out a lot more over the past two weeks. Instead of going to the store, I was either hanging with the fam or working so I ate out a lot more when I wasn't eating leftovers, thanks Mom.

Ummm, I had to order some stuff for the cat, duh. Also, said cat is living with my parents and doing quite well. Turns out my dad isn't as allergic anymore. Did you know your allergies can change every several years? Maybe it's time I try Avocado again!!

I could list all the stuff I bought, BUT some of it is going to be in my Friday August Favs post and I'm hoping to film a video or a few this weekend to share.

Some of the things I bought are:

1. Shirts from Target
2. Bra - I haven't been able to find the one I bought online, but if you go into the store and ask for it they should have it.
3. Small Camera for Vlogging I actually bought this USED on Amazon for over 50% off and am so happy I tried it. Perfect condition!!
4. Finally tried the Mia and I got the kit that comes with an extra brush, two cleansers and a mesh bag. Loving it so far! I had tried the Olay one many moons ago when it first came out and I didn't want to drop the $$$ on the Mia and it doesn't compare in my opinion.
5. I ordered glass straws to go with the Starbucks glass tumbler for my essential oils, but the straw doesn't fit in the hole!! I think I am also going to have to get the aluminum one because I need the lid for work and traveling.
6. I can't remember if this was in July or August, but when Bookworm Boutique was having free shipping I ordered something for a friends birthday and a pillow for myself. Their throw pillows are $5 off today if you need one too! Use code: THROW5

I really didn't spend that much while visitng and road tripping with my sister. It helped that my parents paid for most of the travel and meals. I did only get ONE pedi, but I think it's time to get my nails done again. I just really like how they shape my nails.

Believe it or not, even with all of this spending I still have some things that I'm lusting over. I also signed up for a couple surprise subscription boxes this month so I'll be getting LOTS of mail. *claps hands*

Did you buy anything cool in August?

Book Review: Tough Love by Lori Foster

Synopsis: She's playing hard to get… to win the MMA fighter of her ultimate fantasies in a sultry new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster…

Vanity Baker loves a good, clean match, but she's not above playing a little dirty. She's wanted Stack "The Wolf" Hannigan from day one. Seems as though the best way to corral the famously commitment-phobic fighter is to insist on keeping it casual. And her plan works—deliciously well—until Stack's past steps out of the shadows.

Stack learned early to stay free of attachments. But with sexy, forthright Vanity, he's the one always left wanting more. Then his troublemaking family comes back into the picture, threatening everything Stack cares about—Vanity included. Suddenly he realizes they're much more than friends with benefits. He's ready to go to the mat for her…but will it be in time to protect the woman who's tamed him for good?

Review

The story of Stack and Vanity was set up perfectly at the end of Holding Strong, Ultimate Fighter Book #2. You can read my review for book two here.

Fighter, Stack is known as a ladies man and Vanity is gorgeous, rich and humble. She thinks she's found the perfect way into the fighter's bed but she may also have found a way into his heart without even trying.

I absolutely loved the lead up and the easy transition this couple experienced. This is one of the first times we get to see a lot of outside family involved and they fell together perfectly with the storyline.

I wish I could share my favorite part, but I can't because it's a little spoilery. Let's just say the climax of the story didn't piss me off like some misunderstandings and "if they would just talk to each other" tend to.

FIVE Stars!

These books just keep getting better and better. I can't believe we have to wait until February 2016 to read the next book!

Are you a reader? Check out my other book reviews here. Also make sure we're friends on Goodreads!!

I was provided with a copy of Tough Love in exchange for my honest review.

Weekending - Past TWO Weekends

Last Weekend

We moved my sister down here and things just went swimmingly. We hit a few patches of rain, but for the most part it was a long and very successful trip. The only thing we really did that was exciting (besides the move) was eat some food and take a trip to the Omaha Zoo which was pretty cool.

Friday

I started off by reading blogs, duh! And Nadine posted about this quiz Which State Does Your Heart Belong To? and I got Hawaii.

You are relaxed and calm. You hate when life is all about being busy, all about the hustle and bustle. You know life is too short to be anything but happy, and your cheerful personality is always a breath of fresh air to your family and friends. Your heart belongs to Hawaii.

Then I was perusing Facebook and saw this article about Carly Rae Jepsen and was thinking she had a one hit wonder, right? I mean she did a duet with Owl City I think but that doesn't really count.

For lunch I went to one of my fav burger and shake places, Culvers. Tried their mint oreo and it was good but I prefer that flavor combo in Blizzard form.


Friday night it was all about getting as much freelance works done as I could so I could have some fun this weekend and I got quite a bit accomplished so I'm feeling good!

Saturday

After some more freelance work in the morning, I met up with the family at the Yuengling Brewery in Tampa for a tour. No, I don't drink beer but I appreciate it and love learning about how different brew houses operate. Most of my pics are on my new little camera so I didn't plan very well, lol.


Then we went to a pizza shop near my new digs called Mellow Mushroom and sampled four different kinds of pizza. I took pics on my new camera but I don't have my cable with me and haven't set it up on wifi at my parents yet, womp womp.

Sunday

I finally made it back to church to sing, it's been over two months!! Had a couple of rough moments but overall I definitely felt like I could sing and for a while I was doubting that. So thankful to be operating at 100% again.

Then after a quick lunch at Jimmy Johns which is next door to our nail place, we went in for our pedicures. I wasn't prepared with my own polish so instead of doing a color I went for black since UCF opener game is in two weeks anyway!


Then we did some more shopping and they had THE cutest cookies at Target Starbucks.


Our last stop of the day was PetSmart which is becoming a regular stop it seems and they had POUND PUPPIES!! OMG I just had to get one for Boomer and he sure was happy about it.


How was your weekend?!


Linking up for weekending with B Loved Boston!

Friday Favs - Insta Dudes, Inventions and Friends!

While I need to do some work this weekend, I'm so looking forward to having this first weekend with my sister here and I'm off Monday so it's just a great one all around. I'm hoping to do a double-weekend recap on Monday since I missed last Monday but no promises. You just never know how crazy the weekend will get!

Fav Link

I am not one to showcase the negative but I've saved a couple bad covers to my computer. I love that this reader, while kind of being a troll on the internet also has a Goodreads list of Bad Book Covers and I will continue to reference these, lol. Some of these books are on my absolute favs list!!

Fav Inventions

So I haven't actually received this yet, but now that I'm an interim cat lady (keeping the cat for my sister) I realize things I did not know about cats...like they stink and their litter gets everywhere! So, I was talking to a lady and she said she suggested a diaper genie well who knew they actually make them for cats specifically and I hope it works. If it doesn't it was only $15 so no big deal.

Fav Song

This and the boat song are on constant loop in my head.

Fav Video

Friends 9/11 Deleted Scene that apparently was available since 2007 at least because that's when this Youtube video was uploaded but I just found out about it! I never watched all the extras on the Friends DVDs but I guess I should have!

Fav Funnies

Even though I'll have to shave for the majority of Fall, I'm still looking forward to this!

When they call you on your day off...just, no.

Is anybody else's MOM the best at this?! When I lived with her I always wanted her approval or help when I couldn't fit something!

Fav Insta Dude Accounts

Both of these were rec'd to me this week, thanks Kerry and Christina.

@BrockOHurn

@JeffKasser

Happy Weekend!

What are some of your favorite things recently? What are your plans for the weekend?


Linking up High Five for Friday with Bright on a Budget, Coffee with Caitlin, Cup of Tea, and Della Devoted!!! Also found another Heather in blogland that has a Friday favs link up!

Literary Ladies Summer Challenge Check In No. 2

Hi!! I'm a day early with all of my book talk BUT I want to do Friday Favs tomorrow.

OMG I cannot believe I only have THREE books left in this challenge. I love that I was able to (and not the only one) that changed out books during this challenge. I think that's one of the best things I've done. Instead of making sure I crossed off the original ones, made it so much easier to *crosses fingers* finish.

Also, reading digitally is so much easier for me. All the books left are books I own in paperback or hardback. That physical book really makes it difficult to just whip out my phone during free minutes. I just downloaded Summerland and Spinster on audio book from Overdrive through my library so I can try to cross another off my list that way.

Read

A book with a kickass female character - Rock Chick by Kristen Ashley

A book with a one word title. After by Anna Todd- I started this months ago and never got around to finishing it because other books came up. I'm counting Desertion by River Savage instead because I forgot this was coming out and I flew through it!

A suspenseful book – a mystery, a thriller, a book about revenge! Lady Luck by Kristen Ashley

A book that is or will be a movie (or TV show) - Paper Towns by John Green. I think I read somewhere it was based in Orlando, which is cool. UGH I had to update this because I'm still waiting on the library and another one was ready first...The Fifth Wave which is another YA book, but paranormal. Ooooh!

A book that has been on your TBR list for a year or more - The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorenson has been on my TBR since it was a Top 20 Goodreads choice for Romance in 2013.

Non US Author (mandatory!) - Grey by EL James
What can I say, I wanted to see what was going on in his mind. It "read" much better than the original series, and I loved listening to it.

A YA book (mandatory!) - Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins The House by Christina Lauren and I love that they write some YA so I can add it in here and read it for "work"!

Reading Now

A book written by a comedian or celebrity – or even a memoir if neither of those are your jam. Spinster by Kate Bolick - This one has been ROUGH to get through but I already started it and it's part of the Blogging for Books so to get another one I must finish it.

To Be Read

A book about Summer, with Summer in the title, or in any way related to Summer because this is a Summer challenge! The Summer of Firsts and Lasts by Terra Elan McVoy - I actually bought this because of the pink spine, and it works with this title, yay!! I'm changing this to Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand because it was on clearance at Barnes and Noble and the author was rec'd to me as a good one!

A book that was recommended by a blogger (mandatory!) - Happy to be Alive, Because by Chelsea Jacobs, aka fellow Florida blogger over at The Girl Who Loved to Write.
I've had this book for months and being crazy addicted to the library it keeps getting pushed back, but no more!! Many bloggers have already read it and loved it so I can't wait to share in the story!

What are you reading right now?

What's Your Sign - PISCES

I definitely feel like the Pisces descriptions I've seen throughout the years describe me pretty well.

When Nadine posted about this link up, I just had to do it!! Also linking up with her partner in crime, Laura.

To find some inspiring Pisces image, I turned to Pinterest...duh.

These are all things I have pinned regarding my sign since I started using Pinterest. I can't believe there are only FIVE!!


Definitely creative, shy and humorous. Understanding to a point and sometimes I wonder about my intuition.


When I first read this, again I was like...not really but yes. Especially friends I've known forever. I'll tend to do this a lot.


The first two and last one, YES! The middle ones...meh. *shrug*


OMG This is TOTALLY me!! I'm quiet all the time in big groups people think I'm not having a good time but I am always thinking of something to say. I only want to add to the conversation. I was just discussing this with my sister the other day, I am NOT a one-upper during story time, especially with people I just meed.


Yep, yep...spot on!

What's your sign? Do you think it describes you?!