Clothed with Grace: March 2016

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Blogging and Priorities

Nothing in this outfit is new, but it's an outfit I wanted to wear the whole time I was pregnant, but obviously couldn't. I'll admit, when  I stumble out of bed at 6:00 the last thing I feel like doing is getting dressed up, but I'm always glad I do, as it helps put me in a good mood for the day. 

Also, our snow is gone, thank goodness! I just took a number of pictures when I had the morning to myself one day and have been saving them up.  Weekends have been busy, just trying to maintain a fairly clean house and taking the time to play with the kids, so blogging has really taken a back burner. Once my saved pictures are done, I'm not sure how I'll fit getting new ones in. In between the getting ready, taking pictures, and editing for the three posts I do each week is about three hours....which I don't really have right now. I'm not sure how I'll continue to keep up, although I do want to.

I also have not been doing a good job or reading very many other blogs regularly and don't have nearly as many people comment on my blog regularly either, although my page views are still pretty consistent.  I wonder if I'd be just as happy simply posting on Instagram, but I really do like the writing aspect of blogging.  I really didn't recognize how easy I had it with just Grant. Hannah is a great baby and I actually think it's made me a better more active mom.  I want them each to have time with me and know how much I love them, so I think my priorities have changed some.  I'm not sure what the future of this little space looks like, but as long as I can make it work and enjoy it, I plan to try. 

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Meh

I've got to be honest with you, since going back to work it's been kind of "meh." The kids are fine, I like my co-workers, I'm just not excited to be there, and this is really a first for me. Now I've had years when I was ready to push the kids out the door, because they were driving me crazy....but I've never really felt indifferent.

I'm not sure it was maternity leave, or our new normal with Hannah, but work is just that....work. Anyone else been there?

I'm reminded though that God has placed me where I am for a purpose, and to go to work everyday just feeling "meh" about is, isn't really doing myself or the people God has placed in my life any good.  I Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whatever you eat or drink, and whatever you do, do it for the glory of God." That truth should cause a change in me, and if you're feeling "meh" it should in you too.

I think we have have times in our lives when feel life is monotonous, more laundry, more dishes, I have to go to work....again? We've all been there, but it's not where we should plant our roots and stay, we need to get beyond that. So, even if I'm feeling bored at work, I need to focus on the truth that everything I do should give glory to God, now that's anything but boring. It's time for a change of heart and change in perspective and I'm working to do that today.


Believe it or not, these pants are nearly six years old from The Limited.  I got them after Grant was born and honestly, they'd been forgotten in my closet for the last three years or so. I pulled them out when I was going through all my pants after Hannah was born and wanted to kick myself for not wearing them more.  It looks like The Limited still thinks they are pretty great, because these are the same pants.  I got the Gap top via thredUp (Use this link for $10 off your first purchase.) I decided to pair them together and really like it!  Maybe it was dressing so casually at home, but I missed dressing up and am really enjoying it at work again!

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

The Graphic Tee

One thing I realized while I was on maternity leave was how few casual shirts I had. I really love their versatility and found a number of them on Jane.com for less than $15.  I really love this one that says "You Make Me Brave." The "you" being God.  There are so many times when times get tough, but I know that God is always there for me.  I also have times when I hear a whispering in my ear to move, act, or help someone....but it isn't always easy.  I know that God is there to help in the midst of this and this t-shirt is a great reminder!


Monday, March 28, 2016

How to Create a Bedtime Routine with Huggies Diapers

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Huggies, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #HuggiesatKroger  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV


One of the first things I remember learning as a new mom was the importance of creating a bedtime routine with your kids.  Even babies like to know what to expect, so starting a routine early will make things easier for both them and you.  Today I'm going to share with you our evening routine for Hannah, with the help of Huggies diapers from Kroger at Bakers. 


Thursday, March 24, 2016

Grace Wins

One song that has been running through my head constantly is "Grace Wins" by Mathew West.  So often we can be so hard on ourselves and fixate on the mistakes we've made.   Becoming a Christian doesn't mean I'm perfect, but it means God's perfect grace covers all my mistakes and sins. Every day. I needed this reminder today and maybe you do too!

          

Grace wins every time!


This skirt has been a J.Crew staple for a few years, and I have a tan wool one for winter and a printed white one for summer, so I was super excited to find this one for less than $10 on thredUp. Use this link for $10 off your first purchase, so basically, this skirt would be free. I decided to pair it with a basic white tee, my favorite are Merona's from Target and my Gap denim jacket, also a thredUp score last year.  

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Me Time

Like I mentioned on Monday I was on spring break last week.  Honestly, it was just the break I needed. I hadn't had more than an hour to myself since last summer, literally.  I had the weirdest feeling being alone in the house and going on errands by myself. I kept feeling like I was forgetting something...then I'd remember Grant was at school and Hannah was at daycare.  Now, I only sent Hannah for part of the day, but the time to myself was so nice.

As moms, it can sometimes feel like we need to justify time away from our kids. We are called to love our kids, not be martyrs, and quite honestly I think we need a bit of time away to recharge and be able to #momlikeaboss.

I really have become more of a homebody as I've gotten older, but Brian is great about staying with the kids in the evening, so I can go run an errand alone. I also have book club once a month, so that's a nice break too.

I guess today I wanted to encourage all you moms to take some time for yourself, even if it's going to Starbucks and reading for an hour, which by the way is magical.  If you can't remember the last time you got time to yourself, it's been too long!  Talk with your hubby, splurge on a sitter, call your mom to sit, do whatever it takes to go grab a few hours to just be you.  I promise you, it's not selfish, you'll come be feeling recharged and ready to face whatever comes your way. : )


I am crazy about these kick crop pants from Loft and am loving them with this top I scored from thredup, use this link for $10 off your first purchase.  I am continually amazed by what I can find on thredup for such great prices! This top was new with tags and less than $10!  

I'm also still bananas about these lace up flats, it's so funny that I was second guessing keeping them, because I have been wearing them like crazy! 

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Life Lately

Here's a look at what's been going on, via some pictures I shared on Instagram!

This picture is from a few weeks back, but I really don't have very many of Hannah and myself. Grant took this one as we were getting ready to head out to church.  Hannah has a couple of dress outfits for church and I plan to have her wear them as long they fit!


Monday, March 21, 2016

Spring Break Recap

Last week was my spring break and Grant is on spring break this week.  He's currently spending a few days with my parents, which is always a treat for him. It'll definitely be quiet here in the evenings with just Hannah, Brian and myself!  I had a work day last Monday, then Tuesday-Friday off. We'd decided to send Hannah to daycare for part of each day, since she's only just started going and we didn't want to break the routine and get her confused, since she's doing so well there.

I don't know about you moms, but I seem to always have a running list of things to do in my head, and I was so excited to be able to get them accomplished.  In the past I'd run my errands after school and before I'd go pick up Grant. However, since Hannah is nursing I jet out of school to go feed her, then get Grant and jet home so Hannah doesn't fall asleep in the car and get a thirty second nap....hence no time for errands.

I was able to get the kids Easter baskets taken care of.  We don't go big here, but it's nice to get them a few treats.  Grant's umbrella broke, so I found him a new one. I also picked him up The Good Dinosaur, which is an such an amazing movie, and Grant had been asking for it.  I also picked him up some novelty candy, like these chocolate surprise eggs and one of those silly chickens that you wind up and they lay eggs made of gum.  Hannah won't even know what's going on this Easter, so I knew it was silly to go all out, but  I did get her these onesies to wear with her sleep saks at bedtime and then I added in a few baby toys we got as gifts that I haven't put out yet.

I also went shopping in an actual store, alone. It was magical.  I found these cropped skinny chinos and this elephant tee at Loft and these flare jeans at the Loft outlet. A pedicure was also due, so that was a nice treat!  It is crazy how quickly a few hours to yourself flies by though!

Friday I send Hannah to daycare and Grant and I got the day to ourselves, something we haven't done since Hannah was born.  It was really nice. : )

Now, I'm back to work, whomp, whomp, but at least it's only four days with Easter coming up! #thereishope


I am absolutely crazy about these lace-up floral flats! They are also currently on sale too. This trend is definitely my favorite right now and for someone who has a bit wider feet, these seem to be in my favor as you can make them as tight or loose as you'd like.  I decided to pair them with this neutral outfit for a fun pop of color.  I'm also crazy about these boyfriend skinny jeans.  I really like the trend, but the loose ones aren't at all flattering on me, this more fitted pair is right up my alley!

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Because They Are Always Listening...

Recently I was at Loft looking for new pants for work. I found a three pair I loved, but wasn't sure about the price.  I had the girl ring them up, as I had a coupon. The total was still more than I was comfortable with, Hannah was along and started fussing, so I paid for the two pair and we headed home.

Well....once we got home I realized the check out girl had accidentally put all three pair of pants in my bag and I'd only paid for two. I felt awful. I called her and told her I'd bring them back in the next day or two.  That night at dinner I was telling Brian, not really thinking that Grant was paying attention. He interrupted and said "Wait, you stole some pants!?!" I told him that no, I didn't, it was an accident, but if I wouldn't have called, they never would have known. So, I hadn't knowingly stole them, but if I didn't call and return them, then I was a thief. Grant's eyes were pretty big. I also told him how I could have kept them and no one, other than me, would have known I didn't pay for them, but every time I wore them all I'd be thinking is, and Grant interrupted me and said "they need to go back!" Kid, was right.

I actually ended up calling and paying for them over the phone, because they really were worth the $20 price tag and I really didn't want to make a trip back to Loft, but my point is  that our kids are always listening. That night I scored one point for "good parent," but I've scored plenty of bad points too. Every time I've lost my cool, I've shown Grant it isn't important to have self-control. Every time I've had an extra cookie I've shown him that moderation isn't important either.

Proverbs 22:6 says "Train your child up in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not depart from it."

I think it's important for our kids to see up at our best and our worst, as long as we show them how to learn from our worst and try not to do it again.  Our job as parents can be pretty tough, but I hope I have a lot more opportunities to show him what is right.


I just got these cropped skinny chinos and this elephant tee from Loft this week. I had a $25 off coupon and I got to use my teacher discount, yay! I wore this while I had part of the day to myself. I ran a bunch of errands and had sushi for lunch. It was amazing. Thank you, Spring Break.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

The Perfect Pants

For quite sometime my shopping has been pretty much limited to online, unless you can get it at Target, and even then I like to shop online. Getting out of the house isn't always easy, plus, I've gotten more comfortable know what will look good on me and feel pretty confident buying. That's true with most everything except for pants, pants and jeans really need to be tried on.

Anyway, I was stalking Target, Old Navy and Loft looking for new ankle pants for work. I thought I'd found these ankle pants at Target, in both black and red, but when I snuck out one time while my mom was watching Hannah they fit really weird. The sizing seemed inconsistent and the fit from one color to the next was different. Whomp, whomp.

Next, I found these pixie pants at Old Navy. I was stoked because I've heard really good things. I made the trek over there with Hannah one day and they were not flattering at all. Whomp, whomp...again.

Finally, I decided to give Loft a try. I love their clothes, but not the prices. I was crazy about these kick crop pants, and it seemed based on the descriptions that they'd fit. I decided to go try them on with Hannah. I had a 25% off coupon, and Brian was over me hemming and hawing about the price and said if you like them, just get them. They fit perfectly in red and black. I also tried these ponte pants on, and really liked them, plus they were on sale for like $20. These now have me set for bottons for work, as the leggings I wore the whole time I was has at home really don't cut the mustard for work.

This outfit makes me feel like a million bucks too. I actually wore it my first day back to work. This time of year is so weird for dressing. It's really still pretty cool most of the time, but there are days where it's 60 degrees, tricky for dressing.  Most of my sweaters have gone unworn all winter, since I was at home, so I'm trying to get some use out of them while I still can. This one is old but I absolutely adore this one and it has the CUTEST crossover back. I'm also bananas over these shoes. They have been perfect for work and they are so comfortable.  The price is a bit high, but they are real suede, so I knew they would wear well and not kill my feet like a non-leather shoe does.

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Spring Break

This week we are on spring break, and it's a nice treat! We had a work day yesterday, but the rest of the week we are off.  Because Grant goes to school in a different district then where I teach he has school this week. We decided to keep Hannah at daycare for part of the day, since we are just establishing that routine, that gives me a few days to myself and I am so excited! Grant is off Friday, so we'll take Hannah to daycare sometime in the late morning then we're off to do something, just the two of us.  We haven't gotten to do that since Hannah was born, so I'm really excited and I know Grant is too!


This dress has me dreaming about summer.  Honestly, it's a bit soon to wear it around here, although out temps have been hitting the 70s in the afternoon. However, when  I was it on Shein, I couldn't resist.  The quality is really good and there is even a lining and the best part is it's less than $20! Now, I'm only 5"4' so I'd keep that in mind if you order, but I think it'll be the perfect dress for this late spring and summer!

Monday, March 14, 2016

Desert Song

Getting to help lead worship at my church is one of my favorite things. Recently we sang Desert Song by Hillsong. If you want to start your Monday off right you should give this song a listen. ; )

       

"All of my life in every season, you are still God, I have a reason to sing, I have a reason to worship."

The above lyrics really resonate with me. It can be so easy to worship God when times are good, or to take Him for granted during those times and think we have it covered. However, we are called to worship him always. I am very guilty of beginning to rely on myself when it's smooth sailing in my life and take for granted the good God is doing and has done.  I'll think all the good times are due to something I have done.

Things are going pretty good right now, I'm in a peak, not a valley. But, I know the valley will come and it'll be a lot easier to face it when I'm in fellowship with God now, so I'm equipped to handle the battle. I've heard before the phone analogy that God should be on our speed dial as BFF, not 911. Our constant communication with Him makes the tough times not so bad, instead of waiting until our metaphorical house is burning down before we finally ask for help.

I'm not sure where you are today, but regardless of the season, God is there for us, and yes, we have a reason to sing!


If you read daily, you might notice that this tunic is the same as this one I have in navy. I got the navy one at a boutique in K.C. for $36, which is typically more than I spend on a top, but it was unlike anything I had or saw in my normal stores.  Well, what do you, one day the one I'm wearing today showed up on Jane.com for $7.99, yes, obviously the price margin at the boutique (gulp) pretty high.  I love navy one, so I got this one too.  It's long enough for leggings, which is great too!

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Uncommon Goods

It's no secret that jewelry is one of my favorite things, so I was so excited when Uncommon Goods contacted me to see if I wanted to try out some of their jewelry here. If you're not familiar with Uncommon Goods, they have been around for nearly twenty years and is all about featuring unique jewelry, decor, and handcrafted gifts in harmony with the environment and without harm to animals or people. Their ultimate goal is to impact the world in a positive way.  Pretty awesome, right? 

I was so excited to check out all of their necklaces, you can see them here and their bracelets which you can find here I was also really impressed by the beauty of the pieces and the stories behind each piece too.


Here is the first necklace I chose, this Mother Bird Family Necklace.  Having both Grant and Hannah as children is definitely my greatest accomplishment, so I immediately chose this one.  It was made by Ian Gibson, an artist from Philadelphia.  This necklace mixes together sterling silver and yellow brass, which I love and I know I'll treasure this piece for years to come. 

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

My Mom

Today is my mom's birthday, and I couldn't be more grateful to have her in my life and the lives of Hannah, Grant and Brian too.  Growing up my dad traveled for his job and was only home on weekends, I never realized the challenge that probably was to go it alone all week long until Hannah arrived.

I never remember her complaining or really even yelling as I was growing up. I remember her hauling my sister and I to dance class in another town three times a week, lots of trips to my grandparent's house to go to plays, movie, shopping, and lunch with my grandma. In high school I remember countless trips to The Buckle (dating myself here) to buy "much needed" clothes, but never her shopping for herself.

I also remember her doing a paper route when I was in college to earn extra money, yes, she did! And her loving me even when I was at my very worst- age 15 and age 20 to 23ish, when I did a lot of things that definitely didn't make me someone worth loving.

As a grandma she is so devoted to Grant and Hannah and over the years has given Grant so many memories too, of trips to plays, movies, the zoo, etc. She also shows patience with him in a way only a Grandma can. Now she also comes to see Hannah and gave me quite a few breaks while I was on maternity to leave to get out of the house for an hour or so.

Now as a mom myself, I really hope to do things just half as good as she has, and to show the same kind of love and support to my kids as she did for me. Love you mom!


I really couldn't wait to pull my white jeans out. I wore this outfit to church a few weeks back, but definitely plan to wear it again. I got these jeans at Loft last year in my normal size, but they have them again this year. I tried on a whole bunch and landed on these because the skinny leg in white looked awful on me. Ironically, they fit me a little bit bigger now than last year...not usually a post pregnancy problem. I think I'll try to shrink them in the dryer a bit, they aren't big enough for me to replace.

I really liked adding this sweater I scored last year for like $7 at Old Navy, blush is so big this year. I adore this blush sweater from Loft, the ruffle is perfect! I also added my chambray underneath to add a little structure and interest. Confession, I ended up wearing flats instead of heels because carrying Hannah in her carrier, plus my purse, diaper bag, etc. was a bit more than I wanted to try. #notawinningcombination However, when I wear this to work, heels will be great.

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Embroidered Love

I've really been loving the embroidered trend and love this dress from Shein. It's super comfy and although I plan to wear it as a dress, it would be great as a cover-up at the beach or pool too. It's also less than $20!

Decorating for Easter

I am definitely not a decorator, but I do enjoy putting out some holiday decor, so today I thought I'd share a peak at how I decorated for this Easter.  I few of the things I've collected over the past few years and a few I just recently picked up at Gordmans, one of my go-to places for home decor at great prices. You can shop all of their Easter decor here, or pop by your local store too.

First off, we have had our furniture since Brian bought his first house nearly a decade ago. He was gracious enough to let me help, even though we weren't even engaged yet. I do not love it anymore and we've been in talks about replacing it, but it's simply exhausting looking for furniture. Can I get an Amen?! Hopefully we'll find something we love that is also a nice light tan in the next year or so.

Monday, March 7, 2016

Blessed

Today is my third day back to work, and the first few days were great. Thursday morning started with numerous texts and Facebook comments from my dear friends wishing me luck, which really meant the world to me. Brian was out of town, so I had to get Grant, Hannah, and myself to three separate places. Grant's best friend lives right up the street and his mom, who is now aa good friend of mine, was sweet enough to let Grant hang out there, then take him to school. I got Hannah dropped off and made it to school on time.

Once again my heart was full as I had so any people say they were glad to have be back. My long-term sub was great, however, I'd heard there had been some management issues, which is to be expected. Thankfully, the kids did great, and I was able teach as if I'd never been gone. Insert huge sigh of relief!

I'm quickly reminded of  how fast the days fly by, but I'm ready to jet out of school at 3:40 to go get Hannah. She has been doing really well and they said she's a great baby, which I didn't doubt ;) . I do get to spend such limited time with her though, since she's usually asleep by 7:00, that's the hardest part. I miss her face. School going well makes this transition much easier, but I'm definitely going to soak up our family time and countdown the time until summer break.


Last week these floral lace up shoes arrived from Norstom and I couldn't wait to wear them.  I splurged and bought these lace up shoes in black a few weeks before, and it's safe to say the style is my new favorite trend.  I wore this last Friday to work these boyfriend jeans, which I got last spring and love because they aren't super loose, which is not flattering on me at all, and my Merona tee. They are my favorite go-to for basics and this cardigan  I scored from thredUP (Use this link to get $10 off your first purchase).

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Back to Work

Today is the day! I had back to school and Hannah starts daycare. Being a mom the second time around has me a bit more relaxed about the reality of the situation. We really like the lady in the infant room at daycare and overall Hannah is a great baby. I don't have on such rose colored glasses as to think that things will be perfect, but this is reality, and it will be fine. 

I'm a bit anxious about returning to my classroom though. I'm hoping I can just pick up where I left off with the kids. I think my long-term sub did a great job, but I know the kids will have a bit of an adjustment period. I also know it's possible that there are kids that like her more than they like me, and I'm ok with that. I have the next couple of weeks planned out and my goal is to just keep my head above water.

I just keep thinking, this is only a season in my life. It will get easier the older Hannah gets. I'm so thankful for my husband who really has been so helpful. Last week Brian was out of town for the night and I was alone with the kids. As generally easy as Hannah is, she had one of those days where her naps were no more than 45 minutes long. It made for a long day and I was thankful for french fries and corn dogs with Grant as an easy dinner. As we sat down to watch a show once Hannah was asleep I thought to myself, I don't know how single parents do it???? Seriously. Being married isn't always easy, but I'm so thankful to have Brian and not to have to go it alone!

I'll keep you all updated on the whole back to work situation, as for my clothes, I'm excited to wear my dress clothes again! Target put their basic tee shirts on sale for 2 for $10 again recently and I scooped up two more. Cotton basics were something that was missing from my closet and I thought this striped shirt would be so fun with my floral skirt. Perfect for spring!

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Faith

In our Bible Study over The Armor of God we talked about faith last week. Now faith is something I feel like I've had a pretty good grasp on, at least in theory. I would say I had faith in God and really thought of it in the context of believing in what you don't see. However, I've learned it is so much more than that. 

Hebrews 11:1 says "Faith is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." The first part is something I never really considered. It's believing that God will come through for us. It's putting yourself in a situation to have God come through, not waiting for everything to necessarily fall into place before you actually move forward.  

As someone who is a planner, I have a tendency to want all the answers before I take action, but that's not what faith is about. Sometimes we'll hear a little voice in our ear telling us to do something and we either step out in faith to do it, or we talk ourselves out of it. Whether it's something small like introducing yourself to a new person at work or church or something big like a job change, increase in tithing, etc. Both situations, big and small require us to act, not just believe. Our action shows we have faith in what God is telling us to do, and puts him in a position to come through for us.  

James 2: 14-17 says: "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

This verse hits me hard. It's those times when I hear that little voice that I need to step forward and act, not plan and question and doubt.  I want to trust that God will come though. Maybe there is something in your life you're feeling God wants you to do. Well, now is the time to do it. Trust that he has your back and I guarantee you will be blessed beyond measure.


I've had this sweater now for a few weeks and I've worn it a bunch of times. It's one of those I wish I had gotten back in the fall, and not at the beginning of Februay, because with temperatures warming up,  I won't be able to wear it much longer.  I first saw it on Kendi in cream and really liked it, but was not a fan of the price tag.  It went on sale and  I scored it for $40, which is definitely more my speed. I am definitely not hurting for clothes, so it has be to special for me to buy it, and for me this sweater fits the bill!

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Ask Me Anything

Thanks so much to everyone who sent me questions, this was a fun post to put together. I don't even think there was a duplicate question from the last time I did a post like this, which was cool. Here's my take on your questions:

About Me-

Question: You have a beautiful, natural look. Not overly made up. What's your daily make up routine?

Answer: First off, thank you!  I was a manager for a makeup counter in college, so I had the opportunity to play around with a lot of different products before narrowing it down to what I really like and what works for me. I used to use all department store products, now I use a mix of that and drug store options I love.  I also spend about five minutes on make up each day, so I like to keep it pretty simple.


First off, I avoid touching my face. One thing I was told years ago when I started doing makeup was that by touching your face you're taking the germs from your hands and potentially adding them to your face to cause acne. I've never had a huge issue with acne, but I can count on one hand how many pimples I've had in the last fifteen years. 

I invested in brushes, which fifteen years ago were really only found in departments stores and pretty expensive. Now there are lots of inexpensive options. I can't speak to their quality, but my department store ones are still going strong. I simply use hand soap to wash my foundation one and concealer brushes daily and clean the others the same way as needed. I linked all the MAC ones I use, a few other don't seem to be available anymore, so I linked ones that looked similar. One reason to use brushes is that you use last product too and have a smoother finish. Sponges soak up extra product, so I don't use them either.

As for the BB cream I use, I've tried a few different ones, and like them all the same. I like the light coverage, the SPF, and moisturizer that are included. I also like that they don't feel like I'm wearing makeup.  I have also yet to find a concealer that is anywhere as good as my MAC concealer, being I just use it under my eyes, it lasts for a good year, so it's worth the ticket price.

I've tried more expensive powders, blushes, eyeshadows, and mascaras, but honestly didn't see a big difference between the $5 and the $35 product. I've been very happy with my powder, which lasts forever and this eyeshadow is my favorite. It comes in a number of different color palettes too!

The one thing you might think is weird is that fact that after using my eyebrow pencil I use clear mascara to keep my eyebrows in place. Years back I spent $20 on a Lacome' version, but when I saw a $4 clear mascara I decided to give it a try and have used it since then. I also just use a basic mascara. I don't have long eyelashes and I've tried a ton of different ones, all with the same result. Whomp, whomp.

Here's a graphic putting it all together for you all:

Daily Make-Up