Spring!

Are you tired of me talking about The Spring Fever? I hope not! I have never been so excited about the changing of the seasons before. Bring on the sunny days please. Since I was displaced from our master bath due to the installation of our new flooring this week, I had a pack a little overnight bag to take to the other bathroom. I tried to pack some multi-purpose items so that I wasn't dragging my entire stash of makeup to the other side of the house.

Luckily, the new Stila Garden Bliss set that I purchased arrived just in time. Unlike the $10 Stila Travel Palettes, which included a cream convertible color, this palette has a *powder* blush. And this powder blush is a great shade for me! If you're warm like me, you'll love the eye shadows in this set as well- the golds and browns are just perfect and make for a quick eye look.

Check out The Muse's review of this set for some swatches- I can't seem to locate my camera right now due to our remodeling project.

If you haven't tried any of the colors from the new OPI Texas collection, you're missing out. The shade I'm wearing above is Big Hair, Big Nails (3 coats). I think it's a perfect color for spring- so cheery! I haven't yet picked it up, but I'm also wanting to get Guy Meets Gal-veston after seeing Scrangie's swatches last week.

Last night I spritzed myself with Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh, and OMG, I'm in love! I have a very hard time finding scents that agree with me since I'm super-sensitive to smells. Anything that I don't love and that's too strong makes me absolutely sick to my stomach, so it's got to be PERFECT before I can wear it. And this is....... but alas, it's pretty expensive. Sephora's got a set that includes at 2.5 oz bottle of the scent along with a 5 oz tube of lotion for $75, which is more than I usually like to spend. But it's just lovely and it's calling my name, LOUDLY.

What products are you loving for Spring?

Can I Stay At Your House Tonight?

The Casa de Sasha is getting new flooring throughout as we speak, sans kids rooms, and one thing has led to another, so we are pretty much remodeling the kitchen as well. New counter tops, back splash, sink, ceiling, light fixtures, adding a pantry, etc.

Which I am super-excited about, except notsomuch the fine layer of dust and inability to use any of my appliances at this time. I can't find the phone either. And my DVRs are unplugged, so I am missing all sorts of good stuff.

Remember that Shel Silverstein poem about little Peggy Ann McKay? My list is sounding a bit like hers, huh?

2nd Half Mary.... Done!

or maybe this post should be titled "The reason Sasha wears bangs.....". Goodness, I do have a huge forehead. I am jealous of Rhonda's nice petite forehead. She looks fabulous without bangs, doesn't she?

Yesterday I ran the Dallas Rock and Roll Half and knocked a few minutes off my prior time of 2:18. I finished this one in 2:13 and I am so happy with that. I set off to run with a goal of 2:15, but said I'd be happy if I finished in 2:18. Instead of taking a 7 minute break at mile 6, I just took a 3 minute break, telling myself I'd stop for 3 more minutes at 10 if I needed to. When I hit 10, I just kept on going.

Longer race report to come!

Spring Has Sprung.... on my nails!!!!

(this was posted today on Manicure Mommas, but I couldn't resist sharing here as well.....)

Sally Hansen Real Nail Polish Strips in Girl Flower

I've been dying to try these, but for one reason or another, hadn't gotten around to it. Now that I have The Spring Fever, I thought it was a perfect time to use them.

I LOVE that the pattern is forgiving..... if you look closely at the tips, you can see that I didn't do that well at ripping off the extra... but since the pattern is varied and has some white flowers, it's not that big of a deal. In person, you cannot tell at all.

Application time took me about 18 minutes, and I imagine it would be less next time now that I know which sizes fit my nails.

I can't remember exactly what I paid, but I believe I got these in a BOGO 1/2 price sale... I also have Misbehaved.

I added a top coat of Revlon ColorStay in clear because I heard that a topcoat extends the wear.

I will definitely report back and let you know how long they last for me.

New Shoes!

I pretty much wear black or grey slacks every day, along with a company shirt. Since I'm just barely 5'3", I prefer to wear a slight heel to give me a little extra height.

I needed some new black pumps for my dorky work uniform (I figure at least my shoes can look cool!) and I found these Madden Girl Women's Upskale Pumps locally and I LOVE LOVE LOVE them! (Hate the name though- I have an aversion to purposeful misspelling.)

They are ultra comfy, and I think the black ruffle is just so cute!

My only issue- I paid about $50 locally, and now I see them on Amazon for $25 with free shipping! Drats!

Guess I'll have to average down and order a back up pair..... Hmmm.... I see they also come in grey and raspberry......

The Spring Fever

I has it!

Last week was Spring Break here, and toward the middle of the week we decided we needed to get away for a few days. Slim and family recently moved to Arkansas, so we gave them a call and asked if they'd like to meet us at a lake house on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs. They were game, so off we went.

We had an absolutely fabulous time that involved sitting on the deck drinking beer (us, not the kiddos), eating out, and more sitting on the deck listening to music and catching up. We were right on the lake, so the men and kids did some fishing and took some canoe rides. Slim and I did some more sitting on the deck drinking beer.


We did *not* want to come home yesterday!


Also, since Mr. Slim played Gin and Juice covered by The Gourds for us, I am obsessed with it! Perfect music for some deck-sitting-beer-drinking. (for some reason Blogger won't let me embed a youtube vid.... any ideas?)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4hGSR5njZE

I've also pulled out my Coach Violet Parker bag for the season- love love love this bag. The side pockets are perfect for my phone since I can never find anything in my Mary Poppins bag.

How are you celebrating the new season?

Mardi Gras!

I always have the best intentions, but for some reason I never get around to doing things timely! I am sure you all know that by now! So here's my Mardi Gras party report.... over a week later.

A few months ago I signed up at House Party. A House Party™ is thousands of parties across the country, hosted by people like you. Each event is sponsored by a leading brand and focuses on something cool that the sponsor wants its best fans to experience firsthand and share with their friends. (from their website)

I put in an application for a Zatarain's Mardi Gras party, telling House Party all about my fabulous neighbors and all the fun get-togethers we have every year- the block party each May, our adult poker party, our chili cookoffs..... we have the absolute best neighbors and I can't imagine living anywhere else.

And yay, we got chosen! We got a really cool party package with Zatarain's mixes, coupons for more Zatatrain's products, Mardi Gras items like beads and masks, recipe ideas.

Mr. Sasha got to work cookin' up some crawfish.

One of the items we had for our main course was Blackened Chicken Alfredo.... it was so good! I purchased a family-size package of this frozen dinner at Sam's.

The Wild Child had made a mask at school that day and was so excited for everyone to come over and for the party to get started.

We whipped up some Pat O's Hurricanes (how is it that I don't have a picture of that???) and also made Zatarain's Dirty Rice, Red Beans and Rice and Jambalaya. All the dishes were super easy to make- I just wished I had more burners! We ended up transferring things to crock pots to keep them warm and that worked great.

Zatarain's even had a Pandora Mardi Gras station for us to use for party music! I pulled it up on my iPad and it was great.

We planned on having the party outside, but of course the weather didn't cooperate! We ended up cleaning out our garage and putting our outside table and chairs in there so we would be out of the wind.

I think The Wild Child needs a few more beads, don't you?

Looks like Bella had a little bit too good of a time, huh?

We had a fabulous time! Thanks to House Party and Zatarain's for including us in your event!

Again, Get Thee to the Walmarts

I'm very very behind on my magazine reading, especially beauty mags, although I have been finding time to read US and TV Guide. I can explain my priority ranking of TV Guide because we all know it's important to know when The Amazing Race starts, but I'm not sure why it's important for me to know who Justin Timberlake is dating. Some things you just can't explain.

Moving on..... The downside of my failure to keep up with Glamour was that I was totally clueless about the launch of Dr. LeWinn by Kinerase...... a drugstore version of one of my favorite high-end lines, Kinerase. I actually just ran across it on the shelves at Walmart last week.

And here's what you really need to know.... the Dr. LeWinn by Kinerase products are budget-friendly versions of the very-very-very expensive products in regular Kinerase line.

For example, let's do a comparison.

Kinerase Under Eye Rescue

$78 for .7 oz (equivalent to $111 per ounce)

Dr. LeWinn by Kinerase Under Eye Recovery

$25 for .5 oz (equivalent to $50 per ounce)

From what I can tell, both products have similar ingredients as well as claims. I've used both and honestly love them equally. I've also been testing out the Dr. LeWinn by Kinerase Lift & Resculpt Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream (also $25) in the evenings and am impressed with it as well.

Bottom line: I would definitely recommend stopping by your local Walmart and giving this line a try- they seem to be well-priced versions of high-quality expensive products.

Disclosure: I actually have nothing to disclose, I purchased all products discussed above myself.

Interview

Today Allison at Running With Mascara has posted an interview she did with me. Stop by if you get the chance- she has a great blog!

Budget Makeup- Hard Candy at Walmart

Trolling the aisles at The Walmarts, I ran across some new boxed blushers by Hard Candy called "Fox In a BOX" for just $6 that suspiciously looked like Benefit boxed powders, which retail for $28.

In fact, I was sure one of them was a Sugarbomb dupe.

(left to right, Spicy & Sweet, Hot Flash, and Smooth Talker)

and yup, look at that! The colors of Smooth Talker are identical to Benefit Sugarbomb! (Sugarbomb is on the left and Smooth Talker on the right)

Now, the brush in the Hard Candy box is pretty useless- it's tiny and you'd never get a good application of blush with it. I've been using my Sonia Kashuk Skunk Brush (discussed and pictured here) and find that's the perfect type of brush since this blush is quite pigmented.

I think these are a fabulous find and quite a steal. I'd suggest a trip to Walmart is in order for you to pick these up!

February in Review

Again a month slipped by.... The horror! Let's take a look at February and where it went.....

My beautiful in-real-life friend Megan at Sorta Crunchy often does a month in review post and I'd thought I'd join in.

On My Nightstand: not nearly as important and what's on my bed..... new bedding!

(via Walmart)

Our bedroom needed a little updating and since I have The Spring Fever, this Better Homes & Garden Citrus Blossoms Damask Bedding Comforter Set from The Walmarts fit the bill. I'm impressed with the quality, and I actually found it on sale because it looks like they don't plan on carrying it in-store any longer.

TV Show Worth Watching:

Of course, The Amazing Race. It has my hometown boys on it (their momma is a photographer and took my picture oh-so-many years ago!) and I'm excited to see how they do this go-around.

Movie I've Seen (in or out of the theater):

Sadly, none.... but I really really want to watch Best in Show but haven't a chance since I picked it up during Christmas Shopping Extravaganza. Maybe this weekend?

In My Kitchen:

Last night the kids and I made Picky Palate's Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Pudding Cookies and they simply rocked. Yum-o. Can't wait until I get off work and can eat another one.


In My Ears:

Glee: The Music, Volume 4 has been on repeat in the family van and I'm loving it. Faves right now are Teenage Dream, Forget You (*I* forgot Gwyneth could sing!), Marry You, and Valerie. Volume 5 comes out next Tuesday and I'm looking forward to it like a little girl. Damn, I wish I could sing!

Three Newest Blog Reads:

1. So glad to have found Shasta Anne again. She's just darling and always glad to answer my beauty questions.


2. Hollywood Housewife is a fellow Okie transplanted to the big CA and I enjoy her blog so much. It's a little bit of everything.
3. Coupon Closet is going to be a tool I use quite a bit as I try to get back full-force into couponing. I've missed it and so has my wallet!

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month: Spring! And my second half marathon.

New Candle Find: Febreze Sweet Citrus and Zest

I know we talked before about candles, and I think you know my love for the Febreze products- especially the glass jar candles- they are the bomb! My prior favorites are Winds and Springtime, and pretty much any of the fall or Christmas red/orange colored holiday scents. LOVE them all and have them burning all the time. I think they rival Yankee in terms of scent, and they burn down perfectly and last for-ev-er (say it in your best Sandlot voice). And for $4-5, you just can't beat them.

My newest find is Sweet Citrus & Zest and I am stressing out a little that I can't find any more. I picked this one up at the Walmarts a few months ago and got it out this weekend since I have The Spring Fever. Instant love! But of course, Walmart doesn't have anymore and neither does Target.

HOWEVER, this scent is on Febreze's site (holla! to their marketing/PR dept) so I'm assuming it's permanent and I will forever be scouring the shelves for this one. It's that good.

Description from febreze.com: Enjoy the sparkling effervescent freshness of citrus with key limes and mandarin oranges blended with sweet kiwi and a touch of coconut.

Yum. I'll take a Lava Flow with that, please sir. (that part was not from febreze.com)

What is your favorite candle scent?

I Need a Drink

It's just one of those days. Although I'm super-busy each year during these first few months, I'm always so so glad I didn't go into tax accounting, because I know it could be worse.

(photo via Advertising Age)


I'll be counting down the days until May, when Miller rolls out their new MGD 64 Lemonade. How good does that sound? Until then, I think I'll try mixing regular MGD 64 half-and-half with Crystal Light. Sounds yummy and refreshing, huh?

(photo via Ocean Spray's Facebook page, since they haven't updated their website with info on their newest product- they are pulling a Hershey and need to hire *me* to keep their website up-to-date)

And I've discovered that drinking Ocean Spray's new Diet Sparkling Cranberry juice at work makes me feel like I am sipping on something a bit stronger. And even if it's just pretend, it helps.

Are you drinking anything new these days?

Running Update

In just about a month, I'll be running my second half, the Dallas Rock 'n' Roll Half. I better get my ass in gear, huh? Actually, I think I'll be ready. I ran 8 miles this Saturday, and plan to run 9, 10, and 11 over the next three Saturdays, with at least three 4-6 mile runs during each week on the weekdays. I think I've got a random case of tennis elbow but it doesn't seem to be affecting my running so I'm not worrying too much about that. It's also not affecting my beer drinking, so that's good too.


In other running news, since I typically run by myself, I took Skinny Runner's advice and ordered myself a Road ID Wrist ID Elite ($29.99). Of course, I got pink. Road ID sent me a coupon code to share that's good for $1 off- ThanksSasha4202709. I've never had my own coupon code before and feel like I've "arrived".

My allergies (penicillin, tetanus shots and sulfa drugs) took up two lines so there was no room for a motto, and I'm not sure that "I love Jesus, but I drink a little" would have fit anyway.

I recently discovered that my beloved Luna Sport Moons are discontinued, so I asked the fabulous Chic Runner what she would suggest as a replacement. She suggested Sharkies so I ordered some a few weeks ago from Amazon because they had the best price I could find.

I tried them on Saturday and I loved them! Very similar to the Luna Moons.

Due to my boiling blood and my ability to overheat in 10 seconds, I run in a sleeveless C9 shell no matter what the weather. The underside of my upper arms often gets chafed from rubbing against my shirt.

I've been using a product I was sent to review, EverStride's Anti Chafing Sport Stick (SRP: $15), and it's been a lifesaver. It looks like deodorant, but it's a moisturizing stick that totally takes care of the friction problem for me if I apply it before a run.

I'd love to know if there's a fitness product you use that you'd recommend. Jump in on the comments if you have something to share.

Disclosure: The Everstride product was sent to me for review purposes.

Editor's Choice Awards: Drugstore Beauty

Welcome to the Sasha Says Editor's Choice Awards! We'll be sharing with you our favorite products in many different categories.

(Please know that this is very tongue-in-cheek. "We" is just me, and it's actually just a list of *my* favorite products. There's no nomination process, voting, or scoring. Just a simple list of things I like and use myself.)

Today's category is "Drugstore Beauty". Last week before Sunday school started, a few of us were having a discussion on beauty products and how expensive they can be. I shared that I had quite a few products that I loved that were not high-end. I am all about shopping at Wags, CVS, Target, and the Walmarts.

On of my new favorite blogs is Nouveau Cheap, and her tagline is "You don't have to compromise on beauty just because you're on a budget....."

Agreed!
So here we go..... A entire look for you..... all from the drugstore.

1. Foundation. The foundation I am reaching for most days is Revlon PhotoReady. I apply it with a damp foundation brush and really like the light to medium coverage I get. I wear Shell and I believe this is about $14.

2. Powder. I am still loving Physicians Formula Happy Booster Face Powder in Translucent ($12.67 at Walmart).

3. Blush. Also still loving Physicians Formula Happy Booster Blush in Rose ($10.63 at Walmart).

4. Eye Shadow. A new find for me are these awesome, super-cheap, but high quality Wet n Wild palettes. The top 8 pan is called Comfort Zone and it retails for $5 at Walmart and Walgreens. The bottom 3 pan is called Walking on Eggshells and is $3.

5. Eyeliner. I've been using Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum lately and loving it. It's super easy to apply and the thin felt tip applicator makes it easy to get a nice fine line and even to do a wing at the end. It's about $11. This stuff doesn't budge either- it's intact even after a run!

6. Mascara. I still think Maybelline's Full N' Soft ($6.50) is one of the greatest mascaras. Full, soft, thick, just as promised.
7. Lipstick. My no-fail, been-using-it-for-years lipstick is Revlon's Colorstay Overtime Sheer ($10) in Sheer Pomegranate. It appears it might be a discontinued shade.... damn it.

The Browns

Some friends of mine from college, Tyson and Christy Brown (a Chi O sorority sister), have been led to begin the process of adopting a little girl from Ethiopia. I am so excited for them..... they have two beautiful boys, Wyatt and Winston, who are very excited about having a little sister in their family! They are such a wonderful Christian family and this is one of the verses that laid God's plan for their family out so clearly:

".... once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act." ~Proverbs 24:12

Christy runs an adorable gift and clothing shop in Ada, Oklahoma, called The Brown Box. They have begun selling special bracelets and T-shirts through their store specifically to raise money for their adoption fund.

This is the women's T-shirt they are selling and I just ordered one- they have such a great message and adoption has a special place in my heart since my dad was adopted as an infant.

Can you keep the Brown family in your prayers? And if you feel led to make a purchase, know that this is a wonderful family and a wonderful cause.

Little Debbie Has a Snack For You!

Last week I was lamenting that none of my local grocery stores stocked my most favorite Little Debbie treat ever- the Marshmallow Supremes. Every single time I go the store, any store, I check to see if they might have these tasty treats. I'm usually out of luck. Every now and then Big Lots has a rogue package and I of course snatch it up. Those times are few and far between.

Yesterday I had a box waiting on me when I got home from work - the kind people at Little Debbie sent me a fabulous package containing Marshmallow Supremes! They also included the Easter Marshmallow Puffs, which are also on my favorite list. (I've already eaten one of each, since you asked.) Do they have ESP??????

The Cloud Cakes are their newest offering, and they look fabulous, although we haven't tried them yet. The kiddos did split a brownie last night and P gave me a nibble, and they were dense and so so so chocolaty. Yum!

Thanks Little Debbie! You've got a fan for life!

Found

Found WC on the living room floor the other night after bath, fast asleep.

So peaceful. Thanks Melatonin.....

Jackass, Elementary-School Style

You may have to click to enlarge the pic, but that's a rope from the bike to the scooter....... too funny. Luckily, no one was harmed in this experiment.

Lookie!

Last night P and I made Picky Palate's Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies and we had so much fun! That's a pic of our efforts above, and I think they turned out great! And they *are* quite yummy.

I have to be honest and tell you I can't remember the last time I made homemade cookie dough. Is that terrible? I usually go the semi-homemade route and get the pre-made dough, but I thought that P would love doing it from scratch, and he did. Now, this did involve a trip to the store to get real vanilla, baking soda, and salt. Don't judge!

While we were baking, P said "I haven't decided yet if I want to be a policeman, a roofer, or a chef." I kept a straight face and said he could be whatever he wanted to be, but I certainly wouldn't mind if he baked some yummy stuff for me along the way.

The cookies were for my work dessert contest, and P wanted to know how big the trophy would be if we won. Sadly, there are no trophies involved, but if we do place, we'll get a gift certificate to a local restaurant, and he seemed pleased by that prospect.

So wish us well!