Girlish Garb: Fall Beginnings

This is me pretending getting excited about fall. Although it's still too warm for any kind of cardigan, I can get away with a maxi skirt and scarf!! Right?!! Outfit Details:  Top- Thrifted  Belt-Thrifted  Skirt-Thrifted  Shoes-Thrifted  Wow, an all-thrifted outfit!  It was a good hair day so I took a few extra pics (:  By the time you read this, this mamma will be on a much needed vacation! I'll tell you all about it when I return. Until then, hope you guys have a fabulous weekend. September's almost overrrrr. 

Belly Dancing

I have a firm belief in hobbies. I mean, this blog is based off my belief in hobbies. My last huge hobby has now become my career so I have been kind of in need of a new one! One that doesn't involve things or spending money. And I decided, while I'm at it, it might as well be one that's physically active! Ok, that might not be how it came about but somehow I stumbled upon belly dancing and apparently have a new found excitement for getting fit!! We are going to the Renaissance Festival in about one month's time and I am determined to be a belly dancing pro, extremely fit, and have an awesome, amazing costume. So that's that. And I've really been enjoying myself. Here are some inspiring videos of exceptional belly dancers.  Rachel Brice and Illan Shakira (had to put her in here, this video is awesome) Joline Andrade Alia Mohamed  Vorobiova Gala
I've been interested in belly dancing since I was little. But it wasn't until after I had Eliza that I really got into it. Belly dancing is what I did to lose weight after Eliza. It's quite a work out and something I really enjoy. It's dancing and it's fun! It also helps with self-confidence, it makes you feel really good about your body and it's so sensual and well.... sexxxxxay! Which for a mother, or me at least, is an awesome bonus for a new hobby. Plus, helllooooo, the costumes are totally awesome.
Youtube has been a great source to find beginner lessons on belly dancing. If you're interested, this whole series is great for learning all the basic moves. These are a few of the lessons, they go by moves:  The twist, instructions begin at 2:50 Hip bumps  Shimmy  Figure eight Vertical figure eight (or as I like to call it, the Snake)  Chest shimmy/wave Rib/hip circles Hip snaps Do you guys have any fun ways to get fit? Have you tried out belly dancing?Tell me about it! 

Good Foods We've Been Eating

  Hatch Chile Pizza- DELICIOUS   Lettuce Wraps- SO GOOD, we've had these twice in the last two weeks. It's a great way to use lettuce if you're not really a fan of salads. Soba Noodles with Sweet Ginger Sauce- I really liked the potential in this. I have changed a few things about the sauce (I'll do a post on it) but overall, pretty good.  Honey Jalapeno Roasted Squash   Parmesan Crusted Pesto Grilled Cheese   Chickpea Patties-these are great for lunch and to make extra for freezing! I made some with celery, green onions, and jalapenos today. Yummo!   Avocado White Bean Wraps Mini Blueberry Pies

Home Decor Inspiration: Retro

I found this book a few years ago at my Dad's house when we moved in. It must have been from my mother and it was oooooold. It was a decor/design textbook from the 70's I think (can you tell?) and I absolutely loved all the pictures in it! So I kept it. However, when it came time for me to getting rid of things/simplify, this was one of the things that was going. However, I saved the few pictures I liked and scanned them. Ok, it may be more than just a few! I just think they are so cool! Enjoy (: 

Girlish Garb: Go-to

If the title's not self-explanatory enough, let me just tell you now that this is my absolute go-to outfit... Or dress, rather. It's the comfiest dress, it's simple, and I can just throw it on without the need for something else to go with it (if I wanted to). Most of the time I wear it, I don't look nearly as polished as this. In fact, the last picture is of what I looked like when I arrived at work this day. These few were taken after hair and makeup happened.. and a little accessorizing too. :) Outfit Details:  Dress- Thrifted  Headband- Thrifted  I pulled out my tablet to work on my last project and kind of went a little crazy!! Can you tell?
So life has been good lately. My house has been pretty clean, I'm catching up with the Glee episodes I apparently missed out on, school is going good, and Brandon has been helping me at work so I can do more fun/creative stuff! Speaking of work, I'm in the process of doing some major networking via Model Mayhem. Sooo hopefully in the near future, I'll be doing lots more photo shoots (and perhaps some modeling!). If you guys know any models/photographers in the Houston area, I would love it if you send them my way :)
Overall, nothing too fancy but it's been pleasant. And busy. Yes, lot's of coffee has been happening. Oh and this weekend we have a trip planned which I am really looking forward to! Yay for vacations!! Hope you guys got off to a good start this week. Where did Monday go, again? 

Natural Makeup

   Two weeks ago I did a post about the dangers of beauty/bathroom products. And as promised, this is going to be a whole post on natural, organic makeup! There are lot's of great, safe, and eco-friendly makeup choices out there, you just have to do your research. Here are a few things I've found over the past few months to give you some ideas:  
Skinbotanica- a great resource for finding natural & organic beauty products Stila Glamoureyes Mascara Becca The Ultimate Mascara Becca Beach Tint- for cheeks and lips Becca Showgirl Pallette Becca Avalon Pallette Becca Eye Tint Jane Iredale Eye Shadow Kit Dr. Hauschka Liquid Eyeliner Stilla Eyeshadow Trio Some products I'm currently using: Elf Mineral Eyeshadow- I found this at Target and am really pleased with them. I've never used a loose powder eye shadow before but I'm really liking it. I think the one I use it a dark purple color.  Physicians Formula Organic Mascara- This I found at Wal-Mart and I am so glad I did! Mascara is known to have lots of bad stuff in it so this was the first thing I switched over. 
Now, the second part here is going to be about this AMAZING company that my friend told me about- Lush. I went to the store and just fell in love. I didn't ever want to leave!! They have a really cool concept for the makeup, Emotional Brilliance, where you play this little game.  You choose colors that you are drawn to and it describes a little aspect about you. Here's what I got: 
DRIVE is your strength today and it is also your most admirable quality. You are strong because of the ability you have to drive projects and people around you into action. You are moving forward and compelling everyone and everything else to do the same. This is only perceived as a weakness when others around you are not guided by the same energy to push on. For you however, your ability to drive is a shining strength. What is GLAMOROUS ? Well it is whatever you want it to be, and whatever you want it to be you can do it. It is not necessarily about your look or about your style but how you feel, which is far more important. Wear this lipstick and feel the glamour radiate from you, and if others don’t like it then that is their weakness.
Use this talent to do what you love to do, or perhaps to be MOTIVATED to change something into what you love to do. Look at things from both sides, find the side you prefer and be MOTIVATED to make that into something you love. It is your talent after all so use it and reap the benefits.
It was really cool because the colors I chose are probably the opposite of what I'd wear on my face but the fact that they are kind of true to my personality is really cool. It's just a fun game (: 
They have tons of options for makeup but since I don't wear much makeup, I was more interested in a few other things. First, the deodorant. This is something else I've been wanting to switch over. Antiperspirants contain aluminum which clogs your pores to make you sweat less. I just don't like the idea of that but finding a natural solution can be tough. This is what Lush has to say about deodorant:  Is it possible to make deodorants sexy? Perhaps. But we'd rather make them effective and there's something beautiful in that. We're meant to sweat to rid our body of toxins and to regulate our temperatures. Our deodorants won't stop you from sweating but they will help to balance perspiration and keep you smelling fresh. We think it's better to smell of lovely fruits and flowers than to smell of ... well, you know.
We are aluminum-free! No preservatives, no aluminum salts, and no propellants. Our alternative? We use sodium bicarbonate to absorb odors, and anti-microbial essential oils to keep you smelling sweet.
Coconut Deodorant- This is what I'm currently trying out. It's a powder that you apply to your underarms. I'm not sure about it yet but I'll let you know! T'eo- This is something I'd also like to try, it's a bar that kills germs in your sweat that makes it stink. 
And last, the thing I actually visited the store for, the henna hair dye (which I have yet to use). Here's what they said about it:  Of all the many LUSH inventions, we always get the most questions about our Henna Hair Dyes. More than anything people want to know if we're crazy. Yes, we do want you to put this caca on your head and sit there for a few hours but you won't find natural, synthetic-free hair color like this anywhere else. Transform your locks with our henna and cocoa butter blocks for a finish with stunning color and glorious conditioning. Try it, you'll see.
I went with the Caca Maroon: 
Caca Marron is the perfect starter henna for anyone who's got their eye on Caca Rouge's vibrant red, but isn't quite brave enough to take the plunge just yet. Instead, it will ease you in gently with the perfect balance of daring red and a more modest rich brown all while softening, conditioning and adding glorious shine to your tresses. We take our signature cocoa butter base and blend the finest Persian black and red hennas in with ground coffee to darken the red of the henna and create a beautifully rich, traffic stopping shade

FEATURES

• It goes both ways: Your hair will glow like red umber in the sun and shine a sultry auburn in the shade.
• Stoop to conker: Our rich chestnut color to put you in the centre of attention.
• You can claim it’s au naturel: 100% natural method of acquiring compliments and dazzling passers-by.

Also, some other things about Lush- they do a lot for charity and recycling. You can return all your Lush containers and they will recycle them and some are even used to make more of the containers. I think if you return a certain amount, you even get something for free?? And on every product, there is a sticker that tells you who made it (I think that's pretty cool!). I just think it's a great company overall and really can't wait to go back. 

Well that's all I have for makeup. I really don't wear much makeup, usually just eye makeup but I want to make sure what I do use is safe and healthy. So I hope this helps you guys! Do you guys have any favorite natural/organic makeups or body products??

Joy!

Oi, haven't done one of these in a while!! For those who haven't been around too long, "Joy" posts are about being positive, mostly when it comes to lists. I like to make lists but I have an inability to make a list that isn't too much. So a joy post helps me to focus on the things I HAVE done instead of the half of the list that still isn't complete. Also, it's just a chance to think about some positive things goin' on! I got the concept from my mother, it's supposed to involve a "joy buddy" but a "joy post" is just as good! Will you be my joy buddy?  And feel free to create a joy post of your own! You may use the graphic above if you'd like. And leave me a comment with a link so we can be joy buddies!! 
Here's my joy list this week: 

• Cleaning (almost) my entire house this week. And I mean DEEP cleaning. I even moved around furniture to vacuum every square inch!
• And we've been getting rid of MORE things. It's so hard to get rid of things but it feels soo good. Even if it's just a little, it just makes life so much easier. 
• I kind of figured out a solid plan for our next 6 months. It's nice to know what we're doing. Finally. 
• Worked on my garden this week. I did some much needed trimming/organizing, it's a mess out there. 
• My classes are going really well. I'm so used to the extreme work load of the crammed summer courses so these classes are much more relaxed. 
• The highlight of my week, always is picking up Eliza from school. I love the look on her face when she looks up to see me waiting for her. She always hops up and runs for her backpack! Cutest. Thing. Ever. 
• Another great thing that's happened to me in the last two weeks- Spotify! I'm obsessed. It's so nice. 
• I'm almost done with school guys!! I have been going to school for almost FOUR YEARS trying to get a two year degree. It's so nice to know I only have a semester left. 
• Another highlight of my week is going to pick up our food shares. It's so fun! And challenging! I love to think of new things to make with ingredients that I've never heard of!! 
• Work has been going good as well. Summer was such a drab (no one buys things in the summer) so some regular purchases have been nice. And I love the new photoshoot I did, did you see it? 
• The last good/amazing thing of the week- Cooler weather. Seriously. It is so good. We've gone on more bike rides in the last week than we did the whole summer!