Naked Pallet

My husband is pretty amazing! I hadn't even mentioned this pallet to him. I hadn't said one word. I believe, I read about it on 1 blog. About a month ago. That was it. But I think he's learned. We've been together over 5 years now. The poor man has had to listen to me babble about makeup the entire time! And today, when he came home from a work trip south, he had this beauty with him!

Yes, he did it all by himself. I'm not sure where he even found it. Because we don't have a Sephora anywhere nearby. But my hubby did well. Real well! And as soon as my son is done with his night time feeding, I'm going to start playing. Just a little. I can't help myself!

~Manders

Just Bitten

I've been reading lots of reviews for Revlon's Just Bitten. It's Revlon's new lipstain. And I've noticed how people either hate this product, or love it. I'm thinking, it has to do with the way in which it's being applies.

I wrote a post about Covergirl's Lipstain a while back. But I've also used Revlon's lipstain. I actually really enjoy this product as well. You get the perfect, "I just ate strawberries" look. You can also layer the product for a stronger color.

Like I said in my last post about lipstain, you need to prep your lips before application. I find this to be essential. If your lips are not in good condition, this product is not going to apply correctly.

One tip that I have is to condition your lips before hand. Try using a sugar scrub during your shower. Then your lips will be in good condition. The stain will go on more evenly, therefore, last longer.

Revlon's lipstain is a good product. Especially during the summer. When you don't want to be worry about touching up your makeup, or worrying about your favorite lipcolor melting in the heat.

~Manders

*FTC: All items have been purchased by me. All my opinions are honest, and I'm not being paid to review these products.

Lauren's Makeup Chair

I'm a very lucky lady! Billy had Lola design my makeup room and bathroom, after Lauren was born. And we were still in TX. It's beautiful! And perfect. In every way. It's a bordeaux style room. Pink, black, and white. Gorgeous! With everything cute and girly.

She thought of everything. The vanity, the storage, comfy chairs, beautiful decor, the most beautiful color! It's amazing. And I've loved it for all these years. But now that Lauren is getting bigger, she likes being in there more and more. She likes to watch me get ready. And likes to watch when I work with Lola.

So I've been on a mission to find Lauren a chair. Something that matched the room. But was comfy for my little girl. And I found the perfect chair. When I was talking to Billy about this chair, he suggested that I buy a couple. H told me that he'd place the order. And he bought 6! 3 for my Makeup Room. And 3 for my closet.

There was a perfect space to put them in. And now, I can have my girls in my Makeup Room and my closet with me. And if my friends are over, and we're just hanging out, we have enough seating. And they are so comfy!

I know it might seem excessive. Especially at $200 a piece. But my Makeup Room is large. And so is my closet. Lauren and I enjoy playing in mommy's things. And when my friends come over, lots of times we just like to dress up. And have fun. So these chairs are going to be perfect!

~Manders

Meet Ariel

This is Ariel. Billy bought her when I was still pregnant with the twins. With a few other toys. And we wrapped them up for Lauren. We wanted her to have some special things while we were gone having the twins.

Well, almost 4 months later, Ariel is a member of our family. She goes everywhere we go. Including church. Where she sits quietly between Lauren's little purse, and Lauren. :) She also goes to dance practice. Tucked safley in Lauren's dance bag.

It cracks me up. But for some reason, Lauren really likes Ariel. They have breakfast together. And even go outside to feed Lauren's pony. I just hope that he doesn't decide to eat Ariel one day. We'll be in some serious trouble! But I just wanted to introduce you to one of our favorite little pals. :)

~Manders

Baby Alive

My parents came over recently. Loaded with gifts for our kiddos. Lots of them. Clothes, toys, and yummy snacks. Isn't that what grandparents are for? That's what they tell me. To spoil their grandkids. So I don't say much.

Lauren got this "Baby Alive" doll with all these doctor supplies. She loves it! She keeps telling me that she is taking care of her baby like T-Lo takes care of the babies at the hospital. It really is cute. She wants a doctor's coat now. Um, where would you find one? Why am I asking? My dad is probably already on it.

But honestly, this is providing hours and hours of entertainment for my little girl. She even tried to feed her baby like mommy. How do you explain that one? I'm breastfeeding the twins. I didn't know what to say. So I'm letting her. I just told her that she can only do that at home. :)

~Manders

Lauren's House of Dolls

This is what my sister got Lauren. Why? For being her flower girl. She got it the night of the rehearsal dinner. And she couldn't wait to play with it. Can you blame her? I can't! But she had to wait a few days. It was a busy weekend. My sister was married that Saturday, the twins were baptized on Sunday, and we had a party on Sunday.

Early Monday morning, Lauren comes pulling this into our bedroom. She needed help opening it. I don't think Billy ever opened his eyes. But he managed to open the box. And Lauren, she's been playing with these little dolls ever since!

I don't know where my sister got it. Or how much it costs. The only thing that I know is, my daughter loves it! Thank you sissy!

~Manders

Freshness in this Summer Heat

The heat has been pretty harsh around here. I don't know if it's just me, but this summer seems to be especially hot. Lola had mentioned using this deodorant when I saw her in May. And quite honestly, I was looking for something fun and fresh for the summer.

I bought this 2 days ago. Honestly, it's one of the best deodorants I've used. Because I live in the desert, I feel safe to say that. This is a product that is going to keep you fresh and clean feeling. Even in 100 degree weather. Trust me!

The best part about it, is the slight scent. It's not over powering. But a nice surprise as you move about. There are a variety of scents. But I purchased the "Orange Flower and Cranberry." Again, not over powering, but a nice surprise in the heat.

~Manders

*FTC: All items have been purchased by me. All my opinions are honest, and I'm not being paid to review these products.

Sound Machine

This is no ordinary lamb. It's a sound machine. And my saving grace. I have to thank my mother-in-law for this beautiful invention. It puts our twins to sleep. And they sleep really well. I even fall asleep some nights to the wonderful noise. :)

For any new parents, this is a must. I don't know where my mother-in-law got it. But it's beautiful! We don't leave home without our little friend. Our sheep has become part of the family!

~Manders

Much Love Illy Giveaway

This shop is just adorable! I really do love everything in it. I can just imagine Lauren wearing some of these cute hair accessories. And there are a few pairs of earrings and a ring that I really like! For a chance to win some goodies from this shop, go to Cakies and enter this giveaway!

~Manders

Lipcolor that Lasts

I always get questions about Lola's makeup. Mostly about the lasting power. Because she works long gigs. Many times, Lola has 4 or 5 costume changes, during 1 show. These are very long shows. Costume changes are less than 2 minutes. Not much time to touch up her makeup.

I rely on long lasting products. One of my favorite products is Covergirl's Outlast lipstain. It comes in a variety of colors. We've tried all of the shades available. They are all beautiful. And are relatively inexpensive. The most expensive I've seen one of these lipstains is $9. Also very easy to find.

I want to share a few tips about wearing a lipstain with you. First, make sure that your lips are exfoliated. And moisturized. Apply a lip balm 10-15 minutes before the lipstain. To ensure that it's completely dry. Before applying the lipstain, ensure that here are no other products on your lips. Like foundation, powder, or facial moisturizers. This will allow the lipstain to set completely.

The application is extremely easy. The marker makes for easy application. And very precise application. If you do happen to make an application mistake, quickly wipe away, before the product dries. If the product does set, use a Q-tip and makeup remover to clean up the mistake.

This is really one of my favorite products to use for Lola. Even for myself. I don't have much time to reapply my makeup with 3 small children. The only downfall to a lipstain is, that it's slightly drying. After the lipstain is completely dry, add a lip balm or clear lipgloss on top. Your lip color will last all day.

~Manders

*FTC: All items have been purchased by me. All my opinions are honest, and I'm not being paid to review these products.

Bunting Pillow Giveaway

I really do adore this pillow. I've been stuck on nursery ideas for the twins. But Lola keeps telling me to go with a white room and colorful accessories. Now that I see this pillow and Armelle's blog, I understand what she's talking about. I really like the idea! If you want a chance to win this pillow, go here and enter this giveaway!

~Manders

A Package

We got a big package in the mail today. So big, the big mail truck came to deliver it. I was surprised. I didn't think Billy had ordered anything. And I knew I hadn't. So I had the mailman put it in the front entry.

I figured, when Billy got home, we'd figure it out. It turned out to be a package from my in-laws. Loaded with gifts! For all of our kids. Lauren was so excited. I don't know if she was more happy over her cowboy boots, or her new doll carriage. I'm thinking this one won out. Being that she's been pushing around all her dolls around the house. I can hear her from the time Billy gets up in the morning, until we tell her it's bedtime.

Who would have thought? She really does love this toy!. And to my in-laws, thanks so much for everything! I promise I'm getting pictures out. I'm just a little slow. But the twins look adorable in all their new western clothes. :)

~Manders

It's Almost Here

My little sister's wedding is just around the corner. I can't believe it! My little sister is getting married! My little brother is getting to take leave to come. We're all so excited! He's been in Iraq for what seems like a decade! The weekend of the wedding is going to be filled with all kinds of love and family time. Including the twins' baptism. :)

I'm very happy though, with all this breastfeeding, I'm losing the baby weight quickly. I'm actually only 5lbs away from my pre-pregnancy weight. It's been just over a month. I can't believe it! I eat at least 8 times a day. But with twins, well just trying to feed them takes a lot of calories!

I'm going for a fitting this week. I'm not sure what to expect. I'm almost in my regular clothes. But not my regular bras or tops. It will probably take until after I stop breastfeeding to get there. I'm just praying that this beautiful dress looks nice when I go try it on.

By the way, Lauren is very excited! She is the flower girl. And her dress is just adorable! She also has a fitting this week. It's all she can talk about. The other day, she was practicing with a basket of flower petals my mom bought her from the Dollar Tree. :)

~Manders

Garden Set Giveaway

You know, Lola always finds the best blogs out there! I LOVE that she shares them with us too! This giveaway is from Newly Wife. A great blog! 2 newly married cousins share advice, tips, and recipes. I just love it! I'm definitely going to try a few of their recipes. All the desserts are calling my name!

Newly Wife is currently hosting a series of giveaways. This one is for this cute Garden Set. Don't you just love the apron? I hadn't even though about using an apron to help in the gardening process. But it's just a cute idea! You can enter here. And don't forget to look at a few of the recipes while you're there!

~Manders

What's Wrong

Where are all my blog posts? I'm sitting here wondering why I can see them when I sign in to blogger. Or when I view my blog on our computer. But no one else can see them. My mom called me yesterday. And told me that there are only a handful of posts up. When I look on my blog's dashboard, I see all the posts. I'm not sure what's going on.

But I've got all the posts saved on my computer. I might decide to repost them. Well, if the twins let me steal a little bit of free time. Until then, I hope this posts. If not, I'm not sure what else to do.

~Manders