RSS Feed

Grateful For… Why You Should Keep a Gratitude Journal

Posted on November 22, 2012 by 30 Something Girl

When I started this blog at the beginning of 2012, part of my reasoning was to make turning 30 something special.  Looking back at 29,  I didn’t feel I had accomplished much or made significant memories or progress during the year.  I vowed to make 30 extra special!

2012 is YOUR year

So I started a journal of all my accomplishments, memories, and exciting happenings of 2012.  Here are some of the things I included in my journal:

1) My Goals for the Year

2) Books I Read

3) Motivational Pictures or Quotes

4)  Things to Remember in 2012… this is the part that is really cool!  Anytime something unique or memorable happened, I wrote it down.  Here are just some of the things that have happened over the past year.

Grateful For...

  • Went to the Cotton Bowl with 50-yard line seats and owner’s lounge tickets
  • Hosted a baby shower for my friend Chasity… TWINS!
  • Savannah, Georgia Birthday Trip
  • Ran Oklahoma City Half-Marathon
  • Woodard Tornado, April 15th
  • Tap Danced at Miss Oklahoma with Miss OK’s Julie and Kendi
  • Scott honored with “40 Under 40″ Oklahomans
  • Judged Miss Texas Outstanding Teen Pageant
  • Moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma… househunting, painting, & flooring
  • OSU Homecoming 2012 with the Family

This is just a small sampling of things I recorded.  Some are BIG events like moving and changing jobs.  Others are small, but things I want to remember like fun trips and times with friends.

However, I noticed as I reflect back on my pursuits during the year, I always  feel a huge sense of gratitude when looking at these events.  Gratitude for time with my friends and family.  Gratitude for once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.  Gratitude for strength and good health.  Gratitude for peace in times of hardship.  Gratitude for God’s guidance along life’s path.

I remember reading a quote once, something like… if anything is worth doing, it is worth recording.  This is a year I want to remember.  And my “gratitude journal” is something I will keep doing every year… to be reminded of where I have been and to be thankful for what may come.

Happy Thanksgiving

EKS

2 Comments

Posted in Career, Family & Friends, Goal Setting, Life and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Hunt for the Perfect Mascara

Posted on October 16, 2012 by 30 Something Girl

I have been on a hunt for the perfect mascara!  This is not out of necessity — I actually like the one I currently use — but I’ve been using it for 8 years.  I’m sure technology has improved mascara since then, so I want to try some options.

For a long time, I used Maybeline in the pink and green tube.  Until I discovered this:

Loreal Voluminous Mascara!  I started using it the year I was Miss Oklahoma.  It is just a great mascara – affordable and volumizing (hence the name).

But one of my friends raved about Diorshow Mascara.  Whew!  It has a hefty price tag, but I finally decided to give it a try.  I opted for the Diorshow Backstage mascara.

On the first try, I wasn’t really convinced.  It is a very dry formula.  It didn’t glide across my lashes like my Loreal.  However, after repeated use, it’s growing on me.  It gives really good volume!  But is it better than my Loreal Volumnious?  Not sure yet.

Then, I read that the Pioneer Woman looovvveesss this Benefit “They’re Real” lashes.  So I decided to give it a try.  Not a pricey as the Diorshow, but not  as affordable as my discount drugstore find!

I really want to love this mascara, but I just don’t.  The little brush doesn’t give my lashes any volume (and I keep poking myself in the eye trying to get make some volume happen.) The formula is almost too liquidy.  And the very worst part, I can’t get it off my lashes at night!  I’ve tried many different eye makeup removers, and this one has staying power (one plus), but this one won’t be a re-purchase for me.

Finally, I got this free sample of Lancome Doll Lashes.  This one might be my favorite, if only I was coordinated enough to use it!  Look at this cool angled brush.  One end is full and it tapers to a narrow end.  Ideally, I think the thicker end should get your outside lashes with the tapered end getting the inner corner.

This worked great on my right eye!  But I cannot figure out how to put the mascara on my left eye without getting mascara on my nose, in my eye, across my forehead, in my hair. I’m sure you get the point.  I just can’t figure this one out.

So… drumroll… when it’s all said and done, I really like the Diorshow.  Overall, Bang for the Buck, I’ll have to stand by my Loreal Voluminous.

What about you?  Are you in love with a mascara?  Anything you recommend I try?

EKS

3 Comments

Posted in Fashion & Beauty, Makeup and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Kitchen Cabinet Makeover

Posted on October 2, 2012 by 30 Something Girl

For the last 4 years, my husband and I worked on making cosmetic changes to our house in Durant — new wood floors, fresh paint in every room, a pergola in the backyard, landscaping, and new granite countertops in the kitchen.  The last major thing on my list was fixing up our “country” cabinets.

I don’t have a very good “before” picture, but here are a couple my sister took during Thanksgiving at my house last year.

That’s my dad (turkey chef extraordinaire) and my grandma (fudge champion of the world)!

The cabinets are probably fine for most people, but the stain color felt a little country to me.  Also, the cabinets had some major scuff marks and had really lost their shine.

I debated staining them darker, like this one.  But with the red paint and the dark appliances, I was afraid the kitchen would just look small.

Insidesign Project 6 traditional kitchen

A painter recommended doing one color on top, another on the bottom.  Again, I love this look, but I wasn’t sure it would work for our smaller kitchen.

Algonquin Kitchen traditional kitchen

I finally decided on painting them Sherwin-Williams’ Biscuit.  The color was actually a little lighter on the cabinets than I expected.  I was hoping for more of a tan.  But once they got the paint up, I decided I loved the lighter shade.

(Note:  I did not paint these myself.  The painters spent two days sanding and priming and then more sanding and priming.  They took the drawers to their shop and sprayed them.  They brushed the cabinet doors.  The paint is an eggshell finish.  They turned out beautifully and are very hardy.  No chips!)

And then I made a last minute decision to get rid of the red walls in our kitchen and paint them Sherwin-Williams’ Beach House to match the rest of the main living area.

The last thing needed in this makeover was the jewelry!

I found this beautiful nickel hardware online and then shopped around to find the best deal.  I love how it completes the look.  I was in love with my kitchen!

Then one week later we found out we were moving.  Bummer.

I finally got my kitchen just how I wanted it, and we put it on the market.

I hope whoever buys our home loves our kitchen as much as I do.

EKS

2 Comments

Posted in Life and tagged , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Life After Durant, OK

Posted on September 5, 2012 by 30 Something Girl

When I started 2012, I made a promise to myself that “2012 Would be My Year!”  I had no idea of the amount of changes, fun adventures, and new opportunities that would take place during 2012.

While I promise to share some of the other exciting events (and teach you the #1 most motivating thing I did this year), today I wanted to talk about the biggest change of 2012… moving to Tulsa.

As I write this post, all our belongings are being packed into boxes.

My husband recently took a new job with MidFirst Bank in Tulsa.  It is an excellent career move for him and being in Tulsa puts us a lot closer to our families and all the things we like to do (OSU & Arkansas Football, Miss Oklahoma fun, relaxing at the cabin in Tahlequah).

This move is also opening up some new and different opportunities for me.  For the past 4 years, I’ve been working in higher education.  I have really enjoyed working with my student ambassador group.  Seeing students grow from their freshmen year and being able to impact them during some pivotal moments in life is so rewarding.  I will really miss working with those students.

The great thing about Tulsa is there are many options.  I could stay in higher ed and work at one of the many universities in the area.  There is the option to go back into tv journalism (which I really miss…. but am not sure if the crazy schedule is right for our family).  People have also already told me about opportunites to do freelance public relations or to do pharmecutical sales.  I feel really blessed to have many options.

However, right now, I’m going to take time to do a couple things that I’ve really wanted to do for a long time… I’ve just never had the guts to pursue them or been in the right spot at the right time.  I think this is it!  So here is what my plans are:

  1. Pursue public speaking, leadership training, and pageant interview training on a more “full time” schedule.  I love working with young people, particularly girls & women, and college-aged folks (hence, why I’ve liked higher ed).  I’ve done speaking and interview training here-and-there the last few years.  It’s always been a “side job”, and I don’t think I’ll ever be really good at it until I give it 100% focus.  I have a couple excellent mentors who will be helping me get started.  Stay tuned for more on that in future posts.
  2. J.Hilburn Men’s Custom Clothiers.  In early July, I judged the Miss Texas program with a wonderful former Miss Texas Teen, Brittany Wellsfry Bandy.  She told me that she worked for this men’s clothing company out of Dallas.  I thought “how cool is that?”  (Side note:  Just a week before judging, Scott and I were shopping.  I told him that when I was in high school, I wanted to pursue Fashion Merchandising, and that I was particularly interested in Men’s Clothing.  It must be from my 4-H sewing background!)

Brittany got me hooked on the company.  J.Hilburn makes custom men’s dress shirts (named the best by Esquire Magazine), and also suits, sportcoats, sweaters, ties, polos, even socks… anything a stylish guy would need.  My husband (super picky, but bargain hunter) loves the stuff!  I went to training a week after Miss Texas and have been working for J.Hilburn ever since!  I was planning to use it as a fun, side job, but it’s turned into something that I could really make a career of.  I am so thankful I judged Miss Texas, met Brittany, and found this opportunity!

So, while these opportunities may seem a little out-of-place, they both fall right in line with the things I am passionate about:  Public speaking & Clothing!

I really think that 2012 might just be my best year ever.  Until 2013…. it’s going to be incredible!

EKS

2 Comments

Posted in Career, Life and tagged , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Great Closet Clean Out Complete… For Now!

Posted on August 16, 2012 by 30 Something Girl

What a whirlwind the last few weeks have been.  It’s been more than a month since I posted about my Great Closet Clean Out project, and I have yet to show you the finished product.  But let me pause before the big debut and share some news.

We are moving!  Yes, I’ll be moving towns, homes, and closets… just when I got thisclose to where I wanted my closet to be.  My husband has taken a job in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and we are in the process of buying a new house and selling our beautiful home.

So I will share more about the move later, but now time for the big debut!

(Side note:  My closet is still not exactly how I want it… I’d love to add all matching hangars and clear boxes for my boots, but organizing gets expensive!)

One of the best changes I made was moving all the skirts and jackets hanging on the lower rack of my closet to the rack on the opposite side.  This created a much more “open” closet.  It also allowed me to add shoe racks to display my rather extensive shoe collection.  My closet no longer feels cramped.

I was worried that moving all my pants and skirts to one side would be too squishy, but it actually works out well.  I can see ALL the choices available for “bottoms” at a glance. (Just imagine how pretty it will be when I get all matching hangars!)

I am fortunate to have great built-in shelving in my closet.  I worked on organizing the shelves and putting the items I wear most at eye level.  I also found bins to hold T-shirts and camisoles.

I had read that filing your shirst like this made them much easier to see in the closet/drawer and looks much nicer, so I decided to give it a try.

I am still undecided on the bins.  While I like the look, the bins don’t hold as many shirts as just “stacking” the shirts could.  Plus, trying to neatly cram a T-shirt back into the bin after it has been washed is quite a task.  I’m not sure my bins will look like this for long.

But I am very pleased with the bins I’m using for other purposes!

Corralling all my flip flops…

Neatly holding clutches (and I re-organized the rest of my handbags on the top shelf instead of the prime real-estate they had been using)…

and a final bin for my closet odds and ends… downy wrinkle releaser, zip-loc bags for travel, shoe sponges & a lint roller.

So that is my closet re-do.  But now I will begin the process of packing up and moving… to a new closet.  Let the Great Closet Clean Out begin again!

EKS

1 Comment

Posted in Life and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Where Have All the Good Blogs Gone?

Posted on July 23, 2012 by 30 Something Girl

Hello!  Long time, no see.

I have had quite the extended leave of blogging absence.  I have missed writing, but have also been using the time to re-evaluate where I want to be.

Why no blogs lately?

Well, it started with frustration over technology.  I had recorded a super cool “June Favorites” video.  Then for some reason, I just couldn’t get it to work.  I was using the editing equipment on my computer… and I will need to upgrade (meaning purchase) some better software to keep the video blogs coming.

About that same time, I started a Bible study that really focuses on our priorities in life.  I want to make sure that I’m using all my spare time how God wants me to use it, and that everything I do is in-line with my personal and spiritual goals.

I’m still not sure where my blog fits in.

I started my blog because it was a “great idea” I had while running one day.  I also really love fashion, fitness & beauty tips.  However, my ultimate purpose is to do more public speaking – particularly to women & girls – and to train others on interview & presentation coaching.  I’m not sure writing a blog about “The Art of Blue Eyeshadow” is really going to leave a lasting impact on your life! :)

So, while I have plenty of ideas left to share, I’m still evaluating which direction to take my blog.  And any feedback or tips you have would be really appreciated!

What have I been doing during my blogging absence? Juding Miss Texas Outstanding Teen for a week in July was part of it!

Great Blogs

While I do forsee new blogs coming in the near future, I wanted to share my favorite blogs to read everyday.  Hopefully they will inspire and entertain you!

Pretty, Shiny, Sparkly

Kristina is a fashion & beauty blogger who recently got married and finished medical school!  She has great style and beauty advice.  A must read.

The Inspired Room

My very favorite home decor & design blog.  Every blog is full of great pictures and ideas to make my home more lovely (without costing a lot).

The Subtle Statement

A blog in pictures… it hardly requires any reading!  This blog definitely fits into my busy life.  Full of fashion and beauty tips.

The Pioneer Woman

Surely you have read The Pioneer Woman by now?!  If not, what are you waiting for.  She might be the best all-around blogger there is (photography, food, movie quizzes, rural life, and children).

I Heart Organizing

Ohh… this blog just gives me goose bumps.  I get so excited at all the really cool ways to organize and make your house look pretty AND functional.  I love this blog… and I hate it.  I will never be this organized.  But I will keep trying!

J’s Everyday Fashion

Good daily fashion blog.  She usually takes a look and re-creates it for a rock-bottom price.  Who knew Forever 21 and Asos.com had such great clothing?!

Christina Leigh Events

This is a local blog.  Christina is my friend from Miss Oklahoma, and she is a huge up-and-coming event & wedding planner!  Check it out for inspiration.

Decadence and Design

My sister’s blog.  Yes, this is how I keep up with everything she is doing… but she also has great advice on decorating, cooking, and great motivation.

Hope that keeps you busy until next time.

EKS

Leave a comment

Posted in Life and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Great Closet Clean Out – Part 1

Posted on June 27, 2012 by 30 Something Girl

Cleaning out my closet has been on my “to-do” list for almost 6 months now.  My goal is to get rid of the excess and create a visually pleasing closet where I can easily see all my wardrobe options.  Mostly, I hate that messy, crowded feeling when trying to find the right pair of shoes in the morning!

I kept putting off the Great Closet Clean Out because I wanted to lose weight to fit into some clothes that I couldn’t, things would pop up on the weekends that seemed more important, and mostly, I wanted to have time and a plan before I got started.

Last weekend, was the moment of truth.  I spent three days sorting, tossing, saving, folding, organizing, and re-shelving my closet.

Here are a couple “before” photos:

Scott and I have separate walk-in closets.  It is actually quite a bit of space for just me.  Apparently, I just have too much clothing! Here are some of the big problems I needed to address:

  • One side of my closet is full of suits that I hardly ever wear (they are from my former life as a television news reporter).  They were taking up a lot of valuable space.
  • My shoes were also presenting a big problem.  I have some on a shelf, some on a hanging rack, and some on a floor rack.  (I did count the number of shoes I own during this clean out… I had no idea I loved shoes so much!)

  • Finally, I have a lot of odds and ends up high (tote bags, suitcases, random scrapbook items) that weren’t organized efficiently.

My first step was to pull almost EVERYTHING out of my closet.  I vacuumed and dusted the shelves really well.  It made my closet feel so much cleaner, and I could see what I had to work with.

I sorted things into three piles:  1) Things to Donate, 2) Things to Sell (which I’m working on selling through Facebook & Ebay… that might warrant another post!), and 3) Things to Keep.

I like things in my closet to be organized by color, so I sorted like-shoes (example:  wedges, flats, heels) by color.  I did the same with all my clothing.

Then came the process of putting everything back together again (sort of like Humpty Dumpty).  This is what’s on my shopping list to get super organized:

  • Baskets and Bins – to contain flip flops, camisoles, t-shirts, and closet odds and ends (like a lint brush, quick shoe polish sponges, Downy wrinkle releaser!)
  • Matching Hangers - all the organizing advice I see says buy matching hangers.  I found some great black, velvet covered ones at TJ Maxx and Big Lots, but I think it would still take nearly $100 to buy enough hangers!  I will probably do this part gradually.
  • Archive Storage Boxes & Tissue Paper - I have several garments from when I was Miss Oklahoma that I don’t wear, but I definitely want to save (think… an Armani suit and custom designed gowns!)  I’ve done research on how to “preserve” them, and will need these boxes and archival quality tissue paper. I’m going with polypropylene boxes instead of cardboard.  After my sister’s tornado experience, the items in a plastic bin sustained less damage than those in cardboard (think dust, insulation, water damage).
  • Shoe Rack - I like the one I have… it expands and is stackable.  I want 2-3 more so all of my shoes are stored similarly.
  • Boot Boxes – I would like to organize my boots into clear boxes.  Right now the mis-match of boot boxes is driving me crazy (see below)

I priced everything I “need” at the Container Store (and also checked out Target, TJ Maxx, Dollar General & Wal-Mart).  It will cost at least $300 for all of it.  Yikes!  So, the finished product may take a little longer than I had originally planned.

But… I have moved everything back in and have a really good starting point.  Those pictures and more closet clean out details coming up soon…

P.S. – I am needing a nickname for my hubby for my blog posts. Calling him Scott just seems so boring. Any suggestions?

EKS

1 Comment

Posted in Fashion & Beauty, Life and tagged , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
→
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 1,917 other followers