Gardening in High Heels

cultivate a beautiful life

Makeup Bag Musts

It’s no surprise that I’m excited for today’s Blogger, May I prompt, makeup essentials.  I can always write about my makeup musts.  I have tons of thoughts on makeup.  I think it comes from my mom selling Mary Kay when I was young.  I loved looking in her sample kit the pretty tubes full of fun things that I’d get to play with when I was older.  I still do it today.  I had a field day when she was cleaning out her old things before she moved.

My makeup bag is scaled down right now (from my massive organization undertaking to just one small bag) for vacation. For Blogger, May I, I'm sharing my makeup essentials that are so necessary, they come on vacation with me.

My makeup bag is scaled down right now (from my massive organization undertaking to just one small bag) for vacation.  For Blogger, May I, I’m sharing my makeup essentials that are so necessary, they come on vacation with me.

A good base layer

I try not to wear too much stuff on my skin so I can let it breathe, so what I use as my primer has to really have some staying power, blur some imperfections, and have sun protectant.  I just finished a sample of Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, so with me this time is Benefit’s The Porefessional.  I also use primer on my eye lids and under my eyes to hold everything in place there.

Eye brightening something

You never know how much sleep you’ll really get or if you’ll be puffy from sitting in a car for hours (maybe that’s just me).  I like using an eye brightener under my concealer to fake the illusion of a restful vacation.  I just got back into using Benefit’s Eye Bright, a crayon-like pinky hued pencil that perks up even the darkest of circles.

Eye shadow palettes

I wish I could say that I have things that do double duty, like eye shadow that also doubles as highlighter, a bronzer, and fold-out couch, but I rarely use multi-use products like that.  Instead, I look for small versions of what I love.  I love slim shadow palettes for variety and portability.  Wet n Wild has some great 8-pan palettes that are slim, great quality, and offer lots of eye-look options.

Eyeliner and mascara that stay put

On a normal day, I don’t bring makeup to the office to do touch ups, so you know I’m not wandering around the streets on vacation with a mini-makeup aresenal in my purse.  I need all the room I can get for granola bars.  I get hranky (that’s a step up from hangry; it’s hungry + angry + cranky).  So I need to be able to put my eyeliner and mascara on once and let it be.

I’ve been using Covergirl Clump Crusher mascara for a few weeks and I love it’s staying power.  It doesn’t smudge, even if I have it on my lower lashes yet it comes off easily when the time is right

 No-fuss lip stuff

Okay, here’s where I do a little double-duty with my makeup.  I love lipsticks that are moisturizing or in some way offer a little extra comfort on the lips.  I also want things that are easy to apply and aren’t sticky.   There’s nothing like getting a cooling breeze and then having half your hair stick to your mouth.

Mm so hot.

The lip products that I have with me can be applied with or without a mirror.  Bite BB for Lips, Mary Kay True Dimensions lipstick, and Almay Smart Shade Butter Kiss lipstick all came with me.  I have a few different color options for different looks and they’re all low-fuss.

Of course, I have things like brushes and tweezers.  And Jonathan would be so proud because I finally remembered to bring Band-Aids with me.  I swear, I’m the least-prepared girl.

What are your makeup essentials?


Style is Subjective

This, like the defining beauty post, is a hard one for me to focus my thoughts.  You guys have seen some of my outfits, so that’s a pretty good feel for how I approach dressing.  But there are so many more ways to look at style than just your clothes.  What you do and say are just as important as what you wear.  So I thought I’d tackle this Blogger, May I prompt a little bit differently when describing my style.

Style is fluid and uniquely your own.

Of course, clothes are first thing that people notice 99% of the time, but there are more ways to look a style.  How do you act, carry yourself, speak, write, dare I go here…smell.  Style is entirely subjective and matters so much more of what you do with it than what you look like.

I’m still trying to figure out what my style is.  In real life, I try to be witty and I’m a lot sarcastic, quick to pick up on references that I get and turn of phrases.  There are times I think I could go into standup comedy, especially when I’m on a snarky rant about kids these days or the customers I work with.  It’s just one one-liner after another with a sharp bite and a cheeky attitude.

In writing, I’m still trying to work on making that liveliness come through all the time.  There are so many ways that tone can be misconstrued when writing and that’s what I’m worried about.  But I should sit here and say, Listen, if you don’t get it, that’s okay; you do your thing and I’ll do mine and we’re both gonna be okay.

It was easier when I was just writing for myself, back in the days of Moda Vivendi.  I loved those posts.  They aren’t particularly blogger-y, but they’re me.  I loved that quick bite that came through the screen.  I probably employed that style a lot more because back then, I wasn’t well known.  Well, I’m not now, but you know what I mean.

What I love about style is that it is constantly changing.  We aren’t stuck with one way of being.  It’s always moving and flowing from one iteration to another.

I’m so thrilled to have you come on the way with me during this, though; unlike Moda Vivendi, it’s more fun when I can communicate with people!

In a nutshell, style is more than just what you’re wearing.  It’s like beauty – the whole package is your style.  There are elements that are more pronounced, but they all work together to create your own unique style.

That said, I’m a jeans and tee shirt kinda gal.

What’s your style?


Blogs I Love

A big part of being a blogger is reading other blogs.  You’re able to support your friends and see new perspectives in the world, which is fantastic in my book.  I have a Feedly list all set up, but I barely remember to use it.  I think because (last time I tried) it was difficult to comment on a blog through Feedly.  Please correct me if I’m wrong!  So I’ll cycle through a few blogs every day that are my must-reads (enjoy that direct traffic, baby!).  I want to share my must-read favorite blogs with you today because it’s the topic for Blogger, May I!

Being a good blogger means supporting other blogs. There are tons of blogs deserving of attention. Here's a list of great bloggers to follow. | Gardening In High Heels

I have to say, I’m having anxiety thinking that I may have left someone out.  If I do…well, I’ll make it a series!  There are tons of people who are so deserving of attention and good vibes.  In fact, I had so many Pittsburgh bloggers that I’m breaking them into a separate post that’ll come down the road.

I would be totally remiss if I didn’t start this list out with my Blogger, May I partners in insanity, but in no particular order…

Katy (Wild and Wanderful, Handmade Escapade)

I am so happy I found Katy – I think through Meghan!  She’s truly pouring her heart out for the internet to see and it’s beautiful.  As a fellow “Seinfeld blogger,” I love that she’s always sharing things that interest her.  If you’re into sewing/creating, hearing about awesome community events, and pictures of adorable kiddos, you need to know about Katy.

Meghan (Hayes Days)

I love Meghan’s writing style and her way with words.  I wish I lived closer to her so we could go shopping.  Is that weird to say?  The girl always has amazing outfits and shares the best shopping deals.

Nicole (Designs by Nicolina, Happily Ever Tees)

Nicole rounds out the Sunday Lately trio with Meghan and Katy and another gal with a great writing style.  I love that her posts are to the point but never short on personality.  You can totally hear the friendliness in her tone, even though her posts are concise.  The girl is busy running DBN, so I don’t blame her for short and sweet posts!

Laura (Life with Lolo)

This girl makes me laugh so hard every time I read her blog.  She has the writing style I only imagine I have – full of personality, totally conveys who she is and the tone she’s saying something.  I mean, you can just hear the eye rolls in her Hashtag Humpday posts.

Jaelan (Making Mrs M)

I think Jaelan is one of those people that can do everything so well and doesn’t have to try.  If I didn’t love her so much, I’d be totally jealous!  At least, she makes everything seem effortless from putting together a cute outfit to making cookies.  Plus, you can just about hear her Texas accent coming through the computer!

Kam (Campfire Chic)

I really like Kam for her emails and her e-courses (and 30 Days Of Lists with Amy @ Lemon & Raspberry).  No that her blog is bad (it’s a rockstar!) I just always get her right in my inbox, so I don’t go to the blog as much.  That’s probably bad to admit.  Does that make sense?  Anyway, she has great resources for making your own adventure and her photos are fantastic.

Kayla (Kayla Hollatz)

Kayla is a fantastic blog to follow for blogging resources and social media advice.  She also hosts her own Twitter chat at 8p ET / 7p Central called #CreateLounge and if you don’t walk away feeling ready to run through a wall and write blog posts all night, you doin’ it wrong.

And my Pittsburgh Blogging Tribe:

Marissa (Ampersand Creative, formerly The Modern Austen)

If you need help getting your career on a creative path, go to Marissa!  She’s so relateable, I’ll forgive her for stealing my favorite punctuation mark as her business name.  She also loves the Oxford comma, so she’s a good egg.

Kristin (My Life As A Teacup)

Kristin is a stellar writer and she’s dedicated to helping your words be the best they can be.  I love her grammar series, Intensive Purposes (a play on “all intents and purposes”).  She also shares great writing resources.

Jess (In Pursuit of Simple)

Jess shares simple, actionable ways to improve your health and well being.  She’s great at connecting everything back to a live driven by simplicity so you don’t get overwhelmed.

So that’s my (not complete and first installment) of blogs I love. What are some of your favorite blogs?


DIY spray paint frames

There are few things that I can’t do with spray paint.  I’ve updated dining room furniture.  I’ve make over hand-me-down hand-me-down lamps (or is that lamps twice removed?)  Either way, now I used spray paint to update some picture frames.  It’s a total cheap-to-chic makeover.  Today’s theme for Blogger, May I is share something you created, so I’m sharing my easy frame makeover.

Okay, all together now… How easy is it?

Easy and cheap frame makeover with spray paint!

Well, I did it in a few hours on Sunday.

I had these cute kitchen printables from The Happy Housie hanging out for a while; they were just patiently waiting until I got myself to a craft store.  I knew frames would turn into a heftier check since they’re surprisingly expensive.  (Why?  They’re just some wood/metal and glass!)  And I needed five of them.

I found these frames at Pat Catan’s for $1.50 each.  I also bought a can of spray paint.

Frames before their coat of spray paint. Be sure to use paint and primer in one to ensure a smooth coat that lasts!

I love how I accidentally totally intentionally framed out “Let’s cut through the confusion” on the newspaper.  That’s what I’m doing today.  Cutting through the spray-paint-using confusion.

Frames getting a pretty coat of spray paint. Be sure to use paint and primer in one to ensure a smooth coat that lasts!

For about $15, I have 5 brand new frames.

That’s about the price of one frame at a normal store or 2.5 frames at a discount store.  And a discount store frames are sometimes a little…..well, not chic and cute like these.

DIY frame makeover and cute printables. Be sure to use paint and primer in one to ensure a smooth coat that lasts!

DIY frame makeover and cute printables. Be sure to use paint and primer in one to ensure a smooth coat that lasts!

Don’t they look so much better in satin black than glossy hot pink?

The number one spray painting trick that I follow is to look for spray paint and primer all in one.  I know people recommend to sand things down a little to get the surface rough, but I didn’t want scratches to be apparent on the frames.  The primer ensures it’s a smooth application and stays on there.  No chips or just plain not sticking for these frames.

DIY frame makeover and cute printables. Be sure to use paint and primer in one to ensure a smooth coat that lasts!

DIY frame makeover and cute printables. Be sure to use paint and primer in one to ensure a smooth coat that lasts!

DIY frame makeover and cute printables. Be sure to use paint and primer in one to ensure a smooth coat that lasts!

DIY frame makeover and cute printables. Be sure to use paint and primer in one to ensure a smooth coat that lasts!

I love how these add a little something to my kitchen quirky and cute to my kitchen.  The frames also look instantly classier in satin black than hot pink.  Blue pictures with a black frame?  That’s chic, yo.

What have you made recently? Let’s hear about it!


Defining beauty

There are some deep thoughts today for Blogger, May I. The topic: How do you define beauty?

Damn that is quite a question. For a long time, I wouldn’t have been able to honestly answer that I think that there is beauty in me. I always felt like there was something “messed up” – how I was raised, what I thought of myself. Stupid teenage stuff, y’know?

Beauty can't be taught; it's a state of being.

I think beauty goes further than the surface. You can be conventionally attractive on the outside, but if the insides are mean-spirited, unkind, or downright ugly, there’s a loss of beauty for sure.

I guess defining beauty for me is more of a mindset that an outward physical characteristic. When you own how you are, and you’re not being afraid to take risks and learn from them, there is beauty. Experiment, have confidence.

It’s a short answer, but sometimes you don’t need many words.

How do you define beauty?


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