Gardening in High Heels

cultivate a beautiful life

Sunday Lately, 21

This weekend, I’m spending some time with my mother in Williamsburg. It’s about a six and a half hour drive, so before I left, I loaded up some of Nicole Antoinette‘s No BS Lab podcasts and made it through about 5 of them. OMG. I wish I could have taken notes while I was driving because they fired things off in my brain that were spot on.

Like Samantha Bennett saying, “Well just try it!” when her friend was waffling between two choices. And it clicked with my why I have no patience for people who need constant hand-holding..you’ll never know if you talk about it, so just try it already!

So who’s ready for some Sunday Lately?

What have you been up to lately? This is week 14 of Sunday Lately link up with Katy, Meghan, and Nicole!

Planning

I have so many more No BS Lab podcasts left to listen to, so I’m planning on listening to those on the drive back home. I’m tempted just to have an audio note-taking app on the whole way, but the podcasts already play through my phone, so I don’t think I can pause the audio, switch to a new app, say something, and go back without running myself off the road. Best not to even try.

Loving

That I’m getting a bit of a tan (only on my upper body and feet, though, because I’m an Oreo – dark on the top and bottom, light on the inside). Also loving the perfect weather to be spending outside. Yesterday, we went to a seafood festival in a small town about an hour away and this morning we’ll be spending some time in the garden before we go about our day.

Reading

Finally finished Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin for Birchbloggers and now I’m focusing on People Over Profit by Dale Partridge. And then probably back to Julia Child biographies for a bit because I think I may want a break from self-help.

Wishing

I’d love just a spare moment to relax between driving back to Pittsburgh and jumping into my workday, but that won’t be happening.

Feeling

Tired, man. I was listening to one interview that Nicole did with Jeff Sanders about his “thing,” The 5 AM Miracle. He gets up and starts his day at 5am. When he was working, it gave him just enough time to get something meaningful done and could still be at work on time. I have inadvertently been doing that (lookin’ at you, dude revving outside at 5:30a). I need to work on my coordination because I can’t even fill a K-cup successfully this early, but it has real potential.

What have you been doing lately?


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?


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?


Sunday Lately, 20

I can’t believe it’s over halfway through the month and I’ve successfully written something every.single.day.  Huge thanks to Katy for that one!  Today’s Blogger, May I / Sunday Lately topics are…

What have you been up to lately? This is week 14 of Sunday Lately link up with Katy, Meghan, and Nicole!

Completing

Is it, can it be possible…I’m completing a blogging goal of writing every day for a month?  Yes!  I don’t know about you, but I’m loving Blogger, May I.  I want to keep writing every day even after May.  It’s a good habit to be in.

Speaking of habits, I’m almost done with Gretchen Rubin‘s Better Than Before (for a wayyy overdue Birchbloggers review).  She is fantastic, though, and I’m surprised it’s taking me so long to read her book because I ripped through The Happiness Project in about 3 days once I got going with it.

Visiting

Right now, my mom is visiting me.  My/her house is slightly chaotic and my schedule is kind of interrupted, but that’s okay.  It’s been since Thanksgiving when I saw her last, so I’ll take her company over a little schedule discomfort.

Seriously, though, I can be so set in my ways and get grouchy when my routine is thrown off.  I like things a certain way, I can’t help it.

Repeating

Trips to the Apple Store.  I’ve had problems with my iPhone charging, so I brought it into the Apple Store and of course, it worked just fine for them there, so I have to go back with the exact chargers I’m using and show them that I’m not insane, I can’t get it to charge in my house.  I’m about to rip the socket out of the wall and show them that, too.

Applauding

Everyone who is making their goals happen.  It takes a boatload of focus, dedication, and just plain insanity to pick something big and say to the world, This is what I want to do, this is how I want to leave the world having made it a better place.  Huge credit for this inspiration goes to Dale Partridge.  His book, People Over Profit, is so motivating.  Just the quotations that are in there are fantastic.  Go check it out, like, now.

Scheduling

Trying to get as much scheduled as I can before I leave for Virginia next weekend.  I’m very excited to have some time away and not worry about work or anything but enjoying myself.  Which is why I’m trying to get as much scheduled and crossed off my list as I can!  I know I can write all day if I wanted to, though, and my mom’s porch is the best place for reading/drinking beer/writing.

What are you up to lately?


Need the prompts for the Blogger, May I challenge?  Gotcha covered.  Want to use your own prompts?  No problem!  Just grab a button to show that you’re linking up with myself, Katy, and Meghan.  Oh, and use #BloggerMayI on Twitter/Instagram to keep the fun going even after you hit Publish!

Sunday Lately, 19

So.  This week.  I know, I know…I said it last week, but I need to stop writing these weekly wrap ups when I just get bad news.  I found out that my work schedule may be changing.  I mean, it isn’t anything like *terrible* but I took a full time job, in part, for stability and consistency of schedule.  We may be switching to a different set up and I’m really not sure about that at all.

On a happier note, Happy Mother’s Day to my Blogger, May  I partner in insanity, Katy!

What have you been up to lately? This is week 14 of Sunday Lately link up with Katy, Meghan, and Nicole!

Updating

My blog theme!  Finally!  I think I’ve said this for every Sunday Lately “updating” prompt, but seriously, I finally did it!

And I have a sponsorship package if you’re interested in that kind of thing.  And I also offer consultative social media/blogging work for small businesses and bloggers (but that’s always been an option)  And that’s about it.  All the conjunctions!

Reminding

Everything happens for a reason.  I know this is trite, but I really do need a reminder of that every now and then.  It takes some time to see what that reason is (and sometimes we still don’t know), but when you look back, you see that there was a purpose behind X event that lead to Y outcome.  It’s all connected to a crazy universe.  She’s a tricky one, she is.

Needing

To seriously get my butt in gear and take things out of my father’s house.  After my family decided back in March that no, we aren’t going to sell the house at the end of March, I sort of stopped working.  I think part of me was hoping my father could stay there and I was hoping I would still be there for Christmas dinners and Easter mornings.

I said to Katy in a comment the other day that deep down, I was hoping for my children to have memories of coming back to my childhood home.  I have such wonderful memories of my grandparents’ house when I was younger and it would be nice to pass that along so my kids could have memories in their grandfather’s house.  But I’m crying in public now, so I’m going to stop this train of thought.

Wearing

Sandals!  And shorts!  It’s finally warm here in Pittsburgh.  The only downfall is that it seems like we’ve had about 1.5 weeks of summer and now we’re steamrolling into 70+ degree, humidity-filled weather.  Not that it’s a bad thing after the winter we had, but I’d like a few more days weeks of cooler temperatures with a nice breeze before oppressive swampiness sets in.

Being

I’m really excited to be blogging with Katy and Meghan this month.  I thought a post per day would be a challenge (and it is, don’t get me wrong) but I love having a direction to guide me.  If I was just sitting down to write every day without rhyme or reason, I would not be having as much fun as I am now.

Need the prompts for the Blogger, May I challenge?  Gotcha covered.  Want to use your own prompts?  No problem!  Just grab a button to show that you’re linking up with myself, Katy, and Meghan.  Oh, and use #BloggerMayI on Twitter/Instagram to keep the fun going even after you hit Publish!

What have you been up to lately?


Let’s Play

           

People Really Dug These

We Belong in the Garden Together