Camping Recap

Aw, my poor neglected little blog.  I can't believe it's been a month since I last updated this.  Yikes!  It's been a fairly busy month, too! 

First up, I went camping the end of June, in celebration of my older brother's big 40th birthday.  First off, lets just say these sum up my general feelings on camping...

Yeah.  Not much of a fan.  I couldn't possibly decline... it was my brother's big milestone birthday.  With my family there, I knew I would have fun regardless of my feelings about camping.  We were set to go the weekend after my first week of work.  Let me just back up, and tell you that the week before I started my job, I came down with a horrible illness.  I had strep throat, a head cold, a double ear infection, and a cough that would not quit.  I was mostly feeling better by the time I started my job, but I still had the horrible cough.  So, what better way to try to kick this sickness than to go camping, right? Yeah. 

Even rainy, and grey, the drive to the campground is gorgeous!

The location had been chosen, because it generally sees nice weather that time of year.  We camped just outside of Leavenworth, WA.  Watching the weather in the days leading up to it, was a little nerve wracking.  One day it'd say it was supposed to be nice, and in the 80's.  The next called for thunderstorms.  Unfortunately, for us the latter prediction was pretty much spot on.  Yes, my friends, it rained.  Pretty much the majority of our time there.  Not only were we camping, but we were tent camping.  The tent I shared with my aunt leaked.  We slept (I do use the term "slept" loosely) in what turned into a river. My pillows were soaking wet.  It was miserable.  I'm not gonna lie.  I generally try to see the positive in most situations. But that?  Straight up sucked.  And the wet conditions did not help my cough in the slightest. 

My cousin, Big N had the right idea, bringing ponchos to stay dry.

The birthday boy holding up the make-shift canopy so we can stay dry by the fire.

Even Vegas, my friend's dog, was cold!  They resorted to putting him in a t-shirt.  He doesn't know if he should be thankful or mortified.  :)

The next day, it cleared up long enough for us to drain dry out our tent and sleeping bags and pillows, so it was much better the next night.  We did still have a good time, as I knew we would.  My family is pretty awesome.  We're all silly, and crack each other up constantly.  All together, I think there were about 35 people (including kids). 

Our campground area.  There was a creek that ran through our site.

Blue skies!  So sad they didn't last very long! :(

Group photo.  Or part of the group.  Several people are not pictured here.

I'm glad I went, and was able to spend some good time with friends & family.  But it definitely did not change my views on camping in the slightest. They're still trying to convince me to go on another camping trip next month.  Not so sure about that! 

June Birchbox

It's that time again!  Love Birchbox Day!  Since I've actually had a chance to try out most of the samples, I've included my opinions on them.  Overall, I'm happy with this month's box.  The descriptions are taken directly from the enclosed card they send detailing each item. 

Here's the goods for the month of June:

• Comodynes Self Tanning Intensive
• Masqueology Pore Minimizing Mask
• Stila One Step Bronze
• theBalm cosmetics Staniac
• tili Bag

Comodynes | Self-Tanning Intensive

Who needs the sun when you can get a safe, buildable, and natural-looking tan with these bestselling European towelettes?

I'm kind of scared to try these, to be totally honest.  This pasty white girl isn't the best at self-tanner applications.  And I have read a couple horror stories from other Birchbox recipients that did try these out.  It's a recipe for disaster for me... I just know it!

Masqueology | Pore Minimizing Mask

This targeted sheet mask shrinks visible pores while amping up your skin's moisture levels.  Use it daily and - if you're brave - during your next flight

I was quite excited to try this out.  It's... uh... very wet.  I was kind of surprised.  I guess I didn't think it'd be quite so saturated.  I suppose it's a good thing.  You definitely get a lot of product.  It just took me by surprise.  As for whether it minimized my pores... eh, not so much with one use, but my skin did feel nice & moisturized after using it.

stila | One step bronze

Fake an island glow with this three-in-one bronzer, primer, and serum.  It also keeps your skin's oil production in check.

I was rather apprehensive with this one.  I did love that it's full sized (yay!) but when I swatched it the back of my hand, it was so shimmery.  I'm not really a fan of shimmer on my face.  I have been looking for a decent face primer that makes my makeup last, and doesn't feel like it just sits on top of my skin.  So, I reluctantly tried it.  And I really liked it.  Once I applied my foundation, it wasn't so shimmery - more like a healthy "glow".  And I do feel like my makeup lasted longer too.  I've added this to my daily routine.  

theBalm cosmetics | Stainiac in Beauty Queen

We're crazy about this two-in-one lip and cheek stain: the sheer gel formula delivers a subtle, long-wearing flush.

I had high hopes for this.  But, it kind of left me underwhelmed.  It's okay.  Nothing great.  Nothing terrible.  Just okay.  I have only used it on my lips, I haven't tried it on my cheeks.  It's a pretty light color - which you wouldn't think judging by the gel.  There are other stains that I much prefer over this one, but I do like the light, hint of color it gives. 

 

tili | Bags

Breeze through airport security with these too-cute plastic bags.  They're perfectly sized for storing all your travel essentials (and beauty samples).

Cute bag.  But really?  It's just a glorified zip lock.  Not to say that I won't use it when I travel, but I don't see myself purchasing these 

 

So, there ya have it... My June Birchbox.  Did you get one?  What'd you think of the items?

 

A Boo and a Yay!

Boo....

I have been so incredibly sick since last Thursday.  Absolutely miserable.  So what was supposed to be a fun weekend including a happy hour, nephew's baseball game(s), a graduation party, and getting together with a friend I haven't seen in roughly 10 years, turned into a not-so-fun weekend.  I finally went to the Walk In Clinic yesterday.  I have an ear infection and strep throat.  To go along with my horrible head cold, and a pounding headache that will not go away.  Yay.  Nothing some good ol' Penicillin can't fix, thank goodness.  I'm starting to feel better in spurts.  I'll feel good for bit, and then I get knocked back on my butt.  Luckily I have time to recover before I START MY NEW JOB!!

Yup, there's the yay portion of this post! I got the job I interviewed for last week.  So excited to start working again!  I start on Monday. :)  I've started filling out the paperwork, and it's kind of a weird feeling to not list Hubs as my emergency contact.  It's the little things sometimes...  I'm looking forward to starting to work & get somewhat of a routine back though, that's for sure!

Weekend recap

Since I'm not working right now, my mom & I decided it'd be a great time to go to the other side of the mountains, and visit our family over there. A good portion of my extended family all live in Eastern Washington.  It's where I would spend quite a bit of time during the summer as a kid.  We were able to celebrate one of my uncle's birthdays with him, and crash my cousin's graduation party for her daughter.

Saturday evening, my mom & I met up with my biological dad and his girlfriend.  I don't know if I've mentioned it on here, but I haven't seen my bio dad since I was 4 years old.  We got back in contact about a year & a half ago through Facebook.  We've been emailing back and forth for awhile.  Since he lives in the same town as most of my family over there, I told him I was going to be in town, and we made a plan to meet up.  I wasn't really all that nervous.  Though I was scared that it would be awkward.  But, it wasn't really at all!  It went really well.  I'm definitely glad that we met up.  I don't think it'll become this super close relationship or anything like that.  I've always said that I have a dad.  He may not be blood related, but he's been my dad for the last 31 years.  I'm not looking to change that by any means.  We'll see how things go, if Bio Dad makes more of an effort, or if things remain just the sporadic communication.  Only time will tell...

My cousin (aka Sauce) and I

Sauce's little guy.  (aka Nousin)

Nousin cheesin' it up

Sunday we headed to Coeur d'Alene, ID to see my brother, Z, and his baby girl.  I am so in love with that little girl!  She is so precious!! And to see Z with her, it really is amazing.  Z and I have never been close. Even as kids, we fought like crazy, and just never really clicked.  He's made some poor choices throughout his life, and it's caused an already strained relationship to be even more strained.  I love him, he's my brother. But we don't have the best relationship.  It's not terrible... we just don't really have much of a relationship at all these days.  But seeing him with his daughter... it was so heartwarming!  He is so good with her, and so full of love for her.  It is absolutely amazing.  I think it makes me love my niece even more. If that's even possible! :)

My niece has the brightest, prettiest blue eyes. Lucky girl got her Daddy's eyes!

Playing with Daddy

Watching Grandma blow bubbles for her.  She was in awe

Little friends S & Nousin

With Grandma.  She was not impressed with trying to get her photo taken! :)

We really had such a great time with family.  I'm so thankful that I'm able to see them more often now! 



PS:  My interview today went really well!  I should find out by Monday if I got the job.  One of my good friends sat in on the interview with the supervisor.  I know she really wants me to get the job, so hopefully she'll be able to sway her opinion! :)

Quick Update

I just got back from a fabulous weekend filled with lots of quality family time.  We headed to Eastern Washington for the weekend. I was finally able to meet my precious baby niece.  She is 10 months old, and I absolutely adore that little girl!  She's so so sweet.  I have TONS of photos to share, so stay tuned!  :)

Tomorrow I have an interview at my old job!  Wish me luck that it goes well, and she wants me to start immediately!  Okay, Monday would be good too.  But I am super anxious to get started working.  Isn't it funny how when you're working, you just want to stay home, and have time off.  Yet when I have time off, I just want to work.  No?  Just me?  Ha ha.  Guess it probably has more to do with stressing about no incoming money at the moment than anything else.  ;)

Things are still going pretty well.  A few bumps along the way, but overall I'm doing great.  Hubs & I have been talking a lot, and we're both feeling at peace with our decision.  I'm glad that we're able to remain friends, and be in each other's lives in some aspect.  He's been my best friend for so long, I can't imagine not having him in my life at all. 

I'll try to write a proper post tomorrow, filled with tons of photos of my beautiful baby niece.  But here's a quick one to tide ya over! :)

Auntie and Baby S.  <3 her!!

May Birchbox

I realize that this is a little delayed.  It's been a little chaotic in my world the past few weeks.  ;)  I really liked this month's box.  I thought I got some pretty good stuff!

May's box included:

• Bvlgari Omnia perfume
• Dr. Jart BB Crfeam
• Ojon Conditioner
• Stila Waterproof Sparkle eyeliner
• Twistbands hair tie

 Bvlgari | Omnia Crystalline Eau de toilette

Ojon Volume Advance | Volumizing Conditioner

Dr. Jart + Water Fuse | Beauty Balm SPF 25 +

Stila | Sparkle Waterproof liquid eyeliner

The eyeliner swatched on my hand.  Just a slight sparkle. 

Twistband | Hair Ties

I Made It!

I'm officially living back in my gorgeous home state.  It feels SO good to be back home!  I am overwhelmed with the love & support of my family & friends here.  I truly am blessed to be surrounded by such great people. 

Hubs & I picked up the truck on Wednesday evening, and I spent most of the day loading it up Thursday.  When he got home from work, he helped load up the big stuff, and then I was off to pick up my brother from the airport.  After dropping him off at his hotel, I headed back home for my last night in our home.  It was sad, we both cried saying goodbye, but I really felt a lot of peace with my decision.  I know that there are great things in my future, and I wish him nothing but the best as well. 

We hit the road bright & early Friday morning, and made it to Jackpot, NV.  Where it was FREEZING, by the way!  Silly me, wearing shorts & flip flops in 40 degree weather.  Good times.  Saturday morning was another early start, but we made it to Seattle just shortly after 5pm.  Overall, we made pretty good time.  And I lucked out at not having to drive the truck at all!  :)  It's the little things, really.

Here are a few photos taken along the way...  Keep in mind these were taken from a moving vehicle, without even rolling down the window most of the time.  So don't expect much!

Somewhere in Arizona :)

My fearless driver.  I <3 my brother!

Twin Falls, ID

Welcome to Washington!! We've made it!

Snow covered mountains through Snoqualamie Pass

My parents decided to get me a "Welcome Home" cake in celebration of my coming home.  So, Mom went to the local grocery store, and asked the girl working in the bakery to write "Welcome Home Shawna" on the cake.  Not too difficult, right?  Well, instead this is what we got:

Yup, I'm apparently now Shawa.  This was the 2nd attempt for the poor girl, and after hearing she'd just have to throw the cake away, Mom decided to just go with it.  We all had a bit of a laugh.  :)

This week, I'm hoping to get word on whether or not I'll be starting back at my old job.  I've put in the application, and have been in contact with the supervisor, so I'm crossing all crossables and hoping that I'll get a start date soon! :)

So things are definitely looking up in my world.  I'm feeling great.  I'm so incredibly happy to be back home.  I'm definitely hopeful for my future.  Life is good. 

Learn.  Live.  Hope.  Words to live by.  :)