More Laura Loves.

Last week, my friend Maria invited me to the "paint the world flawless" at the Laura Mercier counter at Nordstrom.  I really don't need to be asked twice.  Plus, it was time to pick up a new spring lip color.

Once I arrived, Maria introduced me to a fab new product launched by Laura Mercier and considered one of Marie Claire's 25 new products that will change your life...the Tinted Moisturizer Creme Compact.

I am already a HUGE fan of the Tinted Moisturizer   It's my go-to for every day makeup - light weight, nice coverage and easy.  I've worn it for years.  Now it comes in to-go form?  Genius.  

Even though it just takes minutes to apply the Tinted Moisturizer, I'm a bigger fan of the new Creme Compact.  It's perfect on the mornings where I am headed to the gym and I don't feel like doing a full face.  I just smooth this on with the handy applicator sponge, add a bit of blush and out the door I go.  It makes my skin dewy and natural looking.  And for someone who is NOT a make up pro, this is THE easiest way to get flawless looking skin.

The even better news for me that day?  The compact was FREE.  FREE!!  I couldn't believe it.  A $45 compact free to me for attending the event that day.  I love it!

While there, I also picked up a Matte Radiance Baked Powder in Bronze, which I was hesitant about as bronzer usually make me look orange and streaky, but this stuff is amazing as expected and adds just a hint of tan.  Maria also gave me great application tips, which this novice needed.  

And finally, the reason I went in the first place?  My new spring lips, Lip Glace in Baby Doll...cute, pink and natural.

Bottom line - get ye to Nordstrom (double points right now!) and get yourself the Tinted Moisturizer Creme Compact.  Life changing for sure.

Check out my other Laura loves - here and here. 

Summer Bucket List.

Well, today is the last day of preschool for The Bug.  In just 12 weeks, he will start kindergarten.  Where has the time gone?  And what the heck are we going to do with all of our time together?!

Inspired by my blogger friend (and real life friend!) Julie, we came up with a Summer Bucket List.  Even though The Bug will be attending "camp" each week, there are still plenty of days for us to fill and memories to create before he's officially a kindergartner.  

How many of these can we check off this year?

Trip to Omaha (Zoo, Children's Museum, Air & Space Museum)
Day Camp at the Kansas City Zoo
Visit Science City
Make boats to sail at Franklin Park
Weekend at the Lake (of the Ozarks)
Visit Little Freshie for a sno-cone
Participate in Summer Reading Program
Get frozen yogurt (maybe he will eat more than toppings this year?!)
Trip to Texas to visit Nana and Papa
Trip to Lee's Summit to play at Williams-Grant Park (totally stole this from Julie - they have a pirate ship in the park!)
Get a treat from the ice cream truck
Play with my cousins
Night at Great Wolf Lodge
Eat a Shipley's Do-nut
Go to work with Dad
Take the training wheels off the bike
Day at The K
Impromptu dance party (current favorite jam?  "Mirrors' by JT, of course!)
Spend the night at Nan's house

We are kicking things off today with a celebratory picnic with our friends, followed by an afternoon at the Zoo.  Welcome Summer!

PS - Need some ideas to create your own Summer Bucket List?  Visit The Happy Family Movement for more ideas. 

Bronze Body.

Tis the season for exposing my pale, pale bod to sunshine.  I do tend to avoid the sun, but I don't necessarily want to look like Powder while doing so.

I've used many a sunless tanner before and just can't get in to them.  Jergens especially is bad for me (I turn orange) and it stinks so everyone's go-to just isn't my thang. 

So, at the reco of a friend, I picked up a bottle of L'Oreal Sublime Bronze last week at Target.

It is an instant bronzer, meaning you look immediately tan and then the self-tanning lotion part kicks in about an hour later.  The instant bronzer definitely helps you see where you have applied none or too heavily, which is a nice feature.  There is a bit of a subtle sheen/glitter to it that may not appeal to everyone, but there isn't a noticeable scent, which is a huge plus for me.  

I have been mixing it with about 1/2 regular lotion just to tone down the bronze a little, but for those ready to dive right in, I'd use it as is.  

L'Oreal claims that once you have achieved your desired tan, you only need to apply 1-2 days a week to maintain.  This seems like a lot less maintenance than the gradual tan lotions out there.  

Anyone else try Sublime Bronze?

Art.

I am having a full art obsession.  I used to just run to Z. Gallerie to pick up something to fill a spot, but now I am trying to be deliberate about my choices and willing to invest a little for a piece I love that will get through a variety of decorating changes.  

A few of my faves...

Michelle Armas "Michi"

This has been an artist I have been watching for a while now and I just love how fun and whimsical her work is.  These colors aren't exactly ones that work in my house, but that is why I love it.

Janet Hill, "Mistress of Disguise"

I love this work because it's different.  I think the woman looks mysterious and the title works perfectly with how she is painted.  I think this would be fun tucked in to a little corner.

  

Clare Elsaesser, "Undertow"

This comes across as sort of sad to me, but I love the colors.

It seems I'm definitely in to abstract and people...odd.  What are your favorite pieces these days?

Weekend Find.

It never fails that I manage to hit a store over the weekend.  My latest pick up came from the Gap who continues to kill it for me for casual every day wear.  Plus, with their BOGO sale it was a no brainer to take home.

What started as an innocent trip to grab The Bug a pair of jeans - seriously, why are we still wearing jeans in May?  And why does he continue to get holes in every pair of jeans he has? - ended with me finding this totally adorable dress while checking out. 

Henley Maxi Dress, Hot Coral 

Henley Maxi Dress, Juniper Green 

Cute, huh?  

Weekend in Food.

My bod is not happy with me.  I pretty much ate my way through the weekend - a huge meal home on Friday, homemade cookies courtesy of Nana all day Saturday followed by a meal out that night.

But what really killed it for me was Sunday. 

Guacamole from Ina.  (It was Cinco de Mayo after all.)

And a pretty easy White Chicken Enchiladas that were gobbled up at family dinner.  I'm happy that I made a second pan for leftovers this week.  These are fairly easy to make for enchiladas.  The rolling up of the tortillas is the most time intensive part, but the Sour Cream Green Chile sauce that goes on top is super quick and oh so tasty. 

My mother-in-law followed up her famous ginger cookies with yet another Ina special - Raspberry Crumble Bars.  Not ashamed to admit I ate 2.  The perfect sweet, crunchy, salty combo.  And I think they look very impressive - would be great to bring to a party. 

I will have to hit the Bar (Method) pretty hard this week, so it's probably a good thing that their second studio opened last week in the West Plaza area.  Now I have zero excuses to find a class time that works for me.  

How was your weekend?