I'm Apparently A Softie.

One thing that continually surprises me about my husband is how dang good he is at negotiating.  He can be very firm (yet polite) and he will always get his way.  It's incredible.

 

Maybe it's because I'm a people-pleaser and confrontation-avoider by nature, but I just would rather pick my battles.  And maybe I'm just a bit of a softie.

In the almost two years we have been married, he has saved us so much money.  Negotiating with our cable provider, sprinkler guy, cell phone company, electrician, roofing company, car repair shops ... he handles it all.  And I think he gets pleasure from doing so!

Earlier this week, I found out that my phone (iPhone 4) won't be compatible on our Europe trip. 

UMMM, WHAT.

I wish I were kidding when I said that I felt tears coming to my eyes.

First of all, What. About. Instagram.

Secondly, I have put in tons of time and effort downloading all sorts of apps for travel.  The Paris metro app, Viber for free calls, French and Italian language games, Expedia, Trip Advisor, Trip Advisor City Guides, and (my very favorite) the Rick Steves Audio Europe app.  This app is free and you can download walking guides and interviews about all sorts of topics.  I had the best time driving to Asheville this week and listening to an interview between Rick Steves and two French tour guides about Paris cafes.

Anyway.  My super negotiator of a husband called the phone company on my behalf and got them to accept an early upgrade date and then ordered me the iPhone 5.  All I have to do now is make sure everything is uploaded to the Cloud and then switch over the phone, which should be here Monday.

Question here for you -- what do you all do about storage space?  My phone is over capacity for storage space so it no longer syncs to the Cloud.  I have a ton of photos on it (nearly 3000 and I've already deleted TONS, literally hundreds). 

How do you manage your storage space on your phone? 

Also, please tell me I'm not the only softie out there? 

They Call It Mellow Yellow

Check out our great sports magazine selection.

Yellow has always been my favorite color, and I just feel to gravitated to anything with this bright, sunshiney hue.  The color of pure happiness!

Here are some Pins that have captured my eye recently:

{1} Sweet Tooth Time
Need to make these Lemony Lemon Brownies immediately.  I love that it's got easy ingredients -- things that are already in my pantry and fridge.  Flour, sugar, sea salt, butter, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, powdered sugar.  Bam.  Gotta love a dessert that doesn't send you to the grocery store.
 

Source: sites.google.com via April on Pinterest

{2} Outfit Envy
Oh, how I love this yellow outfit!  I mean, truly.  Where can I find that skirt?!

Source: holyprepster.tumblr.com via April on Pinterest

{3} Simple, Inexpensive, Healthy!
This lemon vinaigrette is a must-try. It's been a very long while since I've purchased bottled salad dressing (besides chunky blue cheese, I mean - c'mon, that's a staple that I just can't recreate). On a standard weeknight, I just toss a few ingredients in a small jar, give it a shake, and call it salad dressing.  Typically, this would be balsamic or red wine vinegar, olive oil, a little honey or grain mustard, a pinch of salt, and some herbs.  This looks right up my alley.

Source: chicagotribune.com via April on Pinterest

Happy Thursday to you and yours, and may you have a sunshine-filled day!

Miracle Worker ... 42% Off, Whaaaat!?

Awesome deal alert:  Philosophy is currently on Zulily!

And my favorite item, the thing I've raved about like crazy on le bloggie, the Miracle Worker system -- it's on major sale.

Normally: $119.00

Zulily Price: $69.99

I've seen Philosophy products 20% off from time to time, but this is definitely the best discount I've seen.  This is a 42% savings, ya'll!

Zulily is completely free to join.  If you need an invitation to join Zulily and you use this invitation link, you can get $5 off your first order!

You already know that I can't speak highly enough of this product line.  If you've been wanting to give it a shot, now would be an awesome time.  The sale only lasts for about two more days, and this product in particular may just sell out!

Summer Makeup Wishlist

Here in the South, the days are getting warmer and I'm gearing up for make-up meltdowns with a few targeted purchases. 

{1}

Bobbi Brown Blush: Pale Pink

$25 here

I purchased this many years ago and was admittedly sad to spend $25 on blush when I knew I could get a drugstore version for a third of the price.  But I was with girlfriends getting makeovers, so it was worth it to me.  Well, that $25 blush lasted me for -- I don't know, three or four years?  It is highly pigmented so a little goes a long way.  And in the heat?  Does not move.  I'm now using an Ulta blush that was much less expensive but I'm running through it quickly and the compact already broke at the hinges.  Bobbi Brown will be my next purchase (and you can bet I'll be pairing it with a Saturday afternoon makeover, too!).  Pale Pink may look too Barbie-pink for you in the packaging, but it's such a gorgeous natural-looking pink when applied.

  

{2}

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer

$20 here

I've heard nothing but rave reviews about the lasting power of your eyeshadow after using this primer.  In the high heat of the summer, when my eyeshadow likes to migrate all around, I think this will be a much-appreciated addition to my makeup routine.  I love my eyeshadows too much to have them disappearing in my eye creases!

   

{3}

MAC Lipstick: Russian Red

$15 here

On those warm days when I want to skip heavy eye makeup all together, I find that the perfect balancing act is done with some fun red lipstick.  Here in the Carolinas, humidity is ever-present.  Ever-present.  I've actually gotten into a steaming hot car some summer days that is so hot and humid that it seems to melt my mascara-coated eyelashes together.  Ever have that happen?  This classic red is all I need for a "done" face when I want to skip heavy liner.  It deserves a spot in my purse, and stat.

   

  

Just a few more products I'm still loving:

   

I can't stop obsessing over the magical powers of Seche Vite

Still loving weekly at-home peels with Philosophy "The Microdelivery" Peel Kit

Still think L'Oreal Lineur Intense is the best liquid liner on the market

Nightly face washing with Philosophy Purity is a must for me

My beloved mascara is still L'Oreal Voluminous Power Volume 24H

   

 

What beauty product is on your summer wishlist?

UPDATE! Beauty.com is having 20% off  sale going on now ... perfect time to stock up! 

My Dear Mama

Mothers Day was so special this year because I got to visit with both mamas -- Thursday with Marsha, my mother-in-law, and my own Mom a few days later.

 

Mom and Dad were down at our lake house, and with it being located just over an hour from Charlotte, I had the perfect opportunity to go see her for Mothers Day on Sunday.

  

When you have siblings, there's something special about having an "only kid" moment -- and that's what I got on Sunday.  Ian was at home staining the fence, so it was just me, Mom, and Dad. 

After going out to lunch, Mom and I just sat out on the screened porch and chatted.  It was definitely the highlight of my entire day.

Later that night I got the sweetest email from her that brings tears to my eyes every time I read it.

There's just something special about a mama-daughter bond.  Something so very, very special. 

Weekend Fun

Our original plans for the weekend?  Go to the mountains.  But then we just had a lot of fun opportunities to pop up in Charlotte, so we did a little bit of rearranging and had a great weekend!

Thursday evening my mother-in-law was in town, so we hosted at our house a Mothers Day cookout.  Ian, his younger brother, his mother and I sat on the screened porch and had burgers, baked beans, and coleslaw.  It was great catching up with her ... I lucked out in the mother-in-law department.

Friday after work, we went with friends to the Band of Horses show at The Fillmore.  We were close to the stage (as you can see in the below picture) and close to the bar.  So ... win-win.  :)  It turned into one of those nights where we went back home and sat around on our kitchen countertops with friends, talking until 1am. 

The next afternoon, Ian had some tickets for us to the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ festival in Charlotte.  We didn't stay for a very long time, but it was fun.  And just in case you are wondering, the Banana Bread beer that you see in the below photo was AWESOME.

Saturday evening we headed out to hang with our friends and celebrate a very special birthday girl.  One look around our group, and it's crazy to see how much has changed in the past year!
 

I think this photo really sums it all up.  Baby bottles and wine bottles.  :)

Hope you all had a wonderful Mothers Day -- I sure did and I will share some photos tomorrow!

Saturday Sip & Shop XXI

Sip:

Source: sbchic.com via April on Pinterest

Blackberry Salty Dog
Vodka, blackberries, grapefruit juice ... heaven.

***

Shop:

Source: rstyle.me via April on Pinterest

Pim and Larkin Peplum Top

$59 from Piperlime

Friday Happies.

First of all, yesterday's post was maybe a little random but reading your comments brought me so much JOY!  Hearing all of the highlights of your week -- some small, some monumental -- each and every one brought a big smile to my face. 

 

Thanks to all for sharing, and I really am excited to send Amanda the shoelaces.  I have such a special place in my heart for the Special Olympics and anyone who works with special needs children.  So, Amanda, email me and let's make sure these neon orange laces get in the mail soon so that you'll have them for next Friday!

This should be a very fun weekend, and it will all get started with the Band of Horses concert tonight. 

To all of my mama friends, and to one very important mama in particular, we celebrate you this weekend.

Happy Mothers Day, Mama.  Love you so very much and I hope to be just like YOU.