Glow baby, glow!

I am a self admitted product hoarder junkie.  I firmly believe a new mascara/nail polish/moisturizer has the potential to change your life.

While cleaning out my inbox this morning, I saw an amazing deal on one of my FAVORITE products and just had to share.

TODAY ONLY, Ulta is featuring Laura Geller's Baked Highlighter (with brush!!) as one of their beauty steals. You guys.....this stuff.  Amazing.  I went through a whole one and am on my second.  Remember that hoarder junkie thing I mentioned? It means I rarely ever use something up.  But this....well this is just that good.

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First - The consistency of Geller's baked collection is crazy good -- it starts as a cream and is then baked for 24 hours.  It truly melts into skin and looks flawless.

Second - Contouring and highlighting is really having a moment right now, isn't it?  It can become a girl's best friend, but definitely takes some practice to make perfect.  This highlighter is THE PERFECT WAY to dip your toe in.

Third - This brush may not seem like a big deal, but trust me, it is perfection.  Use the larger end to lightly pat the highlighter along the tops of your cheekbones and give your face a smidge of dimension.  Better yet?  Use the other end of the brush to dot highlighter at the inner corner of your eyes.  Instantly makes you look alive, awake, alert, enthusiastic.  Seriously, this stuff can fake a good night's sleep.  This and coffee and no one will ever know you were up late binge-watching Netflix or dealing with a fussy toddler.

Fourth -- The deal today gets you the highlighter AND brush for $15!!  Ulta claims it is a $44 value (which I am sure it is) but I have bought it before from QVC (obvs) where the same set runs $26.50.

Spring is the perfect time to lighten and brighten and I HIGHLY recommend this highlighter to get your glow on.

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaack!

Long time no blog, right?

The past year has been one that was busier than I was prepared for.  Survived another shakeup at work, but not without a LOT of stress and long hours.  Another (bigger) shakeup is on the horizon, but I can't even think about it right now or I will break out in hives.  And there was the small matter of planning the wedding.  Which was wonderful. And stressful.  All at the same time.  

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So here I am, coming back with my blogging tail between my legs, hoping I may still have some friends/fans/followers out there that would be willing to get back on board with me.  I am feeling my life starting to relax back into a normal and painfully boring existence...and that is a good thing. A very good thing.  

I have missed writing.  

I have missed being creative.  

I have missed trying to make friends and random strangers laugh.  

Also, I think MVP misses me writing.  Before I could come here and talk about online shopping and BRAVO and Pinterest.  Now HE has had to be the one to listen to that stuff.  So if not for me, do it for poor MVP.  Come read my blog so he doesn't have to listen to my nonsensical ramblings. 

Pinterest Goggles Are Real

I am trying to sloooooooowly get myself away from the post-engagement "PIN ALL THE THINGS!!!!!!" phase.  I mean really, given my pinning skills, this wedding is pretty much planned, right?

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Yeah...uh...not so much.  Planning a wedding with Pinterest is like having the unlimited meal plan at college.
"Chicken fingers for everyone! My treat since  swiping my student D is basically the equivalent of spending monopoly money, amiright?"

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 Wrong.  So. Very. Wrong.

I knew it before, obviously, but now that MVP and I are in the throes of planning, I feel like I have a permanent expression of "That costs how f*@king much?!?" on my face.

I have an ungodly amount try to keep a healthy dose of skepticism when it comes to DIY projects.  Because I know I have been at the crafting rock-bottom before.  Sitting on the floor, crying, clutching a glue gun and looking around at the total mess I made of $128 dollars of "supplies" from Michael's.

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Have you experienced something similar? If you have (and it's okay if you are too ashamed to admit it...), this experience should be forever known as Pinterest Goggles***. Much like with beer goggles, what starts out as fun eventually takes a sharp turn down This-is-a-Horrible-Idea Avenue, and we don't have the mind to stop before it is too late.  And with both, there is usually a ginormous mess to clean up the next morning.

***I AM GOING TO MAKE THIS PHRASE HAPPEN.  That may also involve trademarking this phrase...so clearly I am not going to get much done today. If any TM lawyers have stumbled across this post, gimme a shout.

That said, there are a few things that I have seen on Pinterest that I would like to try.  Partly because they may be more budget-friendly, but also so I can feel like I am doing something other than just signing contracts and sending deposit checks.

The other day, I mentioned one of my ideas to MVP and showed him some pins so he had a visual.  

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Let's just say, he was not into it.  Not so much because of what it was, but because I was going to take on the task of making it.  I appreciated his concern, and tried to explain that I am well aware there is the very real possibility this project could send me off the crafting deep end a chance it may not turn out exactly right, but the wedding is 8 months away. That is plenty of time.

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He looked at me with that expression that simply says "I am filing this away so I can say 'I told you so!'"

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I think we agreed to disagree on the issue...and by that I mean we just stopped talking about it and he left to go watch TV in another room.  Feeling full of  "I'll show you!" moxie, I jumped on Amazon and loaded my cart with supplies.  Ordering online has an added bonus of not having that personal interaction with the Michael's/A.C. Moore cashier, who looks at you with a mix of empathy and pity as she rings you up for a shopping cart FULL OF STUFF that she knows is never going to come to its intended crafting fruition.

It's an endless cycle, people.  Just like the morning after a long, late night of drinking, when the fog and haze of the beer goggles has gone, you vow you are never doing that again.  And then later - could be a month, could be a year, you forget all about that promise.  That's me and my struggle with my inner-Martha-Stewart-wannabe.  Oh Pinterest goggles....I just can't quit you!!

Forget TGIF, how about TGWHAV?!?

While I am also totally TGIF today, I also want to proclaim "Thank God We Have A Venue!"

Even as the concept of actually being engaged was still settling in, people were quick to drill me, "So have you set a date?!?"

Side note: There was the one person at work who asked, "Is this your first?"  A little confused and thinking surely there is no way someone is THAT rude, I replied, "Cup of coffee?" "No, is this your first wedding?"
Yes, on top of my actual JOB sometimes making me want to scream, tear my hair out and cry simultaneously, I also work with people who seemingly have little regard for social skills.

Getting back to the point here, I would always try to respond politely "No, no date yet.  Still just enjoying being newly engaged." And while I may have appeared calm, inside I was already getting my freak-out on.  MVP and I had decided we very much wanted to get married in Philadelphia.  But that also meant doing a bunch of research online and then orchestrate several drives up to Philly to do on site visits.

So. Many. Visits.

Over the course of two weekends I think we saw a total of 15 or 16 places.  And while I was already starting to feel the stress...one place running into the next...can't remember which end is up....at that same *exact* time, Pennsylvania legalized same-sex marriage.
Immediately -- YAY MARRIAGE EQUALITY!
Followed shortly with -- Holy sh*t now there is a GINORMOUS pool of couples looking to get hitched in Philly.

After many, MANY back and forth phone calls, a few tears on my part, weighing pros/cons (i.e. there is not a big enough discount that will get me to book my wedding on Sept. 11) we nabbed a date (two months sooner than I thought we would be getting married) at what was our top venue choice.

MVP and I are VERY excited to be getting hitched at The Down Town Club in Philadelphia on March 13, 2015. And yes, I am aware I am getting married on Friday the 13th.  Given the choice between that and Sept. 11th you can see how easy my decision was, yes?

But it seems there is not all that much time to enjoy the sense of peace that came with getting that squared away.  Now we are in the throes of tackling the next set of To Dos -- band/dj, photographer, videographer.  This whole idea of wedding planning seems a LOT less stressful when I watch it on TLC.  I am lucky in that MVP is a HUGE help (calling vendors, helping with research) so I am actually in pretty good shape.  

At least, that is what I keep telling myself.......

Deviled Megs said "Yes!"

Ok, it was really weird to even type that blog title.  But about two months ago, during a trip to LBI, MVP asked me to marry him.  And, as the blog title has already given it away, I said yes.

I knew that the proposal was coming.  I had wanted MVP to use a diamond that had belonged to my Gram, so I would occasionally check the ring box in my drawer to see if the ring was still in there.  So when it was gone, well I'm no Nancy Drew, but I figured it would be soon-ish.

Scene - LBI for Easter weekend, getting ready for our usual  drive on the island.  Deviled Megs is in the house getting ready to leave, MVP is on the front porch with Coach and Pop-Pop.  MVP comes back in the house and comes to find Deviled Megs.
MVP: Can you hear them out there on the porch?"
Deviled Megs: Nope.
MVP: They're talking so loudly.

MVP exits.

Deviled Megs' inner monologue: I bet he was out there asking permission to marry me.

We did our usual LBI drive -- first to the southern point of the island, and then up to Barnegat Lighthouse at the northern point.  But this time, our usual drive ended with a proposal.

Yes, this is the first photo of me on the blog - eeks! Don't tell MVP, I didn't ask him if it was ok to post it. 

As we were walking back to the car, I was admiring my sparkly new ring and then was fidgeting with my nails.

MVP: You're upset I didn't wait until you had a manicure, aren't you?

Deviled Megs: Um.....kinda?

MVP: Ok, we can stop and get you one on the drive home.

I mean as if I didn't already know he was a keeper, that sealed the deal for me right there!  So technically, the very first person I told that I had just gotten engaged was Kim of Kim's Nails in Surf City, NJ.  

True Story.  

It's been a crazy and exciting time since then -- sharing the good news with friends and family, taking drives to look at wedding venues, spending too much time on Pinterest.  MVP recently asked me why I hadn't blogged in a long time.  I gave my usual responses - so busy, work is stressing me out, no time, etc.  But he then reminded me that I do love this weird little corner of the interwebs I have all to myself.  I have missed it. The other wonderful thing about this blog is that it's let me capture some of the most important things in my life these past few years.  Meeting MVP.  L moving away.  MVP Moving in.  Becoming an Aunt.  Buying a couch. The world's worst temp assistant.

And guys....never forget that I told you that Adele was about to become EVERYTHING.  So called that.  

Will this be a wedding blog now?  Who knows.  It would be hard not to write about it since it is a pretty big thing in my life right now.  But I don't see me being a "Hey you guys, help me pick out the font for my cocktail napkins" kind of gal.  So if I can promise not to write about every. Single. Wedding. Detail. I hope you will all come back and join me here from time to time.  

Because everyone always asks to see the ring.

Life is Like a Batch of Pancakes

With all due respect to Mr. Gump, I had a thought this week that life is actually more like a batch of pancakes.  Well, at least *my* life is. 

Both MVP and I had off from work on Monday for Veteran's Day.  I was up before he was (as usual) and thought it would be nice to head out to the kitchen and make breakfast for one of my favorite veterans.  Before you go thinking how sweet that is, let me tell you that he was up about 15 minutes later and I made him come into the kitchen to help me.  What a sucker, he shoulda stayed asleep!

If you are anything like me, that first pancake is almost a throwaway pancake.  It's always misshapen, burnt on the edges, undercooked in the middle....or if you are REALLY talented, all three! But as you keep going, the pancakes get better.  You figure out your timing a little more each time.  You get more comfortable.  You get more confident.

And that last pancake?  Well, it is usually the most perfect pancake you ever did see.

As true English major, I have a penchant for analogies.  I use them often at work, with friends, and obviously here on this little old blog. I couldn't deny the life lesson in that batch of pancakes the other morning. 

It's OK if things don't turn out perfectly the first time around because if you just take each thing as it comes and have faith, they will get better.  Sometimes it isn't just more time -- your whole version of "perfect" may even need to be readjusted.  MVP is my favorite example of that.

I have felt like that in jobs...in volunteer efforts...in friendships.  Frustrated that it wasn't "working" at that very moment, but not having the strength or wisdom at that time to just keep moving forward and just keep making pancakes.  

And with time, things get better.  You have enough professional misfires and missteps to see them coming a mile away now and are able to work around/through them with more grace and ease.  You have enough balance and perspective to not allow the bad volunteer day/project derail all the good you do simply by caring, showing up and being consistent.  You realize that friendships grow and change over time and come to understand that is not always a bad thing. 

Just keep making pancakes.  Because eventually - INEVITABLY - they will get better. 

I Will Always Have Boogie Wipes

Remember that episode of Friends episode when Ross' son Ben was born?  Monica proudly proclaims through tears "I'm you're Aunt Monica....I will always have gum."  I'm that same way...except that instead of gum, I will always have Boogie Wipes.

I have previously professed my love of Boogie Wipes here on the blog.  Seriously, they are the best.  I am currently having a little bit of the sniffles and thankful that no matter where I am, I have stashed a pack of boogie wipes nearby. In the event I don't have Boogie Wipes?  Well, while that it a most unfortunate situation, I will most definitely have a back up of baby wipes/wet wipes.

Yes, I am THAT person with a Mary Poppins bag full of more stuff than you can shake a stick at. MVP and my friends have often laughed at me for this.  You know...UNTIL someone needs something.  Tailgating and going to brave the port-o-potties?  I'm the girl you want with you -- I will send you in with some wet wipes/napkins (just in case!) and when you return I will have you hold out your hands and will hit you up with some Purell.  That's me.  Love it or leave it.

Recently I had an experience that has really stuck with me....and will remind me to ALWAYS pack my Boogie Wipes.

The Columbus Day Holiday weekend gave me a chance to get up to PA and meet my cute little nugget nephew.  He is just so.....I mean there are no words.  I could have sat there and held him for days.  We also got to stay with MVP's sister for the night and get in a visit with his niece, who is 9 months old.  Even though she was a little under the weather and not feeling quite like herself, she was still too cute for words and I love seeing MVP get to spend time with her.  It was a niece and nephew two-for-one weekend.

Before our trek from PA back to VA we decided to stop at Franklin Mills Mall.  We had memories of it from when we were younger and thought why not, we don't have to rush to get home.  While we WERE able to score some good deals on some new Phillies and Eagles gear, the mall was....well, not *exactly* what we remembered it to be from 20+ years ago, let's say that.

Nevertheless, we decided to walk around just to see how it had changed.  As we walked, I noticed a little girl walk past us.  I looked at her and thought that her face looked red...like she had been crying.  I then became aware that there was no one else with her and told MVP we needed to turn around and follow that girl.  I called after her then hurried and caught up with her as she slowed down.  I crouched down and introduced myself, and asked her if she was ok.  She stared at me with wide sad eyes that made my heart feel like it was going to burst into a million pieces.

"Are you lost?" I asked her.

She nodded.

"That's ok," I reassured her.  "The same thing happened to me when I was a little girl. What's your name?"

"Mia" she said, her little lip trembling.

"Mia...that's such a pretty name!  My name is Deviled Megs and this is my friend MVP.  We're going to help you find your family so don't worry."
[Obvs I used our real name.s...I didn't need Mia to think her fate was in the hands of two weirdos!]

And while MVP went to flag down a security guard to help us, I pulled out my Boogie Wipes and helped little Mia dry her tears and blow her nose.  I asked her who she was at the mall with today and she said her mommy.  I told her I loved her pretty pink sweater and asked her what color shirt or sweater her mommy had worn to the mall today.  "Brown."

In less than 10 minutes we reunited Mia with her mother.  I really cannot even imagine the emotions Mia's mother must have gone through when she realized her little girl was lost but I was so thankful to be there for the happy ending.  The look in her eyes as she mouthed the words "Thank You" to me...well I don't know if I will ever forget her face.

Without getting too deep or philosophical about the experience, I really do feel like there was some divine intervention that had us decide to make that unplanned stop at the mall.  Some other force at work that had us decide to walk around for a bit...so they we could find little Mia and help her get back to her family.  And in all of that....I can say that there was a huge payoff for this childless 30-something and her penchant for Boogie Wipes.  It may not be exactly the kind of product endorsement they are looking for, but I will be a loyal customer for life!