Friday Flotsam

F                                                                                                                yadirriday.

dinner party aftermath

BOTH KIDS POOP ON THE POTTY.

HAPPILY.

GLEEFULLY.

WILLINGLY.

NO TEARS.

NO STRUGGLES.

They are potty trained. I’m reading the words on my screen and I want to cry. It is done. It took nearly 8 months from beginning to end. But they are trained. And don’t you dare use the word “regression” with me or I will dropkick you. (just kidding i love you don’t leave me.)

I clearly felt like I needed to open with this today. In case you read NOTHING ELSE on my site for the rest of time, you will know my spawn is potty trained. And that I can live with.

Goodbye.

family in the snow

You know what I can’t stand?

And tell me if you agree.

Is when someone is describing a scenario that they’ve either lived or seen, and a part of that scenario is shaking someone’s hand. So as they’re describing the said scenario, they reach out to YOU to shake or hold your hand, because it’s a part of the scenario. But for a brief second you’re not exactly sure if you’re supposed to play along and extend your hand as a participant in the scenario, or do you remain still and let the other person act out the scenario with a ghost hand. And if they DO reach out and hold your hand, and they continue to hold it, are you supposed to just keep holding their hand in a firm grasp as they play out the scenario? What is the rest of your arm supposed to do? How long are they going to hold your hand? It feels like a lifetime. Are you supposed to act along? I don’t know. I never know. Why is my torso turning to ice? Because if that hand holding is longer than three seconds, it ain’t right. Things internally take a nose dive to the depths of awkwardome. And that is a weird place to be.

So glad we had this talk.

gingham for life

So last week I gave you my entire skincare rundown (and I  l o v e d your tips, by the way! I want that witch’s brew hazel stuff for my redness, stat.)

I promised makeup today, so – makeup it is!

But let me first say, I’m no expert.

I’m not a makeup blogger.

Matter of fact, I need better makeup training.

Because some days I feel like, “DEEEUUMMM I look GUD.” And other days I’m like, “AM I JOINING THE CIRCUS?”

So here we go:

The first thing I put on is Dew Skin #2 tinted moisturizer from Beautycounter. (I tend to steer clear of MLMs, but this product won me over. I’m not a consultant, so I can’t sell it to you. But! If you buy it on Goop, there’s no shipping. Boom.)

Then I apply Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer. I looooove this. My friend Lacy gave it to me, and she is Queen Bee of Makeup.

Then the concealer. I ADORE this stretch concealer from Glossier, omg. It’s incredible. (medium is my shade!)

I also have this fancy Burberry honey concealer, and it’s wonderful. Just warmer. I’ll use it more in the summer months.

Now for the drugstore products. I’m always on the hunt for a good upper lid natural shimmery tone, and I’ve been using this Color Tattoo eyeshadow for a few months. I don’t LOVE it, but it works. Hint: GIVE ME BETTER UPPER LID PRODUCTS. While it does create a shimmer, I’d like the product itself to be a little easier to put on. Okaybye.

For the actual eyeshadow, I had a Bobbi Brown set for years that I loved! But it discontinued, so I’m using my simple backup NYC charcoal color. Again, I’d like something a little nicer. It can be drugstore! You know I ain’t fancy.

For the liner, I totally use ELF. They have a smudge stick that gives me life.

Mascara – They’re Real! I’ve ALWAYS loved this brand. But if you know of another that reaaaaally lengthens, holla back, gurl.

For the EYEBROW, I do have Glossier’s Boy Brow, and I like it! I’m not in love, but I do like it. I mostly use this simple pencil from Elf. (I change this up quite a bit. Always on the quest, you know.)

For the final shimmer, I really dig Glossier’s Haloscope. Just a little above the brows, sides of the eyes, down the nose, and right on the cupid’s bow. Voila.

Blush! I almost forgot about the blush. My friend Lacy gave me this bad-to-the-bone convertible color from Stila. The tint name has rubbed off, so I don’t know the exact color. But I LOVE it. You dab it on with your fingers and it spreads like butter. Just glorious.

I’ve already blabbed about lipsticks, but I will add a couple new faves: Katy Perry’s Coral Cat is the PERFECT coral, and this Cruise Collection 075 from Revlon is equally fabulous.

Lacy also gave me some GOOD brushes (I don’t know what they are), which makes a giant difference when applying cheaper cosmetics.

Whew! I’m tired.

Did I cover everything? If you have anything at all to add, scream it at me. You know I need you.

greens in the snow

If you haven’t noticed, Kansas City suffers a mild case of having no oceans for hundreds of miles. In every direction. SO, Aaron and I are planning on taking the whole family (even Charlie) to New England for an entire month this summer. I want to LIVE ON THE COAST, you guys. For 30 days.

I want to DIG FOR CLAMS and fry them. (and by that I mean photograph Nat and Will digging up clams. please.)

I want to watch the lobster boats pull up lobsters all day. I want this! I want lobster rolls. All the lobster rolls.

I want to walk to the water, and walk to the markets. I want to get to know the town and its people. LIKE A VILLAGE.

Help me.

We’re thinking June. Connecticut? New Hampshire? We live in KC, and want to make the drive in two (loooong) days.

IF YOU live in New England and know of any hidden gem of a town, please let me know! Something beautiful, something affordable, something not too touristy. I basically want to live on the set of a Nicholas Sparks movie. Is that so bad?

fire logs in the winter

Weekend plans?

I am DETERMINED to figure out my sewing machine, make 825,392 rice sacks, hang WALLPAPER tomorrow (you guys are going to absolutely freak), and finish Maisel. And eat Indian takeout!

And maybe go to the zoo.

And rosé.

And buy whatever makeup you recommend.

And rosé.

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27 Responses to Friday Flotsam

  1. Maggie January 19, 2018 at 8:30 am #
    I've lived in New England my entire life (grew up on Cape Cod and live in Boston now). I would look for something in NH - somewhere between Hampton Beach and Portsmouth, along the coast. Or try for something near Nantasket. The Cape is beautiful but $$ and I'm not sure what will still be available - definitely day trip there!
    • Christine January 19, 2018 at 7:23 pm #
      In NH, you want to look in Rye. Beautiful homes right on the sand and the beach isn't too crowded. Otherwise, I'd say Maine or Cape Cod.
  2. Greta January 19, 2018 at 8:42 am #
    If you want beautiful coastal towns come to New Hampshire! We have only 18 miles of coast but it's perfect and much less touristy than Maine or Massachusetts. Sorry in advance for the long winded recommendations! Rye NH is a beautiful fishing town right on the water. Its about an hour from Boston and it's wicked close Portsmouth. Portsmouth has a small town New England vibe. Tons of (really good) restaurants and shopping. North Hampton is also nice. Hampton can get really crowded in the summer because of the busy boardwalk, but it's fun to visit. Check out this article for more details on Rye! https://newengland.com/today/travel/new-hampshire/portsmouth/rye-new-hampshire/Hampton is also nice but it's a little more crowded.
  3. Caitlin Wallace January 19, 2018 at 8:54 am #
    My family stays on Oak Island, NC, often. Not in New England, but an ACTUAL Nicholas Sparks movie was filmed there. The one with Julianne Hough, I think. My mom is very into the fact that the restaurant we've always gone to is IN THE MOVIE.
  4. Rayna January 19, 2018 at 9:34 am #
    Bev, I think you will be happy going anywhere in New England! I am a Rhode Island native, currently living next door in Massachusetts... here are my favorites! Little Compton, RI Total beach town! There is nothing (I mean, zero) to do other than go to the beach and just IMMERSE yourself in the picture perfect New England scene. It truly is beautiful. You are off the beaten path, BUT it is just a hop away from Newport, RI, Providence, RI, and even Boston would be just a day trip. I babysat for families on vacation in Little Compton so I can say it is toddler approved! Rent a house near South Shore beach and you will not be disappointed (I promise!). Bristol, RI DO IT! or at least visit! I like Bristol better than Newport because it is less congested, has the cutest damn restaurants and markets, and literally looks like a post card. Home of the oldest Forth of July parade in the country! Close to all the nice beaches, and Providence is only about 20 minutes away. So charming! Portland, ME, Portsmouth, NH and literally anywhere on Cape Cod get my vote as well. Provincetown, MA is quite possibly my favorite place on earth and I would suggest you GOOOOOO. It is incredible, flamboyant, eclectic and seriously just the best time. Wow do I love New England, or what? We can't wait to have you!
    • Heather January 19, 2018 at 5:09 pm #
      Hey! My Aunt and Uncle live in Bristol, their house in on the historal register :) It is such a picturesque town. Ps. I LOVE Boston!
  5. Danielle January 19, 2018 at 9:37 am #
    You could try Narragansett, RI. You can’t beat RI for clams, calamari, lobster. Yum.
    • Melanie January 19, 2018 at 4:47 pm #
      I was going to say Naragansett! Great place! Also try this for your brows – soooo many of my friends use this and I love it! http://www.anastasiabeverlyhills.com/brow-wiz/brow-wiz.html?cgid=brows#start=3&cgid=brows
  6. Bianca January 19, 2018 at 10:23 am #
    Loral Infallible shimmer shadows are great! I wouldn't say they're easier than the color tattoo ones, but they have a great shimmer payoff. Wet n Wild makes awesome shadows that are cheeeaaaapppp! And I think the color tattoo is in a stick form now so that may be worth looking into. ELF also makes a great brow pencil!
  7. kay43026 January 19, 2018 at 10:24 am #
    Wells Beach, Maine. It's not touristy, family friendly...and not a bit 'night' crowd. There are plenty of places closeby to go for fun, eating and drooling. If there, make the short trip to Kennebunkport and you will fall in love... And you can easily get some sort of lobster every.single.day.
  8. Hannah January 19, 2018 at 10:27 am #
    I’m from Maine so obvs I’m biased, but you really can’t get better than the coast of Maine. And there’s like so much you can do! And do I even need to mention the lobster? Georgetown & Phippsburg are my top 2 places. If you stay in Bath both places are 10 minutes away. Hit me up if you want more suggestions! I used to work at a BnB so I’ve got years of suggestions.
  9. Laura January 19, 2018 at 10:32 am #
    I've been using the Manna Kadar eye candy shadow stick for upper lid shimmer/priming combo. I usually just blend it around with my fingers and stays put all day! https://www.amazon.com/Manna-Kadar-Cosmetics-Honey-Candy/dp/B073VCBSHL/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1516378940&sr=1-2-fkmr0&keywords=manna+kadar+eye+candy+priming I also impulse bought a little Tarte eye shadow palette at the Ulta checkout line a few years ago and have used it ever since! Love the mix of shimmer and matte brown tones which is what I gravitate towards. https://www.ulta.com/tartelette-tease-clay-eyeshadow-palette?productId=xlsImpprod13581249#
  10. Andrea Wimsatt January 19, 2018 at 10:36 am #
    NYX tinted brow mascara works perfectly and it’s inexpensive. L’Oréal Lash Paradise is a dupe for Too Faced “better than sex” mascara and is amazing! Drugstore products all the way
  11. Molly January 19, 2018 at 10:38 am #
    Rye, NH is so close to the cute city of Portsmouth, but also has amazing beaches! The Cape is amazing but definitely more expensive. Bar Harbor, ME is pretty far up but is so beautiful, and they have Acadia National Park! But the water will be COLD! Weekapaug, RI is a smaller part of Westerly and is on the RI/CT border, so you can take lots of day trips. Lots of good options!
  12. Bex January 19, 2018 at 10:45 am #
    Midcoast Maine. Camden. Trust. I live in the Boston area and we took a family vacation up there a few years ago and almost stayed. GORGEOUS. Also, have you tried Bobbi Brown's Cream Shadow Stick? I love Sand Dune for a natural, slight shimmer, upper lid color. Super easy to apply, too.
  13. Anonymous January 19, 2018 at 11:07 am #
    I have had good luck with the bareminerals eyeshadows: https://www.bareminerals.com/eye-makeup/eyeshadow/ready-8.0-power-neutrals-eyeshadow-palette/US75771.html I watched the show the Affair and wanted to visit Montauk although it is very touristy.
  14. pamela January 19, 2018 at 12:16 pm #
    We lived in Mystic CT for awhile (married 18 yrs to a submarine guy). This time of year Mystic is not busy at all. The Mystic Aquarium is right there, very popular. Mystic Seaport might be too cold this time of year, but neat along the water, they do have a children's museum the kids can pretend play within doing cooking/boating). Noank is right next to Mystic, which is neat to travel downtown Noank and see the sweet historic houses. There's an old restaurant in Noank, breakfast is delicious Carson's store (been open since 1907). The historic library on Library Street in Mystic is wonderful to take the children through. The children's librarian Roberta is a doll. Upper level of the library is cool (inexpensive chess board upstairs by one of the windows, another upper level window which if you peak out can view downtown Mystic from a far). Our girls loved to sneak up there and play a game since it's out of the way and on one could see them. The Mystic bookstore (Bank Square Books) also lovely! The same owner also renovated Savoy bookstore a short 15-20 minute drive away http://www.banksquarebooks.com/westerly-store. Lovely quaint children's department in the lower level, even a little tuck away that ours loved to be loud within. Tasty Mexican restaurant down from the Westerly, RI Savoy bookstore. Mystic has a ton of restaurants; Red 36 is where we hosted a military function once, it overlooks the Mystic River. Just taking the kids downtown Mystic to watch the drawbridge and get a scope of ice cream from Drawbridge Ice Cream would put a smile on our kids faces. S&P Oyster Co is right there by the drawbridge as is Latitudes 41. Go Fish Restaurant has the best sushi (if it re-opened). Captain Daniel Packer Inne we used to walk to the basement Pub (kids are good down there, they have tables), which was fun when no one else could get into town from snowy weather. There is some dinosaur park, a bit from Mystic http://naturesartvillage.com/the-dinosaur-place/ which has a nice little tour indoors for kids. There is a bunch around that area if it's new that is fun to give a peak. Here's a listing: https://www.familyvacationcritic.com/mystic-ct-family-vacation/dat/ Mango's pizza in Olde Mistick Village is fun as is their coffee shop and ice cream shops right next door. The Cider Mill is also mentioned in the link, that's close and tasty to go fetch a warm apple cider and cider donut! Hubby also lived in Portsmouth, NH when our children and I lived in Mystic. Portsmouth was wonderful!! The President of the Chamber of Commerce (Valerie) is lovely as is other members that work within the Strawberry Banke Museum - that city is extremely welcoming and fun downtown! Restaurants a bit less up that way. Our favorite up there was Surf on the spendy side and Loco Tacos, as was Lil's Cafe (donuts to die for) ... pizza place right here, juice bar (so I could get my celery juice while on travel) The Works Bakery Cafe, Anju Noodle Bar. All very quaint (Portsmouth is about 2.5 hours from Mystic). The quaintness is just lovely especially this cooler time of year! Enjoy
  15. pamela January 19, 2018 at 12:17 pm #
    Sorry that's long, feel free to delete it after you grab any info!
  16. Sydney Ryanczak January 19, 2018 at 3:13 pm #
    YES on the weird handshake, "Do I play along?" scenario! LOL!! Brow pencils: NYX micro pencil in taupe...it's universally flattering and $10! My other fav pencil is by iT cosmetics:Universal Brow Power in taupe as well but its like $24. I also like Maybelline brow mascara. I wrote a whole blog post on brows because I'm a weirdo about brows :) Your skin is beautiful...off to read your other post!
  17. lisatberry January 19, 2018 at 6:04 pm #
    I live in CT but Wells Maine is the best...you would love it..great beaches both sandy and rocky..tons of great seafood..light houses to explore so much to do and affordable.
  18. Nicole Goldstein January 19, 2018 at 7:14 pm #
    A lot of the places being named actually are a bit touristy, especially in the summer, but they are all still beachy, coastal, and nice! Look into Manchester-by-the-Sea (I didn't name it...) or Gloucester, Massachusetts. A little less of a tourist area, especially Manchester, definitely some great beaches, close to Rockport, and plenty of tinier towns around with farmer's markets, wineries, and kid-friendly stuff! Happy to give more info if you're interested! Ooo, check out the movie Manchester-by-the-sea also! (Ugh, those hyphens.) Michelle Williams is in it, and it's no Dawson's Creek, but will give you an idea of the area.
  19. Kristen Anderson January 20, 2018 at 6:59 am #
    I live in Niantic CT and many towns in this section of the state (Mystic, Old Saybrook too) are charming, coastal and affordable. They’re also really close to other coastal NE areas (Newport, Narragansett, Block Island, even the Cape) so you could day trip but not spend as much as if you were living there. Niantic has a really nice Main St with lots of shops and restaurants, a parade on July 4 and a huge food/vendor festival in July with fireworks. Highly recommend. Good luck!
  20. Katy January 20, 2018 at 8:03 pm #
    Okay, You HAVE TO check this place out: http://hiramblake.com/visit-cottages/moss-wood/ My family has been going there for decades and the owners (who I know personally) are the sweetest. We even hosted a family reunion there. There are other cottages but that link is to the most amazing house that would be perfect for a month (the others are more rustic). It is right on the ocean, you can rent kayaks or sailboats, and it's idyllic. I super promise. Maine is the absolute best in the summer (can't hold a candle to NH)! Plus, this isn't touristy. Bar Harbor is cute but super touristy. If you do this rental, adorable (non-touristy) towns are nearby too like Rockland and Stonnington.
  21. Adriana Ortiz January 20, 2018 at 8:52 pm #
    What helps my lashes have the most length is a primer- I use origins underwear for lashes but my friends have used other brands and been pleased. I use trish mcevoy mascara and sometimes layer it with tarteist lash paint mascara.
  22. Klara Donovan January 22, 2018 at 1:13 am #
    Excuse me while I just get lost in that stunning picture of the perfect 30-day seaside trip...
  23. Simone January 22, 2018 at 7:54 am #
    If you go to Wilmington, North Carolina that is RIGHT by where some Nicholas Sparks films were filmed (I think it is Southport that has the one with Julianne Hough in it). My husband and I went to Cape May (New Jersey) last year and I loved it so much. But it is probably a lot smaller area than you are looking for (and you have to pay to get on the beach - weird!). I live in Virginia and I would say DO NOT go to Virginia Beach!! If you did Connecticut you could totally act like you are in episodes of the Gilmore Girls and have pretend sitings of Luke. So that's a win.
  24. Ashley S January 26, 2018 at 3:47 pm #
    I've lived in Camden, Maine for pretty much my entire life, almost 20 years now. It's so beautiful but definitely touristy during the summer. If you're going to do midcoast Maine I'd stay somewhere in Lincolnville or Hope, very close to the ocean and large lakes nearby. Small town living at its finest. There's also more down in southern Maine, Portland area, where my husband and I are moving to in August. It's a fantastic city, you could stay somewhere outside of there like Cape Elizabeth! There's Old Orchard Beach which is like a small version of Cony Island with a boardwalk and ferris wheel/games. There are also so many incredible concerts during the summer in Portland as well! I think you'd love all of the unique stores, food, and vibe of Portland! There's also lots of stuff for kiddos to do as well. Hope to run into you if you do come up this way! :)

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