One Wish for My Birthday!

The Brave and Often Unsung Heroes…. Our Service Men and Women!

Chances are you know someone who served our country; have you thanked them? Far too often we fail to recognize what really matters in this world. We take for granted our “creature comforts” without ever really stopping to think about why we have them. We can go to the store whenever the mood strikes and buy whatever we want or dine out in a 5 star restaurant because a solider fought to give us this right. We live in a capitalist society that allows us these luxuries because someone’s husband, wife, brother or sister laid down their life to give us the right. We are basically free to do what we want and it is because of the brave men and women who fight to protect us and our freedom!

I met someone last weekend that inspired me with his selflessness and bravery. His sheer willingness to enlist in the army just to ensure the safe return of the men and women of the United States Military made me believe in humanity again!

With all the news of wars and people killing each other under the banner of God in order to gain control and make more money than they need, I can’t help but feel that the fate of mankind is bleak, but because of people like this brave solider I have hope once again!

After hearing this man’s incredible story, I’ve decided that I can no longer sit and just listen to these stories on the news and feel heartbreak and anger. My new motto in life is “Be the change you wish to see”! If these soldiers’ are willing to lay down their lives to protect me, I am going to do everything I can to make sure they know how much I appreciate what they have done for us!

As some of you may know, I will be turning 30 in a few days. As my only birthday wish I am asking all my friends to pay it forward. I have done some research and found two wonderful organizations that you can make a small donation to. The details of these organizations and the wonderful services they provide for our troops are listed below.

Thank you for reading and I do hope you can help me in my quest to make a difference in the lives of those who put themselves on the line.

Give peace of mind and help a soldier stationed overseas talk to their loved ones by clicking here: http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/shippingLabel_generic.html

Donate A Phone

It's simple and FREE! Every phone you donate will help increase the amount of talk time we're able to provide to our troops!

Cell Phones for Soldiers hopes to turn old cell phones into more than 12 million minutes of prepaid calling cards for U.S. troops stationed overseas.

Help to keep the USO in the business of sending care packages and providing other types of assistance by clicking here:

http://www.uso.org/

Illuminating Moisturizers: My Top Three Picks

My skin is far from perfect and therefore I have to use a little more than just a tinted moisturizer. So when my dear friend Carrie asked me to do some research, I thought it might be useful to see which ones have the best coverage, as well as giving your skin that youthful glow.

My third pick was chosen because it is a great product if you’re on a budget. This product provides the perfect balance of moister, sunscreen, and illumination. You may still need a touch of concealer, if you have problem areas like I do, but it is lightweight and gives you a nearly flawless appearance.

Pick # 3: Stila Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer

My second pick was chosen because I couldn’t leave out the brand that is most near and dear to my heart…. I use nearly everything this particular brand has to offer and I have never been disappointed, especially by the POREfessional. If you don’t already use it, you should be!

But enough about that…. This moisturizer has anti-aging properties, such as Vitamin A and Vitamin E, which are essential in fighting against the elements that wreak havoc on our delicate skin.

Pick # 2: You Rebel SPF Tinted Moisturizer

Drum roll, please…..

My first pick was chosen because it has the best coverage. And while I still had to use a little concealer— when used with the hydrating primer—it gives an almost airbrushed look. It comes in three shades which should make it easy for everyone to find that perfect match. It is also SPF 20 which will protect the skin from UV damage while giving you a healthy youthful radiant glow.

# 1 Pick: Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

Use with: Laura Mercier Hydrating Foundation Primer

In conclusion, these topical treatments will give you a wonderful youthful radiant glow, but it is only temporary. The only way to achieve a permanent look of true radiance is thorough proper nutrition and diet. Nothing beats a good sweat and a serving of omega 3 fatty acids, daily!

Newly Single and Dating Again!

There is something to be said about the grieving period of a dead relationship. I, however consistently make bad decisions in that arena and so , true to character, I decided to dive head first back into the proverbial dating pool. I am not sure what was worse, spending the entire evening comparing the sweet new guy to the old “not so sweet” but oh so desirable ex, or the burnt turkey burger he (sweet new guy) served me on an over-processed generic white sesame seed bun…!

While my head is still in compare and contrast mode…. Shall we?

Guy A: Sharp shooter who is defiantly into breaking hearts and thinks the world revolves around him. A self-serving hunter with a sleazy one-track-mind! Often, there was little space left for me after he and his ego entered the room. Defiantly has a chip on the shoulder, but when we were alone he was the sweetest man you could ever hope to share the company of. Driven and ambitious with a heart of gold that I often said was surrounded by the great wall. Which was appropriate since the majority of our relationship was spent with him living in China! Tender, kind, and sincere until he got hungry or something else pissed in his Fruit Loops!

Guy B: Not the one, but a nice break from all the bullshit. He is nice on the eyes, cute smile, and salt & pepper George Clooney hair, which I am a big fan of. If Chris Daughtry and Timothy Olyphant had a baby…! He really is yummy, but seemingly lacks ambition, direction, and goals. On the plus side he is adventurous, but he also said he was good in bed. And any self-promoting “sex God” usually isn’t… ugh! He invited me on a camping trip in Napa Valley, but….. Wait for it…..with his parents! OY VEY!

Guy B scored major points with me when he asked me if I wanted to go on a walk through the park… cute, right! Short lived because when I got there he nixed the walk and decided we would hang at his place and drink wine (we all know what that means)! He might have had a chance if he played is cards right, I’m just sayin’! I decided that since I got all dolled up I would indulge him. If I had known that I would be served a burnt turkey burger on over-processed white sesame seed bun with generic cheese and a side of spinach with stale tortilla chips I would have stayed home. Hell, I have four pounds of turkey burger and a fabulous salad chillin’ right here! He was filled with great conversation though and again, easy on the eyes, which almost made up for the lack of originality on our first and probably only date!

My conclusion, this dating thing is overrated, until I meet that man who shakes me to the core, if he is out there… back to the drawing board.

Goodnight and sweet dreams!