Ask Me Anything QandA

Thank you everyone who asked me a question on my Ask Me Anything post. So many great ones, I couldn't wait to post this! The questions ranged from all kinds of topics, some of them really made me think! I feel like we're all girlfriends, just gabbing. Let's get this QandA party started!

Kathy S: What/who are your inspirations in life and for your blog?

My blog inspiration comes from everywhere really! My friends, the magazines I subscribe to (InStyle, Glamour, People Stylewatch), Pinterest, fashion/beauty trends, and my everyday life. If there's something I enjoy, I want to share it with everyone. I've been known to send out emails/texts about new products/sales so this blog is my perfect platform.

In life, my inspirations would have to be the women in my family. They're so loving, smart, creative, caring, and strong. Each woman brings something to my life, my aunts, sister, mom, grandmothers, and my in-laws. I'm so very blessed to have such amazing women in my life.

Kate: From 1st course to last, what is your all-time favorite meal? 

This question was one of the hardest! I just love food, it's delicious and a great way to spend time with loved ones. It's so hard to choose just one meal, so I cheated a little bit and went with a feast. For appetizers, I love chips and salsa/guacamole, brie cheese and crackers, a wedge salad, a nice filet mignon medium rare, with a side of bbq'd zuchini and steamed broccoli. For dessert, I love apple or banana milkshakes.

Cassie: What is your profession?

I just started a new position as a Customer Service representative for a large bank (I don't want to give the company name for privacy, if you'd like to know, email me and I'll be happy to tell you) and I love it! I'm one of the people who answer your 1-800 calls. I've never been happier with a job before either! I've worked 2-3 jobs simultaneously since I was 16 and have never felt so satisfied with a company before. The people I work with are wonderful, the atmosphere is professional, fun, and inspiring. My only regret is that I didn't start here sooner!

Casey: What was one thing you would change about your wedding day if you could?

If I could change one thing, it would be that we hired multiple photographers. The husband and I paid for the wedding ourselves and only had a budget for one photographer, but if money was no object I would have hired three.

When do you think you and your hub will try for kids?

The hubs and I can't wait to start our family and we get asked about it all the time. Any time I'm feeling under the weather everyone at work automatically thinks I must be preggers. It's so funny! We actually won't be trying to start our family until next summer. Oh, and we want three kids. :D

Where do you buy the majority of your clothes?

I buy most of my clothes from Nordstrom and Forever 21. I find a bunch of basics from Target as well.


Heather: I always love to hear a little more about blogger's daily lifestyles.
Do you work out? If so how often?

I do, but I've been on and off about working out regularly. I like to work in the morning and I'll go 4 times a week solid for a while, will take one week off and it will take me months to get back in the habit. I could work out at night, but I get home late (8pm) and just want to unwind, get some chores done, and get ready for the next day. Working out at night is going to be one of my new years resolutions though!

If so what's your workout regimen?

I'll typically do 20-30 minutes of cardio (either the treadmill or elliptical)  followed by 20 minutes of weight training.

Do you follow a strict diet?

Absolutely not. I eat everything, but do try to eat on the healthier side with lots of veggies and fruit.

Cook at home or eat out mostly? 

We mostly cook at home. My husband and I grew up in homes where our mothers cooked everyday, so we're trying to follow suit. I think it's healthier and most cost-effective. A typical dinner is chicken, veggies, and macaroni and cheese. If it's a later night for us, (I typically get home just before 8pm) and my husband also had to work, he'll bring food from Outback home, their wedge salad and a prime rib.I also pack a lunch every day for work, sandwiches, leftovers, protein shakes, fruit, PB crackers, and string cheese is pretty typical.

Oh and I'd love to see a video on your day-to-day hair and make-up routine 

I usually wear my hair curled every day, here is my video on how I curl it. Curling it takes me just as long as straightening it, but I've found that my hair lasts for more days without washing it when I wear it curled.

I've been asked a few times about my day-to-day make-up routine, so a video is on it's way!

Natalie H: If you were stranded on an island, What Five Beauty - Must- Haves would you want with you? 

Love this question! I'd definitely bring and eyelash curler, mascara, pink blush, chapstick, and a nude lipgloss. These are all my everyday things and make the biggest difference in making my look come together.

Natasha XOXO: I'd love to read about your daily skin care routine; products you use and why; products you've used in the past and why you don't use them!

First, my skin is pretty normal, not oily, but I do have some sensitivity from childhood Eczema. For make-up removal I use Clean and Clear Makeup Dissolving Foaming Cleanser. This is so hard to find in stores- I think it may have been discontinued, so I bought in bulk online. If anyone has any similar products, I'd love to find a substitute! L'Oreal Go 360 Cleanser for Sensitive Skin. this wash is gentle and gets a lot of make-up off, plus I love the scrub pad. I follow that up with Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner, toner is always mentioned in magazines so I swooped this up a few years ago and never looked back. It smells nice, doesn't sting, and although I've never had an issue with an even skin tone, I think this helps maintain mine. When that dries I moisturize using Oil of Olay Complete for Sensitive Skin, and Mary Kay Timewise Firming Eye Cream. I love these moisturizers because their great for sensitive skin, they're not too thick or runny and they absorb into my skin pretty fast.

I use these products everyday and love them. They're a perfect fit for my skin, not oily or drying and have helped me to keep an even skin tone. I've heard that it's best to use products from the same line because they're meant to work together, but I can't imagine giving one of these up. Maybe as my needs change as I age I'll slowly make my way into all Mary Kay or Oil of Olay.

I've used these items for years that I don't even remember what I used before! I've know I used Clean and Clear face washes and now that I'm older I don't think I really need them anymore, a simple cleanser does the trick. Also, I used to use St. Ives Apricot scrub and haven't bought it since college. I think I would still use it though if I felt my skin changes and I get oilier.

Better Off Med: What is the best compliment you've ever received from someone? 

The best compliment I've ever received was an email someone close to me sent asking how I keep such a happy disposition despite trials and roller coasters I've been through. It was such a heartfelt and personal email, I've saved it and have read it over and over again. By nature, I've always been a glass is half-full type of person, I mean if you can't change something, at least make the best of it. Plus, I believe that happiness is a choice, it's important to focus on what you have been given and what you're capable of changing. For most choices, I'd rather be happy than right/sad/mad/or depressed so I choose to count my blessings and see the silver lining in life.

Kelley: If you could raid any celebrity's closet whose would it be? 

This is such a great question!! And oh so hard! After much thought, I'd have to choose Blake Lively. That girl is super fashionable, has friends in all the right places, and I'm also assuming that whoever's closet I chose their clothes would magically look just as good on me. :D

Thanks again to everyone who sent me a question! I had a ton of fun answering these. If you think of another question, leave me one below and I will respond via comments.

Love you ladies! Hope everyone has a great last week before the holiday!