Anthropolgie

I left my old job over a year ago because I could no longer fulfill my duties as a result of my back issues. I never thought that when I was ready to return to work it would take me one year to find one. I spent so many hours looking online, revamping my resume, and emailing companies explaining how I was qualified and perfect for the job. I had a few interviews but no company made me an offer. I reached the point of desperation and I was willing to accept any job and almost any pay. "Vacation time" was coming to a halt and the reality that I needed a job now was creeping up on me. I was discouraged and frustrated. I really began turning to God during this time, after my mom and closest friends had encouraged me to do so, I finally handed over the worrying to Him and allowed Him to take control of our need. I knew in my heart that He was preparing something for me, I never thought it would be this perfect. Matt and I were at Fashion Island on a Saturday with family visiting from Boston and like always I forced Matt into my favorite store there! Anthropologie is the most feel good, unique, warm, and charming store there is. When ever I am there I am happy and inspired. We walked in and Matt pointed out the Now Hiring, please see manager sign on the door and I began envying the girls working at Anthropologie. I knew I had nothing to lose by introducing myself to the manager and asking how I could go about applying for the position. I handed my coffee to Matt and he wished me good luck. The manager I met was so nice and helpful, she redirecting me to their website where their career search was and took my name down to "keep an eye out for my application." I thought that was a pretty good sign but I was not getting my hopes up about this, I know how many girls would love to work at Anthropologie and I assumed they had hundreds of applicants way more qualified than me. (I have no retail experience) I applied anyways and waited a couple of days before calling the store to follow up, the manager I spoke to that day on the phone encouraged me to keep calling back until I could get a hold of the first manager I met the day I was in the store. When I finally did speak with her, she invited me out for a group interview that coming week. I was so thrilled but held some of it back, knowing that they offer group interviews to large amounts of applicants to weed out the weaker ones. I shined bright during the group interview and felt so confident, I was so motivated and on fire because of the sweet words of my family and friends, I really knew they were all rooting me on and praying for me. That night I received an email saying that I was moving to the next step in the interviewing process and I needed to fill out an ethics survey. Within a couple of days of taking the survey I was contacted by a manager to come in for a second interview. I couldn't believe I had passed the first couple of steps and that they wanted some one on one time with me. The second interview was so casual, it was like talking to a friend. As she introduced herself she asked me to take a few minutes and pick out and arrange a Spring outfit. I was unfamiliar with the current collection but made my way around the store looking for pieces that would impress them and show them that I had good taste and that I know what I am talking about! I basically picked out what I would personally wear and she was definitely impressed, so impressed that she had me wait while she grabbed her phone so she could take a picture of it. That really made me feel a lot more confident during the interview. She shared that she was so impressed with my answers and even said that the first manager I met with had really liked me and passed on that she would love me as well! We were coming to the end of the interview and she asked if I had any questions, I asked a few. She then offered me the job. Those words were so unexpected but they filled me with such joy and relief! I immediately realized that God had been preparing this for me, all along I thought I would end up with just what I needed at an office sitting at a desk all day, working for a company that didn't inspire me but paid the bills. Here God was giving me more than what my heart desired. I now get to work for a company that truly cares about their employees and really inspires them in more ways than just fashion. God gave me what I needed and what I wanted! I am so thankful, every single day!

Horse Races

We visited the Santa Anita Race Track today and had such a blast. I love gambling and I love animals. The sport combines the two. I don't know anything about horse races so I based all of my bets on horses who's names I liked. We walked away with $18 total in winnings. Matt and I talked about wanting to go back, it was a beautiful race track and well maintained for having been built in the 1930's.

Have you ever been to the horse races? Have you ever won money?

Beatriz

"Empties"

I've gathered enough empty products to make an "empties" post! If don't know what that is, let me tell you! I'm going to share some products that I've used the very last drop of and I'll tell you a little bit about their purpose, also whether or not I plan on buying it again. I like watching "empties" videos on YouTube so I thought I could transition that into a post of my own. If you have any questions about any of the products, let me know in the comments. Anything I write about these products is strictly my opinion or experience, if you happen to try any of this stuff remember that we are all very different and what works for me may not work for you. Enjoy.


Mac Brush Cleaner. Pros: It is a versatile product, perfect for spot cleaning brushes, my white haired brushes prove how well it works. It breaks down gel eyeliner from brushes very easily. The second use is for weekly deep cleaning, with a small amount in your hand it foams and breaks down all color and product from brushes. It cleans, disinfects, and conditions brushes. It is great for cleaning a beauty blender as well. I would recommend it to anyone who uses many makeup brushes on a daily basis. I have repurchased my 3rd bottle.

Oscar Blandi Pronto Gloss Instant Glossing Cream. Pros: This cream does a great job at controlling fly aways and frizz. Use dry or wet, before or after styling. Gives your hair shine without looking greasy or heavy. Helped give my curls definition and smoothed them out. I use it on it's own when I want to air dry my locks, leaves my hair feeling soft. Cons: Even with short hair I felt I had to use more than the recommend amount. I would recommend it for people with wavy or curly hair for a very light hold, I would not recommend it to people with thin or straight hair. I may buy it again when I use up another product I am trying,

Deva Curl No Poo. Pros: Perfect shampoo for naturally curly hair. Replenishes moisture to damaged hair. This shampoo gave my curls life and redefined them. It does not lather therefore does not strip your hair. Man Friendly. Sulfate free. Cons: The "no lather" takes a bit to get use to. I would recommend curly hair only. I don't think I will be buying it again any time soon since I have not been wearing my hair natural as of lately.

Redken Powder Refresh Dry Shampoo. Pros: Aerosol spray, easy to use. Perfect for in between washes. The smell is refreshing. Does not leave a gray cast on your hair. Cons: not a spray and go kind of product, you must rub it into your scalp to absorb the oil. I would recommend this to everyone who gets greasy hair in between washes. I have already purchased 3 bottles when on sale at ULTA so I am good for a while, and when those are done I do plan on repurchasing.

Laura Mercier Face Polish. Pros: Creamy scrub with lots microbeads, little to no smell. Exfoliates skin by removing the top layer of dead skin. Leaves my skin very smooth. Okay for my sensitive skin, can be used with a Clarisonic brush. Cons: expensive for a 3.4 oz bottle ($30). I would recommend to everyone because I believe that it is one of the best textured exfoliators out there. I have already invested in a much larger bottle (6.8 oz $42)

St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse. Pros: Safe tanning option. Great smell! Natural color. Mousse texture makes it easy to apply and see where you are applying. Dries in 60 seconds (so work fast!) Cons: That great smell wears off a couple hours later and you are left with the faint smell of that typical sunless tanning. Expensive. Maybe not good for beginners. I would recommend it for spring & summer tanning. I did repurchase a larger bottle. I'm definitely going to be tan this spring!

Degree Clinical Protection Deodorant: Pros: Motion Sense actually worked while I was being very active at the gym. Great smelling options. Didn't stain my clothes. Cons: It recommends 2 clicks for application and I think that is way too much. I'm good with just one. I would recommend it for anyone, especially those who work out or are highly physically active. Have already repurchased it, but trying a new scent.

Origins Starting Over Age-Erasing Eye Cream. Pros: Origins is known for their natural and plant ingredients in their products, which I really appreciate. It is for both morning and night. Creamy and feels like it moisturizes instantly. I did notice it help fine lines around the corners of my eyes. Cons: Seemed like it did all it could, only helped fine lines so much and that was it. I would recommend it to those who find they don't need too much help with wrinkles but want to be proactive about fighting against future aging. I will not be repurchasing it.

Soap & Glory Flake Away. Pros: Amazing smell! Creamy and moisturizing body scrub. Leaves skin feeling smooth and soft. Did I already mention how wonderful it smells?! Cons: It smells so good I want to eat it. I would recommend it to anyone who likes nice smelling body products. I have already repurchased another tub and plan on buying it forever.

Let me know if there's any questions you have about these products or if you decided to go out and get any of them, then let me know how you like them.

Beatriz

Living With Chronic Pain

It's 11:07 pm and it is the fourth or fifth day I have spent in its entirety, in bed. Today was the best day in all of this since I chose to be productive rather than wallow in my pain and frustrations. I got up and moved around the house more. I watched a movie in the living room, (lying down of course) I took a tiny walk outside to check on the hummingbird who built its nest on one if our wind chimes (she is safe despite the strong winds of today) I even went out to dinner to celebrate my mother in laws birthday and managed to sit for about 45 minutes. That's a huge accomplishment. I was a bit uncomfortable and started feeling some pain but I made it through, got home & immediately laid down. I suffer from chronic low back pain and sciatica which is caused by my herniated L5-S1 disc and its stage of degenerative disc disease. Most of you may know bits and pieces of the different therapies I have undergone to control my pain and ability to function properly like the 25 year old that I am. I don't want to say that those things have failed but I suppose that when you're dealing with chronic pain, there aren't too many successful procedures. I've relied thus far on exercise, stretching, and when extremely necessary, narcotics. The pain has been with me for almost two years now and after 1 spinal epidural, dozens of physical therapy visits, adjustments, spinal decompress sessions, & prescription drugs, I have continued to deal with this annoying pain. A few days ago I began having this excruciating pain down my left leg. The pain was familiar and I knew that it was my sciatic nerve acting up. I brushed it off and went to the gym. Bad idea! 15 minutes later we were on our way home and I was begging for an ice pack. I didn't get up for four days after that. Walking to the restroom was a challenge, but worse was having to sit down. Somewhere in between I went to see my old pain management doctor and I was prepared to move forward with a more aggressive treatment. He recommended a more centralized injection into my nerve that would block the pain down my leg and in my low back. On the side I will be taking Neurontin (which is a nerve pain reliever) Percocet (everyone knows what that is) & Somas. (for helping me sleep, which right now is not proving to be effective) Now it is just a matter of waiting for my insurance to authorize the injection and I'm ready to go. This experience has really encouraged me to share with friends and family the importance of taking care of your back. Our spines are so delicate. Of course they are strong and hold the rest of our body up, but they are fragile and need our care. I would not wish this on my worst enemy, so please friends, take care of your back; sit with appropriate posture, always support your lumbar spine, do exercises to strengthen your core muscles and hamstrings, be at a healthy weight for your height and age, always pick up heavy things using your legs and not your back, don't let friends crack your back, flex your stomach muscles when standing for long periods of time, wear good shoes that have good arch support. There are dozens of steps you can take to take care of your body. At 25 years old I am realizing how important it is to take care of our bodies now and not down the line when it is more difficult or painful to fix. If you read this far, I applaud you. Take care of yourselves my friends.

Beatriz

My Passion

The other day I read a really cool article about doing what we are passionate about. It wasn't your typical inspirational do what you're passionate about article, it was a lot more honest and realistic. Yes everyone deserves to do what they love and are passionate about but not all are able to. There are plenty of life occurrences that hinder us from being our dream person with our dream career. Since I have been evaluating my career options, I know what I am passionate about and what I dream of doing. But even if I don't become a Veterinarian, Zoologist, or an Animal Behaviorist, I can still do what I am passionate about. I am so passionate about working with animals. I am passionate about educating pet owners and modeling a responsible way of taking care of their animals. I am passionate about bringing an end to disgusting people who are involved in dog fighting. I am passionate about being an advocate for animals who have been mistreated, neglected, and abandoned. I feel okay about not doing what I am passionate about as my career. I know that a lot can happen from here until then that may keep me from fully pursuing it. But if that is not the case, I am ready to work towards that now. I am young and I have time on my side. If I still end up being a Phlebotomy Technician I would be happy to have succeeded at anything. Being a Phlebotomy Tech might mean that I would not become an Animal Behaviorist or an Animal Advocate with a title, but I will still hold on to my passions and make them apart of my life on nights and weekends.

Beatriz

What's Keeping Our Lives Busy

It's been quite some time hasn't it? Our lives are getting busier and I'm really enjoying it. There are a few big things happening currently that I'd like to share. The biggest of them is Matt beginning nursing school sooner than we thought he would and finishing sooner than we thought as well. We are both so happy that this ball is rolling and that Matt is a big step closer to becoming a Nurse.

I on the other hand have yet to decide what I want to do for the rest of my life. I have been in a pretty difficult and demanding history class for almost two months and I have really proven to be a good student. (except right now I should be reading. oops) I have received several compliments from my professor and received an A+ on my first exam. (90% of the class got D's. eek.) I think I am a lot smarter than I ever gave myself credit for. I was an average student in high school, mostly because I didn't apply myself and completed the bare minimum just to be done and get out, I suppose I associated that with not being capable of being an A student! I have obviously matured since then and realize how important an education is, because of that I believe it is what makes me such a good student. Matt's words have really convinced me that I can do or be anything I want. Everyone tells you that when you're young, rarely as a 25 year old who has already attended 2 years of college for something you don't see yourself doing anymore and spent the time after that working entry level jobs. I wouldn't take back the route I chose to take after high school, I gained a lot of experience and learned many different skills, that I hope will help me find a job soon. When I think of long term for me there are a few things I can really see myself doing. Up until now I didn't think I had the brains, but now I know that I need to apply myself and be dedicated to learning if I am going to succeed.

We're getting close to moving out of Matt's parents house! We are officially debt free as of last month and it has been great watching us save money. I've never been able to save money, I am so glad that Matt is so good with finances. Once we meet our goal we're outa here!

Matt and I have been a one car family for a few months now and it has been challenging at times but never a real problem. Now that he'll be starting school (and hopefully I find a job) we're definitely going to need another car. This is probably the biggest dilemma because Matt wants a Prius and I want a Subaru. Another option that is still on the table is getting a scooter, for shorter distance driving. We both like the idea of having a scooter but I really want a new car! I hope we can make up our minds soon.

That's what's keeping The Morins busy these days. Hope you're having fun with your busy days!

Beatriz

Turning A New Page

One year & one month ago I made the decision to live healthier & lose weight. My doctor had just informed my that my blood test showed I had high cholesterol & high triglycerides which put me at a high risk for heart disease; heart attack & stroke. Those are some scary words & as a then 24 year old it was a difficult diagnose to swallow. It was unexpected. After that I really put all of my energy into exercise & eating healthier. I thought that I could lower my cholesterol the natural way. To my surprise it helped a little bit. In September I followed up with new blood work & my results showed that my triglycerides went from 262 to 143, my LDL (bad cholesterol) from 150-149 & my HDL (good cholesterol) had gone down even lower (not a good thing) numbers were weird & still not healthy but I was so happy that with my lifestyle change I was able to lower my bad numbers, even if just by a little bit. Over the last 5 months I have lost some weight but mostly have maintained. I am ready to go further  & meet my goal weight. Today I signed up for Weight Watchers. My great friend Amber (& others I know) have had such a great success with this program. So today I turned a new page on this journey to being healthier & more fit. I've missed the gym for a few weeks because of pneumonia but I am ready to get back tomorrow. This process has been a roller coaster no doubt! This one year & one month has left me feeling successful & proud of myself. So far I have lost 25 pounds but plan to lose another 19 pounds. Although it did take me a long time to lose the weight, I am happy that I did it at my pace, the way that it worked for me, & with the support of my husband, family, & friends. I will soon be getting new blood work to determine how much this weight loss has helped lower my LDL cholesterol. I am confident & ready to take on this new challenge. 

Are you taking on any new challenges health wise? What are some of your successes? 

Beatriz
  

What's In My Cross Body Bag

My best friend Alycia inspired me with a What's in your bag mama? post where she emptied out her bag & exposed its contents. I've seen some of my favorite makeup gurus making videos like this on YouTube & although my bag is no where as exciting as theirs or Alycia's, I thought it would be a fun thing to share. I am really surprised how little I keep in my bag these days. I switched from a large Michael Kors bag to a smaller cross body bag I just bought by Giani Bernini that doesn't fit as much, which I like, but might make it a little boring. Without further ado, the stuff in my bag currently.

• Coach Sunglasses- these shades are new & I am loving them at the moment.
• Korres Lip Butter- in pomegranate has a slight tint & great moisture for my lips
• Rimmel Lipstick - number 103 Kate Moss line
• Smashbox Lipstick- in the color Melodrama
• NYX Lipgloss- in the color Beige, weird name since its more of a pink.
• Mac & Jac Wallet- I have so many membership & points cards from several stores, currently no cash :(
• Sharpie Pen- my favorite pen to write with, perfect thickness & smooth (yes I care about it that much)
• Inhaler- used it a lot while I had pneumonia, & now I use it when I feel I'm not breathing as well
• Tissues- because I'm still coughing a lot & no one likes a person who coughs into their hands

My bag contents are always changing, sometimes I have 5 lipsticks at a time because I forget to take them out, luckily today I only had 2. My shades are probably the most necessary to have at all times, what do you have to carry in your bag at all times? Share in your comments or make a What's In My Bag post of your own. Have a good day.

Beatriz

My Pneumonia Adventure

The last several weeks have been full of lives distractions. I'm all for a change every once in a while but it didn't seem like we had any sort of routine going, it was a tad bit overwhelming. The biggest downer was me getting sick. First I thought I had the flu, I had all of the symptoms but around the 3rd day I began getting this really bad cough & it was making it impossible for me to sleep. Fever was high & body aches ravaged through my body day & night. I decided to see my doctor, mainly to see if he could give me anything to help me sleep. He sent me home with Tamiflu, Benzonatate (to help control the urge to cough) & some cough syrup with codeine which was suppose to help me sleep. It didn't of course, so a few days after that I found myself in the ER with a high fever (still!) a cough that wouldn't quit & made my head feel like it would explode if I coughed one more time, & a lack of sleep that really brought me down. Still they sent me home with pain killers for my headache, an inhaler, & a few directions to getting better. After a couple of days more of spiking temperatures, night sweats, chills, headaches, coughing, I saw my primary doctor one last time... this time I demanded an X-Ray of my chest, I knew something did not feel right & I was tired of being sent home & told that I "just needed to ride out this flu." At this point (a little over a weeks time) I was feeling frustrated, emotional, anxious & fed up with the dozens of medications I've been using, I cried to my doctor & asked that he please order an X-Ray- so he did. I'm glad I did because the next day I received a call from my doctor & it turned out that indeed I had more than just this season's flu, I had pneumonia in my right lung. I cried when I heard him diagnose me. I think I was crying out of relief. He immediately sent a prescription for antibiotics to my pharmacy. I knew there was still a long road ahead to recovering completely. Today was my final day taking my antibiotics but only the 3rd day I have felt well enough to be out of the house enjoying life. Through all of this frustration & sickness I am very thankful for Matt who was there for me. He really went above & beyond to make sure I had everything I needed. He consistently asked how he could help me or make me more comfortable. He even took a couple of days off work during my worst days to keep me calm & relaxed. He brought me food in bed, made grocery store/food runs, drew me baths, & even rubbed my feet. He is the best. I love him so much.

Yoga

I think it's about time to share one of my newly accomplished goals. I have been wanting to try yoga for a very long time, my sister has been raving about it for over a year & even my doctors have recommended it for my back. It is really great that our gym has so many free classes to take at so many different times. Last night was the third yoga class I have attended but only the second class I've really enjoyed. There are several types of yoga & thousands of instructors that put their own twist on the practice. Some instructors share modifications & accommodate newcomers a little more than others. Modifications  are what I need since I am still so new. From what I have gathered so far, it is very important for your body & your back especially to practice yoga correctly as well as the modification poses correctly. Like any other exercise it is easy to hurt yourself if you practice incorrectly. I suspect that since the class is large it's not possible to give personal attention to all who need it & I think that is the only downfall to taking yoga at my gym. Eventually I would love to get a membership at a studio where I can really be taught & walked through difficult poses & stretches. For now I will continue attending at least twice every week. For over a year now I have focused on running & weightlifting, I still really enjoy it but I am happy to be adding something new to the mix. I know that it will pay off. Yoga is not easy, I am feeling the burn & working on muscles that I wouldn't typically focus on during weight training. The benefits of practicing yoga are many & I can't wait to experience them. My goal was simply to try yoga & I am happy to be sticking with it. Have you tried anything new thinking you wouldn't like it & turned out to love it? A food, an exercise, anything?

Beatriz

Green Smoothies

Depending on what you put in your smoothies you can get lots of vitamins, fiber & essential nutrients. There are many fruits, vegetables, & leafy greens that are perfect for smoothies. Do be careful of those that can be high in sugar & limit their amount. Personally I have found that when I have a smoothie for breakfast or lunch it gives me energy, keeps be full, & I feel good. I thought I would share a couple of combinations I have been using, really they are very similar versions so don't look too hard for their differences.

Yesterdays breakfast smoothie.

Smoothie #1
2 Handfuls of Spinach
1 Medium Naval Orange
1 Tablespoon of Chia Seeds
1 Cup of Carrot Juice
1 Small Banana

Smoothie #2
2 Handfuls of Spinach
1 Medium Naval Orange
2 oz of Fresh Pineapple Chunks (I weigh it)
1 Cup of Carrot Juice
1 Small Banana
1/2 Handful of Parsley


There are many other ingredients you can incorporate into your smoothie.
Flax seeds, Swiss Chard, Celery, Whole Carrots, Kiwi, Mint Leaves, Strawberries, Greek Yogurt, Blue Berries, Mango, Oats, Almonds, & Cucumber. That's just a few... & If you are afraid of a vegetable taste, don't worry, the fruit (especially banana) does a great job at masking the taste so you would have no idea you were eating handfuls of spinach! Do you like smoothies? Do you have a recipe? Feel free to share!!

Beatriz

Our Trip to Wrightwood

There is nothing more that I have wanted but to head up a mountain & play in the snow. Is it just me or do our winters seem to be getting warmer every year? Anyway, on Matt's day off this past Friday, he finally caved & took me to the mountains. We drove up the 15 to Wrightwood. A tiny town best known for it's Mt. High Resort. Cute little place with only a few shops & restaurants. We looked to Yelp for some guidance & found ourselves at The Grizzly Cafe for lunch, I had a really good Bloody Mary& fish & chips. Service was great, our server was the sweetest & so attentive. If you ever find yourself in Wrightwood, I recommend this place.

If you plan on visiting these snowy mountains this season I highly recommend a good jacket & gloves. Being from Orange County I yearn for a real Winter season & boy did I get that on this visit! Temperatures were in the high teens & my nose felt like it was going to fall off. I still enjoyed it so much. After lunch we drove around looking for a good spot to play & try building a snow man, that was a fail on account of the snow being pure powder & without good snow gloves our hands froze the instant we touched the cold snow. I had fun just being there with Matt, taking photos & holding on to my hot chocolate. We explored a few different places before heading back home. Here are some of the photos I took.

Getting ready to get out of the warm car & out to the cold

The road

Wrightwood, Ca

Matt next to a tree he really liked

My view of my feet

I tried throwing a snow ball at Matt but it just turned to dust in the wind (anyone get that reference?)

Matt & I really want to take up snowboarding. I have been a few times & really liked it so I can't wait to try it with him. We'll most likely wait for the next season so I am already looking forward to next winter. What are some of your favorite activities or favorite places to visit in the winter? Whatever it is you are doing, stay warm & drink lots of hot chocolate.

Beatriz

Matthew

It is the perfect time to tell you more about my husband Matt. Tomorrow is his birthday & I want to honor him by sharing the things I love most about him & the reasons I admire him so much.

1. He's adventurous & an explorer. One of my favorite things about my childhood was taking off for entire days with my dad to different parks & new places to explore. We would hike, climb trees, & explore cool scenery. When Matt & I started dating one of the first things we did was go on a hike together & that turned into a great bonding time for us. I like that he is open to sharing a passion of mine with me, & even more I love that he gets excited when we find cool rocks or animals like I do. I have so much fun exploring new places with him.

Here is Matt at Tenaja Falls, our favorite hiking trail.

2. He loves dogs & hates cats. “If you can look at a dog and not feel vicarious excitement and affection, you must be a cat.” Well he doesn't really hate cats but he is absolutely a dog lover. My heart belongs to Matt, but there is a huge part that belongs to dogs, especially Sofie. Sofie has also won Matt's heart & they are the best of friends. It takes someone with a big heart to love any animal, Matt has a big heart. 

Matt & Sofie, the best of pals, taking a nap.

3. He knows just how to make me smile & laugh. It didn't take long after meeting to show each other our silly side. It also didn't take long for me to realize how good it can be for a relationship to be silly more often than not. Laughter cures many things & he can really make a bad day seem better just by making a funny face.

What was meant to be a cute kissy picture while on our honeymoon, but I love him for it.

4. He loves my family & my family absolutely loves him. Matt loves my them as if they were his own blood & as if he's known them his whole life. I appreciate that he has loved & cared for my niece & nephew that way as well. They have a very special relationship that cannot be replicated. 

Matt & our niece & nephew playing Trouble, Christmas 2011

5. He is affectionate. I hope that I never ever take for granted the love he shows me every day. He loves me so much & he's not afraid to show me. 

My favorite is when he kisses my cheeks.

6. He is not afraid to try new things. Food, places, & activities, he'll try it! It is even better when he ends up really liking it but if he doesn't I know he will still try something new again. I think that because of this quality, our relationship is never boring.

Mole, one of the first new dishes Matt tried turned out to be his favorite for me to make. 

7. Of all of the things I love about him, the one that really makes me thankful that he is my husband & that I get to spend the rest of my life with him is that he is so strong in our marriage. He makes it his priority & is always finding ways to move us forward. There is no doubt that there are many struggles & obstacles to overcome in a marriage & in life, he makes these struggles easier to go through. Matt finds the good in the bad & always sees the light at the end of the tunnel. He balances my life, he brings out the best in me. He makes me want to be a good woman & a good wife. Matthew Morin is the love of my life & I cannot wait to celebrate his life tomorrow with him. Happy Birthday Matt. I love you so much. 

My husband Matt on December 31 watching the last sunrise of 2011.

Love, Beatriz

Favorite Makeup of 2012

Over the last few years I have acquired a large amount of makeup. There was a point where it's safe to say I was a little obsessed with buying it all. The last few months of 2012 I began focusing on becoming a minimalist. I know that sounds a little drastic but I was spending money we didn't have on a blush that looks almost identical to one I had at home & that really began bothering me. Six months ago I decided to stop buying unnecessary makeup & focus on what I already had. I thought since it's something I really enjoy doing I'd share some of my favorite products I loved throughout the year!

Best Primer - Laura Mercier Primer

Best Foundation - YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat in BD 49

Best Tinted Moisturiser - Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer in Nude

Best Concealer - MAC Studio Finish 

Best Bronzer - Nars in Casino

Best Powder - Rimmel Stay Matte in Sandstorm 

Best Highlighter - Dior Amber Diamond 

Best Blusher - Tart Amazonian Clay in Exposed & Mac in Well Dressed 

Best Eye Primer - Mac Paint Pot in Painterly

Best Eyeshadow - Mac Eyeshadow in Satin Taupe 

Best Eye Pencil - Nars Long Wear in Larger Than Life 

Best Mascara - MAC Zoom Lash

Best Brow Product - Anastasia Brow Wiz

Best Lipstick - Loreal Colour Riche in Rose Taffeta 

Best Lipgloss - Too Faced Glamour Gloss in Pillow Talk. 

What were some of your favorite items? Makeup or not!

Beatriz