Another LONG update!

I really wish there was more time in the day! Blogging is so fantastic for me, if only I had more free time to do it daily! So much happens in our lives and Charlotte Olivia is learning and doing more things worth reporting every day, but its always bedtime before I know it, and my blog absolutely takes a backseat to dinner and laundry. Regardless, I update whenever I find time! Brace yourself for a long post full of pictures! 

Playdate :)

Last week Charlie had her very first real playdate, with her friend Aza Breeze, who we call Breeze. Baby B is two and a half months older than C.O and Troy and I have known her parents Whitney and Jason for about over three years now. Whit and I have been meaning to get the girls together for awhile now, but we both went through those first few months of being rookie moms where we didn't take the baby out much! Now that they're a little older, though, we both seemed to have a little more time on our hands. We planned the playdate for last Tuesday, and I actually almost canceled! The day before, I had an emergency root canal, and I was feeling super sore, so I had thought about rescheduling. I felt like Charlie shouldn't suffer for my teeth, though, so I loaded her up and headed over. I'm so glad I did! They just had the best time! Charlotte Olivia was clearly impressed with Breeze's crawling, and I thinking it showed her that someone her size can be on the move too! Since then shes been on her belly nonstop, trying to get moving! They played with toys together, rolled around, laughed, and let Whit and I catch up on mommy talk. They wore each other out after a few hours and they both hit the rack for a long nap! I cant wait to take her on her next playdate! She has two little friends to see soon! Sophia, who is a few months older, and Kimber Jane who is a month younger! After seeing how much she enjoyed spending time with her friend, I want to make more time for social calls for her! 

Breeze and Charlotte Olivia

Playing with toys together, while Charlie trys crawling like her big girl friend!

Charlie, me and baby B

So, since her playdate, Charlotte Olivia has had a busy week! She came home ready to attempt crawling, and shes been trying hard ever since. Shes definitely moving backward, but we haven't seen much moving forward yet. When we place her on her belly in the crawl position, though, she manages to move far away for where she started. Shes getting the hang of it, but shes not quite there yet. On the 31st of January she will be six months old, so I'm hoping the crawling comes soon. Shes spending a lot of time learning and also in her walker and johnny jumper. I know all of the exercise will strengthen her muscles and help her to get moving on her own, but shes on her own time! I guess we will just keep waiting! Thursday she started acting a little fussy and she suddenly had a temperture and a lot of congestion. I got her humidifier going, broke out the baby vicks and vapor bath, and started sleeping her upright. Since Monday was a holiday, I didn't want her to get stuck over a long weekend without seeing her doctor, just in case she got worse. Her TERRIFIC pediatrician fit her in [as ALWAYS] on Friday morning, and he sent her home with a great medicine. It was a liquid decongestant and she takes it every 6 hours. It helped IMMENSELY! Almost right after she took it on Friday, everything loosened up, and I was able to clear out her nose. My little cub felt loads better afterward, it was obvious! We spent the weekend getting her well, and letting her rest. 

Sunday

Early Sunday morning, we met Troys mom Marlene and her longtime boyfriend Jim to have breakfast. We had a lovely visit and they got to love on their little grand daughter. Charlotte Olivia doesn't get to spend as much time with them as she does my parents, because they are older and she IS quite a handful as a baby! Now that shes getting older, it will only be a little longer before shes self sufficient enough to spend more time out at her daddy's childhood home with her Grandma. 

Charlie with Grandma Marlene

With Grandma Marlene and Grampy Jim

 

After breakfast, I dropped CO and Troy off at home and I went to do the marketing alone. Lately, Ive been attempting extreme couponing! Ive heard there is a TV show about it, but I haven't seen it yet. About a year ago, I heard about these women paying less than $10 out the door on hundreds of dollars worth of groceries! Obviously, it seems impossible! It just seemed too complicated for me to master at the time, but in the last year, more and more people I actually KNOW have gotten the hang of it. I decided to try, with just a Sunday paper. Now, to get the largest savings, you really need to get manufactures coupons offline, which i plan to do this week for my next shopping trip. I normally shop at Wal Mart, because its always seemed like nothing could be cheaper. This time, I shopped at Tom Thumb, buying only name brand items. After pairing coupons with store sales, and having most either doubled or tripled, I ended up shaving 74.94 off a 100.00 bill! It was less than 30.00 out the door! This isn't including all of the buy one get one free items that I was able to get with couponing! I ended up with what Id guess is well over 300.00 worth of food and household items! Tom Thumb was also having a special that gave you .10 off of gas with a 50.00 purchase. So, we both filled up our cars for 2.73, while most gas stations are 2.99 or more right now! I'm extremely proud of how well I did! My plan is to double my savings next time around, which should be in two weeks or more. Normally, I spend over 200.00 a week in groceries. This time I spent less than 30.00 and we have enough food for over two weeks! I highly recommend figuring out how to extreme coupon and making it work. You end up with an abundance of everything. For example, I got four boxes of cereal for less than the price of one, but had I just bought one, I wouldn't have been able to get the deal. I use Clorox wipes daily. I got three tubs for less than the price of one. Tom Thumb has proven to be the best couponing store in our area. Albertsons doubles and triples coupons as well, but the in store sales don't pair as well. Also, I noticed that every single person shopping, that I looked at anyway, was couponing. The cashier knew exactly how to work coupons and there was no awkward waiting or frustrated people behind you. Tom Thumb is seemingly the most expensive market, but when couponing, its far cheaper than Wal Mart! Anything we save at the grocery now, we match in cash and put in Charlotte Olivia's savings account.

So proud to say I did this just by clipping coupons and shopping smart!

We hadn't seen our friends Nick and Nicole in what seemed like forever, so they came to visit Sunday evening. Nick and Troy have been friends about nine years, and we met Nicole when he did, around five years ago. We have always considered them to be lifelong friends of ours. They finally were able to spend some time with CharlieO before her bedtime and the four of us had a ball catching up. I was in some serious mouth pain by now, because the previously mentioned dental work Id had done had become infected! Luckily my dentist had given me his pager number in case of something along those lines, and he called in emergency antibiotics and pain medication late that night, and Troy picked it up immediately. After I had taken them, I was able to sleep! Before the pain got too terrible, though, we had some long missed fun with them! I made ribs and queso and everyone snacked. We played cranium, and of course, Nicole and I beat Troy and Nick into the ground! I took some fun pictures! Forgive my homely, no makeup looks. 

Charlotte Olivia and Auntie Nicole

Our oldschool group reunited! Troy, Nick, Nicole, and Me

During cranium, I had to silently act out "Charlie Chaplin" so i drew this on quickly and then flipped around and pretended to take a hat off and walk like him: NICOLE GOT IT RIGHT IMMEDIATELY! lol

Mr and Mrs Nick Townsend

Our favorite boys, living it up and loving each other. These guys have been best friends a long time :)

Nicole and Sam :)

For your viewing pleasure, Troy attempting a cranium "Humdinger" for Nick. This is where you have to hum or whistle a song, and your team mate has to guess it. I'm FULLY convinced they cheated, and that troy showed him the card. You, clearly, cannot tell what troy is humming. Thank God I happened to catch this monstrosity on film.

Monday we kept it lowkey and CharlieO spent the day enjoying her daddy being off of work. My family was out of town for the weekend, and her Memo missed her terribly. So, this morning mom came over to see her. I was having more dental work done that I had to be gassed for, so she drove me to my dentist, stayed with Charlie during, and then brought me home. The doctor advised me not to have the baby alone, because I would be out of it for a few hours, so she went home with Mom to spend the night. Before leaving, mom dropped off a few things our lucky daughter had brought to her from out of town. We are very blessed with family who send her goodies all the time, and of course, her Memo cant take a trip to the grocery without bringing her something back! Ill end this post in pictures of Charlie and her great gifts. 

watching daddy play call of duty 

go dad go!

blue bunny easter dress, from my Tio Juan and Tia Susan

Hat and gloves, valentines "Heart Breaker" outfit, and ADORABLE striped sweater suit from my mom

Onsies from my Tio Juan and Tia Susan

Cute little red track suit from my Tio Juan and Tia Susan

I just LOVE how well people are beginning to know her. A lot of frills and such just aren't her style! Going to take it easy for the rest of the night, as my face is losing its numbness by the minute! I'm way excited for a new Top Chef all stars, too! 

Sam

Update: Charlie O and the crib

Be careful what you wish for. 

Yesterday, I mentioned my current challenge of getting Charlotte Olivia into her crib. As I said, Ive been having her spend a lot more time in there, but always with me within her line of vision. Ill read in a chair next to her or clean my makeup supplies while she either naps in there or plays with her toys. Well, last night she ate dinner, took a bath, and I laid her down in the crib. I swaddled her, turned on soft music, and turned off everything but a night light near her. I fully expected a fight, but my main concern was "proving my point." I set a timer in the kitchen for ten minutes, and figured I would let her cry it out for ten minutes, tops, and if she hadn't fallen asleep by then, I would go in and sleep her. 

Well. My big girl went to sleep. On her own. And she slept through the night. 

I was so incredibly proud of her! This morning, though, she fussed for me when she woke up. I am so happy she slept sweetly and comfortably in her bed, don't misunderstand. However, when I laid her down for her nap this afternoon, she was out on her own within minutes, and I left the room to clean. I listened for her on her monitor, and glanced in on her every ten minutes or so. Suddenly, I realized it had been something like an hour or longer, and she wasn't awake. I went in to make sure she was alright, and she was wide awake, just laying in her bed quietly playing with her toys. She didn't even need her old mom to come get her! This is the first time shes woken up alone and hasn't fussed for me. Of course I'm happy, proud, relieved, etc--but I suppose I just didn't think it would "work" so soon! My baby isn't quite a baby anymore, shes well on her way to toddler status. Shes such a big, beautiful, smart and growing girl. I think it just hit me, that its full steam ahead. I cant pause her or keep her tiny. Shes only getting more advanced and more independent and I guess It just finally sunk in, that I wont ever experience "baby" again. At least, not until my Charlie has a little one of her own, and I get to play grandma. Oh my sweet Charlotte O, how I love you so :)

As for our healthy eating...

Its going fantastically! Last night, I baked Cajun chicken breasts and boiled Cajun seasoned lobster! I had never cooked lobster before, so I was a bit nervous. I figure confidence in cooking will only come from trial and error, though, so I googled some boiling instructions and found that cooking a lobster is a breeze! I had them done in a little under ten minutes, and they were tender and delicious! The chicken alongside made for a nice twist on a surf and turf, and I served the double meat dish with a veggie rice pilaf. Troy and I both love condiments, so I melted him some butter for the lobster and I enjoyed picante sauce and guacamole on everything! It was super good! CharlieO ate in her highchair alongside us. She enjoyed rice cereal, peas, and apples. Troy swore she doesn't like peas, but she seemed to eat them fine for me :)

Tonight, I'm planning a bacon wrapped filet migon with a fresh veggie medley! 

And now, some pictures of CharlieO enjoying dinner last night, and playing in her crib today!

hurry it up mom!

mmm rice cereal!

I know in order to get my apples, I've gotta eat my peas!

ok, now hand over the fruit!!

our little fuzz head rolling around in her crib

look at those hamhocks!

big smiles while she grabs her toys with her feet!

 Sam

Long overdue post, means a LONG post, be forewarned!

We have been SO busy since Christmas! 

Forgive me, readers, for being so late with an update! The week leading up to new year's eve was so hectic and busy, Ill just skip it! No good tv was on anyway! New year's eve is always such a busy work day for me. As a freelance artist, I at least have the freedom to make my own schedule, so this year was the first in ages that we actually celebrated. All the years I worked at MAC, I always worked that day, and we were always slammed stupid, so by the time I got home I was OVER the idea of going out to do it big. Last year was my first NYE out on my own, but I spent it in and out of consciousness at Baylor Hospital during my pregnancy hyper emeisis fiasco! Needless to say, both Troy and I were ready to have some fun this time around! I started my clients early, taking my first round in Dallas. After returning to Fort Worth, I was lucky enough to have the rest of my schedule come to me. I charge $20.00 less than normal when a client comes to my home, but it was really worth the extra time I had to get myself ready. Not to mention, the stress level was non existent all day long. I even had time to fit in some of my lady friends who accompanied us out that evening. Since I haven't had much of a makeup post yet, I figured Id break down three of my fav looks of the day. Mine I plan to break down in detail for those learning, and the two others Ill just breakdown by color, in case anyone is interested in buying product!

My NYE 2010 makeup look

The outfit I wore, to match my makeup [Beautiful Lisa and I at Durtys]

My look was incredibly simple, honestly. Its so funny, because I got so many compliments on my makeup that night and since, but this is one of the most mundane looks Ive done! I think Texas girls just love glitter! Or maybe all girls do! A quick breakdown of the products used here, all product and brushes are MAC unless otherwise stated:

• Brows- Brownscript eyeshadow/#266 brush. The color is very red, to match my brand new red hair!
• Shadow base- NW15 studio finish concealer/#242 brush. I tend to use concealer as a shadow base on most skin types. I personally like to use a shade light enough to white out the eye area, so that all shadows used stay true to color, rather than being manipulated by skin color. I use the shadow base from lashline to brow. It ensures that my shadow stays put without creasing or getting oily, until I take it off. My makeup went on at 5pm NYE and came off at 1pm the next day, as we never went to sleep. haha. 
• Lid- LustDust glitter/#239 brush was packed onto my lid, on top of Ben Nye aquaglitter liquid. I dipped my brush into the liquid, painted it over a closed lid, and packed the glitter on top of it before it dried, and before i opened my lid, so that the liquid wouldn't transfer. The glitter stays put and doesn't flake. 
• Crease- Soft Brown eyeshadow/#224 brush. This color is my "bridge color." I use it no matter what shadow I'm wearing, to help bridge my outer crease color up to my brow highlight color. Without this color in between your darkest eye color and your lightest, the look tends to be boxy and not well blended. It softens the transition from one shadow to the next. If you look closely, you'll see it. 
• Outer Crease- Carbon eyeshadow/#217 brush. I used this generously throughout my outer corner and up through my crease to about the center of my eye. I wanted a smokey effect, without darkening my eyes too much, so I didn't shade any of this color onto the lid. I stayed inside the crease. 
• Brow Highlight- White Wheat eyeshadow [ballonacy quad, no longer available]/#213 brush. I keep my highlight soft around the edges, and bright only beneath the arch of my brow. I want to lift my brow, without allowing my highlight to get to the party before I do. I see a lot of WAY TOO BRIGHT highlights around these parts. Go easy ladies, trend has def changed, and no one is interested in having Blanche Devoureux to dinner! 
• Liner- Black Liquidlast liner- This eyeliner will not come off, even if you're swimming the English channel. Enough said. 
• Bottom Liner- Prunella eyeliner pencil, with Electric Purple loose glitter packed on top of it using a #212 brush. The glitter allows the color beneath it to really pop, and enhanced the purple appearance. 
• Lashes- wig store! #138, my very fav pair!
• Face Primer- Smashbox Photofinish primer/#190 brush. This is a universal primer, in my opinion! It ensures your foundation doesn't move until you move it, and it keeps oil and shine in check! I, personally, have extremely dry skin, and this primer smooths out the appearance of powders on me. 
• Foundation- NC20 Studio Tech/#190 brush. 
• Contour- Med/Deep Mineralize Skinfinish pressed/#187 brush. I contour beneath my cheekbones, around the orbital points of my face, along my hair line, down each side of my nose, and under my chin. Contour is IMPORTANT! No ones face is one color, it just isn't. When using a fuller coverage foundation, you are going to need to break up the natural flow of your face, or else you get a bit mask-y. The contour helps to naturally shade and shadow your face again, and to bring out your bone structure.
• Blush- Pressed Golden Bronzer/#160 brush
• Hightlight- Shimpange Mineralize Skinfinish/ #188 brush- I highlight anywhere the light touches my face naturally. Above my cheek bones, across my mid forehead, down the center of my nose, above my lips, and in the center of my chin. It helps my skin to look dewy, fresh, and bright. Nine times out of ten, if I'm being complemented, its on this specific part of my makeup. 
• Lips- High Tea lipstick with Britain's LIPCOTE on top to ensure my lipcolor stayed put! Ladies, this product isn't available in the US. My wonderful friend Tracy had her mum send some over for me, but if you have access to UK products, BUY THIS ONE! Its the only lip sealer that's ever truly worked for me. My brides LOVE it!
• Final Sealant- Ben Nyes Final Seal. This is a theater strength makeup sealant sprayed onto the face from about a foot away after all makeup is finished. It makes your face water proof for 8-10 hours. The smell is minty because it contains mint, and it drys in seconds. Another fav product of both mine and my clients. So many always yell "SPRAY ME!" when I'm done.

Gorgeous B, and her NYE makeup to match a baby blue corset

• Brows- Soba
• Eyes- Air De Blue pigment [lid], electric eel shadow [crease], carbon shadow [outer crease], bamboo shadow [bridge], white frost shadow [highlight]. Blacktrack fluidline eyeliner, wig store #600 lashes, long individual lashes in corners for cat eye effect
• Eye Design- DUO lash glue in dots going outward from eye to hair line, Reflects Transparent Teal glitter packed on top of dots
• Face- Studio Tech [foundation], Dark Mineralize Skinfinish [Contour], Blonde Mineralize Skinfinish [highlight]
• Lips- Pretty Please lipstick and Viva Glam VI Special Edition Lipglass

Misty Mitchell and her NYE makeup 

• Brows- Cork eyeshadow
• Eyes- Milk pigment [lid], Vibrant Grape shadow [crease], Blackberry shadow [outer crease], Top Hat shadow [outer crease], Bamboo shadow [bridge], pink freeze [highlight]. Blacktrack fluidline eyeliner, Vibrant Grape shadow on lower lashline with Neon 60s loose glitter packed on top. Wig store #600 lashes, with long individual lashes places on bottom lashline for a "dolly eye" effect. 
• Face- Full Coverage foundation, Blot Powder Pressed, Bronze Pressed bronzer [contour], Redhead Mineralize Skinfinish [highlight]
• Lips- Shy Girl Lipstick and Love Nectar Lustreglass

Just a few of my makeup favs of the day! I did so many, its always hard to choose the ones I loved most. All of my clients were beautiful and their NYE makeup just helped it to stand out! After I finished up with work, Troy and I rode downtown with B and Daniel Berry. We met up with our friends and spent the evening laughing, dancing, and having a ball at Durty Murphys! We closed the bar at 2am, took a cab to Ol South pancake house for some grub, and then took a cab home. We got here a little after 5am. Both Daniel and Troy immediately fell asleep, but I had to upload pictures to facebook! Time passed and before I knew it, it was bright outside! I decided I missed CharlotteO so much, I couldn't sleep until she was home! So I pulled my first all nighter in ages! Heres a few pics from our evening:

danielberry, B, and I before hitting the road

B, Lisa, Phillp, and our resident photobomber-Devin

Troy, Adam, Mary, and Myself

Speaking of Charlotte O! Our little beauty is just growing like a weed! Shes well on her way to crawling and shes eating many more solid foods. Right now my biggest mommy challenge is getting her to sleep on her own. Ive read a lot of articles by moms and doctors, suggesting that by five months she should be able to fall asleep on her own, without a bottle. Its been tough! She is absolutely used to being "slept" by me. I'm having her spend more time in her crib, though, to get her used to the are and to make it seem like a fun and inviting place for her. Instead of putting her in the center of our bed with her toys, I sit her in her crib with them. I will play music in the room while she plays or let Rugrats run on the tv. She seems to be enjoying being in the crib, until its time to go to sleep. According to most of what Ive read, it only takes a week or so of tears at bedtime to get them into a routine. Im so uncomfortable letting her cry, but I don't want to do her an injustice either. More on this story as it develops!

CharlieO with her big sissy Court and Auntie Tracy last week

I'm taking on a trainee! The above beautiful not so little lady is Courtney Miller. She and her mom Tracy [who got me the lipcote] have been clients of mine for about five years. Soon, that professional relationship blossomed into friendship, and since they've practically become family! They just adore Charlotte Olivia and were some of her very first hospital visitors after her birth. Tracy is fantastic with makeup and Court has decided to follow in those footsteps and pursue a career as a makeup artist. I recently decided to take her on as my personal protege! Shes such a fantastic girl and a shinning example of how I hope Charlotte Olivia is around that age. Makeup is hard to get into in this area, because training is so hard to find. Most "beauty schools" focus entirely on hair and what they do teach you about makeup is BAD HABITS! I want Court to succeed, and I feel like I will put my heart into teaching her all I know. I plan to start bringing her along on larger jobs to shadow me. It will start with golfer work of course, lugging makeup chairs, kits, and grabbing coffee but I hope to take her to the next level within the year. If I stay on schedule, she will be at least priming and running skin care duty by May! I'm also working on a "workbook" of color theory, tips and tricks, and other tools of the trade for her. I'm so excited for both her and for me! Courtney is like the little sister I never had, and a bit of practice for Charlie's teen years! I'm thrilled that I inspire her in some way, and can help her reach her dreams. More on this story, as well, in the coming months. 

NEW YEAR's RESOLUTIONS!

We all make and break them! What are yours? Troy and I have given cigarette smoking the boot, as was always our intention before CharlotteOs 6 month birthday. We are a month shy, and 4 days smoke free, so Id say we are doing beautifully. Troy struggles far more than I do in this area, as Ive never been addicted to cigarettes, though Ive smoked for five years, save the time I was pregnant. Its always been a habit for me. Something to do while driving or while outdoors. I gave them up cold turkey once I was pregnant, and now that Ive done it again, I feel fantastic! We are also committing to a healthier lifestyle all around. We used to eat very well, but he got into a fast food habit while I was hospitalized, and after Charlotte was born things were so new and different for us, we were more focused on learning how to be new parents than on what was for dinner. We are back to dinner at the table, though, with a protein and two veggies on the plate! Everything feels better! I feel more alert, energetic, and happy! Its amazing the effect crappy food can have on your body. Luckily for us, we have Charlotte Olivia as constant motivation to stay healthy! I know its not that easy for everyone, though, and I wish you all the very best toward your resolution efforts!

More to come tomorrow or, at least, sometime soon :)

Sam