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It's been a good while since I shared some of my current favorites! I love hearing what other people are excited about and I enjoy sharing snapshots from around our home. Here are 5 things that I am currently loving!

World Market always has the best pug stuff! I stopped by the store looking for dining chair cushions, but totally got distracted by the artwork. I fell in love with this canvas! It fits perfectly on the wall right above Winston's kennel. A close second was this pug picture! At the checkout I mentioned how much I love that World Market always has pug themed things, and the cashier told me they just got a shipment of pug cookie jars! She graciously unwrapped one so I could see it. 

two// New Makeup Organization
I pretty much only ever bought drugstore makeup until I started using Ipsy and discovered Youtube makeup tutorials! Since then I've had fun changing up my makeup routine and learning new techniques. A side effect of that was a growing makeup collection! What I used to keep in a small zip pouch now had to be expanded to a larger case. The case took up so much room and I hated having to dig through it to find what I wanted. So I changed it up a bit. I grabbed the basket that I used to keep spare TP in, and made it more functional as make up storage. I threw my brushes and eyeliners in a toothbrush holder and then stacked all my palettes neatly. My lipsticks aren't as organized as I'd like but I will figure that out. It's worked really well and I love seeing my collection. I'm also a person who keeps things nice and neat, so I promise it won't get junky. And we always put the seat down to flush, so even though my brushes are out in the open, they stay clean. 

custom corkcicle tumbler
This was a total impulse buy. But, one I truly have gotten my money's worth from. I went shopping for a gift for Blake's Boss' Retirement party in an adorable boutique. It was actually incredibly overwhelming how many cute things they had. I finally decided to get her a Corkcicle Canteen, with her monogram on it. As I was browsing, this Tumblercaught my eye! This shade of green is literally my favorite, and I can't even name it properly! (They call it Caribbean Green) Funnily, I've been SO against the Yeti craze. I don't get spending that much money on a cup. I defend this purchase, however, because it's a cute color and a good bit cheaper than a Yeti. And how cute is the customization!? So far my favorite thing has been using it for my protein shakes in the morning. Ice cold!

I had to take a bite, just for effect! This current obsession is just further proof I'm turning into my mom. She ordered from Schwan's my entire childhood! We loved the pancakes and ice cream cups growing up. I started ordering from them a few months ago and really love it! Their food is great and Blake and I can live off the huge bags of stuff for awhile. Our absolute favorite, hands down, is the Peanut butter cup ice cream minis! I'm such a sucker for anything peanut butter and chocolate. These minis are just enough to cure your sweet tooth, but it's also only 120 calories for one. While we eat of the rest of our order for several weeks, these guys are gone really quickly. 

five// Three Tiered Serving Display from Sam's Club
As I was taking pictures of my last 2 favorites, I realized I had never shared what was in the background! I picked this tray up from Sam's a few months ago (can't find it on their website!) and I bought it for a wedding I was helping with. We used it to display ice cream cones for their Sundae bar. After I brought it home, it looked so good in my kitchen! I thought about doing a coffee or tea station, with mugs and tea bags like I'd seen on Pinterest, hence why my blue willow mugs are on the 2nd shelf. But, the cabinet I have my mugs stored in was really not needed for anything else. Plus, we don't drink coffee! Kinda silly to have all that out to clutter up the counter for no reason. Independently I was I having a probably storing produce in a big bowl on the other side of the kitchen. Either it didn't all fit or somethings would ripen others. This stand ended up being perfect for produce! I can seperate it all but still contain it in one space. And my blue willow stayed out because it's really cute and matches the kitchen. 

Ah! That was probably way too many details about nothing. I haven't shared my favorites in a while so I just got carried away. I can't say these posts will come any more frequently, as I am actually really hunkering down on the things we buy. What I share here will end up being things we truly love and that are worth sharing! Thanks for following along, comment below what you're currently loving!

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Currently Loving - Fall 2016

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

I can't believe we are in October! As a kid I remember summer vacation being SO long, and now three months isn't any time at all. Back to school was always exciting though, and I think that the first autumn breeze brings back that same feeling of newness and rejuvenation. 

In the last few weeks I've really begun my new routine for the fall, and I'm trying to get back in control of a few things. The summer is always hectic, so I've been craving some consistency back in our schedule. Who am I kidding though, really, our whole life -winter, spring, summer and fall - is insanely busy. 

Fourth Quarter goals are something I've been doing basically my whole life, but just didn't know it. These are goals you set toward the end of the year. Who needs to start on January 1st? If you don't like something, change it! 


Work
This fall I'm starting a new work schedule, with a new position at my job. I will now be in the office 3 days a week, instead of just 2. I've had the same position for several years now as an office manager. I love that job and I'm good at it. But when you've done the same thing for awhile it's nice to have an opportunity for growth! Now I will be in the field more, working as an assistant to my boss. I've already spent 3 days with him outside the office and I love it! The day goes by so much faster, and I love getting to see inside so many houses. I have gotten carsick all 3 times though, so Dramamine is going to have to be part of my new job, for sure. My Goal in the office is to keep my enthusiasm and to be a quick learner. I'm kind of working up to asking for a raise, so I want to have a good track record to plead my case. 

Aside from my office job, I have really started working on my Ebay store! Now you can shop my store straight from the blog...#buymystuff! I'm flipping items I find in thrift stores, as well as my own closet. Read my tips for selling on Ebay here. My Goal here is to at least double my money on anything I flip. So that means careful purchases and good prices. I'm nervous about inventory just hanging out in the closet too.

Hand in hand with work is money. Blake and I are talking over some new ways to manage money. I'd love to see a few changes in where our money goes. I've been doing a lot of research, and it seems like we are definitely not the only ones looking to change. I'm really interested in minimalism, but not in every aspect of our life. So My Goal regarding money is to make an action plan, and maybe take the first step. 

Home
Our house has undergone some AWESOME changes this year! Our bathroom remodel was a huge project that I am beyond thrilled with. & The back porch makeover is something we will enjoy so much in the cooler weather. Because we spent so much money on both projects I'm trying to be content and stay grateful with the results. The problem is I have a huge list of things I want to work on next! I feel like there is always something to improve. 

My Goal in the house, though, is something simple but will make a huge difference. After we finished the bathroom I had to do some touch up painting around the hallway from the construction. I ended up caulking and painting all the trim. It's not perfect, but I can't believe the difference! Our whole house needs this treatment. So before the end of the year I'd like to caulk and paint all the trim in the house, as well as touch up any paint that has been scratched or dinged. So do-able and I promise no more big projects until 2017!

Me
I'm pretty good with where I'm at this year mentally. My anxiety is pretty under control, and it's been awhile since I've had any panic problems. I'm trying not to be so tightly wound and that really helps. Although sometimes I have an instant panic when Blake cracks my back...is that weird? I know it is, it's just the feeling of being trapped I think. Anyways...not the point of this post! 

I'm still dealing with hypoglycemia, but I'm managing that pretty well. I've had to change how I feel about food and I always keep a granola bar in my bag. I have gained a little weight this year because of that. It's weird eating more often, but not more food in general, and I'm still working on that. 

My Goal, physically, is to do well in the 10k I've signed up for! It's in November, so not much time left! My sister and I started training, but then she hurt her back and I went on a really long vacation where I only got one run in. We've got a cruise at the end of November, so that's a good incentive to work out hard. 

My Goal, spiritually, is a never ending one. I want to be a woman of prayer and always read the Bible everyday. It's important to me that I don't make decisions and then ask God to bless them, but to have Him help me make the decision in the first place. The more effort I put into my relationship with Him the more I get out of it, so that's something I've been reflecting on lately and want to pursue in the next few months. 

The Pugs
Yes, I have goals regarding my dogs! My favorite thing to do lately is to take them all on a walk. We weren't really big into walks before, because adult pugs are so low maintenance and don't need much activity. Now that we have a puppy, walks are so helpful in keeping him entertained and I love how tired he is afterward! The girls love it too, and exercise is always good.

My Goal is to keep up these walks and get Winston through puppyhood! He's doing really well with potty training and I want to work with him more on his tricks. 

The Blog
I have been thinking lots and lots about Pugs and Pearls lately, and I keep asking myself if it's something I want to keep doing and if I still like it. The answer, in short, is yes! I just find it so challenging sometimes. We do plenty of things that make for good posts, yet I forget or don't take any pictures...outfits are really hard to do in the summer here...I figure you guys don't want another pug update...etc. I'm just my own worst enemy. 

My Goal for the blog is simple, post more! I don't think it needs to be extravagant or exciting, but sometimes things just don't seem important enough to post...but I'll let you be the judge of that. 

Thanks for letting me rant a little bit! I'm excited for this season and for the fresh start it brings! Tell me your big 4th quarter goal! 

Fourth Quarter Goals

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Before I Go to Sleep by S. J. Watson
Summary: 
From Amazon:As I sleep, my mind will erase everything I did today. I will wake up tomorrow as I did this morning. Thinking I'm still a child, thinking I have a whole lifetime of choice ahead of me... 
Memories define us. So what if you lost yours every time you went to sleep? Your name, your identity, your past, even the people you love--all forgotten overnight. And the one person you trust may only be telling you half the story.
Welcome to Christine's life.
 

What I Didn't Like:
I felt like the middle of the book got a little repetitive. However, that is understandable given the fact that the main character has amnesia and has to relearn things constantly. One plot hole I can't really discuss because it gives away something huge in the story- so basically there is one twist that I don't think makes sense. 

What I Liked: 
I could not put this book down! I finished it in less than a day. I was sucked in after I read the first page. You get confused right along with Christine, and the unfolding of the mystery is well paced and engrossing. I didn't figure it out until the end, and that means something!

Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5 Stars (1: hated it, 2: didn't like it, 3: liked it, 4:liked it, 5: loved it)
If you want a quick read, this is it! My mom passed along this book after she finished it in a day, I read it in a day, and I passed it on to my sister in law. I read it on our vacation, and I think I made everyone else discontent with the books they brought. It's not 50 first dates though!

Leave me a comment: What's next on your to-read list??


Book Club: Before I Go To Sleep

Monday, October 3, 2016


Hello!

Hi friends! I'm Kristen, and this is the Life and Style of an early 30's Floridian living the Best Life Ever, with her husband and three pugs. Runner | Avid Reader | Small Shop Owner

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