We are back from Sydney! It's official, Sydney has been added to the list of places I would move in a heartbeat. I would even put it in the top 2. The people were so nice and genuine, the city was clean, and the public transportation was amazing. If you followed me on Snapchat then you saw all of our adventure, but here's a highlight of the things we did.
Sydney Harbour
Vivid Sydney
Featherdale Wildlife Park
Check out the joey in the pouch!
Blue Mountains - Katoomba
Bondi Beach
Hyde Park/St. Mary's Cathedral
Museum of Sydney - Sydney Harbour Icons with Lego Bricks
Hope you enjoyed the pictures. Until next post...xoxo Becca
Hellooooo! I tried to have a post up for you on Monday, but Blogger and/or the
internet connection decided against it and the entire post content was
lost. Sorry! I am still working on getting pictures together for a Sydney post. Check back Monday :)
Today's Friday Favorite is dairy free ice cream. I try my best to stay away from dairy (which sucks because I love queso). Blue Bell is one of my weaknesses, but I saw on a friend's snapchat story a picture of dairy free ice cream by So Delicious and searched it out. Luckily there are a couple of places near me that carry their products so I picked up the Cookie Dough Coconut Milk version. Now, you cannot go into it thinking it will taste like Blue Bell (because lets be honest, nothing is as good as Blue Bell), but if you are looking for a tasty, cold treat that's dairy free, this isn't a bad option. I'm also trying an almond milk version by Almond Dream.
Thought I would pass along the info if anyone was looking for dairy free ice cream! Until next post...xoxo Becca
Hi ya! I hope everyone had a good week. Today I'm sharing two drugstore foundations. It's easy to spend $30-$50 on a foundation, but it's painful if it doesn't work well and you've now wasted money. Both drugstore foundations mentioned today were recommended to me by my sister-in-law (thanks girl!).
First off, it's $6! They have six shades, which doesn't offer a lot of options, but if you find one that's your color and you like the formula then you have probably saved yourself some money. I like that the bottle comes with a pump. The foundation is a semi-matte and lasts pretty well. I tend to touch my face throughout the day or rest my chin on my hand while I work so it wears off quickly in spots. Rimmel Lasting Finish 25-Hour Foundation
Whoa! When they say lasts 25 hours, they aren't kidding. At the end of the day this foundation is still going strong. 7 shades available. SPF 20, which for this fair skin girl is pretty important! I put it to the test with a day on the lake; my face did not burn and the foundation did not wear off. Rimmel recently changed the packaging (I thought they discontinued it since I could find the old tube) and I haven't purchased it in the new packaging, but I read reviews saying it tends to be messy. Disappointing, but the product is great.
What are your favorite foundations (drugstore or not) and why?
Hi again! Even though I'm away I wanted to make sure there were still Monday and Friday posts up. When bloggers I follow regularly are on vacation I miss their content. Reading blogs is relaxing for me, kind of like reading a never ending book :)
I'm currently writing this post from the airport while the hubs and I wait for our flight to Sydney. Feeling especially blessed lately. We reflected on our year of travel this morning. One year ago we were in Newport Beach, California with my in-laws. I don't take travel for granted, not everyone gets the opportunity to travel. It wasn't until after I graduated from college I even had a passport!
I wish someone had told us that buying a house and lots of stuff doesn't make you happy. We were following the "American Dream." Of course you hear "money doesn't buy happiness," but it never sinks in until you've had all the stuff and still feel like you are missing out on something.
My hope is that one day we can offer the experience of travel to our children and I hope they realize how blessed they are too.
Officially made the switch from Favorite Pin Friday to Friday Favorites. I made this decision because I wanted to share anything I loved, whether it originated on Pinterest or not.
Product Description: The unexpected fragrance, expressed in a romantic harmony of Grapefruit,
Jasmine and White Musk notes. At once delicate and radiant, with an
intoxicatingly light, floral trail.
At Sephora I asked for a light, summer scent and that is what they gave me. Love it, wish I had bought a bigger bottle!
What are your favorite "summer scents"? Until next post...xoxo Becca
p.s. The hubs and I are in Sydney, but I have written and scheduled posts for Mondays and Fridays while we're gone. Follow on Snapchat to see what we're up to: @r8d6g
Where to begin? Regardless of your personality type (introvert or extrovert) you probably know where you fall on the spectrum. I have always been more reserved, an observer, a listener, and shy. To extroverts I'm "stuck up" and that's ok because while extroverts are loudly voicing their every thought, I am forming mine quietly and strategically working out problems.
In 2012, Susan Cain gave a TED Talk called The Power of Introverts. If you have not seen it, watch it below. I'll wait...
During this TED Talk, Susan explains that as industry and international commerce grew the world shifted their praise to men and women who were social and outgoing, forgetting that some of the world's greatest thinkers, inventors, and missionaries are self proclaimed introverts.
Professional
My career has always required me to be extremely extroverted. I don't often speak up in meetings unless I am comfortable with my colleagues and/or I have a great deal of information or experience on the topic being discussed. Many would see this as an issue, but I listen closely and formulate the details in my head until I have worked out each scenario.
I believe two heads are better than one, but brainstorming quietly and
discussing individually and informally later isn't always a bad thing.
Collaboration and communication are key to the success of an
organization, but it doesn't have to take place in front of a crowd. I was very fortunate in previous positions to be surrounded by extroverts would understood my personality, work ethic, and created an office culture much like a family.
Personal
I often prefer to be alone, quiet, and in familiar places. Of course I love time with family and friends and being social, but to refuel I need peace. I read, I workout, I clean (read about my cleaning therapy here). I think most clearly when I'm alone with my thoughts. A quiet dinner or a few drinks with a small group of friends while having meaningful conversation is bliss to me. I much prefer this over a crowded bar or a concert.
Whether you are an extrovert or introvert, you bring great traits to the table. To echo Susan Cain, introverts, share your greatest gifts "because the world needs you."
Well loyal followers, if you have been around since the beginning then you have probably read almost every Favorite Pin Friday. Here we are at volume 52. A few weeks ago I shared volume 46 which marked the 1 year anniversary of Favorite Pin Friday when it came to actually timing, but today's post marks 52 of my favorite pins!
Lots has happened since the beginning and I love sharing my favorites. Starting next week I will be replacing Favorite Pin Friday with Friday Favorites. It could still be something I have pinned, a new product I'm loving, an outfit, a funny video. Whatever happens to catch my attention.
To mark the last Favorite Pin Friday I am sharing a recipe from Skinny Taste the hubs and I tried last week. I paired it with this fried rice recipe (minus the chicken).
