Goodwill Haul | Housewares & Some Knick Knacks

So I had been itching to get to the Goodwill for a couple of weeks, and I finally stopped by my local store last Sunday. I thought I would share what I purchased this go round! I spent a total of $21.57. I just LOVE the Goodwill!

Three Frames - 99 cent each 

Here is a close up of the not so cute portraits that are actually in the frame. 

My plan is to do a DIY project with them. I'm quite inspired by the framed state maps by Tattered to Taylored.

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The project seems fairly simple. I'll need to get some black spray paint, white matting, card stock, and some gold paint. And of course maps of Michigan (Big R's home state), Virginia (my home state), and North Carolina (where we currently reside). I will update you guys if I'm actually able to make this project happen. I think they would look great in our living room with the whole black, white, and neutral theme I'm going for!

Cute little flower arrangement. $1.99. This will probably live in our guest bathroom.

7 Minute Power Abs Workout DVD. $1.00. No further description really necessary...I need to workout. Period.

Wood Trivet. 69 cent. Always nice to have around to throw a hot pot or pan on.

Plastic Tumblers. 99 cent. As the package describes...great for mixed drinks, sodas, iced coffee. I like having cups like these on hand when we have guests over. Can't beat 99 cent either.

Candle Holder. $1.99. I will pop a cream colored candle on this beauty and voila!

Wooden Basket. 69 cents. I have a thing for wooden baskets and things if you haven't already noticed. I'm not sure where I will use this...but it's beautiful and I couldn't pass it up for 69 cents. 

Cap Rack. $1.50. I'm not sure what Little R will actually end up hanging on this, but I thought it was cute. It will find a home on one of  soon.

Portable Coffee Mug. 69 Cents. The sleeve says, "Fill. Drink. Wash. Repeat." Mmm hmm. You know it.

Decorative bowl. 69 Cent. I don't know why I was drawn to this bowl, but it spoke to me. 

Gold Trimmed Platter. $1.99. There is a glare on the picture, but the platter is trimmed in antique gold. I have a thing for collecting platters I'm starting to notice.

Antique Gold Basket. $1.99. Ah! This picture captures a little snapshot of my spring table setting. Aren't those little, ceramic bunnies cute?! But the basket is what I actually purchased. Again, I don't really know how or where I'll use it, but you can never have enough baskets, right?

Reptile Book. $1.75. Little R has a thing for reptiles. I'm sure he will enjoy flipping through this book. It's a bit advanced, but this little, smart boy can read his butt off so I'm sure he will surprise me with how much he can actually read on his own.

And there you have it! That's what I got peeps! Please tell me that you stop in to your local Goodwill too? If not, I hope this post has encouraged you to GO! Like now!

Until next time,
<3 Keia

You're IT! {99 Questions Tag}

I was not tagged to do this, but I saw My So-Called Home do it on YouTube and I thought it was pretty cool! Just some random things you may or may not know about me. Also, I tag everyone reading this post to do the tag too! You don't have to do all 99 questions, but if you do a few share your responses with me in a blog post or comment below!!!

1| Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?

I prefer them closed. Big R doesn't understand, which means he will leave his closet door open and of course I have to close it so I can sleep!!!

2| Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel?

If they have something fancy...yep I sure will!

3| Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?

They may start out tucked in, but they won't stay that way. I like to let my leg hang off the side of the bed every now and then. Is that weird?

4| Have you ever stolen a street sign before?

That would be a negative.

5| Do you like to use post-it notes?

Well yeah! Who can live without post-it notes?

6| Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?

I tried to do the whole couponing thing one time…I ain’t got time for that! Not saying that I won’t try it again at some point down the road.

7| Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees?

This is a crazy question. I’ll go with the bear. I would probably be so scared I wouldn’t feel the pain? A swarm of bees just sounds downright agonizing.

8| Do you have freckles?

No freckles. My mom has them though.

9| Do you always smile for pictures?

For the most part. I do like to make silly faces when I take selfies. #dontjudgeme

10| What is your biggest pet peeve?

Ignorance

11| Do you ever count your steps when you walk?

Yeah. Just randomly…I don’t really know why I do it

12| Have you ever peed in the woods?

Well yeah! I am from the country, ya know!

13| What about pooped in the woods?

That would be a no! What would you wipe with? A leaf?

14| Do you ever dance even if there’s no music playing?

I sure do. To the music in my head.

15| Do you chew your pens and pencils?

I don’t chew them necessarily…but I have found my pen in the corner of my mouth…especially when I’m deep in thought about something. Sorry to all you germophobes out there.

16| How many people have you slept with this week?

One. Big R. Duh!

17| What size is your bed?

Queen. Wish we had a king.

18| What is your song of the week?

Can’t Hold Us by Mackelmore feat. Ryan Lewis (I had to look that up…I don’t know music like that!)

19| Is it okay for guys to wear pink?

Yes

20| Do you still watch cartoons?

Of course I do! I’m a stepmama to be! We watched Turbo again the weekend before last…love that movie!

21| What’s your least favorite movie?

I can’t think of anything

22| Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?

Well I can’t tell you good people that!

23| What do you drink with dinner?

When I’m at home I try to drink water. When I’m out at restaurant I will have a sweet tea AND a water.

24| What do you dip a chicken nugget in?

Polynesian sauce at Chickfila. I also get Wendy’s nuggets every once in a blue moon that I mix in my chili from there as well.

25| What is your favorite food?

I can’t narrow this down to one thing…but Mexican is my favorite cuisine

26| What movies could you watch over and over and still love?

The Best Man, Love and Basketball, Enough, Father of the Bride 2, I could keep going…

27| Last person you kissed/kissed you?

Big R this morning

28| Were you ever a boy/girl scout?

I think I attended a meeting or two.

29| Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?

Hells to the no

30| When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?

To my little brother when he was in the military

31| Can you change the oil on a car?

No. I would like to learn how to.

32| Ever gotten a speeding ticket?

Nope.

33| Ever ran out of gas?

Nope.

34| Favorite kind of sandwich?

Tuna salad or chicken salad

35| Best thing to eat for breakfast?

Depends…but usually yogurt, eggs, and/or oatmeal.

36| What is your usual bedtime?

Too darn late. Almost always after 11.

37| Are you lazy?

According to the people closest to me, yes. I don’t agree.

38| When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?

I can’t remember most of them. I was a pumpkin one year. My last Halloween as a pre-teen I was a hobo.

39| What is your Chinese astrological sign?

I don’t know

40| How many languages can you speak?

Just English

41| Do you have any magazine subscriptions?

I don’t currently and that needs to change.

42| Which are better legos or lincoln logs?

Legos? What are Lincoln logs?

43|Are you stubborn?

I’d say no. I’m a pretty open and flexible person.

44| Who is better...Leno or Letterman?

Don’t watch either

45| Ever watch soap operas?

Sure have. My babysitter used to watch them faithfully when I was a kid. I also got into Passions when I was in middle school I think.

46| Are you afraid of heights?

Not really

47| Do you sing in the car?

I sing my little heart out! And I dance too.

48| Do you sing in the shower?

Every now and then…not like how I get down in the car

49| Do you dance in the car?

I guess I answered that a little too early. Yes, I sure do. Ask Little R about my moves! LoL.

50| Ever used a gun?

Does a BB gun count?

51| Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?

Last spring. We are overdue.

52| Do you think musicals are cheesy?

Not all of them.

53| Is Christmas stressful?

It can be although it shouldn’t be. I try to remember the reason for the season whenever I start stressing.

54| Ever eat a pierogi?

I tried it at O’Hill (one of the cafeterias at the University I attended)

55| Favorite type of fruit pie?

Apple

56| Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?

A teacher and a doctor

57| Do you believe in ghosts?

Kinda sorta

58| Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?

Sure do

59| Take a vitamin daily?

Eh, I go through phases

60| Wear slippers?

No

61| Wear a bath robe?

No, I would like to have one though

62| What do you wear to bed?

That depends ; )

63| First concert?

It was either SuperJam or YoungBloodz in HS

64| Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart?

Target

65| Nike or Adidas?

Nike

66| Cheetos Or Fritos?

Cheetos

67| Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?

Sunflower seeds

68| Ever hear of the group Tres Bien?

Nope

69| Ever take dance lessons?

Does Zumba count?

70| Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?

Future spouse? As in current fiance’? I see him in athletic administration. An athletic director at an university more than likely.

71| Can you curl your tongue?

No

72| Ever won a spelling bee?

A classroom spelling bee.

73| Have you ever cried because you were so happy?

Yes, the last time I can clearly remember is when President Obama won the election in 2008.

74:Own any record albums?

No

75| Own a record player?

No

76| Regularly burn incense?

Don’t burn them at all

77| Ever been in love?

I am now and have been for the last 4 years <3

78| Who would you like to see in concert?

Erykah Badu and Raphael Saddiq

79| What was the last concert you saw?

I really had to think about this…Jay Z and TI? I think.

80| Hot tea or cold tea?

I like both, but I drink cold tea more often.

81| Tea or coffee?

COFFEE

82| Sugar or snickerdoodles?

Snickerdoodles

83| Can you swim well?

I won’t drown

84| Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?

Yep

85| Are you patient?

Most of the time

86| DJ or band, at a wedding?

A band is cool, but a good DJ is fine too

87| Ever won a contest?

Nope

88| Ever have plastic surgery?

Nope

89| Which are better black or green olives?

Neither

90| Can you knit or crochet?

Neither

91| Best room for a fireplace?

We currently have one in our dining room and I’m a fan

92| Do you want to get married?

Umm yeah!! The plan is to jump the broom next May!

93| If married, how long have you been married?

Not married yet

94| Who was your HS crush?

Bahaha! I won’t say. I was young and foolish back then.

95| Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?

I don’t cry, but I have thrown a fit. Big R just tells me to get my life.

96| Do you have kids?

No biological kid yet. But Little R feels like he is my own.

97| Do you want kids?

Yes, I sure do. The plan is to have “one more”

98| What’s your favorite color?

I don’t think I really know the answer to this. My favorite color to wear is black.

99| Do you miss anyone right now?

My daddy. I miss him every day.

New Couch Set!

We got a new couch set, and I couldn't be more excited! We uesd to have a dark brown sectional. I liked the sectional, because it was one big area. Big R, Little R, and I spend a lot of time kicking it on the couch together so that worked out well. BUT the sectional was kinda janky. One pretty big section of the couch was dipped in because the boards underneath the cushion were broken. I was able to camouflage the problem area with pillows, but when folks sat there it was way obvious that it was broken, so I was happy to part with it for that reason. Big R spotted the dark brown, pleather couch and love seat set that we have now to replace the sectional. I am looking forward to updating our living room decor around our new couch set. I have a few pillows that are either a shade of blue or green. I would like to find some pillow covers for them. I've seen some good deals for pillow covers on GroopDealz in the past, so I will definitely keep my eye out for what I have in mind! We also got a new coffee table and end table set to replace the ottoman that we had as well. Down the road I would like to get a tan jute rug like this one from WayFair:

I took to Pinterest for some inspiration. Here's what I found:

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By coincidence I came across Makeup By Tiffany D's blog. Oh my goodness does she have a beautiful home! I am in love with the way she decorated her family room in one of her older homes:

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I love the combination of neutrals with the black and white patterns! Again, I will be on the look out for some black and white pillow covers for the couches and the Chippendale chairs I have by our bay window.

Here are some photos to give you a glance at our living room before and after the new additions:

Do y'all notice the dips in the sectional? Not cute! I really like the proportions of the new couch set and coffee table, as compared to the sectional and the ottoman. The blue and green color scheme must go too my friends. I'm not feeling it. 

Disregard my work out mess in that right corner! I need to figure out what I want to flank our TV as well.

And here's a better look at the bay window. We ended up putting one of the end tables between the Chippendale chairs. I like the way that turned out. 

Which look do y'all like best? Let me know.


Until next time,
<3 Keia

Facebook Uplift & A Little Friday Inspiration

Earlier this week I posted a video on my personal Facebook page that many would consider rather controversial. The subject matter of the video addressed an issue that is seldom talked about from a father’s perspective. Much of the content described in the video is a direct reflection of the life I share with Big R. Yesterday someone posted a comment STATUS of similar subject matter that rubbed me the wrong way. It is likely that comment STATUS was not directed at me at all; however, it prompted me to do something that I’ve thought about doing for a very long time. I adjusted the settings of my Facebook page so that I am able to share parts of my life with the people who I feel pretty confident that they genuinely support me and my little family. 

UPDATE: I stand corrected...I'm pretty sure the STATUS I saw posted was not directed at me, but my feelings about what I want to share, and who I want to share it with remains the same. ; )

I have never had a problem accepting the fact that not everyone is going to like me, agree with me, or be happy for me. It’s a fact of life, and I am ok with that. On the other hand, it is important for me to protect myself and the people I love.

I’ve also decided to close my Facebook page for the blog. So if you’re interested in following me along on this blogging journey, please feel free to follow the blog for updates, as I will no longer post the links to my latest blog posts on Facebook either. You will see the option to follow the blog on the right hand side of the screen.

Please know that this post is not for a pity party…AT ALL!!  I just wanted to give an update to those who care!! Love you all!

I’ll leave you with a little Friday inspiration! These words helped me, and maybe they will help you too!!

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Until next time,
<3 Keia

Let's Talk About My Face Shall We...

So I have mentioned in previous posts that my face is extremely BLEMISH prone, especially in my t-zone. I have tried numerous drugstore products to both prevent blemishes and to clear up the pre-existing blemishes I have as well. After much trial and error, I think I have finally found a routine that works well for my skin.

Let me forewarn you...this routine is very, very simple. I don't use any toners, serums, or anything fancy. All of the products I use can be found at your local drugstore or Walmart. I like to use products that I can get my hands on easily, and that are easy on my pockets too. So here it is:

STEP 1: CLEANSERS

Aveeno Positively Radiant Brightening Cleanser OR Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

Over the past few weeks, I have mainly been using the Aveeno Brightening Cleanser; however, I do like to rotate in my Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser every now and then. I feel like both cleansers do a really good job of cleaning my face without stripping out the natural moisture in my skin. According to the packaging, the Aveeno Brightening Cleanser is supposed to, "Help even skin tone and texture to reveal brighter, more radiant skin," and I agree with that based on the results I've seen with my skin so far. What I like most about this combination of products is that I have experience little to no breakouts. The one breakout that I did have was one pretty ugly zit that appeared in my temple area, and it was gone within a day. If that wasn't amazing enough, I also do not have a blemish as a result of that zit either. Woot woot! 

Small side note: I only use these products during my nightly shower. I wash my face with just warm water in the mornings. I read in several places that you could potentially over wash your face, I definitely didn't know that was possible, by washing with a product twice a day. That has also been working very well for my skin.

STEP 2: MOISTURIZER/CREAM

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer AND Ambi Fade Cream for Normal Skin

Can I just say that the Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer is and will continue to be a holy grail product for me? This stuff is amazing. I am no beauty expert, but I think it would work on all skin types. It moisturizes without being too oily. Most of the moisturizers I have used in the past would leave behind an oily residue that I would have to slightly pat away after applying the product...not this stuff! I use this day and night. The product claims to, "Prevent breakouts and helps clear up blemishes." Can I get an AMEN? I will not live without this stuff from here on out! Now in combination with that I've gone back to an oldie but goodie. I used the Ambi Fade Cream way back in the day. In the past, I didn't think it really worked, but I initially started using it again on a blemish that I have on my hand. I started seeing good results there so in the past few weeks I've been applying small amounts on the blemishes I have in my t-zone area of my face. So far, so good. 

AND THEN THERE is H2O...

Well, I think we all know the many benefits of drinking water. I have personally been trying to drink as much water as I can each day to not only help improve the appearance of my skin, but also my overall health as well. So I know I don't need to tell you, but drink your water...ALL DAY, ERR DAY peeps!!

That's it y'all...I told you my face routine is hella simple. BUT it works for me! I like to see what other people do for their routines, because it sometimes inspires me to try something new that often works well for me too. Let me know what you think about my routine? Do you have any suggestions? What does your face routine consist of?

Until next time,

<3 Keia

Morning Person

I am NOT a morning person AT ALL!! Like AT ALL! I don't do mornings. I'm not one of those people who is able to wake up with the sun...none of that over here. As my life is transitioning, the more responsibilities I have, and it would just be so beneficial for me to jump start my day by waking up earlier in the morning. I aspire to one day start my mornings something like this:

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I can do it, right? Y'all help me. Any and all suggestions are welcomed!

Until next time,

Keia

Abandoned.

Yep that's right, I have downright abandoned my blog. I have missed blogging so much. I actually started working on a few new blog posts over the past few weeks more like months that I have been away, but I never felt like the posts were good enough, or I never found the time to finish them. It just hit me today that I didn't post them because I was putting too much pressure on myself to post something groundbreaking, or to post something that would be interesting for the few people who actually visit my blog...but today I realized that is not the reason I started this blog. The purpose of this blog is for me to have an online journal of sorts. I want to be able to look back at this blog, two or three years from now, and remember what it felt like to be newly engaged. I want this blog to remind me of the silly things little R says all the time. I want to look back at this blog to see what our current house looked like from the home we will hopefully one day purchase. So with that being said...my plan for this blog is to just share whatever is going on in my world! No commitments! No standards to meet.

Now, I feel like I should be clear and say, that whole intro was just a reminder and declaration to myself! I appreciate ALL of you who take the time to check out my blog! Thank you, thank you! Stick around if you so desire!

Now that we've got that out of the way, I thought I would share some photos I've collected in my good 'ole iPhone over the past few weeks. Sidenote: I want a REAL camera. I really love looking at nice, quality pictures, and I would like to bring that to the blog! I've seen some of my favorite bloggers like A Little Bit of Lacquer and A Slice of Glam post pictures on Instagram using the hashtag #vscocam, so I want to look into that as well. They both have great Instagram pictures AND blogs, of course! Anyway here ya go:

I live for slapping my hair into a bun. It's such a quick and easy style. It's a go-to for me, especially when I'm running late, which is often.

I have really been trying to eat a healthier, or at least attempt to. I made some lettuce tacos a while back, and they weren't half bad.

 Ah, Muscle Milk. Banana Creme Muscle Milk specifically is something I will have from time to time for a lunch substitute. Umm obviously this stuff is to build muscle, which probably also means I should be working out to build said muscles...yep failing at that.

 Ok, have y'all started to notice how many pictures I snap while at my desk? Don't judge me. Anyway, I love my navy, polka dot blouse that I purchased at Goodwill a while back. I get compliments on it every time I wear it. On this particular day I had my nails painted too so I was really feeling myself. Hehe.

I got this cute XOXO banner in the $1 section at Target. I thought it was a cute addition to my office cube for Valentine's Day.

 Seriously, how cute is this kid? Missing teeth and a Gatorade red tongue! Adorbs!

 Just some good ole' Sunday chillin'. Notice the Falcon's jersey? I'm willing to bet that he was also playing NCAA 2013 College Football on the PS3, while his dad was looking at football recruits on Hudl. It's football all day, err day in this house.

 Can I tell y'all how much a short rest on this good couch does your girl on my lunch break? I also had nice twist-out going on this day, which I know is pretty hard to see in this pic...just take my word for it, k?

Ah, I love these shoes! These sneakers are my first Coach purchase. Yes, I said first. Love, love. So my style. 

 We had a major ice storm last weekend. This here branch that the Mr. is moving came tumbling down, and scared the crap out of me! There are still tons of trees down in our area. We lost power Friday evening, and it didn't come back on until Sunday morning, so the Mr. and I spent the weekend in a hotel. It was a nice change of scenery, despite the circumstances.

 Oh.em.gee. If you enjoy Indian food AND you have a Trader Joe's near you...get on this immediately!! So tasty! 

 We've decided on a May 2015 wedding. I really like the style of this dress. I can't remember where I found this picture from, but I'm pretty sure this is the look I'm going for. I need to get my butt to the gym, like yesterday, so I can drop a dress size and about 3 inches from my arms before I actually go wedding dress shopping.

Well, this post turned out to be quite wordy and picture heavy! I'm back, y'all!

Until next time,
<3 Keia