the great outdoors

I'm currently on a little mini vacay, if you will, at my parents' house. My brother and Cozmo are in town to visit too, so the past few days have been full of family time... which for us means lots of laying by the pool and playing in the backyard with Coz. So in honor of all the time I've been spending outside, I thought I'd check out a few outdoor spaces on pinterest. I love looking at beautiful porches and patios, dreaming of an outdoor space I'll someday have :-) Here's just a few gorgeous porch spaces I saw today!

 

Check out some more great architecture and outdoor spaces on my Pinterest board ;-)

Happy Memorial Day

This is my man, my hero, my best friend, my soul mate. My marine ❤ Chris, you are the best man I know and I can't believe how lucky I am to get to be your girl :-) You're brave and selfless and I'm so proud of you! Thank you, for everything, not just as a girlfriend, but as an American. You've taught me so much and touched my life more than I ever thought possible. You are amazing!! And I love you more and more each day!

And thank you to every single veteran, and every single person still out there somewhere fighting the good fight for our country! Freedom isn't free! It takes a whole lot of brave men and women just like Chris, and they deserve to have everyone (not just their head-over-heels-in-love girlfriends) recognize and thank them :-)

Semper Fi! God Bless America ❤

Memorial Day Maxis

Maxi Dresses everywhere! Will you be sporting one this Memorial Day weekend? You can find these dresses in pretty much every store right now... here's a few of my favorites from online shopping :-)

 

1. Lauren Conrad Chiffon Maxi
2. Lauren Conrad Striped Maxi
3. Victoria's Secret Strapless Ruffle Maxi, Black Dots
4. Victoria's Secret Crochet Maxi, chocolate, sandcastle
5. AX Paris Printed Strapless Maxi
6. AX Paris Polka Dot Belted Drop Back Orange Maxi
7. Lauren Conrad Striped Chiffon Maxi
8. Victoria's Secret Bra Top Maxi, Electric Grape
9. AX Paris Paisley Elasticated Strap Maxi

Sun SALE!

Have you shopped my Sun Sale yet?? Don't forget, now through Memorial Day, receive 20% OFF any Mary Kay® Sun Care Collection product! Time to stock up for the summer!

The best way to look young? Protect yourself from the sun! Get piece of mind... our sunscreen is backed by the Skin Cancer Foundation! And as always, 100% satisfaction guarantee + free shipping!

Enter code "SUN" in customer comments box during checkout: SHOP NOW!

Random funny about me

...for the first 24 years of my life, I thought it was "cufflings", not "cufflinks"

So when you hear me laugh at that word, now you know why! Haha, Happy Hump Day! ;-)

Missing him

I'm not real sure what to do with myself right now... thought writing might make me feel a little better, kinda like I'm getting it out instead of holding in. I miss Chris so much right now, it's ridiculous. I decided to get more comfy for evening tv, bc I'm not feeling that well... so I moved from the Living Room couch to my bed. Well, in my bed I have one of Chris' shirts to sleep with, bc it smells like him & it can just be really comforting sometimes... not tonight. As soon as I picked his shirt up to give it a hug, I burst into tears! Granted I don't feel well & I'm probably just being a baby right now... but for real, long distance is so hard sometimes. Chris and I have been together 3 & 1/2 years... not a single second of that have we lived in the same city. Things that other people take for granted, I long for... a hug, a kiss on the cheek, a note left on the counter, running stupid errands together, eating dinner together and talking about your day...
And when you don't have your loved one around, you depend on friends, right? Yeah well, I can't even remember the last time someone said to me, "Hey Cassie, that whole long distance thing, how's that going? How are you handling it? Are you doing ok?" And it's not that I think people don't care, it's just not what comes to mind I guess. I get questioned probably once a week when I will "finally" get married (seriously y'all, we're still young... I'm not the odd one for not getting married at 25, sheesh). But never the question about how I'm holding up... it would just be nice for someone to question how my present is going, not my future that hasn't happened yet.
The distance is worth it, I love Chris more than anything & I know God has a plan for us... this is all for some reason, whether I can see it now or not, but sometimes it just really hits me hard. I miss him like crazy right now. Hoping I feel better in the morning... meh :-/

Enjoying my city

Ok, sorry I've been MIA for a few days!! How was everyone's weekend? I've been working a lot in the last couple of days, and when I haven't been working, I've been trying to hardest to enjoy my city and the outdoors before it gets to be TOO HOT. For anyone not from Texas, perhaps the lower 90s is already too hot for you... well, for us, that's like normal "spring" weather, sadly. And since it's sure to be balls hot outside in a few weeks (yeah I said balls hot, you read that right lol), now is the time to enjoy my outside workouts while they last! Soon I'll be trading in my scenic walks for the boring ol' treadmill inside the air conditioned gym.

Yeah maybe I don't burn as many calories on my walks outside, but it sure is nice to forget that you're working out! I love having friendly people to say HI to as I pass, and dogs to pet as I walk by restaurant patios, and historic architecture to gaze upon. Sometimes getting healthy isn't all about the calories you burn or how much you sweat... it's simply about feeling better than you did before you started! And I can't help but feel great after walking around my beloved city of Fort Worth :-) So here's a small selection of photos from some recent walks

happy hour

Sometimes you just have to stop & enjoy sonic happy hour! I'm an unsweet tea with lemon girl... what are you?! I feel summer coming! ;-)

Fort Worth... the next Austin?

You may not know this if you live elsewhere in the DFW metroplex, but if you actually live IN Fort Worth, especially downtown, you've been noticing lots of changes in the last year or two! From the added activities along the Trinity River, to the bike lanes recently added to downtown streets, and the major development of numerous retail restaurants & bars just outside downtown, the changes are happening everywhere! Even Sundance Square is now getting a complete makeover in an effort to keep the center of downtown more pedestrian, moving most of the parking to the outskirts of the city in existing parking garages.

Texas is HUGE, in case you haven't noticed! So I think many Texans will tell you that while we're all proud Texans, we realize differences between the major cities and the people that choose to live there... Houston is different than Dallas which is different than Fort Worth and well, Austin is just the little weirdo that we all can't help but love! But I'm loving that the distinctive lines dividing these cities are becoming blurred!  I don't feel that HUGE difference anymore when I go between Fort Worth and Austin! What I love about Austin, they seem to be bringing to Fort Worth! Tons of outdoor activities and festivals, improved parks & recreation areas, water activities on the river, smaller "local" food joints instead of just giant chain restaurants, and boutique shops! The culture and history of Fort Worth remains, but the activity for MY generation seems to be booming!

Another huge boom lately? Food trucks! Again, an Austin favorite and something they've been doing for years! Today marks the opening of a SECOND food truck park in Fort Worth, the Cowtown Chow Down! Can't wait to hit this up!

So if you love the feel of Austin and you haven't been to Fort Worth in awhile, you need to come visit our little Funkytown :-) I've been saying for a few years now that every move this city makes seems to be geared towards an end-result like Austin, and now it's what everybody is saying! Fort Worth is NOT second to Dallas just because it's smaller, nor any other city in this state! In fact, us locals have just kept it to ourselves mostly... but I think now our great city is realizing we deserve to be recognized! This is an amazing place to live, a great place to raise a family and even better, for me, a great place to be in your 20s and enjoying day AND night life!

So the next time someone asks you, "Where should we go? What should we do today?" just say... "Won't you take me to, FUNKYTOWN?!" ❤

downtown Fort Worth

Coming soon!

Michaels

Spotted this during my morning errands! Coming soon to Montgomery Plaza in Fort Worth! This just made my day :-)

Makeup Monday: Weddings

Love is in the air!! It's bridal season and looking your best on your big day is a must! Remember, whether you're having your makeup done by a professional or you're a do-it-yourself-er, bridal makeup must be applied differently than every day makeup. Priming and concealing must take priority to ensure your photographs capture exactly what you want them to!

The best tip I can give is to schedule a dry run with your makeup artist at least one month before the wedding, or to hold your own dry run at home. You may think it is perfectly fine to go in cold turkey on your wedding day, especially when you hire a professional, but you never know! Put yourself at ease by having your skincare routine and makeup look selected and tested ahead of time! This will guarantee your big day goes smoothly, your makeup will last and your pictures will look great!

I personally meet with all of my brides around the same time they are shopping for a dress. This ensures that we have plenty of time to work out a perfectly personalized skincare routine (remember to perfect that "canvas") and allows us to play with multiple makeup looks. I actually require a consultation prior to the wedding day; I do not show up on a wedding day having never spoken to or worked with my customers. I want to know your skin and what works for you, and I want to know how I can complete YOUR vision for your day!

To schedule your complimentary consultation including gift certificate, please email me your name, phone number and the best time to reach you :-)

Want specific wedding day makeup tips and tricks, product recommendations and gift ideas for the bridal party? Browse the Get Gorgeous Guide to Bridal Party Beauty

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there! Hope you have a very blessed day! What's everyone doing to celebrate??

I'm wrapping up some gifts this morning, then I'll be headed up to the parents' for the afternoon. We're planning on going out to lunch, then relaxing for the rest of the day! Nice little Sunday :-)

❤ Don't forget! Shop online all day today and get 20% OFF! Enter code "MOM" in customer comments box during checkout! SHOP NOW!

Product Alert!

Product alert! Summer's coming & I'm loving the bright colors in stores! Check out these awesome roll-out beach mats by Tommy Hilfiger! Spotted at Marshalls, they're soooo adorable. Padded & has a round pillow for your head! Super cute patterns :-) Get 'em before they're gone!

Happy Birthday Mary Kay Ash

Happy birthday to Mary Kay Ash! You have changed my life! You may have heard of her, but probably don't know the full story... read more here

“The success [of Mary Kay Inc.] is much, much deeper than just dollars and cents and buildings and assets. The real success of our Company is measured to me in the lives that have been touched and given hope.”

Mary Kay Ash

Dibs!!

In case you're not aware of this FABULOUS website, I'm here to pass it on! I have used 1stdibs.com for years when it comes to interior design.  Professional designers are obsessed with this website because it offers phenomenal antiques and items you just can't find anywhere else! But don't worry, because if you're not looking for fine antique furniture and artwork, you'll be pleasantly surprised to see there's just as much jewelry, clothing and accessories to look through!

My current obsession is this ridiculously amazing 1920s flapper dress! If you don't already know this, I'm slightly obsessed with this time period... art deco architecture, design AND fashion... I love it all! How gorgeous is this?!

1920s Pink Sequin & Paillette Net Flapper

 

 

 

 

Little things ❤

Sometimes, it's just the little random things that put the biggest smile on your face...

❤ Your pet sleeping soundly and looking so cute that you don't want to move or make noise just so you don't disturb them

❤ Someone holding the elevator door for you

❤ The thing you go to the store for surprising you by being on sale

❤ Your boyfriend calling you before he even gets out of bed in the morning

❤ Checking your mail and getting a new Architectural Digest

❤ Skipping over articles in girl magazines about "where to meet guys" and "how to make him your boyfriend" because you're already head-over-heels in love with the man of your dreams and he loves you just as much

❤ Dressing cute, even if you're just running to the grocery store

❤ Smelling fresh flowers on your kitchen table as you drink your morning coffee

❤ Having a friend tell you they miss you on your facebook wall

...take 10 seconds to say a little thank you prayer for your little things, in that moment, and see how it changes your attitude towards life. Every day is full of thousands of little things that will warm your heart if you just allow yourself to notice them 

Makeup Monday

Let's get your Monday morning started out right! How about a little makeup chat? Not awake yet? No problem! We're talking "Dash Out The Door" today, for your Monday morning rush out the door!

When you don't have much time for makeup, here are the steps you should focus on:

1. Even skin tone with some sort of foundation. Although foundation may take a few seconds to cover your entire face, it's important because it is the final step to skincare. Foundation creates a barrier between your skin and the outdoor elements, protecting you throughout the day from sun damage & free radicals in the air. For super quick application, choose a Mineral Powder Foundation. Tinted Moisturizers are also great because they combine your moisturizer and protection steps!

2. Apply Mascara. In a quick look, applying mascara takes priority over applying any sort of eyeshadow or eyeliner. Use black and coat top and bottom lashes. For cleaner application, apply on bottom lashes first, then top.

3. Apply Blush. Don't spend the few minutes you have on just your eyes! I see a lot of young girls make the mistake of never using blush. Using a bright blush color and applying on the apples of the cheeks is one of the best ways to perk up your complexion and look.

4. Apply Lip Color. Choose a color close to your natural lip shade and a formula that keeps your lips moisturized. Remember that with a dash-out-the-door look, your makeup is subtle and therefore your lip color should be too. Don't go crazy with a dark red lip... just choose something that adds a little color and completes your look.

This completes your Dash Out The Door look! The more time you have, the more steps you can add. Remember, don't focus on one facial feature and apply all your makeup there! The key is remembering to lightly apply makeup in each of these key areas to give you a complete look in only a few minutes!

**As always, remember that basic skincare is the key to looking great with less makeup! When you have a good day/night routine, you will find it is much easier to use less makeup**

Here are some Mary Kay favorites that I recommend to achieve this look!

Products left to right, top to bottom:


TimeWise® Miracle Set®
MaryKay® Mineral Powder Foundation
Mary Kay® Tinted Moisturizer With Sunscreen SPF 20
Mary Kay® Lash Love™ Mascara
Mary Kay® Cream Blush
Mary Kay® Liquid Lip Color
Mary Kay® Cream Eye Color
Mary Kay® Brush Collection
Mary Kay® Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover 

a little serious on Sunday night

I've had a lot on my mind lately... with the reunion coming up and the fun I've been having going through boxes of old photographs from High School, I've started to reflect on a lot of things.  Not just things from High School, but everything in the past few years. When you get to be in your late 20s, inevitably you reach a point where you have to examine yourself, your actions, your habits, everything... and it can be uncomfortable and difficult because it's always easy to look at everyone else, but the hardest thing to look at yourself. And even though you might come to a conclusion you don't always like, you have to remember to not get down on yourself for your past mistakes. Mistakes are life. It's just important to recognize them and learn from them... not to dwell on them.

I happened to catch the end of a Sex and the City episode when I turned on my TV tonight, and it's almost like the episode was playing just for me to hear this quote.  I needed to hear this quote today ❤

Hats off to the weekend!

Do you love hats as much as me? I truly think it's a shame how hats seem to be so rare in today's society. It used to be that men & women wore a hat every time they left the house! I long to live in a time period when fashion and dressing in a classy way was a true priority! I think the tide is turning in fashion lately and it's finally headed towards a more conservative, vintage, classy style, inspired by old Hollywood! We've seen the trend of covering up more on the red carpet... celebs have been sporting gorgeous gowns with long sleeves and higher necklines and I love it! I think we can all thank Kate Middleton for showing young women what true class and style is! She is absolutely one of my favorite stylish people... and what do you know, she's always sporting some fabulous HAT!

So did you realize tomorrow you have 2 opportunities to sport hats?? 1. Kentucky Derby and 2. Cinco de Mayo! I have to say, I definitely prefer fancy hats to sombreros, but then again, I probably have more of a chance of sitting around drinking beer tomorrow than I do attending a fancy Derby party lol... but hey, maybe I'll just wear my derby hat anyway! It's black and white :-)

Or maybe I need to go shopping and pick up another hat..? Maybe start a new-derby-hat-each-year tradition? But do I have that many occasions to wear these beauties?

Maybe I just need to rock the sombrero tomorrow! Where's my Tecate? Don't forget the lime! ;-)

Or maybe I should really mix things up and join my fellow Cheeseheads with a Derby Cheesehead hat?! (GO PACK GO!)

Whatever goes on my head, you know I'm going to wear it loud and proud! I LOVE HATS!! Enjoy your hat-filled weekend!