TBB Asks Relationships

So I’m back and ready to catch up on all of your comments for the last week or so. Thank you for all your comments. I am ready to get back to everyday life. At least for a bit. Today is a TBB Asks post and the topic is relationships. .

1. Who is your oldest friend/how did you meet? Well other than family, that would be Brandy. We met when we were super young. Like Kindergarten. Even though we have families, busy work schedules and life that gets in the way, we try to meet up a few times a year. I wish it was more but we live about an hour apart.

2. Tell us about circle of support. Who are your people? Well my blogging community. I have made the best friends who listen to my rants, who answer my texts at all hour and are there cheering me on. Also my family. Immediate and extended. My family watches the girls, comes to all the parties, celebrations, dinners and everything in between.

3. How did you meet your partner? At work in October 2006.

4. How is Valentines Day celebrated in your home? We usually do a dinner at home now that we have kids. I usually get Valentine cards and goodies for my kids and husband and keep it simple.

5. What is your love language? I still need to take a test and really find out.

6. Do you prefer receiving flowers or chocolates? Flowers. But I have a ton of chocolates that I just brought back from Belgium so everyone is getting chocolate this time.

7. What is the most meaningful gift you have ever received or given? Wow that is hard. I did give Rory a Valentine’s gift of concert tickets to see Black Keys and a weekend getaway with it. But otherwise it would be a sentimental piece of jewelry that I have received. Like pearls for graduation from my parents or many pieces of jewelry that Rory gave me that we’re stolen when our house was broken into in 2011.

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

I am changing Friday Favorites up a bit and sharing with you six Valentine's Day gift ideas. I would love to receive any of these. We don't do too much for Valentine's Day anymore. Sometimes we get a babysitter and go out either before or after (the day of is just too crazy) or we just make an amazing meal at home and have a little date night there. That is probably what we will do this year...date night at home.

Moonlight Short Pajamas I need new pajamas more often than I would like to admit. No, I don't "go" through them a lot, but I just never buy pjs. I buy them for my kids all the time, but never for myself. These look cute, comfy and functional.

Kate Spade Glitter Heart Earrings I love everything from Kate Spade. And when I saw these heart earrings, I wanted them. Not only can you wear them on Valentine's Day, but any day. I want to scoop these up before they sell out.

Barefoot Dream Cozy Chic Blanket I love anything cozy and pretty much use a blanket all the time at home. This blanket looks sooo cozy and perfect for snuggling on the couch.

Anthropologie Monogram Tea Cup I saw this tea cup and immediately wanted it. I don't drink tea all that often at home, but it is just too cute. I love the monogram on it and would definitely use it if I had it.

Allbirds Wool Runners I have talked about Allbirds many times on my blog...and that is because I love them. I have the loungers and they are beyond comfy. You can wear them with socks or without and you can take out the sole and wash them in the washer. These shoes are comfy, cozy and seriously worth every single penny,

32 oz Hydro Flask This is the water bottle that I use when I drink water at work. It gives me 32 oz at one time, keeps the water cold and is super durable. Believe me, I have dropped it a bunch at work (hello clumsy). I love this water bottle because it keeps me accountable on how much water I am drinking. I fill it up, drink it and make sure to drink 3 to 4 of these while I am at work.

What is on your Valentine's Day Wish List?

I am linking up with April, A Little Bit of Everything, Meet @ the Barre and Cup of Tea.

Have a great weekend!

What's Up Wednesday

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

I am not going to lie, I wrote this last week. But with traveling this week, I had to write it ahead of time. So what have we been up to?

WHAT WE ARE EATING THIS WEEK...

Sunday: I will be in Paris, France, so hopefully I am enjoying some amazing French food.

Monday: I will still be in Paris, so hopefully another amazing dish.

Tuesday: Paris again.

Wednesday: I will be in Brussels, Belgium, so hopefully I am enjoying something with frites (fries). Did you know French Fries were invented in Belgium???

Thursday: Probably something with fries or chocolate.

Friday: I will be on a plane, so most likely something on the plane or something in LA.

Saturday: I am hoping to make something healthy for dinner since I will be back home.

WHAT I'M REMINISCING ABOUT...

The birth of my girls. My niece was born 2 1/2 weeks ago and I can't help but think of when my girls were born, their NICU stay, when they came home and all the newborn goodness. 

WHAT I'M LOVING...

That all of my shows are back on, cutting the cable, traveling, seeing new places and all the food and desserts I have had on this trip. I can't wait to post about my trip.

WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO...

Well in January, I got sick to start the New Year off. Then I was in the hospital for an infection. Then the girls started their dance class back up and were so happy. I went to a gender reveal, a Nevada basketball game and now I am on a trip to Gibraltar, France and Belgium. Busy, busy month.

WHAT I'M DREADING...

Maybe just the cold winter. It has been pretty cold here in January. I am already ready for sunshine and heat.

WHAT I'M WORKING ON...

My blog and my Instagram. I am trying to grow my brand and I want to stay authentic to myself and my readers. So I am trying to find the right balance.

WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT...

This work trip, my vacation to Mexico and another work trip to Estonia and Israel.

WHAT I'M WATCHING/READING...

So I finally finished The Good Widow last week at the beginning of my trip. And I had already purchased a new book that EVERYONE was recommending. So now I am recommending it to you all. It is called Verity and so far I like it. I have a feeling, I will be done in no time. It is suspenseful for sure. 

As for TV, well, I cut the cable (you can read about it here), but I am still watching all of my favorites. I have been watching You (I binged it quickly and can't wait for season 2), Dirty John (amazing and just finished the first season), Million Dollar Listing LA, Friday Night Lights (it is available on Hulu!), Riverdale, Modern Family, Grey's Anatomy, This is Us, True Detective, football playoffs, etc.

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO...

Lots of French music.

WHAT I'M WEARING...

Well right now, I am wearing clothes similar to back home. France and Belgium are chilly. But when I was in Gibraltar, I was wear shorts, jeans with t-shirts and sandals. Do you know hard it is to pack for two different climates? It is tough because I have wanted to bring all of the things.

WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND...

Probably getting back to my normal time, sleeping, spending time with my family and then watching the Super Bowl on Sunday. 

WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH...

February brings Valentine's Day, my sisters birthday, a possible trip to Scottsdale with my family and hopefully getting out on the slopes to snowboard. Nope, I have not been yet. I guess that is what happens when you don't buy a pass.

WHAT ELSE IS NEW...

I pretty much write what is going on in our lives, so I don't have much else to report.

BONUS: 

My Current Make-up Favorites

It has been awhile since I have done a make-up post and what I am currently using. I wrote one back in May of last year and I have changed up some of my products. So what am I currently using and loving?

FOUNDATION:

Dior Forever Foundation (in 020 Light Beige)

I use this as my foundation each morning. I used It Cosmetics for awhile, but then I went to Sephora and told them that I needed more coverage, something that lasted longer and gave me the airbrush look. They recommended Dior and I love it. I use the Light Beige color.

PRE-MAKE UP PRIMER:

No Poreblem Primer

I think it was Biana who recommended No Poreblem to me, but I can't remember. I squirt a pump or two into my hand and rub it on my face before putting on my foundation and it helps hide my pores.

EYE SHADOW PRIMER:

Primer

I started using Urban Decay's eye shadow primer many years ago and I still use it. I have tried a few others when they came as samples in Birchboxes or using points at Sephora, but none of them compare to Urban Decay. My eye shadow never creases.

EYE SHADOW PALETTE:

Tarte In Bloom Palette

As with most make up, I have tried most brands of eye shadow, but once I found the Tarte In Bloom Palette, I was in love. I haven't bought another eye shadow palette since I discovered this one. I LOVE the funny girl color and would buy that in bulk if they sold that color alone. I love it so much.

BROWS:

Eyebrow Pencil

Anastasia makes the BEST eye brow pencils. I never used to worry about my brows until I started seeing an esthetician and he recommended that I color my brows since they were pretty light. Then I got my make up done for my engagement photos and they used an eyebrow pencil and again for my wedding photos. So I knew it was time to invest in a good eyebrow pencil. 

I tried the ones from my professional photos, plus a few others and the best is Anastasia. By far.

BRONZER:

Too Faced Sun Bunny Bronzer

I used to wear this bronzer for a long time and then I kind of got away from it and started using just blush. But I went back about 4 months ago and I love it again. Especially since I put darker colors in my hair. I needed to brighten my face up a bit and not look so pale. This is a tried and true favorite.

BLUSH:

Stila Convertible Color (in Peony)

This was another blogger recommendation. It is a lip and cheek color though I have never used it on my lips. After I get my foundation and concealer on, I use my finger and swipe this across my cheek bones. I rub it in in circles and blend it in a bit. The color (peony) is subtle, but adds to the bronzer to give a finished look.

CONCEALER:

Tarte Double Duty Shape Tape

This stuff is the holy grail. I held off on all of the hype, but finally gave in and I am on my second tube of this stuff. This time I got the little purple sponge which allows me to put it on more smoothly. This concealer covers up dark circles, blemishes and doesn't make me look like I have 4 year old twins who are crazy, fun toddlers. I get light neutral.

MASCARA:

I don't have a favorite right now. I am mostly just trying new ones out ever since I got my lash extensions off. Right now, I use Maybelline Luscious Lash Sensational, but I am looking for new recommendations and I just recently bought a primer for my mascara, so that might help out.

FINISHING POWDER: 

Laura Mercier Translucent Finishing Powder

I used to use It Cosmetics and while I loved it, I love this stuff even more. I use that little purple sponge that I got with my shape tape to put some over my concealer and then I use a puff and the setting powder over the rest of my face. My face doesn't get oily, dried out and my make-up stays all day. 

Friday Favorites and Happenings

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

How is this month already over? Ok, almost over. Anyways, this week is crazy with travel, a holiday and some pretty eventful things that happened recently.

Onto Friday Favorites and Happenings.

ONE. Remember how one of my goals was to date my husband more? Well we pretty much failed miserably at it this month with no real dates. I guess you could call going out on NYE a date, but that was actually in December, so nope, doesn't count. 

I am not saying that we didn't go out this month. We just didn't go out together. We went to basketball games (separately), went out with our friends (separately) and just didn't make time. I blame it partly on the fact that I am gone the last week-ish of the month. 

We are definitely going to have a date night next month as I owe him a steak dinner. If you are new here, then let me explain. When one of us goes on a foreign work trip, we buy the person who was home with the girls a steak dinner when we get back. This is a thank you for taking care of the kids for soooo many days and just a way to treat each other. Since I am in Gibraltar right, and have France and Belgium coming up next week, it is my turn to treat him.

Also, we are going to Mexico by ourselves in April. The grandparents (both sides) are watching the girls and we get another trip to relax, be husband and wife and have fun!!! We seriously have the best parents.

TWO. I have another work trip coming up and it is another foreign trip. Yep. I definitely won the travel lottery at work lately. In March, before March Madness starts up (go Pack!), I am heading to Estonia and Israel for work. I have been to Israel before, but I have never been to Estonia. Rory went once for work and he said it was pretty cool. He also bought a bottle of vodka there (close to Russia) that him and his groomsmen took a shot out of on our wedding day. I plan to buy another bottle of it when I go there. Memories.

Are you going on any fun trips for business or personal?

THREE. Do your kids have tangly hair in the mornings? Because mine do. They are blessed with my fine hair and it just becomes a rats nest when they sleep on it. We have used Burt's Bees detangler and liked it for awhile until I found Shea Moisture Kids Extra Moisture Detangler. I bet you are thinking that the extra moisture wouldn't be good for kids hair that is fine, but it is awesome. It smells good...thank you marshmallow extract, it doesn't leave their hair greasy (at all) and it makes brushing their hair so easy. Isn't that what it is supposed to do?

Buy this if you your kids have tangly hair.

Well about a month ago, I went to Ulta and while I was there, I remembered that I needed a new bottle for the girls. I searched and it was a no-go. I think they have it online, but not in stores. Or at least stores in my area. I was too lazy to go to Walmart or Target (because it was Christmas time), so I asked for some other suggestions. They recommended Not Your Mother's Detangler. I bought it and we used some of it, but it just wasn't the same as the Shea Moisture. It just left their hair greasy looking. Not great for fine hair people, but it works for some of my friend's hair. 

FOUR. Another great Amazon find? For Christmas, I bought Rory a Lint Chaser Brush because our dog sheds a bunch, it isn't always easy to bring the lint rollers on a work trip and this got amazing reviews. And guess what? He loves it. He uses it on his clothes. We use it on our couch where Walter lays daily and pretty much anywhere. It gets hair and lint off of anything. Not sponsored at all. We just love this thing and it is only $13.

Lint Chaser Brush

FIVE. This isn't a favorite at all. It is the exact opposite, but it is a happening lately. I am not sure if you saw the news (it went nationwide), but where I live had a "serial killer" recently. I am using the term serial killer loosely, but since this guy murdered 4 people in three incidents and would have kept going, we are using that term.

Over the span of about a week, we had someone go to a 56 year old woman's house and murder her. Than about a mile away and a few days later, he murdered a woman in her 70s. Then 3 days later, he went to a city about an hour away and murdered a couple who were in their 80s. He was caught before murdering anyone else. 

I am seriously thanking the local law enforcement for catching this awful person. We were beyond scared around here. Even though he was targeting older (and I say that very loosely) people, we were all still freaked out. And I am not even 100% sure there isn't someone else involved with him. So I am still keeping my guard up. Ugh. Remember to lock your doors, your windows, keep your porch lights on and be aware of your surroundings.

SIX. Last weekend I went to my friends gender reveal party. The theme was tacos and it was sooo perfect. Here are a few shots I snapped. They are having a baby girl and I can't wait to meet her and introduce the girls to a new friend!!!

 Some of the funny diaper messages for mom and dad

I am linking up with April, A Little Bit of Everything, Meet @ the Barre and Cup of Tea.

Have a great weekend!

Re-Introductions

Last week Jen reintroduced herself by asking some questions of her readers and also answering said questions herself. I feel like I should do the same. I have a bunch of new readers (hello and thank you) and I love getting to know others from the blogging community.

So answer your questions in my comments or make a post of you own.

1. Where do you call home?

2. What jobs have you held, and what do you do now?

3. What is a secret (or not so secret) talent you have?

4. What accomplishment are you most proud of from the past year?

5. What is one concert or show you'd love to see?

6. What type of person attracts you (not romantically, just generally)?

7. What is something you can't stop daydreaming about?

8. If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

9. Favorite place to go on vacation?

10. What's something that is calming to you?

Now for my answers:

1. Where do you call home? I call my home Reno, Nevada. I have lived in this area my whole life. Crazy right?! Especially considering how much I travel. But I feel like since I travel for work, I get my taste of the outside world and keep myself grounded here. Though I wouldn't be opposed to moving at some point in my life.

2. What jobs have you held, and what do you do now? Right now I am a Senior Agent in the Investigations Division for the Gaming Control Board. So basically, I investigate people and companies for gaming (gambling) licenses. In the past, I have been a web designer (twice), student worker on my universities campus, a clerical agent and a service rep at a video store.

3. What is a secret (or not so secret) talent you have? Just like Jen, I can remember almost anything. I have a photographic memory. This was soooo helpful when I was in school because I could picture where something was on paper and remember it that way. Also, I am double jointed in my thumbs. Not sure that is really a talent though.

4. What accomplishment are you most proud of from the past year? The past year? Can I say surviving? Or surviving three year olds?

5. What is one concert or show you'd love to see? I wrote about this a couple weeks ago in my TBB Asks post. A festival of Pink Floyd, Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Aerosmith, Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars.

6. What type of person attracts you (not romantically, just generally)? Someone who is funny, intelligent, can carry on a conversation, isn't afraid to be different and is a good listener. I have seriously made some of the most amazing friends through blogging because you can get to know them so well, just by their writing, before you even meet them.

7. What is something you can't stop daydreaming about? Vacation and a new house.

8. If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Pasta. That way I can change up the sauces and if I wasn't allowed to change up the sauces, then I would go for pizza.

9. Favorite place to go on vacation? Well I go to Mexico quite often, but one of my most favorite vacations was Costa Rica on the Guanecaste province. It was amazing.

10. What's something that is calming to you? Music. I seriously turn to music for everything in my life. It definitely calms me.

Our Preschool Aged Bedtime Routine

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

Last week, Lynn (from Disposition Motion, I love her, go check her out.) wrote out her child's bedtime routine. I read it and nodded my head to a lot of the things that she does just like I do with my girls. But it also made me think that I should share my girls bedtime routine. I know a lot of mama's out there who struggle with bedtime routines and getting their kids to go to sleep. So maybe sharing our way will help someone out. Isn't that what blogging is all about?

So this is a glimpse into two little four year olds evening and bedtime routine.

Dinner/After School

We usually get home from work and pre-school around 5:15 pm. After changing into more comfortable clothes (or princess dresses for the girls), I will start dinner. We usually eat between 5:30 and 6:30 depending on the day and the dish that I make. The girls usually play, read, or help their dad build a fire.

After Dinner

After dinner, I will clean up the kitchen and the girls will start a puzzle if it isn't bath night or they will get ready for their baths if it is. If is bath night (every other night), then we start baths around 6:30 or 7 pm. We try to let the girls bellies settle a bit before bath.

The girls will go to the bathroom before they get into the bath. And then I give the girls their bath which now consists of toys, body wash, shampoo and conditioner (conditioner every other time). They usually are in the bath for around 15 to 20 minutes. Then I get them out and Rory gets them dried off, dressed and their hair brushed. I clean up the bathroom and then get their tooth brushes ready. Once they are dressed, they brush their teeth, grab their blankets and then we go snuggle on the couch for a bit.

Bedtime

At 7:30 pm, we head into their room. They each pick out a book or two and then climb into their beds. They just sit on their beds and I sit on the floor and read to them. Once reading is done, we plug in their night light that projects the sun, ocean or solar system onto the ceiling and then turn on their time to wake clock. Lastly, we turn on the color portion of their diffuser (I use the diffuser portion when they are sick with essential oils). While turning everything on, we turn off the lights. We tuck the girls into bed with their babies and a chosen stuffed animal and sometimes one of their books we just read. Then we give each girl kisses and hugs and they tell us what they are going to dream about. Then we will sometimes cover their faces with their "tiny blankets". Finally, Rory leaves and I tell them goodnight, I love you, sweet dreams and see you when you wake up. The girls respond to each thing I say and then I leave the room closing their door so there is a 4 inch gap.

Now I should note that this works pretty much every night, but occasionally, the girls will get fussy, want their eyes covered again, say they are too hot, want their noses wiped or another excuse. Last week, we had one of those nights where we went into their rooms 8 times between 7:50 and 8:30. But that happens very rarely. Usually they are asleep within 10 minutes. They sometimes talk to each other, read their books or just sit there looking at their night light projection.

What is your bedtime routine for your kids?