For Fun

April Thoughts & Finds

~ Allison ~ 2 Comments

I feel like I blinked and April was over.  This month has seemed to go by even faster than normal, I guess because I was so busy.  I’m glad to say I was also productive: this month I wrote two 15+ page papers for my classes, accomplished all of my work goals, lost 8 lbs, and still managed to read 14 books!

I will list the books in a separate post, but for now, here’s what I learned in April.

  1. I did not learn how to fold a fitted sheet. It’s pathetic. I cannot do it. It’s gotten to the point that I don’t even try anymore and I stuff the sheets inside the matching pillowcase like a sleeping bag. Somebody, help!
  2. I am most successful when I am under pressure. I guess it makes me more disciplined. Honestly, I felt like I was barely keeping my head above water this month, but when I look at what I accomplished, I feel proud.
  3. My Fitness Pal works for me. I’ve been struggling to lose weight this year (and I really need to lose a significant amount).  I’ve had a FitBit since September, but it really didn’t help other than to keep me accountable with movement. I started using the My Fitness Pal app this month to track my calorie intake (this is really where my problem lies anyway). What I love most is that MFP syncs with my FitBit and adjusts my calorie allowance based on my level of activity. Also, at the end of each day, it lets me know how well (or how poorly) I did. I love it! And, considering I lost the same amount of weight this month as I did the first three months of the year combined, I’d say it’s working.
  4. This one isn’t something I learned but something I found. I listen to an unmanageable amount of podcasts and yet discovered two more I love this month. What Should I Read Next? has proven to be a very helpful podcast because it’s given me far better book recommendations than what I’ve received from a few other popular book podcasts. It seems the guests on this show have more similar tastes. Many of the books I read this month were recommendations from this show. The other “find” is Timothy Keller’s Redeemer Church sermons podcast. I learn so much from his teachings.

So that’s what I learned in April. I will be back tomorrow with a list of books I read this month.  If you want to see what others have learned this month, hop on over to Emily’s blog and browse through the link-up.

SUYL: Favorite Beauty Products

~ Allison ~ Leave a comment

Linking up with Kelly again for this week’s Show Us Your Life.  I get to talk about beauty products!

I am a former Mary Kay consultants, so I’ve got to give a plug here for that! I love Mary Kay’s skin care and foundation…I really do…even though my saleswoman days are over.  If any of you are consultants or directors, I applaud you.  It’s a great company.

The Timewise Miracle Set is wonderful.  I know there are four items pictured here but it’s a very simple routine and you really should wash your face morning and night. I can’t tell a huge difference when I don’t.

TimeWise® Miracle Set® (normal/dry)

I also use the matte wear foundation as I have somewhat oily skin and hate looking shiny.  This has great coverage without getting cakey.

TimeWise® Matte-Wear® Liquid Foundation

I recently reviewed the ISHBeauty Contour Kit in my FabFitFun box and I’ve had a lot of fun using it lately.  I followed a tutorial on the website and I’m enjoying my “new spring look.” The picture makes the bronzers look rather dark — it’s really not like that on your face.

Lastly, I recently bought this mascara at the recommendation of Jamie Ivey.  If you aren’t listening to the Happy Hour Podcast, you are missing out.

Voluminous<sup>®</sup> Carbon Black Mascara Carbon Black - Mascara

The Fab, the Fit, the Fun

~ Allison ~ Leave a comment

I’ve always been intrigued by those subscription boxes but never bit the bullet and got one until this Christmas (with the money my grandma gave me…woohoo!)

I just got my second box this afternoon and had so much fun opening the box and looking through what was inside.

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FabFitFun is different from most boxes because it includes FULL SIZED products…no two-use samples here.  Each season’s box has a variety of items that target glam, fashion, skincare and health and wellness.

The December box had a skincare set, some beautiful nail polish, a reed diffuser, warm gloves…and many other things!

Some of my favorites from this box include…

Kitchen Window Herb Garden – can’t wait to use this since I am moving in June and won’t have a real garden this year.

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This necklace: it’s plated with 18K gold (a $65 value)

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The Spring Box has a total retail value of $282.91, but if you use this link, you can get it for $39.99.  You’re gonna love it!

Show Us Your Life: Favorite Recipe

~ Allison ~ 2 Comments

Linking up to Kelly’s Show Us Your Life series again this week!

Today I’m sharing a recipe I made several times this winter.  It’s a great (and HEALTHY) comfort meal.  And really, I think it will still be good in the spring and summer.

I’m pretty sure you could also make this a crockpot meal but I’ve only ever made it on the stove.

Applesauce Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat
  • 1 cup applesauce (no sugar added)
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider or white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (or more) of cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Sauté the onion and garlic over medium-high heat in a non-stick skillet in a tiny bit of your fat of choice. Add the chicken and sauté on both sides until browned. Add the remaining ingredients and heat until bubbly. Reduce heat to medium-low, then cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink.

I serve this with baked or roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli.  It’s simple and delicious!

If You’re New Here…

~ Allison ~ 3 Comments

…Then welcome!

I thought I’d link up to Kelly’s “Show Us Your Life” series this time around. I always enjoyed these link ups in the past but never participated.

I’m Allison.  I just turned 30 last month and I live in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia with my sweet little dog.  I grew up in a large family and enjoy visiting my siblings and adorable nieces (in the picture above) whenever I can.  I work as a middle school counselor and am currently taking classes in educational leadership in hopes of one day becoming a school principal (although the amount of homework I have this weekend is making me question that decision at the moment)!

“This Cloudy Glass” refers to my spiritual journey and many of my blog posts are about what I’ve learned about my Savior.  You will also see me write a lot about books (I read 100 last year), music, and other random happenings.  I’m still finding my niche, so there may be surprises.

I love Virginia Tech sports, gardening, cooking, listening to podcasts, and watching TV.  I will try to avoid ever blogging about the Bachelor. 🙂

Thanks for stopping by!