Second Hand Embarrassment: Part II

Welcome back… to my diary. 12-year-old Gina is at it again. Today I would like to share a moment that seemed like a nightmare…at the time. And in my seemingly very dramatic life, it definitely was. 

As you can see, my diary and I are on really close terms this day. Why bother writing out Dear Diary? I clearly didn't have time for that nonsense. 

"Whew!" Did I write this entry during a time out? Am I winded? I am confused. 

No, diary, you seriously won't believe what happened. No, seriously. 

12 year old me: You probably felt like a geek because you ARE a geek. 

Also, your diary doesn't care about your volleyball schedule. Get a more interesting life!

Because I am feeling generous, I am including a visual of 7th grade aged Gina. Yes, that outfit is a product of a sleepover, and could have it's own blog post... but those glasses are the real deal. 

*Legit side note: I would have remembered this event without the verification of my diary. It was very traumatic. This was my FIRST school volleyball game. FIRST. EVER. 7th grade. Literally the first play of the first set of my first game. I should have probably quit immediately at that point. 

Though I didn't go into details here, I vividly remember the ball smashing into my face and knocking my nerdy 7th grade silver wire glasses right off my face. My depth perception must have been sub par. And of course, what I really cared about, was the section of boys from my class laughing hysterically in the bleachers. And yes, they did not let me live that one down. For months. Maybe years. 

If you didn't catch Part I, please feel free to do so HERE. And stay tuned for more- I wish there wasn't. But there is. 

Here's hoping your day has been better than my first volleyball game,

Review: Face Mask

Hey ladies…and gentleman!

I love a good face mask. It's like a mini vacation, in your bathroom, that isn't an actual vacation. I wish I could afford to get a facial regularly, even once a month… but sometimes you have to be on a budget. Or all the time. But… I have exciting news for those of you who are in the same boat. And it is this little lady….

FREEMAN Feeling Beautiful Chocolate & Strawberry facial mask 

Per a recommendation from my facial gal (when I was still in Lincoln!) I purchased this. The tube is nearing gone…so I feel like I have used it enough times for an appropriate review. I LOVE this stuff! It's the kind of mask that dries "hard" to where you cannot really smile or move your face. For some reason I enjoy this feeling. 

Another bonus…it smells HEAVENLY…mostly like chocolate. When you put the mask on, it feels cold and almost tingly- it is delightful. 

I always let mine dry completely…sometimes 15-20 minutes for good measure. If I have time to kill, I will steam it off with a hot washcloth. Otherwise a good old rinsing will do the trick. My skin always feel super smooth and soft after this. In fact, I am wondering now why I don't get to it more than every week or so. 

And…for only $3-$4 this kind of "vacation" is all yours. 

I purchased this at Ulta…actually that may be the only place you can get it. But don't quote me on that. I just can't find it anywhere else! 

Happy Wednesday and mini vacay to you!

Second Hand Embarrassment: Part I

I'm not sure who officially coined the term "second hand embarrassment," but it's a phrase my sister and I use frequently. Most commonly while watching the Bachelor/Bachelorette. It refers to watching someone make such a fool of themselves that you actually feel their embarrassment as if it were your own.

Well, a few weeks ago while moving and packing some totes, I ran across a few old diaries. I am talking 1999-2000 era. Also known as possibly the most awkward years of my life. I started sending some entries to my sister, and I told her that I felt like I was having second hand embarrassment. Except not. Because it was me.

After getting past the fact that I am (hopefully) currently nothing like my 12 year old self, I decided I can move on and take one for the team. Well, my team. Just... me. So luckily for all of you, I have an arsenal of these diary excerpts. Without further ado, Part I of the Second Hand Embarrassment series:

Alright.. March of 2000. Thank goodness I let my diary know what I had for breakfast. And everyone, for future reference, FT is french toast. 

I think I need to address me "dumping" my 6th grade boyfriend. I am almost certain we didn't actually speak to each other in real life at the time. I wish I would have gone into more detail about the "dumping." Did I pass a note? Did I send a message via a girlfriend? Did I scream that I was tired of being treated like private property during recess? God only knows. And… the nerve of these 6th grade boys thinking we "R" their (quick round of applause for me using the correct form of their as a 6th grader… since many people still do not have that skill) property! But seriously. What could have constituted this? I did watch a lot of trashy dating shows. It only makes sense that it would translate into my own life, obviously. 

Also, this 3 year relationship must have been pretty serious. Especially since it started in 3rd grade. 

Lastly, can we appreciate that I illustrated an eyeball in place of simply writing the word 'I'? I must have had a lot of free time on my hands. Young Gina, don't worry, you will get sick of Jr. High too. And high school. And college. And working. Toughen up! 

Until next time.

Boyfriend Q & A

When I saw a boyfriend Q & A on another blog I follow, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to interview my favorite person in the world! I recycled some of the questions from her Q & A and tossed in a few of my own… so gear up for your Q & A with Clay!

And here he is. I might get in trouble for posting this picture… see his unimpressed look? That's how he feels about forced photo shoots. But I think he's dreamy. 

1.  What is the name of my blog?

C: "Something about sweet and pretty. Sweet and …. something."

2. What is a popular fashion item for women right now?

C: "Scarves."

3. What do you know about Pinterest?

C: "Ummm…it's a lot of craft stuff. I don't know. It seems like there is so much going on. Arts and crafts, interests, ideas, fun stuff for the house…" 

4. Do you know what I typically blog about?

C: "You write about makeup. And movies and books. Sometimes you talk about holidays. And you tried to hook your cousin up."

5. What is my favorite product?

C: "Bare Escentuals. Minerals."

6. What is an acceptable amount of money to spend on shoes?

C: "Hmm, I have no idea. Depends how much money you have. For women, maybe $500 a year?"

* I would like to insert a side note here… I certainly do NOT spend $500 a year on shoes. But I would like to add that Clay got me my most favorite pair of shoes I have ever owned for my birthday! See below!

7. What do we like to do together?

C: "Everything."

8. What do women keep in their purse?

C: "So. Much. Stuff. Keys, makeup, wallet. Wait, is a purse also a clutch? Emergency stuff. Treats. Napkins." 

9. What is a Clarisonic? 

C: "Is that what women use to trim their mustaches? Wait.. is this something you would keep in a purse?"

10. Anything else you would like to share with the readers? 

C: "Gina is a megababe… and has great tips."

*eye-roll from me*

Yes, I typed these exactly how he answered. And every single one makes me laugh a little. He's such a good sport. Now all of my readers know how lucky I am… every single day! 

That's all for now…..

Book Review: Big Little Lies

A month or so ago I read "The Husband's Secret" by Liane Moriarty and absolutely loved it. Every now and then I come across an author who writes in a style that I simply cannot put the book down. That is totally Liane Moriarty! 

Those are my favorite books… it reminds me of the days when I was in junior high/high school and I spent a significant amount of time with my nose buried in a book. My mom never discouraged me from reading, obviously, however she would get quite annoyed when I was supposed to be doing a chore and she would stumble on me lounging with a book. OOPS! I try not to feel too guilty these days when I get lost in a book… even when there is a stack of laundry just hanging out. 

I was super excited to find that my library had an Ebook edition of another of her books! 

At first, I have to admit, I was a little confused with the plot. Without giving anything away, if you read it you will see how the book hops around on the timeline. But, within a chapter or so I was completely hooked and intrigued.  

I love how she can combine humor, mystery, drama and complex emotional issues into her story and characters. And so before I completely spill this whole story line, I will leave you at that. This is a MUST READ. As I assume all of her books are. I just haven't gotten that far yet! 

Happy Reading!