I was tagged by aki! at 7% Solution.

• You must post these rules.
• Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.
• Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
• You have to choose 11 people to tag and link them on the post.
• Go to their page and tell them you have linked him or her.
• No tag backs.
• No stuff in the tagging section about 'you are tagged if you are reading this'. You legitimately have to tag 11 people.

10 Facts (and one lie, try to guess!)
1. I have better than 20/20 vision in my right eye I have 20/10 and my left 20/15.
2. I hate tomatoes!! Yes including red sauce so no pizza, lasagna, spaghetti etc…all of that is YUCK!
3. I am 5’5” without heels.
4. I have hazel eyes.
5. I hate lemons and I won’t drink the water if they put one in it at a restaurant…I can taste it!!
6. I am funny.
7. I am a smart ass.
8. I hate people that lie and try to make themselves out to be something that they aren’t.
9. I have three nieces and I love them dearly (oh and spoil them).
10. I’ve never eaten pistachio ice cream or even a pistachio.
11. My name is Shia.

My 11 Questions to answer:

1. Do you like to read? What do you find yourself reaching for?
I have been an audiobook kinda gal ~ I listen to them on my long commute ~ the problem is not EVERY book comes in audio version ~ so I have started reading at night instead of watching tv. Currently I am hooked on Charlaine Harris’ books especially the Aurora Teagarden and Harper Connelly mysteries ~ they are SO good and no there aren’t any vampires…even though I do love the Sookie Stackhouse books too.

2. How many hours a day do you find yourself doing blog related activities?
OMG totally not enough…I used to say like an hour a day but now it’s probably like minutes…anyone looking for an assistant job apply here!

3. Bows or ribbons?
I don’t even get this question so does that mean neither?

4. How often do you do your nails?
RARELY! I am an all-natural kinda girl. I have been painting them more often and I am getting quite better at it.

5. Do you have a way you do your hair/face every day or does it change on a day to day basis?
I have naturally curly hair so I wear it that way about 90 percent of the time. For two reasons, 1) I hate to get up early to do my hair and 2) it’s just easier! I wear Bareminerals makeup so I pretty much wear the same makeup everyday as well.

6. Do you have any siblings? Do they blog?
Two sisters – no blogging for them and I don’t even think they read mine…hmmmm.

7. Is your health a huge concern to you?
I guess ~ currently I work out a lot but it’s more for vanity than health. I am probably someone that takes her good health for granted. I have been eating better as well. Gotta look good in my wedding photos!!

8. Which popular thing does everyone else love... but you just don't care for?
SOCIAL MEDIA!!! I am sure there are senior citizens with more concern about facebook and twitter than me. I just don’t care … and I don’t care that I don’t care…LOL.

9. What if someone came and told you your blog name was taken and copyrighted by someone who came before you? Would you fight it or change it? What would you change it to?
Um no! I love my blog so I would say…see you in Court SUCKA!

10. How do you feel about hair extensions and fake lashes?
Indifferent…I thought about getting hair extensions but I’ve grown my hair pretty long on my own granted to too FOREVER but actually after my wedding I am considering hacking it all off for locks of love. As for fake lashes I wouldn’t wear them daily but I’m considering them for my wedding.

11. Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego?
Jacksonville, Florida? I mean that is where I am but normally she is somewhere cooler and why are henchmen always chasing her…I forget.


So there are my answers now here are my 11 questions for you to answer:

1) How often do you shave your legs?

2) How many times has your heart been broken?

3) What’s your biggest pet peeve of other bloggers?

4) What’s the biggest life lesson you’ve had so far?

5) What’s your biggest day to day worry?

6) Stripes or polka dots?

7) If you won the lotto what would you do?

8) What’s your dream vacation spot?

9) Who do you think is the most overrated celebrity?

10) How many tv shows do you watch?

11) What Kardashian sister would you be and why? 


I tag.....
Amazing Times to Come
Asha's Aspects
Beautiful.
Casa De Nicole
Daydreams and Destinies
Eyes on Heels
lowercase letters
Raindrops on Wednesday
Strawberry Fields
Sweet Southern Drawl
What Cat Says

Birchbox News...

So every month I get a Birchbox and I haven't posted
about it because honestly I haven't really had anything to
post about.  I haven't used most of the recent products I have
gotten and I've even considered cancelling but there is something
about that surprise that keeps me holding on.

So my news this month about my Birchbox...is...if you received the Befine

skincare items (like me) chances are the sunscreen samples are

expired and Birchbox has realized their mistake and if you check your

email signed up to your account you should have a link to a survey

- fill it out and you'll receive 100 points ~ which is $10 to spend.

You have to enter the expiration date of the product...

Mine expired 02/2010!!

I also received this Birchbox called...Here Comes the Bride!

HOW IT WORKS

We know it’s all about the big day, but there is plenty to do before the ceremony. This box includes essentials to help the bride-to-be shine along the way. She’ll want to look her best, which is why we’ve included Dr. Hauschka’s Radiant You kit — the name says it all—and Benefit’s genius Finding Mr. Bright, a set of four luminizing products. There’s also Oribe’s cult favoriteDry Texturizing Spray to amp up her ’do. Automatic Apparel’s roll-up ballet flats are a must for avoiding stiletto-induced suffering, and EBOOST's vitamin-packed tablets will stoke her energy. The finishing touches? Darling Tiny Prints thank you cards and sweet silk flowers from ban.do to dress up her hair or outfit.

I absolutely love this one...you receive convertible flats 

which are super cute and comfy; Benefit's Finding Mr. Bright which 

comes with Erase Paste, Highbeam, Poisetint and Girl Meets Pearl...

LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!  

If you receive Birchboxes...let me know if you like what you are getting.

Is it worth it?  Or are you like me and the monthly surprise is worth $10.

Insanity!!!!

So this morning I was checking my email....typical email from JCrew taunting me to buy ... then I noticed ... JCrew sells clothing for kids?  I clicked on it just to see how ridiculous the clothing prices for kids wear was and I found this....

$112!!

A hundred and twelve dollars!!! 

Are you kidding me??  Have you seen what kids

do to their clothes??  My nieces can't go to the mall

without getting dirty...LOL!

Seriously, I don't know what is worse...$112 for a shirt for a kid OR that there are kids out there in the world sporting JCrew and I have to wait for it to hit the JCrew Factory Store for me to buy it and I have a JOB!!!!

So what do you think?  Would you buy your child a $112 article of clothing?

Okay so I kept looking....(I know I should have just let it go...)



$72!!! 

Please tell me I am not the only one that thinks this is ridiculous!!

Happy Monday!!

I hope you all had a great weekend!

I have been so busy wedding planning that my blog kinda 

stunk last week...oh well...moving on!!  

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

On Saturday, I watched my niece Kaelyn (2 yrs) for the first

time ALONE!  I was a little nervous that she wouldn't

be happy to spend the day with me ... so I had like a million 

things planned...turned out I didn't even need to take her 

anywhere ... she had fun at my house!

Here's a sample of funny things kids say...

Kaelyn ~ Dog...DOG!!!

Me ~Kae don't call her Dog her name is Daisy 

she doesn't know that she is a dog!

Kaelyn ~ Daisy you're a dog (to Daisy) ~

She knows now (to me)!!

HILARIOUS!!!!

It's okay Thursday #12

Link up with Amber & Neely!!

It's okay...

1) to be set in your new healthy routine and even get it all ready the night before but then forget to bring your breakfast.

2) to insist that your bra match your panties ~ sorry TMI but I think this was the reason I couldn't remember to grab my breakfast!

3) to kinda hate the word panties...I mean doesn't it just sound like what you say to a toddler??

4) to be kinda pissed that I was just quoted $75 for a bridal bouquet...THAT IS RIDICULOUS!!!  I want wildflowers...not roses dipped in gold!!

5) to completely understand why chicks just start off being bridezillas....I mean set the precedent from the start.  I have been trying to be laid back and easy going and it has gotten me nothing but headaches people...HEADACHES!!  AND...brace yourself...I am only having 5 people at my wedding and 2 of which are ME AND PAUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

6) to feel like I just got a headache from typing #5.

7) to want to purchase more colors for Draw Something ... I mean how am I supposed to draw a rainbow with black, yellow, red and blue??

So what's okay with you today??

Don't forget to link up!!

J'Adore

Instyle - Look of the Day

Madonna

WHAT SHE WORE  Madonna launched her Truth or Dare fragrance in a lace Dolce & Gabbana sheath and Christian Louboutin peep-toes.

WHY WE LOVE ITShe's still got it! The Material Girl looked sexy as ever in a peek-a-boo LBD.

I know I've said this numerous times but Madonna looks FABULOUS!!! I think she's looking her best these days...she has def aged well and can still totally rock it! She's def made herself a legend!

What do you think?  Have any of you tried her new perfume??

Happy Friday the 13th!!

So last time Friday the 13th rolled around I had some bad luck with car issues and spent most of the day at the VW dealership and I didn't even realize it was Friday the 13th until someone pointed it out.  I'm not superstitious so I don't really get wrapped up in the whole bad luck...doomsday bit.

So what about you?  Having any bad luck today??

It's okay Thursday #11

Link up with Amber & Neely!!

It's okay...

1) to still miss Starbucks...they closed probably a year ago near my office and I still look over at the vacant building and think...STARBUCKS COME BACK!!!!

2) to get pissed when someone can't guess what you drew on Draw Something!  Hello...it was totally obvious!!

3) to have like a million emails hooked up to your ipod...I mean I NEED all those Gmail accounts!

4) to want to give up TV for at least a week but fear that I can't commit so I haven't tried.

5) that when someone asks what I am doing this weekend...I haven't even thought of it yet.  I am so tired of having to have my weekends all planned out ... isn't that the stress free time I yearn for all week?  So why am I making them just as miserable as weekdays??

6) to be super excited to give my niece her section of this necklace...she's been asking me to find us a Hello Kitty BFF necklace for FOREVER....(plus I got it on SALE...boo yeah)

7) to want new clothes because everything is too big but then hold out to the next smaller size.

8) to have my wedding dress hanging up in my closet and not to have put it on yet ~ I want it to be TOO BIG!!

9) To often feel like my dress alterations date is too far then too soon...then too far...then too soon...see where I am going here!

10) to have spent $50 (mostly gift card) at Barnes & Noble on children's books and then be super excited to cuddle up with Kaelyn (niece) and read the books...she is such a sweetie.

So what's okay with you this fine Thursday??

Don't forget to link up!!

J'Adore

MTV News

So the buzz/shocking news is that Anne Hathaway has cut off 

all her hair for her part in Les Miserables.

As gorgeous as she always is ~ she will totally rock it!

Besides...it will GROW BACK!!!

Can't wait to see the movie!!

What do you think...is it THAT shocking??

Best Apps for Bloggers

So yesterday I posted what was in my bag well today it is again bursting at the seams because I have like a million more things shoved in there.  I always feel like I carry an arsenal worth of stuff for my blog.  So I've been thinking...I know I am like a day late and a dollar short to the whole app world because I JUST got an ipod touch and no I don't have a smartphone...so anywho I thought...THERE HAS TO BE AN APP FOR THIS!!!

I just need somewhere where I can keep track of all the madness I have swirling around in my head.  Here is a page out of my notebook....

Basically I get like every magazine under the sun...I read them and think of ways to spin this topic for my blog.

Soooooo....what app can I use to keep this stuff organized?  Besides...this isnt the best organization in the world anyway it's just mad lists upon lists.

After doing a lil searching I found this app and downloaded the "lite" version to try for free to decide if it will work for me...

Do any of you use it?

Do you use a journal/list keeping app?

If so, which ones do you recommend?

What's in your bag?

So I've done one of these posts in the past 

and thought it was time for an update.

So here is what is currently in my bag.....

A) My notebook...this is where all of World According to Shia posts begin!

B) Print outs from online magazines...article topics I am considering.

C) A piece of confetti from Marissa's birthday party...why? No idea!!

D) CLA supplements ~ I'm doing Weight Watchers and I have to have oil as part of my Healthy Guidelines and apparently Dr. Oz has announced that safflower oil helps block fat absorption and helps you burn stored fat...well you know me...I did some research and found out that it also helps with lean muscle mass.  So off to wholefoods I went...CLA supplements are made from safflower oil but they have the necessary ingredients to help you absorb the supplement and not just pass through your system like the safflower oil would.

E) Bread tie?  Nah...this was around my ipod headphones so I still wind them up and use this so they don't get tangled...where are my headphones...I was actually wearing them listening to my ipod touch and using my ipod touch to take this picture (hence why there is no ipod in the photo).

F) Movie to return to Blockbuster Express...Immortals...I thought it was pretty good.  The main character who played on The Tudors on Showtime...looks AMAZING in this movie...he is sooooo buff and you gotta love that Roman style of sporting the no shirt with abs!  =)

G) Hot mess!  Receipts and stuff...this stuff has actually made it to the trash!

H) Baby Lips - this shade is Peach Kiss.

I) My phone...nothing special...I guess I could have turned it over so you could see the cute phone cover...but I just put a new one on today that arrived from ebay...ebay is totally where it is at for accessories...I just got 2 phone covers, 2 ipod touch cover, 5 phone touch screen protectors and 2 ipod touch screen protectors ... ALL for $19.95!!!

J) Hair ties, bobby pins and a barrette!

K) Mentos Pure White gum - this stuff works!!

L) My pink polka dot wallet...bought it on clearance at Target for like $3.24!  Love it!!

M) Sunglasses from Target Dollar Days area...$2.50!!  I went back and bought like 4 more pairs...they are great sunglasses AND cheap!!

N) House keys/mail box key....I call them my Marissa keys because of the photo key chain =)

O) VW key which all kids love...something about the switch blade like action.

P) ipod car charger - no idea why it is in my purse...my car has one built in and I bought it to use on our honeymoon in whatever rental car we get...

Q) Pens...I recently bought Pilot B2P...bottle to pens...they are made from recycled bottles...kinda cool but they write pretty good too.

So there you have it...this is what is in my bag!

Last time all my stuff pretty much matched...I think this time I've switched it up pretty well.  My ipod touch not shown has a black cover with white polka dots...so I guess that's kinda a repeat pattern.

Oh on a side note...I don't really love Vera Bradley...I've never actually owned a Vera Bradley bag until this one.  It's Happy Snails Mini Hipster.  I kinda like this pattern.  I do get a lot of compliments on it...but what I do like about this bag is the amount of pockets...everything has a place.  I also love that the strap is adjustable you can wear it like a regular purse or you can adjust it to wear across you body and it rests right on your hip.  I have nice purses that I used to take to work...but they just end up on the floor in my office and then get stuffed with stuff making them wear out...so I bought this tote (ON CLEARANCE) and it works get as a work bag and even running errands on the weekend.

So what's in your bag?

Am I Wearing the Right Size Bra?

So I saw an article in Real Simple magazine How to Measure your Bra Size by Rachel Shelasky and Julee A. Wilson and I thought I would share...they also have it on their website.

Illustration by Jason Lee

Step One:  Find your correct band size:

While braless or wearing a non-padded bra, measure around the bottom of the band, directly under your bust. The measuring tape should be level and very snug. Round to the nearest whole number. If the number is even, add four inches. If it’s odd, add five. Your band size is the sum of this calculation. (So if you measured 32 inches, your band size is 36. If you measured 33 inches, your band size is 38.)

Illustration by Jason Lee

Step Two:  Measure your Bust:

Wrap the measuring tape somewhat loosely around the fullest part of your chest (at nipple level). Round to the nearest whole number.

Step Three:  Find your Cup Size:

Subtract your band size from your bust measurement and refer to chart. Example: 37 inches (bust) – 34 inches (band) = 3 inches. That’s a 34C. 

Here are some additional tips from Real Simple:

Bend forward at the waist, then slip on the bra and hook it. This ensures your breasts are completely in the cups.

Adjust the band. The back of the bra should be level with the front.

Make sure the bra is not too tight. Slide two fingers underneath the straps and under the band.

Fix falling straps. First, tighten the band, then shorten the straps.

Put on a close-fitting shirt over the bra. If the cups pucker or your breasts bulge, you're not wearing the correct size.

Look at yourself sideways in a mirror. Your breasts should sit midway between your shoulders and elbows. If not, you need a more supportive and better-fitting bra.

If you need to go down a cup size for fit, go up one band size, and vice versa. For example, if a 34C is too big for you, move to a 36B.

Choose a bra that fits perfectly when secured on the outermost hook. As the bra loosens over time, make the band taut by moving toward the tightest hook.

I thought this was interesting enough to share because I've noticed lately since working out and losing weight that my bras aren't fitting the same so I definitely need to check out my size.  This post totally reminds me of this Sex and the City moment....

 

When Miranda goes off on the saleswoman for touching her and then tells the woman that her mom just passed.  The saleswoman hugs her and Miranda gives her a pat on the back.  Miranda then announces...you were right...I was wearing the wrong size bra.  It's awkward, funny and sad all the same time.  I remember watching this thinking...that is sooo me!  I would hate for some stranger to touch me with clothes on nonetheless while I am standing there in my bra.

The Best Deep Conditioner

TRESemme nourishing rituals

Rejuvenating Mud Masque

First off...don't be scared of "mud" in the name...it's the same consistency as regular conditioner and it's a light green color.  Since I recently had my hair dyed (wrong then corrected TWICE) I feared my hair would get extremely dry and brittle because I have naturally dry hair as it is.  Debra (my lil sis) told me about this product and she said her hair was super smooth after using it just once.  (She has dry hair too from dying it.)  So when I hit up Walgreens to stock up on some conditioners I picked this up.  I think it was in the price range of $5.  

TRESemme boasts that it restores moisture to dry, damaged hair and after just one use your hair will be 10x stronger and have a bright, healthy glow.  They say it's formulated with minerals from the Dead Sea and essence of wildflower honey.

How it works...shampoo then apply like normal conditioner but focus on the mid-shaft to ends of hair...leave on for 3-4 mins and rinse thoroughly. 

I agree that it makes your hair softer after one use!  I have pretty long hair and I've used it twice now and I still have a good amount left.  I have even noticed that my naturally curly hair is keeping the curl more rather than separating and frizzing!

Let me know if you try it and like it!

Ask Shia's Advice #3

Dear Shia,

My aunt constantly tells me that I am fat.  She makes hurtful remarks about my appearance and will grab food away from me while I am eating.  I have even overheard her telling her friends about how "fat" I am.  I don't want to be mean and tell her look who's talking (since she could lose a few pounds) but how do I get her to get off my back?

Apparently I'm Miss Piggy

Dear Apparently I'm Miss Piggy,

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it may be

necessary from time to time to give that stupid or

misinformed beholder a black eye."

Miss Piggy's Guide to Life

Let me start off first with saying how sorry I am that someone has said such hurtful things to you.  It can be especially hard hearing this from someone close to you.  I personally hate that F word.  I think your aunt thinks she is being helpful instead of hurtful.  I think she cares about your well being and since you stated that she might have a weight issue of her own she probably just doesn't want you to grow up and have the same pains that she has but I think she is just totally going about it the wrong way.  

If you are wanting to lose weight, maybe the next time she makes comments mention to her that you AND her should look into eating healthier or working out more or even just walking in your neighborhood.  If she immediately goes on the defensive you can then say to her...see that is how you make me feel but about a million times worse because you called me that horrible F word. 

If you aren't wanting (or needing) to lose weight and she calls you F again.  Just say to her...do you realize that when you say that it is hurtful?  It will bring it to her attention and she will undoubtedly apologize.  I mean who wants to hear that they hurt someone's feelings?  If she justifies her hurtful words with more hurtful words then tell her that you appreciate her concern but you aren't looking for any weight loss tips from her.  That she is your aunt and she should love you and support you no matter what.  Then leave the room.  Again...I can't see her not running after you to hug you and apologize but sometimes as Miss Piggy says above...beholders can be stupid and misinformed.

In both instances you wake her up to the situation.  Chances are she's not doing it to be mean and she will apologize and stop.  Worse case scenario, if she doesn't stop because she is doing it to be hurtful (heaven forbid) then go to your mom and tell her how it is making you feel.  Your mom will definitely have your back if you stress to her that you would prefer that this not be an issue that your aunt gets up on her soap box about.  If you aren't comfortable in saying something to your aunt perhaps your mom can talk to her.

I hope I gave you some tips on handling this situation and just know that the F word does NOT define you (or anyone) as a person...no matter if someone says it to you or you say it to yourself...it is wrong because there is so much more to you (and everyone else) than that horrible F word!

Email me and keep me posted!  If it all fails then...looks like someone's about to have a black eye...

\

How to take a Relaxing Bath

First, set the mood.  Dim the lights and use some candles (scented or unscented) put them in strategic places around your bath so that you have adequate light but no where you'll knock them over.  A little light music can also help set the calmness of the room.  I tend to use music to drown out the sound of my dachshund...it is like she knows the second I step into the bath tub because she just starts barking her little head off.

Second, make sure you have the right temperature in your bath.  Too hot can dry out your skin and make it puffy so opt for a temperature about 2 degrees over your body temp.

Third, prepare to soak.  Add some mineral salts that contain lavender, eucalyptus and rosemary to help with achy muscles.  Add chamomile and sandalwood for deep relaxation.  Add sugar based soaks containing milk and soy protein for dry skin.  Also, I highly recommend that if you haven't tried Lush products that you do so immediately.  My lovely Secret Santa gave me Lush products and the Lush Bath Bombs are heavenly.  I am super excited that when we are in Portland (during our honeymoon) I am finally going to go to a Lush store.  I can't wait to smell all that they have.  I hear the Twilight Bath Bomb is the best.  Have you tried it?

Last but not least, when you finally emerge from your lovely bath, pat yourself dry...lather up with some lotion and sit around in a comfy robe.  It's the perfect end to a peaceful bath.