Wednesday, February 17, 2010

What's Your Two Cents?

I have two dilemmas (that might be a strong word but I'll use it!) where I could use a little advice. If you have an opinion or some guidance for me, please feel free to assert yourself!

1. I have a condition that I like to call Winter Pallor. Actually, since I started using moisturizer with sun protection several years ago I have suffered from Winter Pallor practically year round! However, this is the time of year when I grow weary of well meaning folks remarking that I look pale, do I feel ok? or asking if I am tired because I sure look weary! Yeah, those comments kind of make me feel bad. I always wear a little bit of makeup - nothing too over the top. Just a little something to cover my dark under eye circles & blemishes, a little eye enhancement & some lip color. Whatever I can accomplish in about 3 minutes every morning. I'm thinking I must need a little something more. So tell me - what is the little something more that I'm missing?

2. I have a gift card for the local Christian book store. I don't have a lot on there (it's the leftovers of a large gift). I think I have about $15. I've been wanting to spend it but if I don't have an idea of a good book to buy before I go in there I'll shop for hours & probably not decide on anything. I would love some good book recommendations. Various topics are interesting to me - general Christian growth, devotionals/Bible studies, marriage, home, etc. Let me know what you have read lately that blessed you & I just might go pick up the same book!

Thanks for stopping by & reading my posts. I know that there are some of you who lurk & never really tell me you have been here. That's ok; I lurk on other blogs so I can't condemn you for it :-) But this post requires that you leave a comment. I have questions that need answers! Share you wisdom, one & all!

10 comments:

Jaime O said...

Hi MaryAnn! Wow, it's been a long time. I found your blog through Erin's. Thought I'd give you my two cents this morning! :)

1) Bronzing Powder! It's about all I use besides the basics you mentioned. My favorite one is from Arbonne. It's kinda pricey; but, often consultants offer pretty decent discounts. Mine often does 50%. And, you don't have to use much. One quick swipe besides a few other things and I'm set. It seems to work well with any skin town...obviously, the more you layer on the darker it appears.

http://www.arbonne.com/shop_online/showitem.asp?ProductId=1710&menuId=68

applied with a brush like this...

https://www.arbonne.com/shop_online/showitem.asp?ProductId=2307&menuId=68&withLinks=1

2) Books
http://jmeo78.wordpress.com/reading/

Carol Lehman said...

You know I have great insite on makeup!! so since you know all my wisdom I will move on to Books.

Find some titles you like
and read about them online then you can have a few specific ones you want to look at when you go in the book store.

I can give great fiction reviews
Kim Vogal Sawyer
is a good author

anything by elizabeth george

Hope your mending!

Carol Lehman

Rebecca said...

I was going to say Bronzing powder also. I am loyal to Mary Kay, and they have a good one. I am sure that you can find one in whatever brand of makeup you like. Also, have you considered highlighting your hair? It would make the contrast between dark hair and "porcelain" skin not quite as great, thus making you look not so pale.

Books--I have heard Adele recommend "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World." Beyond that, sorry--I don't have much time to read stuff just for me.

Erin said...

#1 - I've started using powder foundation and love it. I've tried the more expensive brands, but find that I like Cover Girl True Blend the best. It's light and just give you a little coverage and color.

#2 - There are several books I've read in the last year that have really impacted me.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan
Trusting God by Jerry Bridges
Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges (reading this one now)

Theo-Ann said...

HI MaryAnn! I'm so basic with makeup, so I don't know how much advice I can give. I do love MaryKay as it lasts all day for me.

As for books, I'm reading "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World"...saw that someone has already recommended that. It's awesome and hope to write a post about it when I am done.

Others I've enjoyed are the following:
Lies Women Believe by Nancy DeMoss
Created to Be HIs Helpmeet by Debi Pearl (I read this once a year around our anniversary)
Loving God with all your mind by Elisabeth George
God owns my business by Stanley Tam
Eat Mor Chikin inspire more people by S. Truett Cathy

Hope this list gives you a good start.:)

Unknown said...

While I like, and use, bronzer, I prefer bronzing beads. Mary Kay used to sell them, but now I buy them 'over the counter', meaning Walmart! :) Pressed bronzer is hard to control. I like a light all over dusting, not color, with being fare I want the illusion of glow, the pressed sometimes gives me a orange stained look. So yes, I recommend bronzer, also blush. Its amazing what a little color on your cheeks will do!

Now books, I get most of my 'recreational reading' from the library or borrowed from my MIL. As far as Bible study books, my MIL has bought me books for a couple of years now. I say all this to say, I don't know what is in book stores these days. However, I recommend... What do I know about my God by Mardi Collier, anything Elizabeth George, 'Created to be his Help Meet' by Debi Pearl, 'Lies Women Believe and the truth that sets them free' & 'Choosing Forgiveness' & *Brokenness, Surrender, Holiness (*these last three come separate but I recommend the book with all three) all by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Also, have you given thought to maybe something you need, new Bible cover, new prayer journal perhaps?! Just a thought! Happy Shopping!!

~Mel~

Unknown said...

I agree with the other gals about bronzing powder and also a touch of pink blush to make you look more rosy and less pale should do the trick.

I highly recommend "Feminine Appeal" by Carol Mahaney. I'm also a huge C.S. Lewis girl so I'd snatch up anything by him that's on sale. Just finished reading his autobiography (for the second time -- heavy read) last month. Well worth plugging away through it for the nuggets and spiritual insights!

ruth said...

I guess I don't have any insight that hasn't already been shared except if you don't want to use a bronzer, you could try just sweeping on a sheer pink blush with a good big blush brush, for a softer glowy look. Then a pretty soft/shiny lip gloss for some sparkle (The highlights suggestion is also a really good one)

As for reading... I'm currently reading C.S. Lewis's _Surprised by Joy_ and I'm enjoying that. But I'm going to have to read some of these other suggestions as well. They sound great!

Heidi said...

Hey Mary Ann! I don't think you need anymore makeup ideas. The ones you've already gotten are great.

As far as books go, it's hard for me to buy books when we have a whole church library full of books to borrow. However, I would suggest buying a book on marriage or a devotional, something that you could read again and again. One book that Brent and I have read is "Love and Respect". I can't remember the author; we just loaned it out. Anyway, it is very good! If you can get the "respect your husband" thing down now in the early part of your marriage, it will make your marriage so much better.

Well, those are my thoughts. Happy shopping!

Heidi

Mary Ann said...

Thanks for all your suggestions, girls! I have some drug store rewards money with which I will purchase some bronzing powder. And I will take Carol's suggestion to look up the titles you mentioned & get the scoop on the books before I hit the store. Thanks for all your help!
I'll be sure to report on my final selections *grin*