Life with Camille: April 2012

Things I Hate that Other People Love...

Soda
Ew. It makes me burp.

Condiments
Ok, so yes, I put ketchup on my eggs...but other than that - they mask the flavor of your food. I'd rather marinate my chicken in something delicious instead of putting ranch all over it.

Weed
Never tried it - so I guess I just...don't get it

Jersey Shore
I've seen it once. I think I lost a whole ton of brain cells trying to get through an episode.

Four Square
I do not want everyone & their mother knowing exactly where I am. HELLO, STALKER!

Cilantro
Blah. Grosses me out.

Sneakers
They enclose my poor little toes who just want to get free! Pair of flip flops or barefoot, please!

Dirty Dishes in the Sink
I can't stand it. I cringe. I know people who can leave it there for days. I can't leave the house without cleaning them.

Half Hugs
I just want a whole hug for goodness sake - both arms!

What's on your list?

Dolphin Captivity

What are your thoughts?

When you see something as beautiful as...

Where does your mind go?

Are you thinking that this creature is absolutely beautiful and you cannot wait to go to Seaworld to watch yourself...or are you thinking it's tragic that they are doing this in captivity in a tiny place to swim around?

If you've ever watch the Cove, I know the answer you chose. If you haven't - I highly suggest you watch it!

A place close to me named Marineland posted this above photo a couple of days ago. The photo was getting so much attention - near 200 "likes." Someone posted something that had to do with the beautiful creature being in captivity and likely being sad and upset for not being able to do this in the ocean.

Would you believe that Marineland deleted the comment? First, what happened to freedom of speech? Second, was it because that was a true statement?

Personally, I absolutely love dolphins. They are one of my favorite animals...so smart & beautiful. But their story - especially when captivity is involved - is a very sad story...a story that tears at my heart strings. They don't want to be in a confined space, but would rather be in the wild, loving life. When you add the story depicted in the Cove, it is absolutely heart-wrenching.

I will end this by saying that at one time, we had season tickets to Seaworld...that time as passed.

Thankful Thursday, 4.26.12

Would love if you grab the button or link back some how :)

Please visit as many Thankful Thursday posts as you can & spread some love!

Cami is thankful for SO MUCH...

Being able to talk in 3rd person...ha! Reminds me back in middle school (I think) when kids would be kids and we just learned about talking in 3rd person and everyone would start doing it.

How I'm finally getting used to this new blogger look. (I think!!) I still don't like it...it's definitely going to take getting used to. Sigh. Why do things that are perfectly find have to change?

The Relay for Life event this weekend! So excited. I think it'll be a blast. I've received a handful of donations - thank you to all who have helped raise funds to fight against cancer!

That many of you share in my guilty pleasures! (I still want a brownie, though...I guess leftover birthday cake will have to suffice!)

That there are so many people out there who are jobless and underemployed. Thank you Jesus for me not being in that category!

Being able to watch a friend's little one grow up...she's about 1.5 years old now and she is just SO precious and beautiful. Poor little one is teething! :(

I was dog sitting (yes...again!) over the weekend on the same street I grew up on. SO WEIRD...but so cool. I took the dog for a walk right by our old house...it's so funny because as a kid, I thought the place was "so big" but it was just because I was so small...ha!

Feeling pretty! You ever have one of those days where you just feel extra pretty?? Well, I am SO thankful for those days...that means my hair cooperates with me. :)

Sweet tea (half sweet, half unsweet) - yum!! They are definitely the little pick me up I've been needing lately...I've been craving sweet like crazy for some reason.

I love being like a little kid & playing in the sand. My sister went on a cruise this past week so I sent her a little message in the sand...heehee :D

Pulling off a surprise birthday party!! As you know, V's bday was last Thursday. I was able to be sneaky, sneaky and completely surprise him!! It made me happy because it made him SO happy. I'm so thankful I was able to pull it off :) It wouldn't have been the same if I planned it and he knew about it...this way was SO much better.

Me & my honey!

Cutting the delicious cake!

I definitely had to take over!

The ladies :)

Happy birthday to my one & only! <3

Now what are YOU thankful for?!

HBL Hair Products Giveaway Winner

Thank you all who entered my HBL Giveaway!! :)

Congratulations to the winner!!

Wednesday Secret

I have a confession, you guys.

I met Frank Warren from Post Secret.

Myself, Frank Warren, and my 2 BFF's ;)

Aren't they gorgeous?

Frank came to talk to at Stetson a couple of years back. I think I had already graduated and I just came back to hang out with my girls & listen to his talk.

Honestly, I can't remember what we talked about specifically. But it was a great lecture, I remember that.

I also remember that Frank was incredibly kind and very warm when we met him.

It really isn't important what was said but the memories that were made. I can officially say I met him with these two lovely ladies. This is a story that I will have with me forever. I won't be talking about specifically what was said - but the amazing time the 3 of us had (and all of the other adventures we've had.)

Try to remember that the next time you have an opportunity to make a memory...make one!

Back on target, have you met any famous people? (I have a couple more I can add!)

Mont Bleu Nail Files Review

One of the things I always carry with me in my purse is a nail file. My nails are fairly brittle and extremely thin - so carrying a nail file is a must - no questions asked!

When Mont Bleu approached me and wanted me to review their glass nail files (made in the Czech-Republic) I couldn't pass it up. I've never heard or seen of glass nail files before so was intrigued.

I must say, I was very skeptical. Who would want to file their nails on glass? Sounded weird to me at first. But boy was I wrong.

Mont Bleu sent:

Beautiful swarovski earrings, glass nail files, and tweezer

Look how beautiful!

Swarovski crystals decorating the glass file

Ok, first off, the earrings are absolutely breath-taking. They made my day by sending them! I am SO excited to wear them. The tweezers work wonderfully too. I like that the tweezer is thick - so it's easy to get the hair.

The glass nail files are incredibly. You know that eerie terrible sound when you file your nails? You don't get that when you use glass! It's nice and incredibly smooth. It feels amazing! It absolutely files the nail down, too - nice and straight to the size of your choice.

You should probably want to buy glass nail file after seeing how fantastic they are!

Have you used glass nail files? If so - what do you think?

Two thumbs up in my book!

I was compensated for this post in no way. Mont Bleu provided me with the products to be reviewed. All opinions are 100% my own and honest. I was not asked to provide a positive review, but rather an honest and heart-felt review.

Top 10 List of Guilty Pleasures

We all know there are some things about us that we might not necessarily want to admit to...

Cami's Top 10 Guilty Pleasures...
In no particular order...
1) Gilmore Girls.
If it's on - I seriously HAVE to watch it. Even though I can pretty much recite every SINGLE episode...no joke.

2) Backstreet Boys Songs.
Yes, it's okay to act like an 8th grade girl now and then. If I'm with my sister or childhood friends and a BSB song comes on...ohhhh boy!

3) Someone playing with my hair.
I loved this as a kid, I still love it now. It almost puts me to sleep!

4) Along the same lines - someone scratching/my back.
It brings me to another place!

5) Ooey, gooey homemade brownies.
As much as I try to say no...I can't. No way, no how. Especially when they're still warm!

6) Nail polish.
I have issues saying no. It's bad.

7) BOGO's.
I get so excited when I see a BOGO with a product/food/etc. that I use. Seriously - so excited. It makes me want to start couponing.

8) Leftovers.
Sounds silly, but I LOVE leftovers. Mostly because that means the next day, I don't have to worry about lunch or dinner. (Huge time saver!)

9) Having my hair straight.
I'm a naturally curly gal. When I have straight hair, I feel like a different person. Oh, and I can run my fingers through my hair...or just brush my hair.

10) Amazing smelling cologne.
I can't even explain where it takes my me...happy thoughts, that's for suuuure!

Relay for Life 2012

I am SO excited to be on a team for Relay for Life again this year. I have participated in this event since I was in high school - I've always had a blast!

First off, if you aren't sure what Relay for Life is - it's a relay event where someone from your team has to be walking around a track throughout the entire event. (Not the same person - you can take turns.) All teams have a booth where there is food, games, and a whole lot of fun! If you've never participated, I highly suggest you do if you have the opportunity.

The sole purpose of Relay for Life is to raise funds for the American Cancer Society to help fight cancer!

I am on a team for work - 2 years ago I participated on the same team and had a TON of fun!
We were the Wizard of Oz! (The theme was movies.)

All dressed up!

My mom & I - she was the bad witch & I was the good ;)

We won best campsite :)

Anywho, this year the theme is "World Fair" and we are going to be GREECE! I cannot wait to show you photos of that. Our costumes are incredibly cute.

If you are able to donate to my cause - all proceeds go to the American Cancer Society - please do! I want to do all I can do make a difference! It would be MUCH appreciated - every little bit helps...even a dollar. :)

The Ah Ring

If Tyra Banks wears something, it's automatically cool...right?

And if you don't like Tyra Banks, how about Kate Hudson or Serena Williams? I know I got you with at least one of those 3.

Those ladies all have something in common - they are sporting (or have sported) The Ah Ring!

Sounds fun right? "Ah Ring" "Ah" stands for "available" and "happy"
Which means...this ring is for the single women out there!

If you aren't married or don't foresee it in the near future and want to wear a beautiful diamond ring, why should you have to wait for a guy to give you one? You shouldn't!! Don't wait. But it yourself. (That's why you work...right? To buy yourself pretty things!)

I've never heard of wearing a ring on your pinky finger (but really...what do I know??) but that is what this ring is meant for - your pinky finger.

Apparently there is a lot of press about this gorgeous ring - NY Times, Chicago Tribune, etc.

So, no, I am not being compensated for this post. I just like sharing about new pieces of jewelry (youtubes, etc. that are going to go viral) so I can say I saw it before it got big. (That was the story of my life in high school!)

April Birchbox

By now, I think most of you ladies know what Birchbox is.

If you don't - well - it's 4-6 beauty samples based on your beauty profile. Most of the time, they do a pretty good job with matching products up.

This is my 3rd Birchbox. In a nutshell - the first I didn't care for...the second I was thrilled with and this one I'm on the fence with.

This is what I received in April's Birchbox:

It looked like (I love how it's presented...in a cute box with colorful tissue paper!) -

Befine - Skincare Sampler
In the box was 2 gentle cleansers and 3 moisturizers. Pretty cool that rice extracts are used to restore your skin. The full size cost of each is $24 which isn't TOO bad. (Depending the size of full size, actually.) I wouldn't mind spending this much as long as the cleanser and moisturizer makes my skin look great. I wish there was more of a sample so I could get a full effect of the products. I have yet to try it out yet.

dirt. - Luxe Salt Scrub in Lemon Leaf

Oh boy. This stuff smells GREAT. I didn't like that there wasn't a seal on the container. (Call me weird.) But with all that stuff in it - it's very grainy - who knows what else is in it. I would feel more comfortable if there was some type of seal on it.

I'm a fan of salt scrubs - they make your skin feel so amazing! This one is just as wonderful. (Full size is $45, though...no thanks.)

Orofluido - Beauty Elixir

This is a hair treatment that has argan, linseed, and cyperus oils. And the smell is intoxicating - vanilla amber scent. I used it on my hair after I showered yesterday (before putting my hair products in) and I feel like it helped make my hair look less wet (I use mouse to tame my curls) and help it be soft. I'll let you know if it makes my hair less frizzy. (I've been told that's what argan oil is supposed to do.) When I've looked in the past for argan oil, the price is between $10 and $15. So $30 for a full bottle of this isn't too bad. The sample I received is 5ml - the full size is 50ml according to the website. Not bad! I might actually order it.

Vapour Organic Beauty - Elixir Lipgloss (in hypnotic)

When I first started to use this, I couldn't get it out. It's very thick. I'm not a fan of the color on me - it's very dark. But the product itself, I do like. I stayed on for a good four hours yesterday - and I was drinking an iced tea throughout those 4 hours. It's not sticky, either. It goes on very smooth! Did I mention that this is organic? (You girls know how much I adore organic products!)

A full size version of this is $20. (Which means that the Birchbox paid for itself with just this product.) Another product that I just might purchase.

Le Palais des Thes - Tea Bags

This was the "lifestyle extra." This is a cool extra...I guess? These are green teas...yum. 20 packs are $12.50, though. So unless they blow my socks off, I'll save my money.

I suppose that with the Elixir Lipgloss and the Beauty Elixir (maybe I just have a thing for "elixir" - ha!) I am content with this Birchbox. I can't love all of the products.

What did you think of your April Birchbox??

Or if you didn't get one - are you thinking you might?

Happy Birthday to My One & Only!

the happiest of birthdays goes to...

the one who has my heart...

the one who kills all the bugs at home...

the one who takes out the trash...

the one who always tells me how beautiful I am...

the one who shows me the videos or websites that are going viral...

the one who is at my rescue if/when there is a problem...

the one who makes me laugh - always...

the one who is the most honest & transparent person I know...

the one who sees life in a way that not many people do...

the one who fears God...

the one who has a heart of gold...

the one who takes my breath away with one hug...one kiss...

the one who is the one for me <3

I am SO incredibly thankful for him!

Don't forget about Thankful Thursday today :)

Thankful Thursday, 4.19.12

Would love if you grab the button or link back some how :)

I love reading all of the Thankful Thursday posts - they warm my heart!

If you have time - please visit some of the other blogs that have linked up!

There are so many blessings that surround you on a daily basis - just open your eyes & look around.

If you're having a crummy day, I promise you - take a comment to reflect on your day and how amazing is truly is!

I am thankful for...

smiles from strangers...they never cease to make me smile!

new friends. V & I met 2 amazing girls when we were at the Steeplechase - we wound up having dinner with them and everything. It's so nice to meet people the "old fashioned" way and just get to know each other and learn about one another.

oh, smiles from babies, too!

being able to do giveaways! (Don't forget to check it out!)

sales at Publix for Soy Joy bars...so delicious!

speaking of Publix...a local Publix had an accident over the weekend - I'm thankful everyone is okay! (An elderly lady rammed into the front door!)

spending time at the Georgia Aquarium last weekend! So many beautiful creatures.

talk of rescuing a puppy! (YAY!)

beach pedicures!

daily beach walks that has helped increase my beautiful seashell collection and see neat creatures like star fishes..

making sauce for V's birthday. (happy birthday, darling!) I'm also thankful that I can celebrate his birthday with him.

bag pipes! I miss bag pipers SO MUCH. When I lived in Scotland, I hear them daily. While at the Steeplechase over the weekend, there were some Scotsman! (Ok, they probably weren't Scottish, but I'm going to pretend.)