Erin B. Inspired

I've Got A Fever

2012-02-13T09:00:00.021-05:00

Lately I've had a horrible case of baby fever.

But don't worry, this isn't a segue into another pregnancy story. So far as I know, I won't be a mom anytime soon.

It's been eight months since my miscarriage and frankly, I'm tired of talking about it. I'm tired of thinking about it. I'm tired of randomly reliving that weekend. I'm over it. But seeing as though January marked the month I was supposed to become a mom, I'm a little sensitive. So forgive me, ok?

I feel a little guilty for being so upset. The pregnancy wasn't planned and I spent the whole time as a giant stress ball because I was too worried about what others would think of this new "situation." I know I'm not the only woman to miscarry and I really wish I'd just get over it. I've cried, I've mourned, I've talked about it. It's been eight frickin' months. Why can't I just move on?

The other day I saw the cutest photo of a baby's feet on Facebook. I told J that all I wanted to do was nibble on the baby's toes so that has become the running joke around the house. I'm the toe nibbler. But it's funny, in the weeks that I was pregnant I became attached to that little seed. Any doubt in my mind that I didn't want to be a mom vanished. I was ready to be a parent. I didn't exactly know how I would do it and I knew there would be a lot of learning along the way, but I was ready to become a mom.

Maybe I've just been super aware, but there's been a lot of baby buzz in the blogosphere.

Bri is constantly Instagramming photos of adorable Miles (and rightfully so). Becka shared her heartfelt natural at home birth story (and I got super weepy). Lauren announced she's expecting in September (how adorable is THAT baby going to be?). And I'm constantly flooded with adorable baby images and milestones thanks to social media (not that I'm complaining entirely).

I'm going to say something which I hardly ever actually mean but... I'm jealous. THERE I SAID IT. I want to be a mommy but there's this unwavering pressure that I have to become a wife first. I know not everyone would judge me if I skipped Step One and went to Step Two. I mean, it almost already happened and even my super conservative grandparents accepted the idea. But I sometimes wonder if that would be so bad. Would it be the end of the world if I was a mom before I was a wife? (The answer is no, of course.)

I know I should be a wife first because they say marriage is tough, especially the first year, and we should really try that out first before we bring children into the equation. But I already feel married. J and I are married, minus the paperwork, legalities, and shared last name. And then there's always the thought that timing isn't right. We don't have a huge income, J is in school and for now I'm the bread winner of the family. We can't afford for me take a lot of time off. And I'm fairly certain my job doesn't offer maternity leave (though it's never been discussed because no one has ever needed it). But they say, if you wait until you're ready to have a baby, you'd never have one.

I'm not naive and I know where babies come from so without being too graphic I'll just say that there hasn't been (and won't be) any intentional baby making going on. But I so, so, so can't wait to be pregnant, though I'm not looking forward to cankles and hormonal mood swings. I guess I should just learn to be patient and enjoy some of the things pregnancy prohibits.

On that note, pour a little more wine into that glass, please.

{image via weheartit}

A Little Handwritten Note

2012-02-10T09:00:00.002-05:00

If I was...

2012-02-09T09:00:00.008-05:00

I try not to do a lot of memes because they're usually boring and impersonal but I found this one in a very old blog post (from a very old blog) and thought it was fun.

If I was a month, I’d be April.
If I was a day of the week, I’d be Sunday.
If I was a time of day, I’d be 8:00 am.
If I was a planet, I’d be the moon.
If I was a sea animal, I’d be a dolphin - playful and fancy free.
If I was a direction, I’d be South.
If I was a piece of furniture, I’d be a fluffy, cozy bed.
If I was a liquid, I’d be coffee.
If I was a gemstone, I’d be a black diamond.
If I was a tree, I’d be a palm tree.
If I was a tool, I’d be a paintbrush.
If I was a flower, I’d be a daisy.
If I was a kind of weather, I’d be a mild and sunny.
If I was a musical instrument, I’d be an acoustic guitar.
If I was a color, I’d be purple.
If I was an emotion, I’d be happy.
If I was a fruit, I’d be a peach.
If I was a sound, I’d be singing.
If I was an element, I’d be water.
If I was a car, I’d be a Jeep Wrangler.
If I was a food, I’d be a taco.
If I was a place, I’d be New York.
If I was a material, I’d be lace.
If I was a taste, I’d be sweet.
If I was a scent, I’d be lavender.
If I was an object, I’d be an anchor.
If I was a body part, I’d be the heart.
If I was a facial expression, I’d be a smirk.
If I was a song, I’d be Sunday Morning by Maroon 5.
If I was a pair of shoes, I’d be a pair of wedges

What would you be?

{image via weheartit}

What I Wore: Peacock Hand-Me-Down

2012-02-08T09:00:00.002-05:00

Top - Mossimo (hand-me-down) // Necklace - gift from J // Earrings - F21
Bangles - Body Central // Jeans - Express // Shoes - Urban Outfitters

This outfit isn't very exciting.

But I decided to show you what I wear on a normal basis. This is something I'd wear to work or even on my day off to sit in Panera for a late lunch and a little bit of writing.

OH HAI. I'm pretty sure I just got some weird glances for taking a photo of myself drinking tea. It's probably the same kind of look the people give me when they drive by and see me taking photos of myself in the front yard. Anyway.

You know what's awesome about having girlfriends who share the same style as you? HAND ME DOWNS. Big thanks to Sam for this cute peacock printed top. She gave me a stack of items - including a few dresses! - on Friday night. She's given me clothes before and they're always adorable.

I obsessed with these shoes. I got them on super sale at Urban Outfitters. They are so comfortable! The heel is foam so it's like walking on a cloud all day. You can tell their well-loved with all the scuffs. Also, they make me four inches taller. So this is what 5'7" looks like!

The necklace was a gift from J. He picked it out all on his own and said he thought I might like to wear it with my feather printed scarf. (Or feather printed top in this case.) It's a birdcage in case you can't tell. Good job, babe.

Things You Should Know About Me (#2)

2012-02-07T09:00:00.001-05:00

It's time for another installment of Things You Should Know About Me where I reveal quirks and sometimes embarrassing facts about myself. You know, things you might learn about me if we went on a date. Read the first installment here.

I mix my food together. I always have. NOM.
I've done (tastful and artistic) nude photography. A friend majored in photography in college so I helped her out with a couple of projects. (See Exhibit A to the right.)
I'm terrified of getting old, but I'm not afraid of getting older.
Italy is the one place I want to visit before I die. I'm obsessed with Italian art and architecture.
With that being said, I have a minor in Art History, which I received solely on the fact that I took as many Art History classes as I could.
If I could have declared it, I would also have a minor in English. I took a ton of literature classes including Children's Lit, The Problem With Evil, and a class on Disney.
I love dresses but don't really care for skirts.
If I could only eat one genre of food for the rest of my life, it'd be Mexican. If you are what you eat, I'm a taco. Arriba!
I have a horrible memory. Please don't be upset if I forget something like your birthday or a specific event. I can barely remember what I did yesterday!

What is something I should know about you?

Showing Some Skin (Some Love)

2012-02-06T11:07:00.001-05:00

I'm new to this beauty/fashion thing.

Want proof? Watch this makeup vlog from last March. How embarassing! (My thoughts and products have changed dramatically. I need to do an update vlog soon.)

I've always worn makeup but it hasn't been until recently that I've actually put thought into application, techniques, and not wearing the same dang thing every day. Thanks to the magic of YouTube and some fellow bloggers, I've really enjoyed learning more about style and makeup.

But lately I've noticed my skin just looks... tired. I'm noticing bags under my eyes, my complexion is clear but dull, and my skin just isn't glowing. I pride myself on the fact that I've limited trouble with acne. I have relatively normal skin, no oily spots or flaky places. So, I guess I assumed since my skin was normal I didn't really need to do much to it. Here's a photo of the current skincare products I use.

Yep, that's it. The only product I use on my face is Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash. No scrubs, no toner, no moisturizer - just this wash. Another scary fact about my skincare? I only wash my face when I shower. Which means sometimes I go to bed with a full face of makeup. Are you starting to see how my skin could look so blah?

Another misconception I was under is that I don't need to worry about wrinkles. I'm only 25! But I also didn't think about wrinkle prevention. My skin isn't always going to look like it's 25 and from what I heard, a little moisturizer goes a long way with the condition of your skin.

So, I did some research.

And I came up with a list of products I should probably start using. I only had one requirement about this new skincare routine - all the products must come from the drug store. While I want to give my skin a new lease on life, I didn't want to break the bank and I'm confident that I can easily find good products that don't cost a bundle. I created a morning and night skin care routine and set off to the drugstore with my list.

Now, I'm not going to list all the specific products I purchased because I want to make sure they work for me first. But I will tell you that I stuck with Neutrogena. The products are moderately priced and since I've come this far with just using their acne wash, I figured I couldn't go wrong with their other products.

Here's my new skincare routine.

Morning:

Oil-Free Acne Wash
Scrub
Toner
Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15
Lip Balm

Night:

Makeup removing wipe
Foaming facial cleanser
Toner
Moisturizing night cream
Lip Balm

Last night was the first night in my new skincare routine and so far, so good. (I also actually slept pretty good last night for the first time in a while. Connection? Maybe.) I woke up this morning and followed my morning routine. I haven't put on my makeup yet but I'll be interested to see if it goes on any differently.

I'm really hoping this new routine helps my skin. And if after while I realize these products really aren't doing much, I'll toss them and try something else. (What's a good time frame for testing out products? I'm not expecting anything over night but how long should I wait for results?)

So, I'm curious - what does your skincare routine look like? Do you have any products that you swear by? I'm open for suggestions!

What I Wore: Purple!

2012-02-01T09:00:00.003-05:00

Dress & Bangles - Body Central // Belt - Express // Tights & Sweater - Target // Shoes - Madden Girl

This outfit revolved around the shoes.

Not that you would know that since you can really only see them in the close up. The dress was pretty cute too. Actually, it may have been the star of the show since I slipped into patent flats before heading out for the day. I hope you don't feel like this whole post is a fake. I just wanted an excuse to wear the shoes, even if only temporarily. But I digress.

The weather was cool and I felt like getting a little fancy so I slid on this silky purple number that I purchased for only $10. It is one of my favorites. I love the ruffled neckline and it has pockets (!!). Funny story about the belt: I spotted it one day but refused to pay the $30 price tag. And I'm glad I waited because the next week it was half off and I gladly paid 15 smackers for that cutie. I spotted the shoes at Bealls after returning a pair of Christmas boots. I had heart palpitations because I'd pinned them months before and here they were on sale for $20 AND I had a store credit. So, technically they cost me $0. /swoon

My hair is darker since these photos were taken.

Nana and I felt spunky on Monday so we stopped by the beauty supply and picked up some hair color. I also got a bottle of Alterna Caviar Red Conditioner which is usually really expensive. It pays to know a licensed hairdresser. Thank you, Nana! I love this stuff so hard. My hair feels like silk! And I'm a bonafide ginger! Weeee!

Until next week, stay fashionable my friends.

PS: I had an audience during this photoshoot, and it wasn't my crazy neighbors for once.

Hubba, Hubba Hollywood Hunks

2012-01-31T09:00:00.007-05:00

I have a lot of celebrity crushes.

This is no secret. J has accepted the occasional squee over certain celebrities and though he swears he doesn't have a favorite, I know he has a fondness for Natalie Portman. (Don't even try to deny it, honey!) I have also been known to see certain movies based only on the fact that it stars one of my favorite Hollywood hunks. (I'm looking at you, In Time. Sure, you were a good movie but I only went to see JT!) So, without further ado (and inspired by Kate's list) here is my laminated list*.

Justin Timberlake
Maybe this stems back from my *NSYNC days, but I love me some JT. Acting? Singing? Dancing? Can I get an all of the above?! Something about Mr. Timberlake is so swoon worthy to me. Nevermind he's got a bad wrap for being a bit of a playboy. Homeboy has style and pizazz. And cuts a mean rug. Ain't no other man that can take your spot my love...
Ryan Gosling
I know Ryan has become quite the rage when he got ripped off for being People's Sexiest Man Alive. I mean, he even has a website devoted to his possible feminist quips and wittiness. He's charming, down-to-earth, and has amazing washboard abs. He even breaks up fights in the streets of New York. But my love for Ryan goes back to the early 2000s, back when he was playing football in Remember the Titans, killing people in Murder By Numbers, and swooning the pants off Rachel McAdams in The Notebook.
Ryan Reynolds
I'm not going to lie. When I got news that Ryan and ScarJo's relationship finally bit the dust, I fully expected him to be underneath my tree on Christmas morning. It's ok, Ryan. I'll forgive you so long as you promise to make less movies like Van Wilder and more like Blade. You do know that Deadpool is my favorite X-Men, right? I can't wait to see you on the big screen as Wade Wilson in 2014. Stay sexy my friend.
Leonardo DiCaprio
I never liked Leo in his teenage years. Growing Pains Leo did nothing for me. I wasn't even really fond of Titanic until recently. And then I saw grown Leo staring in blockbusters like Inception and Shutter Island and my heart went pitter-patter at this hunk of a man. No more baby faced boy. Leo is showing he's more than a ~~scruffy~~ pretty face. He's also a really talented actor.
Adam Levine
I don't really care of tattoos but something about the way Adam Levine sings makes me forget he's covered in so much ink. Also, did anyone see the recent Victoria's Secret fashion show? How adorable was his performance and walk down the runway with gorgeous Russian girlfriend Anne Vyalitsyna? I swooned. Hard. True story: my ringtone alternates between Sunday Morning, Moves Like Jagger, and If I Ain't Got You. Hey, hey - Maroon 5 every day!

Who are your favorite Hollywood hunks?

*Am I the only one that didn't know what a laminated list was? I mean, I've always had one but I didn't know it had a name.

Luxuries I Could (But Wouldn't) Live Without

2012-01-27T09:00:00.001-05:00

I am very fortunate to have a lot of luxuries in life.

As I was headed to work the other morning and jonesing for Starbucks, I realized there's a whole slew of things that I could easily live without but wouldn't really want to. And it's funny to think that some of these things weren't even a thought in my mind years ago. My how time has changed.

What I Could Live Without (But Wouldn't Really Want To)

Coffee. The nectar of the gods and the savior of my mornings. My, how life was caffeine free before you came around. But you are so delicious and satisfying, even on hot summer days. I owe most of my productivity to your early morning jolts and afternoon pick-me-ups. Keep up the good work, coffee!
iPhone. Most days I am fairly certain other cell phones do not exist and those that do, hope to be iPhones when they grow up. (Droid what?) Do they even make flip phones anymore? Life was so much harder with number key texting. Also, thanks to the iPhone, paper maps are a thing of the past. My iPhone Map app has saved me from being lost so many times. Not to mention all the other apps. Oh, the apps!
Laptops & Wifi. Remember when computers didn't exist or the only option you had for Internet was to be connnected to a wall? Yeah, me either. I'm fairly certain that was around the time of dinosaurs. These days, "office" is a relative term since you can work from basically anywhere. Meet me at Starbucks and we'll discuss your latest business venture (complete with an interactive PowerPoint and spreadsheet) over a latte.
Flat Irons. Most days I embrace my wild curly locks but sometimes I want the sleek sophisticated look that straight hair brings. Enter the flat iron. Sure, you can get a similar look with a blow out but nothing says "Hollywood starlet" like a flat ironed smooth 'do. It's nice to have options in life and my friend the flat iron gives me hair versatility like no other.
Social Media. Wondering what a long time friend is up to? Want to share photos of your new baby/puppy/significant other with the world? Curious to see if that ex is still dating the crazy be-yotch he cheated on you with? Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter give you the chance to ~~stalk people~~ stay up to date on happenings and keep others in the loop on your life. How else would I know my friends were at the movies at the same time as me if I didn't have foursquare? (That's a true story.)
Scarves. What was my life before scarves? My collection is so vast now that I have a scarf for almost every outfit. And I like it that way! Who needs necklaces when you have pretty fabrics to drape around your neck? Also, since my scarves usually end up smelling like my perfume so they're great for getting rid of that stinky customer smell.

What is something you could live without but wouldn't really want to?

The Giveaway That Almost Was

2012-01-26T17:00:00.014-05:00

This isn't what I originally planned to post today but I think it needs to be addressed. And I wanted to see what you guys thought about the situation so wager in, please.

So, on Monday I posted a Giveaway for a product a recently purchased - a Rabito iPhone case. Today I received not one but two nastygrams asking that the post be taken down.

Comment: "Hello this is rabito co.,ltd. The pics are replicas from china and we did not discuss about giveaway event with you. Please delete this event and email us to [email redacted]. Thank you for your cooperation."

Email: "This is [name redacted] who designed rabito and president of rabito co.,ltd. Please refer my comment on your blog and delete the giveaway. Also let me the contact that you got the copycat. Thank you and hope your urgent feedback"

Frankly, I'm kind of mad.

First of all, when a product comes labeled and baring a company's logo and product packaging, you would think it was legit, right? I mean, if I was buying something pricey - like say, a designer bag - I would super double check that it was the real thing. But when I'm buying something like an iPhone case, if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, I'm going to assume it's a duck.

Secondly, in the post I very blatantly proclaimed that I was not contacted by the company nor compensated for the post. Meaning I bought the giveaway item with my own money and was not a representative for the company. I think that was pretty clear. For the company to demand that I remove the giveaway because it wasn't "discussed" was wrong in my opinion. I purchased the item, I can give it away. What's the difference between running a giveaway and giving away the other cases to friends?

With all of that being said, I can sort of see where the company is coming from. A copycat is producing and making money off products claiming to be the real thing. I get it. And if I had a patented product that was being ripped off, I'd probably be pretty mad too. But to go after me, the unassuming consumer? I feel a little bullied. And here I was promoting the original brand - not the knock off company but the company who holds the patent on the product - without any sort of compensation and on my own will. Heck, I felt so strongly about the product that I was holding a contest to give one away.

To wrap this up, I feel as if I did nothing wrong. Had the company asked me to remove their name and link from the post, I would feel differently. But to demand that I remove the post entirely? Two firsts happened today, folks. I had my first nasty comment and my first demand to remove a post.

And here I thought my post on religion would be the most controversial this week.

Also, I still love my case and if I love a copycat this much I can only imagine how I would feel about the real thing. Depending how this whole thing pans out, I will possibly be looking into purchasing a real Rabito case.

Also also, I apologize to those of you who entered and promise to put together another giveaway soon. One that won't be poofed. Amen.

UPDATE: I have an email in at an official company email address asking about the validity of the request since there wasn't a company signature or email address. I think the reason for the unprofessional email is a language barrier as the company is foreign. I did note that the person who sent the email is credited on the official site as being the creator. We will see what kind of response I get.

UPDATE: The email was legit and the company said if I honored design I would remove the post. Still not sure how free advertisement is a bad thing. I sent a response covering most of the items mentioned here. Waiting for another response.

UPDATE: I sent my response email on 1/26 and still haven't received a response from the company. Kind of sad, don't you think? I understand there's a language barrier but no response at all? I think that's a little ridiculous.

What do you think about the situation?

What I Wore: Brights & Boots

2012-01-25T09:00:00.003-05:00

Glasses - c/o GlassesUSA.com // Scarf - Target // Sundress - K-Mart
Belt - F21 // Bangles - Body Central // Boots - Charlotte Russe

Last week the weather was cold, this week it feels like Spring.

Welcome to Florida! I never have a "tan" in the essence of the word, but these legs definitely aren't ready for full exposure. They're winter white and in desperate need of some Vitamin D so I paired this bright sundress with my favorite boots. A little bit of heel with a Western feel. (Say that line in a sing-song voice.) The sundress is one of my favorites. I picked it up at K-Mart of all places a few years ago for $10. The skirt part is a silky material. So light and comfy. Perfect for hot summers!

The scarf is new, something I picked up at Target on clearance. (Thanks for the tip, Hayley!) I love the bright colors and the fact that it goes with just about anything. Also, can we talk about my hair for a moment? It's getting so long and I'm so excited! I haven't had "long" hair in years. Weeee!

On a fashion related noted, I returned a pair of boots I got at Christmas and used my credit to buy myself two pairs of Madden Girl shoes (one of which I've had pinned for months) and a bottle of Lacoste cologne for J. And I still had money left over! Cha-ching! I can't wait to style the shoes. They're so much fun!

Also also, anyone else bummed Picnik is closing? Sadface. I love using the collage feature. Now I guess I'll have to figure out how to use Photoshop. Le sigh.

My Religious Identity Crisis

2012-01-24T09:00:00.008-05:00

I've openly shared my views on religion.

I'm a confused soul when it comes to organized religion versus science versus my own personal beliefs. I haven't found a way to combine them all together in harmony. I struggle with what I believe and where those beliefs fit into my life.

Here's a short recap of my religious background.

I went to Catholic school from sixth to twelfth grade. I am not Catholic. I was baptized Methodist at a very young age. I was given the opportunity to convert to Catholicism in eighth grade. I knew the Catholic church wasn't where I belonged so I didn't convert.

In eleventh grade, I went on a church retreat with high school students from my grandparents' contemporary Methodist church. The trip was amazing and fun. On one particular night during worship, I felt a tug at my heart and thought it was God. I had a full fledged break down in the girl's bathroom and accepted Jesus into my life while two of the female youth members witnessed. After that trip, I became really involved with the youth group and thought I finally found where I belonged. I carried my bible, I read passages, and shared the Message with others. I also became involved with a guy who was a perfect gentlemen. My parents looked at him as a threat and banned me from seeing him. I rebelled against them and saw him against their will and behind their backs. This ultimately caused a lot of turmoil within my family. I was banned from the youth group and began to resent the church and God.

My first boyfriend was religious and pressured me to accept Jesus again. Looking back I realize he was one of the biggest hypocritical Christians I know. I "accepted" Jesus, mainly just to get him off my back and when we broke up, I happily dismissed Christianity again.

At 23, I wrote a very detailed letter denouncing my belief in God that I later regretted. I wrote the letter out of anger and without fully analyzing my beliefs. Over the past three years, I've wrestled with the idea of religion, wanting to live a fulfilling Christian life but not being able to sympathize with a group so against some of my fundamental beliefs.

I've also recently gotten over my grudge and sheepishness towards my grandparents' church and have been attendance to numerous church functions over the past two years. J and I have even made the decision that the lead pastor of the church will marry us when the time comes.

So, what do I believe?

I believe that all people are created equal no matter your sex, race, or sexual identity and should be given the same opportunities. I believe that Jesus was a real person. I believe that the Bible was written by a group of "inspired" authors and shouldn't be taken literally. I believe if Christianity only has one purpose it is to provide hope and a reason to live a decent life. That being said, not all Christians are good people. I don't know that I believe in an afterlife. Once we die, we're gone and the cycle of life starts over. I don't believe those that aren't Christian go to hell nor do I have the urge to persuade them to convert to Christianity.

I believe that this country was built on religious principals but shouldn't be run on those principals today. Religion fits differently into each person's life, thus an all encompassing government cannot be run on a standard set of religious principals. I believe in cohabitation and sex before marriage. I am pro-choice and believe that women should have the opportunity to decide. I don't believe gays ruin the sanctity of marriage (heterosexual marriages are doing a good enough job of that on their own with the divorce rate) nor should they be banned from being legally betrothed.

I believe a lot of things that go against Christianity. And it makes me feel guilty for claiming to be a Christian.

Yet, I respect Christians and identify with Christianity the most. I pray on occasion. I hope to have a Christian marriage ceremony. I want to send my children to a Christian schools and I want them to be educated on Christian beliefs so when the time comes, they can make educated decisions on their own beliefs. I believe the essence of Christianity fosters a positive environment and that certain religious practices set a good example of living an enriched life. For example, the Golden Rule - treat others as you would like to be treated. With that being said, I don't believe you have to be Christian nor religious to follow that rule.

Thus my religious conundrum.

How do I combine all of these beliefs and nonbeliefs into a coexisting set of rules to living a religious life? Can I still side with Christians? Can I claim to be a follower of Christ if I'm not so sure he wasn't just some every day guy offering people an ounce of hope so that they may live fulfilling lives? Can I live a purposely sinful life (ie, cohabitation) and still be Christ like? Can I go to church simply for the sense of community and tradition?

I don't expect anyone to have answers to these questions nor am I looking for an evangelical to offer me salvation. I'm simply hoping I'm not the only one who feels pressured into choosing a religious side - either the Believers or the Nonbelievers - and then feels shunned when I choose one side over the other.

I don't know that I could ever fully pick a side. Regardless, I like to think that I'm still a good person morally and that I don't necessarily need a religion to define me, but rather let my actions and how I positively influence and enrich the lives of others define me.

Meow! Our New Addition

2012-01-20T09:00:00.005-05:00

So, we officially have a cat.

I can't believe it's taken me over a month to welcome her to the family. You've probably already even seen her adorable mug plastered all over my Instagram feed. We named her Luna after Luna Lovegood because you know we're Harry Potter nerds like that. (Her original name was Winky after the house elf but after finding ourselves too embarrassed to call her by her name, we chose another character.) Most of the time we just call her Kitty.

Photos from Luna's first day in our home.

There's a story to how we came to have a cat. She sort of found us.

I was leaving for work one morning early in December when I heard a soft meowing coming from the driveway. It was our first cold night of the winter so I knew right away that there was a cat in J's truck trying to stay warm. I got looked under the truck and didn't see anything but the meowing continued. I went inside and got J and we continued to look for the cat. He popped his hood and saw a little pair of eyes peeking at him from behind part of the engine. After a little bit of coaxing on my part (aka, reaching in and grabbing her) I pulled out a tiny gray kitten. She was skinny, dirty, and cold so we took her inside.

Our goal was to find a good home for her. I posted photos on Facebook and made a few phone calls hoping someone would want her. Meanwhile, J picked up some kitten chow and a cheap litter box to tide her over until she found a home. I bathed her and tried to get her flea infestation under control. It took almost five baths with dish soap and flea shampoo but I finally managed to get her flea free. She was patient through the whole thing and even seemed a little grateful for the pampering.

We were so amazed at the personality in this tiny kitten.

As an unsocialized stray, she is so friendly and playful. She immediately took to us and even got along with the dogs, though Kale took a little more getting used to. I really wanted to keep her but we were hesitant because we tried getting a kitten before which turned into a nightmare. She ended up being really mean to the dogs so we had to find her a new home. We decided to give this new kitten a chance and agreed to find her a new home if she didn't blend in with the family.

It's been a little over a month since Luna came into our home. She's been named and I finally got around taking her to the vet last week which seemed to make it really official. (And I'm happy to report that she is a healthy kitten, estimated about 12 weeks old.) She has become fast friends with the Chihuahuas, even Lima who is Mr. Anti-Social. She still has issues with Kale occasionally but only because he's large and demanding but she holds her own and lets him know she's no pushover. She's playful and rambunctious but she's also sweet and loveable. And can often be found in some snuggly situations.

Some people think we're crazy for having three dogs and a cat, especially since our home isn't very large and I honestly questioned the idea myself. But I like to think she was meant be ours and I'm glad she found her way into that particular truck engine on that cold December night.

Sponsor Spotlight: Press Play

2012-01-19T09:00:00.012-05:00

Today I am proud to spotlight one of my favorite Canadian bloggers. Melissa and I bonded over our love for Harry Potter during #summerofharry and I've enjoyed keeping up with her blog ever since.

•••••

Hey everyone! My name is Melissa and I blog over at Press Play about books, music, travel, and basically my everyday life. I’m from the beautiful city of Montreal, Canada, which you’ll see me talk about on occasion as well.

In the last couple years, I’ve become an incredibly goal-oriented person, so you’ll find that I write a lot about those too. I currently have a ‘101 Goals in 1,001 Days’ list as well as a ‘23 Before 23’, and you can also find my Life List on my upper navigation bar. Yeah, a lot of goals, I told you!

I’ve also become a huge traveler in the last 3 years. (you can find all my traveling adventures on my blog navigation bar!) This summer I spent almost a month in Greece with 3 of my best friends and had the time of my LIFE. I’ve been to a bunch of other places, and I’m getting ready to spend another week out and about in February. I’m hoping to go away this summer again, crossing my fingers!

Other than that, I go to a lot of concerts (a LOT, although I guess fewer these last couple years because of money) and I write for a music magazine called CONFRONT. Besides that, I like to post book reviews (I'm a huge fan of YA lit)... I mean really, I talk about everything on the blog. So come say hi! I love to meet new people :)

Oh also? I am a huge Harry Potter lover. Seriously, pictures of HP all over the place, all the time. This is actually the reason Erin and I met, so I thought I’d mention it really quickly. We bonded over our love of Harry Potter this summer; it’s no wonder we’ve become blog friends!

Along with my blog, you can find me regularly tweeting and tumbling.

•••••

Special thanks to the three ladies - Katie, Erin, and Melissa - who sponsored my blog in January. You gals are the best and I appreciate your support! xo.

What I Wore: Sequins!

2012-01-18T09:00:00.036-05:00

Beanie - Express // Sweater - F21 // Leggings - Body Central // Boots - Limelight

This sequined beanie is proof I watch too much Rachel Zoe. Inspiration?

I die.

The weather finally cooled off this week so I could wear my favorite sweater. I picked it up at F21 right before Christmas. (In fact, I wore it on Christmas even though it wasn't cold.) It's very well made and heavy. I picked the sequin beanie up the other day with a store credit because every girl needs an outrageous hat. I also amped up the eye makeup with a blue smoky eye (which looks gray but I promise it was shades of blue) because I figured I'm wearing a sequined beanie and a bold leopard print sweater. Go ~~outrageous~~ big or go home.

Also, I've been enjoying the heck out of my natural curly hair. Some days it corkscrews, others it just waves. It's so much easier and healthier to just let it be. I cut out shampoo almost entirely and added in a good conditioner and Moroccan Oil. My hair has never felt better. Really!

And amazingly I only got one remark the whole day about my ridiculous beanie. A man almost bumped into me at a store. He apologized and remarked that he wasn't sure how he missed me and my sequin hat. He also told J he needed a sequined armband to match me.

What?

In The Navy... Again?

2012-01-17T09:00:00.033-05:00

Before anyone gets too excited, please note this post is talking about the future. Like, two to three years from now and by that time, a lot of things could change. Life is funny that way.

There has been a lot of talk about the Navy in my household lately.

Next month marks six months since J was discharged from his collective six year commitment. At the time, Navy politics were forcing a lot of sailors out for whatever reasons, even those who wished to make a military career. J left on his own accord and he did so because his time was up. He also knew if he left on his own and decided he missed military life, he would have the opportunity to rejoin. Six months ago, there wasn't talk of rejoining. J was excited for this life change and happy to live his life sans the Navy.

And then he realized how "real jobs" aren't very abundant and how civilian life isn't all he thought it was cracked up to be. He also started to miss the flight line, helicopters, and camaraderie that only the military can bring. And a month or so ago, he made a comment that I never thought I'd hear him say: "I think I want to go back into the Navy." Then phrases like "finish my degree" and "become and officer" started floating around.

The other night we had our first serious conversation on the matter. J is seriously considering completing his degree and rejoining the military as a Naval Officer. Then phrases like "officer's wife" and "deployments every six months" started floating around. And while I know this lifestyle isn't easy nor for the faint of heart, I am fully supportive for numerous reasons.

In my younger years, I was fully convinced I'd become an Army wife.

At 18, it seemed so glamorous and noble. During his time in the Navy and even though J and I aren't married, I felt like a Navy wife. I went to picnics and military events and mingled with the other wives. I met one of my best friends, Tara, through the Navy (her husband worked with J). And though there's drama, just like any other organization, there's a strong sense of camaraderie, wives stick together, and the military looks after it's own. Being a military spouse isn't an easy job by any means and I'm fully aware that life in the Navy isn't always going to be sunshine and rainbows but I honestly feel like the pros outweigh the cons. And if the truth was known, I miss it too.

Life in the Navy would change a lot for both of us.

After J gets accepted into the Officer program and finishes his degree, he'll go through two to three years of training, most of which will take place in Pensacola, FL. Once he's done with that, he'll get permanent orders which could be in Florida or somewhere like California, Texas, or Virginia. And after 14 or so years of service, J can retire and be set for life. Meanwhile, I'll be wherever he's stationed, hopefully raising a child or two and holding down the fort while he deploys every six months or so.

It will be hard; there's no doubt about that. I would be on my own a lot and forced to take on the role of both the man and woman of the house. J will be working a lot and deploying every six months or so once he finds his permanent station. And of course there's always the fear of something happening while he's deployed. But I feel like I have an advantage in that I'm independent to a fault. I don't mind spending time alone and while six months is probably a little too much time alone, I know that it's temporary. (Plus, there's emails and phone calls. Being high-ranked will have it's perks.)

The Navy would bring about job security and benefits for the entire family. There will always be somewhere to live and the Navy will move us to any destination at no charge. I will most likely be able to stay at home with my family and spend my time doing what I enjoy such as writing, doing charitable work (such as with schools, military, and animal organizations), and being a hands-on mother. And if all goes as planned, J could retire early and receive full retirement benefits.

But like I said - life is funny.

And there's always the chance that something else will come along between now and then. As of right now, this seems to be the road our life is going down. And I'm so excited for what this adventure could bring. Stay tuned!

Survey Says - Results!

2012-01-16T09:00:00.010-05:00

Thanks to those of you who took the time to fill out my blog survey.

If you haven't done so, please do. I'd love to know what you think!

I have to say that I was a little surprised with the results. Majority of you said your favorite type of posts are personal posts and that you want to see more about my life. I guess I shouldn't be surprised because this is a personal blog after all and I sort of cut back on the personal posts. But yes, I am a human being and yes, I do normal things so I'll be sure to include more of those types of posts in the future. A close second was more DIY posts so maybe I should finally put some of those DIY pins to good use. Speaking of Pinterest...

Majority of you also said you wanted to see less of my Oh, How Pinteresting! posts, which didn't really shock me since Surprise! I'm not really a fan of those posts either. (I think they're kind of boring and impersonal.) I thought you guys enjoyed them but not to worry! I can find something more interesting to share on Wednesdays like maybe more personal posts, ha.

I added Fashion & Beauty as a last minute option and I wish I hadn't forgotten it in the beginning. That is one topic I wish I talked about more and wonder if you guys want more, too. I've gotten into fashion and makeup more and I'd love to share my style and techniques with you guys. I'm no fashionista by any means - I could really care less about designers and buy my clothing on the cheap - but I still like to look cute on a daily basis. The truth is, I've gotten lazy and just haven't put forth the effort to take photos that don't involve a mirror or the same boring scenery. Note to self: Take more quality photos of said cute outfits.

I've come up with some good ideas for 2012.

Starting with getting off the lazy train. I'd really like to do more vlogs and I'd like to include more of my own photography in posts. I want to do a few giveaways. I'm planning events that I want to recap and share, including a charitable puppy birthday party in March. I want to talk more about Jacksonville and share some local haunts. I want to go on a road trip or vacation of sort. I'm going to look into being a contributing writer on another blog.

Basically, I want to spend more time living an inspired life and sharing it with you guys.

Survey Says

2012-01-13T09:00:00.007-05:00

I'm constantly looking for ways to improve this blog.

Blogging means a lot to me and while I blog for myself, I still want to know that people enjoy reading the work I produce. I love feedback in the form of comments or emails but after seeing a similar survey posted on Stephany's blog, I thought it might be nice to give you guys the opportunity to anonymously tell me what you really think about Erin B. Inspired.

If you have a few minutes, I'd love for you to fill out the form below and give me your honest opinion on this blog. Constructive criticism is wanted; you can take hateful comments elsewhere. (Not that I have ever had an issue with hateful comments on this blog, just throwing that out there.)

If you're having trouble viewing the embedded form below, you can access it right here as well.Thanks for being such awesome readers and have a great weekend! xo.

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Sponsor Spotlight: Reinventing Erin

2012-01-12T09:00:00.001-05:00

Birds of a feather flock together! This week's sponsor is a fellow Erin. Erin from Reinventing Erin describes herself as a "Northern girl with a great love for the South." Sounds like my kind of girl!

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Hey y'all, my name is Erin from Reinventing Erin! I'm super excited to be one of the first sponsors on Erin B. Inspired. Not just because I love her blog, but also because we share the same first name.

I've been blogging since 2008, and it's been a wild ride. Reinventing Erin is a personal blog about all the major aspects of my life: graduate school, my relationship, friends, family, a house search and learning how to cook. Anyone who loves cooking, DIY crafts and the 101 in 1001 goal challenge will find themselves at home. I recently began reviewing products and I just hosted my first giveaway last month. Looking to do more of that in the near future!

When I'm not blogging, I can usually be found on Facebook, Pinterest or Twitter. When I'm offline, I like to travel and just enjoy the time I have with the people I love. I love to read, write, sing, dance and travel. My favorite animals are alligators, although I do have a Chihuahua/Terrier mix named Fenway. She thinks she is a bulldog though. This year was my second time doing the Polar Bear Plunge on New Years day.

I love new friends, and I love finding new blogs, so come over and introduce yourselves. Have a great day! :)

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Interested in becoming a sponsor? Find out more information!

Oh, How Pinteresting! (#9)

2012-01-11T09:00:00.002-05:00

I feel like the weeks go by faster and faster these days. How is it already Wednesday? Anywho, I hope you're all having a fantastic week. I can't really think of anything else witty to put here so enjoy the pins.

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I need to just break down and buy a pair of TOMS for crying out loud.

Baked Smores - OMG YES.

J and I have been watching a lot of The Rachel Zoe Project since I got the DVDs for Christmas. Love her and Rodger!

Teacups as curtain tie backs - adorable!

DEAD.

My new goal in life is to acquire a full set of these.

The country girl in me loves this. Plus, I could wear it to work. Yes, I said work.

Is this ridiculous? Because I kind of want one for my bathroom.

Thankfully, he loves Harry Potter.

Speaking of Harry Potter, some eye candy. Yowzas, Neville!

What have you found Pinteresting this week?

The Comparisons

2012-01-10T09:00:00.002-05:00

Lately I've had a terribly case of The Comparisons.

The Comparisons: Comparing your life to the monumental events of others, including engagements or marriage, children, career moves, or any other life altering situation. Symptoms include being jealous over engagements or weddings, having a case of baby fever, or severe wanderlust. The cure is still unknown but symptoms will lessen by avoiding social media and/or conversations with high school or college classmates.

This year I'll be turning 26 and while this isn't old by any means, I feel a little behind the curve. J and I have been dating nearly four years. I try not to put pressure of an engagement or wedding on him but there are days I want to shake him and say DO IT ALREADY! The problem with our relationship is we feel married. We live together, we're open about important information like finances, and everything we have is ours together. (I joke that we're not going to need a registry when we get married because we already have most things a typical newly married couple would need but it's true!) A lot of people even treat us as a married couple and I sometimes refer to him as "my husband." But the reality is we're not married, which throws a big wrench in my grand scheme of life.

For the longest time I was anti-marriage.

Each of my parents have been through two divorces and I feel as if it can be hereditary. I don't want to be part of the divorce rate. I don't want to put my future children through separating families because I know what it feels like and I know how tough it can be. This has made me hellbent to make our relationship work. I also want to be super, duper sure that this marriage is what I want. I don't want to do it again. I'm not scared of marriage, I'm terrified of it failing but this hasn't stopped me from hoping that one day I'll be able to walk down the aisle and become someone's Mrs.

But I often get impatient with life.

I feel like it's moving in slow motion. I don't want to work for mediocre pay for the rest of my life. Sure, I love my job and I get paid enough but I'm not even sure that I want to work forever. Maybe I'll be a stay at home mom. Maybe I'll have a household to run. Lately J has been tossing around the idea of going back into the Navy (which is a whole post in it's own) which would lead me down a whole other path. I could be an sailor's wife, the stronghold of the family while J is out to sea. We could move to a different city or state. The paths of life are endless and I often wonder which way mine is headed.

Which brings me to my next symptom of The Comparisons: Babies.

I would like to have at least one child by the time I'm 30. That's only four years away. Factor in an engagement, wedding, and pregnancy and that takes away at least two or three years. I feel like time is ticking and while I don't want to jump into something I'm not ready for, if I wait for "the right time" we'll never have a baby.

The other night J and I were discussing babies and life in general and I finally opened up to him about my miscarriage. Through the whole ordeal I acted strong because I could either push through it or be miserable. Plus, I wanted him to know that I was alright. But the truth is, I'm still hurt. While we obviously hadn't planned the pregnancy, I had accepted it. I was excited because I felt like it was life's way of pushing me forward and showing me a path to go down. And when my pregnancy abruptly failed, I felt lost. I always believe things happen for a reason so I tossed around a few logical reasons. We're not ready right now. Another life changing event is going to happen. The baby just wasn't forming properly. I'll never know the real reason, but I like to think that next time will be the right time.

So how do I cure The Comparisons?

I reflect on my own life and how far it's come. I'm grateful to have found a man I can openly and seriously discuss marriage with. I'm happy that I have a job that lets me do some of the things I love. I'm thankful that I my life has so many options while others often have aspirations but insurmountable set backs. I get reassured by others that while what I'm feeling is normal, it's easily overcome (like this post by Abby). And I remind myself that life is not a race, it's a journey and the feelings I have will one day be a thing of the past.

How do you get over a case of The Comparisons?

{via weheartit}

Beauty Inspiration

2012-01-09T09:00:00.005-05:00

I bought my first red lipstick yesterday. I'm not even sure it's the "right" shade.

I'm no beauty expert, by any stretch of the imagination.

But over the last nine months or so I've really tried to broaden my makeup and fashion routines. I tend to get in ruts with what I wear on both my face and my body. I have been known to find a piece of clothing and buy it in every color. My wardrobe was becoming the same bland style so I've really tried to push the envelope with prints, styles of different fits, and accessories.

My makeup routine has always been basic. I did a vlog back in March on some new products I was inspired to try. (Check it out to see an awkward me filming in my bathroom. I also need to do an update. Maybe in March?)

Since them, my collection has grown and I've tried different makeup products and ways to apply them. Friends have noticed the change in style, even commenting on particular eyeshadow combinations. I even started darkening my eyebrows and I like it! And now I want to share my makeup styling secrets with everyone. Are you ready?

YouTube!

No, seriously. YouTube has provided me with hours of makeup, hair, and style tutorials. You can often find me in bed at night watching videos on my iPad from some of my favorite beauty gurus. So, in light of this recent development, I thought I would share some of my favorite YouTube inspirations in hopes that they'll help you out of your beauty routine rut.

MakeupTIA

Ashley is probably more popularly known by her blog That Is All but she recently started her own beauty channel and I can't get enough of her instructional videos. Ashley is always updating her channel with videos on inspired makeup tutorials, beauty routines, and hauls from her favorite stores. Being a fellow ginger, I loved her recent Emma Stone inspired makeup look.

FleurDeForce

I randomly came upon Fleur's channel while browsing through makeup tutorials one night. I love her haul videos where she shares recent purchases and inspires me to try out new products. Her British accent makes her videos seem even more posh but I just love that she's real and energetic to watch. Here are some of her favorite products from 2011.

Beauty Broadcast (EmilyNoel83)

Ashley linked to one of Emily's videos in a blog post and I immediately thought to myself this woman HAS to be in broadcast journalism. Sure enough, I was right! Emily does the local morning news for her hometown in Illinois and plays the part. Her voice is very journalistic but she is clear and concise and isn't afraid to tell you if a product doesn't work. She specializes in drugstore beauty so just because you can't afford high end products, doesn't mean you can't achieve quality makeup looks for less. She even has a whole room in her home devoted to makeup! Check out what happens when she lets her hubby, Tyler, have the brushes.

I hope these videos inspire you to get creative with your beauty routine.

Try something new! Makeup holds endless possibilities, plus it's fun! If you have any YouTube users that you find inspirational, please link me. I'm always looking for new subscriptions to follow.

How have YouTube videos inspired you?

Sponsor Spotlight: Katie Blogs

2012-01-05T09:00:00.057-05:00

I'm so excited because not only is today the first of my Sponsor Spotlight posts, but it's also my blogging BFF Katie from katieblogs.com. I have been friends with Katie almost as long as I have been blogging. (Hint: Years.) She even came to visit me in Jacksonville so not only are we blogging BFFs, we're IRL friends. I am so happy to have her as my first sponsor. If you're not friends with Katie, you totally should be. And here's why.

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I'm Katie, the 27 year old freelance writer, consultant, and pancake addict who blogs at Katie Blogs(.com). I've been blogging for nearly 12 years. You know, back when they called it "message boarding." What started off as a place to get out all of my teenage angst and frustration turned into my own little corner of the internet where I talk about everything from weird dating mishaps to how to get yourself a freelance career; basically I write about whatever I want, whenever I want. Win!

When I'm not blogging, I'm obsessively watching Sex and the City and Dexter over and over again. Sometimes, I work, too. By day, I do administrative consulting (read: office management) and by night I'm a freelance everything -- Writer, Copywriter, Web Content Provider, Social Media Strategist... the list goes on and on.

I'm currently obsessed with: Tazo Green Tea, Christmas Lights (yes, I know Christmas is over), Turkey Sandwiches, Positive Psychology, Words With Friends, Pinterest and Pancakes.

You can find me on the web at (deep breath) @katieblogs, katieblogs.com, personal Facebook, blog Facebook, and Pinterest.

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Interested in becoming a sponsor? Find out more information!

Oh, How Pinteresting! (#8)

2012-01-04T09:00:00.001-05:00

Better late than never, right? I'm settling into a new routine that includes a 10 o'clock bed time and more trips to the gym and I love it. The other morning, I was at the gym at 6 o'clock in the morning. I should get an award or something. Anywho, here are some of my favorite pins from the past week. Enjoy!

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For years I was anti black and brown together. But as of late, I'm really starting to dig it.

This series of photos is so moving. As someone who is a huge military supporter, I get it.

If I was the tattoo type, these are cute.

Something to remember...

Hula hoop lighting. Charming for an outdoor space.

My hair is slowly growing, but it needs to hurry up and be this length!

Wine smoothie? YES PLEASE.

And since losing weight tends to be a trend with New Years resolutions, remember this.

What have you found Pinteresting this week?

Scrub-A-Dub DIY Style

2012-01-03T09:00:00.003-05:00

I'm a laundry freak.

I like what I like and I tend to use the same products over and over. (Costco brand natural soap, Downy or Suavitel fabric softener, and lavender scented dryer sheets in case you're wondering.) I like my clothes to come out smelling fresh and feel soft. I pinned a "recipe" for DIY Laundry Soap a while ago and have been curious to try it out. Does it smell good? Will my clothes feel the same?

Here's how to make your own DIY Laundry Soap.

And here is the original source. All of the ingredients are found in the laundry aisle. To make the soap you need...

1 - 4 lb box of Borax
1 - 4 lb box of Baking Soda
1 - 55 oz box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
3 - bars of Fels-Naptha soap
Optional: 2 small containers of Oxyclean or generic brand equivalent (I didn't use this.)

Side note: I have no idea what you would use each of these ingredients individually for. I've used borax to remove tarnish from silver. (Put a piece of aluminum foil in the bottom of your sink. Sprinkle in Borax powder. Add warm water and silver. Bam! Clean silver.) As I started to make the soap, my whole kitchen smelled so fresh and clean. All the powders kind of made my nose itchy for a bit.

To make the soap, simply grate the Fels-Naptha bars with a cheese grater or food processor and mix all of the ingredients together. I lined a bucket with a trash bag, dumped it all in, and then tied the trash bag closed and jostled it around until I felt like it was all mixed together well. Badabing, badaboom. You're done!

You can store it in whatever you choose. I got two one gallon canisters for like $3 each at WalMart. You could store it in a glass container, plastic bag, whatever keeps it handy. The original source doesn't list how much you're supposed to use per load but I read through the comments and saw one tablespoon was recommended. That doesn't seem like enough for me. I used about 1/4 cup in the first load which was probably way too much and about two to three tablespoons in the second load which seemed to be a better amount.

The verdict?

It smells good and it seems like my laundry is getting just as clean as it was when I washed it in my normal laundry soap. I was worried the clothes would feel sticky or stiff but after a wash and dry, the clothes came out feeling like they normally do. (This could do with the fact that I still used fabric softener and dryer sheets.)

Cost wise, all of the ingredients were about the same as my normal soap, around $12. (That's not counting the two containers.) I guess the real cost effective test will be to see how long it lasts. The blogger who shared the recipe said her batch lasted about nine months which seems like a little bit of a stretch for me. (Maybe I just wash too much laundry.) Stay tuned for an update.

Have you made your own laundry soap? What "recipe" did you use and how did you like it?

PS. I also DIYed a top entry litter box this weekend for $10. (Here's a picture of the finished product.) But since that DIY is pretty audience specific, I decided not to post it. If you're curious about how I made it, let me know. I'll email you instructions.