A Gayle Force

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Thu, 25 Dec 2014 15:28:00 +0000

It's more than likely I won't be back online until the New Year, so I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays!

When will I start to feel like a bride?

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 14:30:00 +0000

I've written and rewritten the beginning to this post (and the rest of it, really). I'm not sure how to start it or what exactly to say. I know that I might get some flack for this, but hey, you gotta write what you feel. I'm also not totally sure I captured my feelings correctly. Sometimes the "right words" just aren't there. PS - This post is looooong.

Before getting really into this, I want to add a disclaimer. I am so happy! I'm thrilled to be marrying the man of my dreams and I can't wait until we're standing in front of friends and family and officially get to become man and wife. This post has nothing to do with that. If I could marry him tomorrow, I would. (And if we hadn't yet put down so many deposits that's exactly what we'd do...at the courthouse.)

The wedding industry is ridiculous. I think future brides buy into it looking for this idea of "the perfect wedding." I've come to the conclusion that it doesn't exist. Please hear me out. I'm sure that everyone's wedding day is special and perfect in its own way. And I really hope I feel that way about my own wedding day in just four months (holy eff, four months). I guess it's not really the actual wedding day that gives me issues, it's everything leading up to it.

I have not yet felt like a bride throughout all my wedding planning.

I'm serious.

I've fallen in and out of love with my dress about ten times, I own two pairs of shoes that go with the dress and neither one of them works (who knew that shoes would be so stressful?), I can't make a decision about what my hair should look like, and oh my goodness don't even get me started on what I'm going to do with my nails (I have no clue -- French manicure is out). Every decision I've made surrounding me I've gone back on at least once.

I did not have a problem making any decisions about the venues, decorations, bridesmaid stuff, or other details. My only difficulty has been with making decisions about myself. This is sounding really self-involved, but, eh, I guess that's exactly what it is. I mean, I'm the bride, right? Technically yes. I'm still waiting for it to feel that way, though.

I've had two dress fittings. I can stand there in front of the gigantic mirror on the pedestal and admit that I look nice in my dress, but I don't feel like a bride. So often you hear the bride say "This is my dress! I feel like a bride in it!" What does that mean? It's almost like I'm having an out-of-body experience. Oh yeah! That girl looks great in that dress, good for her! But oh...that girl is me. Does this mean that it's not the right dress? Not necessarily. I like it, and at this point I'm definitely not interested in starting from scratch. Maybe finding the right shoes will help.

I've had two hair trials (and potentially a third in the near future), and nothing is living up to my expectation of what a bride is supposed to look like. I think that's the problem -- I'm imaging some bride, not myself as a bride. My inner monologue is saying, Well, this hair is nice, but it doesn't look very bridal. It's not something I've seen in a magazine. So am I not allowing myself to see that I don't have to (and won't) look exactly like what I've seen on TV and in the magazines?

I had a makeup trial, too. I thought it went well. The makeup was a bit heavy, but shouldn't it be? I got home that night and Erich had a cow. He wasn't used to seeing me wear that much makeup and couldn't understand why our wedding should be different. He prefers me with no makeup and just can't wrap his head around the fact that I will absolutely not show up bare-faced to our wedding. So now I've decided to mostly do my own makeup (with some help on the eyeshadow because at least one thing has to be different/prettier than normal). Unfortunately -- and I wish I didn't sound like a brat here -- that just added to my insecurity about not feeling like a bride. I mean, surely brides don't do their own makeup for their wedding! (They do. It happens all the time. But not in my "perfect wedding.")

Am I just not happy with these decisions because none of them have left me with that Weeeeee! I'm getting married and I'm the briiiiiiide! feeling? Am I just one of those people who won't feel like that? (I think I just pinpointed my exact issue with being a logical creature. I am not emotional, and therefore do not subconciously care about these things, except ohmygodIcaresomuchbecauseit'smywedding.)

I guess as a child I imagined my wedding, but never imagined me in my wedding.

Normally, my advice to someone else would be to follow their heart. I can't follow that in this case because I'm not sure which direction my heart is leading me in. Actually, it's usually telling me to suck it up. I am totally aware that this is absolutely ridiculous. I know that none of this really matters in the long run, and my wedding will be perfect regarless of whether or not I finally found the perfect shoes or have the perfect hairstyle. But right now I just can't see it. I just want to feel like a bride, whatever that means.

Will I have that moment on our big day where I finally see the whole picture -- me in the dress, with my hair and makeup done, wearing the right shoes -- and feel like I'm the bride? Or maybe I'll feel like the bride when I see my groom?

I guess I'm just wondering if it was like this for any other brides. Did anyone else experience this? Is it just the stress of planning that's getting to me? Does seeing the whole picture help? Will I feel like a bride on my actual wedding day? Can I hire a stand-in so that my idea of what a wedding should look like can be fulfilled? (Just kidding on that last one. Kind of.) Please send help.

Top Tips for Beautiful Eyebrows {Sponsored Post}

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 15:41:00 +0000

*This is a sponsored post, not written by me.

Beautifully shaped and well manicured eyebrows give an overall polished look to your face and make-up. Whether you favor the fuller Brooke Shields look, which has been brought back up to date by the likes of Cara Delevingne, or something shapelier it really makes no difference – keep them in good shape and they will provide the perfect frame for the face.

1 – Choose the shape you want to achieve. You need to decide which look you are going for before you pick up your tweezers. Do you want slender, arched eyebrows or something thicker? Take a look at some of your favorite celebs online or in a magazine and decide which eyebrows you want to copy. The thing to pay particular attention to is the height of the arch and the distance to which the eyebrows extend.

2 – Before you start plucking take a few minutes to soak your eyebrows – it will make the job much easier and less painful. Take a clean washcloth and soak it in warm water then gently lay it over your eyebrows and leave it there for a few minutes. This will help to open up your pores and loosen the hairs a little so that it they are much easier to tweeze. Pat them dry before you start.

3 – You do need to have your equipment at the ready. Some pointed tip tweezers, some angle tip tweezers, good lighting, a mirror, and an eyebrow comb. Make sure that your tweezers are clean – you don’t have to use a UV sterilizer or anything, but pop them into some boiling water to give them a clean before you start. Brush your brows in an upwards/outwards direction and you’re ready to get cracking.

4 – You should only ever pluck your eyebrows in three areas – between your eyebrows, under your eyebrows and a tiny bit above your eyebrows if necessary – just to catch any strays. Start between your eyebrows but don’t get carried away, the brows should start just above the corner of your eyes so make sure that you don’t go in any further. Keep going from one side to the other to keep them even and carry on until you have achieved the arch of your dreams. The arch will preferably peak above the iris of your eye and continue outwards at a 45 degree angle from the outer edge of your eye.

5 – Be careful not to get too carried away or you could end up with bald patches or uneven brows. Switch from eyebrow to eyebrow and take a break every couple of minutes; step back and admire your handiwork and decide whether you really need to tweeze any more.

6 – If some of your eyebrow hairs are longer than the rest and have a tendency to stick out then trim them. Comb them out/up with your eyebrow comb and trim with a clean pair of nail scissors. Be careful not to trim them too short or they will just stick up even more.

7 – After you’ve finished and you have perfectly shaped eyebrows giving a beautiful frame to your eyes and your face, you should remember to rinse your tweezers and dry them off. Wash your face once more with your clean wash cloth and warm water before patting gently dry. Applying a little moisturizer to your eyebrows can help to soothe any minor irritation but do be careful not to get any in your eyes.

For many more great beauty tips and ideas take a look at The Salon Outlet – they’ve got some great ideas.

(More) Favorite Beauty Products

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 16:12:00 +0000

I'm constantly changing up my makeup routine. I have a few favorites that I'll never go without (hello Dr. Pepper chapstick), but for the most part I'm not attached to any one product. I've rounded up my new current favorites for you, and let me just warn you -- this post is going to be a serious rave. I cannot get enough of these.

1. Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick - I have this in three colors. I grabbed the first one on a whim in the checkout line at ULTA. Obsessed. So smooth and perfect. The colors last a good while, but you'll definitely need to bring it with you for touch-ups during the day. They're a little on the pricey side for what they are, but it's worth it.

2. it Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil - I don't know how I lived without this. I've only recently started filling in my eyebrows (I also don't know how I lived for so long without doing that, but that's another story), so I've been experimenting with powders, pencils, and whatever else. I actually saw this on an infomercial one day and thought it seemed weird, but then by the end I was totally convinced. They made it seem like even a novice could handle this, and boy were they right. Now instead of never leaving the house without mascara, it's mascara and eyebrows.

3. Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation & Brush - Guys. Er, ladies. I just...I can't even. Pure perfection. I came across this months ago and didn't want to try it because I used to be a Bare Minerals snob, but recently stopped using it because I wasn't getting the coverage I needed. Plus, the brushes always hurt my face. Anyway. I finally took the plunge and bought this on Black Friday. I will never go back to any other powder foundation. And I chose to get the brush as well and I'm in love. It doesn't make my face red and it provides amazing coverage. I ordered Fair-Light Honey and when I got it I thought it wouldn't match, but once it was on the color was perfect. It really does last all day. I put it on at 6:00 a.m. and wore it to work. At 9:00 that night before I washed my face it was still perfectly in place. *Side note: my face gets oily throughout the day, but that was no problem with this stuff. Well, now that I've written you a book about how wonderful it is, you should probably try it for yourself. Whew. Oh, and one more thing. It doesn't look super powdery when it's on, and that's really important. (PS - Right now Tarte is having their Friends and Family sale and everything is 30% off until 12/11.)

4. Benefit They're Real Mascara - Again, why did it take so long for me to hop on this bandwagon? I'll be on a They're Real kick for at least a year. I put it on without having curled my eyelashes and I immediately noticed how much longer, curlier, and fuller they looked. I bought the sample size because I couldn't justify spending that much on mascara, but I guarantee I will be buying the full size when that runs out.

5. ULTA Super Blender Sponge - Cheap. Works like a charm. I have one liquid foundation that I wear for special occasions or when I really have time to perfect my makeup, and this is what I use to put it on with. I won't pay a bajillion dollars for a sponge, so I opted for the ULTA brand one and I love it. I've already bought a second one. I also use it to even out my powder blush when I accidentally put on too much. Just a couple dabs and it fixes everything. I've had my first one for a few months now and I've washed it multiple times and it's still holding up great. But at $5, who really cares if it falls apart in a month? (But it won't.)

If you want any more details of these products, just let me know. I'd be happy to write another novel about how great they are.

What products have you tried lately that you don't think you can live without?

Holiday Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 20:49:00 +0000

Hey everyone! I've got another giveaway for you today! I teamed up with Elora and some other blog friends to bring you this Holiday Blog Roll giveaway. I hope that you find a blog you love in the process!

Being given away is a $10 Starbucks card -- just in time for their holiday drinks (has anyone had the new Chestnut Praline Latte? OMG so good.) -- along with jewelry and some free ad space!

A major plus: those bracelets would look perfect with any Christmas outfit.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

How is it Monday?

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 19:13:00 +0000

Even after a totally great weekend that actually felt like a weekend (read: I didn't go to work this morning and feel like I had just left there), it's still hard to get up and do the whole work thing. Although, a slow day + tomorrow off = pretty great. No real complaints there.

My weekend was full of errands and homework, but the errands were fun. Wish I could say the same about the homework, but...no.

Friday

Worked. Left work a bit early to get to an appoinment with my financial advisor because I'm an old lady, then got my eyebrows done. It's the little things. But I for real feel like a new person. I did not finish those errands in time to get to the play I wanted to see at my high school, but it worked out because I was exhausted anyway. Instead I sat on my parents' couch, ate pizza, watched Shark Tank, and promptly passed out.

Saturday

Woke up Saturday morning to my aunt -- she comes over on the weekends to give my stepdad dancing lessons for my wedding. #aww When I'm home she usually makes me practice too. I must say we're doing pretty well, but I might be biased.

Now I know this isn't a big deal for most adult people who are functional, but I actually blow-dried my hair AND did my makeup on Saturday. Who even am I? I dry my hair maybe three times a year. Buh. And I wore foundation. That never happens. If you follow me on Instagram, you've already seen this. Otherwise, here's proof.

Was gonna make this extra large, but no one needs to see my face that up-close-and-personal.

Also, I might've been a little too excited to wear that vest. It was frigid outside, and as much as I hate the cold, there's something about cold weather that makes it feel closer to Christmas.

After I took a #kitchenselfie (I'm making that a thing, guys) my mom and I went to look for a dress for her. Hallelujah, she found one! We both love it, she ordered it in the perfect color, and it's one more thing to check off the list. Thank the Lord. I have pictures, but I think she would kill me if she found out I posted one here, so sorry. You'll just have to wait until the wedding pictures.

After dress shopping we got some lunch, went to AC Moore and Michael's because we're crafty -- just kidding. My mom is making my centerpieces and she's crafty. Then a trip to Ulta because duh, then I desperately needed a nap. Instead I went to a bonfire. Erich came to pick me up from my parents' house (are you catching on that I spent the whole weekend there?) and we went to a friend's house for fire, guitars, and cider.

I got home around midnight, was locked out of my house, finally got inside and was up until 2:00. I only mention this because it's truly shocking. My eyes haven't seen 2:00 a.m. since...ever. Unless I'm waking up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. #tmi

Sunday

I slept in later than usual (it was only 10:00, please don't make fun of me), hung out and watched TV, my mom and I did a face mask that I totally should've taken pictures of but didn't, then I went home and did homework and cooked dinner. Oh, and watched The Walking Dead.

I'm really sorry that was so boring. It was boring for me to write. If you made it to the end let me know. I'll send some good karma your way, and maybe a cookie.

PS - I know I've tweeted my heart out and posted on Facebook, but I redid my sponsor page and options. I finally went back to Passionfruit; I'm not sure what took me so long. I highly encourage you to check out the options -- I'm offering other services now in addition to ads. I'm pretty excited about it. Ohhhh! I am also working on switching to Disqus. Anybody know how to speed up that process? Kthxbye.

Too Busy for Life (And Some Feel-Good Stuff)

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 14:09:00 +0000

Y'all. I have been so flipping busy that I feel like I haven't had time to breathe. I'm pretty sure I woke up Monday, got through the day, then went to sleep and when I woke up it was Thursday. Do you ever have weeks like that?

I started my new job on Monday, and even though I'm in the same place with the same people, the work and workload is totally different. I love it and I'm so interested in what I'm doing, but there's definitely not much time to do anything other than work. (I mean, that should be obvious, right?) I've barely had time for lunch this week.

I don't want you guys to think I'm complaining -- that's not what this is. I'm super happy and loving every second, but yeesh!

I've been in an awesome mood this week because I just feel like things are going right. So in the spirit of happiness and excitement, I wanted to share a few more things that are making me happy right now. So much to look forward to!

+ Dinner with friends tonight. We haven't seen them in a while and it's really weird because we usually hang out once a week, so it'll be nice to have some time to catch up with them.

+ Possibly going back to my high school to see their Fall play tomorrow night. I know this probably doesn't excite anyone else, and most people avoid their high school like the plague, but I loved high school and I was in theatre, so it's always fun to go and see what Thespian Troupe #303 is up to. (#nerdalert)

+ Going mother-of-the-bride dress shopping with Madre on Saturday. We found a dress that she liked a while back, but we wanted to keep our options open. Saturday is the day she'll make a decision. I think.

+ Heading to a bonfire/party Saturday night with Erich to hang out with some of his friends. Fall + bonfire + good friends + alcohol = good times. Need I say more?

+ Makup trial on Sunday afternoon. I am beyond excited for this.

+ Tuesday is Veterans Day, which means no work. It's nice to look forward to a little break.

That's just stuff that's coming up in the next few days! I could give you another list of just "November stuff" that's coming up, but then this post would never end. Here's a teaser, though: wedding stuff and a weekend trip. But more on those later.

Happy almost Friday and I hope your Thursday flies by!

PS - If anybody is addicted to the Gap like I am (do people still call it the Gap, or is it just Gap now?), their Friends and Family sale is happening right now. 40% off. Go get you some new clothes! I know, I know. It's an addiction.

Sometimes I Do Fashion

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 12:19:00 +0000

And we're all laughing now, right?

I totally understand why "fashion posts" are so awkward for non-fashion bloggers. But I thought I'd give it a shot anyway.

Vest - Old Navy, sold out online, similar // Scarf // Sweater - Boscov's a million years ago // Jeans // Boots - Sperry last season

(I had to include that last one because it's such a good outtake.)

November first just happened to be absolutely frigid here, so I thought it was a great day to put my new vest and blanket scarf to work. It was a long day of running errands, so it was nice not to have to carry around a coat. I will sing the praises of that scarf forever.

I do realize that I committed a serious fashion blogger faux pas. These were all taken with my iPhone. I was out walking Louie, and I didn't really feel like carrying along my real camera. You understand, right?

Anyway, I mentioned recently that I've been obsessed with Old Navy lately; I'm pretty sure half of my wardrobe is made up of clothes from there (at least half of the wardrobe I wear, anyway). I'm glad I documented this outfit, but probably this will never happen again. I hope you enjoyed it.

Super Random Things About Me

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 19:01:00 +0000

I've definitely got some more new faces around here, and it's perfectly timed with what I had in mind to post today AND it's perfectly timed with the #Blogtober14 prompt for today! You'll get to know me while I tell you some really weird things about myself. I mean, everybody has quirks, and I'm pretty sure that if you took the time to think about it, you'd have some super strange routines just like I do. No judging.

1. I hate the smell of yogurt. For real, though. I don't really like dairy at all, but specifically yogurt -- the smell actually makes me gag. I banned Erich from the couch the other day because as soon as he opened his yogurt container I lost it. I made him sit on the other side of the room. Sorrynotsorry.

2. When I wash dishes, I have to wash the silverware first. I feel like the silverware clutters up the sink and I just want it gone. And bowls are my favorite thing to wash. There's just something so satisfying about washing and rinsing a bowl. Maybe it's because I don't have to scrub that hard, or because I don't have to fight to sqeeze the sponge into some tiny space. Oh, and on that note, I hate the smell of sponges. Again, gag.

3. I need my personal space. I hate when people sneak up on me, or they come within a foot of me when I'm not expecting it. Hugs are a super no if I don't know you or if I don't consider you to be a close, personal friend. Also, I'm the worst cuddler. Unless you're a dog.

4. I'm really good at public speaking.

5. I would rather scrub a whole bathroom than vacuum.

6. I have anxiety. This isn't a secret, but it's something not everyone knows. I've touched on it before, but not often and not thoroughly.

7. I start a new job on Monday! Also not a secret, but a recent fact. I will no longer be a technical writer -- I'm making the switch to become an instructional designer. Yay!

8. I can't sleep with socks on. It makes me feel like I might die. Also a weird sleep-related fact, I have to be fully covered when I sleep. I will never be one of those people who sleeps naked or in their underwear. That makes me super uncomfortable.

9. I spell out my text messages. I hate when people use "u" instead of spelling "you." I mean, really!? It's two extra letters! Come on.

10. I like to fall asleep on the couch before I actually get up and go to bed. I have no explanation for this one. I just sleep better that way.

Another Giveaway!? Yep!

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 12:48:00 +0000

With change comes adaptation and bloggers know all about adapting to policy changes. Sometimes change springs forth ideas and this is exactly what happened with this giveaway! For those who do not know, Facebook likes will soon not be allowed as entry options in giveaways. This is exactly where the idea came for this giveaway!
In this giveaway you will have the opportunity to win tons and tons of ad space, as well as a few gift cards to some amazing shops! All you have to do is like our Facebook pages! Super simple right? Make sure you enter before it is too late!

*Southern Beauty Guide// *My Fair Daily// Busy Being Jennifer{Homespun Happiness Shop}// *Kristie's Blue Jeans//*The Southern Thing// Bijoux Avenue< /a>// *Gettin' Fit Fab// *A Gayle Force// *Re•solve// *Glitz & Grits// *Life With a Side of Coffee// Keeping Up With Ashley and Cody// Life as Rachel {Country Couture}
*Indicates this participant is giving away ad space
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good Luck!

5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 18:23:00 +0000

Sometimes easy prompts are exactly what you need on a Monday ~~morning~~ afternoon. The blog world may never sleep, but I certainly do. I've never done this whole 54321 thing and it seemed interesting (and like I would be able to do it without thinking) so I thought I'd give it a shot. Plus, it's nice to take stock of things happening in life -- I mean, that's what a blog is for, right?

Without further adieu, my list.

Five Meals I Want to Make

1. My mom's chili. Recipe will not be posted, but I'm sure I'll share some pictures.

2. Our favorite pesto chicken recipe. I used to make this at least once a week, but it's been a while.

3. Shrimp of some kind. I'll either try to make New Orleans BBQ shrimp again or I'll stick to something simple. Craving shrimp lately. It's weird, I know.

4. The BEST soup ever. My recipe varies slightly from what's posted.

5. Mummy dogs for Halloween. We're cute like that. One day I'll have kids who really appreciate my efforts instead of trying to get Erich to pretend to be excited about it.

Four Stores I'm Obsessed With Right Now

1. Old Navy. Just purchased a bajillion things from there. It's my go-to store lately and I just can't get enough.

2. ULTA.

3. American Eagle. Obviously I still partake in the undies deal. Because duh. I also just bought a super cute Zara-like blanket scarf and now I'm wishing for cold. Knockoffs, for the win!

4. New York & Company. Because I'm profesh.

Three Pretty Pinterest Things

[1, 2, 3]

Two Goals for the Week

1. I need to get back on the workout train. I stopped for a while because I had bronchitis again, but the cough is nearly totally gone so I think it's time to start. I borrowed the 21 Day Fix DVD from a friend and am really excited to try that. She's assured me it's less boring than Jillian. If anyone has tried it, let me know what you thought!

2. My bedroom is a mess. I haven't been spending any time at home so I've neglected to clean anything in a while. My second goal for the week is to tidy up the apartment, but specifically the bedroom.

One Trip I'm Looking Forward To

[via]

We're taking a day trip to Harper's Ferry this weekend (weather permitting) and I can't wait to see the changing leaves. I've only been once before and it happened to be Fall then, too, so I know it'll be gorgeous. This time we're taking the dog and I know he'll just love it (because that matters).

Halloween Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Happy Monday!! I have a little treat in store to brighten your day. For this month's giveaway, lots of bloggers and shop owners have come together for a Halloween giveaway! There is a ton of ad space available and a $75 gift card to Amazon so you can treat yourself to something on your wish list or use it to get a start on your Christmas shopping. Your choice!!

Participants: *Raewyn - Be A Warrior Queen // *Laura - Side Street Style // Taylor - Pink Heels Pink Truck // Katie - Beneath the Chandelier // Betsy - Musings of a Museum Fanatic // /*Chelsee - Southern Beauty Guide // *Brittany - Everyday Thoughts // *Gayle - A Gayle Force // *Christine - Life With A Side Of Coffee // *Lix - A Classic Notion // Brenda - Schooling A Monkey

*Indicates this participant is giving away ad space

GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Currently

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 16:31:00 +0000

I'm in a blog rut. Shocking, I know.

I do have a review coming up for you, hopefully this week. Until then I suppose we'll go with something easy.

Keep in mind that none of these are actually happening right now because I'm sitting at my desk trying to get this post up, BUT figuratively they are all current things. That makes sense, right?

Watching - American Horror Story and The Walking Dead. October brings the best TV.

Feeling - Anxious and excited and hopeful. More on this to come. It's about work, so it's not the most interesting thing ever.

Grateful For - Family and time to myself. It's really important for me to decompress because I like quiet and don't deal well with craziness. I'm thankful to have the time to be able to do that. I'm also grateful for the fact that it is Tuesday and not Monday.

This picture has nothing to do with anything. It just makes me laugh every time I look at it. Two peas in a pod, really.

Looking Forward To - My hair trial on Saturday, getting my new glasses (because I'm a nerd), and dress shopping with my mom (for her dress, not mine). Also lots of little stuff in between, but those are the big things.

Eating - Halloween candy. For breakfast. No shame in my game.

Listening To - This.

Here's to YouTube, allowing music to happen when Grooveshark is broken.

Let's Be Friends Blog Hop #88

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 11:24:00 +0000

Welcome to the Let's Be Friends Blog Hop!

A blog hop is a set time frame for current or aspiring bloggers to find new blogs and quality content. It is a great way to make new friends and find inspiration! It is also a fabulous way to promote your own blog and posts.

Dear Friends,

What a day to celebrate! This is the 88th week of the Let's Be Friends blog hop! Thanks for joining us on this special day. Chelsee and Tiffany are extremely delighted to see the way this hop has grown and love to see your faces each week!

Join us every Tuesday at 7am (MST). This blog hop focuses on content. LINK UP YOUR FAVORITE POST from last week in this fun content-sharing blog hop! I love the idea of blog hopping, but I love the idea of reading posts and quality content on new blogs I've never been to even more. Instead of simply linking up your blog button, you are now able to link up your favorite post you recently wrote. Have a delicious recipe to share, DIY tutorial, or heartfelt post? Share it with us! All hosts and co-hosts put up some unique and fun content from the past week. Make sure to check them out. P.S.- you may still link up your blog button and blog name, but it is encouraged to link up your favorite post instead. You will get more page views and interest if you do so! Some of the most successful blog hops I have participate in focus on content rather than just exchanging follows. You never know who will become a loyal follower or pin that delicious new recipe you posted!

The BEST part of this blog hop? Each week there will be a WINNER! That's right, each week we will choose one lucky blog to feature from the previous week's hop. This hop receives thousands of page views every week, so your blog will have the chance to be center stage for free. You must follow all the hosts and co-hosts in order to win. Only those who link up a specific post are eligible to be featured! *You must follow all the hosts and co-hosts in order to win.

The last exciting change is that the co-host spots will now be available to all sponsors of The Dwelling Tree or Southern Beauty Guide. If you are interested in co-hosting the blog hop, email Tiffany or Chelsee about sponsorship opportunities and how to co-host the weekly hop!

There are a couple of great giveaways going on right now at Southern Beauty Guide and The Dwelling Tree. Go check them out! :)

Let's Be Friend's Blog Hop Guidelines

1. Link up your favorite post from your week.

2. Follow your hosts and co-hosts.

3. Grab the button and post it on your blog so we can share the love.

4. Visit 3 other blogs and follow them along!

5. Tweet about this blog hop, using #letsbefriends

6. Pin the button on pinterest so we can spread the news!

***Once a week, one blog will be chosen to be the featured blogger from the previous blog hop.

Meet your hosts:

The Dwelling Tree: Blog, Bloglovin'

Southern Beauty Guide: Blog, Bloglovin'

& Co-Hosts

Rebekah @ Butcher's Niche

Rachel at Life as Rachel

Gayle at A Gayle Force

Ashley at Keeping up with Ashely and Cody

Kaelyn @ My Fair Daily

***This weeks featured post from last week's hop:

My Fair Daily

How to successfully include your dogs in your wedding

Hi friends! It's Tiff today. Thank you all once again for continually linking up at our blog hop. It is such a fun time and I am so impressed each week with all the amazing posts. Please continue to link up an actual post instead of your blog. We want to keep reading your content and it makes it more fun to pick a winner!

... onto the winner!

I just loved this post by Ashley on how to successfully include your dogs in your wedding. I always love when weddings have their own personal touch, and doggies are such an important part of our lives! She gives really practical tips on how to make it happen. I actually think these tips are great for any sort of even dogs might be going. Anyways, whether you have a dog or not this post is great. The pics are awesome (I am a sucker for wedding pics!). She looked gorgeous on her wedding day, and had her furry babies with her. Love it!

Ashley's blog, The Nashvillian, is a great blog full of awesome posts. BEAUTIFUL pictures and great posts. Go check The Nashvillian out and go follow Ashley!

Keep posting awesome content! You make it so fun for us to read all your posts! If you can, please link up a specific post. It makes it easier for us to come and visit!

*Remember YOU can be next weeks winner! :)

An InLinkz Link-up

Let's Be Friends Blog Hop #87

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 11:38:00 +0000

Welcome to the Let's Be Friends Blog Hop!

Dear Friends,

What a day to celebrate! This is the 87th week of the Let's Be Friends blog hop! Thanks for joining us on this special day. Chelsee and Tiffany are extremely delighted to see the way this hop has grown and love to see your faces each week!

There are a couple of great giveaways going on right now at Southern Beauty Guide and The Dwelling Tree. Go check them out! :)

Let's Be Friend's Blog Hop Guidelines

1. Link up your favorite post from your week.

2. Follow your hosts and co-hosts.

3. Grab the button and post it on your blog so we can share the love.

4. Visit 3 other blogs and follow them along!

5. Tweet about this blog hop, using #letsbefriends

6. Pin the button on pinterest so we can spread the news!

***Once a week, one blog will be chosen to be the featured blogger from the previous blog hop.

Meet your hosts:

The Dwelling Tree: Blog, Bloglovin'

Southern Beauty Guide: Blog, Bloglovin'

& Co-Hosts

Rebekah @ Butcher's Niche

Rachel at Life as Rachel

Ashley at Keeping up with Ashely and Cody

Gayle at A Gayle Force

***This weeks featured post from last week's hop:

Favorite Halloween Movies of All Time!

My Fair Daily

Hi friends! It's Chelsee this time! Thank you all once again for continually linking up at our blog hop. It is such a fun time and I am so impressed each week with all the amazing posts. Please continue to link up an actual post instead of your blog. We want to keep reading your content and it makes it more fun to pick a winner!

... onto the winner!

I have to say that Halloween movies are something I look forward to all year long. I am a sucker for ones like Hocus Pocus, which I admit scare me as a kid. However, I am always on the look out for other movies that are just as amazing that come on around Halloween. I have to say that I love this post from My Fair Daily! She also has a YouTube page and is a fellow beauty lover, who I love watching haul tons of beauty products. Kaelyn picked some amazing movies that I feel you all need to watch, and who knows perhaps you have some that you can add to her list as well. Make sure you head over and check out the movies she picked and share some of your favs!

Make sure you Go follow Kaelyn!

Keep posting awesome content! You make it so fun for us to read all your posts! If you can, please link up a specific post. It makes it easier for us to come and visit!

*Remember YOU can be next weeks winner! :)

An InLinkz Link-up

Allow Myself to Introduce...Myself {A Letter}

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 12:25:00 +0000

Pleeeease tell me you get the reference from the title of this post. If you don't, then google it and get back to me.

I haven't been participating in #Blogtober14, mostly out of sheer laziness and also because I haven't been blogging at all because BUSY. I think Winter is my only slow season. And this Winter will not be slow. Anyway. That has nothing to do with this post.

Today's prompt is to write a letter to yourself in 10 years. Stressfuuuuul. But I'm gonna do it anyway.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Girl (because in my head I refer to myself only as "girl"),

Wow. You're married. And old. How many kids do you have? One? Two? Ten? I hope you're planning something awesome for your ten-year anniversary -- I mean, it's kind of a big deal. Wait, you are still married right?

Are you in Texas finally? I really hope you found a good job when you moved. I also hope you bought a house. And hey, don't be lazy anymore about cleaning. You have a house now; you need to keep that ish presentable at all times. At least as presentable as small children will allow. Hopefully you've fully adjusted to the fact that your family isn't right around the corner anymore -- at least not your side of the family.

I hope you didn't get stuck in that career field you were trying to leave. I'm gonna go ahead and assume that you managed to get out of it and are now doing things that you really enjoy. In fact, I'm gonna go ahead and assume that you're happy in general. You managed to overcome obstacles in your young life, so I'm sure you've powered through any hardships in the past ten years.

My young, naive advice to you, my older self, is this: Be kind to everybody, especially your husband and your kids. Rely on people when you need to. Stop freaking out about the passing of time. Have some patience. Enjoy each day. Take the next ten years slowly.

Because Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 01:03:00 +0000

Hi friends!

So, I'm totally obsessed with Lia Sophia jewelry and I'm hosting a Facebook party (actually the "party" part is over). The party will be open until Saturday at noon, so if you're in need of some sweet new jewelry that comes with a lifetime guarantee, come look through the party stuff or just contact me for the link.

Just wanted to put this out there. Lia Sophia is one of those things you can only get through someone who sells it (like Mary Kay, etc), so here's your chance!

Link to my FB party: https://www.facebook.com/events/511140512322314/

Clicky

Let's Be Friends Blog Hop #86

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 12:53:00 +0000

Welcome to the Let's Be Friends Blog Hop!

Dear Friends,

What a day to celebrate! This is the 86th week of the Let's Be Friends blog hop! Thanks for joining us on this special day. Chelsee and Tiffany are extremely delighted to see the way this hop has grown and love to see your faces each week!

There are a couple of great giveaways going on right now at Southern Beauty Guide and The Dwelling Tree. Go check them out! :)

Let's Be Friend's Blog Hop Guidelines

1. Link up your favorite post from your week.

2. Follow your hosts and co-hosts.

3. Grab the button and post it on your blog so we can share the love.

4. Visit 3 other blogs and follow them along!

5. Tweet about this blog hop, using #letsbefriends

6. Pin the button on pinterest so we can spread the news!

***Once a week, one blog will be chosen to be the featured blogger from the previous blog hop.

Meet your hosts:

The Dwelling Tree: Blog, Bloglovin'

Southern Beauty Guide: Blog, Bloglovin'

& Co-Hosts

Rebekah @ Butcher's Niche

Rachel at Life as Rachel

Amy at Set Free

Gayle at A Gayle Force

***This weeks featured post from last week's hop:

5 Tips to Help You Decorate For Fall On a Budget

The Bajan Texan

Hi friends! It's Tiff. Thank you all once again for continually linking up at our blog hop. It is such a fun time and I am so impressed each week with all the amazing posts. Please continue to link up an actual post instead of your blog. We want to keep reading your content and it makes it more fun to pick a winner!

... onto the winner!

I am in love with this post. I am on a budget, so it is so fun to see creative ways to do fall decorating from the dollar store! I love the ideas that Keitha has. That fabric is too cute. I intend to steal some of her fab ideas. Her blog is also amazing. I am so, so, so happy I found her! Keitha has amazing DIY posts such as this cute tutorial on DIY Moss Letters and her pantry organization puts me to shame! This is a blog you will follow because it is filled with useful and awesome tips for home organization and design.

Go follow Keitha!

Keep posting awesome content! You make it so fun for us to read all your posts! If you can, please link up a specific post. It makes it easier for us to come and visit!

*Remember YOU can be next weeks winner! :)

An InLinkz Link-up

Let's Be Friends Blog Hop #85 !!

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 14:47:00 +0000

Welcome to the Let's Be Friends Blog Hop!

Dear Friends,

What a day to celebrate! This is the 85th week of the Let's Be Friends blog hop! Thanks for joining us on this special day. Chelsee and Tiffany are extremely delighted to see the way this hop has grown and love to see your faces each week!

There are a couple of great giveaways going on right now at Southern Beauty Guide and The Dwelling Tree. Go check them out! :)

Let's Be Friend's Blog Hop Guidelines

1. Link up your favorite post from your week.

2. Follow your hosts and co-hosts.

3. Grab the button and post it on your blog so we can share the love.

4. Visit 3 other blogs and follow them along!

5. Tweet about this blog hop, using #letsbefriends

6. Pin the button on pinterest so we can spread the news!

***Once a week, one blog will be chosen to be the featured blogger from the previous blog hop.

Meet your hosts:

The Dwelling Tree: Blog, Bloglovin'

Southern Beauty Guide: Blog, Bloglovin'

& Co-Hosts

Amy at Set Free

Rachel at Life as Rachel

Gayle at A Gayle Force

***This weeks featured post from last week's hop:

Southern Fried Pork Chops

A Cowboy's Life

Hi friends! It's Chelsee. Thank you all once again for continually linking up at our blog hop. It is such a fun time and I am so impressed each week with all the amazing posts. Please continue to link up an actual post instead of your blog. We want to keep reading your content and it makes it more fun to pick a winner!

... onto the winner!

Wow. Well last week Tiffany picked a winner that had a healthy recipe, and it seems this week we are keeping with the food theme. I was scanning and saw something fried and had to click! The title containing the word southern made me think the guys would just love this! I must say it looks so tasty from the pictures! I highly highly suggest you all check it out and perhaps try out the recipe! I think eating healthy lately has me craving something fried...go figure!

A Cowboy's Life is a wonderful blog. Chasity is a fantastic wife, mom and cook, just check out her blog, but I warn you the pictures will make you hungry! Go check her out!

Keep posting awesome content! You make it so fun for us to read all your posts! If you can, please link up a specific post. It makes it easier for us to come and visit!

*Remember YOU can be next weeks winner! :)

An InLinkz Link-up

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wedding Planning Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 18:50:00 +0000

I feel like Wedding Friday should be a thing. So I'm making it a thing.

I don't talk about my wedding much (BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!), so I figured I'd give you, my lovely readers, an update. It's pretty basic.

Things We Have Already Done:

Found and booked the ceremony space
Found and booked the reception space
Got the DJ, decorations, lighting, and photobooth
Picked out bridesmaid dresses (and my girls have already bought them!)
Found THE dress and the shoes
Planned bouquets (meaning I know exactly what I want everything to look like)
Planned (and started buying stuff for) the centerpieces
Picked invitations
Picked out favors
Bought bridesmaid gifts
Engagement pictures
Sent save the dates
Contacted the Pastor
Picked readings for the ceremony

Things That are in Progress:

Cake tastings
Food tastings
Searching for a tux
Picking a restaurant for the rehearsal dinner
Planning the honeymoon
First hair trial is next month

This is so not a complete list. I'm getting married in seven months (can we freak out about that?) and I plan to thoroughly enjoy coasting until then. The big stuff -- and a quite a bit of the little stuff -- is done and the rest will come together.

Fall Bucket List

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 12:48:00 +0000

It has been brought to my attention (dang, that sounded serious. Don't worry, it's not.) that the SITSgirls are hosting a back to blogging challenge. This is just what I need! And to top it off, their prompts are actually interesting!

I realize that the post I'm writing today is actually yesterday's prompt, but I'm a rebel so I'm gonna do it anyway.

1. The Fair: I know this makes me a child, but I have to go to the fair every year. Technically it's always on a weekend that is still considered summer, but in my book, once I go to the fair it's officially Fall. Gimme all the lemonade, funnel cake, corn dogs, fries, and 10 trips around on the Ferris Wheel and I'm a happy girl.

2. Lobster Festival: I'm pretty sure this is only a thing where I grew up. Every year, the Rotary Club of the county I grew up in puts on a lobster festival at the end of September. Tickets include two lobsters, a bowl of fried clams, all-you-can-eat hot dogs, hamburgers, and sides, and all-you-can-drink soda and beer. I never miss it. There's also entertainment, a silent auction, and raffles.

3. Renaissance Festival: As you may know, I've already done this. However, I usually go in October and I'm planning to go again this year, so I'm leaving it on the list. Nothing quite says Fall like walking around in hay and mud in cool weather while watching people dressed as wenches and pirates and eating turkey legs with your hands.

4. Pumpkin Patch: Does this require an explanation? As I've gotten older I've started to care less about picking my own pumpkin and more about going to a farmers market where I can buy a pumpkin and apple cider and apple cider doughnuts. If you're in the greater DC area, I highly recommend Miller Farms in PG County.

5. Weekend Getaway: Erich and I always try to go away for a weekend in the Fall. Actually, I don't know if we so much try to do this or if it just always happens that way. Last year it was Williamsburg, but I'm not sure where we'll go this year. I do know we're going to Philadelphia after Thanksgiving, so maybe that will be it.

So these are the things I absolutely have to do, otherwise it's just not Fall. And clearly I like fairs and festivals. There are always things that get added to the list, and they're different depending on the year. This year we're adding a trip to visit friends and to go to the Maryland Wine Festival, going to eat crabs before it's too late, a few concerts, and probably a trip the the winery. Between the months of September and November I usually don't have a free weekend, but I like it that way.

What's on your bucket list?

A Weekend Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 16:24:00 +0000

People still do these, right? Well I haven't done one in a while, so I feel like it's slightly less obnoxious.

Friday

Friday was a pretty typical work day. Erich and I had plans to go see a movie that night, but then we took advantage of Petco's opening for a grooming appointment instead. Louie (who I still need to write a post about) was so fluffy and scruffy that we couldn't see his eyes. We dropped him off at 6:30 (and I nearly cried leaving him with someone he didn't know because I knew he'd be scared -- he has separation anxiety #dogmomproblems) and went to dinner at Outback. We hadn't eaten at an Outback in months, but we had the usual service/problems, even though it was a different restaurant. (See here.) But the drink I had was awesome. I will say that. I'd probably break up with Outback for good, but potato soup, I just can't quit you.

Louie came back to us looking like a completely different dog! And for some reason he looks extra tiny here. He's not a big dog by any means, but he's 26 pounds.

Saturday

Erich and I had plans to go to Mount Vernon on Saturday, but my mom called Friday night and said she wanted to go to the Renaissance Festival. She never wants to go, and I always want to go, so obviously we did that instead.

I invited my bessssst fraaaan and she met us there that morning. We enjoyed a breakfast beer (cider for me because beer makes me gag) and made snarky comments about the people around us. The people-watching is incredible. Then I made Erich take ridiculous pictures with me. Sorry for the quality -- I have no idea what happened.

Since we didn't make it to the movie Friday night, we rescheduled for Saturday, but when we got home from the festival I promptly fell asleep. Until midnight. So then I was totally awake and we stayed up until 3:00 a.m. watching True Detective. We truly are a wild couple, really.

Sunday

Erich's band practice was cancelled (yay for me!) so we went to get lunch from this awesome Italian deli down the street from us, then went home and watched the game. I'm still mad that the Redskins lost by 3, but...I guess I'm not surprised. We did homework and had a really boring day. I didn't even cook dinner. Lame.

Here's a picture of my other dog (the one that lives with my parents) in a bow tie. Mom's getting him ready for the wedding.

You're welcome.

Influenster #VitaVoxBox

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 12:42:00 +0000

I've got another VoxBox review for you today! This one is the Vitality Vox Box. I think I may have said this about each box, but this one might be my favorite. (I'm running low on pictures because for some reason I can't find them on my computer, so bear with me until I locate them.)

I loved the packaging. Is that weird? It was so bright and happy!

Here's the run-down.

First Degree Advanced Burn Cream: I haven't had a chance to try this yet, but I'm really excited about it. I'm always burning myself on something (a hot pan, my curling iron, whatever), but since I got this in the box I actually haven't burned myself. I wanna say bummer, but...not really.

Playtex Sport Fresh Balance: We don't need details on this, right? They're good, but not my favorite. But I'm also pretty sloth-like, so it makes no difference to me that they're sport-friendly.

Softlips Cube: OBSESSED. Hands down my favorite product from the box. I keep it on my desk at work and it's almost gone because I reapply 9275492478 times a day. It leaves a subtle tingle, and if I haven't made it clear before, that's my favorite part of a chapstick. This leaves my lips feeling so soft, and I don't have a single negative thing to say about it. I received the pomegranate blueberry flavor, and mint is next on my list to try.

Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Serum: I have yet to try this. I'm saving all my serums and age stuff for closer to the wedding. I'll probably do a series next year of what worked and what didn't.

Bikini Ready Energy Gummies: LOVE THESE. I felt like I had more energy after using these, but I suppose that would only be beneficial if I actually wanted to work out. But I do plan on buying these.

Pure Leaf Iced Tea: I am such a huge fan of this tea. I was sent the unsweetened version. I actually prefer the ones that are sweetened, but an ice-cold unsweetened Pure Leaf tea can be so refreshing. This is what I drank while I was getting ready for my friend's wedding. You know, because getting your hair done and putting on makeup can really make you thirsty.

*I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. The opinions in this post are entirely my own.*

Things I'm Not Obsessed With

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 13:36:00 +0000

There's something I need to get off my chest.

Sometimes I feel like I shouldn't be a blogger. (Not that I'm doing a very good job of it anyway.) There are some trends that I just can't get on board with. I'm not trying to throw shade, because I know I like things that are not widely accepted, so I get it. But we're talking really, super popular things that I just cannot make myself like. Granted, there are exceptions for some of these. Ready?

Chevron - I just don't get it. With the exception of these glasses. Obviously. Because gold. I own these. I love these. Yes.

Headbands - They hurt me. Also, I must have a weird shaped head or something because they never stay on. Regualr headbands slide, and the elastic ones just won't cooperate. I think they're really cute, so this one is just more of a personal fail.

Pumpkin things - I have never loved pumpkin. I love actual pumpkins, but once fall comes around and everything smells and tastes like a spicy gourd, I'm over here like, "Hey! I like apples!" Ready for the exception? There's an exception to my exception, here. (I'm a bit complicated, huh?) I'll only use this scent as soap. I won't burn the candle or use the body wash. But even I can admit that this is the perfect fall scent.

Hats - Don't get me wrong. Winter in DC can be crazy, and you better believe I will put a hat on to walk from the door to my car. Or at the very least an ear warmer. But all those floppy hats that are so popular this season? No.

Leather leggings - Just...why? No exception here.

Chalkboards - I know I'm going to eat my words when I jump on the chalkboard bumpdate bandwagon. But until then? I'll stick with making graphics and editing pictures. It also doesn't help that I have no artistic ability.

There are plenty of trends that I'm all about, too. Maybe I'll follow this up with a part two.

Are there any trends that you don't love? Or trends that you do love? Send 'em my way!

The First Negative Comment

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 16:18:00 +0000

This happened DAYS (like a lot of days) ago, and I've been sitting on it debating whether or not I wanted to blog about it. I decided that I couldn't NOT blog about it. This is the first time I've been trolled on Instagram and I just had to share it with all of you. I mostly found it hilarious. Let's begin.

Some of you may have seen this picture that I posted relatively recently:

Yep, that's the once-in-a-while-HUGE-shop-because-we-have-no-food cart picture. I'm so bad about running to the store to grab stuff we need, so it usually sneaks up on me when there's no food and all of a sudden I have to spend a million years grocery shopping. My own fault, yes, but still a pain. (PS - I usually don't shop at Wal-Mart, but I knew this trip was going to be expensive.) Allow me to show you the caption I posted.

Is anybody offended yet?

I think it was the next day that I saw a new comment on this picture. It was especially strange because this wasn't one of my more popular posts (and why would it be? Just normal everyday mundane tasks being Instagrammed...no big deal). Upon reading this new comment, I think I felt every emotion possible in the span of 30 seconds. Exhibit A:

Let's discuss. I don't know this girl. Upon stalking her, I realized that all she does is search for random pictures from people she doesn't know and leave rude comments. It was so evident because all the comments on her (maybe 10?) pictures were from others calling her out. I thought about 9178435 different ways to respond to this. Do I leave her a comment on one of her pictures? Do I ignore it all together? Neither. I left my comment right underneath and addressed her directly. Exhibit B:

As you can see, I started off by being pretty polite, but then I just had to add my true feelings. I was not about to let this little girl leave this comment on my picture for all my real friends to see and let them think that I'm some horrible person. Generally I'm a fan of the leave-it-alone mentality, and I don't like to call attention to people who clearly want the attention, but I just couldn't resist.

If you have any questions about me or my personal life or choices, please ask. If you're wondering what I mean by "recycling" my plastic bags, I'll explain. I keep some in my car to use as impromptu trash bags -- you never know when you'll need one. I also pack my lunches in grocery bags. I use them as poop bags for my dog. I use them to line small trash cans.I use them to put my hedgehog's dirty bedding in before putting it in the trash can. I use them when I'm cooking to contain raw meat containers and other food trash so bacteria doesn't spread everywhere. Basically, I use grocery bags instead of buying other products for this stuff.

Not that I think I need to explain this to the whole world, but obviously I'm feeling a little defensive. After I left my comment, I laughed it off. But I had to address that I'm not some earth-hating, nature-polluting yuppie who prefers plastic. Because that's not the case.

Kthanks. I feel better now.