13 Beauty Products I Absolutely Cannot Live Without

 

 

I realize to say that I "absolutely cannot live" without these items sounds extremely egotistical and vain. However, if I'm going to be waddling around this summer, I am determined to look at least halfway pretty doing so. I got the idea for this blog Sunday morning, as Eric and I were rushing to get ready to go to my parents' house for lunch (we had overslept and were way late)! I only had about 15 minutes to get ready, but I wasn't stressed, for I've got the perfect products for a quick but pretty routine!

1. Glamoflauge Heavy Duty Concealer by Hard Candy. I discovered this after the first three pages of my Google search: "best drugstore concealer" returned Glamoflauge as the consecutive first place winner. It goes on light and blends reeeeally well, especially underneath my foundation. It's also a great tool when highlighting or contouring!


$6

 

2. Amy Head Cream Moisture Glow Foundation: The one on the left is my natural shade, while I use the one on the right more for contouring (I'm getting better at it!) I love Amy Head's cream foundation because it goes on super smooth and doesn't feel cakey or nasty like some cream and liquid foundations. It's also sweatproof, which is hard to find but vital for me. I wore it on my wedding day, Cheslin's wedding day, and I'm sure I will wear it for the other two weddings I have this summer; I have no worries when wearing this foundation!

 

 

$34

3. I don't always have time for foundation, so Avon's Ideal Flawless BB cream is my go-to for days when I've only got about five minutes for the face! BB cream is a "blemish balm" cream that has been around for decades, but its popularity on makeup shelves has only gotten popular in the last couple of years. After trying a tube by L'Oreal and then another drugstore brand, I stumbled upon Avon's Ideal Flawless cream. "Sheer coverage" may sound like an oxymoron, but it's the perfect, light look for days when I have little time but need some color on my face. It doesn't feel sticky or cakey, and it's the perfect mix with a loose, translucent powder on top.

$10

 

 

4. Amy Head Cosmetic Sponges: I cannot say enough about these. You may look at the picture and think, But can't I buy those at Walmart? No, you cannot. These particular sponges are actually patented by Amy herself I believe. They are latex free, so they don't absorb the foundation. I wash mine in mild soap and warm water every week and reuse. $8 buys a pack of 12 of these fabulous sponges, and they are worth every penny! I was once picking up a few things in the Amy Head Oxford store, and there were two women there shopping for makeup. One of them, I suppose noticing I was a regular customer, asked if the makeup was "really that good." I gave her an enthusiastic "YES" and then told her "but you also have to get the sponges. They are miracle workers!" I can also use these to swipe on my BB cream when I don't feel like using my hands. They are incredible; I buy a new pack nearly every time I visit the store!

$8 for pack of 12 sponges

 

5. Amy Head Golden Luster Highlighter Powder & Pressed Powder: I combine these as number 5 because I often combine them as I apply them. I can't say enough about the highlighter; it's amazing on my cheekbones and jawline. The pressed powder goes perfectly over everything but is especially useful when contouring. I'll often combine these two for perfect, shimmery coverage over my foundation. Together, they are worthwhile face brighteners!!

Highlighter: $40, Pressed Powder: $34. Anyone wanna volunteer to get me some new ones?? :)

 

 

6. Avon Blush/Bronzer Due: I'm glad I got it when I did because it's no longer available :( I LOVE Avon's blushes, so combined with bronzer, this is one of my faves! Perfect color without being too heavy or intense.

 

 

7. elf Powder Brush: No need to even add a link for this one. All elf brushes are fantastic and are available at Target (and maybe a few other chain stores, not sure), for $1 each. I've had a couple of powder brushes by elf in the past several years, but the bristles on this one are a bit thicker and stiffer; I feel like it holds onto the powder better, so when I swipe it on, it's not all over my neck and hair. If I can only carry a few things with me, I definitely include this fabulous brush.

 

 

8. Amy Head Eyeliner in Sage: I don't wear a lot of eyeliner, but when I do, this sage is my go-to. The color is a greenish gold (it sounds odd, but it's beautiful), and Claire, my favorite makeup artist at Amy Head, used it on me just a couple of months ago. I fell in love with it! It looks especially amazing smudged on the lower lash line, but it's great for top and bottom. I love the texture of it (so smooth!) so much, that I plan to go back for one or two more colors soon!

$20

 

 

9. Victoria's Secret Makeup Mettalized Eye Shadow in Petal to the Metal: I forget that this is an eye shadow because I actually use it all over my face. Sometimes, it's a quick highlight on my cheekbones. Other times, it's a brightener on my brow bone and just a dab above my brows. I love how it can go almost anywhere and look like that's what it was made for.

$8

 

 

10. elf Eyelash Curler: Ahhh, another elf product! Let me just say that I have tried dozens of eyelash curlers in my day. I don't wear much mascara, so instead I like my lashes curled to the extreme to give the illusion that I am. I've tried a $5 curler by Revlon that was okay and $7 one by another brand that was mediocre. The best eyelash curler I have ever used? $2 from elf.

 

 

11. Amy Head Lash Primer and Great Lash Mascara: Honestly, because who doesn't love Great Lash? It wins every magazine's "Best Mascara" nearly every year, and their latest creation, Lots of Lashes, is my new favorite. I'm also a big fan of Benefit's They're Real! mascara ($23). However, I just can't stand to wear a lot of it--I hate taking it off at the end of the day! For an average day, a light coating is all I need. Amy Head's primer is the perfect pre-step when applying mascara; it gives lashes a thicker, "lashier" look and makes mascara glide on 100 times smoother!

Primer: $20 Mascara: $5

 

 

12. Never underestimate the power of.. Baby Powder! I use it everywhere. Literally. On my face, body, and even in my hair. When swiped around and underneath my eyes, it keeps my eye makeup from running. When dotted along my lashes, it makes my mascara look thicker. I used it to prevent chafing on my thighs on my wedding day and still use it when wearing a maxi skirt (because leg sweat isn't fun). And I cannot say enough about it in the hair! It works as a great dry shampoo (I have yet to find a dry shampoo that doesn't suck), plus it holds a tease really well. My sorority's 2012 pledge class found out just how well it holds a tease when they used it in their hair for their skeleton routine for Theta Encore. They were one of the first acts, and the show had to be cancelled because baby powder ruined the floors and wires around the stage. Oh, whups! You can get baby powder anywhere, so I need not post a link. Who knows-- while changing diapers in a few months, I'm likely to just turn the bottle over on my head. Talk about double duty :)

 

 

13. Amy Head Lipstick in Somerset: I've never worn lipstick until I discovered Somerset. It is a perfect nude shade with just a hint of orange on my skin tone. Once I apply it, I need not apply more for several hours, and I top it with a sheer, minty gloss or chapstick. Somerset makes me excited to put on lipstick every day; I never thought I would say that!

$22

 The result? A happy, confident Kate :)



This is 5 minutes after leaving Amy Head studio in Oxford... If only I could look like this every day.
 

 

Not nearly as fabulous when I do it myself... but it works :)

But first... Lemme take a selfie.

                                               

If you're wondering why there are no hair products included here, know that it's because my hair has a mind of its own and no amount of products I use will it ever be able to manipulate it. It does what it wants when it wants, and I just deal with it. My hair stylist, Jessica Evans, is the only person I know who can get it under control. She's amazing. I have an enormous amount of respect for people who do hair for a living; they know how to deal with hair like mine; they've got the magic touch, and I'm so jealous of that!!! 

 

What are your must-have beauty/hair products??

 

Any cool beauty tricks you'd like to share?

 

Comment here or send them to knc9009@gmail.com. If I'll put eggs and vinegar in my hair, I'll definitely try your tricks :)

 



Additional Week 24 Update

Thrifting Saturday... Couldn't resist!

I had to come and add this to the blog due to my week 24 appointment this afternoon. I have new measurements for little Vaught, who is growing bigger by the minute!

But first...

     This morning was a little crazy. The storms last night mixed with placenta brain just weren't a good combination, and I kept having insane dreams. Due to one reeeally intense one, I woke up in a panic about the w hole labor and birth process, which, up until this point, has never scared me at all. I mean, it's life. Literally. I was really shaken up. It was 4:30, and I knew going back to sleep wasn't an option, so I got up and had Eric's breakfast made before he got out of the shower. It made for a good morning to eat with him before he left for work, even if it was 5:15. And by that point, there was 0 reason for me to try to go back to sleep, so after egg whites and strawberry oatmeal (bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches for my big man), I tackled this really great workout I got from a friend a few days ago. It's my third time to do it, and I absolutely love it because it's something I've not done in so long: high rep, low weight. Actually, the first night I tried it at my gym was a little funny. For the past year I've done low rep, high weight workouts (muscle builders) with cardio in between. So, I attempted this new one (3 sets of 25 reps) with a thirty pound dumbbell for squats, sixty pounds for dead lifts, and 15-20 pounds for everything else. After about 10 reps, I was thinking to myself, There's no way... Then I realized this was meant for low weight. Oh. Once I lowered everything, it was much easier but still a challenge. By the third set, I was a mess. But it felt amazing. I added two miles on the treadmill the first two times, but since I did it at home this morning (with 8 pound dumbbells), I decided to skip the cardio (plus, it was raining). I started at 5:40 and finished a little after 6. I don't have to get up for work until after 7, so I laid back down and watched a little television before I just had to get up and get going :)

     And after my appointment, I'm very glad I got myself going this morning and did that workout. Since my last appointment, just over four weeks ago, this mama has put on nearly twelve pounds. TWELVE! That's about three pounds per week--WOWZA! And not a good wowza either. I was so proud of myself at my last appointment (the halfway point at twenty weeks) when I had only gained a total of ten and a half pounds in twenty weeks. I've gained that much in four! My doctor was kind of "blehhh" about it. Not thrilled, but not too distressed. But I can't help but be disappointed in myself. I've been so careful and done so well during my pregnancy, but I have to hold myself accountable and admit that I have been indulging wayyyy too much lately--it definitely doesn't help that every single weekend I've got more wedding showers, parties, and get-togethers (meaning cake, cake, and more cake, which I never liked until I was expecting). It's hard to pay attention to what you're putting in when you're eating while running around catering to brides and their needs. Not that I'd trade it for anything!! But today made me realize I've got to be more careful for the next fifteen weeks.

     Three weeks from tomorrow I will take the glucose test (many refer to it as the sugar test), which will reveal whether or not I have gestational diabetes. I expressed my anxieties about the test to my doctor, who feels confident I'll be fine and will pass with flying colors.

Totally can't wait for this :-\

 The weight gain since my last appointment was a bit of a surprise to both of us, but aside from that, this pregnancy has been a wholesome, healthy one. Even still, I requested a copy of the diet sheet that expectant women follow upon discovering they have GD. I had spoken to my good friend earlier today, who said she started following the diet during her second trimester, despite not having diabetes, and claimed she had never felt better. Even if I'm not gestational, I feel like it would benefit me and baby greatly if I followed this diet for the rest of my pregnancy. There's never anything wrong with being healthy, and pregnancy is the best time to give it even more effort! Through all of this though, God has still been so good to me and Vaught, and I must remember that. A few extra pounds are nothing compared to what some other women experience. I have to remember how blessed we are and have been and trust that He will continue taking good care of us.
I tried to post pictures of the diabetic diet my doctor gave me, but the quality sucked. Google "diabetic diet," and it's very similar to the ones you'll find. I'll try very  hard to include blog posts about some of the new recipes I plan on trying too :)

On a brighter note...

     My ultrasound technician is the sweetest thing ever; she complimented how well I'm carrying Vaught, which made me feel good, especially after seeing the number I had seen twenty minutes earlier! He now weighs one pound and 10 ounces--growing like a champ! She took a pretty good picture of his sweet little face... Gosh, I cannot wait to love all over him! I keep meaning to ask about the 3D ultrasound... I want to know if it is required or not because frankly, I don't think I want one. The parents of my generation had very basic black and white ultrasounds and were fortunate to be able to find out the genders of their children. They didn't get to see what the baby looked like before he or she arrived, and I'm not quite sure I want to. I am really glad to know that Vaught is a boy, but do I have to see his face before his birth day? Personally, the 3D ultrasounds are a little creepy, and I'm not quite sure I want one unless I absolutely have to get one. Who knows, though! The day may get here where I'm DYING to see a super clear picture of him! But at this point, I'm just a little skeptical; it'd be nice to have ONE surprise--seeing what our precious little guy will look like!

Sweet face!

Vaught was being a little camera-shy, but we were able to see this one...  

 

The "Belly Shots"

And no, I don't mean those that involve alcohol :)

Pre-workout tonight. I seem to be carrying high for a baby boy.

Before my brother's wedding shower Sunday

Let me know of any good recipes I should try whilst on the GD diet! Feel free to send them to my email: knc9009@gmail.com

What do YOU think of 3D ultrasounds??


Keep checking back: I've got about 10 good posts I'm currently working on. Thanks for reading!!!!

Our Lives Are Not Over.

image from Glamour.com

"I've lived a very big life, and I don't feel my age, and I feel like I was born to be a mother... Sometimes people speak about [having kids] like, 'Your life ends--you're never going to be able to do anything again!' And I'm like, 'What are you talking about?' Motherhood is the most beautiful, exciting thing."

     This quote comes from 24-year-old actress Hayden Panettiere, from her May 2013 issue of Glamour magazine. I fell in love with it after I read it, for even before I became pregnant, I knew that what this beautiful, talented young woman was saying was very true. 

     At sixteen years old, I swore off marriage and children. I just knew I would never get married or reproduce, two things that absolutely terrified me to think of, even hypothetically. When Eric and I began dating when I was 18, I started to think that maybe this was a guy I could marry some day. Maybe marriage isn't so bad. Maybe! Then at 21, I knew it was him. I wasn't sure of very much else, but I knew he was the man God sent for me. And although marriage was still a pretty scary thought, my decision to become his wife was one I felt sure of. Being married to him makes me the happiest girl in the world. In a world full of uncertainties, our devotion to one another is the one thing I can always hang my hat on. And that makes me happy.
     Then comes the thought of children. I still didn't want any, but I married a guy who did. I told him we would need to wait a few years. Maybe when I was 27 or 28 I would feel more at ease with the idea of motherhood. In the back of my mind, I think a part of me hoped that after it was just us two for so long, Eric would no longer want children. I know--selfish, right? But sometime shortly after our wedding, I happened to pick up Hayden's issue of Glamour (and it was almost an accident--I thought she was Scarlett Johansson at first glance of the cover), and I read and reread her interview a dozen times. My favorite part? The part about motherhood, of course. Here was this absolutely stunning 23-year-old woman who was willing to say, with confidence, that she feels like she was born to be a mother (and rumor has it that she is pregnant now). It was enlightening because that is, after all, a large part of God's purpose for woman. The idea of motherhood suddenly not only seemed possible for me-- it began to sound appealing.
     Even still, you can read Baby Pace's story and know that we weren't really planning for him, so I want to talk more about what went through my mind when I realized he was coming. Other young mothers and mothers-to-be should understand that it is perfectly acceptable to feel this way... At 20, 21, 22, as I watched (on Facebook, mainly) girls from high school, even some from my graduating class, become young mothers. I would laugh and think, Bless your little heart; your life is over. After those two positive pregnancy tests, I kind of thought the same thing to myself, I admit. What happened to all of my plans and my aspirations? What's going to happen to my body, and will I ever look the same? Will Eric and I be as happy with a third person in our home as we are now? What about all the stuff I wanted to do first? Can I really do this? Yes, all of those things came to my mind. In all honesty, it took a good week for the news to really resonate with me; I wasn't this giddy, happy pregnant girl at the first sight of a pink plus sign. When I announced our big news, I was almost afraid of what people would think and say. All of my friends know me as the girl who was never having kids, who claimed to strongly dislike them even, and would wear many titles in life, "mother" never being one of them if I had it my way. In their minds, I feel like so many of my friends and family kind of laughed at me after announcing the news (and I do hope it was with good humor). Others may have thought the same thing I used to think of all those girls: Well, your life is over.
     In this interview, I think that's the barrier that Hayden is trying to break down. To all the girls and young women who make crude jokes about pregnancy, our lives are not over. If anything, they have just begun. And you. have. no. idea. what. you're. talking. about. Are we scared? Yes. I think any new mother would be crazy to not be at least a little. Are our lives about to change forever? Well, of course. That's motherhood, dear. And I'm hearing that it's a pretty incredible change. But are our lives "over?" Are we officially going to be bumps on the mommy logs who just sit around all day wiping away spit-up and filling bottles? Nah. At least not all the time. Our lives are not over. Not in the least bit.
      I never really saw myself in these shoes (swollen feet and all), but now that I am, I couldn't be happier. Every kick reminds me of the miracle that's taking place within me. It's so amazing, I cannot even begin to describe it. The first time you hear that little heartbeat, you've never been more sure of anything in the world except how badly you yearn for this tiny person in the making. Suddenly every decision you make revolves around this little one; you do everything with him in mind, and you shudder at the thought of harming him in any way. Your entire outlook on life changes. To be honest, my plans are not important anymore. I was supposed to at least have my Specialist's degree before Eric and I even considered babies. And it will happen (I'm still trooping through the Master's program), but it's not important anymore. I was supposed to run my first half marathon in New Orleans the first week of February; after finding out I was expecting, I decided not to, for fear that I might suffer a second miscarriage. I couldn't bear the thought of the possibility that I could cause this child any harm by running thirteen miles. I was supposed to do a lot of things in my mind. It's not important to me anymore.
     It's not a walk in the park, and I think that's part of the beauty of this journey, and yes, it is beautiful. I still get really anxious and scared sometimes. As a matter of fact, I had a complete meltdown on Memorial Day. It was silly, but in the midst of my family having a good time at my house, I retreated to my bedroom, laid down, and cried for nearly an hour straight, due to something that arose in the conversation we'd been having that had frightened me. Upon realizing something was wrong, my mother found me, and I cried to her that I was terrified at the thought of not being a good mother. I expressed my fears of not being able to provide or give him everything he needs. My mother hugged me and told me I was being silly. It wasn't exactly what I wanted to hear at the time, but I knew she was right because she's never been wrong before about things like that. This is all 100% normal, and if you've had children and say you've never felt this way, you know you're kidding yourself. Yes, it's beautiful and wonderful, but it's also scary. Marriage is a huge step, but motherhood... Motherhood is one giant leap of faith into the unknown.

I can't say that I'm going to do everything perfectly as a new mother or that I'll even know what I'm doing half the time. The first few weeks may be all about survival and doing whatever I've got to do to get a little sleep and keep my sanity. But I do know that I'll be okay. I can't say for sure that I'll ever get that doctorate's degree, though it is still an enormous goal for me. I can't say for sure that I'll end up running a half marathon or that I'll open my coffee shop when I'm older (another dream of mine). But these things aren't so important anymore.

My life is not over, and even if all of the above never happens, I feel as if I now have more to look forward to than I could ever imagine.

 

Proverbs 31:25 "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she laughs without fear of the future."

 

6 Months Already??

  It doesn't seem like I should already be near the 6 month mark in my pregnancy. But I am today, and this baby is now coming sooner rather than later! He's about 8 and a half inches long and is probably creeping up to two pounds in weight. I'll be surprised if he doesn't already weigh at least a pound and a half at my appointment Monday! Since we've only got three months to go, give or take a little, we're cracking down on some of the most important things we'll need to have taken care of by the time little Vaught arrives. That includes childcare, which horrifies me already. Number one: I don't want some other lady taking care of my baby. I wish it could be me all day every day until he's in Kindergarten! But times have changed, and I've got to work! Not just for our family but because it's what keeps me going. I love working and being able to contribute to our household. Number two: it's crazy expensive, especially where I live. It almost seems like we might be saving more if I stayed home for a while. To the mothers who are able to do that, great, but I know myself, and I know I'll want to go back to work just as soon as I get settled into a routine with Vaught. I've already visited a few places in our area and nearly cried at the thought of leaving him there at just a couple of months old. But the people I've met at each business have been incredible; regardless of where he goes, he's definitely going to be taken care of!

How I'm feeling: pretty good lately. The back pain is sporadic, but I'm stretching and getting more exercise in. That helps tremendously! I actually went to the gym yesterday afternoon and had an amazing workout. Squats feel amazing on my back! I stand and walk around a lot at work, so my ankles are now starting to swell a little at the end of the day; not so much uncomfortable as it is humorous. My husband has begun calling me "Ol' Swoll' Feet." So clever.

How I'm looking: I include this because the belly is definitely there now, and there's no hiding it. I was able to slenderize it pretty well up until about week eighteen or nineteen. But it is now on full display. Some days I feel like I am the most fabulously glowing pregnant woman there ever was. Other days I feel like TLC could arrive at any second to film me for the next episode of My 600 Pound Life. And I had to throw this in there because I'm working at my mom's office again this summer, so I see a lot of people from my hometown and some that I went to school with. I ran into a girl from high school just last week; she kept glancing down at my belly as we were chatting, as if willing me to mention that I was pregnant (I hadn't yet), but I could tell she was dying to ask or maybe had heard that I was and wanted me to bring it up. I did eventually. LOL. But I get a kick out of people staring in curiosity.
  

What I'm craving: nothing in particular besides chocolate milk. I've begun a nightly routine of having a glass of chocolate milk, and I crave it at weird times throughout the day. I feel like Vaught will end up being a big time milk guzzler like his mom! I'm not necessarily craving this, but I've begun eating more fruit to combat my sweets cravings. My intense sugar cravings were a major part of what had me thinking Baby P was a girl for so long! So to curve the sugar craze, my mother and I have stocked the fridge at work with tons of strawberries and blueberries, and we've kept a bowl on the office kitchen table full of green apples and peaches. YUM!

And she picked up this cute little strawberry/yogurt parfait for me the other day!

 

Movement: he's all over the place! He's especially active when I sing in the car and after I eat anything spicy. Eric has tried to feel him a few times, but when he puts his hand on my belly Vaught will stop moving altogether; I kind of feel like we may have a little stubborn boy on our hands! But I can feel him and do so several times a day. It's amazing.
 

Up next: I went to Lowe's and picked up a paint sample for Vaught's room; I went about a shade too dark, so this weekend I plan on trying a lighter shade and doing some more organizing around my house. I was just telling my mother today how vital it is for me to get organized before he gets here! Right now, we have two or three different designated spots in our home where we just toss things and lose them later or never even worry with them again. My goal for the month of June is to de-clutter! My next prenatal appointment is this Monday. We will schedule my glucose (sugar) test, which makes me a little nervous. One of my sisters passed with flying colors, the other failed and was gestational. It disappeared after pregnancy, but came back several years later. She's now a Type Two diabetic. It's also a little frightening because Type One and Two run on both sides of my families, though aside from my sister, no one in my immediate family has ever been diabetic. However, I'm staying positive. I've been fortunate to have a really healthy pregnancy so far. I've monitored my weight really well and stayed active, despite some small setbacks! I feel good about the test, but I'm glad I have another four weeks until I have to worry about it.

      After the initial shock when we first found out to wear off, I started wishing the time away. Being ten weeks pregnant seems like it was decades ago; I barely remember looking at my What to Expect app, just waiting for the week when Baby Pace would begin to look more human. Now, he is very much a sweet little baby with fully functioning legs and arms and a weiner, oh my! I said I absolutely could not wait to have him here, and now that we're getting closer, I kind of wish I had some of that time back. I am SO excited to meet Vaught; I'm so anxious to say "Hi, baby," to him for the first time and hold him, but I realize that there is still sooooo much to do. We have picked out a really nice crib for him, and we plan to make that our next big purchase! Once we have that, we'll just have some minor things to get before he makes his big debut. I'm already starting the guessing game with his birthday. I'm saying September 20th (he's going to let me turn 24 on the 18th first!) :))))

Bells Will Ring, the Sun Will Shine...

     I name this entry what I did because it's the song my mother played when I woke up the morning of my wedding ("Going to the Chapel"). Apparently it's this really old blues-y song that she loves, so now it comes to mind any time I hear the word "wedding" or "chapel." Well, I heard a lot of each this past weekend, as it was the weekend of one of my best friend, Cheslin's, wedding to her fiancé Matt.
      I've known Cheslin since our junior year of college. We had a science class together in an auditorium at Ole Miss and sat on opposite sides of the room. One day, our respective friends that we sat next to at every class meeting weren't there, and we were given an assignment to complete as partners for extra credit. As everyone else was partnering up, we looked across the room at one another, caught each other's eye, and the rest is history! We graduated from the same undergraduate program (Secondary English Education) in May of 2012. When I became engaged that day, I immediately called her to request that she be one of the women who would stand next to me the following year when I would become Mrs. Pace. I loved having her there on my wedding day, so I was thrilled when she asked me to be there for hers the next year! (Of course, I had no idea that I would be nearly six months pregnant by the time the day arrived). Even still, I was so honored and appreciative that she had chosen me to be one of the four; if you've been a bride already, you understand what a big deal the choosing of the bridesmaids really is! You only want your best team with you that day, and I couldn't have been more delighted to have been a part of Cheslin's!

Friday, May 30th: The Rehearsal

     I thought that leaving Holly Springs at 3PM would give me plenty of time to get to Calhoun City (Cheslin's home town) by 4:30. Clearly, I forgot that I'm pregnant or I simply did not realize that I'd be stopping for a bathroom break three times on my way there (the fact that Vaught's still enjoying kicking the heck out of my bladder doesn't help much). I arrived at about a quarter to five, glad to see that most everyone else had just arrived as well! The chapel is actually Bethel Church, about twelve miles out of Calhoun City (pictures further down), down a long dirt and gravel road that I'm pretty sure my little car drifted down most of the way. We ran through the ceremony schedule two or three times before loading up to head back to Oxford for the rehearsal dinner at Proud Larry's off the historic Oxford Square. Matt's last name is Astorino. Know what that means? Yup--we had an Italian feast for the rehearsal dinner! We were served at least three different kinds of authentic Italian appetizers, along with salads and pasta dishes for the entrée, and three yummy options for dessert. I somehow was lucky enough to be able to sit beside Cheslin, who ordered two desserts for she and I to share. It was a fantastic rehearsal and dinner, and I thoroughly enjoyed sitting near Matt's family; I felt as if I was one of their own by the end of the night! Cheslin passed out our bridesmaids gifts, which were lovely monogrammed tank tops and custom hangers with our names twisted out of wire on them (I had seen this before but not in person), and sweet Matt surprised her with a very special gift of his own: an authentic strand of freshwater pearls for her to wear the following day. It was a beautiful gift, and Cheslin was so surprised!

Cheslin and her twin brother, Paul

The Ole Miss Motel 

     All I can really say about it is WOW. Haha! Two months ago, I booked a hotel room at the Holiday Inn Express for Eric and me for this weekend. However, Eric ended up having to work Saturday, so I cancelled the room Thursday, thinking I'd be fine driving to my parents' house 30 miles outside Oxford. I would have to leave their house Saturday morning by 8:30 in order to make it to the bridal brunch at 10:30 all the way back in Calhoun City. As we were eating our dessert at 9:30 Friday night, I realized how extremely exhausted I was. I'd been running around all day, driving half the day, and I honestly felt like I could have slept in my car right there on the Oxford Square! With Ole Miss having been selected to host a regional tournament at Swayze, I knew there probably weren't many affordable rooms available. I knew the Ole Miss Motel was one of few options I had, and it was only a quarter mile from the square. I'd read that many of the rooms had recently been renovated, and the pictures looked pretty nice, so I was thrilled when I was handed a key for a room that was only $69 for the night! Apparently, though, I was NOT fortunate enough to get in one of the "nice" rooms. Mine looked like it was straight out of 1981. I walked in and immediately was glad I was by myself: had I been with my husband or any of my friends, they'd have probably said "Hell no," and left with a refund. But by this point, I was too tired to even think of leaving. It was a decent price and a place to lay my head. I actually slept reeeeally well; either the bed really was that comfortable, or I was too tired to care! Since I was by myself, I turned the TV on for a little background noise and watched Wedding Crashers for a little while as I rested my aching, swollen feet!

 

Saturday, May 31st: The Wedding

     We began the day with a brunch at the home of the lady Cheslin sometimes works for. It was so very kind of her to allow us girls to get ready there; we basically took over her bedroom and bathroom! I left Oxford around nine, stopping at High Point Coffee for a coffee, muffin, and water for the road. We enjoyed a delicious spread of fruit, bacon, sausage, biscuits, and two or three different casseroles before we got ready. Since I knew I wouldn't be eating again for a while, I stocked up! Vaught was a very happy baby after this meal!

  

 

Check out Cheslin's custom Chucks!!! A stylist drove all the way from Oxford to Calhoun City to do Cheslin's hair and makeup... Doesn't she look beautiful?! I wish I'd gotten a good shot of the broach she wore in her hair; it was flown to her from Sicily-- an heirloom from Matt's grandmother!

 

      

This is the home where the brunch was hosted; it was beautiful, and Ms. Pam was so kind and welcoming!


 

     We left around 1PM for pictures at the old Calhoun City schoolhouse, where the reception would be held. I got some cool shots of our dresses next to Cheslin's on our custom hangers she had given us the night before.

 

 

 

 

     From two until nearly four, we took pictures. We then all headed for Bethel Chapel for the wedding at 4:30. We actually arrived just in time! People were milling about, waiting on the wedding party to arrive before they went inside.

 

Three of us took this photo as we waited for all the guests to be seated for the ceremony.

 

 

     Yes, we were a little bit sweaty; it was humid for sure! But it was so worth it. The wedding itself could not have been more perfect. Cheslin was absolutely stunning, and I can't wait to see the professional photos by Blake McCollum.

     After the wedding, we headed back over to the old schoolhouse for the reception, which was amazing!! One of the most bittersweet parts? Open bar. Yes, all the wines, beers, and liquors you could ever dream of, and I of course could not have a single sip. I say it's bittersweet because I am an avid wine drinker and love it with my dinner; but I have to hold off until Baby Pace is here :)
     There was also a photobooth, and two of the bridesmaids and I made at least five trips to it, putting on crazy props and taking goofy pictures. I only wish I had thought to get a few copies of them! We had so much fun together!

     We ate and drank (well, some of us drank), and danced for hours. When the time came for speeches, I gave a very humorous yet heartfelt speech on the Matron of Honor's behalf (it was Cheslin's sister, and she just couldn't keep from crying, bless her). I had no idea I had a knack for last minute speeches, but I think I did a pretty decent job!

     At around eight, the photographer had Cheslin and Matt do a "fake leave," while all the guests were still there. It made for some amazing photos, as sparklers are some of my very favorite party favors!! Me and the other bridesmaids had a lot of fun with these!

Kiersten, me, and Alli. Yes, I had already put my comfy clothes back on!

      I had promised my husband, who has become a little bit more protective, that I would make an effort to head home around eight, for he hates for me to be driving so far at nighttime. I left at 8:30 and was back in Olive Branch close to 10:30. My dogs were SO happy to see me; I think they had thought I would never return! After being a part of such a special weekend, I was prompted to think back on my own special day over a year ago. Eric was watching baseball in his recliner, so I curled up in his lap for a little while and just enjoyed the peacefulness that is our home, our life together. Witnessing Cheslin's wedding made me remember the special vows that Eric and I took and how much I truly do love that crazy man of mine. I remembered how happy I felt and still feel every day just knowing I get to come home to him. Sure, he drives me nuts sometimes. I joke around that I'd kill him if I wouldn't miss him too much afterwards! And I realize that's kind of a crude joke to make, but that's me, and that's us. Sitting there in his lap, I asked him about how he felt in the days and weeks following our wedding. His reply was, "Really happy. But after a while, I started thinking What the heck have I done?" I couldn't help but laugh because I remember the moment when I felt the same way. It was like, Lord, I love this man, my best friend, more than anything, but he's driving me crazy!!! If you're married and you say you've never felt that way, I have valid reason to believe you might be fibbing! I found myself really praying for Cheslin and Matt and their marriage. In a culture where nearly half of all marriages end in divorce, I prayed for them to help us break the stereotype as young married couples; I still pray every day for God's hand in a happy marriage. So far, He has blessed Eric and me more than I can ever imagine, and I don't really know why, for I know we don't deserve His blessings. But somehow, He loves us the same and continues to show His unconditional grace and mercy on us and our family. Sometimes, I just have to stop and remind myself to say "Thank You, Lord," and really appreciate all that He has done for me.

 

It's a beautiful thing to witness one of your best friends take her vows. I am so honored and grateful to have been a party of Cheslin's day. One wedding down, three to go!!!

Congratulations, Cheslin Clemons Astorino!!!