All about me A to Z

So cute! One of my favorite blogs, StrawberrySwingandThings featured a post this week that I think is so fun I just can't pass it up. A. Age: 26 B. Bed Size: Full. I have the same bed I've had since childhood, my dad bought it when I started kindergarten. Eventually when I have a spare room I'll use it there and get myself a new bedroom suite! C. Chore you dislike: I love cleaning but I hate laundry. Folding it is fine but I hate ironing and the actual washing and drying only because it takes so long to finish. I don't love cleaning the litterbox but it is a necessary chore. D. Dogs: none unfortunately, I hope that will change soon. E. Essential start to your day: I'm so busy trying to get out the door that I like to wind down during my rather long commute. I'll bring a breakfast bar or a piece of fruit and listen to the morning radio shows. F. Favorite color: I've always thought it was green but I wear a lot of purple. G. Gold or Silver: Silver. H. Height: 5'3 I. Instrument you play(ed): The clarinet for 6 years, can't honestly say I was very good at it. J. Jelly bean flavor: black, yum! K. Kids: none, maybe one day. L. Lucky number: ummm, I like things in 3s M. Month: October is my favorite. N. Nicknames: my parents called me pumpkin and a few other sweet names. When kids can't pronounce my name they usually go with ARo. O. Overnight hospital stays: Several nights for dehydration when I was a kid and several nights when I had mono in my teens because my spleen was so swollen. P. Pet peeves: Negatively, especially at work. Cold feet. Arogance. Smoking. Q. Quote from a movie: " You never know, lightening could strike" Meet Joe Black R. Righty or left: Righty S. Siblings: none T. Time you wake up: 6 am U. Underwear: everyday V. Vegetables you don't like: I don't care for green peas but I'll eat them. W. What makes you run late: Sleeping in some mornings. Cleaning a random hairball that Lilly decided to make during the night. X. X rays you've had: just my teeth Y. Yummy food you make: I cook 2-3 times a week. I usually bake at least 2x a month. Sometimes I post a new dish on my blog. Z. Zoo animal favorites: I love big cats. I'd never miss the giraffes or the bear cages though.

Message for subbies and friends

"Kiss me I'm Irish"

No really I am...

Happy St. Patricks Day everyone!!!! ox April and Lilly

Product Review: Maybelline One by One Volum Express

So I picked up this mascara after a glowing review from TiffanyD on youtube. I was more than pleased with my CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion but I wanted to try something new and my current tube was getting "dry" so I was getting some flakes on my cheeks by mid afternoon. This mascara really has a great formula...not too wet...not too dry. No flakes, great seperation, nice dark color, great volume and length - I'm pleased with it. I like the brush too, its a synthetic brush with plastic bristles that isn't quite as thick and sturdy as the Covergirl brush but it really glides through the lashes to create definition. The price was approx $6. The ONLY downside is the ugly, Ugly, UGLY packaging. I know I ranted about the ugly lashblast orange tubes but at least that is a color found in nature, this tube is neon coral with a bright teal band under the cap and matching teal writing. Why oh why does maybelline have such ugly packaging? I don't need fancy or chic packaging to have a great product but it does make it slightly more appealing. And yes I realize you shouldn't judge a book by its cover and it should always be whats on the inside that counts. For $6 I'd be okay with just plain packaging without ugly colors or writing all over the tube. It is a great product. I would buy it again. I just wish Maybelline would have a little makeover with some of their products because it's not as appealing as the actual formula of the makeup.

Challenge Day 30 - Favorite Nail Polishes

Essie Mademoiselle for manicure. OPI Dutch Tulips for pedicure.

Challenge Day 29 - Something that makes me go awww

I want a dachshund so bad! Unfortunately my work schedule and traveling between clinics does not permit a dog's demanding lifestyle. I'm disappointed for now but when I see a photo of one I can't help but say "awww".

Challenge Day 28 - Favorite Drink

I usually drink water but when I stray these are always favorites:

I've posted about my love for Sprite Zero before, I usually have one with lunch.

Another product I've posted about, I don't buy this every grocery visit but it is a treat when I pick it up. Silk PureAlmond Dark Chocolate. If I want something alcoholic usually I'll pick a glass of wine or a light beer whichever goes best with what I'm eating. BUT...occasionally I want a cocktail and when I do, I'm a rum girl...coconut rum, pineapple rum, spiced rum...a rumrunner is the way to go!

In the Kitchen: Lemon Ice Box Cake

I was in the mood for something different. Normally if it isn't pumpkin flavored or chocolate a dessert just isn't worth the calories to me. I read about this recipe from a fellow blogger Mrs. Southern Belle and bookmarked it as a potential potluck dessert for summer. I kept thinking about it and finally I decided to give it a try for myself (and a few friends).

 It was amazing! I wouldn't hesitate to make it again!

 lemon cake mix
1 can sweetened condensed milk (I used nonfat)
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup sour cream (I used nonfat)
8 oz container of cool whip
lemon zest

 Mix cake according to directions divide into cake rounds (mine for 9 inch). Bake according to directions. Mix condensed milk, sour cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice for the filling. When rounds are cool spread half the filling over one round and top with the other. In another bowl fold the remaining filling into the cool whip and frost the rest of the cake. Cake is best when chilled for at least one hour.

Challenge Day 27 (yep!) - Favorite Facewash

Sooooo....

I was wondering what to do about my next few challenge days. They don't really apply to me (ps my challenge is running long since I've been sprinkling in other posts) -

Day 25 asks what do I want to get from luux? (a company I've never purchased from)

Day 26 wants an item from my wishlist? (again never purchased from them so I don't have a wishlist)

So I'm skippin' them and going to Day 27, because it's my blog and I have a right to plead the fifth.

My favorite facewash.

For two years now I've been using the Avalon Organics Vitamin C facewash. There really is no downside, it's pH balanced so it doesn' t dry my skin and it smells like orange juice. It doesn't foam up like most products on the market but it does the job and removes makeup well. It costs around $10 so it's affordable and it can be used with the Clarisonic face brush. As with most things when I've used them a while I move on to the next product but I wouldn't hesitate coming back to this.

Challenge Day 24 - Your Favorite Food

Um, anything sweet would apply here. Banana pudding, berry torte, creme brulee, hot fudge sunday...the options are unlimited. Here is one dessert that I love and it's seasonal so I wait for it all year making it that much more special. Coldstone pumpkin ice cream with graham crackers and cinnamon!

Wordless Wednesday - Childhood Crushes

Neil Patrick Harris in Doogie Houser, MD

Leonardo DiCaprio in Growing Pains

Fred Savage in The Wonder Years

Challenge Day 23 - Place where you would want to live

Beautiful Charleston, SC of course!