An Awesome-Sauce Giveaway!!

 Have I ever mentioned that I am in LOVE with my bloggy friends? Not in a creepy way or anything (ok maybe a little ;)! They are just some of the most supportive, loving, amaze-balls people I know. They continue to surprise me every day I get to know them more. Some of them are MORE supportive than my real life friends. And...I honestly think a few of them would fly to me if I was in trouble, or needed something, or someone close to me passed away. 

So, I feel like when I get emails asking if they can do a giveaway on my blog..I still get chills. I get SO EXCITED for the day when I get to do a big, group giveaway
 (it doesn't happen all that often ya know)

And....today is that day, peeps. 

Time for some SWEET stuff to be given to one of YOU!! I mean...we really ought to be thankin' the pants off some of these girls. They've got moves like Jagger. 

 {YOUR CHOICE OF COLOR - BLUE & RED, WHITE, CORAL, PINK or MINT GREEN} 

{BLOG} {FACEBOOK} {SHOP}

**The giftcard can be used at BANANA REPUBLIC, GAP, OLD NAVY, or ATHLETA!!!!**

{BLOG} {TWITTER} {FACEBOOK}

MY TWO FAVORITES FROM HER SHOP:

{SHOP} {BLOG}

{BLOG} {TWITTER} {FACEBOOK}

Good luck chicks!! AND may the odds be ever in your favor (sorry..I had to) :)

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Sponsor Love Day!

 I freakin' L-O-V-E my sponsors (each & every month)...and this month is no exception!

These girls rock my world. I TRULY TRULY love their blogs & their sweet selves.

{BLOG} {TWITTER} {FACEBOOK} {INSTAGRAM}

 Casey is a sweetheart in the realest form. Aaaaand I kind of want her life right now. She gets to live/travel/explore in GERMANY!! How cool is that? She has quickly become one of my most favorite blogging besties. I just adore her. 

SOME FAVE POSTS FROM HER AWESOME BLOG:

My Big Fat European FamilyVacation

A Blog About Pop-Tarts

My Strange German Toilet

 {BLOG} {TWITTER} {FACEBOOK} {INSTAGRAM}

The second I looked at Stesha's blog, I loved it. It's just one of those blogs that you KNOW you'll be reading daily. And she happens to be one of the nicest girls ever. Like really. Her style is impeccable & she looks good in just about anything she puts on (jealous yet? ;). 

SOME FAVE BLOG POSTS FROM HER STYLISH BLOG:

Ballet Inspiration (I'm obsessed with this post)

Golden Birthday

Birds Who Sing 

{BLOG} {TWITTER}

 Brie is the complete opposite of me...in a good way! :) She is single, with no kids, and going to school for graphic design. I love her & her blog. She IS like me...just ten years ago. :)

SOME FAVE POSTS FROM HER BLOG:

Me, Myself & I

Friday's Letters

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I still have a couple of spots left open for OCTOBER.....

Email me - JennaTheWife@gmail.com and we will chat! :)

I'd LOVE to have you!!

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Fall Fashion Must-Haves

I'm baaaaack....finally! :) 

My sister's wedding was this past weekend..and it about killed me. I honestly think I was more tired after her wedding than I was after my own! It was absolutely BEAUTIFUL, though. I'm sooooooo happy for her and her fiance husband! And if you follow me on Instagram (@jennathewife), you saw a little snippet of the happenings. {I will hopefully post about the whole weekend tomorrwow!}

I'm still trying to get my house back in order. So today is a great day for crummy weather...it's actually POURING rain at my house right now. Me & the baby plan on hanging  inside and playing some rainy day games together. I plan on making some White Chicken Chili and Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies later for dinner, too. Ahhhh I LOVE LOVE LOVE this time of year. It just feels so warm & cozy. 

I also fully plan on taking advantage of this weather, and am going to do some damage online shopping (sorry hubby..it's happening). 

Some of my absolute MUST-HAVES for this season....

 BOOTS//COLORED SKINNIES//HEAD WRAP//PEACOAT//CHUNKY SCARF//FLOWY BLOUSE

I can't wait to cozy up and layer up in all the fall fashion!!

What are some of YOUR Fall Must-Haves? 

See ya tomorrow loves!

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Me, Myself & I

 Confession - I had totally planned on writing this little ditty last night. But then...I got consumed with watching this show called Revolution (quite an interesting concept - and possibly a post-worthy show later on). And I got consumed with a football game. I know. Me. But I was hanging with my hubby on the couch and I just REALLY didn't want to get up and go write a blog post. SO forgive me for being late to the party when I'm a HOST. Purrrty please? :)

Ok...here we go.

{ONE}

When you're feeling down, what do you do to pick yourself up?

Ohhhh...lots of things! I wrote a whole post on how I keep myself happy when I get feelin' like the world is against me. Lately, I've been running/working out to make me feel better. Not only about myself, but it's a great stress reliever. I told you last week I was going to try and get my lazy butt off the couch - and I AM! :) 

{TWO}

If you had to live in a different time period which would you prefer?

I would definitely live in the flapper era (whichever era that was- 20's/30's? Yes..I could look it up..but I'm not gonna). I just love their outfits & their classy parties and all that jazz. Yes, I am aware there was  a Great Depression during that time and wars..but I like to picture it being like The Great Gatsby in my head. Beautiful people. Beautiful Clothes. And a MUCH simpler time. 

P.S. - WHO is excited for the NEW Great Gatsby movie? I love me some Leo! 

{THREE}
What is the most creative Halloween costume you've ever worn?

Every year I think I'm going to get SO CREATIVE and make a cool, unique costume. And then two days before Halloween, I always end up running my butt to the store, and picking out whatever crappy costume is leftover. My hubby, however, is quite the creative genius. Two years ago, he was "THE SECOND AMENDMENT" and boy did he think he was clever. He MADE (I mean, hand sewed and everything) "Bear Arms" and wore them. Get it? It took me a while too.... :)

Ohhhh ya...he made those babies!!

{FOUR} 

Five weird things about you we wouldn't know without being told?

1--Sometimes I'm too lazy to remove my old nail polish, and I'll just paint over it with a new color. 

2--I always run up my basement stairs like someone is chasing me with a knife. 

3--I will pick out ALL the marshmallows in Lucky Charms and make an entire bowl of them....and throw the cereal puff parts away. Complete waste (I mean to put cereal puffs in there when you KNOW I'm only going to eat the Marshmallows! I'm talking to YOU Lucky Charms Guys).

4--I like to have my cake and eat it too. ;)

5--I saw the sign..and it opened up my eyes..I saw the sign.

(Guys..I dunno..I ran out of weird things today) 

{FIVE}

What would you tell your 16-year-old self?

Ha. Funny this question came up this month. I JUST got done reading an entire journal I wrote in High School. I was shocked at myself. I was obsessed with boys. I talked about them NON-STOP in that thing. I think I mentioned my family & friends a couple of times maybe. I kind of, sort of, remember loving boys back then...but oh man..not to that extent. I mean...I had a LIST of all the boys I kissed/made out with..and then I RATED the kisses. Sheesh, Jenna!

 (maybe next week I'll show you guys an excerpt from it - you will get a good 'ol laugh I promise). 

I would just tell myself to RELAX on the boy stuff. Enjoy being young & having NO responsibilities. Stop worrying about what everyone thinks about you (wouldn't that be great?). Be NICE to everyone (I was not the nicest person in high school). ENJOY your time there. It only happens once.

I probably wouldn't listen to myself back then anyway. I was a stubborn one. 

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Wanna join in? Make sure to answer the questions, grab a button, and link-up to one of the Hosts!

September's Co-Host: Adventures with my Melanoma

My Beautiful, Crazy Life // Whispering Sweet Nothings // KV's Confessions

Framed Frosting // For Love of a Cupcake

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Makeup Must Haves with Jane!

It's Monday, Monday, Monday! You know what that means?! I'm exhausted from the weekend. Can I have another day off, pretty please?

But...Monday's are GREAT for one reason...

Today my ADORABLY STYLISH friend Jane, is talking about HER favorite makeup products (they happen to be some of MY favorite products too--great minds...)! Enjoy!

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Hello to all you fabulous Life of the Wife readers! My name is Jane and I blog over at In the Pink and Green, aka my little corner of the internet where I write about everything including recipes (including Paleo recipes if you're into that!), fashion, books, fitness, and my travels with my husband and our goofy dog Lola. However, one of my absolute favorite things to talk about is makeup, which is why I'm so excited to be a part of this series! (Plus, Jenna is one of my favorite bloggers and I'm kind of obsessed with her style, gorgeous hair and adorable little family!)

 I am definitely a Sephora junkie when it comes to cosmetics, and I could spend hours draining my bank account browsing there. At the same time, I also love more budget-friendly beauty products and buy a lot of my makeup at Target as well...after all, who doesn't love Tar-jay?! Plus, I'm honestly a marketer's dream when it comes to makeup, so if something new comes out I always want to try it. For that reason, my beauty staples are always changing because I like buying different things and seeing if that new eye shadow/lip gloss/primer/etc is really as fabulous as it looks. (Hence why my bathroom is filled 123087 products I don't use...I am somewhat of a beauty hoarder!) However, there are a few tried and true products that I adore and wanted to share them with you:

1. Essie Nail Polish in Sand Tropez

I tend to keep my nails pretty short and love to play around with colors from vampy wine to fun mint green. However, the one shade I keep coming back to is this perfect neutral from Essie. It's great all year round, doesn't show chips, and is the equivalent of a pair of great nude pumps...for your fingers.

2. Benefit High Beam

This is stuff helps give skin a lit-from-within glow, just a few dots on top of blush or bronzer is the perfect highlight.

3. Makeup Forever HD Microfinish Powder This stuff is amazing! It's great for setting your makeup and reducing shine without adding pigment. Since I have oily skin, a lot of times the oil will darken the pigment in normal powder making my face look dirty so I love that this is colorless becaues I can touch up my makeup later on in the day.

4. Relvon Photo Ready Foundation in Nude (#4)

and Revlon Photo Ready Concealer in Light (#2) & Light Medium (#3)

This stuff is a steal for how well it covers. It's very similar to one of my other favorite foundations- Makeup Forever HD Invisible Cover Foundation from Sephora but for a fraction of the price! And the concealer is great too, I really like coverage and creamy texture. I use #2 under my eyes and keep number #3 in my purse for breakouts/skin touch-ups.

5. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Honey

I'm seriously obsessed with all of the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments, but Honey is hands down my favorite. I realize that $23 for a glorified chapstick is a little excessive but these things are so incredibly buttery, it's totally worth it and Honey is the perfect nude.

6. L'Oreal Volumious Million Lashes Mascara in Blackest Black

I absolutely adore the brush on this mascara, it's great for separating and volumizing lashes.

7. Urban Decay Naked Palette

There's a reason this eye shadow palette is so popular, the neutral colors are perfectly versatile and very pigmented.

So those are my favorite products, but I'm always in the market for new makeup so please to fill me in on what you love. (aka give me an excuse to go to Sephora!) I'd love it if you stopped by my blog to say hello, and thanks again sweet Jenna for having me! xo
{Blog Twitter Instagram}

Isn't she the cutest? P.S. That Makeup Forever Foundation is the BOMB! AND the High Beam..I'm obsessed with that stuff!!

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Be sure to come back tomorrow for the ME, MYSELF & I Link-Up Party!! (Like THIS one or THIS one)

Just ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS, grab a button, write your fun little post, and link-up! 

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Friday's Letters

 Dear Fall: I have waited for you all year. Oh..wait..I think we all have. But really, I can't wait to wear warm sweaters, scarves & the obligatory leggings with boots. AND I can't wait to jump into a big pile of leaves that my husband just raked up! Oooh the mischief I can cause!

Dear Halloween Kit Kats: So far, my hubby & I have finished off 4 bags of you. I vow to not eat any more of you. Cause I'm being healthier and all that junk. But I'll sure miss you. You were delish.

Dear The Word "Poop": You make me laugh. Every. Single. Time. Yes, I still might be a 5-year-old.

Dear Cold Sore That Comes Every September: You suck. Get off my face. 

Dear Baby Davis: Please stop throwing your blanket out of your crib and then screaming bloody murder. My ears & heart can't take it anymore. 

This is D on our monitor screaming and screaming. Fun times at our house lately. 

And yes - it totally reminds me of Paranormal Activity now. Horrible.

Dear Sister: I can't believe you're getting married NEXT WEEK. Holy freakin' cow.

Dear Treadmill: It felt SO GOOD to run on you yesterday. I'll see you again today at 11 for some more bonding time. 

Dear Gangnam Style Song: You are one catchy mother. I like your style. 

 Dear YOU WONDERFUL PEOPLE: Thank you for understanding my humor yesterday & making me feel better about NOT feeling good about myself lately. Love your faces..and your whole bodies too ;)

Linking up with Ash for Friday's Letters today..obviously.

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How To Gain Weight

 After I had Davis, I learned a couple things. Now I'm going to share them with you. 

Mostly, I've learned how to gain POST-BABY weight. 

Now, now...gaining weight is pretty hard..so let me tell you some sure-fire ways to pack on those LBS. 

#1 ALWAYS EAT YOUR BABIES FOOD

He's having Mac & Cheese? Oh..you better eat some of that stuff too. 

Pancakes? Yes. Yogurt? Yes. Eat it ALL. Even if you JUST ate your own food before.

If he leaves some on his plate, now is your best chance to gobble up the rest of it.

Don't leave ANYTHING left on that plate, ya hear me?! That's a HUGE no no.

#2 WORKOUT...OH...ALMOST NEVER

If by "workout" you think I'm talking about running or going to the gym - you're wrong.

I mean, consider that running outside with your 15 month old for ten minutes is a good enough workout for the day. Never..and I mean NEVER go downstairs to that treadmill and actually run on it. Heaven forbid. 

#3 EAT WHATEVER YOU WANT WITH NO REGRETS

You know when you are eating, and you look down at your stomach, and suddenly, you think - am I pregnant? Oh nope..that's just a big ol' food baby. Yup. That's the goal. 

Eat whatever you want. Candy, cookies, chips, etc. My fave? Halloween candy that was on the shelves in August. That's an awesome idea. And especially eat late at night after your husband has gone to bed so you don't feel ashamed about it. Then hide all of the wrappers so he doesn't see them.

Oh...and eat guacamole & chips like they're going out of style. 

#4 TELL YOURSELF IT'S OK..BECAUSE YOU "JUST HAD A BABY"

This one is my favorite. I've been saying this for 15 months and I still love this excuse. 

It works like a charm if you want to keep gaining weight. 

So there you have it. Now..go...eat some Halloween Candy and check that one off the list. 

---------------------------------------

In all seriousness (that was all sarcasm, if you are kinda slow ;)...this is what I've been telling myself for the last year. I'm in a rut. I need to change. I used to be REALLY into working out and eating pretty healthy. I looked great at one time, and I actually felt really good about my body. After baby...not so much. I've managed to keep most of my baby weight cleverly hidden under my clothes, and avoid mirrors when I'm nekkid. 

And can I tell you how much I love Fall? I mean, layers & layers of clothes to hide all that junk I eat? Yes, please. 

I'm just not happy with my body, if I'm being completely honest. After having a baby, it does something to your psyche. I don't think I've ever fully admitted or come to terms with what pregnancy did to my body. Stretch marks, acne scarring, and saggy skin are NOT things you really wish upon yourself. And no, I would never EVER take back the wonderful blessing that is my baby boy. Ever. 

I mean look at him - he loves me! :)

But at the same time, I think I would be lying if I said that I would give anything 

to have my old body back. 

Now..I'm not saying I'm this huge, fat, beast walking around.
And I'm not fishing for compliments--but if you want to give me some, go ahead ;).
And I'm REALLY trying to not make this sound like a pity party (is it working?).

I'm more just getting this out there, because I've been feeling really crappy. So I've been (for the last week anyway) REALLY REALLY trying to lose the rest of this baby weight. My goal is to be at my pre-baby weight (before I decide to have another one). 

Now, I ACTUALLY am really off to go run on my treadmill! HOLLA!
So wish me luck...I'm going to need it!!

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Makeup Must-Haves

 I have a semi-serious question for you guys today 
(I know...me? Serious? It does happen on occasion, though). 

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE MORE OF ON THIS LIL' BLOGGY?

More posts about moi?

More posts about my life?

More posts/videos/tutorials on makeup?

More "fashion" posts?
OR ANYTHING ELSE you want me to talk about??

So TELL me purrty please! :)

I told you it was serious.

Leave a comment below telling me - I would LOVE LOVE your feedback!!

Today you're going to get a fabulous MAKEUP POST from Colleen of Paisley Boulevard!

Continuing with this series that I hope you love as much as I do called....

Where some of my favorite bloggers share their FAVORITE BEAUTY PRODUCTS with y'all!!

So take it away Colleen!! She is gorgeous, sweet & I adore her style!
You will just LOVE HER too..she's the best!

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Hey guys! I'm Colleen and I blog over at Paisley Boulevard. Mostly I blog about my life, things that I love, and I sometimes share diy beauty treatments and fun little projects. I adore Jenna and I am so excited to be here today sharing my makeup must haves with you all! As far as color goes, I'm always playing around and testing out trends, but there are a few basics items that I always go to and I'm happy to share them with you today!  
1. I am a total Bare Minerals gal. I use many of their products, but the foundation is really the only product that I own that I continually buy over and over again. 2. Mac Fluidline gel eyeliner is the boss of eyeliner. You can apply it how ever you want and it has staying power. No smudgies. 3. Dura Lash medium flare false lashes. Granted, maybe not for everyday, but they are so easy you really could if you wanted to. Just a few sprigs on the outer lashes...perfection. 4. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser. Ugh, I have the WORST dark circles. If I use it, then you know it's good. Nuff said. :) 5. Essie Fish Net Stockings is the perfect red and it goes on quickly and evenly and doesn't look harsh. I can't explain it, but this is THE perfect red nail polish and it lasts. 6. I go through a lot of mascara, and truthfully, I'm not loyal to any because I always want to try out the latest kind, but I like to always have Maybelline Falsies on hand just in case I buy a total stinker. A lot of times I end up using 2 mascaras at a time, but with this one it can go it alone. It's just that good.

So that's my schpeel! I hope that you guys find one or two things to try. I know that after linking to these from some makeup shops that there is some makeup buyin in my immediate future! Thanks so much for having me Jenna! Stop over at my blog and say hi! :) xo

{Blog Twitter Facebook}

Don't ya love her already? Head over there and say hi to Miss Colleen!!

P.S. THE WINNER of the 1,080 GIVEAWAY was........... LAURA PODLICH!! Congrats girl!! I'll email you today! AND thank you guys for entering...I've never seen so many girls get so excited before!! Hehe! Pin It

1,080 Giveaway!

You guys. I just realized I hit a milestone. Umm..but it happened a while ago. Oops.
One of my "blog goals" in the VERY BEGINNING of blogging was to get to 1,000 readers.
NEVER actually thinking it would happen.
OR that I would stick with blogging long enough to see it happen.
Now that it has...I feel like I should give an Oscar Speech--another dream that's BOUND to happen ;)

Ha. But all I really want to say is a BIG HUGE THANKS to you guys for following along and making me feel all warm & fuzzy inside (side note - my 8th grade MAN teacher had a "Warm & Fuzzy" board in his room - which now I feel like is super creepy)!!
Y'all are seriously THE BEST. THIS is exactly why I keep blogging, like I said yesterday....because of YOU GUYS. The community that IS blogging!

So now it's time for the obligatory 1080 Follower Giveaway (totally normal)!!

Without further ado....I bring you these AWESOME LADIES & their equally AWESOME PRIZES!!

{BLOG // SHOP // TWITTER}

 Don't forget about that sweeeeet code Caroline gave you guys!! HOLLA!!

{BLOG // TWITTER}

{BLOG // TWITTER}

Pretty swweeeeeeet huh? Now get your behinds in gear and ENTER! You know you want to! :)

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Influence!

A HUGE reason I started blogging was for the community. A couple of my friends who were already "established" bloggers raved and raved to me about the blogging community. About how they felt like a part of something. A part of something bigger than themselves.

They felt connected, felt included, felt like they had an awesome purpose, and especially felt loved.

I didn't instantly feel like that...it definitely took some time (well LOTS of time if we are gettin' technical). But now I absolutely feel like that. I have met some of the most seriously phenomenal people ever!! And having now been a seasoned conference go-er (hehe), I have gone to two WHOLE conferences this year (here & here) ! I know..step back.

Well...I am so blessed to be going to a THIRD one in just a few short weeks!

I am pretty giddy about this one, you guys! Most of the girls going, I have already built a friendship with, and already feel like we are kindred spirits. I would say I was going to RUN & HUG them when I see them, but I'm not really a hugger...so maybe a handshake? Too weird? Maybe. :)

ANYHOOOO....today I get to talk a little/introduce myself today and link up with all the other beautiful girls that are going to Influence with me!

 (I'm a rambler, obviously,  for those of you who can't tell that already)

{3 GET TO KNOW ME THINGS}

1. I am majorly sarcastic & I joke a LOT. Defense mechanism? Probably. :)

2. My suitcase will probably mostly consist of stripe-y things and makeup.

3. I always have jewelry on. Always. Maybe because I own a shop? Or maybe just because I'm a little bit of a jewelry hoarder. Who knows.

{2 THINGS I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO ABOUT THE CONFERENCE}

1. The awesome sessions!!!! Did I mention the sessions?? So excited!

2. Having girl time with some awesome roomies, hanging out with some old friends

(I'm talking to you Nic, Andi, Ash, Caroline & Alissa),
and FINALLY getting to meet some girls I've wanted tomeet for EVER! Ohhhh ya!

{1 THING I CAN'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT}

I can only pick ONE? Yikes.

Then my clothes. Definitely need my clothes. ;)

And my phone.

And mascara.

And my baby (I would pack him if I could).

Shoot....I didn't do very good at the whole "one thing", did I? 

Can't wait to meet & see all of your beautiful faces there!

LINK UP HERE if you are going!

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Eat Yourself Skinny Giveaway Day!

 Happy Labor Day Sweet Friends! I hope you're doing something fun today 

(or being completely lazy like I am)! 

Just popped in to tell you I have a SUPER AWESOME-SAUCE GIVEAWAY going on over at 

Eat Yourself Skinny! Kelly happens to be one of the most amazing, nice, beautiful girls I know! Oh...and she is a phenomenal cook/chef/culinary genius -- ummmm...I'm a wee bit jealous!

So head on over there and enter to win ONE PIECE of YOUR CHOICE from 

NEON & NUDE! Say whaaaaaaat?? Ohhhh ya - score one for y'all! 

Can I get a whoop whoop? No?....ok....I guess I'm alone in that one! ;)

DON'T WANNA WAIT TO OWN A PIECE?

Not to worry....just use the discount code below and it's yours, baby! 

And if you're a new follower - WELCOME to my craaaaazay blog & even craaaazier life! :) Pin It