Epilator! I bought one!

I wrote 3 postings last week when I was in Shanghai while I was sick and then I was so sick I forgot to post them. So...in completely the wrong order, here is one of them (sorry for the delay).

I did it! I bought an epilator. Specifically the new Silk-epil by Braun, usable underwater epilator. 

I had my first experience the other night and I love the result. It is 40 tweezers at once plucking hairs so its not a pleasant sensation but I can see how you and your hair would get used to it. It’s a little machine I can take anywhere, that plucks my hair leaving me with a few weeks of no hair and less hair when it grows back. Waxing means you get it done elsewhere and its not cheap, even in China and you have to wait until it gets to a certain length (which you don’t with this). Shaving leaves your hair smooth for what…a few hours and it needs to be done constantly. I spent 100 dollars up front and most people say their epilator lasts for 6-8 years. I did my arms, underarms, bikini and legs…in the US, that in and of itself costs a hundred dollars to wax. Razors are ridiculously priced now and in 6 months you easily spent that. I am happy with the purchase and would advocate for this as a cost and time effective alternative to shaving. Take a pain killer 30 minutes before hand, do it right after you shower and just get past the pain the first few times. 

My husband was amazed watching this process and even took a video (no, I am not posting it) to show my parents since they sent it to me. I swear several times in this video and it is not pretty. See the video of the first exposure to it wouldn't make you want to try it out...especially since I forgot to take a pain killer first. Ooops. 

Anyway, sorry my blog has been the most boring thing in the world recently and I promise to change that soon! I have 3 more posts just waiting for me to polish up and post (plus find the accompanying pictures) like my trip to Shanghai and my new health kick!

Happy Weekend! Spring is finally here!

New Banner

So, as I hope you can notice (without me pointing it out) I have a new banner. It's not hard to tell who made it (me), due to its simpleness, but I had a lot of fun making it. I got the idea from Sarah at Clover Lane. I love her blog, and y'all should definitely check it out. So, give me your feedback...do you like it or should I go back to the drawing board?

Blog makeover

Two postings in one day! I plan to use my week holiday wisely. I plan to blog, write papers and shop.

So, my blog needs a makeover. I hate the background and it looks blah, so I am asking for referrals for blog designers.

FYI, I am JEALOUS of:
Brittany
Lindsay
Jessica
Kelly
Barbara
Bridget

On a different note, while picking out fabric for our new bedroom curtains, I found these cute shoes:

Adorable! I paid $7 for them!

New Beginnings

Until this point, my blog postings have been very similar. I feel something, experience something, witness something, and the next time I have a free moment, I blog about it. I have been searching for new blogs to read lately for inspiration, and I found several that did just that. All of these women are written by women who I believe write very well.

Tales of a Tai Tai
Kate Takes 5
A Mummy in a Strange Land

I must guiltily admit that this is not my only motivation in finding new blogs to read...I also suffer from a crippling case of what I have named "Followers Envy". It is my hope that when I find good blogs to read and begin to follow them, they will follow the reciprocal link I stealthily leave, find my blog irresistibly charming and follow me in return. This has been partially successful (Brittany, Barbara, Kate) but less successful in almost every other case. But I digress...

I have spent this week mapping out my next several posts to move away from reactive posting and into thoughtful posting. I have been noting down ideas in my notebook, writing little spinets in online documents and subsequently "mind mapping" with Blumind (A free software MADE for Type A personalities). Hopefully you all like the change.

Musings to follow...

First though...Thank you so much to my mother for the AMAZING care package. I was very sad to have missed mothers day this year, but even from the other side of the planet I can feel how much my mom loves me. Here are some highlights from my latest care package shipment...3 boxes!

Yummy gluten free grits and gluten free macaroons

Gluten free chocolate

One of my favorite pair of shoes...plus 2 other pairs

Good Egg Blog Award!

Yay! I've been awarded the Good Egg Blog Award!

I am so honored! This award came at such a great time because today I got home from the doctor bummed out...and then I saw my award! Almost makes the laryngitis feel better! Thanks to Barbara over at Footprints in the Sand for giving me this award! If you haven't read her blog, stop by...she's an expat living in France. 

Here are the rules for this award:

1.Thank and link back to the person who gave me this award.
2.Share 7 things about yourself
3.Award other bloggers (you determine who and how many)
4.Contact these blogs and tell them about the award.

7 Things About Me:

1. I spent 6 years on a sailboat sailing around the world with my family
2. I love dogs
3. I got married last June at 22
4. I majored in Child and Family Development 
5. I love babies
6. I live in Beijing
7. Next my husband and I are thinking about moving to Australia or New Zealand 

And now I tag:

Confessions of a Newlywed

Not Just Another Blonde In Beijing

Couture and Crayons