Sharing is Caring

Whether it’s been given to me as a gift or I’ve bought it myself, these are a random lil bunch of things that have rocked my WORLD and I’m hoping they’ll rock yours as well.  

1. Eyeliner: Up until a few months ago, I was never a eyeliner wearer. I could never get a straight line and it ended up smearing halfway through the day and making me look like a raccoon and who wants to even be around someone like that?? Then my friends Meg and Carey introduced me to Artistry Liquid Eyeliner and I was told it doesn’t smear, stays on all day, one stroke and DONE. They were 100% correct and I don’t think I’ll ever buy any other eyeliner again. So, if you are like me and feel like a failure of a girl because you don’t know how to use liquid eyeliner properly, there’s still hope.

2. Bethel Music - We Will Not Be Shaken: Okay, I’ll never get over this album. Bethel is just my favorite all around. Seriously, if you get nothing else from this stupid list, get this.  IT WILL ROCK YOU.

3. Drink Tote Bag: Walking out the door in the morning I typically have a water bottle, mug of coffee, thermos of coffee, and a smoothie with me. Apparently, watching me try to juggle these drinks without spilling one of them every morning just tore my father apart because a couple months ago, he surprised me with the best and most useful gift I have ever received... A Drink Tote Bag. Now I’m sure you’re thinking, “I bet you look really cool carrying that” and you’re exactly right. Highly recommend it if you carry 2+ drinks with you. 

4. Ebates: If we’re friends it’s a given that I have shared this website with you because let’s be honest, it changed shopping for me so of course I’m going to share monumental moments with *~my friendzzzz~*. I guess some people think it’s a scam and when I was first told about it, it seemed 2 good 2 be true. But best news of all: It works. You’re paid to shop online. Sign up for an Ebates account, search the store you want to buy from and Ebates directs you to their website and you will get whatever percentage of cash back that store offers. Every website is different and it doesn’t seem like much but if you’re an online shopper (or want to become one), this is 4 YOU. Your life will be changed and so will your bank account. I have already cashed in ($27!!!!) and it’s free to sign up so you’re losing nothing and gaining EVERYTHING. I am so excited for you. 

5. Ginger Lemon Honey Tea: The perfect winter drink. Fresh, chopped ginger (1/4 cup), sliced lemons(3-4), and 5lbs raw honey. Mix it all together in a glass container and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Fill your mug with hot water + 2 Tablespoons of honey mixture (approx). They also sell it at Pure Blend Tea in Central Market if you want to try it without making a huge portion because raw honey can be expensive. I buy the raw honey from Maplehofe, also at market!

6. Portable Phone Charger: Once again, if you’re friends with me at all, you have probably heard me talk about or seen this nifty little thing. I got it last year and will never be without one again. You know when you’re out somewhere and you look down at your phone and it says 7% and all of a sudden your heart sinks and you slowly feel as if you're dying along with your phone? Well this genius little device is here to save you when you are unable to save yourself (aka not near an outlet.) I got mine for $30 at Target! 

7. Nike Tech Pants: I saved the best for last. These are my absolute favorite and greatest purchase this winter. I bought them in black after they came highly recommended by my friend Austin and after 2 days of wearing them I went online and bought another pair in grey. They are THE comfiest and softest and they’re perfect because you can wear them out and not feel like a bum. I really do count down the hours until I'm home just so I can put them on. I could rave about these pants for hours so if you wanna get together, LMK. 

Christmas With The Shenk's

First of all, HAPPY 2015! I could not be more excited/ready for a new year and all that is in store for the coming months. It's hard to believe all the Christmas busyness is coming to an end but I'm kinda sorta a little bit excited to get back into a normal routine of work and going to bed at 10PM. This time of year is one of my favorites because I get to spend excessive amounts of time with my family until it gets to the point that we pick fights over stupid things like "You bought this for me because YOU want to use it, didn't you?" Merry Christmas! Christmas Eve the 6 of us worked at market all day and went to the Christmas Eve Service at church that night (one of my favorite traditions) followed by opening new pajamas, watching the Christmas episode of Full House, and sleeping by the tree. I love that we've held onto these traditions through the years and I hope they never change and I'm still sleeping under the tree with my brothers when I'm 80. 
We spent Christmas Day with my extended family and I ate an embarassing amount of mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie then tried to work it all off by playing football but it was freezing and I'm a girl so that was short lived. I hope all my readers (shout out to all 4 of you) had a wonderful Christmas and New Year (which BTW New Years Eve? Supes lame holiday) 2015 is gonna be siiick. 

Christmas Day from Vanessa Shenk on Vimeo.