Merry Christmas, 2012

Hello People, Merry Christmas. I hope you all are having a terrific day. It has been really mellow and relaxing for me. I'm very happy about that. We opened presents, had a wonderful breakfast, and now we are watching movies and being couch potatoes. I want to share a little slide show of what I have been up to while I have been i Colorado. I've been really enjoying seeing my Mo and Anna. We went to the 16th street mall. There were so many pretty horses. The carriages all were decorated with lights and the horses had glittered hooves. Horse mani pedi! Ha ha! It was so beautiful looking at the lit up clock tower on Larimer square. Then we went over to the capital to look at the lights. I have two more weeks before I head home to Texas. I will post lots of photos and maybe a video or two. You can see in the first few pictures that Sadie actually enjoyed the snow. It has been really cute watching her. I hope you enjoy it too. Thanks for stopping by, Leslie

yes, they're fake. My real ones tried to kill me

Apartment tour

Holding my breath.

Hello people, Have you ever had that feeling that you've been holding your breath? I feel sort of like that. Not literally, but in a figurative way. For a long while now I have been feeling as though my life has been on pause and I've been waiting for life to start again. I recently made the leap to leave Colorado and return to Texas. Since returning this week, My oxygen level has gone from it's all time low in the 80's to a high of 99. Which I think is pretty awesome. My physical pain is on low end of the spectrum too. It was pretty tiring to make the drive from Colorado to Tx all by myself. But it makes me very pleased that I was able to do it. Of course I wasn't entirely alone, I did have my sidekick Sadie the Dachshund with me.

(this is Sadie passed out at the hotel after we arrived in Texas) She did awesome for a 4 month old dog on a first road trip. I'm proud of her. She is one of the best furry persons ever. ( Oscar is in the lead as far as furry persons go )

(this is Oscar taking a "cat nap" ha ha) So, what am I going to do not that I am here you ask? Well, once I get an apartment and employment, I am going to enjoy life. It would be so awesome to have everyone I know and love here enjoying life with me. I guess I will just have to keep praying about that. In the meantime, it is so great to be breathing, have energy and not be in sever pain. It is totally a beautiful life!!!!1 Thank you so much for stopping by, Leslie

Looking for apartment homes in Flowerr Mound Tx.

I made it to Tx and wanted to say hi!

Warning!! Read food label ingredients. Vegetarian accidentally eats beef

Hello people, You would not believe the silly thing that I did today. I went and made myself sick trying a new brand of soup. Not reading the ingredients, I didn't realize that it contained broth until I had done the deed and had eaten all of the soup. Now I see it contained beef broth. I would never have read the ingredients had I not started feeling gross. Just wanted to warn you in case you have a similar situation. Thanks for stopping by, Leslie

7 things that make my life beautiful, tv shows worth watching, and "beneath the glitter"

Hello people, I hope you are well and safe. Especially those of you affected by Sandy. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray things improve quickly there!!! Today I'm sharing with you 7 things that make my life beautiful--tag. Please let me know what you have that makes your life more beautiful each day. Please post your responses in the comments or even make a video response. I can hardly wait to hear what everyone is enjoying. Thanks for stopping by!! Leslie

A few of the healthy snacks I have been enjoying lately

Hello People! How is everybody doing? I am feeling pretty good. I usually do after a week off from chemo treatment. Life is busy. we went to Vegas. Saw Cirque de Soliel there. The show was O. Really impressive. Still am wondering what the story line was though....LOL. I turned 47 on Friday. It was a nice day, and I got to see my sister Judy and her son, his wife, and their sweet 18 month old. Plus my mom made a nice meal. It made the day special. Saturday Mo and Anna and I went to see Argo and then to eat at Maggiano little Italy. YUM! Mo has been working on gutting our kitchen. He tore out the cabinets, and floors, and put new sub floor. Contractors put new windows in today. Now there are more contractors here to do lighting and electrical. It's a special joy to live without a sink and dishwasher! You should try it. Tomorrow I have chemo for a 3 week cycle. It will be my last for a while at least with Dr. R. I am heading back to Tx for warmer weather and my old oncologist Dr. Costa. I'll at least be there for the rest of the winter. I see Dr. Costa on Nov the 27th. I'm really looking forward to seeing him and his treatment team again. It will also be great to see and perhaps spend some time with E-dawg. (My son) Most details are yet to be determined. Such as living arrangements and what job I'll get. I will need to get a job in order to make ends meet. It will be totally worth it though in order to have less pain caused by the severe cold weather and and constant bitter wind that we have here in Elbert county Colorado. So, that is the news I've been referring to in my recent videos. To answer your unasked question, Mo and I are getting along fine. We are the best of best friends. This is just how we have to do things to keep healthy and comfortable. I have filmed a short video on some of the healthy snacks that I'm enjoying lately. Take a second and post a comment to share the snacks you enjoy. I love hearing from you guys. Leslie

Back from seeing Cirque De Soliel O

Hello People, I am on my first day back from Vegas. We did a lot of things there that make it a beautiful life. First and foremost, we (Mo and I) spent time together. We took things pretty casual and unplanned. We hung out at Margaretta-ville, walked the strip, went to Vegas famous gold and silver pawn shop from Pawn stars. The second day there we went to the Hoover Dam, and had a lovely meal in Boulder City at Milo's wine shop. That evening we did some window shopping then went to see O. Now You all know how much I love makeup. There were some crazy makeup looks in this show. The show itself was beyond anything I had imagined. Swimming, flying, fire, diving, singing, dancing, acrobatics, light show, sound effects. We never had seen anything like it. Just amazing. I highly recommend going if you have an opportunity. If you have ever wondered about what it would take to recreate one of the looks from Cirque De Soliel, take a minute to watch this video of their makeup workshop. So much talent goes into all the details that put a huge production like that together. It is truly mind blowing. I hope you enjoyed the video. Being there was something that really added to my beautiful life. Thanks for stopping by, Leslie

The view from my front porch

Hello my People, Are you doing good? I am, but a little tired. I realize it has been about a year since we have moved here and you've never seen my yard. So, here is the view from m front porch. I will do a room tour of our bedroom soon. We just rearranged it. It looks a lot bigger the way we've got it laid out now. So anyhow, be looking for my next video to be a room tour. Enjoy the view from my front porch. Thanks for stopping by. Leslie

The Beautiful life has gone to the dogs

Hello people, This past week has been seriously rough. I've been to chemo, and we had to put our dog Biscuit to sleep. She was 17 and was in poor health. I loved that dog. Life was busy with dog classes, chemo, and household stuff. Life seems to be getting busier and busier. How about your life? Post comments below to let me know how you are doing. I have put together a little slide show for you of the things going on with us. It's all gone to the dogs! LOL!! Leslie

Products I have and totally will buy again

My must have products that I will be repurchasing

Hi People,

Happy October 1st.  I have put together a video of must have makeup products.  These are all things that have lasted a while and work super well.  I think you'd like all of these items.  Let me know your thoughts by leaving comments below.

Leslie

Know yourn own body

Hello People!!

How is every one of you doing?  I am doing well.  But I am finding it to be super cold even for early Fall.  The funny (not funny ha ha, but funny ironic) thing about cold is that it causes my pain to be even worse than it normally is.  On a scale of 1-10 I hurt about a 4 all the time.  When it is cold it increases to about a 7 or an 8.  This means an increase in pain medicine.  Woo hoo!  Not!

I share this with you because of something a Dr. said.  He said, "I can't believe you have as much pain as you say you do.  Well, I know what I physically feel.  In addition to what I feel, all the research I have done has shown that even though my cancer has shrunk, all the little micro fractures that it has left in my bones cause pain and bone weakness.  Which is why the oncologist gives me xgeva to strengthen and protect my bones from breaks. Simply speaking, the little buggers are fragile and weak, duh!

Please don't let a Dr, nurse or any other person tell you that what you think or feel about your care, what you are feeling or suspect is going on in your body.  I bet most of you discovered your own cancer.  You  probably pursued a diagnosis.  Even if your doctor a test they ordered discovered and diagnosed your illness, please don't let a medical professional talk down to you about something you suspect is going on with your health.  No one and I mean no one knows you and your body better than you do.  So many people are treated as though a symptom (such as fatigue) is a matter or age, or lifestyle or it is all in their heads.  OH THAT BURNS ME UP!  All in their heads!!!  Oh grrrrr.  You know what tired feels like, and if you are fatigued it is so much different than tired.  You need to trust yourself and make your Dr. listen to you.

You are special! You matter!  Your worries and concerns are valid and mean something.  Be forceful and get your point across.  In some cases, it could be a matter of life and death.  My mom ( an R.N. for all of her adult life) used to say the only difference between a Doctor and God is that God knows he isn't a Doctor.  Get it.......?

Anyway, it is important to know your body.  It is also vitally important to trust your instincts.  Don't let others treat you like you are a hypochondriac.  If you believe you have something wrong in your body, pursue it vigilantly.  That my friends is the best unsolicited advice I have for you or anyone who will listen.

Thank you for stopping by,

Leslie

Sadie's puppy training class

Hello People, Here is the promised puppy training video. She did great! 7 more weeks of class, and she will be a perfectly proper dog. Enjoy! Leslie

Beauty from ashes

Today is a rotten day for mr to film. I am in a great deal of pain and tired from getting up early with the "baby" puppy. I love her gobs and bunches. She is wearing me out!! So, I had intended to vlog today. My video schedule is for Mondays. But I am quite emo, tearful, and on the lower end of totally bummed. Lots of emotional stuff is happening in life right now. So, i'm blogging instead. Even though my face is too puffy to film, I know that God will give me beauty for these ashes. Look for a more uplifting vlog from me tomorrow! I will film a bit of Sadie, Mo and I at puppy training class tonight and try to post that for you tomorrow. Thanks for stopping by, Leslie

Autumn decorations

Hey People, I made a quick slide show to show the things I talked about on facebook earlier. These are just some decorations and Autumn type items to decorate for the season. Leave comments and let me know what you think! I would like to add 5 or 6 more pillows to the window seat. Do you have any suggestions? I am totally open to hearing what type of decorating advice you have to share. Also, please leave video comments or comments on how you decorate for Fall. Leslie

September favorites

Hi there People! How is everybody doing? I'm pretty good. I had today off of chemo so I was pretty happy about that. I do get to go tomorrow though. Woot woot! Not too excited, seriously. This little video is about a few of things that I have really enjoyed and found greatly useful this month. I hope that some of this information is helpful to you too. Thanks for stopping by, Leslie

Meet Sadie, plus favorites this month

Hello people, Just a little video meet and greet for Sadie. Plus a couple things that are favorites for the month of August/September.

Thunder Paws and Sadie Pie, smackdown dachshund style.

Hello People, I hope you all are doing well. I'm feeling pretty good all in all. It is a busy time with Fall sneaking up on us and school starting. Everyone is so preoccupied with the busy things that this time of year brings. It can be very stressful. But there are beautiful things all around that can make you smile and laugh. One of the beautiful things that makes me smile lately is my new puppy Sadie. She is so cute, sweet and playful. Plus she is just so Good! She is very trainable and is doing great with not having accidents and is training with the leash, and she is doing really well with crate training. I have made a funny and sweet video of Sadie and Oscar (my daughters dachshund) wrestling. It is so adorable. It will make you smile for sure! Have a beautiful day!!! Thanks for stopping by. I make new videos every Monday. See you then!!! Please take a moment to subscribe. Leslie

Ssdies first bath

Hello people, I thoughtI e would share Sadie's first bath. Enjoy!!!! Leslie

Puppy- baby dachshund puppy- Sadie!

Hello People, Watch this video of my new puppy. She is so sweet. You're gonna love her. Leslie

Fika coffee house tour.

Hello People, This is the 3rd of the series of coffee shops that I have visited in and near Parker Colorado. This place, Fika, was just loaded with charm. Such a cute and cozy environment. Plus the coffee was really, really good. I really enjoyed it! Please let me know if there where any coffee shops in Parker that I missed. Take a moment to subscribe or follow here on missditz-thebeautifullife.blogspot.com. Or subscribe at Youtube. Also, my video schedule is set for Mondays, so check back next week! Leslie

Awesome new hair color and haircut

Hello People!!! Today I got my hair color corrected and got a haircut as well. Everything turned out so great, I thought, "hey! I should tell the world about it". Right? Right! So, this is the tale of my adventure fixing a really badly done home bleach job,,And getting my hair restyled. I had a really great hairstylist, who happens to be a neighbor! Score!!! She is a really bubbly, talented gal. She has been doing hair for years, and is excellent. Or I should say, that in my opinion she is excellent. It was a great experience. I don't normally gush over getting my hair done. But it was really fun, relaxing and turned out way way better than I had hoped for. So, check out the video and let me know what YOU think about it. Leave a comment, or hit the like, subscribe or follow button. No, seriously, subscribe! LOL. Thanks for stopping by, Leslie

303 coffee shop

This is part two of the coffee shop series I am doing for in and around Parker Colorado. This is a little shop in Lone tree Colorado that outside of Parker near the Park Meadows mall. It was a really cute little shop that had a great atmosphere and a lot of charm. I enjoyed the drink, even though it wasn't a coffee. It was a blended drink. But it was the only one that compared to the chai I had at the Kunjani. If you live in Colorado I hope you stop in and give it a try. Thanks for stopping by my site. Hit the like or subscribe button. Leslie

Parker coffee house tour-Kunjani

Hello people, How are YOU? I hope everyone is doing great and enjoying Summer. I have been busy with family, and home, and gardening. There are tiny bell peppers that are growing. The ground squirrel has eaten a couple of them just as I was ready to pick them. So, Now I am picking them when they are still a bit small so the little jerk can't get them. I also have tons of little green heirloom tomatos, and cucumbers. One lonely strawberry plant and one lonely orange watermelon vine. I can't wait to try orange watermelon. I'll let you know how that goes, and if we get more than one melon. It looks as though we are moving forward on remodeling our kitchen and painting the house. I'd like to get all the carpet replaced with wood or tie, since I am not allowed to use the vacuum for fear of breaking my arm. It would make it easier and more comfortable for me to clean the house. It bugs me that I have to count on others to do the floors. GRRRR! So, I had chemo today. It was not fun at all and I do feel quite yucky tonight. On my way home I stopped at a coffee shop to begin a series of coffee shop tours I plan to do her in Parker Colorado. I have a video following this to show how it went. I hope you enjoy the video. Please comment below to let me know what your favorite coffee shop is and what your favorite drink is. I can't wait to hear from you Thanks for stopping by, Leslie

Before and After, Photos of my hair cut

Hello People, This has been a productive week off from chemo for me. I've done shopping, joined the rec center and actually worked out, and gotten my hair cut. I had it cut a month ago, but felt that the stylist didn't really change my hair much. In fact, Mo asked if I had really gotten it cut. He couldn't tell. So, Anna and I made an appointment at Ulta, and it was so totally worth it. The stylist really listened to what I wanted. She made great suggestions and worked really hard at doing my hair. I like the way it turned out. The shape and style is short and sassy. What do you think? Thanks for stopping by missditz-thebeautifullife. Take a moment to subscribe or follow please. Leslie

Get smoked with urban decay

Thanks for stopping by, Leslie

some products that I have been using and really enjoy

Hello people,
I have really been trying lots of new things that I want to share with you. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Repost of the popular Makeup forever flash pallette vs kryolan

Hello people, 

I hope that this post finds you all doing well.  It is fridge cold in Texas.  My poor puppies don't want to go outside.  Maybe the weather is better where you are.  Let me jump right in with my dilemma.  I have just started out as a makeup artist.  I haven't yet begun to work.  But I would like to start building a kit to do freelance work.  Many of the well known artists sites say that in their kits they have the Makeup forever 12 color flash palette.  As you may know, this is pricey and only available at sephora.  It comes in at a whooping $93 dollars.  I knew that there had to be a comparable product available for less money.  After some research I found the Kryolan 18 color shimmering visions cream palette for $53.00.

I don't know about you, but the Kryolan seems like a way better bargain.  More colors for less money, and 12 of them seem like exact dupes of the Makeup forever palette.  Being pretty new to the industry, I hope some of you can tell my why one would be better than the other.

top pic- makeup forever 12 color flash palette, bottom pic-kryolan 18 color shimmering vision palette

If you look at these side by side you can see the gold, silver, peach, blue, turquoise, red, yellow, green, pink, magenta, white, and brown from the mufe are also in the kryolan.  The kryolan has bronze, purple, orange, cream, sea blue, copper in addition.  I have heard great things about both products.  They both contain the same amount of product per well.  So the price difference can't be based on that.  I just would really love your opinion People.

As Alice's door mouse would say ,
Thank you muchness,

Leslie

Fiber mascara review and what I am listening to on my i pod.

Hello my people, How are you all doing? I hope you are having a fun Summer filled with travel, barbeques, pool parties and beach trips. I have had some house guests and some barbeques. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go to the water park. It isn't safe for me with my bone metastasis to go down water slides (broken bones and such) Instead I have been doing some shopping and online ordering (Amazon, hautelook ect) I will do a recent loot video soon. I really want to share these great finds with you! I am embedding a recent review on fiber mascara and the NYX eye marker, plus a couple songs that are getting a lot of play time on my cell phone lately. Thanks for stopping by the beautiful life, Please take a moment to subscribe or leave a comment, Leslie

June favorites

Hello People, There are sooooo many products that I use that are really wonderful. For now I thought I'd just focus on eyes. Since my eyebrows and lashes are growing back I have been having a lot more fun using shadows, liners and mascara. Plus it has been great to define my eyebrows as I have a hair "guide" to draw them in. Here are the products that I have become dependent on to create lash and brow looks. Take a look and see if some of them may be useful to you as well. Leslie

April 2012 favorites, things I am trying for May, and products that are great for traveling

Hello people, It has been a very busy month. I have been running around getting medical tests done, and doing some shopping for Spring and Summer items. Preparing for and planning trips for the season ahead. I wanted to share with you all the things that I have been using and how I like or don't like them. Plus some great ideas of things to take with you when traveling. Smaller TSA approved items. I think that you will like these ideas a lot. Some of them are ideas that I gleened from other YOUTUBERS. Let me know what you think. Leave your comments below. Here are some links of people that are mentioned in the video. And this is the site where I learned the information on where to apply blusher when you have "matured" Enjoy the videa! Thanks for stopping by. Take a moment to subscribe. Leslie

Bad hair day

Hello people, We all have what we call a "bad hair day" from time to time. I never really appreciated the blessing of a bad hair day until I lost my hair to chemotherapy. Now my hair is growing in thinly and there are a few spots that are still very much scalp exposed! Here is a photo that is a few days old. It gives you a solid idea of how long my hair is and how thin it has become.

I wear hats often to hide the little bald spot at the crown of my head. I have an upcoming event wear I will get to wear an evening gown, and really don't think it would look lovely with a ball cap or a cancer hat. So, today I am retrying the wigs I have. Right now I am wearing the long blonde wig. I really wish I hadn't cut the bangs. But I did, so there ya go. Here is a picture of what that looks like.

What do you think? Should I wear a wig with my fancy dress or just go for it and be semi bald? If you have style advice for me please place a comment below or send an email to the email link that is in the side bar to the right. I look forward to and appreciate your insight and advice! Thanks, Leslie

Basic day and night cleansing and moisutizing routine.

Hey people! I am uploading a new video outlining my daily beauty routine. I am trying out the software that came pre-installed on the Dell my sweet hubby got me for Christmas. So far the Dell is a hit!! Forgive the goofy cover screen of a theater curtain and a sign. I had already begun filming and could not get it to go away. I have figured out how to prevent that from being there in future videos. For now let's you and laugh at the silly screen!! Please let me know what your thoughts are on this video and tell me what sort of subjects you would like me to cover in the future. Thanks for stopping by, Leslie

Keeping YOU posted

Hello my people,

It has been ages and ages since I have vlogged to you.  The time has come.  In all sincerity, it has been my self conciousness at being bald, eyebrowless, and lashless that has kept me from feeling like it is time for a close up!  LOL!  But, I truly felt that you deserved to know what has been going on and how I am doing.  In the weeks ahead, I will post more videos and blogs.  They will be more personal and less cosmetic heavy.  Look for those soon!  Thanks for stopping to view my video.

Leslie

Makeup forever flash palette-vs Kryolan shimmer vision palette, the ultimate smack down!

Hello People,

A while back I purched the Makeup forever 12 color flash palette.  As you may know, this is pricey and only available at sephora.  It comes in at a whooping $93 dollars. I also bought the Kryolan palette that seemed to be a duplicate of the MUF flash palette.  I got frustrated with the Kryolan shimmering vision palette.  It was indeed much more shimmery, and despite using a terrific eye shadow primer, it still rubbed off everywhere but the crease.  Using the same eye shadow primer with the makeup forever flash palette held it in place for hours.  Plus I would get so many compliments from my fella and others when I would wear it out in public.  Now that is an awesome feeling to have others tell you you look great.  So despite the expense, I would say that MUF is a better makeup and a better value.  I still have it.  It lasts forever.  I have even used it to do fantasy makup on my son for Halloween. 

Eric made a terrific zombie, but my cellphone pic didn't do justice to how great he looked.

top pic- makeup forever 12 color flash palette, bottom pic-kryolan 18 color shimmering vision palette

If you look at these side by side you'll see the gold, silver, peach, blue, turquoise, red, yellow, green, pink, magenta, white, and brown from the mufe are also in the kryolan.  The kryolan has bronze, purple, orange, cream, sea blue, copper in addition.  

The MUF is more solid and waxy than the kryolan.  This Kryolan palette is more creamy and sheer when applied. 

Overall I'm still really enjoying the MUF.  The kryolan didn't make the cut during a makeup clean out when I moved to Colorado.  It just didn't seem worth packing and moving cross country when I was only keeping it because it looked pretty in the container.  LOL

Thanks for checking


Leslie

A day with coffee is so much more beautiful than a day without.

Hello people,
I am sure by now that you have heard me mention my love for coffee.  Looking back in time, I think I was 7 or 8 when my mom allowed me to have coffee that was mostly milk with a bit of coffee in it.  I believe that is what we call a latte now days.  From that moment on I wanted caffeine in my life. It became a quest of sorts.  As a teen I took my java with real cream and lots of sugar.  Talk about a jolt of energy.  Later I switched to coffee with milk.  Now days it is about a quarter cup of chocolate silk soy milk and then strong coffee.  I guess that would be a soy latte.  It is awesome.  So good, you should try it.  I am not apposed to having a shot or two of espresso.  I love tea as well, but coffee is my favorite of the two. I found an interesting link with information about coffee, and other interesting articles. I have pasted the information below.  But I'd be remiss if I didn't give you the link as well.


http://theoatmeal.com/static/coffee.html


The oatmeal is a fun site to check out.  If you have any interest in caffeinated beverages.  Have a steaming hot cup of coffee with me.  It tasted great on a cold winter day.


Leslie

All the little things that make this the beautiful life

Hello people,
Primarily, I tell you about  all the stuff that makes life beautiful.  Surface level stuff like make up, clothes, candles and fun things that I do and experience.  Today I want to go deeper.  Yawl know that I have metastatic breast cancer.  The past 10 months have been extreme.  I have 3 weeks of chemo a month with a pretty intoxicating witches brew of science to try and shrink the tumors.  Those tumors are in my right arm bone, both lungs, both hips and in right chest wall.  I've lost my hair, eyelashes, eyebrows and all traces of femininity.  It is much harder to put on my face or do my hair.  In the  midst of all of the treatment, being sick, and physical pain, I have made myself get dressed up and do my makeup and hair almost every day.  Trying to feel noral is my new normal. 

By making myself stick to the routine of being normal, I have managed to move from Texas to Colorado.  I have gone to England for the week of the royal shin dig.  Traveled with m daughter to Dothan Alabama.  Recently traveled with my husband to New Mexico for a family celebration.  I have forced myself to do more outside of my comfort zone  in the past 10 months than I have done in the past 5 years.  Because of these excursions, I have seen a more beautiful life than ever.  Sunsets, snow drifts, cactus, an amazing owl that lives on our land, lots of deer.  Even more beautiful are the people that I have spent time with.  My closest family members, old friends, and new friends, church too.

Oh don't get me wrong, I am still a girl to the core and love shopping, clothes, make up and all those superficial things.  This week I got news that made the beautiful life positively glitter.  I am in remission!  No I am not cured.  It will most likely come back, but God only knows when.  I get to stay on chemo to keep myself in remission, with a short drug break from one of my chemo drugs for a couple of months this Spring/Summer.  It may be tacky to see so much beauty in life when you know that you are dying.  But the beauty I see is less fake sparkle and more true beauty.  Less things and more moments.  I had to share this great news with my beautiful life people.  Thank you for sharing in this news.

Leslie