Truthful Tuesday!

Bet you thought I forgot Truthful Tuesday having already posted 3 times today... Oh no my friends. I could never forget!
So I started cleaning up my office today because we are relocating to another town in a few weeks. (I'm not super happy, my commute time will actually triple. Boooo. Not quite as bad as it sounds since currently my commute is 7 minutes. But still. Booo.) So I had a little free time and thought I should start cleaning some things up. Well... I expected to find old catalogs and things. I did not expect to find all these toys:

The Snoopy's I've had on display, so those I remembered. But I found the ponies, the football, and the Eeyore. Oh and a bag of balloons. Seriously? How old am I?

Have any of you made any odd discoveries when moving? What should I do with all these toys?!

An **UPDATE** on Sally Hansen® Miracle Gel™

As you may recall from this post, I received a sample of Sally Hansen® Miracle Gel™ to try and review free of charge in exchange for my honest feelings and sharing with the general public. Upon applying it for the first time, I was really happy with how easy it was to use, and with the completed look!

The polish is said to be as durable as the more traditional gel manicure that is cured with a UV light, but without the need for the curing.
So I'm here to report that 12 days later... it's not as durable as gel. I do think if you are a normal person you may get two weeks out of the paint job. But if you're a horse girl and braider like me, you will not. I got almost a solid week out of the mani before it went bad though, and I must say, that's pretty good!
Here's what it looks like today:

What a mess! I can't wait to take this off tonight! I'm not saying I don't recommend the product. I do really like it, and I think in a normal setting the results are perfectly acceptable. The polish is DEFINITELY more durable than your regular polish. But don't expect it to be AS amazing as a traditional gel manicure.

Have you tried Sally Hansen® Miracle Gel™? Did you like it? Let me know in the comments!

Barkbox AND A Horse Box ON THE SAME DAY?!

Monday afternoon was like four legged Christmas at my house! I came home from work to find both Barkbox AND A Horse Box waiting on the doorstep. I know I should review them separately, but I'm going to do them together.
A Horse Box- August Edition

First Look

 Aspire Hoof Spray:

I'll admit, I had to read the label to figure out what this was for. I have never seen a hoof spray that's for conditioning the outside of the hoof. Normally the sprays are a medication for the underpart of the foot. But this one is meant to be sprayed on the outside to condition hooves and keep them healthy. I'm interested in trying this one out! Seems much easier and less messy than the more typical hoof creams we use.

Absorbine Herbal Liniment:

I haven't been able to use liniments in the recent past because Rio is really sensitive. I mostly just use alcohol on his legs if he needs something, though he does do ok with the Vetrolin. This one is herbal though, and might be something he could use! I'll probably try it on Jamp since he's the one who works hard and could use a liniment from time to time. Plus he's not as sensitive.

Century Riding Cream:

Ha! I've never seen this for riders before! It's like anti-chaffing cream that runners use, but marketed for riders. I can't say I've been in a position to need this when riding, but I could see where some might want to give it a try!

Delytes Horse Treats:

 The horses and I are always excited to try new snacks! I wish they'd given a bigger sample, but regardless, we're excited to give these a try!

Cavalor Mash & Mix:

I'm always looking for some new ideas for a special treat for the boys, so I was happy to see this in the box. Rather than a normal feed sample, which doesn't really excite me, this is meant to be made into a mash (that's just when you mix hot water with the feed to make an easy to digest meal, much like a hot cereal). We often will feed a warm bran mash at the end of the week as a treat for the horses. They love it, and somehow always get it all over their faces. Just like when you give a little kid ice cream. ADORABLE!

So that's it for A Horse Box this month. It you'd like to give a try, visit them here and sign up (that's not a referral link, I don't think they have a referral program yet)! It goes as low as $17.00 a month if you choose to subscribe for 6 months. It's not really the kind of sub that gives you a huge financial deal (though last month was pretty good with the expensive supplement in it), but it is interesting to see and hear from new brands. I'm a fan!

Barkbox- August Edition (small dog):

First Look

 Lobster Toy!

No really, how cute is this?! And it floats if you have a dog that likes to swim. It squeaks too! Artie claimed this one right away.

Venison Jerky Treat:

P can't eat this one, but Artie loves it! They're crunchy so not really jerky like, but they smell like jerky.

Bixbi Salmon Jerky Treats:

I was so excited to see this in the Barkbox!!! Salmon is the one thing I'm certain P isn't allergic to. So to see these in the box was amazing! They're much like the venison in that they're not actually soft like Jerky, but she likes them, so who cares! Worked out perfectly to have a treat for each pup in the box!

Muddy Buddy Dog Mop:

This is a microfiber towel that's supposed to be super absorbent for drying your pup post swim or tubby. I haven't tried this one yet, but I have a bath sponge for the horses made out of the same thing, so what I DO know, is that's its super soft and the animals don't mind it rubbing on them. Sorry the photo is so dark, it's a pretty navy blue color which is tough to photograph in the evening.

Another great Barkbox this month! Way to go with the salmon treats Barkbox, P is super grateful! If you'd like to give a try, head over here and sign up (that IS a referral link, so if you sign up, my kiddos get a free box. They would really love you for it.)!

I think all of my four legged kids were excited about their subs this month! Do you get any subscriptions for your pets? Or you? Or your kids? What's your favorite?

Horseshows and weddings, OH MY!

This weekend went by so fast, I think I might have even skipped over Monday! Phew! I had a lot on tap for the weekend, and I'm sorry to say I didn't take nearly enough photos to keep you entertained. So I apologize for that, but hopefully I'll be witty enough to keep you reading!
I took a half day off work Friday so I could get Jampy all ready for Connecticut Medal Finals on Saturday. He needed his whiskers trimmed and a good bath. Plus some exercise of course. Rio got a lunge and some grooming, and I got the trailer hooked up, packed, and ready to go! All before 7. I should take half days more often!

I made every effort to get bed to early, and was up with the sun at 5 am. I had to get Jamp's mane and tail braided before we left at 7:30. He looked great when I got him on the trailer, but I could tell he was a little nervous. (He usually is when we travel.) We arrived right on time at the show, got checked in, and went off to find a place for him to lunge and calm his nerves. He was actually great to lunge, and didn't seem terribly fresh. Good sign! I still had some time, so I put him back on the trailer to have some hay while I watched a few riders go in the class before mine. I also learned my course. It seemed easy enough, nothing very tricky. Finally, around noon, it was time to get on! My trainer worked Jamp first to give him a little tune up for me. He was definitely a little more energized than he had been for his lunge in the morning, but he was working well. I got on and jumped a few practice jumps and he was perfect as he's been all year so far. I was starting to relax and thinking this was going to go just fine!
I had been a little all kinds of anxious leading up to finals, because we do not get any practice time in the ring. Jamp is a good boy, but he really likes to check out his surroundings before he has to be judged. In years past, I've always brought Rio to this final for that reason. He doesn't require orientation! So all week, I talked to Jampy about the weekend. I told him, all I really could ask was that he be brave and not spook at the jumps. Well... I should have been a little more specific.
My turn in the arena was approaching, so I took a couple more practice jumps in the grassy area near the show ring. (We were showing on grass, so it's good to give them an idea of how that footing feels versus the sand we had previously warmed up over.) This is when the nerves came back for Jamp. He even landed off one jump bucking! Naughty! But after jumping a few more, he was back to his old self, and I was feeling pretty ok about going in the ring.
Lining the one long side of the arena was a tent full of tables and spectators. They were kind of a noisy bunch too! I made sure to walk Jamp that whole length of the ring so he could take his time and see what was going on in there. I've had trouble with him and tents before, so I knew that could be an issue if he didn't get a good look. He walked somewhat politely, but was VERY tense. Normally I wait for him to relax before asking him to pick up his pace. But I was running out of arena, and had to put him to work. I asked for the trot and he let out a buck! <<Sigh>> That's enough to lose the class. Not a good way to start. He got that out of his system though, and cantered along nicely to the first jump. He landed strong, but came back to me. Jump two I made a little mistake, but he was right there for me (good pony!) and the rest of the course was mostly smooth. He did land and get strong here and there, but he never once spooked at any of the jumps. He did exactly what I asked him to do. Clearly I need to be a little more specific with my requests next year!

Riding horses is a lesson in humility pretty much every time you get on. Last year Rio and I were second at this final. And this year, I didn't even make the call back. It's really disappointing, but I am also very proud of Jamp for mostly keeping himself together. I can't blame him for not being perfect. He's never been on that show grounds before. He didn't get to practice first like he has been able to do at every show he's been to with me. And he didn't try and get me killed. All in all, despite being disappointed, I am really proud of my boy. He gave his best effort despite his anxiety and technically did what I asked of him. There's always next year!

Traffic was miserable on the drive home. I-95 north on a summer weekend in CT is painful. PAINFUL! I think our max speed heading home was 45 mph. We arrived home around 4 pm and I had to clean out the trailer, unbraid Jamp, and spend some QT with Rio. Then some scavenging in my empty kitchen for food and some much needed pug snuggles! At 7:30 I had to head back out to braid some horses at a local stable. They came out great!

I was home at midnight, but needed to stay up with the Pugs for a little bit. And by stay up I mean fall asleep on the floor with them.

Next thing I knew, it was Sunday. My schedule for Sunday was supposed to start out with a 7 mile run. But I didn't do that. I was far too tired to even THINK about it. I'm thinking the September half is coming off my calendar. Hartford Half in October here I come? We'll have to see. Anyway, back to Sunday! I got to sleep in a little Sunday until 8 since I nixed the run. That was actually pretty great. I then had a couple errands to run (almost out of dogfood!) followed by a visit with Ducky to say hello and bring him some more feed. After a short visit there, I rushed home to grab a shower and get ready for my friend's wedding reception!
The party was held at different friend's home that sits lakeside in a nearby town. It was GORGEOUS! The Bride is a HUGE Pinterest fan, and you could see she really did her research for wedding ideas. Here are some highlights:

Best Photobooth I've ever seen. EVER:

I really should have edited that photo, so you could see better... Sorry. Anyway, how cute is that?! An actual wall, complete with molding, and framed photos of the happy couple. If I ever throw Rio a retirement party, I'm stealing this idea.

It was impossible to get a good photo of this chandelier from down low where I stand, so I'll explain. It's mason jars, frosted purple hanging at different lengths. I love the concept, and really hope they make use of it in their home!
I didn't get any photos of the views nor of the pizza truck (the same one I used once for a party, and hope to again!). But I did snap a quick pic of the lake as I was walking to my car. It was a random home though. Not wedding party related:

I was home by around 7:30 since I had to feed the kids. Did a little straightening up in the house and then was off to bed. And here we are, back to the work grind!

How was your weekend? Do anything fun and exciting? Run any races? Tell me about it below! (No seriously, tell me about your weekend!)

I'm still here!

Hi Readers! I'm sorry I haven't posted since THURSDAY! The calendar is stuffed full of fun all month long, and it's catching up with me... But I promise, I'll be back tomorrow with all kinds of good stuff!
I'll have a weekend recap for you and a couple reviews too! Also a follow up to the Vox Box post. I know you're excited! Come back tomorrow for some fun reads! Until then, here's a pretty photo of the sky tonight:

Thursday's Threads!

Happy Thursday everyone! Almost the weekend... almost. It's chilly here in CT today, and I'm almost wishing I wore long sleeves... But I didn't. Here's what I DID wear though:

How crazy are those pants?! I love them. But we'll get to those in a second. Let's start with SHOES!
Shoes: Old Navy

I got these at the end of the season last year and never had a chance to wear them until today! They're woven straw, and surprisingly SUPER comfortable. Who knew?

Ok now we can take a look at the pants:
Pants: Rue 21

These ombre pants were super trendy last year, and maybe not so much this year. But as you know, I'm an amateur fashion blogger, and therefore wear whatever I want! Plus, I just dug these out of the back of the closet this weekend. I have a pink pair and a pair that's sky blue and mint too... You may see those in the future!

Belt: C.Wonder
Buckle: Vintage Gucci (thanks ebay!)

This is the same belt that you've seen before, it's navy on the other side, and usually sports my "s" buckle, but the mint color on that buckle didn't go that well with my pants today. So I added this fantastic Gucci buckle instead.

Top: Juicy

I love this polo with it's puffy sleeves! It's nice and long so you can tuck it in if you wish. I don't wear it very often as I'm not allowed to wear white generally. (I spill a lot...)

Arm Party!

I kept it relatively tame on the arms today. Lefty has the usual watch and also my white "S" bangle from BaubleBar. Righty has my horseshoe bracelet from Ettika, a gold with green rhinestone bangle that I can't remember who makes (it's stretchy, such a neat piece!), and lastly a fairly new acquisition from Ebay, my snakeskin Gucci bangle. (I really do want all the Gucci!) That last bangle is vintage from the 70's, but in great shape! Hopefully I won't break it too soon.

So that's my outfit today. What are you wearing? Do you have a favorite item from today? Talk to me in the comments!

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

I'm sure by now most of you are aware of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. There are several articles debating why it's great and why it's not, but I think it's pretty great! Whether it's raising awareness or actual donations, bringing attention to a devastating disease is never a negative thing! Plus my friends are awesome and are donating whether or not they take the challenge of dumping ice water on themselves.
ANYWAY, my reason for posting is that I finally took the challenge. And in turn, I've nominated some family members AND THE NEW YORK YANKEES! I could really use your help in getting my favorite baseball team, and the team Lou Gehrig (you know how they also call ALS Lou Gehrig's Disease? Yeah THAT GUY!) played for, to see my challenge. If you're so inclined, please visit Amateur At Large's Facebook page, and share my video!
Thanks readers!