Okinawa, Japan

Memoirs of a U.S. Marine Wife


After many months of our strong prayers and much anticipation, the good ol' USMC finally gave us our new orders. Unfortunately, they weren't exactly what we had in mind. My husband found out that he'll be stationed in Okinawa, Japan for a year. And I wouldn't mind Japan at all, except I won't be accompanying him. The military only allows families to join service members when the orders are for 3 years and up. This is only for a year (the longest year of my life!) so our newborn son and I will remain in the States.

I've been a weeping mess after hearing this. We just moved into our dream home. I spent so much time decorating the baby's nursery. We just had a baby--I'm already emotional from all the postpartum hormones and now this? The climax of the situation?...He's leaving NEXT month! August 31st. Our anniversary. Oh, goody!

I have always been a clingy person. Yes, it's the worst thing for a woman to admit that she's clingy to her man. BUt it's not out of insecurity or anything. I just don't like to share him with the Marine Corps :-) The only good part of this situation--if there's any good part at all--is that he'll be able to visit and I'll be able to go visit him in Japan too. It's somewhat exciting since I love to travel. I just don't know about flying across the world with a newborn.

As for the baby and I, we will be moving to Orlando, Florida probably a week before my husband ships out to Japan. Like I'm really going to stay here alone with a new baby. This is all happening so fast. But I'm putting all my faith in God because I know He has a plan for my family. I trust that He knows what He's doing with our lives. And I think distance will strengthen our relationship. Whatever the case, I'm willing to stand by my man--even if it's from hundreds of miles away!

Claudia Stevens Eyelash Thickener

I have been using this stuff for almost a month now and I'm not sure if it's working yet. I've heard good reviews about it. It's vitamin-enriched formula is supposed to make your lashes healthier, therefore, making them thicker and longer. I apply a few coats to my lashes before bed time and I've definitely noticed that they feel softer. So I guess the conditioners in this stuff is really helpful. I will admit that I've missed a few nights of applying this--it's hard to remember stuff when you have a newborn :)

I did take a picture of my lashes when I started using this stuff (June 14th) so I guess in a few more weeks I'll update with before and after pics. So far, I like it. I was under $5 at Sally's beauty supply...which is so much better than paying a hundred something dollars for the department store eyelash thickeners!

The only complaint is the wand. I feel like it doesn't get enough product on it, so that's why I always have to apply a few coats. And although the formula doesn't sting my eyes, it definitely makes them runny at night.

Oh well, we'll see how this baby works in a few weeks!

Drugstore Faves

Here are a few products that have worked for me AND my budget. Besides MAC, I have always been a fan of Revlon. I find that their foundations work better for my combo/oily skin & since my skin color changes through seasons ( I also go thru phases of tanning), I find it easier on my wallet when I switch foundation colors.



1. Revlon Age Defying Spa Concealer in Light/Medium: $11; works best on blemishes & scars--I don't recommend this for under-eye circles though. Easily blends onto skin w/ my finger
2. Revlon Colorstay Foundation with Softflex for Combo/Oily Skin in Golden Beige:$13; works better than MAC foundations on my skin; better color selection; medium-buildable coverage.
3. Revlon Colorstay Mineral Matte Mousse Foundation in Light/Medium:$14; Best foundation I've ever tried; Blends well, full coverage, matte finish; best applied by fingers.
4. Boots No. 7 Mattifying Make-up Base:$10 (only at Target); works better for me than primers from MAC, Sephora & Laura Mercier; a little goes a long way; you really have to blend it tinto the skin because it goes on very white.


1. L'oreal Colour Riche lipstick in Tawny: $8; a nice nude/pink color; long-lasting & non-drying formula.
2. Rimmel lipstick in Airy Fairy: $5; Great everyday pink color; long-lasting, shiny finish & doesn't have the typical lipstick smell
3. Sally Hansen Prep & Perfect Lip Care: $10; Primer for lips; nuetralizes your own lip color so the true color of the lipstick shows better (I have very pigmented lips); prevents feathering and bleeding of lipstick.


1. Ardell Brow Powder in Taupe $4; really colors in my eyebrows beautifully; applied with MAC's small angled brush
2. Revlon Colorstay liquid eyeliner in Blackest Black:$10; goes on in a fine line or thick line depending on pressure; not runny like most liquid liners; no flaking and it lasts all day
3. (not pictured) L'oreal Extra Volume Collagen Mascara in Blackest Black $8; hands-down the BEST mascara I've ever owned (better than mac, dior, benefit etc); very black; gives lots of length and volume after one coat; reminds me of MAC's plush lash mascara



L'oreal True Match Super-blendable blush in Tender Rose: $11; looks shimmery in the pic but goes on beatifully; blendable; comparable to MAC's Dame blush or Well Dressed; I depotted it but it comes in a small compact with a brush & mirror

Swatch: MAC Solar Bits in Bronzescape

My newest OBSSESSION

Shopping At Arden B!

Arden B and BEBE are seriously my favorite stores! It's hard to find cute clothes anywhere else!

So today I took little Jason on his first trip to the mall. Yes, I'm training him early haha! I picked up a few summery tops...I'm so glad to be back to my pre-pregnancy size!! I don't have to wear my hubby's t-shirts anymore! HAHA

Here are the things that I picked up today:

Marilyn Seamless Embossed Top in Sea Breeze: $9.99


Ava Ruched Tube in Wisteria: $12.00


Striped Dolman Tunic: $28.00


Crinkled Ruffle Top: $28.00


They are having a really big sale right now, so I had to take advantage! :-) All clearance items are buy one, get the other item for only $5. And I just loooove their rewards program. Every $200 spent, you get $20 off your next purchase!

Best Therapy for Baby Blues!

It has been 16 days since I had my baby and although I'm thrilled to be a new mommy, I can't help but feel emotional at random times of the day. I think it's a mix of sleep deprivation, hormones and just drastic changes in my body. I call it the "baby blues", where one minute I'm happy and the next minute, I'm just super weepy. Being a mommy is hard work, especially when you have a husband who's always working and not able to help you out as much as he'd like to.

Well, today since the hubbs was off from work, he watched Jason while I got ready and hit the mall. I only live 15 minutes away from the mall, but with a newborn, 15 minutes might as well be an hour because there's sooo much to do before hitting the road. I only went to the mall to return a top buuuuut...I HAD to go to MAC and get this lipstick that I've been eyeing for weeks. "Way to Love" from the Rose Romance Collection. It's soo pretty! I also picked up "Creme Cup", "Speed Dial" and "Jubilee"...these lipsticks have been on my wishlist for awhile too. I'm so drawn to the Cremesheen lipsticks.

(Way to Love, Creme Cup, Speed Dial, & Jubilee)

Then I caved in and picked up "Margin" blush. Why not? It's summertime and I need new summery blushes to fill up my palette. I definitely feel better now :-)

Happy 4th of July!

I don't need holidays like today to remind me of how important my Marine is in my life. But I'm so thankful that he is safe at home with our son and me. I can't imagine life without him. I feel so fortunate that while many military wives are spending their holidays alone, I can be with my hunny. So how ever you decide to spend your holiday, have a good one. You know how I'll be spending mine...with my wonderful, little American family.