Yep, it is that time of year. Valentines Day.  Time for red and pink, candy hearts, chocolate (my fav), roses, and LOVE.  For some, just seeing this post you will shudder in udder fear of Valentines day.  You are either the single girl like me or the one whose significant other always forgets. 

For me, V-Day has never been just a huge deal but I have always liked it…single or not.  It is a time to show those you love, well…that you love them.  Sisters, Friends, Co-Workers, Family…your Dogs, it doesn’t matter!  So if you are like some of my friends and just because you are single - you hate the ‘V’ word, I challenge you to give a gift to someone you love.  You will see that it will make you feel better about the meaning of Valentines Day. Even if the gift is for your best friend ”It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).  If you don’t hate the ‘V’ word and you LOVE Valentines day, don’t worry.  I think you may like these picks as well.

Cyndi at Bella Merce makes amazing hand-stamped jewelry.  Her designs are very unique and would be a great gift for your wife or your best friend!

For the Lady that has it all and always looks Chic’ how about a little glam added to the worst job of all…house cleaning?

Great Home Decor gifts are always appreciated when coming from friends who know your style and appreciate it.  Keep in mind when you are buying home decor gifts for friends and family to get something that you’re sure they would love not something you would love. The Escents Candles are my fav candles ever.  Ambrosia and White Pomegranite are my favorite scents.  The Leather is pretty good too!

That wild ~ funky Cowgirl friend of yours would surely LOVE this Fabulous Cowgirl shirt, I know I would (hint hint).

Now, we cant get our fabulous pups.  They deserve a little love so be sure to gather up something scrumpdiddilyumptious!!!

I hope everyone has a FAb-U-Lous Valentines day and rememeber “better to give than to receive”  (who am I kidding, it kicks butt to receive).

XOXO

I Make-up.  Hello my name is Christy Jo and I wear makeup to the barn!

Many people in the Equine Business do not wear makeup on most days.  I support this decision no matter what because if you have the confidence to look how you look, good for you!  I have found that for some reason Cowgirls seem to have a higher opinion of themselves than most other types of women.  I suspect it may partially be because of the ‘I don’t give a crap’ attitude.  I agree, I don’t place to much concern in what others think of me.  It’s more important what you think of yourself.  But, I also know that many Cowgirls still like to get dressed up and every now and then just want to look nice.  Maybe you are a going to meet a friend in town for lunch, have  a PTA meeting later, or maybe your single like me and well…just want to look your best, just in case!!

Regardless of your reason for wearing makeup, doing what a Cowgirl girl does sometimes makes it very difficult to maintain.  If you got up and put your face on as if you were going to a fancy dinner, when you came in from the barn after riding colts, cleaning pens, and feeding…you’d look more like a rodeo clown then a woman with a fresh face. 

Whether you are cleaning horse stalls, competing in an event, or just going to town to meet a friend.    I hope some of the products can help you to not look like a rodeo clown at the end of the day.

I usually do not wear a heavy foundation, as it usually does just melt right off, even if I am going to the movies.  I personally like to wear tinted moisturizer.  Here are some of my fav’s, including this Laura Mercier undercover eye pot!

And for the make up on a budget, I really love this one.  It only comes in a few shades so depending on if I have a tan or not, I’ll mix the light with the medium, I am sure I am breaking a makeup rule but I don’t care!  Plus, you can find it anywhere, love it!

For the eyes I always wear waterproof mascara.  Not only because I sweat but because I have contacts and the wind out here…ugh, my eyes can get really watery.  I love Urban Decay 24/7 eye liner.  It seems to stay on the best.  As for my cheeks and lips I really love Benetint Lip and Cheek Stain.

(also in Pink) 

I hope your cleaning stall days get a little prettier!

I am somewhat of an organizational freak! If you move the stapler on my desk or the paper towel holder in the kitchen…I notice! I love to organize and it makes me feel like I can breath easier when things are in there place.  Many times I have made last minute trips to the Dollar Store because it’s the closet thing to me and bought them out of tubs just because I had to organize right now!!  Even in High School, my Wood Shop project was to make cabinets and a chest of drawer for the dressing room in my horse trailer, to put all my stuff in its neat little place!  I attempt to always keep my barn organized but the whole ‘put things back where ya got’em from’  doesn’t seem to apply to the people around me. (Did I just call out certian people, I think so!)  Here are some nifty organizational ideas for your barn or your horse trailer!

This handy grooming organzier is great for the saddle compartment or the living quarters, and comes in a variety of colors!

These next two bags match the grooming organizer.  One is for your hay, the other for your horses boots and/or polo wraps.  They also come in a variety of cool colors for any Cowgirl!

There are many other wonderful tools to help you get organized.  Whether it’s just some tubs from the store or something purchased from your local feed and ranch supply.  I have always found that it’s much easier to find what you are looking for – when you know where it is!  I challenge you to clean out your barns and your trailers…and see what you find.  Never know, might find that big you thought you lost, or even a pair of boots!  Here are a few more items to help with your organizaion!  

If you have any great ideas about getting organized or something unusual you use to store things in…feel free to share!