Brianna's Makeup Regimen!

HI ALL!!

 

Once again, it's been a long time since my last post... So sorry!

 

Over the years, I have received so many inquiries about the cosmetic products that I use or how I apply my makeup... so I finally built up the courage to make a video!

 

This seriously took a lot of courage because I pretty much never (I don't think I have EVER) post anything of myself with absolutely zero makeup. Even in "natural" photos, I always have at least a little concealer and eyebrows lined. SO... if you plan to hate on my makeup-less-ness or the funny faces I make while applying my makeup, you can scat! haha.

 

I made the video for the purpose of showing you how I apply my makeup (which is not necessarily the "right way"... it's just "my way"). Also, I wanted to talk about the products that I use and prefer.

 

Hopefully you find this helpful :)

 

The first video is applying concealer, powder, brows, and eyeshaddow...

 

&

 

The second video is applying eyeliner, mascara, blush, and lips.


Click on the photos below to be directed to the videos!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy :)

 

5 Months Later... I'm BACK!

Well, hello there!

 

I know I have been MIA for 5 months (and 10 days), but I have had every intention of picking my blog back up where I left off when I had a moment to breathe
(and a moment when I felt like writing).

 

As you may recall, I started graduate school in the spring to obtain my MS in Merchandising from UNT. It's going really well!! I did awesome in my spring classes and I just started my fall semester yesterday. I've elected to only take one class this fall, however, because of football season, the holidays, and a couple other reasons that I'll elaborate on below...

 

1. I got a new joooooobbb!!!! I am super proud to say that I am in my 2nd week as the Assistant General Manager for Gucci at the Dallas Galleria. So many people have asked me why I left Louis Vuitton, and it's pretty simple; this is a better job, with better pay, more responsibility, doing more of what I love to do, and still working for one of the world's top luxury brands! At Louis Vuitton, I was the Operations Manager, which was a stepping stone to becoming a Store Manager someday. The Operations Manager spends most of their time in the back of house, ensuring that all bills are paid, maintenance issues are attended to, enforcing budget and audit compliance, managing housekeeping, electrical services, ordering all supplies, managing the shipping and receiving process (and the shipping/receiving employee), implementing new procedures to increase organization and efficiency... I could go on and on. It's a very broad role. However, that position was more about managing processes instead of people. In my new role as Assistant General Manager (a position that doesn't exist in the LV management structure in the Dallas market), I am still doing some of the same things that I did as Ops Manager, but I am also managing a large sales staff and a stock employee. This includes the responsibility of developing the team members to reach their individual sales goals, and ensuring that our store achieves monthly, quarterly, and annual sales goals. There really isn't much that I get more pumped up about than motivating a team to reach a goal, having one-on-one talks with each person to discuss how they can grow and improve, setting standards, following up, sharing ideas and best practices, and then watching the sales climb as a result of consistent, powerful, and thoughtful leadership. And the cherry on top? My boss (the GM) is amazing. Her name is Brenda and she is super smart, educated, experienced, tough but thoughtful, and very welcoming of feedback. She truly cares about her team and appreciates everyone for their individual strengths. Best of all, the really appreciates me and believes in my ability to lead the team. She loves my ideas. And I love that! Haha :)

 

Love these GUCCI sunglasses! I need these!

 

2. We are MOVING! It seems like we just moved in to our current home... and that's because it's true! We have lived here for only about a year and a half, but now we are required to move because of Eric's fantastic new job as the CFO of the Town of Addison! This was a HUUUUGE promotion for him and I could not be more excited and proud! Because he is a town executive, we are required to live within 15 "air miles" of the town, which is basically about 20-25 miles when driving. Currently, we are about 35 miles from Addison... but with all of the construction happening on Highway 114 and 635, it takes about an HOUR to get there! Moving will be awesome for me also, because the Galleria is about 4 minutes from Eric's office! It's not technically IN Addison, but it's right on the border of North Dallas and Addison. So, wherever we end up living, it will be closer for both of us-- and we're REALLY excited about THAT! We've had several showings on our home (you can view the listing here), but nothing serious yet. I'm getting pretty antsy because I just want to get the ball rolling! We are probably going to build a new home once our current home sells, and we'll live somewhere (like an apartment or condo) temporarily while the building takes place. I don't really like not knowing where we will be living in the future, although I have an idea of the general area... but I am really ready to get the process started! I started looking at builders in various areas, but they had a very limited number of lots left and they ended up selling out. Thus, I decided to stop looking until we are ready to start building so I don't get my hopes up for no reason. Hopefully someone will buy our house soon!

 

 

In other news...

• My brother turned 21 on August 2nd, and he moved into his very own (first) apartment on August 18th. I am so proud of him! He's becoming a real adult and it makes me feel ancient!

This was the 4th or 5th bar we visited on his birthday... He was drinking the Cactus Juice at Iron Cactus in Dallas. The pretty lady to his right is Elizabeth, his girlfriend :)

• I got a new CARRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!! My previous vehicle, Black Betty, was a 2002 Infiniti QX4 with almost 200,000 miles! We kept fixing things that would break because I didn't have a car payment, but Eric was starting to become more irritated as the problems became more frequent. In about a 6 month time frame, we replaced both catalytic converters, got all new tires, fixed some pipes that were leaking and causing the air conditioner to malfunction. Then, as I was driving down the highway in 102 degree heat, my compressor went out, which is vital for the air conditioner to blow cold air. So, there I was, driving down the road dripping in sweat, my hair sticking to my face and my shirt sticking to my back, not understanding why SUPER HOT AIR was coming out of my air vents. I turned the air OFF and I rolled the windows DOWN, but that wasn't a big help. It was still hotter than Hades. I drove as fast as possible to the nearest Christian Brothers Automotive, where they told me the estimated repairs would cost around $1,600. That was the final straw for Eric... so he told me to go test drive some cars. Only about 4 days later, and totally unbeknownst to me, Eric bought me the exact vehicle I wanted-- a brand new, 2012 Mercedes ML350! He picked me up from work in the new car, and I didn't even see him because I was looking for his truck! He honked at me and waved, and I started crying, obviously! I was so excited!



 

Let's see... what else...

• I CANNOT WAIT for TCU Football to start in 8 days! We have a brand new stadium and this is our first year in the BIG 12 CONFERENCE!!! LET'S GO FROGS!!
• Eric and I celebrated our 2nd Anniversary on August 28, 2012! Eric had a super late council meeting that night, but he sent flowers to me at work and when he finally got home, we went to Chilis (I LOVE that place-- don't hate)... but we plan to have a nice celebratory dinner in the near future! :)

 



Well... that's enough for now. Hopefully it won't be another 5 months between posts! Have a wonderful weekend!

 

XO,

B.CANNON 

 

 

B.Cannon Look Book

I must say that I am absolutely obsessed with fashion right now! 

Since fashion is cyclical, it occasionally goes through phases that are not always my favorite. During those times, I tend to stick to my basic chic looks... but right now, I'm all about adopting the trends! 

This spring, fashion is all about creating a fabulous look with a POP of COLOR!

Here's my look for today:

TJ Maxx knit top

Zara black leggings

Ann Taylor necklace

Tory Burch wedges

Why it works: 

This blousy knit top looks great with the super fitted black leggings because the proportion is balanced. The color blocking on the top is super cute but not over the top. The salmon color on the top is perfectly paired with the salmon color in the necklace, which adds a little sparkle and excitement to this fun yet casual look. This look is incredibly comfortable, effortless, and completely in fashion. It's perfect for my day of running errands and doing chores-- I love it!! 

Style Challenge:

Take a neutral color palette (such as black, white, and tan-- as shown in this look) and add a pop of a bright and exciting color! You can even try adding a touch of neon to your palette!

Looks I'm Loving:

H&M Top

J CREW Necklace

J CREW Shorts & Top

J CREW striped dress--
the perfect canvas for a pop of color!!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Dress

Marc by Marc Jacobs blouse--
the perfect canvas for a pop of color!

BCBG Maxazria skirt

H&M Blazer

H&M mini-dress

Banana Republic cuff bracelet

XO,

B.CANNON

Best Husband in the World!

Yes! It's true! I have the best husband in the world!!! 

For many reasons. Allow me to elaborate... 

1. Eric recently passed his FOURTH and FINAL CPA exam. I don't know if you have any idea how difficult the CPA exams are (there are 4 exams that you have to pass in 18 months), but the national pass rate for the CPA exams is around 10-12%, which is significantly lower than the Bar exam. Needless to say, I'm super proud of my wonderful, smart, and driven husband.

This was me quizzing Eric for his last CPA exam!

2. On Saturday, March 3rd, I went to Ann Taylor on my lunch break because their window displays and sale easel captured my attention yet again! I found an amazingly adorable dress and a stunning necklace to go with it. So, naturally, I tried it on and took a picture in the dressing room. I sent the picture to Eric and said "Look at this outfit from Ann Taylor! They have really awesome stuff right now!" Then I went back to work. Around 5:00pm, about an hour before I was scheduled to leave for the day, Eric came walking through the door of my store with a garment bag and small shopping bag from Ann Taylor! I was shocked to see him, and I knew immediately that he purchased the outfit I photographed when I saw what he was carrying! It was SUCH a sweet surprise and there was absolutely no particular reason for his random act of kindness. He just knew it would make me happy. Plain and simple. 

Ann Taylor really does have some great things right now!

3. He let me purchase this necklace!!!

Louis Vuitton Damier Perle Necklace! LOVE!!!

4. After a really rough day this past week, Eric made it his mission to turn my day around by cooking a delicious dinner and having a cocktail ready for me when I got home! He grilled steaks and bacon wrapped asparagus, and had a Makers and Diet waiting for me. Additionally, he had been keeping an eye on when the new Footloose movie would be available for rent (because I'd been DYING to see it), so he knew that it was available that day! He rented it for us on AT&T U-Verse, and we enjoyed a movie night in our media room. (By the way, it was a SUPER good movie and Eric even enjoyed it. There are so many funny parts and the dancing is awesome! Entertaining for anyone!) 

Delicious Steaks on the Grill!

5. While I took a 4 hour long timed-test today for grad school, Eric made sure I had everything I needed. He kept checking on me, asking how it was going, offered a cup of coffee, asked if he could get me anything, etc. It was just super sweet. On a particular question, I was struggling and he offered to look for the answer in my text while I continued on to another question. My pride made me refrain from accepting his assistance, but it was a thoughtful gesture. He is always so ready and willing to help me with anything, and I am always his number one priority.

My text books!
The test I took today was for the Educational Research class.

How did I get this lucky? I'm really not sure. I guess it's because we were meant for each other and we held out for each other instead of settling for relationships that may have been convenient at the time. I also know for a fact that God had HUGE role in guiding my life towards Eric. Thank you, Jesus!! 

Q: What's the key to a happy life?

A: Marry the right person! 

Eric and I on our wedding day-- August 28, 2010!

What we've been up to lately...

To fill everyone in on what's been going on with the Cannon's lately, here's a little run-down: 

My dad turned 50 on January 30th, but we celebrated his birthday with him this past weekend when he came in town and stayed with us for the weekend. I wanted to surprise him with something really awesome for his gift since turning 50 is a pretty big deal, so we ended up getting him a Sony Tablet (he saw one at the Sony Store a few months ago and went on and on about it)! My Grandma Dottie (my dad's mom) contributed to the cost of the Tablet, which made this gift possible-- thank you, Grandma! My dad was totally shocked when he opened his gift, which made me really happy! After opening presents, we went to dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. It was SO yummy, as always! 

---

I have been studying like crazy for my grad classes-- and it's paying off! I've received a 100% on every single assignment! I had my first exam about a week and a half ago, but the grades aren't final yet-- so I'll be anxious to find out how I did!! :) 

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I was a guest speaker at the TCU Merchandising Matters Symposium! I had a great time because I always love visiting the TCU campus, and I also got to see several former classmates. The Merchandising Matters Symposium is basically a series of round table discussions organized by the Design, Merchandising and Textiles department at TCU for Junior and Senior level students to meet and ask questions to industry professionals. I remember going to this symposium when I was in school, and it was kind of amazing to be there again, but on the other side of the table!! I've already received several emails from students that I spoke with at the Symposium, thanking me for my advice and for taking the time to speak with them about my career and Louis Vuitton as a company. 

...Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside :)

{I didn't take any pictures of my look for the symposium, which is so sad because it was a SUPER fab look... oh well, maybe I'll wear it again sometime!} 

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Eric and I went to the season opener TCU Baseball game against Ole Miss! Although the Frogs lost, it was super fun to see our friends! After the game, we went to dinner with everyone-- Jim, Sean, Bobby, Chelsea, and Wade! But have no fear, the Frogs beat Ole Miss during the next game that next Sunday ;) 

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Today is GO PURPLE Tuesday! I'm wearing my purple and white oxford Polo-- GO FROGS!!!

XO,

B.CANNON

Happy Valentine's Day!

Eric and I had a lovely Valentine's day. It was super low key, but we enjoyed it. I was off work for the day (thanks, boss!) so I spent my morning visiting with my mom at her work. I took her flowers, a card, and some chocolate covered strawberries! She was so excited by my surprise visit and it was nice to catch up with her in person. She looked so cute, as always!

After visiting with my mom, I stopped by Chic-fil-A to get lunch for Eric and I, and then I took it to him at work. He is super swamped right now at work, so he didn't even have time to take a lunch break! I sat in his office with him and ate while he worked and kind of ate-- haha. Then I did a few errands and things before Eric got home that evening.

When I heard Eric's truck pulling into our driveway, I raced to get Louis (our little Maltese) in his bumblebee costume. Why was I putting Louis in his bee costume, you might ask? Well because it was part of my card delivery presentation, of course! (haha!) I got a card for Eric that was "from the dogs", which had a bulldog on the front dressed in a bumblebee costume. When you open the card, it says "Will you BEE my Valentine?" So naturally, I taped the card to the wings of Louis' bee costume so he could run to the front door to greet his dad and give the valentine's day card himself! (Genius, I know.) The card delivery presentation for the card I gave to Eric from myself was much less entertaining-- I just handed it to him. But it was a sweet card, so I know he liked it :)

After the card exchange, we went to the AMC Cinema Suites to watch The Vow and have dinner. It was an absolutely fantastic movie, by the way!

So... in the spirit of Valentine's Day and all things lovey-dovey, I feel compelled to share just how lucky I am to be in the relationship that I'm in. And for those of you out there who are not in relationships, or who are questioning whether your relationship is right for you, maybe this can help guide you. I'm certainly not saying that our relationship is perfect, but it's perfect for us.

• I'm lucky to have a husband that ALWAYS puts my wants and needs before his own.
• I'm lucky to be in a relationship that is BALANCED. Neither one of us "wears the pants". Sure, there are certain issues where one of us can "pull rank", but we have a mutual respect for eachother.
• I'm lucky to be in a relationship where I can be myself and my husband absolutely loves me for that, and vice versa. We don't have to sugar coat our opinions, try not to hurt eachother's feelings, or hide how we really feel about something.
• I'm lucky to be in a relationship where we really do "get" eachother. If I randomly start crying (which is rare-- but it has happened) Eric knows exactly what to do to make me smile. Likewise, if Eric is in a mood (he doesn't cry --ever-- for the record) I always make him talk about it (even if he doesn't want to) because it always makes him feel better.
• I'm lucky to be in a relationship where we have the same priorities and goals. One of us isn't the "hard worker"-- we both work our butts off. Additionally, we have the same views on when we want to raise a family, where we want to be in life by a certain age, how we want to live our life, the kind of people we want to be, etc. etc. etc...
• I'm lucky that my husband really is my best friend. I've heard so many people in relationships (even un-married couples) that say they just need a "break" or time with the guys/girls. While we both certainly have our own friends, we really do love to be together. Neither of us have ever said that we need our "space" or time away with our friends. Not that spending time with friends is unhealthy or bad-- we just genuinely would rather spend time with eachother! Even when I travel to amazing places for work, I miss him constantly. 
• I'm lucky to be in a relationship where we are each proud to be each other's spouse. We don't "poke fun" at one another. If we were ever in a situation where someone was giving one of us a hard time, we are always ready to defend our other half-- even if it's not really necessary. There are some relationships where the wife is always joking about her husband being lazy or not thoughtful... or the husband jokes about how the wife has the key to his ball and chain... or whatever. But I'm glad that in my relationship, we don't like to put each other down-- even if it is "just a joke". 
• I'm lucky to be in a relationship where fighting is not an issue. This doesn't mean we don't fight-- because we definitely do. Eric and I are both super passionate, hot-headed people who are both aggressive and confrontational... so this usually leads to a "fight" about something totally not important. However, the difference between our relationship and all others that I've observed is that our "fights" don't last longer than 10 minutes. Literally. We just can't stay mad at each other. We don't like how it feels, and one of us always feels bad (either for getting mad or for making the other mad). It usually ends with Eric making me laugh, and one of us apologizing for losing our cool. 
• I'm lucky to be in a relationship where acts of kindness are random, and not reserved just for holidays. Maybe this is why Valentine's day is not a big deal to me. If there is something I really want, Eric will get it for me-- no occasion needed. Likewise, if there is something Eric wants, I always encourage him to get it regardless of whether or not there is an occasion for the purchase (I don't go buy things for him randomly because he is the keeper of the finances! haha). It's fun to live a life where exciting things can happen at any time, and not just when it's a holiday.

Well, I'm sure I could go on forever... but that's all I've got for now. If you're not in a relationship, I recommend using those bullets as a guide for what you should look for. If you are in a relationship, hopefully this already applies to you.

I hope you had a Happy Valentine's Day filled with LOVE! But more than anything, I hope you find (or are already in) a relationship where every day feels like Valentine's Day! :)

XO,

B.CANNON

Words Per Minute

HI Everyone! So while I was just taking a break from writing my horribly long exam review, I was thinking to myself how I am kind of impressed with how fast I have been typing my notes as I read my text book-- and with relatively few errors! It made me want to find a Words Per Minute test online to see what my actual WPM count is and how accurate I am. Well it only took about 2 seconds to find this easy WPM test!

A "good" score is around 45 words per minute, although professional typists usually type around 100 WPM!

Here's my score after my first attempt... maybe after all of this review typing, my WPM will improve even more! :) Haha.

Words Per Minute Test

Your Typing Speed is 50 Words Per Minute.
You typed 1 incorrect words.
Your gross typing speed is 51 words per minute.
Your accuracy is 98%.