sunday social: all about the 5's

1. 5 things you want us to know about you:

• I am an only child.  My parents were 40 when they had me and had raised my cousin from the time she was a teenager until she was emancipated from her parents.  I have several "spoiled only child" qualities but my parents were also fairly strict because they'd learned a lot from raising a teenager. 
• I'm just starting to really think about how growing up in Appalachia shaped my identity; in college, I tried to escape that culture, but now I'm trying to embrace it.
• I am an evangelical Christian and also a liberal, progressive, pro marriage equality, pro-choice, pro stronger gun control Democrat.  That makes me a real weirdo in Southwest Virginia and a lot of people don't understand how my faith and political viewpoints can co-exist. 
• I'm a workaholic.  Being a teacher is a dream come true for me and I take it very seriously.  No matter where I am or what I'm doing, I'm probably thinking about lesson plans or how to reach a difficult student.
• Mr. Q and I have been married for three years now and I think our relationship is stronger than it has ever been.  I truly consider him my best friend and would rather spend time with him than anyone else.

2. 5 favorite things about blogging:

• Getting to know people I would never know otherwise because there are so many miles between us or because our lives are so different.
• Having a hobby that allows me to practice my writing and develop my voice while reaching an authentic audience of my peers.
• I've learned about so many cool things that I love from reading blogs, from TV shows to watch and new bands to listen to, to housecleaning hacks and DIY ideas.
• Learning that I really do enjoy photography and photo editing as a hobby - I need more practice but so far I know that my "style" = lots of brightness.
• I can't remember when I first started adding fashion posts to the blog, but participating in fashion-themed link-ups and researching trends has really helped me develop a more streamlined personal style.  I'm not buying many items that just sit in the closet because I have a lot more styling ideas thanks to my fashion blogger friends.

3. 5 things you are doing before the year is over:

• Welcoming my BFF Breeze's new neice, Kinslei, into the world in a few weeks!
• Seeing To Kill a Mockingbird at our local theater.
• Going to the wine festival with Mr. Q and some of our lake friends.
• Participating in the Color Me Rad 5K to raise money for Special Olympics.
• Hopefully visiting either an apple orchard or pumpkin patch - I am determined to get outside and get my fall on.

4. 5 favorite fall fashion staples:

• Scarves

• Riding boots

• Skinny jeans

• Pencil skirts

• Sheer sweaters for layering

5. 5 favorite beauty products:

• L'Oreal True Match Naturale mineral foundation - it contains SPF 19, covers blemishes, and gives my skin an airbrushed look.  I get compliments on my "perfect skin" even though I actually have a ton of pockmarks and acne scars.
• Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer - extended time in the sun just isn't part of my lifestyle and I'm very serious about using SPF and wearing hats when I am outside.  As a result, I'm naturally very pale and need help keeping a healthy glow.
• Physicians Formula HappyBooster bronzer and blush - the second part of my fake-glow regimen.  This blush and bronzer combo looks so natural and blends really well.
• Almay Smoky Eye Shadow Trio - the perfect combination of colors for brown eyed girls.
• Neutrogena Moisture Smooth Color Stick - it smells good and feels really soft, not dry and lipstick-y.

I look forward to reading all of your Sunday Social posts this week and to chatting with you in the comments!