I can't believe it, I leave Wednesday for my mission! Thank you to everyone for being there for me and helping me take this step!!! I am just really anxious right now:) My heart is so full of joy for everyone who came to my farewell and have sent their love! Big kisses to you all. Check out this fancy smancy blog for the next 18 months for updates on letters and pics that will be updated by my mom and friend Devany. I would love to hear from you beautiful people so here are my addresses:

MTC address ( I'm there for 3 weeks)
Sister Erica Lamb
Indiana Indianapolis mission
Provo Missionary Training Center
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, UT 84604
USA

Mission address
Sister Erica Lamb
Indiana Indianapolis Mission
1980 E. 116th St STE 200
Carmel, IN 46032
USA

You've Got {Mail}

After quite the day at work and 439 panic attacks later, yeah it was one of those days.....I was so relieved to be home. I received a letter from Sister Lisa Summers who is serving in my exact mission. I tell you the timing was perfect, it's really been one of those weeks actually. She answered so many questions and shared a beautiful testimony and included an adorable picture of all the sister missionaries in my mission. They all look like they are oodles of fun!!! There are only 14 sister missionaries in my mission, so I'm excited to be able to get to know them. It was a small and simple thing that I needed and I'm so grateful for Sister Summers and for her being in tune with the Spirit. It helped me get my focus back to know this is what the Lord needs me to do, and I had a better attitude at mission prep last night too:) I also found out that my best friend Marie Miles and I report to MTC at the EXACT SAME TIME...woot woot! It's been such a tender mercy to be able to go through this journey with her. The Lord is truly in His work!!!

Happy Friday

so {fresh} & so {clean}

I get asked here and there what I do to take care of my face. This is something that I have had to learn and experiment what works best for my skin.

My routine:

• Wash my face every morning and every night

• Moisturize every morning and every night ( even if you have oily skin, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize)

• Try not to touch my face throughout the day

• Drink water

• I don't sleep on the same side of my pillowcase (I flip my pillow case over and then use a new one; I know high maintenance, but think about it when you go to sleep all of your hair products and who knows what else is on your pillow and so it just keeps things fresh)

• I try and exfoliate every 2 weeks as well

• Also with your makeup brushes wash them OFTEN
  

Some products that I use that are good for your wallet as well:

Oil of Olay Moisturizer
Oil of Olay Foaming Face Wash (Foaming face wash is good for acnaic skin)
Burt's Bee's Replenishing Lip Balm
I just wear MAC Studio Fix powder and not liquid foundation ( I will do a post about powders and liquid foundations)
A litte doo dad that I purchased at Target one fine day was the Neutrogena Wave, it's a face wash machine thingy (it's really little) that vibrates to exfoliate and deep clean and my skin seriously was so soft after I would use that.


Hope this helps:)

Rica's {Tip}

Okay I need your opinion so please please please leave your comments! I want to start doing little daily makeup tips and tricks and whatever else comes to my mind:) I do get some people that ask me about this and that when it comes to makeup and I could talk about makeup all day, So it's up to you if you want to see more beauty talk:) I also need ideas for a name for my daily tips, so don't forget to share ideas as well. I might do a little giveaway for the idea that I use...so start sharing!!!!

I love makeup and I love having a range of products from MAC to N.Y.C!!! If there is one makeup product that I could take with me on a deserted island, it would be Mascara. I tried this new mascara from CoverGirl and I love it! LashBlastFusion. I don't even have to use an eyelash curler, it's incredible. It gives me the length and the volume I want from a good mascara. I usually do two coats and on the second coat I sweep the mascara wand to the side, rather than just up, which makes your eyelashes look a little longer. Don't forget to twist your mascara wand as you pull it out and put it back in, it will last longer than if you were to pump it.

New {Blog}

So my friend Devany had a brillant idea and her and my momma are going to keep up a missionary blog for me. Aren't they the sweetest??? So while I'm off to Indiana check out my mish blog for letters and who knows what else will be on there.

{www.sisterericalamb.blogspot.com}

So for the 7.3 people that read my blog, add THIS to your blog list:))) I will still be using this blog till I leave so keep showing it some love.

{Boo}

Spent my Halloween with these little darlings.

{Ruffled} in Indiana

Anyone who knows me, I'm kind of obsessed with weddings...oooo I just think they are so wonderful and dreamy. I have a lot of wedding websites that I keep up with because I just get an absolute thrill creating and getting ideas for my own special day, whenever that will be:)))) So I adore, dream and love this site Ruffled. The most recent blog post was from a wedding in Indiana, for any of those who are behind the times, that is where I will be serving my mission. OH......MY......GOSH......love everything about this wedding from her dress (I have always wanted a short wedding dress and you bet your boots I will) to the sixties inspiration. Here are some of my favorite pictures...oh lions and tigers and bears I just can't get enough:

i {HeArT} makeup

Despite rain, wind, and just pure coldness we got some great shots of these darlings. I had so much fun doing their makeup and styling the shots. Dani did an amazing job and captured the vision perfectly! Enjoy....

This is my mission president and his wife, her name is connie collins.....yeah we are going to get along...I'm so excited to meet them

{Guess} What?

I'm going to Indiana, Indianapolis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I leave December 15......the same day as my best friend Marie...and my other bestie Kate will be in the MTC too....yay for spending Christmas together:))))) As soon as I read where I will be serving it felt soooooo right. I'm so excited! There is also a girl in my singles ward that is serving there now so I'm praying we get to see each and maybe we can be companions! In my booklet that I received with my call, great news, in the section on the dress standards for sister missionaries, they used to have Amish models but now it's adorable and happy and just oh so cute! My mission president and his wife seem like the kindest people so I'm way stoked to get to know them and do my best for them and the Lord. I got the sweetest little gift from my good friend Terry Lynn, and I'm just determined to put my whole heart and mind in this wonderful work. The church just announced they are building a temple there and oh my heavens I'm just so excited to learn more about this wonderful place that I KNOW the Lord needs me to be. BAHHHHH I need to get ready....2 months......

My mission call is here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stay tuned tomorrow for even BIGGER news. I'm in such a delightful mood today I want to share something that makes me happy...this album...Anchor....by Mindy Gledhill. I would describe this album as:

fanciful
darling
love
beautiful
adorable

Her first albums are more spiritual which is so beautiful and I just fell in love with her sincere voice. This album is more about affairs of the heart and she describes love in a whimsical way. I bought it at ladies night at Deseret Book last week and I think I have already worn the CD out in my car but ooooo I love it so much!

These are two of my favorite songs on the album, the lyrics are so romantic and just oh so cute.

This & {That}

First things first, wasn't General Conference amazing!!!! I had the opportunity to go down to the conference center to the Saturday afternoon session with Amy and Marie and also some friends from Australia that Amy and I met when we were there last year. I have been listening to the talks on my lunch breaks this week because there were just so many wonderful principles that I definitely needed to hear. I may be a little too excited about this but oh well. Our family received our awesome special issue of the Ensign this month, which is all about Temples, it's absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to start reading it! Along with that came a catalog of resources for callings, gospel study, etc. I was looking through it and there they were, study guides for the New Testament, Doctrine & Covenants, and Old Testament. I know what you're thinking but I have been looking for these specific study guides forever!!!!! I have the Book of Mormon one that I got from when I was in seminary and I loved it and I have no idea what happened to the others. This last time I read the Book of Mormon I used it and oh my heavens it helped me so much. It helped me dig a little deeper and truly gain a testimony of the truths I was reading. It sounds a bit juvenile just cuz it is from the good old seminary days, but I love it. So I have been looking everywhere for the other three so I could continue studying the standard works. I got online last night and ordered them right then and there. They were also inexpensive and so that was just another blessing:)))) Anyway you should check out the site {www.store.lds.org} Who knows maybe you find some hidden treasures as well.

P.S. I know, I know this statement is getting old believe me I've gone through every human emotion possible but I should be getting my mission call next week or the week after.

P.P.S. Shout out to one of my besties...Happy Birthday Kate!!!!!!!!!! She leaves on her mission to Thailand in 2 weeks and I'm going to miss her terribly but I'm so proud of her!

Whimsical {Makeup} Photoshoot Event

Save the Date

{Saturday, October 23, 2010}



I am planning a fun filled day to celebrate being a girl

I need models and I need them to sign up ASAP!

There will be 3 sessions throughout the day - I can only do about 5 girls per session so sign up fast.

Session Times: {Please sign up HERE for time slot you would like}
9-11
12-2
3-5

More details to follow. You may sign up by:
emailing Erica Lamb~RSVP on Facebook event page~Call/text Erica Lamb
{Please RSVP by October 16 so I can send you information}

Sponsors:

Oh So Glammy makeup artistry by Erica Lamb
Dani Taylor Photography
Whimsical Headbands by Jenny Hansen

{Why}???????

Why didn't this hunk-a-hunk of burnin love play the role of Edward in Twilight? Just something to think about or at least get you through your Thursday. By the way I have never had so much on Google when I typed his name in.......mmmmm.

All {Dolled} Up

Saturday was Morgan High's Homecoming and I had the lovely opportunity to do some absolutely darling girls makeup. Ooooo it's so much fun to be a girl. These girls seriously are the cutest and I was so excited to hang out with them on Saturday, I felt like I was 16 again, and I loved every minute. Love you Kinsey, Morgan, and Sydney!!!!!

P.S. If anyone ever needs their makeup done for that hot date or just for kicks and giggles, let me know:)

Voice of the {Spirit}

What comfort this video brought me to know that I'm not alone and the Lord is listening and answering my prayers in small and simple ways but extraordinary to me. My testimony has increased of listening to the spirit and following those promptings. I know how the Lord answers me and it's a sweet feeling to have that knowledge. It's been a roller coaster of a ride especially these last few months with making the decision to go on a mission. I believe so strongly in what I'm doing that I'm willing to fight for it. It felt so right to finally say the Lord needs me to go on a mission and I'm going to do it. I'd been too scared of the unknown and doubting myself if I could be trusted of the Lord. I know that listening to spirit continually will help me in my mission and for the rest of my life so I can truly gain that personal relationship with my Savior. I know he is in control and that wherever I get called is where the Lord has prepared those people for me. I'm still scared to death but I've been able to take great comfort in our loving Heavenly Father. I hope you enjoy this little Mormon message video:)

{High} School

So last Saturday I got together with some old friends from High School. We have seen each other here and there but it has been 7 years since all of us have been together. Oh it was so fun reminiscing from prom dress shopping, making our Halloween costumes, high school crushes, and riding with Tammy while she learned to drive a stick, well you get the idea. I wish Devany had been able to be there but she is living it up on the East coast! So much has happend to us all since, marriage, engagements, broken engagements, we have all graduated college, missions, babies, careers, boys. It was so great to have Diana's little boy Austin joining us as well:) Love you Di, Tammy, and Jen!!!!!!

{I don't know why the waiter thought that the plant should be a focal point}

Relief Society {Retreat}

So the relief society got together one crazy weekend and went up to Bishops cabin........where we did things like dance parties, moth killing, giggles, cooking, giggles, chasing butterflies, and giggles. Here some pics that Ms. Amy took:)

{You can see more pictures HERE....Go Ahead Click HERE}

{August} 15, 1984

Well it's almost that time of year, but this birthday is different I will no longer be in my mid-20s.....aaaahhhh.....Yeppers I'm turning 26....Here's a little look at the past 25 years:

Polynesian coco bean born in Cali
Graduated from college
Going on a mission
Dated a range of boys
Went to beauty school
Witnessed lots of friends get married
Overcame trials
Went to Australia
Lost loved ones
Started this blog
Saw my lovely sister get married
Crashed a lawnmower into my mom's car
Never had a speeding ticket
Read the Book of Mormon
Buried way too many animals
Created lasting friendships
Pushed my limits
Planned heaps of bridal showers
Danced my way through most of my life
Still don't know how to drive a stick shift
Never been in love
Love kissing
Created a style all my own
Still use my first drivers license....you better believe I was rockin puka shells in that picture
Designed my prom dress

{Loritab}...A gift from God

So I know you can all hardly contain yourself, you have just been wanting to know how my wisdom teeth experience was! So here you go and you're welcome:) Okay so I figured I needed to get them out soon and since I'm going on a mission I knew they were going to have to come sooner than expected. I've been terrified due to the horror stories of dear Emily and Melinda:) So the time came for my dental checkup for the mission papers. My bishop is a dentist and so he was awesome and fit me right in. He told me that they needed to come out and that he would be able to do that for me. Okay that's good and bad, but anyway! I know that I have to be put asleep, there is no way that I'm going to be up for any of that..I begged him to give me something that would just knock me out the night before....there were threats of videos being posted on youtube....so the day finally came! Oh my I was so tense sitting in that dentists chair knowing I would probably never remember this day in time! So they gave me some laughing gas which is amazing!!!!!!! I slowly started to know everything is going to be alright in the world......Alrighty cut to Wednesday...told you I don't recollect a darn thing that happened that day....until the call and text from my bishop...I HIT HIM hard and a lot during the surgery. They had to strap me down can you believe it? I also have this feeling that as I was leaving the office I said Thank You a lot to everyone...but I'm not sure. So the next few days weren't too bad, thanks to Loritab I mean who needs a spa when Loritab can relax you. I totally see how people get addicted but I won't get into that....I'm drug free.....so all is well and I will never have to go through that ever again....until childbirth....I don't know how you come back from that...okay focus....


P.S. Happy news my mission papers are going back in around September....woot woot....
P.P.S. I will be starting my fashion adventure on Monday so don't be a hater when I post pics of me that I took cuz that's a pet peeve but I promise I won't be in slutty clothes in my bathroom mirror and then uploading them on facebook in an album named "ME"

{6+6+2+2+3+4+7=30}

Okay so I'm way stoked about a little experiment/project that me and some stellar friends are doing. I just have to many clothes and so this will help me get creative with what I already have. My friend Danielle told me about this stylish diva that wore 30 outfits for 30 days. Sounds simple right....the trick is to get creative with what you already have. So I'm picking 6 skirts, 6 tops, 2 dresses, 2 cardigans, 3 button-ups, 4 bottoms, 7 shoes. So for 30 days I will mix and match these items to make different outfits....following....oh and I won't buy any new clothes or shoes during the 30 days! I am still picking out my options and so I'm excited to document them on my blog and we might make a special blog following all of us that are joining in! If you want to join let me know and we can be inspired by each other!

Last night my best friends got together for Marie to open her mission call!!!!! I'm so excited for her, she is going to Honduras. I have been so thankful for these 3 girls and the examples they have been to me. Kate is going to Thailand and I should be putting my mission papers BACK in around September:)))) All four of us are in a really good spot in life right now and things are looking good!

So I always have this fear when I get on Facebook and someone has tagged a photo of me and I'm going to have a Josie Grossie moment......well this is a recent tagged photo of yours truly.......

The {Cave}

I went to the Layton Hills Mall yesterday to go check out some MAC makeup and I just walked around to a bunch of other stores and there it was before I even entered the mall the smell of Hollister ooozzinng out of the doors. My eyes started to water and there may have been some stinging as I got closer and closer to Hollister. I walked in at my own risk of never finding my way out because I forgot my flashlight (thanks erin). As I looked around at the clothing I thought is this a place for little people, no one is that size and aren't hoodies supposed to be comfortable. I kept walking through the store which takes 8.4 seconds because they have 3 options tank tops, hoodies, skirts (which apparently they forgot to add about 4 feet of fabric). Not exactly thinking out of the box when it comes to Fashion that's for sure. I made it out safely feeling totally okay that my whole outfit that I had on probably cost less than the one stripey tanktop displayed on the overly tan mannequin. The end.

{News}Flash

Okay so here is just a quick update for the 3.5 people that read my blog:)I have been super busy but loving life. I never really thought of July as one of my favorite months but it has been filled with

fireworks.
drive-ins.
sales.
dancing.
movies.
dinner.
swimming.

I have spent time with some of my best friends who have helped me through a very difficult time...kisses to you all! I got my wisdom teeth out....yeah that's a blog post in and of itself. (coming soon) I have started working for my dad and I'm liking it and our relationship is getting better too so it's awesome! For the record I am still going on a mission I am just waiting for the doctor's to release me so don't lose hope because I'm not! I am busy in my singles ward with two callings that have helped strengthen me and have kept focus right on! Anyway I will be back to blogging more frequently soon. Thanks for reading!

{EmersonMade}

So the heavens have opened up and smiled. I pretty much melted when I found this website.....and the prices.....but nonetheless ENJOY EmersonMade

Eat Your Heart Out {Jasmine}

So last Saturday I spent the day with my best friend Casey at the Princess Festival. Absolutely adorable by the way! It is a fundraiser to get freshwater in Africa, so I couldn't pass this opportunity up...dress like a princess and help Africa...perfect! All the little girls were so flippin cute, even the one that threw up all over by our booth....anyway....it was a way fun and much needed day and afterwards Casey and I picked up some fast food and had lunch on Capital Hill...oh good times were had there as well.

{MOAB} 2010

So this trip to MOAB was seriously the scariest, funniest, hard core trips I have been on. I repelled 180 feet off Corona Arch...ah i get butterflies just thinking about it and we went on a killer hummer ride through hells revenge...seriously thought we were going to tip over numerous times and laughed till I couldn't breath every night. Whew...here's some pics and you can check out the video of everyone's pics HERE on my facebook page.

My papers are in.....that's all I got to say on this Wednesday afternoon!

{Zoom Zoom Zoom}

So this is the pic that I'm sending in with my mission papers...aaaaahhhh....I'm submitting them this week:)


sorry it's so little, but anyway...my friend jenny took these pics and yeah we took some way fun ones so i will post them soon!

Oh...Happy {Tuesday} Boys + Girls

Pure joy is what i felt when i saw this video...pure joy

Thanks ms. mckel for tagging me......1..2...3..4...

4 Things on my Wish List

1. Anything from Anthropologie
2. A new Mac computer
3. Chanel flats
4. Travel, Travel, Travel

4 Shows I Watch

1. The Office
2. The Hills
3. Life
4. Jerseylicious ( I know I know it sounds ridiculous but I can't help it)

4 Things I'm Passionate About

1. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
2. Books
3. Family
4. My Passport

4 Phrases I say a lot

1. Shut the front door
2. Say What
3. Seriously
4. Really though

4 Things I've learned from the Past

1. Don't hold grudges
2. People come in and out of our lives for a reason
3. There is a plan for me
4. I have the best family and friends that do support me

4 Places I want to Go

1. Africa
2. Hawaii
3. Egypt
4. Samoa

4 Things I did Yesterday

1. Went to dinner and got facials for Amy's birthday
2. Exercised
3. Cleaned my kitchen, bedroom, and my bathroom
4. Watched American Idol (Harry Connick Jr. was on, mmmmm, he's got a face like butta)

4 Things I'm looking Foward to

1. Going on a mission
2. Taking more makeup classes
3. Receiving my mission call
4. Headband Party

4 Things I love about Winter (this is a stretch, not my favorite season)

1. Coats
2. Blankets
3. Hot Apple Cider
4. Layering (wait I do that all year)

Tag 5
Jessica Cragun
Dani Taylor
Micquellyn Johansen
Danielle Chard
Mia Chard

Grab a {Tissue}

This video is so tender and brought such a sense of peace knowing that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and is my advocate. My testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon is my foundation. I have had to rely on Him so many times and it is a blessing to know that He wants me to come to Him. I love how Stephanie clearly states that "she prays, receives her answer, and does." This video is a testimony of our loving Savior. This video has inspired me to look for all the tender mercies He provides and know that I have a purpose and I need to trust in His plan, His plan of happiness. (ps her style and her house decor is delightful)

{Headband} Party

Yep Yep Yep it's about time I have a headband party. I LOVE headbands, it gets a bit excessive but I wouldn't have it any other way. So I want to share my love of headbands with all of you!!! So I have teamed up with the adorable Jenny Hansen, you can check out her headbands at {definedwhimsical.blogspot.com}. Put this on your calendars girls:

{MAY 7 at My House from 6-9}

All headbands:
one for $8.00
two for $15.00
three for $20.00

If you have any questions or need directions just email me {giggles1380@hotmail.com}

I will probably create an event on facebook, but feel to {RSVP} in my lovely comment box!

I'm Just {Sayin}

So I love this girl on American Idol, her pipes are as big as this generation! But her outfits.....especially after last nights show! I just want to tell her to take the advice of Coco Chanel (whom I adore) when you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one item. In her case, her one item would be butterflies!!!!




On another note this movie came out on DVD and I'm so happy!!!!!

Photo {Shoot}

One winter day in January, the girls in my relief society got together for a photo shoot. (the girls in my ward are bombshells) Dani Taylor is in my ward as well and she did such an awesome job with the photography. I had the honors of doing the makeup and it was really fun, cold, but fun. Here are a few pics: