My first retouch - Your critique

[ISeek]

Let me start by saying, I am not a Professional retoucher or photographer nor do I intend to be. Photography and PS means only thing for me...my family pictures. But I do like to learn new things. That is why I find this forum extremely useful.
I know I haven't done a great job on this photo of my wife. But I just don't know what I did wrong. Also, if you look at the layers that I created, it was too messy.
That is why I need your opinion of how I could have done things differently. I could upload the psd or my layers screen-shot if you would like.

Here's is before

[ISeek]

Here's is after

[sympa]

Overall for a first retouch good job! DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED. I do have some tips though. Bouncing between the two images there are some thing sthat stick out - really need to be careful with the hair line. The top left of her hair line agains the background looks a little botched. Additionally be VERY careful with skin tones. The original image looks natural whereas the retouched image looks a little ashy because she is so desaturated. Additionally you lightened the shadows on her face which in and of itself can be a good idea - however because of the desaturation the skin has begun to look a little muddy color wise. Other than that good job