Merry Christmas

December 24 - 25 Days of Christmas Blogging Challenge

The weekend was spent with my family!

 Now, it's time to get ready for Christmas Day!

December 22 - 25 days of Christmas Blogging Challenge

I made these antipasto skewers for a party!  They were so easy and yummy!

• Cheese tortellini (cooked and tossed with Italian dressing)
• Green and black olives
• Salami
• Pepperoni
• Tomato
• Wooden Skewers

December 21 - 25 Days of Christmas Blogging Challenge

Elisan is done with "phase 1" of orthodontics treatment!  Just in time for Christmas!

December 20 - 25 Days of Christmas Blogging Challenge

Found another cute idea on Pinterest the other day. 

You take one dollar bills and roll them up, tie 'em with a ribbon and stuff them in a bag to make a big ol bag of "dough".  However, the cutesy little poem about a ginger man would be kinda weird to give to my 18 and 16 year old nephews. 

So, instead... I'm made them a Moustache Cash Stash. 

I'm sure you remember my family's addiction to "The Regular Show" right?  Mordecai, one of the main characters, has been known to say, "moustashe cash stash" on occasion.  It's funny, it's catchy.

It would have been really great to have bought the t-shirt for them, along with the cash stash, but I don't think that far in advance.  So, they will have to settle for the wad of cash instead.

Just what a teenage boy always wanted.

December 19 - 25 Days of Christmas Blogging Challenge

I love stationery.  I mean... LOVE it!  I use note cards for anything and everything... Sending notes to school, attaching to a gift, notes to friend, notes to myself...

So, here's a little something I whipped up for you... or for someone else (perhaps on your Christmas list... a neighbor, a teacher, a coach.)  And you know I love Kinko's.  For $.60 per page you can have these printed in color... just be sure to bring in your own cardstock!  (That's like $.15 per card!)

Add your name to the bottom and you have a custom card!  The font is "Grand Hotel" by Astigmatic and can be downloaded here.

  

4 per page of 4x5 notecards in hi-res .pdf format or .jpeg format

Or, download individual cards.

Add a name at the bottom for a custom card!

Click here to download.

December 18 - 25 Days of Christmas Blogging Challenge

December 17 - 25 Days of Christmas Blogging Challenge

My list of favorite things continues. Today, I'm going to write about my favorite clothing and accessory items.

If you don't know by now, I'm pretty low maintenance.  I like nice things, but I don't like spending a lot of money.  How does that work?  Well, it works by being patient and seeking out bargains at places that some people... heck, most people, would turn their nose up at.

Look, I'm not gonna lie.  I WISH I could go out and spend $100.00 on a fabulous pair of jeans, but it's just not going to happen.  I'm a stay at home and we live on one income and send our girls to private school on top of that.  So, the purse strings around here can be pretty tight.  But, I will be the first to admit, our needs are always met, but our "wants"... eh, like I said... sometimes it requires patience.

So, I make this list cautiously and preface it by saying...the items on my list have NOT been purchased at full price.  And, the reality of it is... I found these items on super sales, eBay or resale shops (Salvation Army and/or Goodwill.)  With that said, please don't think I spend a lot of money on my clothes, because I do not.    But, there are GREAT deals to be had out there... you just have be... PATIENT.

1. REROCK Jeans By Express. I first learned about these jeans from my friend Kris.  I remember asking her what brand of jeans she was wearing because they looked amazing on her.  I checked online and learned that these jeans can be anywhere from $98.00 - $118.00 depending on style.  So, I decided to check out eBay instead.  I bought my first pair of ReRock jeans on ebay for less than $20.00.  Every pair, with the exception of one pair have been purchased on eBay.  (The one pair I did buy from Express was on super clearance for $25.00.)  I would suggest before purchasing on eBay that you try on at the store to make sure you get the right size for the style you are interested in purchasing.

2. GAP Favorite Long Sleeved T-shirt.  Gotta love a good GAP t-shirt.  And these are no different.  You can usually find these shirts online for less than $13.00/each and if you spend over $50, then shipping is free.  I wear them ALL. THE. TIME.  My only complaint is that I wish they had a smidgen of lycra/spandex in them, but other than that... for $13.00, you can't go wrong. 

I have tried other brands like Old Navy and Target, but have not been as happy with the quality as I have been with the GAP.

3. ME TOO flats.  Oh my!  ME TOO flats are my very all time favorite flats in the world!  Currently I have 4 pairs of Me Too flats - patent black, patent brown, silver (see left) and brown suede. I have my eye on a pair of red patent too, but I'm waiting for them to go on sale (in my size!)  I wear these shoes everywhere and they are so versatile.  The are comfy too (as far as flats go) and I get compliments on them all the time.

I've purchased my flats at TJ Maxx and Amazon, never paying full price.

4. Icebreaker Quantum Long Sleeve Zip Hood.  Y'all, I'm going to be perfectly honest.  I did not know anything about this brand when I found this same exact hoodie at the local Salvation Army for $4.00.  In fact, I was simply looking for a jacket to wear in the mornings on my way to the gym.  And honestly, at $180.00 (yes, you read that right... $180.00!) I would never, ever consider buying this jacket.

But, I love this jacket.  It's 98% merino wool which translates into unimaginable warmth.  I love the way it fits and it's very flattering.  It washes well, there is no pilling and is a beautiful color. 

Would I pay $180.00 for another one?  No, because that is A LOT of money.  But, you can bet I'll be taking care of this one.  (See, good deals can be found at your local resale shop!)

 5. Timbuk2 Messenger Bag (Size Small).  Like above, I had no idea about the brand Timbuk2 when I found my small messenger bag at Goodwill several years ago... again, looking for a small tote bag to carry to the gym and on vacation.   I think I paid around $7.00 for it and it was nearly brand new.

I love this brand.  I love this bag.  Made out of ballistic nylon fabric (read: bullet proof) and a water proof liner, this bag is basically indestructible.

These bags are pretty expensive brand new, but I'm definitely a believer and would pay full price for these bags.  I'd prefer to score another one at Goodwill (and don't think I don't keep an eye for one every time I'm there...) but I think I just got lucky that day.

So, there ya have it.  My list of 5 favorite clothing and accessory items.   I can't promise you that every time you walk into a Goodwill or Salvation Army that you will score an amazing deal, but they are there... trust me.  That's where patience comes into play.  I just keep a "running list" in my head of things I'm on the lookout for and do just that... look out for them.  It's that simple.

(Speaking of lists...I've even begun to train the girls in all manner of thrift shopping.  The other day, Kyla asked me to be on the lookout for a specific soccer jacket.  She just joined a new soccer club and we elected to not buy the $50.00 warm up jacket.  So, what did she do?  She asked me to find her one at Salvation Army and you know what?  I did!  It's a size 10(L), and she wears a size 8(M), but for less than $3.00, it works just fine!)

December 16 - 25 Days of Christmas Blogging Challenge

So, last night, we were having dinner out as a family.  During the meal, Randy began complaining of a headache.  About 10 minutes later, his headache was so bad, we drove home immediately and he crawled into bed.  An hour later, he began throwing up.

He mentioned that the woman sitting next to him on the plane from Taiwan was sick and he suspected he must've contracted the flu or something from her because he felt like he was about to die from the headache and nausea.  So, I quarantined him in the bedroom and slept on the couch.

This morning, I went up to check on him.  He said he felt better, but he still had a slight headache.  What's weird, is that, earlier this week, I had a significant headache for nearly two days and the headache pain I described, was much like the headache he was having.  (Throbbing pain, across the forehead, etc.)  As we were discussing the headache I had and the headache he was having, he asked me if I changed up anything while he was gone... foodwise.  I couldn't think of anything and then he asked.  What about the coffee?

And then it hit me... I went to check the bag of coffee and we had been drinking decaf coffee!  My withdrawal headache happened 4 days prior to his withdrawal headache.  And his was happening at that moment! I immediately, tossed the decaf coffee out and brewed up a pot of regular coffee and it was like he was as good as new.  It was a miraculous recovery.

Who would've thought that two days without caffeinated coffee would wreak so much havoc on our lives?

December 15 - 25 Days of Christmas Bloggin Challenge

It's a slow blog day, so I thought I'd give you an "status" update.

If you recall, over a year ago I declared that I was kicking the Facebook habit for good for a number of reasons.  Well, I'm here to tell you, that it's been 14 months since I've deactivated my Facebook account and I have no regrets!  So, without further ado...





Here are my 10 take-away's from my year+ without Facebook:

• I don't begin sentences with "I saw on Facebook that..."
• My face is not buried in my phone checking to see if anyone validated my status update.
• I don't get an obscene amount of emails from Facebook.
• I don't get friend requests from people I barely know.
• I no longer have to endure Fakebook and "Me, Me, Me!!!" status updates of people I barely know.
• I'm no longer bombarded with other people's political beliefs because let's face it... you aren't going to change a person's beliefs by anything you post on Facebook.
• I no longer have to "hide" people that are offensive.
• I no longer make up status updates in my head about Every. Single. Event. In. My. Life.
• I know who my REAL friends are.
• My brain no longer has to absorb other people's noise.

 So, there ya have it.  And that's what I love about (not being on) Facebook.

December 14 - 25 Days of Christmas Blogging Challenge

Ah,... my husband is home...finally... after an 11 day trip to Taiwan. He arrived late last night (um, early this morning) and I've enjoyed having him all to myself today.

Of course, we spent most of the day catching up on stuff around the house, but still... that's 1000% better than having him away from home.

My heart is breaking over the tragedy in Connecticut. I cannot fathom what those families are dealing with right now. I think I'll squeeze my girls just a bit longer today.

I leave you with this...a little snowman humor from "Calvin & Hobbes" to put a smile on your face.

December 13 - 25 Days of Christmas Blogging Challenge

Have I told you how much I love Pinterest?  Yes, me and a million other women (and a few men here and there...!)

I was perusing Pinterest the other day and I came across this idea for photo booth props.  So, I decided to make a set (or two...) for Kyla's school Christmas party and for our family Christmas party. They turned out so cute and the girls a lot of fun with it.

For my set, I used foam, plastic balloon sticks (for the larger props) and bamboo skewers for the small props.  I applied a clear coat of mod podge on the foam to give it a shiny finish.  I hot glued the pieces (holly, berries, etc.) and also used hot glue for the sticks.

12-12-12 - 25 Days of Christmas Blogging Challenge

Wordless Wednesday

December 11 - 25 Days of Christmas Blogging Challenge

I recently had two photography sessions with two very good friend and their sweet children.   I am definitely enjoying stepping out of my comfort zone and taking photographs of other people.  But, I still have a lot to learn, in the way of positioning and capturing candid moments, but I know that with practice I'll get there.

This family is from the girls' school.  Ms. Molly and Kyla are in the same grade.  Molly is a hoot and I love this girl so much.  Her twin siblings, Sam and Stella are so adorable and full of life and energy.  I just want to squeeze their cheeks each time I see them!

Molly

Stella and Sam 

I've known this family for years and years and years!  I think Elisan was in first grade when I was first introduced to DeAnna and her two beautiful girls.  DeAnna is such a great friend and I'm glad to have her in my life.  Her daughter Taylor is strikingly beautiful and a very talented dancer.  Kendall is also a very talented dancer (taking after big sister!) and is just as cute as can be.

 

Kendall

 
 Taylor

  

Sweet Sisters

Um... not so sweet sisters?

December 10 - 25 Days of Christmas Blogging Challenge

Y'all, I just had to blog about this wrapping paper!

I was Hobby Lobby last week and I was drooling over their beautiful assortment of wrapping paper.  I even had a roll of red wrapping paper with big white polka dots in my hand... but being the cheap thrifty person I am, I couldn't see spending upwards of $4.00 (on sale!) for a roll of paper that will End. Up. In. The. Trash.   So, I put it back and headed to the Dollar Tree.  I mean, I know I can get cheap wrapping paper there, plus tissue paper and gift boxes and not spend a fortune.

When I go home I began wrapping presents and would you look what I found?  The paper I bought was DOUBLE SIDED... AND one roll had red with big fat white polka dots on it!  OH. MY.  I had no idea! It was like a Christmas miracle... only it wasn't really.  But, I was super excited.

$1.00 dollar per roll... or $4.00 per roll?  Hmmm, that's a hard one.

Run, don't walk to your nearby Dollar Tree and snag you 2 or 3 rolls of reversible wrapping paper!  Tell 'em Erica sent you...only they won't know who I am.  But, tell 'em anyway.

December 9 - 25 Days of Christmas Blogging Challenge

The phrase "Necessity is the mother of Invention" is one of the most profound statements ever made.

So, the other day, I was checking Pinterest for ideas for an earphone (or earbud) organizer.  I'm forever using a pair of earphones and I have several pairs floating around the house, car, purse, gym bag, etc.  And because they are merely "floating" around, they tend to become a tangled mess... thus, my reasoning for checking into a DIY project to organize earphones.

Of course, Pinterest is a wealth of ideas, but nothing really spoke to me... i.e. required no sewing.  And, there were a lot of items out there, but I really didn't want to purchase anything when I knew I could find something at home that would work.

Then, I remembered I had a package of 1.5" velcro tape that I bought on clearance at Hobby Lobby.  And behold, an idea was born.

Okay, I know, this idea won't land me on the cover of "Redbook" but you have to admit... it's simplistic and genius and cheap and you can apply this idea to any and all cords that need to be wound up and stowed away.

So, here's my simple, genius and cheap idea! You are welcome.

December 8 - 25 Days of Christmas Blogging Challenge

This morning I created a goodie bag fold-over tag for Kyla to hand out goodie bags to her classmates.  She likes to fill the bag with  Candy Canes and Hershey's Hugs at Christmastime.

The girls have told me that hot pink and neon green are summertime Christmas colors, so I thought I'd carry the bright colors over for this project.  Why you ask? Well, because doggonit...it's gonna be in the 80's this weekend!

But, rest assured, we're actually going to have some cold (yes! cold!) weather moving in on Monday.  Yay, for weather that actually feels like we're in December!

December 7 - 25 Days of Christmas Blogging Challenge

Honestly, I don't know how two girls, who have been raised in the same home, with the same parents are so completely different.  Here's a picture of Elisan's desktop in her room compared to Kyla's dresser top in her room. 

Elisan's tabletop is "messy" but it is an organized chaos.  Kyla's tabletop is just plain ol' messy. 

And in real life... I'd say that is how they operate 99% of the time.

Elisan must take after me and Kyla must take after her daddy.

December 6 - 25 Days of Christmas Blogging Challenge

So, back to my list of favorite things...

Today, I'm going to talk about my favorite things for the home.  Now, this is a broad list of stuff that doesn't really fall into a specific category like skin care or clothing, so bear with me.  All of these items though, you will find in my "home".

In no particular order...

Yoplait Greek 2x Protein Coconut.  I love this stuff.  I was very hesitant to buy coconut flavored yogurt because I expected it to taste like a Pina Colada.  Which, I'm happy to report, it does not.   And it has a nice texture to it... not gritty, but definitely coconutty.  Definitely give it a try if you love coconut!

Slatkin & Co. "Fresh Balsam" Candle.  I bought this candle last year at Bath and Body Works on Christmas clearance.  They were marked down so low that I ended up with 6 of them.  And I'm glad I did.  I love this scent.  It's clean and woodsy, but not musky.  I don't know... it reminds me of Christmas without the usual Christmas apple/cinnamon mixed in.

Ultra Tide Coldwater Detergent.  I love this detergent because it is purposed for cold water washing.  I wash 95% of my laundry in cold water.  The problem I've found is that the powder usually doesn't dissolve well in cold water and a detergent residue is left on the clothes.  Not with Tide Coldwater detergent.  I can wash in cold and no residue is ever left behind on the clothes.  And, they smell good.  

Paper Mate Ink Joy Pens.  I adore these pens.  I'm a pen snob and when I bought these pens on sale when school supplies were out, I fell in love.  They don't smear, they glide just perfectly and the colors are beautiful.  

Plain ol' Ammonia.  Okay, please don't send me an email about the dangers of using toxic chemicals in my home.  I know, okay.  But, you just can't beat a spray bottle of 1/2 ammonia, 1/2 distilled water and 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol for an all purpose cleaning solution.  I keep a bottle handy to clean my counter tops, appliances, windows, mirrors, sinks, toilets, etc.  It's amazingly cheap and it lasts and lasts and lasts, because a little goes a long way.

December 5 - 25 Days of Christmas Blogging Challenge

Yesterday, I said goodbye to the last vestiges of my 30's and today, I say hello to my forties.

Honestly, the days leading up to my 40th birthday have been filled with thoughts of  'wow' and 'how did I get here?'  Not that I am surprised I'm still alive... no, more like... what happened to those 40 years and how did I get here so fast?

I'll be the first to admit, I don't feel 40 and everyone tells me I don't look 40... And it's true... 40 in 2012 is vastly different than what 40 was 40 years ago in 1972.  But, I'd be remiss if I didn't at least mention that my mortality has become very real and tangible this past year.  I mean, theoretically, half of my life is over... and dang, the first half zoomed by so quickly.

So, what have I learned in my 40 years?  Well, I'm not sure.  I'm not even sure I am who I'm meant to be.

But,...

• I know that there is nothing more important on this earth than your family.
• I know that trying to be someone you are not meant to be is only a burden.
• I know that I have limits and I'm not afraid to admit them.
• I know how to love fiercely and completely.
• I know that being a rule follower will keep you "safe", but oftentimes keeps you on the sidelines.
• I know that as long as I draw breath, God's not finished with me.
• I know that the days are long, but the years are short.
• I know my season right now is not about me and that's good too.

And, that's what I know.


Today is also my 14th wedding anniversary.  I'd have to say of my top 5 list of things that I'm most proud of, I'd say that I'm proud of the marriage that Randy and I share.  I'm proud of us... that we've made it this far... and have no plans of quitting.  That he loves me unconditionally and I love him unconditionally..  That he will protect me, love me and make me happy until the day we die and I will do the same.  That's he's mine and I'm his.


Randy, I love you.  Thank you for making me the happiest girl on the planet!

December 4 - 25 Days of Christmas Blogging Challenge

So, a while back I decided to compile a list of my favorite things!  I don't know about you, but I love reading what people use, what products they prefer, etc., because I'm always on the lookout for a tried and true item.

I'm not a big beauty buff kind of person.  I don't buy fancy moisturizers, lotions, make-up or the like.  I just never have been that kind of person.  I guess it kind of goes along with my frugal nature?  I'm not sure.  But, here's a list of my favorite skin and hair products.

1. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunblock.  There is nothing worse than that icky sunscreen feeling on your skin.  It's sticky, smelly and just ewwww!  But, I love Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist sunblock.  There is no ickiness, no nauseating scent and you can hardly tell it's on your skin.  AND, it works...amazingly well.  During the summer, I buy a can each week because we use it so much.  This sunscreen is pricey at about $8.00-$11.00 each (depending on SPF), but it's totally worth it to me and my family!

2.  Neutrogena Hand Cream.  Y'all, I love this stuff.  My entire family uses this stuff all the time.  Randy and the girls have extremely dry skin and this hand cream totally works wonders for their skin.  Additionally, I slather a good amount on my face, especially my eyes, at bedtime.  It's an amazing moisturizer for my face.  Trust me on this one...hands, face, feet, body...you can't go wrong with this cream! Price: $4.00

3.  Maybelline PureStay Powder Foundation. This has been my go to foundation for the last... I don't know... 12 years or so.  I love this stuff.  It covers well, stays on all day and feels light on my skin.  Plus, with a little added SPF 15 protection, you can't go wrong.  Price: $7.00

4. TRESemme Ultra Fine Mist Hair Spray. Several years ago, my favorite hair spray was discontinued and I was FORCED to find another hairspray.  Luckily, a friend turned me on to TRESemme hairspray and I really like it.  I use the ULTRA FINE MIST spray, which is not to be confused with any other TRESemme hairspray out there.  Don't bother with anything other than the ultra fine mist.  You can thank me later.  Price: $3.00 - $4.00

5. Cool Water by Davidoff. This is my favorite perfume.  It's fresh.  It's clean.  It's not overpowering.  It's just a nice scent all together.  If you are looking for a casual everyday fragrance, might I suggest Cool Water.  Price: $25.00-$30.00

So, there ya have it.  My favorites for body, skin and hair.  I have more favorites to share in the next week, so be on the lookout for my fabulous favorite finds!

December 3 - 25 Days of Christmas Blogging Challenge

My birthday/anniversary is this week and my family surprised me with my presents early!  I totally LOVE my gift.  I've been wanting some nice dishes for a long time, but never really saw anything I liked.  That's when I began looking at Fiesta Ware because it's open stock, been around forever and people who own it... love it.  Plus, it's bright and cheery and it makes your food happy!

I think Elisan loves our new dishes just as much as I do!