Shop Update...

There are three new Piggy Bank designs in the shop!  More coming soon!

 I also have a brand new product in the works....I cannot wait to share!  

Hope you all are having a wonderful Monday.  I'm busy, busy, and getting so excited to see these peeps after work!


How's your Monday shaping up?  

Oh, and don't forget to go enter the giveaway!  Only a couple days left!

A pretty bicycle picture and random thoughts from the week....

            Source: community.livejournal.com via jennifer on Pinterest

I love songs with whistling in them. They make me happy.

How is it that running an errand in the morning makes me earlier than normal?  And I didn't even get up early?

I don't like it when adults say they have to "go potty".  It kinda creeps me out.

The worst part about people who push you away, is that when something really terrible happens to them, you're not able to love them through it.

I've been really aware of cattiness and gossip lately, and overwhelmed with a desire to distance myself from them.

I've been finding way too many grey hairs lately, and they're so coarse! I am going to have one wild head of hair when I'm old!

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It's Friday!  Hooray!

It's snowy here again today, and as much as I'm ready for spring, I'm trying to make the most of it.  After all, the Farmer's Almanac is predicting a big snow in late March, so it's far from over.  I definitely have the itch for warmth and sunshine.  This time of year gets so hard.  But, this morning I'm focusing on the beauty of the snow.

Tomorrow night we'll be celebrating my sister's birthday with some yummy mexican food, and Sunday we get to hang out with our small group.   And...I get to see my bestie on Monday!  Cannot wait to hug those little ones and have some face to face time with my best girl.

What's on your agenda?  Do you have spring fever?

p.s.  Make sure you enter the giveaway!  There will be 3 winners of some great OPI polish! 

OPI Review and Giveaway...

Until recently, I've only ever owned one bottle of OPI polish. {Gasp!}  Lucky for you {and me} the kind folks at OPI sent me some polish to review, and share!  HOORAY!

Now, this polish definitely lived up to it's reputation!  Great colors {fun names}, great coverage, quick drying and long lasting.

The glitter polish was especially fun!  I even played around with layering the glitter as tips over the solid shades as a twist on a french manicure.  {Shame on me for not taking pictures of that!  It was pretty fabulous.}

I'd definitely recommend OPI.  It's a little pricey, if you're frugal like me, but splurge on a great shade for the season!  It will be totally worth it!

I could drone on and on about how awesome it is, but I bet you guys would rather get to the giveaway!  Without further ado, here's what's up for grabs:

There will be three, yes THREE winners!  Each will receive two bottles of OPI polish, one shimmer, and one glitter. 

{for this giveaway, I'm trying out a google docs form. I think this will be easier, not only for me, but for you to enter.  No pesky commenting over and over, just fill out the form, and you're entered, including bonus entries!}

****This give away is now closed.  Winner to be announced shortly!****

Etsy Faves...

Psst..If you click on the images above it will take you to the item lisitngs on Etsy!  {I just learned how to make image maps using pugly pixels tutorial.  So fun!  Can't wait to make more!

Daily Essentials...

Last week, the lovely Galit tagged me to share my daily essentials.  I always love seeing what other people choose as their favorites, so I was excited to do my own.  I tried to approach this as what do I use every single day, or nearly every day?  I narrowed it down to: 

1. Hersheys Lip Balm. {this could really be any lip balm, but my latest one is Hersheys, given to my by my mama for Valentine's Day.}

2. Goody Hair Bands.  You'll rarely see me without one around my wrist for easy taming of the hair when necessary.

3. Mineral Hygenics Makeup.  Since doing my review, it has become a must have in my daily routine.  Love this stuff.

4. Yogi Chai Rooibus Tea.  I try to drink a cup every day this time of year.  Rooibus is excellent for your immune system, and this flavor is delicious!  {I like to adda  little cream to mine.}

5.Ugg slippers.  My mom gave me these for Christmas 2009, and they've been daily essentials ever since!  {in the coldet months at least.}


What are your daily essentials?

I tag Amanda, Angela, and Julie!  {if you girls have time and would like to participate!}

Five things to make this week healthy and happy...

                 Source: thedecodetective.blogspot.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Happy Monday all!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Sorry for bailing on you guys for the giveaway last Thursday.  I promise it will go up this week.  I just got caught up in Jon's surgery, and "real life" took priority.  I'm sure you understand. 

I never like Jon to be sick or hurting, but I have to admit, I feel so good knowing that I was able to take care of him this weekend.  There's something so rewarding when my inner nurturer gets to do her job.  I love my husband.

I was also able to pretty much step away from the computer for a few days.  I hopped on about once a day, but only spent a few minutes online.  It was so nice to get away!  I feel more refreshed this morning than I have in a long time.

That being said, I want to make sure I maintain my motivation and the good attitude I have going on right now, so I've set some "goals" for this week.  It's my hope that they'll help make this week healthy and happy:

1. Be in bed by 9:30pm every night this week.  I'm just a happier person when I'm rested.
2. Run 3 miles Tuesday and Thursday morning.  Not 2, but three.
3. Follow my cleaning schedule.  A little every night goes a long way.
4. Spend 30-45 minutes every night working on "business" stuff.  Including a tutorial for February.
5. Eat a salad with dinner every night.  I <3 salads, and they're good for me.

How was your weekend?  When was the last time you took a break from your computer? 

p.s. thanks again for all your well wishes and prayers for Jon.  He's doing well!  Getting better every day.

Staying at home...

                         Source: acresofdiamonds.tumblr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

{Needless to say, I didn't get the giveaway up yesterday.  It will just have to be postponed til later...sorry!}

Jon is doing well!  He's hurting a bit this morning, but that's what the pain pills are for.  We just had a nice long talk, and now we're gonna relax for the rest of the day.

Everything went perfect with the surgery.  Jon's parents came up and sat with me while we waited, and it was so nice to visit with them.  I'm continuously amazed at how over the last year or so it's really sunk in that his family is my family.  I love them so much.  I'm the luckiest daughter-in-law in the world, really.  

Thank you so much for all your well wishes and prayers for Jon.  We really appreciate it.  You guys are the best!

I don't have much exciting to post, but wanted to drop in so you wouldn't worry.  {I know it would just ruin your weekend! ha!}


I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  Any fun plans?  

A foggy morning...

Source: flickr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

It's a foggy morning here in Kansas!  It was difficult to even see across the street when I got up!   So foggy, in fact that I felt a little claustrophobic.  Does that ever happen to anyone else?

Anyway, I am on a mission to get as much accomplished today as possible.  Jon is having surgery tomorrow.  He has an abdominal hernia {his 3rd...they run in his family} that needs to be patched.  Your prayers for a smooth procedure and speedy recovery would be much appreciated!


I'll be playing nurse for the next few days, and we'll be doing alot of lounging around the house while Jon recovers.  That means watching a ton of movies and eating comfort food, I'm sure.  Mostly, I'll be doting on him til he feels better. 

I'm not sure if I'll be checking in tomorrow or not, we'll just see how it goes.  I forgot!  There's a giveaway scheduled for tomorrow so I'll be scheduling the post tonight!  You guys are gonna like this one, and there will be multiple winners, so make sure you check back!

I wanted to tell you too, I had so much fun reading all your comments on yesterday's post!  I'm telling you, those lunchboxes need to be brought back! 

Okay, I'm off to crank through some work!

Vintage Lunchboxes...

Source: chalk-jenny.blogspot.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Check out this sweet collection of lunchboxes! Wouldn't that make for such a fun kitchen/dining area!?

When I came across this image on Pinterest, it got me thinking about my lunchboxes as a kid. My first lunchbox was a Strawberry shortcake one. I'm guessing it was like this one on Etsy, although the design isn't really ringing true to my memory.  I do seem to remember that lattice pattern on the sides though!  

 

I also had a Sesame Street one.  {maybe it was my first...it's hard to say}  JUST LIKE THIS:

found here on iOffer.com {never heard of this site, but it looks kinda cool!}

Later, when they stopped making them metal and I got too cool for Sesame Street, I had a plastic Pound Puppies one like this, only mine was magenta instead of red:

via Ebay.

Ahhhhh, memories.  

Remember how great lunches were out of those things?  I remember staring at the designs, especially the Sesame Street one.  I always loved that they each have their own lunchbox in the picture too.  I also always loved the way the handle folded down flat, and the clanking noise it made as you carried it.  Anyone know what I'm talking about?

I wonder if my mom still has these...that would be awesome!

Okay, now I know you all had some character lunchboxes.....I'm dying to know which you had...do tell!

Oh, there you are...

Source: calicofrogs.tumblr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

I came across this quote on Pinterest.  It is exactly the way I felt the first time I layed eyes on Jon.

Have I told you this story?

The first time I layed eyes on him, he was just a tall, lanky guy across the parking lot.  {we were tailgating at a Royals game with friends.}

One of my friends thought he was a guy she used to date.  We quickly ruled that out when I ask one of the girls..."What's his name?"

"Jon."

"Okay, good.  We thought he was Bill." {or Frank, or Steve...who knows?}

But right there in that moment, I knew that I had to know him.  Something pulled me to him like a magnet.  It wasn't lust, it wasn't like that.  It was just as though my soul knew that it was in the presence of it's other half.  Except, I didn't recognize it as such.  Just that I had to know him.

Happy Valentine's Day to my sweet husband.  I'm so glad I listened to that small voice within me.  I love you more than words.
jen

If you have a significant other, do you remember the moment you met?  Was it love at first sight?  If you don't, do you believe in love at first sight?

Happy Valentine's Day!  I hope your day is full of sweetness, and lots of love!

A pretty bicycle picture and random thoughts from the week....

         image by Ken Stutsman (my dad) altered in Photoshop by me!

Apparently cilantro tastes like soap to some people.  That's crazy!  I love cilantro.  How about you?  {Thanks to Elisa for cluing me into this phenomena!}

I love how many blog post ideas have come to me this week.  I couldn't post them all at once, but they're in the queue.  

On Wednesday morning, I made some yummy banana and blackberry oatmeal.  I put a few generous shakes of cinnamon in it, only to realize it was not cinnamon at all...it was cumin.

Later that same morning, I stepped out of my friend's van, and whacked my head on the door.  The door didn't swing into me, I didn't slip, I just all out rammed my noggin' into the door.  I'm graceful like that. 

Best video from the week found on Etsy's blog:
 
 The Move, Paper Animation from Mandy Smith on Vimeo. 

I'm seriously obsessed with prize ribbons. I can't stop thinking about them.  I guess that's why they call it an obsession.

***********************************************************************************************************************************
Can you believe it's Friday again?  This week kinda flew by!

This weekend I'll be working on some custom piggy banks...oh gosh, they're cute!  Can't wait to share with you all!

We also have to get the office finished up...or at least functional...before Sunday, cause the small group is coming over, and I know at least one of them is going to want to see it!  {hi Amber!} 

Oh, and look at this forecast...

46 on Sunday, and almost 60 by mid-week.  Holy cow!  How is that even possible!?  Whatever, I'll take it!

What's on your agenda for the weekend?   What's the weather like were you are?

Prize ribbons...

I was recently browsing on Pinterest and came across these images of ribbons...

                                  Source: stylemepretty.com via jennifer on Pinterest

                                  Source: flickr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

They reminded me of my mother-in-law's amazing collection of ribbons. This isn't the best picture, but you get the idea. {she sent it to me to show the dogs and cats keeping warm in the lounge in the barn.}  She has hundreds of them.  They actually go all the way to the ceiling, so there's about three times what you see in the picture.  And every last one, she won herself!  Pretty impressive, huh?  I love the way she's displayed them on the wall.  

I think ribbons might now be up there with buntings and bicycles...love them!

What's your current obsession?

CSN Stores....

What's the one place you can get everything from a wooden swing set to a crock pot?  CSN Stores, of course!

I realized recently, that I never told you guys about my experience with CSN Stores.  When I mentioned my love of crock pots last Friday, it jogged my memory.  See, I got this great crock pot from their site, and I could not be happier with it!  It's easy, and programmable.  I can set it for 6 hours {or 2, 4 or 8}, and it will switch over to warm when the time's up.  Love it!  I'm not sure what I did before this little appliance.  If you don't have a crock pot, do yourself a favor and get one!

Now, that being said, if you haven't yet checked out CSN Stores, you're missing out there too.  They have over 200 stores with anything and everything you could possibly want.  Save yourself a trip around town, and hop online to do your shopping.  Their customer service was fantastic, and they even upgraded my shipping at no extra cost!  Thanks CSN!

What's your favorite kitchen appliance?

The fine print:  In the interest of transparency, I think it's important for you to know that I am receiving complementary products in return for a review from CSN.  However, my opinions are honest and my own.  

Opening up...

                                                     Source: downandoutchic.blogspot.com via jennifer on Pinterest

I've been working lately on opening up to people.  So much of the time, I try to put up a front of "everything's okay, nothing bothers me, it's all great".

Well, sometimes it's not.

I realized recently, that's what friends {and family} are for.  God gave us friendships so that we can help bear eachothers burdens.  

I think we, women especially, put a whole lot of pressure on ourselves.  We don't want anyone to think we don't have our stuff together.  We can't imagine that anyone else has doubts like we do.  Surely, no one fights with their mothers like we do, or snaps at their husbands for no real reason.  But the thing I realized is that we all do.

I am absolutely against "venting".  I think it leads to a vicious cycle of negative energy and only makes things worse, because inevitably your well-meaning friends take your side and fuel the fire that may or may not be justified.  {I'm not saying I never vent, but I try not to.}   However, I think sharing can be quite powerful.  I want my friends to know that I'm always here for them, and I'm guessing they want the same.

I struggle with worrying that opening up will make me look like a big-old-whiny-pants.  I hate the thought of being that person who is always "woe is me".  I'm hoping that as long as I'm genuine, and that I reciprocate, that it will be a good thing.

So, lately I've been allowing myself to share things that I probably would have kept to myself before.  It makes me feel vulnerable, but at the same time, I'm finding that my friends really are as great as I thought they were.  I have some really amazing people in my life.

I'd encourage you, if you don't already, to allow your friends to lift you up when you need it.  Sounds simple, but sometimes it's hard.   Oh, and tell your friends how much they mean to you.  Sometimes just knowing that you're appreciated can make all the difference in the world!  If there's someone who's been a great friend to you, tell them how much they mean to you! 

Do you struggle with opening up to people?  

I'd also like to say, that I absolutely adore the blogging community, and have "met" so many wonderful people through it.  While I don't share everything online, you guys still lift me up every day.  Thank you!   That being said, if you don't have someone "in real life" to talk to, or even if you do but you still need an ear,  I'm always here for you guys!  Email me, we'll chat! 

I do love love...

                     Source: maryruffle.tumblr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

I've been feeling a bit guilty about dogging on Valentine's Day. {here}  See, it's not that I hate Valentine's Day itself.  I just hate how much pressure is associated with it.  I mean, it's a day all about love, what's not to um...love?  I just think alot of people, especially women get too wrapped up in it being perfect.   Or maybe it's that inevitably you feel inadequate because of the hype.

                        Source: imgspark.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Anyway, I do appreciate Valentine's Day, and I can prove it.  I have a whole board dedicated to it on Pinterest. {speaking of, if you're on Pinterest, let's stalk each other on there too!}

                   Source: flickr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Just wanted to set the record straight!

Best for Last...

Weekends are good. I enjoyed mine, how about you?

We really didn't do all that much this weekend. But, our house is finally, mostly clean! {there are some spots that need dusting, and the floors need to be mopped, but overall it's so much better!} That took up most the day Saturday. We intended to go to the grocery store Saturday evening, but it didn't end up working out. Which, led me to eat next to nothing healthy on Saturday {we're talking garlic cheese toast for dinner at 10:00...seriously, what is wrong with me!?} That led me to the worst 4 mile run of my life Sunday morning. I just didn't have any fuel in the tank! :( It was awful. I have ran so much farther with so much less effort. On a positive note, I still ran it, even though it sucked, and I've now determined that my eating needs to change. We stocked up on healthy foods yesterday, and I've decided to start counting calories again. Only for a while, until I get myself under control. I have gained some serious weight over the last year or so, and it's gotta stop. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for pity, or for you to say, "oh, Jen, you look great!" I know where I am, and I'm not satisfied with it, so I'm gonna change it.

Anyway, enough about that. Did you all watch the Super Bowl? I can't really say I watched it, but I watched some of the commercials. Mostly disappointing, I'd say. This one did stand out to me as one of the more funny ones though.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=8a69ecae-1bfb-49a9-9e3d-5679464c5fda" target="_new" title=""&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Doritos: Best for last&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;


What was your favorite commercial last night? 

You can watch all the commercials at www.foxsports.com/ads

Oh, and I upgraded the comments to Disqus over the weekend! I'm hoping it will make it easier for me to connect with you all. If you sign up for a Disqus account, which is quick, free and easy, they'll keep you informed of replies to your comments...pretty cool, you should check it out! When I signed up I saw some replies from bloggers I read that I never even knew were there.  It's a great tool for turning comments into discussions!  If you have any issues with posting comments with the new system, please let me know so I can fix it!

Have a great week! 

Random thoughts from the week....

            Source: flickr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

I have recurring dreams, or at least recurring themes to my dreams.  I have lots of dreams with lots of water.  Sometimes it's rain, sometimes it's the ocean, or a giant waterslide, this time it was my dad's house filled with water.  It was fun though, like a swimming pool.  I also have lots of dreams with corpses.  Sounds demented, but it's not in my dreams.  I know weird, right?  {this is a random post, after all.} 

No one on our street went to work on Wed.  This was evidenced by EVERYONE out shoveling snow together. It's nice to know we have neighbors who look out for one another, but Jon and I watched from inside. {And then Jon went out with the snow blower on Thursday morning.}

Blizzards make me really glad I'm not a postal carrier.

Crock pots are the best invention ever.

I really kinda love running again.  Amazing.

This time of year, the sun blinds me at my desk at about 4:20pm.  That means the days are getting longer!

Why do they only let the beautiful people play Minute to Win It?

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Weekend, again, already!?

This week has been a weird one.  Work Monday, off Tuesday and Wednesday, work Thursday and Friday.  I could totally hang with this schedule!  But seriously, those two snow days could not have come at a better time.  Shutting myself off from the world, and being with my sweet husband for a couple of days is exactly what I needed right then.  You really have no idea...

This weekend will be much like every weekend for us.  Nothing special planned.  Except maybe, finally getting our new office situated.  I will say that it's going to be amazing!  I promise I'll share photos as soon as it's done.  Promise. 

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  I hope each and every one of you knows how much I enjoy you.  Thanks for stopping by this place and commenting.  You are a bright spot in my day!

Happy Friday!

What are your plans for the weekend?  Anything special?

Fairytale Brownies Review...

Last week, we recieved a Valentine Cookie & Brownie Combo from Fairytale Brownies to review.  Oh boy, this was a fun one!

First, let's talk about the packaging.  These babies came in a sweet little box, all pretty for Valentine's Day.  {now, I know I mentioned not really liking Valentine's Day, but I do like the treats that come along with it, who doesn't!?} 

With the yummy assortment of cookies and brownies, we didn't know where to start! I love that they're all individually wrapped, so there's no huge rush to snarf them all down in two days. We can savor them!

We still have not tried them all, but the ones we have eaten, have been super yummy!  For instance, we zapped the caramel brownie for a few seconds in the microwave, and it was heaven!  Oie, goie caramel in a super moist chocolate brownie, yes please! 

Jon has certainly enjoyed this one too.  Is it just me, or is it really hard to figure out something to get for your man on Valentine's Day that isn't way cheesy, and probably embarrassing for him?  How fun would it be to send a box of cookies and/or brownies to your man at work!?  Awe, that'd be sweet!  {pun intended!} 

I think it makes a great gift for anyone, really.  Unless they're one of those weirdo's who doesn't like delicious desserts or something. 


And, right now, Fairytale Brownies is running a special for 20% off the entire site.  Just enter SAVE20 at checkout to receive this great discount.  But hurry, it's only good through tomorrow, Friday 2/4/11! 

To place an order for Valentine's Day, you have til February 9th for standard shipping and can order as late as February 11th! 

Fairytale Brownies has gift boxes for all occasions, not just Valentine's Day, and they deliver anywhere in the world, so remember them for special occasions throughout the year.

The fine print:  In the interest of transparency, I think it's important for you to know that I received the product described above in return for a review.  However, my opinions are honest and my own.  

Round 2...

Source: tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Well, the blizzard is over here, but the snow days continue! My work announced last night that they won't open til 10:00 this morning, but there is no way I can even get out of the neighborhood, so I'm staying home again!

I spent a lot of time posting pics on here yesterday, so today, I'm going to take a little break from the computer, and relax with my husband. It looks like the whole neighborhood is doing the same. The drifts are amazing! I love snow.

I think I'll go make a cup of tea and read for a while. {I'd like to point out that I wrote my post and then went to find an image on Pinterest, only to come across the above quote.  Perfect!} Mmmm, sounds nice. And, I desperately need to work on my new office!  Wheeee!

What's your favorite thing to do on a day at home?

The Great Blizzard of 2011...(4:00 update)

This will be my last picture post for today.  As you can see, most of my windows are getting so snow covered that the pictures just aren't coming out!  The camera wants to focus on the screen, not the snow.  I hope you're all staying warm and cozy wherever you are!

Jon and I are enjoying our lazy day.  We made pancakes for breakfast, read for a while, I ran 3 miles on the treadmill, made some hot chocolate,and we just got done watching "I Hate Valentines Day".  Cute movie!

Speaking of cute movies, here's a little video of the blizzard for you.

The Great Blizzard of 2011...(1:00 update)

It's coming down like crazy out there! I'm not sure the pictures are doing it justice.

This is a continuation from earlier posts.  To see earlier updates click links below...
8:00am
9:00am
11:00am

The Farmer's Almanac knows what's up...

Jon and I just looked at the Farmer's Almanac. 

February 2011
1st-3rd. Blizzard conditions initially for Northern Plains, with 14 inches possible.  Clears by the 3rd.

For reals.  Why do we even have weathermen?  The farmers know what's up! 

The Great Blizzard of 2011...(11:00 update)

11:00

This is a continuation from earlier posts.  To see earlier updates click links below...
8:00am
9:00am

The Great Blizzard of 2011...(9:00 update)

9:00am- Seems to be getting a little heavier!

This is a continuation from earlier posts.  To see earlier updates click links below...
8:00am

The Great Blizzard of 2011...

Hi, friends!  Happy Tuesday to you!

As many of you probably know, that storm I mentioned yesterday, has now been upgraded to an actual blizzard!  They are calling for 1-2 inches of snow every hour from 8 this morning til 8 tonight.  Oh, and all this is happening on top of a sheet of ice that was laid down yesterday by a thin mist all day.  Eek!  I heard from my mom who heard from her hairdresser who's husband is a firefighter {did you follow me there?} that they have received an official dispatch letting them know that some streets will be impassable.

It is already coming down pretty good out there, so I decided to stay in.  I have no interest in being caught up in that!  Movies and hot chocolate will do just fine.

So, since I know some of you don't have the pleasure/displeasure of experiencing the Great Blizzard of 2011, I thought I'd post some pictures periodically throughout the day.  I hope you'll enjoy that, and not think, oh geez there Jen goes posting more pictures of snow in her yard.  I think it will be fun to see how fast it accumulates.  I took the first pics right at 8:00 am.  Not sure if once an hour is too ambitious, so we'll just say I'll pop in throughout the day.  ;)

 

via weather.com

This storm is literally affecting a good portion of the US!  

So tell me, blizzard, or no blizzard for you?  And, is anyone else craving Dairy Queen now?