CSN Review coming soon

Do you ever "window shop" online???

You know, fill up your virtual cart with everything that you would love to have, whether it be new clothes, shoes, dishes or even bathroom cabinets to remodel your ugly seafoam green bathroom???

It's one of my favorite things to do. Especially on slow days at work - haha!!

Browsing around CSN today.....be back soon!

Switching things up...

Hey all. Sorry I've neglected this blog. A lot has been going on with me lately, and I've been waddling through the massive mess (it seems) and really focusing on me.

I've decided it's time to make changes. Lots of em. I've been weeding out people, things, commitments, you name it. and I feel really good about it.

Things will be changing around here as well. In fact, this whole blog may be gone. It's a time for new beginnings, and I'm ready to fully embrace it.

Stay tuned. I'm excited, I hope you are too!

Discussion Questions Chapters 21-35

My life has stopped this weekend.

Between our town's celebration, Western Days, and my dad re-shingling my roof, I'm surprised I've found time to read at all, BUT - I can not put this book down. I'm sure I'll be finished by Tuesday! Here's my quick response to the next questions.

1. Do you think Tim is the one sending the money?
Maybe... but I think it's probably Naomi. I think that it makes more sense, because she actually CARED about the baby. Tim did not care at all that Genevieve was even pregnant, so I doubt he'd be helping out Eve. I don't think his feelings were EVER real for her.

2. So far, there's been a lot of discussion on CeeCee/Eve and her choices. What choice(s) would you make differently from her?
I'm not sure. I do think she's way too overprotective of Cory. It wasn't so bad when she was a baby, but now she is growing up, and needs to experience mistakes, failure, hurts...

3. What do you like about Jack? Are there things about him that you don't like?
I like Jack. He seems to be a genuine person. A little goofy, maybe, but a good guy! I think I'd like him in real life.

4. What are the differences between CeeCee/Eve's relationship with Tim and Eve's relationship with Jack?
I think it's similar that she still "needs" and craves love/attention. I don't really see her standing up for herself much, and I feel like Jack is in charge. BUT Jack is such a different person than Tim, in that he wants to share the relationship with Eve, not control it. It's obviously the better relationship, but it's still not perfect.

5. Do you think Eve is to blame for Cory's fears? What could she do, specifically, to help Cory feel like less of an outsider?
Partially....she was very overprotective, but I think it's also just how Cory is. I don't beleive that it's all Eve's fault she is so fearful. She needs to keep pushing Cory, get her involved, even if she doesn't want to. She needs to face her fears, especially the small ones.

6. Do you think Eve appropriately answered Cory's questions about her father? Do you think Cory will question her father more as she grows older?
I think she did the best she could. Anything that she had said would be a lie...and no matter what, it's going to come back to bite her in the end. Of course, the older she gets, the more curious about her family, both the one she has now, and the one she doesn't know, she is going to be.

Discussion Questions Chapters 11-20

Guys, this book is great!! I read 10 chapters today....some while at work, shh!!!


I can't wait to see what is going to happen!

1. Where do you think Tim and Marty are at this point in the story?
I'm guessing they are hiding out, Tim probably with his other "girlfriend"... I know some of the other book clubbers are holding on to the idea that he is a good guy...but I am not buying it. I guess I've dated one too many jerks!!

2. What were your thoughts as CeeCee was helping Genevieve deliver her baby?
I think she did the best she could, under the circumstances. I had a feeling the mother would die, and I kept thinking to myself what a JERK Tim was!

3. After Genevieve died, what would you have done with her baby if you had been in CeeCee's shoes? Probably the same thing. I would have kept the baby, what else could she have done?? Poor girl, always seems to draw the short straw. But she makes the best of it.

4. Why do you think CeeCee/Eve is still holding onto hope that Tim will come for her?
She's young. First love.... She craves the love, she has no one else to love her. I think she's going to surprise us all though. She is incredibly strong, and it's really starting to show.

5. How do you think Eve will establish her new identity in Virginia?
She'll do what is expected, and work her way up. I think she'll meet a new man...

6. What do you think of CeeCee/Eve now after she has gone through with the kidnapping, the delivery of the baby, the escape, and the relocation?
I actually like her more now. Not because of what she has done, really, but because now her character has CHARACTER. I think she's going to get angry with Tim, and realize she was just a pawn in this whole thing. She's going to be an amazing mother, and really succeed... at least, she would if I was writing the story!

Can't wait for more!

Also, I know I have a review to do. The weather has been so humid here that we haven't had a chance to really enjoy what I got from CSN. This past week was nice, and the weekend looks good too, so I'll snap some pics of us enjoying the end of summer and get up the review!

A NEW book club to love...

A while back I signed up for what I thought was going to be a really fun book club/exchange. It didn't work out. No one in my group continued on and won't even answer emails. I am out a brand new book that I hadn't even read yet.

Then, I came across this new Book Club. I keep my own book, and answer/discuss with others online. I quickly signed up and ordered my book. I'm a little behind, because my book took forever to get here. Luckily it's (so far) a great read and I think I'll catch up soon.

The first book we are reading is The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlain. Here are my responses to the first 10 chapters:


Rachel and I came up with six questions for you to discuss. Feel free to post on these questions or to write about other things that you found interesting in the first ten chapters.
Reminder: Please remember not to post spoilers. I know many of you couldn't put the book down, but some people haven't finished yet. If you think you may be posting a spoiler, go ahead and put up a red "SPOILER ALERT" in that part of your post.

1. What was your first impression of Tim?
I think he's up to no good....see's CeeCee as naive, and in love, and I am betting he will use her to his advantage and leave her crying in the dust.

2. If you were in CeeCee’s position, would you be willing to help your boyfriend in the way that she is willing to help Tim? I don't know, if I was CeeCee, with not much else besides my boyfriend, maybe....but I'm not, and I'm too independent to see myself in her position.

3. Why do you think CeeCee is so eager to please Tim? She craves love. He is giving it to her, and she doesn't want to lose it. Or him. She doesn't have much else in the world.

4. Who do you think has it harder? Tim or CeeCee? CeeCee, definately. Tim has his issues too, but I don't feel sorry for him at all.

5. What character trait(s) about CeeCee stuck out the most to you in these first ten chapters?
She is very naive, but it's because she is very young. She is doing what she has to do, and I really respect her for that. I'm glad she found temporary happiness with Tim, but I am hoping she doesn't end up with him, it's for the wrong reasons.

6. Do you think CeeCee is as mature as she seems? Nope, not at all.

Lazy days of summer...

Holy smokes! Where has the summer gone?? I can not believe it's almost August. We've been busy with weddings, school shopping and the pool! How about you?

You guys all know how much I love CSN stores (all 200+ of them). I have gotten some great things there, including a new teapot and some pretty cool bar glasses. Just browsing through earlier today, and added to my list of needs: a new coffee maker, an outdoor rug, and a little something else I'll be excited to share with you in a few days!

Let's just say it's time to relax and enjoy the remaining days of summer in style!! Come back soon!

It's not intentional.

Sorry everyone. We are now one wedding down, and the next one starts in 2 weeks with the first bridal shower. I have lots to recap on, including:

1) the firing of hellacious coworker and rehiring of awesome new one
2) love
3) the wedding and all that jazz
4) so so much more.

I have lots of posts in my head. I just haven't had time to share them. BUT since we now have someone else working here again ( I was doing both jobs, which meant no free time to blog) I will be back soon.

This weekend, HOPEFULLY Toy Story 3 with the Bman. Can't wait!!

Mommy and Me Mondays

Brody had a completely wonderful birthday, surrounded with friends, family presents and a lot of sugar!

Here is a shot of me and him I self-took before the festivities began.

So happy I finally remembered to join in on Mommy and Me Mondays again!! :)

Hosted by Krystyn

Happy Birthday Brody!!

Just a quick post to wish my little man a

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY!!!!

You are growing up so fast, and I'm loving every minute of it.

I couldn't ask for a happier, funnier, kind, polite, handsome, friendly and some time darn right goofy kid!

I love you so much I can't stand it.

My new tea kettle

A few weeks ago I was contacted by Jason from the CSN promo team. He asked me if I'd like to do a product review, and I of course jumped at the chance!! I actually knew exactly what I wanted, a tea kettle.

See, I've been trying to phase out Diet Coke in my life (3 weeks strong!!)and have been drinking more and more tea lately. But, since I have no tea kettle, how I make tea is pour tap water into a mug, put it in the microwave for three minutes, and then add the tea bag. Lame. I know.

Introducing my new tea kettle!! Don't you love it?? Here's some information on it:

This 2.25 qt. teakettle features a comfortable grip handle that is gently arched for a wide grip. The whistle is loud and clear to alert you when water comes to a boil, and a removable lid makes for easy cleaning and filling. The attractive and fashion-savvy colored enamel exterior is durable and easy to clean.
Features:

•Colored enamel exterior is long lasting and easy to clean
•Durable whistle signals when water has reached a boil
•Comfortable gently arched handle
•Removable lid for easy cleaning and filling
Specifications:
•Color: Pear Green
•Material: Stainless steel with porcelain exterior enamel
•Capacity: 2.25 Quart
•Cleaning and Care: Hand wash
•1 year hassle-free replacement warranty, plus lifetime limited warranty


After oohing and awwing over how pretty it was, I quickly washed it up and filled it up for my first cup. Only a few minutes later I heard a low distinct whistle and started steeping my tea bag. I felt so grown up!!

I've been using it every day for the past week and I love it. No more heating water in the microwave for this girl!!!

Thanks Jason and CSN for the great product to review!

Review coming soon...

I've been browsing CSN a lot lately. I need new lighting in my living room, and I'd love to have recessed lighting in there. While snooping around, I found this beautiful chandelier that I think I simply must have for the dining room!

How stunning is this??





I know, right? It's begging me to buy it.

well, I've put it on "the list". Someday, it will be mine. But for now, I'll just have to do with the new teapot I'm getting from CSN to review! Coming soon...

HI!

Wow, is anyone else in need of a vacation? I just can't believe how busy we are.
And it's not going to slow down any time soon. Here is just my weekend schedule for the next few months:

April 24 - tux appointment for Brody, meeting friends in park on Sunday
May 1 - Bridal Shower (hosting)
May 8 - Bachelorette party in Omaha
May 9 - mommy's day!
may 10 - Brody's track meet
May 15 - dress fitting for wedding #1
(sometime between the 15th and 22nd) - preschool graduation
May 22 - Brody's bday party
May 29-31 - weekend trip with Brody to Omaha
June 5/7 - alumni weekend, and final dress fitting
June11/12 - wedding weekend
June 20 - my dads birthday
June 27 - 2nd wedding bridal shower, plus huge town 125th bday celebration
July 4 - I think we might just stay home...
July 11 - FREE!!!!!!
July 17 - Bachelorette party for wedding #2
July 24th - my cousins bridal shower
Auguest 1 - dress fitting
August 8 - so far is free.... but there are weddings to attend
August 14 - wedding weekend #2
August 21/22 - Emerson Western Days

whew. I'm already tired!

I have also been extremely busy at work, making new catalogs, ads, and mailers for out products. And yard work. I love yard work, but seriously hate what it does to my hands. My nails are horrible.

Isn't Brody a fantastic little artist? he gets better every day!

Sorry this post is all over the place, isn't it? That's what happens when I don't post regularly...you get the remnants of my fried brain.

Do you want to know what happens when you try to work on your relationship with a farmer when they are short on help and during the busy time of planting? nothing. that's what! Back to the back burner the relationship goes....oh well. It's the life of a farmer, and I can't expect to come before that. I'll keep you informed when there is actually something to inform you on...

OH! and I almost forgot...because I don't think I'm quite busy enough yet, I have finally decided to open an etsy shop. It's not open yet, but soon....(hopefully) very soon...

Here's a sneak peek!

Dirty boys...

What happens when an almost 5 year old plays in the park for an hour, comes home only to play in the backyard for another half hour, then comes into the house BEGGING to borrow the camera to take some pictures of all the "rabbits"???






The rabbits must have run away. Instead, I found 18 self portraits of the dirtiest boy on the block!

Excuse me while I go run the bath water.

Ultimate Blog Party 2010

Wow, have I been a blogging SLACKER lately!! I have been meaning to post, really, but I just don't have time. work has been insane, my social life is picking up and it is BEAUTIFUL outside, so really, who can blame me for wanting to be out playing in the dirt instead of sitting in front of the computer?

Anyways, I am MAKING time today to do a little post, because it's the start of the Ultimate Blog Party!! Last year, I was still a pretty new blogger, and honestly the Blog Party was a little intimidating to me. But this year, here I am!! Ready to party! (That is, if working all morning and doing yardwork all afternoon sounds like a party to you. Maybe I'll watch a movie tonight, open a bottle of wine......)

Here I am......

I am a friend, a mother, a daughter, an office manager, a designer, an artist. This blog is where I let my hair down, share cute smiles of my almost 5 year old, talk about being in and out of love, and back in again......did I mention Adam is back?? well, he is. go figure... I'll do a big post on that soon, I promise...

First I gotta get back to work.

Ohh.... did I mention prizes???
Here's a few that I hope to win.
1. USC17 - $200 Apple Gift Card...provided by CmomGo

2. 39 or 40. 2 night stay at any Hilton Garden Inn...provided by

bloggin2noggin

3. 72. Your Shape for Wii....provided by KristiesList

also, in no particular order..... numbers7, 11, 20, 24, 27, 31, 34, 36, 37, 46, 47, 52, 55, 72, 84, 87, 96, 107, 112, USC3, USC8, USC25, USC32, USC35, USC36, USC37, USC39, USC40, USC44, USC63...pretty much anything that says "giftcards" especially to target or amazon and I'm in!!!

My favorite book (Day 4)

My favorite book.

Not so easy. I love to read. I read everyday. You would think it would be easy for me to just shout out my all time faves. But it's really not. I get lost in all books, as long as they are written well. And they all stay with me, in some way.

I can name off my favorites authors (right now, anyways. This changes often, too.) I can read anything by Alice Sebolt, Nicholas Sparks, Jodi Picoult, or Emily Giffin and be lost for days. But I can't really name just ONE book that I will call my all time can't live without favorite.

But - there is Harry Potter. The whole series. Pretty much perfection. How fun would it be to live in those books? I'll be Hermione.

Anyone else agree?

Mommy and Me Monday

Brody is such a charmer, isn't he??

After a lot of "I promise I'll smile nice this time!" "HAHA! Just Kidding, mom. One more!!" I finally gave up.

Maybe he'll grow up to be a comedian.

More Mommy and Me Monday

Day 3

My favorite TV show -


Currently, The Office. I just love the humor. Not everyone gets this show, but if actually watch a whole episode, I promise you will laugh. and come back to watch the following week!

Old favorites that I need to own the box set of: Gilmore Girls.



Old favorites that I do own the box set of: Friends.

Great. Now all I want to do is watch reruns. I can tell I'm going to be REAL productive at work today!!!

Up and Away GIVEAWAY!!

Diane at Good Mourning Glory has the BEST giveaway going on - China Glaze nail polish!! The WHOLE spring collection!!!

I really hope I win!

30 days. Day 2.

My favorite movie.

I can't possibly pick just one. How about my top five??

Finding Neverland.
This is just a beautiful movie. I love it. Everything about it.
(It's a great date movie, also!!!)


Friends with Money.
The first time I watched this movie, I was kind of sad, down on life, missing my friends, wanting a boyfriend, etc. It's been one of my favorites ever since. If you haven't seen it, do.


Christmas Vacation.
Ahhh, who doesn't love Cousin Eddie??

Elf.

Another Christmas Movie. This is the best. Brody and I watch it ALL.THE.TIME. (we watched it TWICE just last week.) It's such a happy, fun movie, and totally qoutable, which is a plus in my book!!

The Notebook.

Of course. Ryan is possibly the most perfect man ever in this movie. Perfection. (also a GREAT date movie!)

30 Days. Day One.

So it's Monday, and I have a cute new picture of Brody and me to share for Mommy and Me Monday - BUT of course, I forgot my camera at home. I could post it later tonight, but I think I'll just save it and post it next week instead.

I've seen this on a few different blogs now - and decided to it to. It's fun topics, and you get to learn a bit about me!!

30 Days

Click here for the full list

Day One: My favorite song.

This one is easy for me. It's been my favorite song since around 1996, when I was introduced to Candlebox. I have sooooo many memories with this song! Sad, happy, boyfriends, friends....I will always LOVE this song!!!!

Far Behind ~ Candlebox.

We're going on a catapillar hunt....

Okay - I need some help here. Brody loves the outdoors. He loves to watch, he loves to learn, he loves all things animals.

Ever since last fall, when his preschool class captured some catapillars and watched them turn into coccoons and then butterflies, he's been talking about "going on a catapillar hunt". He is obsessed with this idea, telling everyone that is invited - me, his uncles, my parents, my sister, that we are going to go on this "hunt" for catapillars and turn them into butterflies.

So, being that it's been WINTER here and all, the catapillar hunt has not yet happened. And won't be happening for months. I happened to find this great butterfly canopy - from the Discovery Store.


I have already purchased this, and have sent in the voucher for the catapillar eggs to be delivered right before Easter. We don't eat candy. We still have a basket full of Halloween candy, and Christmas candy, and Valentine's Day candy. So this year for Easter, I am giving Brody a catapillar hunt.

My problem, is finding the other hunt supplies. As in, we needs hats!!

And magnifying glasses!!!

And I can not find any hats that are not either very cheap, or very expensive. Where on earth can I find these??? I've been googling safari, exploring, detective, anything. Does anyone know where I can get a decent hat?

And magnifying glasses?? I don't want to spend $35 on one, but I don't want just a cheapo plastic one either. Brody really is interested in learning, and I think he'll actually really love getting a close up view on bugs and stuff. Any ideas?

And what else do you suggest I get to go along with our little exploring theme?

Mommy and Me Mondays

I just realized that I haven't even touched my camera for weeks. No cute pictures of Brody to share. Which means, I also have no "new" pictures of me and Brody either. I'd take one now, but I just out of the shower.

I didn't participate the last two weeks because I hadn't taken any pictures. Now we are at week 4 of Mommy and Me Mondays. So I am sharing an old picture. Not too old - it was taken on Halloween last year.

Here's my picture of me and IronMan.

Hosted by Krystyn

Goal for next week: Use my camera. Take a new picture with Brody.

Or IronMan. Whoever.

Sunday Stealing

What were you doing 10 years ago?

I was 19, finishing my first year in college. Living in the dorms. Probably working at the deli since it's a Sunday morning.

Five snacks that you enjoy in a perfect, non weight-gaining world:

Pizza

Nachos

Brownies

Krispie Kreme donuts

Starbucks

Five things you would do if you were a billionaire:

Build my dream house

Have an awesome art studio - and actually have the time to use it!

Build my parents a house, and give them everything they've ever wanted.

Charities. Specifically: anything children or cancer.

Travel.

Three of your habits:

I can not sit still. Even watching tv, I have to be multi tasking at all times. My hands have to be busy.

Biting my nails.

I'm a facebook junkie.

Five jobs that you've had:

egg packer at a chicken farm

Deli - serve, cook, slice, etc.

Graphic designer for sign shop

Graphic designer for print.vinyl shop

Office Manager/Designer for a Manufacturing Company

Five places that you've lived:

Emerson, Wayne, Emerson, Sioux Falls, Emerson.

Five things that you did yesterday:

Bought groceries

Went to the car wash

Played Wii with Brody

Watched Precious

Drank a few glasses of wine

Five people you would want to get to know more about:

??????

Abortion: for or against it?

I am not for it. But I do understand that sometimes, it may be the right choice for that person. Just not the right choice for me.

Do you think the world would fail with a female president?

Absolutely not.

Do you believe in the death penalty?

Hmm. No, but I am also not for leaving people to rot in a cell for the rest of their lives living off tax payers either. Glad it's not my decision .

Do you wish marijuana would be legalized already?

No. I don't believe it's needed in life. If you want to prescribe it to people, sure. But I don't believe it should be legalized for recreational purposes.

Are you for or against premarital sex?

Obviously. I am not married. I have a child.

Do you think same sex marriage should be legalized?

Yes.

Do you think it's wrong that so many Hispanics are illegally moving to the USA?

One of my biggest pet peeves is illegal immigrants. hispanic or not.

Should the alcohol age be lowered to eighteen?

No.

Should the war in Iraq be called off?

Yes.

Assisted suicide is illegal: do you agree?

Yes.

Do you believe in spanking your children?

Spanking as in a few pops on the butt, okay. Not slamming them over and over. What does that teach? I don't spank. He may get a slap on the butt once in awhile or an ear pulled, but nothing more than once. I grew up the same.

Do you worry that others will judge you from reading some of your answers?

I don't care. Everyone has their own opinions to these questions.

Okay, so my skin is amazing lately.

Seriously. It's the dead of winter here, so normally my skin would be dry and well, just tired looking. But it's not. It's amazing.

I have THE softest skin right now. I haven't had any sort of blemish in I can't even remember when, and it just looks alive and fresh. I barely have to put any foundation on in the morning, (which is awesome.) and I haven't used coverup or concealer in forever either.

I have it narrowed down to 2 things: Both of which I have been using religiously for the past month and a half.

Amazing Grass smoothies and Wexler Regenerating Serum.


I always jump on board the Fit Train this time of year. Or at least add to what I'm already doing. I already eat pretty good, and excercise pretty regular. I tried to do the whole "green smoothie" thing awhile back, and didn't really care for it. I had heard about Amazing Grass, which is essentially your green nutrients in a scooopable form, that you add to your smoothies, or even just water.


I am back to drinking a smoothie a day. I usually go for a 1/3 cup yogurt, a handful of blueberries, maybe a strawberry or two, a scoop of Amazing Grass, water and 3 ice cubes. It's delicious. I don't even taste the AG at all, just a yummy blueberry smoothie.


I have great energy since I've started, and of course my skin!!! It's seriously never looked better. Check this company out.


Next: the Regenerating Serum.


I got a sample of this in the Black Friday goodie bag from Bath and Body works. I finally got around to trying it, and it is straight from heaven. Has anyone else tried this stuff? It is so amazing. You barely have to use anything, and it keeps your skin so soft and smooth. I love.


Unfortunatley, it is not cheap. I stopped in the store yesterday, to see about getting some more since my free sample is nearly out. Of course, the store was out. The sales lady talked me into getting another Wexler product, a 3-in-1 that is a best seller, and also a much cheaper price. I used it this morning, so I'll let you know if it works as well (or better!). I did see that the serum is on a huge sale online though. Still a bit pricey for me, though.


Anyways, whatever I am doing is obviously working. I've also noticed that I've dropped a few pounds in the last month. I'm going to say it's more the nutrition I'm getting than anything else. I haven't been eating less or working out more than usual, and still I can tell things are definately going on with my body.

I'm actually pretty bummed today. I haven't had a smoothie. I ran out of AG yesterday, and my new shipment hasn't come yet. I'm hoping I'll have a package when I get home.

I may be addicted!!

Mommy and Me Monday

Me and my goofball. Smiling for pictures is overrated.

head on over to Really, are you serious and join in on the fun!

Perdy Things...

Hello beautiful blog world. What have you been up to? Well, at my house, we are up to this:

I bought Brody this game for Valentine's Day. The theme song for Indiana Jones has been playing non stop at my house for 4 days now! Seriously, though, it's a really fun game (the little that I've been allowed to play anyways.) It's better for Brody than Mario is, even though he loves Mario, because there is no time limit, and you don't really die.

If anyone wants to know how to get your child to ignore you all day - just buy him a new Wii game. It'll do the trick!

Speaking of VDay, I spent it with my true Valentine, Brody. Adam is, again, out of the picture. He just can't handle big words like relationship. So I need to take myself out of the equation. I deserve better than this. So does Brody. The hard part so far has been following through. Not texting/calling. But I intend to stay strong. Maybe he'll see what he is missing, maybe he won't. Maybe I'll still be here, maybe I won't. But I'm tired of the same old game with him all the time.

Recently I received this sunshine award from Orions Mom. Since the sun hasn't shown itself around these parts in MONTHS, I gladly accept. We had another storm this weekend, causing all highways to be closed, and another day of work/school missed. Ugh. Spring better be awesome this year!

I am passing it on to: Alexis, Kekibird, and Roxanne.

Now onto some pretty things. Look at my gorgeous new scarf!! I love it. It is so colorful and bright. and soft. and light. I haven't even had it a week and I've already worn it twice!

P.S. - yes, it is a mark. scarf. If you love it, let me know. I can sell you one.



I recently won two giveaways - both of adorable things!!!
The first I won during SITSMAS -


Flower Pins from Joy's Hope. These are really great. I don't have a picture of me wearing them, but you can see them below on my new jewelry display. I have worn both the green one and the brown/turqouise one so far. I did receive another, but I gave it to my little sister.
Check her out at her etsy shop.





Next up I won this apron from one of my favorite bloggers, Angie at Seven Clown Circus.

How CUTE is this apron?? It's also reversible. I feel cute wearing it. :)

We're artsy round here.

As I mentioned, we've had lots of snow days. We have spent our days in the house baking, playing, cleaning, playing Mario, organizing and painting.

One day I was getting a little irritable (it was on day 3 or 4 of the 2nd big storm). Brody was really pushing his limits. I was yelling at him for something, and he got sent to his room for a bit. I was in my room doing some things, and went downstairs to the basement to switch the laundry.

When I came back up, I found these sweet flower drawings on my pillows.




:) As you can imagine, I wasn't so irritated anymore! I want to keep them forever because everytime I see them they make me smile. They are now on display on the green dresser in my dining room so I can see them always.

We paint a lot around here. Whether its the walls, furniture, on paper or canvas, rarely a month can go by without me getting out all the paints. I rearranged my furniture after Christmas this year, and was met with a huge blank wall in my living room. I originally wanted to make a huge 4x4 canvas for it, but haven't found a prestretched one that big yet. I haven't stretched my own for years, but I may get it done this summer. Instead of staring at the blank wall for another 6 months, I whipped these 3 up one afternoon.

It's not perfect, and not what I want to hang there forever, but at least it's something to look at! I think I spent 45 minutes on all 3. (I really should have taken a better picture. It was dark already.) They are cool though, layers of the colors in my room. It looks more pink in the pic (bad lighting) but it's actually more of a gold color.

Next project: Jewelry organization.

I should have taken a before picture. I used to just lay out all my necklaces on the dresser, and kept the earrings and rings and bracelets in containers on top. It was a mess, really. Now, my necklaces all hang, my earrings, rings and bracelets are all on display. and you can actually see the top of my dresser!!

This was Brody's latest painting. I let him paint on real canvases and use my good paints. We use a process that I've talked about here to keep his paintings interesting. They always turn out good. This one I just let him do whatever he wanted to. It's hanging in his room right now.

I'll end up using this same canvas again later on, just repainting over what's already there. But for now, it's perfect hanging in his room, and he is very proud of it.

As you can see!!

Jimmy Choo!!

I'm a bag lady. I have a CLOSET of purses, bags, clutches... I have special purses just for shopping, day outings, work, dates. I love me a good bag.

I found a new blog. and just in time - she is GIVING AWAY this Jimmy Choo Ramona Bag.


I want it. Bad.

head on over and enter if you must.... But just remember I saw it first.

Another Snow Day....

It has been an awful winter. We keep getting dumped on. As I am typing this, the wind is roaring and the snow is blowing. I can't even see across the street. Another day at home with Brody. I would be enjoying this, if we haven't already had so many snow days. The whole month of December brought us 28 inches of snow. 28. That's just fallen, not before the wind picks up and blows it all over, creating 6-10 foot drifts.

Gah.

These pictures are actually from our Christmas storm, ( 2 storms ago.) Above is the intersection in front of my house. Tractors trying to help open the roads.

This is my driveway. Nice, huh? It was 4 feet deep, almost the whole length of it. And I had to manually shovel it by myself. It took me FOREVER. Actually, I did it over three days, it's not like we could go anywhere, and since no one could get here with a blower to help, I figured what's the hurry?

This is our backyard. I had to shovel a path from the back door so that poor Ernie could get outside to do his business! How insane is all that snow!!

Finally, late on Day 2 we saw some plows on the street. You can see how deep the roads were. I wish I had gotten a picture of the "pile" - where the city dumps all the snow before hauling it out of town.

I have never seen this much snow! (I guess I have - I was informed that the winter of '82 was maybe worse, but I was only 2 so I don't remember that!)

So what does a person do with all this time at home?? Besides playing the Wii, watching movies and reading, you clean clean clean until you can't clean anymore, and you bake.

I've baked a lot in the past few weeks. Here's a few links to Brody's and my favorites -

Snickerdoodle Blondies - these are AWESOME! Brody would like for me to make them everyday.

Homemade Applesauce - this is soooooo gooooood. I've made it three times since Christmas. In fact - I've got a double batch in the crock pot right now for later!!

Puppy Chow - all time favorite.

Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bread - you MUST make this. SOOOO good. and use dark chocolate chips.

Chunky Chicken Noodle and Vegetable Soup - yum.

These are some of my own recipes, so no links - but still delicious!!

Chili

Loose Meats

Pudding Cookies

Chicken Enchiladas

and almost everything from the Pioneer Woman's cookbook.

Today - I am making these - Peanut Butter Chewies.

Not so good for the weight watchers points. Good thing I've got all this extra time to work out with Jillian (ouch) and my Wii Fit!!