Gettin Crafty With It

So awhile back I decided I wanted to try some new craft projects. I have a bit of craft ADD and love to try new projects, even if I am not done with the 16 other projects I have started.


One of my friends had mentioned she wanted a board to put on her desk to display a few pictures but didn’t want to pay the $20+ it cost for some of the pre-made boards she found. I told her that I could make her one, even though I had never done one before. I did not have any instructions and just went based on what I had seen in the stores. I soon realized these were super easy to make, took very little time, and even better cost less than $13 to make (even less if you had many of the supplies already or made multiple ones).

This is what I made! I love it and have since made about 7 others as gifts for friends and family.

So I thought I would share how you can make them too. (or maybe I will start selling them....hehe!)

What you need:

- 11x17 Cork board (no trim) $4.99 at Hobby Lobby. (You can go bigger if you want)

- ¼ - ½ a yard of your favorite fabric. I paid $1.45 at Hobby Lobby

- A regular roll of matching ribbon about a 1/2” or so wide depending on your preference. $0.99 at Hobby Lobby

- A large staple gun and staples. Already had. (If you do not have a staple gun you can try a hot glue gun)

- 1 can of spray adhesive. We had this but it is $2.99 at H.L. (Note: You don’t have to use this, but I like it because it gives a little extra support and helps keep the fabric from wrinkling or bunching up. Plus the spray will last awhile if you do more of these.)

- 1 box of Extra large thumb tacks. I paid $1.99 for 65. But you only need 5 per project so if you do multiple ones these will last you for a long time.

- 1 pair of scissors.

Start up cost for the first one: $12.41. Each additional board: $7.43 ...seriously what a deal!  These are about $20-$30 in the stores.



How to:


Start with your cork board. Measure & cut out the amount of fabric you need, leaving a couple inches extra on each side to fold over.

Go outside and lightly spray the top of the cork board and the back of your fabric and stick together, smoothing and pressing down for a minute or so. (make sure you have something to cover your face or stay away from the adhesive fumes, I didn’t do that the first time…oops!  And keep away from pets - see picture below! Belle always wants to help.)

Pull tightly and cover the fabric on the board, making sure to smooth out any bunched up material on the front. Fold over the extra material on the back and spray a little adhesive to make sure it sticks.

Using your staple gun, make sure the material is securely stapled all the way around on the back. I may have went a little crazy with the stapling, but I wanted to make sure it was secure!

Your board should now look like this and be secure.

Now take the ribbon (Don’t cut the ribbon until you measure first) and starting at the top left go to the bottom right. Staple the ribbon on the back. Now take another piece of ribbon and go from the top right to the bottom left and staple on the back. You should have a giant X.

                                   

Take some ribbon and start in the center left and go to the center top (follow green X's and trace the blue lines). Staple. Then center top to center right. Staple. Center right to center bottom. Staple. And finally center bottom to center left. And staple. It should look like the picture. (Basically a giant X with a Giant diamond on the inside.....sorry if it doesn't make since, but do you like my amazing paint shop work!)

                                    

Close up of the ribbon.

Take your extra large tacks and place in the center of where the ribbon meets on the board.

Like this.

And you are done. BEAUTIFUL!

These are a couple others I made.

So there you go!  Hang on a wall or put on your desk with a few of your favorite pictures. Ok, so have fun if you want to make these!  Or, if you want me to make you one I would love too!!!

Damn You Waskly Wabbits!

I wanted to put up a picture of one of my lovely Lilies growing outside my house because in a couple days it will have been eaten by the many rabbits, deer, and other furry woodland creatures that live near our house. I planted these last year and within a week the beautiful orange lilies had been all chewed up and looked horrible due to some hungry animals in our neighborhood. We learned and now keep our basil and mint and anything else we want to plant up high and away from the ground, but figured these were a lost cause and wouldn’t be back this year as animals have already started gnawing on the stems and leaves. But yesterday the lilies started coming back to my surprise and delight!  (Even though I am fairly certain I will be posting a picture in the next week of half eaten lilies. Grrrrr)


But until then, I will enjoy my one lonely yet beautiful lily and share it with all of you on this lovely Friday!

HAPPY FRIDAY!

If you won $10,000, but had to give it to a charity, which charity would you give it to?

That is very easy, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This is something that is VERY important to me. Want to learn more about MS or donate? You can do so here.

Also, Wed., May 26 is World MS Day. Learn more here and sign up for a free newsletter to learn more about MS and what is going on in your area and how you can help.

One of my goals in the next couple years is to do the MS Bike to the Bay. More information is available here if you too are interested in participating in this in the future.

Ask me anything

The Wonder That is a New Purse. A Story by WK

So I do believe I am not alone when I talk about the feelings one gets when you buy yourself a new purse. Up until a few weeks ago I had not bought a new purse in a couple years, but when you find one you love it can change your life. (A slight exaggeration? Possibly.) This is the story of my new purse. This is a Dramatization. (aka, I have an overactive imagination, nothing to blog about, and too much time on my hands.)



A few weeks ago I was at the store looking for a few gifts for friends. Now typically I loathe shopping, but this day was a little different. I was in a good mood, the store was nearly empty, I had a gift card that I was anxiously awaiting to use, and because of this there seemed to be a slight skip in my step (mainly due to the fact that I had tripped coming down the steps earlier that day) and so I decided at that moment I would do a little looking for myself. Now shopping for myself can always be a bit of a risk if I am not in the right mood because if I am shopping for something particular and do not find it or find it but it doesn’t fit I get in a funk, but looking is just when I do a quick once around the store and if I do not see anything I like I leave and I never feel disappointed. It works for me.

So as I was looking I started with the things that always seem to fit me best, jewelry and hats. After perusing that section for no more than 2 minutes (seriously that is how long my attention span is when shopping or looking) I found myself walking past the purses. As I made my way through the purses I giggled at some of the ridiculous styles of purses available and tried to imagine the type of person who would actually buy that purse. Of course imagining that person made me LQTMS* just a little more. After a good chuckle I started to head out of that section as I didn’t want to stay too long and risk the possibility of running into another individual in the store. Seriously, being around another person when at the store is a total buzz kill. However, as I began to leave something caught my attention. I glanced over and saw a purse sitting on the shelf behind a bedazzled clutch and metallic hobo bag. I walked closer, intrigued by what appeared to be an awesome purse, but skeptical that this could be the purse I have been looking for. I grabbed the purse, being careful to hide it from potential onlookers because I did not want them to see the gem I may have just found until I had a chance to look it over. Upon further inspection I become giddy inside thinking that the purse was, infact, everything I have wanted and absolutely perfect. It was the perfect style, the perfect color, it hung off my shoulder like it was designed for me and me alone, and I knew that this is the purse I was destined to be with forever (or until trends change in 2011).

I looked at the price tag knowing full well that the tag would be the only thing that would keep me and this purse apart. As I turned it over and glanced at the numbers I was filled with disappointment as I could not pay that much for a purse, even if it IS the best purse ever. Sadness filled my body as I reluctantly started to put the purse back on the shelf….but wait. This is Kohls. Kohl’s always has a sale and never sells anything at full price. What was I thinking? So I began to look around for the sale sign that will subconsciously say to me “hey, you deserve that purse so let me give you and only you a sweet deal.” And there it was, the deal I was looking for – 60% off …..SWEET!!! I could justify the purchase as not only was it on sale, but I also rationalized that this purse will be an investment and not just an accessory because I would use it forever-ish. I took the purse to the register smiling the whole way and looking at what I was about to purchase in absolute disbelief that this would soon be mine. I proudly displayed the purse on the counter so that the associate could see the purse in all of its beauty and then waited. I waited for them to acknowledge this wonderful item because even though I liked the purse I must also have the approval of a complete stranger to help validate this purchase. And then I heard those magic words “wow, what a cute purse” and internally I was exploding with joy. I nonchalantly talked about my new “investment” for the 2 minutes it took to seal the deal and as I finished and walked away I hoped that the girl at the register thought to herself, “what great style she has”.

As I drove home I thought about all the great things I was about to do with my new purse and how I could not get home soon enough to start this journey together. I got excited thinking about cleaning out my old purse and organizing my new one, I thought about the first time I would take my purse to work and all the compliments I would get, I thought about how much money I saved which means I could stop and get a latte and a scone on my way home, I thought about how I will never have to buy another purse again as this one is so perfect (well at least one in this style and color), and I thought about the conversation I would have with Terry when he would see the new purse:

T: “Another purse, don’t you have enough of those?”
Me: “Well having enough of anything is relative so I guess it depends on what “enough” really is?”
T: “Well you can’t argue with that logic. Enjoy your new purse it is beautiful.”
Me: “I will thank you!”
T: “No thank you for being so awesome. Would you like me to rub your back and play with your hair? I also made dinner and did all the dishes for you while you were gone.”

........Or something like that.


Anyways, it was a good day and I am very happy with my new purse. I have a feeling she will be around for a long time or at least a long time in purse years!

Here She Is!

Here she is doing the dishes.

Here she is getting ready to vacuum.

Here we are watching TV.

Yes, I understand I have way too much time on my hands. Terry was in Cincinnati, I blame him for leaving me alone with a camera and the interweb.

If interested, feel free to read my other purse posts HERE and HERE….don’t worry not as long as this one.

*Laughing Quietly to My Self.

Run To The Bell…..For A Bag Of Doritos

We saw a commercial for Taco Bell and apparently you can get a $2 meal deal that includes a beverage, a burrito/taco option, and a bag of Doritos. Yes Doritos. No tortilla chips and cheese dip, but rather a bag of nacho cheese flavored Doritos.


I think if you go to a Mexican eatery, even a pseudo Mexican eatery, you should get Mexican, um, Mexican-American like food. Doritos are for sub places, you don’t see KFC giving Sunchips with their Double Down. Taco Bell I feel the Doritos are a huge copout and I shake my head at you in disappointment.

Comment to Taco Bell
Dear Taco Bell, just because Doritos say they are Nacho Cheese flavored it does not mean they should be sold at your Mexican-American like food establishment. I go to your place to eat cheap and bad for me food and if I wanted Doritos I would go to Subway where Jared could sell me a healthy footlong sub. Please reconsider your actions because I fear you are just a few steps away from selling a lunch meat taco or a $5 footlong ham and provolone burrito.

I think we should plan a blogger get-together. I want to meet all of the wonderful peeps I've gotten to know through the blog-o-sphere. If we did a get-together, would you come?

YES!! I AM IN! Though I feel I may be much more interesting on the computer than in person so can we bring our laptops and meet somewhere they have free wireless?! That way we can watch each other from a safe distance while on our computers before actually trying to interact in person! ;) Any takers?!?!

Ask me anything

Guess Who Will FINALLY Be Going On VACATION?!

US!!

T & I, my Sister, Mom & Dad will be going to Hilton Head next May! Ok, yes it is a year away so why am I so excited?! Well because the last vacation we took was in 2004 to New Orleans and before that, I honestly have NO clue. So when you have taken only 1 vacation in at least 10 years (most likely longer) you are going to be a little excited! Plus, this will be the summer Kristen graduates BGSU (fingers crossed), Terry graduates Owens, and right before Terry moves to Cincinnati for a year to go to school. So we all agree that this will be a nice treat for all of us!

We got a 3 bedroom condo that is only a couple minutes from the beach. We will also be making a trip to Savannah for a little site seeing, which I am really looking forward to.

Seriously, you have NO IDEA how much all of us are looking forward to this and I think how much we need this. I promise I will not be talking about it any more until we get closer, but as it became official today I had to share!


So let me ask, any vacations planned for this summer (or if you are like us….next summer) that you are looking forward too? What was the best vacation you have ever taken? Where are places you would like to go that you have never been?


So if just getting healthy in general wasn’t enough of a motivation for me to lose weight, you can bet this just added to my motivation!

formspring.me

Right back atcha: If you had part of a day that was YOU time (no sister, no significant other, no chores, no work, no responsibilities) how would you spend that time? In other words, what things do you like to do for just yourself? by AmberLS11


I would cook something that I have never made before but that I have always wanted to try (please note I would NOT do the dishes), I would watch a romantic comedy (most likely staring any of the following or combination of the following: John Cusack, Kate Hudson, Kate Beckinsale, Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts), would do a few crafts and maybe spend some time at Hobby Lobby if I infact decided to put something other than PJ's on, and would take a shower until all the hot water ran out. Yep, that would be lovely.

Ask me anything

http://formspring.me/WrestlingKittie

formspring.me (Of Course I Did)

Yeah, I did it. I can't seem to think of much else to blog about the past few months....maybe this will help. Plus I love jumping on bandwagons.


Oh who am I kidding, I know you ALL want to know more about me!
 
Ask me anything
http://formspring.me/WrestlingKittie

P.S. If you are doing this let me know and I will follow you!

Have You Seen This Show?

Private Chefs of Beverly Hills, on the Food Network

Because if you have not then you must start watching it, RIGHT NOW! Well actually whenever it is on again, because the probability that it is on TV at the very moment you are reading this blog is highly unlikely, though of course not improbable so go check right now! I will wait……

Seriously, this show is great. It combines my love of cooking shows with reality shows with crazy snobs with funny and hot chefs. OH MY GOSH…..it is PERFECT! The premise is a bit complex, it is about a bunch of Private Chefs who cook in Beverly Hills. See, you would have never guessed that. And by combining the eccentric and snobby clients of Beverly Hills with these chefs just means crazy antics will ensue!! LOVE IT.

There are six chefs, all of which are pretty great. Click here to learn more about them. Chef Jesse is my personal favorite. He is HILARIOUS. I want to be his friend. You may also know him from the show Workout. Personal trainer and chef – awesome! I also love Chef Brooke. She has this cute voice and is pregnant and does the coolest things with food. I heart cute, pregnant and creative people. 

And then there is Chef Stuart….delicious Chef Stuart.

I have a huge crush on this Irish hunk. Sigh.  He has an accent, he cooks, he is gorgeous, he is funny, and he is shy.  Perfection.  (He could stir my stew any day. He could knead my biscuits whenever he wanted. He could cook pot roast in my oven every day. He can squeeze my melons all the time.)

I know my opinion matters. And my opinion is that this shows ROCKS.


(He can baste my white meat any day. He can melt his butter in my frying pan all the time. He can poach my eggs every day. He can whisk my heavy cream until soft peaks form. The sad thing is I could really keep going….)

It Is All About Support

So incase you didn’t know I have a weight loss blog that I would LOVE for people to visit when you have a chance! Weight issues have been something I have dealt with all my life and I am really taking positive steps to make a change in my life. (I have lost 40 pounds since August) I have taken a few weeks away from the blog and diet, but really am coming back full force and any support for us bloggers losing weight is a great help! Plus any tips and suggestions would be most appreciated!


Now, speaking of support what brand or style bra do you like to wear when working out? Do you wear a regular bra or a sports bra? I have not owned a sports bra since 1998. I have a love/hate relationship with them, but think maybe it is because I just haven’t found a brand that fits right and that I find comfortable. What I mean by this is I want my girls to stay in place but don’t want them to feel squished and I want a bra that breathes so I don’t have sweat all over me.

Suggestions?!

WHAT?!?!

All the Adam Lambert tickets are sold out for his appearance June 8th in Toledo?! They just went on sale Saturday, how can this be?!?! I really needed to get my fill of pop/rock glam music, fake leather, fingerless gloves, sequins, platform boots, gel & aquanet, fishnets, and blue eye shadow.


Sigh

I am truly sad now.



(YES this is no joke, I really wanted to go to this concert…..I am cool like that.)

Just Thinking....

Why after I paint my nails do I feel the need to do something that will ultimately destroy my freshly painted nails? Every time I paint my nails I do something that ruins one or more of the nails I just painted. I will even plan to do my nails and nothing else but then after I paint them I will feel the need to do anything, like clean the toilet or something.


Take tonight for instance. T. and his brother went to see a movie so I am home all evening doing nothing. I decide I have tons of stuff on the DVR to watch so why don’t I paint my nails and watch TV. I even go to the restroom before (made that mistake a couple times), got myself a drink and snack and was all prepared to sit and watch TV. But after a few minutes of sitting on the couch, in an attempt to let my nails dry, I decide I need to straighten up the living room….. which by the way when I was home all day by myself while T. was in class never once thought “hey you should clean the living room today” but apparently now that I have nice nails I have the itch to clean. Now had I not painted my nails, I would have stayed on the couch for hours and not even thought about doing anything except eating snacks. I also know full well my nails aren’t dry but think maybe if I touch them they will magically be dry and I will be released from the confinement of my couch. I of course touch them and leave a nice little finger print on not one but two of my newly painted nails. Yes, I did not just touch one but two…hoping that it would yield a different result. I believe that may be Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity…which is appropriate for me.


Is it more about patience or is it like when we were kids and we knew we were not suppose to do something like touch the hot stove or jump on the bed because we would get hurt but do it anyways because we want to test fate. I think the latter.

A Self-Indulgent Post About My Birthday…It Is Just How I Do It At 30

Wixey Red Velvet - yum!

 

So my 30th birthday has come and gone and to my astonishment, not much has changed! I was expecting when I hit 30 all sorts of things would happen to me: like I would be wiser, more mature, and have a whole lot of insight into the world and the meaning of life…..yeah - not so much. I have, however, started getting into my nightgown at 5:45 p.m. instead of getting into my nightgown at 6:15 p.m. like I did when I was a spry 29 year old. I also have a hankering to watch Murder She Wrote on Netflix, once I figure out how that dang Netflix-thingy works. And for some reason I seem to be adding Metamucil to my morning coffee. But really, nothing besides my bowel movements (yep I said that) has changed!

So I have been unofficially celebrating my birthday since April 10th (yep, you read that right). I didn’t want a big party as I do not like all the fuss and attention. (I almost typed that with a straight face) Honestly I am more of a “lets celebrate my existence in small spurts but for as long as possible until reaching the cusp of ridiculousness” type of girl. It is different, believe me.

Since K’s birthday is about a month before mine, my mom and dad got us both a massage and manicure to use together. We be stressed. So on April 10th, my sister and I got AMAZING massages at Gallery Salon in BG (ask for Abby) and then we got manicures. It was so fun and K & I had a hard time not laughing the entire time as we cannot go too many places together and not crack up. You should see when our parents are with us; yep we are a hoot together. For the remainder of the weekend I was in a massage coma and nothing you could say or do to me would anger me. It was awesome for me and very awesome for Terry who took full advantage of the situation.

The following weekend was when my parents came into town to celebrate the day of my birth. This was a great weekend. It started Friday when my mom took my sister and I to get our hair did. (Insert more laughing and fun)


Here was my drab looking hair before:

And here it is after!

I got about 5 inches cut off and caramel highlights. I have to say I do love the difference. My hair was WAY too long and lifeless and though I do really love my longer hair, I think this length has much more shape and looks better on me at the moment. It is a good change.

(K&I with our new hair!!)

On Saturday my mom, sister, and I went and saw Wicked at the Stranahan. UM, LOVED IT! I never read the book (seriously, as if) but I love the Wizard of Oz and was so excited to see this musical. It was seriously AMAZING. I was in awe of the cast, they did such a wonderful job and sounded fantastic. My favorite part was actually the costumes. I. LOVED. THE. COSTUMES. I want that job of creating costumes. They all looked beautiful. I want to see this one again. And possibly again after that. Saturday we also went to dinner at P.F. Changs….delicious…..and then came home to eat these little wonders.

Coldstone creamery cupcakes. GASP! I have to say these things were pretty darn tasty. A chocolate shell with cake and ice cream and fudge and whip cream. Hold on, I need a moment.

So after sharing a very fun and relaxing weekend with my family (thank you!!), it was on to my actual day of honor. I took work off on Thursday as I figured it would not be right for me to show so much cheerfulness and enthusiasm at my place of employment, plus it would not be right of me to make each of my co-workers tell me every 30 minutes how awesome I am after they sing the Chi Chi’s version of Happy Birthday. I am kind like that. I just recorded it on my phone anyways and set the alarm to go off every 30 minutes…it was nice. I ended up taking Friday off as well. Mainly because I am not as young as I was when I was 29 and needed some time to recover from all the excitement.

Thursday night while T. was in class, my sister and I went to the melting pot for some FUNdue!

I thought it was delicious, who would not love a hot pot of melted cheese?! We also got a FREEEEEE chocolate fondue, which is really the epitome of indulgent…kind of like this post. I do have to say, for a full meal I may not choose this place but it is a fun place for a drink and cheese or chocolate. I also may not be fancy enough for places like this either (seriously, where do you put the peanut shells after you take them out of your purse…not on the floor that is for sure) and my clumsiness and goofiness is why we usually can’t go to nice places. Luckily I only made a fool of myself a few times, which was good! For me, I think this was one of those fun and trendy places to go to when you want to do something different and interactive with some friends, but not a regular place to go and eat. But that is just me and it was still very delicious!

HOT fundue!

mmmmmmm

I also have to show you what T. got me for my birthday….he got my filthy and disgusting car professionally cleaned!!! It looked BEAUTIFUL. I do not think it has ever looked this clean before. I loved it but was also extremely embarrassed at just how dirty my car was. Seriously, gross. This was a wonderful surprise! Now no one is allowed in my car without a hazmat suit on.

It is BEAUTIFUL!

SO clean!

Sincerely, I joke but this was the best birthday ever. It was relaxing, fun, and full of the thing I love more than anything else…presents MY FAMILY!! I feel so incredibly lucky to have the best family in the world (this is not debatable). And if ALL this wasn’t enough, I got loads of wonderful birthday wishes from family and friends. I have been in a funk the past few months, not because I was turning 30 but just life…..and this really helped me put into perspective a few things in my life. Sometimes I can be negative and focus on the wrong things and forget all the wonderful people I have in my life and it makes me mad when I forget how blessed I am. Take away everything from my birthday, the special moments and laughter I shared with my family were truly the best moments. It has been awhile since I have laughed as hard as I did the past few weeks. I truly truly needed that positive energy and time with my family.

Hmmmmm, maybe turning 30 did give me perspective! Then again, maybe it is just because I am gassy and it is affecting my brain…dang Metamucil.

THANK YOU T., K., Mom & Dad for EVERYTHING!!!  I love you all SO much!  And thank you my friends for your thoughtful birthday wishes!!  Plus thanks to any of you who made it through this post without rolling your eyes :)

Be Warned.....

......I am about to bombard your inboxes over the next 24 hours with comments. I am seriously coming at these blogs like a spider monkey all jacked up on Mtn. Dew*...so look out. I FINALLY have a few minutes to catch up on blogs at lunch and this evening. Seriously, this funk I have been in is taking up precious blogging time and is ridiculous.

I have a couple blogs to post as well, but will most likely not be blogging much until after my birthday (April 22nd) as I like to celebrate for no shorter than 2 weeks but preferably at least 3 weeks, when it comes to my birthday. (Unnecessary 30th birthday plug – inserted) So if my blog posts and comments are far and few between after today or maybe completely random and stupid please know that I will be giving my blogs and your blogs the attention they deserve when I am 30, as then I will be far more mature and responsible and able to focus on the blogs.
 
 
*Can anyone tell me why Mountain Dew now has their name stylized as "Mtn. Dew" on their cans?!  Seriously, it looks SO stupid. Your product is MOUNTAIN DEW, two words, do not abbreviate it...not everything these days needs to be text-message shortened.  At the rate we are going kids are not going to be able to spell anything because everything has to be shortened.  Even the words NO or YES are going to be hard....they will just write the letters N or Y.  So please feel free to udate the style but spell out Mountain Dew on your cans for the sake of our children.  Plus it looks like generic pop and makes you look a fool.
 

Talk To Me – Hair Questions

Ok folks, I am in need of some hair advice and there are a few questions I have!


First, I am SHEDDING like it was my JOB. Seriously, if this keeps up I may be bald by my 30th birthday. sigh I have always been a shedder and I know that there are other factors like the changes I have made in my diet recently and the excess stress I have had the past few months that can lead to extra shedding but come on I am constantly pulling more hair off my clothes and from my head ALL. DAY. LONG. Oh no, that is fine hair I didn’t need that handful of you anyway.

So here is my first question, does anyone know if there is something I can put on my hair or a supplement I can take along with my daily vitamin to help with my shedding problem?! Maybe I need more iron or vitamin B, or a wig….I have no clue?!


Second problem. The last 6 months I seem to be having very dry hair and scalp. Ugh. Don’t know if this is related to the shedding or not. I cannot find a good yet affordable shampoo that helps with the dryness. Any suggestions on a good shampoo and conditioner to help with the dry hair? Or any other products that might help with this?


Final question – If you want a change to your hair but are unsure what you want to do to your hair what do you do first? Do you try a new style with the length you currently have? Do you color your hair? Do you just cut it off and go for a drastic new style? Every few years I get this itch to do something different because I get SO bored with my current style, or lack there of, and that boredom usually means cutting off all my hair at the spur of the moment with no real plan. A few months (or hours) after I do it I wish my long hair was back and I hate my shorter hair cut but when it is long I want shorter hair but just can't find a style I like.  I am sure we all get in this funk at some point so how do you deal with those moments where you want to change your hairstyle but have no idea where to start?


Please, any advice and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! I usually don’t care much about my hair, but I need some help…..I turn 30 in 22 days and not only want my hair to stay on my head but want a nice fresh look as I enter my 30's but honestly have no clue where to start!

There is a Special Blogger Birthday Today!

Guess which blogger friend is having a birthday today?

Hints:

She is VERY creative (look at the birthday cookies she made if you do not believe me);

Super crafty (Seriously, she makes her very own dolls!!)

Has two of the funniest and cutest little girls in the world (seriously, they are a hoot and just adorable…and my BFF’s now);

Is SO funny; and

Having met her in person can say she is one of the nicest people I know!!

Of course you know her....so click to wish A Couple More Hours a Happy Birthday!!

Happy birthday W. I am glad I officially know you!  I think you are a very wonderful person!!

PSA: Ohio Appliance Rebate Program – Get Yours Now!

So incase you haven’t heard, starting Friday, March 26 Ohio residents can reserve and redeem a rebate for the purchase of some ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances. The program ends April 19 for refrigerators, dishwashers, and clothes washers. It ends on May 24 for gas storage water heaters and electric heat pump water heaters.


Our dishwasher died a couple weeks ago and my awesome parents knew this was coming and got all the details and actually went to the Sears friday morning at 6:00 am to get it ordered for us. (Yep, I know they are pretty wonderful!!!) We will have our new Energy Efficient dishwasher joining us on April 1! I also have already got emails with my rebate reservation number and the information I need to complete the rebate steps which Sears took care of for us. Now I just need to have the Sears guy take our dishwasher & sign off when they install the new one then send our completed forms off and wait for the rebate! It seems very easy and quick!

So if you are in need of new appliances, you may want to take a look at this program and see if it will help you save a little money!

Rebates are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Appliances included in the rebate program are:

Refrigerator, $100 rebate (26,000 rebates available)
Clothes Washer, $150 rebate (24,000 rebates available)
Dishwasher, $100 rebate (21,000 rebates available)
High-Efficiency Gas Storage Water Heater, $100 rebate (15,000 available)
Electric Heat Pump Water Heater, $250 rebate (2,000 available)

Eligibility requirements

Instructions and how to reserve rebate online
*If you know you are getting something very soon, you can actually reserve your rebate online and then have three days to purchase it.  Just FYI.

Really Census, You Are Just A Tease.

So that is it? That is all the information you wanted from us? You have had a bunch of commercials, you sent me a letter saying the census was coming, you sent me the actual census, and then you sent a postcard reminding me to fill out my census because it is "mandatory under law" and all you wanted to know about me was my name, age and race?!


Sigh

For the record Census I like filling out forms and for as much as you spent working me up I think you should have asked more about me. For instance are you interested in my favorite color, maybe my favorite TV show, or how about hobbies I have? Yes maybe you do not need that information right now, though I am sure you could find good use for it, but it would have made me feel like I was contributing more and would think “hey these people really are interested in me!” I guess you are just a tease Census…you pumped me up and got me all excited to fill out your forms and then it was like you didn’t put out at the end of it and then on top of that you threaten me to fill out your boring forms!! Not cool. I feel very disappointed Census; I thought we were going to have something very special.

Picture of the Week - Yes, Another Cat Picture.

This is Belle who is halfway under our dresser, just relaxing. Sorry it is a camera phone picture, so a bit blurry. I thought she was acting out the scene in Winnie the Pooh where Pooh Bear eats too much honey and gets stuck in Rabbits door*….I think it was a good reenactment. (*Please note I was going to say rabbits hole but wanted to refrain from cheap play on word jokes.  So this is me refraining.)


I enjoy making up funny captions for pictures, and I really love what others come up. So, I thought it might be fun to ask what you think the caption to this picture should be?! I think I might be doing this more often….so get use to it :)

“Don’t ask.”

It is Concert Season Again!!

If you know me, it is absolutely no surprise that I LOVES me some concerts!! If there is a band performing in the area that we love then we are there!



So last weekend Kristen and I and some of her friends went and saw MUSE in concert at the Palace in Detroit. Can I just say their show was flipp’n AWESOME! Seriously, one of the best concerts I have ever gone to! I have heard their shows are pretty great as they use a lot of lights, lasers, and giant screens but being there and seeing them and hearing them in person was just amazing. They had an awesome light show, had three moving elevator platforms for each of them to be on during different parts of the performance, they had giant video screens on and above those platforms that constantly played something that visually fit with the songs, and they had giant balloon eyeballs that popped and sprinkled confetti on parts of the audience! (really does it get better than giant confetti filled balloon eyeballs?! No.) Muse was amazing and they sounded even BETTER then they sound on their CD…which is always a fear sometimes when you see people in concert, that they sound horrible live.  But that was not even close to the case with these lovely gentleman. They managed to give a true rock concert performance and I seriously was in awe.

CLICK HERE for video footage from this tour. It is suh-WEET.

We actually had perfect seats too, second level but first row. (Good job with that K.) We had a perfect view of the stage and the light show and we had no one in front of us which was great because I could just sit there and chill and take it all in. (Yes I said sit, I might be a bit prudish at times.) Muse sounded perfect and really knows how to put on a visually entertaining show. This is a MUST SEE show. They managed to greatly exceed any and every expectation I had. THAT is why I love music the way I do and LOVE going to concerts, I truly enjoy seeing these artists perform and express themselves in the biggest way they can… LOVE IT!



AND, if seeing this concert wasn’t excitement enough for the year the day before we found out that Iron Maiden…that’s right F'N IRON MAIDEN, is touring again and will be around in July! If you remember, their concert was the BEST concert I have ever seen. You can bet your ass that I will be trying to get tickets....which go on sale this weekend!!


Anyone else seeing any concerts this year?!
(I may want to tagalong!!)

Iron Maiden….July 15 at Blossom!!!!

SO Close Little Buddy

"I am so sneaky....no one will EVER be able to find me in here!!"

This picture cracked me up and I thought I would share!  This is our buddy cat, Sebastian, and he is trying to fit into his tiny cat stand.  As you can see, he is just a smidge too big!

I think he really wishes he was smaller, especially because Belle is so tiny and easily fits into all the places he can't.  Poor buddy...he really is a special cat!

Kristen.....Do you think it is bigger on the inside?!

I Have Said It Before....

.....the people at Google are people I think I would want to know and be friends with.  I love all the creative things they do with their logo on their homepage!

I just had to say that, now please feel free to continue to my previous post that I also posted today. :)  Two in one day...wowsers!

I Believe.....

I have written a few (teehee, just a few…..riiiiiight) things, some more serious than others, that I believe in. FYI, it may be long but it reads quick :)



I believe if you make a product like tissue or toilet paper and it has “Soft” or “Fluffy” in the name or description it should in fact BE soft or fluffy.

I believe springing ahead and losing an hour of sleep is just mean but worth it for that extra bit of day light in the evenings.

I believe that Taco Bell will always be the perfect food after a night of drinking.

I believe that gay couples should be allowed to get married and should have every right as a heterosexual couple has under law. If a gay couple gets married it has NO EFFECT on me or anyone else, but not allowing them to get married makes a huge difference to them. If a church chooses to not marry a couple (any couple for that matter) that is one thing, but the Government should NOT be allowed to choose whether couples of legal age can marry.

I believe women should have the right to choose. But I also believe life is a very valuable and precious gift.

I believe that food brings people together and that it is very important to cook together and eat dinner together as a family.

I believe the seasons should be Fall, Fall, Spring, Fall.

I believe that the bullshit between the political parties needs to calm down. I am TIRED of people not passing or even making an effort to pass items in Congress just because they are trying to move their party’s agendas forward. It is about the people…NOT you.

I believe that a day should not go by without laughter.

I believe that a child’s laugh is the best sound in the world.

I believe that if you so choose you should have days where you eat whatever you want, stay in bed as long as you want, and/or do absolutely nothing around the house that is considered a chore.....and not feel one ounce of guilt about doing so. We all deserve a break.

I believe every stereotype has an ounce of truth.

I believe some people’s fear of God & religion molds their opinions and not in a positive way. I don’t fear God, but rather I fear people who fear God (knowingly or unknowingly) and make judgments/opinions on others based on those fears.

I believe that crying for no reason can be a form of therapy and is ok but if you are always crying you should look for help.

I believe it is ok to ask for help when you need it and to also not be afraid to take help when offered.

I believe that having Faith, praying, and being a respectful person who wants to help others is far more important than just going to Church every week solely because you feel you should.

I believe that the song "Fireflies" by Owl City should be banned from all radio stations…that includes my Yahoo Radio Station that plays it at least 5 times a day. I want to punch myself in the face repeatedly when I hear it.

I believe violence isn’t the answer.

I believe Dr. Seuss is the best author of all time. His books really speak to me….and in a rather lovely rhythmic style.

I believe I made the right choice by voting for President Obama and that he has given me no reason to think I made a wrong decision.

I believe that the Girl Scout Carmel deLites or “Samoas” came from heaven and are truly a gift from God and that is why they can only be sold once a year. Too much of a good thing is bad. (I think that is a commandment or something.)

I believe most of the people in the media are full of crap and do nothing more than release misleading or in some cases straight up wrong information to create fear to get people to watch their news. It is about ratings not reporting.

I believe in National Public Radio.

I believe cats are a wonderful pet and get a bad rap…good thing I have cute kitties and no one thinks that of mine.

I believe there are a lot of things we should NOT be entitled to and that our Government should not provide….Health Care should not be included on that list. I believe some form of universal, government funded health care should be available to those who need it/want it and it is very necessary in our country.

I believe one day, when the time is right, we will have a child.

I believe that Terry going to Cincinnati for a year is going to be incredibly difficult but I believe he is making the right decision and it will be worth it.

I believe that even though we are actually very different, Terry is the perfect match for me and I feel lucky that we found each other.

I believe it is important to listen to others, though you don’t always have to agree with them.

I believe blogging has allowed me to open up more and not be such an introvert.

I believe I love not just blogging but the people I have met through it.

I believe Sunkist is the best carbonated beverage ever.

I believe the newest version of “We Are The World” is stupid.

I believe kindness should be one of the simplest gestures to show towards others but seems to be the hardest gesture for people to demonstrate.

I believe everyone should respect other people’s beliefs, even if they are not your own.

I believe I have typed the word BELIEVE far too many times in one blog post and should stop.

What do YOU believe......

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KRISTEN!!!

Today is a VERY special day as today is my lovely sister’s birthday!!! Being just a smidge older then my now 22 year old sister, I remember clearly the day I got to see her for the first time and actually hold her. Older sister mode kicked in at that very moment and I think I became instantly protective of her and knew I wanted to be there for her always and never let anything bad ever happen to her. 22 years later I am still protective of her and I still always want to be there to share in good times with her and comfort her in bad times. However, I would have never guessed back then, that K. and I would have this amazing friendship we have now and be as incredibly close as we are. She is my best friend and I feel so thankful to not just have a younger sister in my life but have someone who means so much to me and is far more than just a sister or a friend. Everyone needs that person for whom they can sit on a couch, watch crappy reality TV for hours with while also eating an entire box of Cheez-its in one sitting and enjoy every moment of that time together!

Kristen, I am SO very proud of the women you are becoming and feel so lucky to have you in my life. You mean the world to me and I will always be there to dry your tears, help you up when you fall (or laugh when you trip down the stairs), listen when you need to talk and of course lend tons of advice even when you do not want to hear it. I will cheer you on with all your successes and comfort you when you need support and I will always be there to laugh at the jokes no one else gets. I know you are going to do amazing things in your life because you are a truly amazing individual. My wish for you this year (and always) is that you are completely happy with yourself and find that path in your life that YOU want to take. This is YOUR life and you need to find the confidence to do the things that make you truly happy.

I love you bunches!

XOXO

Jenn

 

So Should I Add Facebook and Texting to my Resume?!

So I was in Cincinnati last weekend and I was in my hotel, bored, and reading through some local papers/ads I had picked up (in an attempt to familiarize myself with the town my husband will be living in for a year) when I skimmed across the following job posting:

"Marketing, Promotions, Event Planner Manager


Hiring for XXXXX in downtown Cincinnati on Fountain Square. This job will require booking parties, Happy Hour events, etc. by e-mailing, texting, telephone answering, operting the company facebook, working with the Convention Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce and others."

Besides the fact that this is just a vague and I feel bad job description, I highlighted a few areas of interest. First being that the word operating is spelled operting. I think accurate spelling in a two sentence job posting is fairly important. Obviously, they are looking for a Marketing Editor as well….if anyone is interested.

Next, since when did booking parties by texting become the appropriate means of which to do business in the Marketing/Event world? I know I have been out of the event world for a few years but is this how things are done now?! “Big prty 2nite @ XXXX. Hope 2 C U there. RSVP 2 me ASAP. CU Soon!!” I mean, really. And BTW (just practicing for the job) when did actually texting become a skill set in a professional job?

Um, telephone answering? Besides the wording of this I just want to say DUH!! sigh Moving on.

Operting the company facebook. Now I realize that facebook is the new thing when it comes to marketing and many businesses are starting a facebook page and I think that is great because it is a fast way to have access to many people but does it need to be added to the job description in a newspaper ad right after telephone answering? Answer - not so much.

My point is, when I was looking for a job a couple years ago I started noticing how sloppy & unprofessional job descriptions were getting both online and in print and how places that I believe to be good places to work seemed to have very shoddy job descriptions. Now granted I know in this economy you can’t turn your nose up to every job just because you don’t like the wording in the job description, but a job description like this makes me think this job is nothing more than a joke. As much as I would love planning happy hour events, operting facebook, texting and telephone answering all day I think this job description sounds perfect for a 16 year old.

And this was not the only job description that had issues. Lazy.

Dear companies – Take a little pride in your available jobs, even if it is just facebooking and texting all day.


P.S. As an actual event planner, I am a bit insulted by how many jobs get labeled “Event Planner”. I think they just throw around that job title on any job that deals with scheduling something for a business because it seems hip and cool to have an Event Planner position. Anyone who has been a REAL Event Planner knows that, though it is a fun job at times, it is FAR more than just hosting parties and putting dates in a planner and it is a job that can kick your ass and is not always easy.

Ok, hold on while I find a way down from my soapbox.

I am not even looking for a job right now, but I can only imagine if this is how bad it is now what it will be like in a few more years!!

John, I Didn’t Expect This From You

Ok, have you seen the previews for the Hot Tub Time Machine? I don’t know what to make of this movie….I think it is a joke and by joke I don’t mean a comedy I really mean a JOKE….this can’t be a real movie can it?!


I seriously ADORE John Cusack and have a totally unhealthy crush on him and love every movie he does, but I don’t understand why he would ever do a movie like this. I mean the title itself “Hot Tub Time Machine” is just simply ridiculous!!

CLICK HERE FOR TRAILER

Ok, I just watched the preview again and started laughing, but it is SO ridiculous and looks so stupid I shouldn’t be laughing. This movie is a conundrum.

Hot Tub Time Machine?! I mean really, how can you take this as a real movie. Oh John, I expect this from other but not from you. But I will still see this and I will always love you in a totally creepy and stalker type way.

Terry has a theory. He thinks it is a total gag movie, all a huge spoof on bad comedies. A comedy yes, but the most intentionally ridiculous absurd comedy out there!! I hope he is right and that this movie is just SO over the top that it is funny, nah hilarious.

I anticipate this movie to be a small popcorn, bag of gummy worms and share a drink! We’ll see :)

Come On, Really?!

Alternative title: That Bitch Be Crazy.


Apparently Lindsay Lohan is filing suit against E-Trade for their Super Bowl commercial with the baby for this dialogue:


"And that milkaholic Lindsay wasn't over?" the baby girl asks him suspiciously.
"Lindsay?" the boy replies, just before a baby girl sticks her head into the frame and slurs, "Milk-a-what?"


She believes they are mocking her and Lindsay’s lawyer says the actress has the same single-name recognition as Oprah or Madonna and she wants $100 million for her pain and suffering. Um, Really Lindsay, you think they are referring to you?

As Terry said that greedy bitch is bat shit crazy. Could someone need some money? Maybe she needs to get a real job.

I agree.  Get over yourself.

Next story.....

Reason #1,368,942 Why I Love My Sister

Because after I am off work for a few days and come back in the “I don’t want to be back here already” funk I find a bunch of post-it notes all over my desk that cheer me up!

This was my favorite!

These are a few of the other notes I found scattered around my desk.

After I took the picture I found two more in drawers. Though I still am not ready to be back to work, this made it easier. I love working with my sister!

Thanks K.!! XOXO

This Post May Not Be Suitable For Men.

I know this is not what some would call “a classy post that a lady should write”, so it is a good thing I am not a classy lady. I just had a few things I was thinking about and since they were all related I thought I would put them in the same post. Lucky all of you!

Disclaimer: This post may not be suitable for men.


1.      I wish tampon companies would make a tampon wrapper that actually stayed on your tampon when thrown in your purse. Yes I am aware they have little containers to keep them in whilst in your purse or I could throw them in a baggie, but sometimes I don’t always have time and I just grab a couple and throw them in my purse. If not used immediately I may just forget about them and they stay in my purse dealing with the constant movement, transferring of items in and out of my purse, or even the slightest waft of air thus resulting in that ultra thin material covering the tampon to just open and instantly decompose. I would like a stronger material around them not just because I am throwing away open tampons and wrappers that are laying in the bottom of my purse but also to avoid situations where the string of a tampon gets stuck in my wallet so when I am at the store and pull out my wallet I also pull out an unwrapped tampon. Yes I would like to avoid that from happening again as it falls under the slightly embarrassing, never return to that store again during those hours, yet somewhat funny category of my life.

2.     Speaking of feminine products, I really wish they would do away with all feminine product commercials. Seeing a tampon commercial where a young model-type girl is jumping in a pond with a bunch of friends while she is on her period just pisses me off. First, if you experience menstrual pain like I do then frolicking around is the last thing on your mind, though I must say I do enjoy a good frolic. I also don’t need to see a girl who looks like she has never experienced a day of bloating in her life and who is just way to happy….especially when I am not happy. Plus I don’t need to see the latest “advances” in tampons. It is a piece of cotton with a string attached that you stick up your who-ha….what else do you need to tell me about your product?! Take a lesson from Massengil Feminine Douche and stop spending money on commercials. Do you remember those commercials?! Horrible, uncomfortable and hilarious all in one! Mother and a daughter walking on a beach “Hey Mom, do you douche?” HAHA Click HERE for the commercial. (I love the word douche.)

3.     I wish some grocery stores would put their womanly products in a more inconspicuous place. I am not at all embarrassed to get my products but I would also like a bit of privacy when I am looking through the barrage of scented, unscented, pearl, plastic, card board, horse hair, natural, un-natural, lite, medium, or tsunami tampons that are available. But, for instance, the Meijer in BG has their female products located in the very back aisle right by the milk, eggs, juice and bulk foods. People gather in that area and watch (or at least I believe they do) as you make your selection. I feel like there should be an announcer calling your selections with people booing or applauding the selections you are about to make. GO FOR THE BLUE BOX! WHY DID YOU PICK THOSE ONES YOU IDIOT! No woman on her period needs that kind of judgment and pressure.

4.     Finally, I must say that I am truly disgusted of going to the restroom at my place of employment (or any place for that matter) and finding remnants from the person before me left on the toilet seat. (I know gross) I work at a small law firm and we have one restroom for the women and it is typically kept nice and clean. I am lucky in that sense, because I know what it is like to work at a place with literally, shitty restrooms. But we are all polite, respectful women and I feel that it is very rude to not check the seat after you use the ladies room to make sure you are not leaving something there that shouldn’t be there. I mean, seriously THAT is gross. I think if you don’t clean up after yourself you should have to wear a diaper. Too harsh? Nah, I don’t think so!


Aren't you glad I am back to blogging?!

My Apologies….

Loyal readers, please accept my most sincere apologies for my lack of blogging of late. I did not realize it had been over a week since my last blog post. I mean, Heavens to Murgatroyd I honestly do not know what has come over me! I will make a much better effort in the coming week to not just write more but also make comments on all the lovely posts written by each of you that I have missed.

Again, I am sorry for my lack of blogging and I hope you will forgive me.

Your Friend,
Jenn