Sunday Social

1. What are 3 items you can’t live without on a daily basis (water, food, shelter, and clothes don’t count) Jeffry & my furry kiddos, my phone, coffee, wine

here

2. What is your all time favorite book? Why? The Cheese Monkeys by Chip Kidd. It is one of the only books I've read and re-read multiple times. It's revolutionary.

Get it here

3. What is something you’d like to accomplish before the end of 2013? I would love to just be growing, at work, at life and in my relationships.

Are they cute or what?!

4. If you could go back and relive any year of your life which year would it be? This is a toughie. I don't think I would want to go back. Not because I had terrible experiences, but because everything happened the way it did for a reason.

5. What do you wish people knew about you without you having to tell them? I would probably say my job, just because it is so hard to explain what I do!

Sunday Social

1. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? Nachos. I can seriously eat anything with chips. C'mon tell me you don't want to eat these.

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2. What’s your guilty pleasure/comfort food? Chips and cheese. Sometimes, if Jeffry is not going to be home for dinner, I will pile chips on a plate, top with cheese and microwave. It's the worst.

3. What’s the weirdest/craziest thing you’ve ever eaten? I'm not tooooo much of an adventurous eater. Probably the weirdest thing I have eaten would be calamari or sushi. 

4. What foods do you avoid at all costs? Mushrooms. They're just not my favorite. 

5. What meal reminds you of your childhood? My mom cooked a lot when I was a kid. Her chicken and dumplings come to mind. I also really loved Spaghetti O's. I still eat them with slices of cheddar cheese. Yum.

6. Share one of your favorite recipes and the story behind it. A lot of my favorite things to make are things that I just throw together! I love using the crock pot, and one of the things we love to have is pot roast. This doesn't really count as a recipe, but I recently discovered these at Target and I am SOLD!! I have tried the pot roast one and the sweet and sour chicken and they are both so good! You have to check them out!

Seriously, so good!

Why 30 Is Not The New 20

Nadine told me to check out this video today, and it knocked my socks off. You've got to watch this.

Beach Vacation Shadowbox Keepsake

As you know, in June we went to Carolina Beach for Vacation. And I knew when we got back that I wanted to make a shadowbox with our pictures, sand and shells. I grabbed some supplies at JoAnn Fabrics as soon as we got back, but I just got around to putting everything together. And I am super happy with how it came out!

Here is where I started. I swung by good ole Joann's, and went bankrupt on a ton of crap. The essentials:

1- first things first, the shadowbox! they come in a bunch of sizes, both square and rectangle. 

I went with the largest rectangle one I could find

2- scrapbook paper for the background pick one that coincides with your vacation theme, 

whether it be beach, city, skiing, etc.

3- adhesive I used both double sided tape (that green thingy) and a glue pen

4- embellishments i grabbed all sorts of things that I thought would look cool; metal word stickers, post-it flags, cute little paper clips, and different styles of letter stickers

5- don't forget pictures! I have this VuPoint Cube Printer that is super handy, I just dock my iPhone, pick the size and print! I printed pics in two sizes for a little variety

Step 2: Get an idea of layout. Before you just start gluing stuff down willy-nilly, you will want to get a general idea of where you want your pictures to go. I just wrapped the paper around the cardboard insert that came in the frame. Keep in mind where you might want to place your embellishments and words also. I knew I wanted to put words in the upper left corner, so I used a smaller photo, with not much going on up at the top that I would mind covering up.

I had to use two pieces of paper, since the 12x12 paper wasn't long enough. I used a sand print since I knew it would mostly be covered up with actual sand anyway.

Step 3: Glue that ish. It's now or never. I used the double sided tape in strips on the back of each photo, and the glue pen on the corners to keep them from peeling up. Tip: on the pictures that I used the little flag paper clips, I put those on before I glued, so those stayed in place as well.

I wish I had been better about taking a pic after this step, 

but I was too into my work to stop to take one

Step 4: Embellish! This is the fun part! Play around with your extras until you like how it looks. Tip: I cut the letters out of the bigger sheet, so I could move them around while they are still on their backing.

Step 5: Time to play in the sand! This step required some trial and error, and I dumped the sand out and started over at least once. What I did was I laid the frame down, and poured the sand at the bottom. Then I placed the seashells and sea glass we collected along the top of the sand line. We also shared a bottle of bubbly while we were there, so I added the cork. I cut the cork in half with a serrated knife so that it would fit.

Step 6: Replace collage and frame backing. Tip: The first time I did this, I was all excited to see the finished product, so i tipped it up, and sand of course started pouring out the bottom. So what did I do? Well after a moment of defeat and panic, I grabbed my good friend Mr. Duct Tape, and sealed up the bottom, making sure to press the duct tape firmly into the seams and corners of the bottom 2 inches. Worked like a charm.

And that's it, folks! I am really happy with how it came out, especially since the whole sand business was trial and error. The only thing I wish were different is I wish you could see the seashells and sea glass a little bit better. Maybe down the road I will try and figure out how to get in there and move stuff around without a total overhaul. But overall I am loving it!! When can we go back??

 

Vintage Love

If you have not heard about the photo editing app Rhonna Designs yet, this here is a bandwagon you need to be jumping on. Yes it is a couple bucks, and I hate spending money on apps too, but this one is so fun! Here are a couple things that I made yesterday and today:

This is seriously my jam right now. I told Jeffry if we owned this van I would sing this song every day. I am seriously thinking of making this my new ringtone. No brainer, right??

Mani Monday

Well hello again Monday. Nice to see you. Not.

Anyway, here's a quick mani that I did over the weekend. Super simple, just a couple coats of white, then I used these nail art pens to draw different colored lines. The hardest part was waiting for each color of lines to dry in between!

Voila!

Sunday Social

1. What is your favorite TV as a kid?  I am a huge fan of TV, and I grew up during the great era of TGIF, so it's hard to choose. But I think I'm gonna have to go with Saved By The Bell. I looooved Zach Morris. And I for sure wanted to be Kelly Kapowski. Heck, I still want to be Kelly Kapowski!



 
2. What is your current favorite TV show? Since it's summer I would have to say it's a tie between So You Think You Can Dance and Big Brother. I love that Big Bro is on 3x a week because there is nothing else to watch! My DVR is literally empty right now! Thank goodness for On Demand!


Seriously though, watch this, Skip to 1 minute in. It's a religious experience!

3. Which reality show would you NEVER do? Survivor. I just could not handle it. Can I bring snacks and sunscreen as my luxury item? Also, any dating reality show. I'm so glad that period of my life is over lol.

4. Which reality show would you LOVE to do? Amazing Race or Big Brother

5. What is the TV personality/character that you feel is most like you? Hmmm this is a tough one! I don't know if anyone on TV is very much like me?!

6. Which TV character would you want to date? I'm all set in the dating department thank you ;)

Gettin' Serious About Skincare

One thing I have decided to start taking more seriously is my skin care routine. We've only got one face, amiright? So after reading an InStyle's 2013 Best Beauty Buys, I picked up a few things. And I decided to share my new routine with you all.

Mornings are a mad dash for me, and I only stop for coffee, so my AM routine had to be super simple. I do a quick swipe with these (1) Simple Cleansing Wipes, followed up with a (2) Vitamin C Serum and finally my (3) Boscia Oil-Free Moisturizer with SPF. 

The Boscia moisturizer is pricey, at $36 a pop, but it's the best oil free product I've found. My skin is technically combination, but leans more towards the oily side, and because I'm super fair, I love that it has SPF 15 for every day. If I'm going to be outside, I follow up with at least an SPF 50. The Vitamin C serum is full of antioxidants, and helps to counteract all the sun damage that I've accumulated so far. 

At night time, I have a little more time to take care of business. I have used these (1) Almay Oil-Free Makeup Remover Pads since I was a teenager. Make sure to get the oil free ones! Another tried & true pick, the (2) Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash. This stuff has been around forever, and was one of InStyle's picks for oily skin for 5 years in a row! The pink grapefruit scent smells so much better that their original, which always reminds me of old school dial soap. It's missing from the picture, but once or twice a week I exfoliate with Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub. 

Another InStyle pick is this (3) La Roche Posay Effaclar Toner. This helps remove any leftover oil and tightens pores. A must-have for oily skin like mine. The (4) Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Creme I use just on my neck and chest. It is too heavy for my face, but the neck and chest are a big age giveaway and often overlooked. Finally, I use the (5) Olay Regenerist Micro-sculpting Eye Cream & Lash Serum Duo, the cream on my under-eye and brow bone, and then the serum on my lashes of course.

I do wish I had a night-time moisturizer for my face, but I just haven't found one that is light enough for my oily skin. If anyone has one they love I would love to hear from you! I've thought about trying this one from Boscia, since I love their oil-free lotion for day. 

If I end up getting it I will let you know!

Weekend Recap

Well back to the grind after another too short weekend. This one seemed like it was busy and not busy at the same time.

Friday night was our company clambake. Hooray for hanging out with coworkers you've never even seen before let alone met. I work for a very large company here in CNY, and it’s rare that our different departments ever intermingle. So I spent my time with my same coworkers that I see every day. But the clams were free, and the beer was free. And the entertainment was free, holy moly! I would like to make it clear that I was not, nor will I ever be drunk enough to dance at a work function. Especially not like some were Friday night. Keep it classy people.

Saturday was a nice calm day at home. We slept in (thank goodness! I really need to work on sleeping more) and then Ruby and I putzed around the house all day. We took the shortest walk ever because as soon as we left it started to rain, and I worked on a project that has been sitting partially finished in our spare room forever. Still not done yet but it’s on its way. Here’s the sneak peak from instagram:

It’s red paint. And it’s taking practically a bajillion coats to cover! So frustrating.

I also started a little exercise challenge. I’m sure you have seen on Pinterest the different 30 day challenges, like the plank challenge or the squat challenge. Well, I took all the different ones I could find, and I put them in a spreadsheet (because I’m type A like that) and started on Saturday.

I’m pretty sure I have never stuck with ANYTHING for 30 days so this will be a challenge for me. But I’m 3 days in and going strong. Baby steps right? I really feel like moving up in increments will help me not to feel discouraged. Cheers to getting stronger.

Oh yeah, and fireworks Saturday night! I love watching fireworks from the comfort of my own bedroom :)

Sunday started out rough for us. Jeffry was supposed to run the Boilermaker, which is a 15k in Utica and one of the most popular races in New York State. Well it shouldn’t be a big surprise to anyone that I hate waking up early, so we got a late start to begin with, the traffic was terrible, and I was REALLY uncomfortable wandering around a strange city by myself, waiting the hour or so it would take Jeffry to complete the race. So we ended up not going. We both felt a little disappointed, but I am hoping next year we can plan a little better, leave a little earlier, and it will be a good experience for both of us.

 I did really feel like it was meant to be though, because at the same time we would have been there, there was a shooting at a nearby park, and a fatal car accident on the road we would have taken home. So that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Warrior Dash 2012 before & after

I do love cheering for my man at the finish line. 15k is for sure something I can’t and won’t be running any time soon!

After Jeffry left for work, Ruby and I went to a picnic at my aunt and uncles, and Ruby got to meet a few of her furry cousins!

This is her cousin Suki. They did not exactly hit it off. Ruby is very high energy and loves to play aggressively. Suki is no spring chicken and did not appreciate it, however I would have to agree even I get frustrated with Ruby up in my face sometimes and I’m not a teeny little shih tzu!

Look at those sweet faces!

Her other cousin is still a baby! He’s only 6 months old and a boxer named Samson. He and Ruby got along great! She does well with big dogs she can jump all over. They were so sweet to each other too I was dying with cuteness. I can’t wait to get them together again soon, hopefully at my parents, they have a fenced yard and I bet those two would have the best time running around together!

Ruby was very frustrated that she couldn’t swim yesterday. Swimming is her new favorite, and my aunt and uncle have an awesome in-ground pool. But since mommy and daddy can definitely NOT afford a new liner, Ruby had to stay out. Life is so hard.

After a long afternoon running around in the sun, Ruby and I went home to relax. She passed out on the couch, and I watched some On Demand TV and got caught up on some blog reading! I am so behind!

So that was my weekend, nice and relaxing. Today Jeffry gets the pleasure of taking both the dog and the cat to the vet. Yay! Lol. Spence needs his 3 year shots, poor baby. I can’t even imagine how he’s going to deal with that.

Tubbo making himself right at home lol

Also, Jeffry found kittens in our backyard and is in LOVE. He’s pretty sure we may end up with another cat. I’m not too sure. I just like giving my baby Spencer all my love! He already has to deal with Ruby, I’m not sure how he would deal with having to share his domain with another kitty. Thoughts?

There is no denying his/her cuteness, but I said Spencer gets the final say. So we brought it upstairs, and all he did was hiss at it. So no go on the kitten. We still haven't decided what to do with them yet, there are 3 little ones and no sign of momma yet. If they are still there later I think we will see about taking them to the SPCA. Right now they are hiding out in our backyard neighbors old shed. We shall see!

What's for Dinner?

It's no secret I like to cook, but one of the hardest things for me is deciding what to make! This is a typical conversation in my house:

J: What do you want for dinner
Me: I don't know, what do you want?
J: I don't know.

...a few hours later...

Me: Did you think of anything for dinner?
J: No, did you?
Me: No....

That is where Pinterest comes in handy! It's easy to browse through my food boards for something that looks yummy. Here are a couple that I am thinking about for this week:

Good ole Martha Stewart

I am really in the mood for pasta! Every pin I see I'm like "ooo that looks good!" This one pot spaghetti really intrigues me, and I think it's what I'm making tonight. Probably with some grilled chicken 'cause ya know a real man needs protein with his dinner ;P

here

Jeffry loves fried chicken, so I'm thinking about making this crispy oven version sometime this week too. Probably with his favorite mashed potatoes and corn.

I pinned this for ideas too! 

While I was perusing today, I decided to organize my food board into foods I want to try and foods we have tried. If you want to check out some of our yummy go-tos, check out my board Tried it, Liked it.

4th of July Mani

I know, I know, I promised this yesterday but I was just too busy and too grumpy. I'm the worst blogger in history I get it. But it's worth the wait ;) 

I have a lot of the Sally Hansen Xtremem Wear polishes because they're always on sale for $1.99 and I can't resist!!

1- Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Ivory Skull

2- Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in In The Spotlight

3- Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Celeb City

4- Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Cherry Red

5- L'Oreal Nail Polish in Jet Set to Paris

I also used my tried and true Essie All In One base coat and No Chips Ahead top coat.

After base coats....

Drumroll please............

The finished product!!

I'm super happy with how they came out. I even like how the flag is a little abstract/rustic/not perfect. I hope everyone had an amazing 4th and has a great weekend as well! Xoxo.

Summer Work Wardrobe Staple 2.0

Remember when I talked about my love of colored denim? I have another summer work wardrobe staple for you today: the maxi skirt! I have three of them that I wear all the time.

This blue one is one of my favorites. Maxi skirts are great because they are cooler than pants but still work appropriate. And talk about comfy! The next best thing to wearing yoga pants.

Top - Kohls same $6!
Skirt - Target similar $15
Scarf - Gift similar $16.99

I like to wear the blue skirt with these sandals to jazz it up. I got these from Piperlime with a coupon like practically 10 years ago. They're Kenneth Cole Reaction and were dirt cheap! I think I got my moneys worth outta there babies.

These options are pricier that mine were but both cute options!
similar $52.95
similar $35.99

Come back tomorrow for my July 4th mani! You won't want to miss it :)

Independence Day Crafts

Now for some 4th of July crafts I've made over the last few years...

I love making wreaths for the holidays, and this is one of the first ones I made. You can find the instructions for it here. This one is done with maroon, cream & navy, and I also made one using red white & blue that pops a little bit more.

I made these last year, after seeing a similar pair in an email from The Zoe Report. I fell in love but the pair they featured was like $200! No way. This pair I made for probably $10. I used a pair of old white jeans that I already had, and I used wide painters tape to mark out the stripes. For the stars I did purchase some star stickers, and I also purchased the pewter fabric paint. I wore them on the 4th with a cobalt t-shirt!


And this year...

Isn't she beautiful!?! I wanted her to have something to wear for the 4th, but I also wanted her to look like a lady! I had a hard time finding red, white & blue collars to begin with, and the ones I did find were not very girly. So I made this one with some supplies from good ole JoAnn's. It was during one of their sales, so I got everything for like 70% off. The band is just wired ribbon, and the bow was actually part of a girl's headband! I just gently pulled it off the headband (it was only hot glued on) and I secured it to the ribbon with a couple stitches just to make sure it didn't fall off. Then I measured Ruby's neck, cut the ribbon and stitched some Velcro on each end. I can't wait for her to wear it Thursday. And I'll probably paint her nails to match of course ;)