slices of life.

Thursday Already - 1-26-12

2012-01-26T09:04:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately, I didn't take any outfit photos today. It is an outfit I've worn many times before. I went more casual today as I am going to be sitting on the floor, moving my files around. So I went with a cute, comfy look. You can see what I have on today, by checking out this post.

Last night, hubs worked till 6 and I went and picked him up. We then went out for Indian food and got home around 8 because the roads were really icy. We then relaxed a bit and went to bed.

This weekend I am going to be a cleaning machine! Our best friends are coming up for Superbowl Weekend and staying with us. I am so excited! I have missed them bunches! I also have two crafts I will be working on, maybe three. I also want to get the stuff listed for sale (bags, skirts, a dress, tops and sweaters, maybe some shoes), plus the normal grocery shopping and things like that.

That Blogger Sweater - 1-25-12

2012-01-25T08:53:00.000-05:00

I was at Old Navy a while ago and picked up this sweater for $14! It's the one that almost every fashion blogger owns! (I'm in the cool crowd!!!) I really wanted the pink one, but they only had this blue one left in the whole store. (Trust me, I checked) Hubs doesn't like it so much. Oh well, he'll get over it. I really liked pairing it with this red & white striped button down and know I will get some more use out of it as the weather turns to spring.

Class was ok last night. I really don't like marketing. All the equations are confusing. But, I'll get it eventually.

I have an eyebrow appointment at lunch today and I couldn't be more excited! I haven't had my brows done in just over 2 months. (I've been plucking some of the worst strays, but my brows really do need professional help!) If I remember, I'll take before and after shots.

Did you all see my guest post over at MoMoMod yesterday? I am a regular contributor over there. Stop by and say hello!

Today's Outfit:
Sweater & Button Down - Old Navy
Skirt - Lands End
Shoes - Payless
Brooch - Gifted
Bag - Candies

MoMoMod - 2-24-12

2012-01-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

Today's Post can be found over at MoMoMod. Come visit me there!

I have recreated another Pin from my Pinterest boards.

Back to the Grind - 1-23-12

2012-01-23T08:57:00.000-05:00

Well, it's Monday again. Back to another work week.

How was your weekend? My weekends hardly ever go as planned. I was hoping to get my bin of stuff listed for "shop my closet" but I didn't. I did get everything separated out though. So I may work on it little by little throughout this week. I also didn't get any crafting done. Oh well. Maybe next weekend....

Friday night we went to dinner at Muldoons and I finally got my tenderloin that I have been crafting. Saturday was spent doing the normal errands and running around town. We also went to the movies Saturday evening. We watched "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close". The movie about 9-11. It was really well done. I was apprehensive going into it because I knew how emotional it would be. It was. I cried, hubs teared up. But, it was really well done. I do recommend seeing it. But, be prepared to shed a tear or two (or three or more). Sunday I worked on some blog stuff, cleaned the house, watched "Unknown", hubs watched football and we relaxed. It was nice.

Tonight we need to read chapter 2 in our textbooks. I'm making something for dinner, (probably Tacos).

Tuesday night we are back in class! Fun, Fun.

Please don't mind the blurry photos today. I thought they were ok until I went to edit them and noticed they were blurry. I didn't have time to retake them. Oh well. This is what blogging is all about. The good and the bad. Between you and me, I can't wait for it to be daylight earlier. This taking photos in the dark thing is just stupid!

Today's Outfit:
Cardigan & Tank - Old Navy
Skirt - Avenue
Tights - Target
Shoes - Payless
Bag - Relic
Brooch - Gifted

Friday I'm in Love - 1-20-12

2012-01-20T08:26:00.000-05:00

No outfit photos today. Sorry about that. Hubs didn't have to go in till later this morning so instead of taking photos, I chatted with him instead.

I am so glad it's Friday. Hopefully I can get some R&R this weekend. This week has just totally wiped me out! I woke up this morning with a headache. That's always fun!

I am hoping to get some things done this weekend. For instance, I have a couple of craft projects I want to do, I want to get some of my clothes listed on my shop my closet page, and all the normal errands and cleaning that need to be done.

Today, I get to go to the BMV for work. How fun! we bought a new truck for the company and they are sending me in to get the plates and registration taken care of. I hope it's not a very long wait.....

Bluebirds - 1-19-12

2012-01-19T09:10:00.000-05:00

Still trying to get through the week. It's been a tough one. I am ready for the weekend!

For some reason, work has just been rough this week and has really worn me out. I know it happens from time to time, but I just don't like it.

Today's Outfit:
Dress & Cardigan - Old navy
Scarf - Walmart
Shoes - Payless
Bag - Relic

MoMoMod

2012-01-18T09:55:00.000-05:00

Check it out!
I am a contributor to this wonderful blog! It is called More Modern Modesty and run by the lovely lady, Chandra. I am so excited to be contributing posts about fashion and MIY (Make It Yourself). So come on over, follow her blog and get ready for some great posts!

Hope - 1-18-12

2012-01-18T09:14:00.000-05:00

So far today has been a better day than yesterday and that's a good thing. Let's hope that it keeps up for the rest of the day.

I work up this morning at 4 am and couldn't go back to sleep so I am pretty tired today. Oh well... it happens.

Today's Outfit:
Sweater - Goodwill
Tank - Old Navy
Skirt - Ebay
Shoes - Payless
Brooch - Gifted
Bag - Candies

Frustrated - 1-17-12

2012-01-17T14:49:00.000-05:00

Sorry for such the late post today. Work has been hectic today and I just want to take a nap. To make a long story short, my company needs to work on communication!!!!!!!

I have some exciting things in the works that I'll share when they come to fruition.

I know I keep saying that I will get some of my clothes listed for sale on my closet, and I will!!! Hopefully this weekend! That is what I'm counting on anyway.

Today's Outfit:
Sweater/Shirt - Kohls
Skirt - Gap
Brooch - Gifted
Shoes - Target
Bag - Nine & Co.

Not a Holiday - 1-16-12

2012-01-16T09:20:00.000-05:00

How did your weekend go? Ours went ok. Poor hubs had to work all weekend though. He is going to end up burning himself out if he doesn't watch it.

Nothing much to share today. It's Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and I have to work. So does hubs. Unfortunately it isn't one of the holidays that we get off. Oh well..... Traffic was so nice though. I left the house late and ended up getting to work early.

I'm going hunting for my doilies today. Let's hope that I can find them! Does anyone know if you can dye them? I haven't decided if I want them to stay that color, or if I want to dye the whole project a different color.

Today's Outfit:
Cardigan - Chadwick's
Tank - Kohls
Skirt - Gap
Shoes - Cato
Bag - Garage Sale

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

2012-01-15T10:51:00.000-05:00

No, really, we are having chicken for dinner. LOL

onto more important things...like the winner of the MyMemories Scrapbook Software.

After my very scientific way of drawing a number,. (4 entries and I asked hubs to pick a number) the winner is..... Lisa!

Congrats Lisa! I sent you a reply and all you need to do is email me at slice.of.life@hotmail.com and I will get the information to you.

Giveaway Reminder!

2012-01-13T09:34:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to visit this post and enter in for my giveaway! There are only 4 people signed up to win so your chances are very good!

The scrapbook software can be used on a PC or Mac and this giveaway is open to anyone! (No mater if you live overseas or not.)

You have until this evening to enter! I will be announcing the winner in the morning. So you have until midnight to leave a comment!

Busy - 1-12-12

2012-01-12T09:55:00.002-05:00

Don't forget to visit this post to win your very own scrapbook software!!! There are only 3 people entered to win right now, so your chances of winning are good! I will be drawing a winner tomorrow evening!

The week is almost over and for that I am grateful! I can't wait to sleep in!

Another busy day at work today, so another short post.

Jacket - Ebay
Shirt - Old navy
Skirt - Chadwicks
Tights - Hue via DSW
Shoes - Payless
Bag - Candies
Brooch - Gifted

(same shoes as yesterday, but solid black tights today.)

Short Post - 1-11-12

2012-01-11T09:23:00.000-05:00

Short post today. Busy, busy day at work today. Not to mention I am incredibly tired this morning. Only 5 hours of sleep will do that to you.

School went fine last night. I am actually looking forward to more classes.

I was asked by hubs this morning, "Why do you keep wearing tights if you hate them so much? It's the stupidest thing ever!"

Today's Outfit:
Cardigan - Old Navy via Goodwill
Tank - Old navy
Skirt - Avenue
Tights - Target
Shoes - Payless
Bag - Garage Sale
Brooch - Antique Shop in town

School Begins - 1-10-12

2012-01-10T08:42:00.000-05:00

Tonight is our first class of our MBA program at AU. I am nervous and excited. It was only supposed to be a 2 hour class, but we got an email yesterday that it will be a 4 hour class and we probably won't have class next week. I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow.

Over the weekend I tried out a Pinterest DIY.

Source: abeautifulmess.typepad.com via D'Rae on Pinterest

Here is how mine turned out.

It's ok, but I should have done some things a little different. For one, I used a color photo and I should have probably used black & white or a different photo altogether. You can't really distinguish hub's legs from the background. I have one more canvas so I am going to try it again later with a different photo.

I also tried to do this to my hair today.

Source: teenvogue.com via D'Rae on Pinterest

It turned out ok, but not quite like the photo. Maybe my hair is too long? I don't know, but I will try it again!

Tights again today! I forgot how much I kinda dislike this pair. They are cute and look good on, but they make this horrible swish sound when I walk!! It makes me feel so self-conscious! Oh well..... nothing I can do about it now.

Today's Outfit:
Sweater - Target
Shirt - Old navy
Skirt - Goodwill
Wedges - New Target stock from Goodwill
Tights - Walmart
Bag - Garage Sale
Brooch - Gifted

2nd week - 1-9-12

2012-01-09T09:39:00.001-05:00

I cannot believe that it's the second week of January already!

ps. Don't forget to enter the fabulous digital scrapbook software giveaway from MyMemories! Click here to enter!

How did your weekend go? We had a nice weekend. I tried a pinterest project that kinda worked out, but I forgot to take a photo of it this morning. I'll post it tomorrow.

I'm still trying to get the new pose down and the editing of the photo. It takes time people, just hang in there with me..... And as you may have noticed. Tights! I still can't stand wearing them, but I'm trying. They just add so much more to a fall/winter outfit.

Today's Outfit:
Sweater/Shirt combo - Kohls
Skirt & Tights - Chadwicks
Shoes - Target
Bag - Nine & Co
Brooch - gifted

MyMemories Digital Scrapbooking - Review & Giveaway! - 1-6-12

2012-01-06T07:52:00.000-05:00

I have something special for you today!

Back in the day, I use to be an avid scrapbooker. I loved to make the layouts and find pretty papers and stickers to use to create my layouts for my scrapbooks. But, it got expensive and very time consuming. While I still love to be creative, scrap booking has kind of fallen off the horizon for me.

Until now. The generous people over at MyMemories contacted me to try out their software. Let me tell you, it's awesome! (and soooo easy!!!)

They have numerous premade layouts that all you have to is drag and drop your photos in there. Or better yet, there is a button you can click and all your photos get loaded automatically! All you have to do is add your text and you are done!

You can also create your own layouts with all kinds of papers, digital stickers, buttons and what nots. It is the best digital scrapbooking software that I've seen out there!

I had a chance to play around with it throughout the week and I made a few layouts. I still need to figure out how to change some of the pre-typed text, but here are some layouts that I have created using the MyMemories scrapbook software.

Then, once you have your layouts complete, you have the option to print them out, export them (like I have done) or even have them printed into a book. Bam, you're done! This scrapbook software is awesome!

Now for the exciting part! I have partnered up with MyMemories to offer one of my readers a free software package! ($40 value!) All you have to do is visit MyMemories.com and tell me what you like about the software. That's it. (Please only one comment per person.) Winner will be chosen one week from today, January 13.)

If you just can't wait to find out if you are a winner and would like to download the software ASAP and save $10, just use the little button on the right to go and order from their website. Please be sure to use STMMMS55398 for your coupon code. That way they know that I sent you over.

If you want, you can also follow their blog, find them on Facebook or follow them on twitter.

I will also occasionally be sharing free layouts that you can download for your own use.

Garage Doors - 1-5-12

2012-01-05T09:22:00.000-05:00

Remember way back over Thanksgiving when I talked about our house sitter accidentally damaging our garage door? Well, it's finally getting replaced today! That weekend we went to Home Depot and picked out a new garage door. (Hubs managed to fix the other door so we have been using it, but it's slightly bent and the track is bent as well, so the whole thing needed replacing.) We were going to eventually replace it with a better, insulated door, so this just made us up the eventually. Anyways, we ordered the door that weekend and it's finally here! Sometime this year, hubs wants to fix the drywall in there, paint, do the floor with that epoxy stuff and make it a lot better. He also wants to add one of those wall units that heats & cools.

Ok, enough house talk.

I went to the mall on my lunch break yesterday. I hit up like 6 stores looking for a black skirt. Nada. So I came back and looked up some more stores online. And found a few at Avenue. I ordered 2, a black one and a pinstripe black one for $13 each. (on sale!) Hopefully one will work and will fit right. We shall see...

Now I am on the hunt for a new pair of black flats as mine are worn out and getting holey.

Don't mind the weird stance in today's photos. I tried a new pose and it needs a little work. For instance, STAND UP STRAIGHT!!! Ha! And what's with the flash?

Today's Outfit:
Sweater - JC Penny
Skirt & Shoes - Target
Bag - Nine & Co.
Brooch - Gifted
Tank - Kohls

Thoughts 1-4-12

2012-01-04T09:24:00.000-05:00

I have an exciting giveaway that I am working on for you all. I will be posting about it on Friday so stay tuned! (hint: it has to do with digital scrapbooking!)

Thoughts about the blog.... I am thinking of changing things up a bit on my blog. I like the design and all that, but I am thinking of changing the name. There is a really horrific movie out there now with the same name and it is very disturbing as it comes up first when you search for my blog. But I don't know...

I am also wanting to do better outfit photos. But, that is really hard. I would like to do some outside and such, but I take my own photos and my camera doesn't have a remote and I don't think you can add one to it. It's a Nikon Coolpix L120. All it has is a 10 second timer that takes one photo at a time.

I am also thinking about doing an end of year wrap up post. (I know, I'm late. Whatever....) But we shall see how that goes.

I have been looking for a basic black skirt now for about a week. I don't want a suit type skirt. It has to be business casual, knee-length and sort of a straighter cut. (I don't want it hugging my booty) I also want it to not cost an arm & a leg. I'm cheap. I am looking at a price range of around $30 or cheaper. You would think this would be an easy find. But it's not. I went to Macy's yesterday and found a few. One was a suit type skirt and it was just too dressy for what I wanted. The other, they didn't have in my size, but would have been perfect. So the hunt continues.....

Today's Outfit:
Sweater - Land's End
Tank - J Crew
Skirt - Boden
Bag - Target
Bee Brooch - Gifted
Flower Brooches - Self-Made
Shoes - Walmart

New Year - 1-3-12

2012-01-03T08:04:00.000-05:00

How did your New Year's celebration go? Did you make any resolutions or goals?

We slept through New Year's. We're old and boring... lol! We also haven't really made any goals or resolutions. Like I said, we are old and boring. We need to find some friends stat!

We had a pretty low key weekend. I love 3 day weekends!

Today's Outfit:
Sweater - Chadwicks
Shirt, Scarf & Shoes - Walmart
Skirt - Ebay
Bag - Target

eShakti Review - 1-2-12

2012-01-02T13:02:00.000-05:00

A while back eShakti contacted me to review one of their dresses. I graciously accepted.

I LOVE eShakti. First let me tell you the reasons why:

All styles are provided in all sizes, 0-26W
Customize at $7.50: made to your size, shape and style. Change length, sleeve, neckline, etc.
Unique styles and lots to choose from
great customer service

Now onto the review.
I had a few dresses in mind that I would have loved to have received, but I choose the birds who gossip dress in the rust/navy colorway. I provided them with all of my measurements and chose the below knee option. I really wished I would have chosen a higher neckline though as the original one is just way to low to wear on its on, but it provides a way for me to layer for a different look.

I received the dress fairly quickly given the fact that I customized it to my measurements and wants. From the time I ordered to the time I received it, was about 8-10 days. That is really quick, I was actually excepting it to take a bit longer.

I received the dress and it was packaged very well. It was folded neatly and wrapped in a plastic bag with tissue inside the shipping bag. I took it out, and tried it on. Perfection! Except for the low cut top. But, I didn't really pay attention to that portion and I could have chosen a higher neckline. So that was my mistake. The dress is fully lined and fits perfectly. It has short sleeves with a cute rouched, button styling. The dress will look great on it's on in the summer or layered with cardigans for the fall/winter time.

I will be keeping eShakti in mind for future purchases. I really like this company and the clothing they offer.

If you would like to purchase something from eShakti, please visit them by clicking on the affiliate link over on the right.

This dress was given to me by eShakti for review. All comments made are my own.

Love.....

2011-12-30T13:41:00.000-05:00

Oh how I love these two! Especially after seeing them in 500 Days of Summer and then their last little dancing/singing duet.
Love it!

New Years Weekend - 12-30-11

2011-12-30T08:52:00.000-05:00

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I have some exciting posts coming up and some changes that I am going to incorporate for the upcoming year.

If I don't post before the first, hope you all have a great New Years!

days messed up - 12-29-11

2011-12-29T09:52:00.000-05:00

With the 3 day weekend last weekend and the 3 day weekend this weekend, my days are starting to really get mixed up. Here I am thinking it's Wednesday and it's really Thursday!!

Yesterday's dentist appointment went ok. I ended up having not just one cavity but two! There were side by side and boy did it hurt! They shot me 4 times with Novocain and I still felt it! I'm glad it's over! My jaw and gums still hurt today but that should go away soon. The dentist said I would have hot/cold sensitivity for the next couple of weeks though.

Today's Outfit:
Cardigan - Tommy Hilfiger
T - JC Penny
Skirt - Ebay
Shoes - Walmart
Brooch - Gifted
Bag - Relic

4 days left... 12-28-11

2011-12-28T08:50:00.000-05:00

How is everyone recovering from their Christmas Holiday? Or are you still on holiday? I am back to work this week but off again on Monday and the back to work on Tuesday.

Are you all making your New Year's plans and resolutions? I have somthing exciting coming up that week so stay tuned.... (hint: it's a giveaway!)

Today I have a dentist appointment to get a cavity filled. (at least I am hoping it is just a cavity and nothing more major.) So not looking forward to it!

Today's Outfit:
Top & Shoes - Target
Skirt - Boden
Tank - Kohls
Bee Brooch - Gifted
Bag - Nine West

Christmas Past - 12-27-11

2011-12-27T09:38:00.000-05:00

Did you all have an enjoyable holiday?

Hubs and I enjoyed lounging around and just having the time off. Bonus: We get to do it all again next weekend!!!

Today's Outfit:
Sweater - Eddie Bauer via Goodwill
Tank - Kohls
Skirt - Ebay
Shoes - Walmart
Brooch - Gifted
Bag - Candies via Kohls

Christmas Lights

2011-12-24T20:24:00.000-05:00

While out looking at Christmas lights tonight, we happened upon this neighborhood, that is just down the road from us.

Each year they set this up and broadcast it over an FM radio frequency. We stopped and watched a couple of songs.

We thought it was pretty cool and I wanted to share one of the songs with you.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T08:49:00.002-05:00

Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

I'll be back to regular programming December 27th.

calm before the storm. - 12-22-11

2011-12-22T08:30:00.000-05:00

I cannot wait till the extended holiday weekend! I am ready for a day of doing nothing!

Today is our annual ladies Christmas lunch at work. All the ladies in the office go out to eat and do a gift exchange. It's normally fun and really nice to get out of the office.

Tonight after work I have to make 3 more batches of banana bread and get them ready to go. I also have to get the meals planned for the upcoming week and the grocery list made out tonight. It's a good thing I'm making hubs cook dinner! LOL

Tomorrow will be a wild day. I have a half day at work, but before hand I am helping hubby set up the goodies we made at his work, then I am heading to my job. When I get off at noon, I have the dry cleaning to pick up, cat food to buy at Walmart, Groceries to get for the upcoming week at Kroger, Gift cards to buy at Starbucks, go buy a gift at Nordstroms, go to the bank and hopefully fit Goodwill in there before I have to pick hubs up at 5.

Saturday morning I am making my famous sausage gravy & biscuits. (so yummy!) Then we are going to head to the mall to get my rings cleaned and checked, walk around a little bit (maybe) and catch our annual Christmas eve movie. This year we are watching Sherlock Holmes. After the movie, we will be driving through some of the neighborhoods and looking at Christmas lights.

Sunday morning we will be opening our presents from each other and then heading up to my parents for the day. (I'm making the ham. I need to figure out when I am going to start cooking it!)

Today's Outfit:
Top - Target
Brooch - gifted
Skirt - JC Penny
Shoes - Payless
Bag - Relic

Preppy - 12-21-11

2011-12-21T08:11:00.000-05:00

Last night I made 15 loaves of my famous banana nut bread for my coworkers. It wasn't until after I took the photo and posted it to twitter that I noticed my OCD got the best of me yet again. They are all lined up in colored rows.

Tonight is kind of a free night at home. Don't have to worry about making anything or cleaning. Tomorrow night is more banana bread making!

Today's Outfit:
Sweater - JC Penny
Skirt - Lands End
Shoes - Candies
Bag - Apt. 9
Brooch - Gifted

In case you're counting, 3 days 'till Christmas!

Christmas Countdown - 12-20-11

2011-12-20T11:15:00.000-05:00

Usually this week is full of stuff to do for work and finish up shopping and all that fun stuff.

Tomorrow I have a lunch with the some clients and then on Thursday we have our annual girls Christmas lunch at work. Friday is a half day and I am finishing up some last minute things. Tonight and Thursday night I'll be baking some yummy treats.

Today's Outfit:
Sweater - Goodwill
Tank - Old Navy
Skirt - Ebay
Shoes - Walmart
Bag - Candies
Brooch - Gifted

Love Weekends - 12-19-11

2011-12-19T08:30:00.000-05:00

How was your weekend? I had a good one.

Friday night, met hubs at home and we went out for dinner, went Christmas shopping and then came home. Saturday morning we went to Walmart, had breakfast, went to the post office, picked up his pants from the alterations place, went grocery shopping and all that fun stuff. Came home and put stuff away and then took a nap. After the nap we made dinner and watched some TV.

Sunday, got up and cleaned the house. Played on the computer for a bit and then I got busy in my craft room. I ended up making two draft dodgers, two pillows and a flannel infinity scarf.

I used this pin from pinterest as a starting point for the scarf.

Source: brittanymakes.com via D'Rae on Pinterest

I do think it would have been much easier to just go buy the flannel. I used an old pair of the hubs' PJ pants. At first it there was just way to much around my neck, so I cut it down and made it longer and thinner. So now it loops around my neck 3 times, but it isn't as wide and bulky. If I make another, I will just go buy the flannel from Joann's.

I bent the needle on my sewing machine while making the draft dodgers. Good thing I had extra needles as they were the first things I made.

Here are the pillows I made.

After all the craftiness, I watched Beauty and the Beast (My favorite Disney flick) and then we watched some Star Wars and went to bed.

Today's Outfit:
Flannel Infinity Scarf - Self-Made
Cardigan - Lands End
T- Walmart
Skirt - Boden
Shoes - Target
Bag - Nine West

Christmas Time - FBFF - 12-16-11

2011-12-16T11:35:00.000-05:00

No holiday party is complete without:
a cheese tray.

My favorite Christmas song/album:
I love the instrumental versions of Greensleeves and Carol of the Bells

My favorite seasonal recipe:
Pumpkin pie cold from the fridge with cool whip! yummy!!!! Hubby loves the ham I make for Christmas. He requests it every year.

The perfect New Year's Eve outfit includes:
my pajamas! We always stay in and it's awesome!

At the parties, I'll be drinking:
Dr. Pepper or Egg Nog.

Eggnog, good or bad?
Love it!!! Deans brand is the best! Make sure it is really cold.

Did you ever take pictures on Santa's lap at the mall?
Of course! I have photos from the Easter Bunny as well. But they are all at my moms and I am unable to scan them in right now.

Gingerbread Latte or Peppermint Mocha:
Gingerbread White Mocha. At Starbucks ask for a White Chocolate Mocha with one pump of gingerbread. Delicious!

Worst gift I ever got:
A sweater that didn't fit, wasn't my style and no receipt so that I could return it. Also, it was bought at a store from a different state and we had none in my state.

Best gift I ever received:
When I was a kid, it was a bicycle! I can still remember that Christmas!

My family has this weird tradition:
On Christmas Eve we always go to the movies and then we drive around and look at the lights.

My best bargain find for a gift this year:
I haven't even started shopping yet.

If I could only buy all my gifts from one place, I'd shop at:
A Gift-Card store!

Rudolph the Red-nose Reindeer or Frosty the Snowman:
Rudolph all the way!

My favorite Christmas movie:
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer of course. Frosty is in the running for Second place and third place would have to be Home Alone.

The best part about holiday decorations is:
all the pretty lights

Rip off the wrapping paper or neatly pull off the tape:
Rip it off of course.

If you would like to join FBFF head over to Modly Chic and subscribe HERE.

Busy, Busy - 12-15-11

2011-12-15T08:04:00.001-05:00

Another busy day at work today.

Orientation went fine last night. I can't believe that I go back to school in about 4 weeks!

Nothing much more to say today.

Today's Outfit:
Jacket - Chadwick's
Tank - Kohls
Skirt - Liz Claiborne
Shoes - Payless
Bag - Relic
Brooch - Gifted

Locations - 12-14-11

2011-12-14T08:17:00.000-05:00

Today I attempted a new photo location, my craft room. The photo is kind of wonky because I have to figure out the right distance and angle of the tripod and things like that. So I look short, really short. And it's not a very flattering angle. I promise it will get better, I just need to work on it.....

Tonight is our Grad School Orientation. Class starts January 10! I am excited and nervous. Excited to be learning again and for going to a new school. And nervous for all of the same reasons!

Today's Outfit:
Sweater - Old Navy
Shirt - JC Penny
Skirt - Boden
Shoes - Target
Bag - Chadwicks

Still Sick.... 12-13-11

2011-12-13T07:46:00.000-05:00

Last night I made chili for dinner and while hubby worked, I watched Jane Eyre. It was pretty good. Pretty true to the book. In some places it felt a bit rushed and in some went to slow. But overall, I enjoyed it.

Sometimes I wish that I made enough money at my job so that I could go down to 4 day work weeks. That would be awesome! But, alas, it is not so.... Maybe someday.

Fall TV shows are winding down for the season I guess. Is it just me or are the TV seasons just a bit strange now? I am so glad we have a DVR so that we don't miss any of our shows.

I think I have one more day left of this stupid cold. Thank goodness! We shall see how I feel tomorrow. Today I'm pretty good. Still a bit congested, but better than I have felt in awhile.

Today's Outfit:
Dress & Cardigan - Old Navy
Scarf - Walmart
Shoes - Payless
Bag - Relic

Resolutions

2011-12-12T17:00:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Slim-Fast for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

How has everyone been doing on their resolutions from last year? I know I haven't met mine. My goal was to get healthier. So, I'll probably have the same goal again this year.

This year, Slim-Fast can help! They have rolled out a new 3-2-1 plan. Let me tell you, it sounds super easy!

3. Pick three nourishing snacks a day – Slim·Fast 100-calorie snack bars, nuts, fruits and/or veggies. Snacking can be a good thing! In fact, it's an important part of the Slim·Fast 3•2•1 Plan. It keeps your metabolism going and gives you the energy you need to help get through the day.

2. Choose two Slim·Fast shakes or meal bars. Giving breakfast a break, leaving lunch behind or taking a break from dinner is easier when you replace a meal with your choice of Slim·Fast shakes and meal bars in a range of delicious flavors.

1. Enjoy one 500-calorie balanced meal per day. Our recipes are specifically designed by our Test Kitchens to provide delicious-tasting, 500-calorie meals that you can at home.

Well, the kind folks over at Slim-Fast sent me a coupon to kick start my resolution. So I picked up a 4 pack of shakes. I tried the Chocolate Royale flavor and was quite impressed! It was thick and almost tasted like a shake! That is something that I can get behind!

I I can't wait to try the other shake flavors and the meal bars. Hopefully, Slim-Fast can help me become healthier this year!

The good new is that Slim-Fast is available at almost any retail store: Walmart, Meijer, Target, Kroger and online at Amazon. Also make to to "Like" Slim-Fast on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/#!/slimfast

Weekend Happenings - 12-12-11

2011-12-12T09:03:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday morning.....
Did you all have a good weekend? I think I am almost over this cold thing. Hubs and I took lots of naps over the weekend.

Thursday night was my husbands boss's Christmas play. His church does this play every year and he and his wife is in it. All the management at his company went to the play. It was a very good play and I got to meet some of his coworkers.

Friday night we were both feeling pretty drained. I made a homemade pizza for dinner and that was it.

Saturday was our normal errand running day. Went to Walmart, Kroger, Lowes, Meijer and Blockbuster. Cleaned the house, got the humidifier set up and had pigs in a blanket with macaroni & cheese for dinner.

Sunday morning we watched National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, decorated the house for Christmas and hubs made an awesome roasted chicken dinner with all the fixings: mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans, rolls and stuffing. He even made pumpkin pie for dessert! It was yummy! We even have enough leftover chicken to have chicken & noodles one day and another chicken dinner another day, plus we both have some for lunch today. We watched some TV and went to bed early.

Today I am wearing this outfit. I just didn't feel up to taking photos this morning. Hopefully I will be back at it tomorrow morning. This stupid cold is just kicking my patootie!

Mustard & Plum - 12-7-11

2011-12-07T09:04:00.000-05:00

I didn't bother taking photos or posting yesterday. Monday afternoon I went home from work early cause I wasn't feeling well. Tuesday I went back to work, but still wasn't feel 100%. Still not there today but am feeling better. I still have a cough and sore throat so I am hoping that it will go away soon.

I have been trying to come up with new ways to wear my stuff. Monday's Outfit and today's outfit is evidence of that.

Don't look too closely at my hair. I am almost out of my awesome Aveda products and am trying to find a cheaper solution. So far, the 3 shampoos & conditioners that I have tried, I have hated! I think I may just have to suck it up and buy more Aveda Smooth Infusion.

This weekend I am hoping to get the house cleaned, errands ran and start decorating. We were going to last weekend, but we both were sick. So maybe I'll get some done this weekend. I also hope to get one of those door snake things made for our patio doors. There is a slight draft coming from one. I also need to get out humidifier out and set up as well as change the outdoor bulbs on the garage and security light. If I am feeling ambitious, I also hope to get some of the flowers/dead stuff cut down for the season. But, we shall see how it goes.

Today's Outfit:
Yellow Cardigan - Land's End
Purple Dress - Gap
Black Tank & Flats - Walmart
Bag - Target
Brooch - Gifted

Pinterest Inspired - 12-5-11

2011-12-05T10:15:00.000-05:00

This weekend was pretty much a bust. We had high hopes of getting out the Christmas decorations and getting everything pretty. But, we were waylaid by sickness. Both of us. Hubs is home today with a fever and I am battling it out at work today. Hopefully we get better soon and can get the house decorated.

Today's Outfit was one from Pinterest. Here is the inspiration.

Source: polyvore.com via D'Rae on Pinterest

Today's Outfit:
Scarf & Shoes - Walmart
Cardigan - Chadwick's
Top - Victoria's Secret
Skirt - Ebay
Bag - Target

Help

2011-12-02T12:59:00.002-05:00

Help by drae on polyvore.com

eShakti.com | The birds who gossip dress
$70 - eshakti.com

I received this dress from eShakti to review. I really don't quite know how to style it right now..... I was thinking of pairing it with navy shoes, navy tights and a rust cardigan. But, I can't seem to find a rust cardigan! Anyways, how would you style this dress?

Happy December - 12-1-11

2011-12-01T10:45:00.000-05:00

Is it just me or did November go by in a blink of an eye?

I am still working on our vacation post. It's like pulling teeth trying to get hubs to send me his photos from his phone. We didn't take our camera this time and just used our iphones instead. Once I get his photos and the photos from his aunt and uncle, the post will be good to go!

Feeling a bit under the weather today. Still fighting that bug that's going around. I wish I would either get it or not though. I hate fighting things. Sometimes it is almost worse than actually being sick.

Today's Outfit:
Top - Old Navy
Tank - Kohls
Flower Pin - Self Made
Skirt - JC Penny
Shoes - Target
Bag - Chadwicks

Win a White ipad 2!!!!!!

2011-12-01T08:58:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness! The fabulous Kaelah Bee over at Little Chief Honeybee is giving away an ipad 2.

Just visit the post here and follow the entrance instructions. Good luck!

Slow Going - 11-30-11

2011-11-30T13:58:00.000-05:00

It is taking me a lot longer to catch up from this vacation than it did before! I have no idea why I am so behind. I also think that I am fighting around that nasty cold bug that everyone seems to have right now. One of these days I'll be all caught up!

Today's Outfit:
Top - Victoria's Secret
Tank - Kohl's
Bird Scarf - Walmart
Skirt - Boden
Shoes -Payless
Bag - Relic

Blogger Meetup

2011-11-30T07:36:00.000-05:00

I would love to be able to attend the blogger meet up and swap in Chicago this Friday! But, since we were on vacation last week, I just can't. But you still can!

ModlyChic presents…
Schoolhouse Swap
Friday, December 2, 2011
5 to 9pm
at The Willows Academy for Girls
1012 E. Thacker St.
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Tickets: $12 with a bag to swap.

How it works: Arrive between 5 and 7:30pm with a bag of your lightly used castaways. Then browse the vendor booths and mingle with other fashionistas. Doors to the swap will open at 8. Grab what you want from the tables and racks, then head home with new-to-you clothing. Any leftover items will be donated to a local charity. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Willows Academy.

What to swap: lightly used clothing, accessories, shoes, purses and jewelry.

The event is hosted by Katy Rose of ModlyChic.
Questions about the event or interested in securing a booth for your small business contact Katy at ModlyChic@gmail.com

So Much To Do - 11-29-11

2011-11-29T09:19:00.000-05:00

I have so many posts I am working on right now. Hopefully I will get a few of them up tonight.

Today's Outfit:
Sweater - Goodwill
Tank - Old Navy
Skirt - Ebay
Brooch - Gifted
Bag - Candies
Shoes - Walmart

Back from Vacation! - 11-28-11

2011-11-28T13:56:00.001-05:00

We had a great time being out of town! I am working on a vacation recap post so until then, I hope you enjoy my daily wear post!

Let me just say that I am glad to be home! I really enjoyed our vacation, but there is nothing like being home!

Today's Outfit:
Top - Old Navy
Tank - Kohls
Brooch - gifted
Skirt - Ebay
Shoes - Payless
Bag - Relic

The McDaniel Family

2011-11-17T07:38:00.000-05:00

I want you to meet some very special people that we know. This is Ian, his wife Katie and their 3 beautiful children. They have a wonderful message of hope to bring to you.

Even though they have 3 beautiful children of their own, they have so much more love to give. They are in the midst of raising funds to bring two beautiful children from the Democratic Republic of Congo to their forever home. This is where you come in. In order to bring their babies home, they need to raise $55,000.

Please, visit their blog, read about their journey, watch their video and if you find it in your heart to give, please do so. Any amount will help.

I will be leaving this post up during my vacation. I will also keep you all updated on their process by writing occasional blog posts. I have also created a button on the right side that will take you directly to their blog. Once there, you will find all the information about their story and what you will need in order to donate.

During this busy time filled with family, friends, and giving thanks, please take the time and help another family bring home their babies.

Countdown Begins - 11-16-11

2011-11-16T08:59:00.000-05:00

Is it a bad thing that both hubby and I woke up thinking today was Thursday? I am so ready for it to be Friday!

Last night, I was keeping hubs company in our office. He was working and I was going through my songs on iTunes. Let it be known that we have some similar tastes in music, but I go for the darker, heavy metal, alternative types and he likes more of the pop music. Anyway, I was going through songs and deleting some stuff from my playlist when I started playing a song. Hubs leans over and goes "oh, what's that? It's good." I laughed at him and said it's Miley Cyrus. He then said, "Well, there goes my man card!"

Tonight there will be a little bit of tidying up, vacuuming, making up the guest bed, laundry and starting to pack. Fun times.

Today's Outfit:
Top - Victoria's Secret
Cream Flower Pin - Self-Made
Orange Flower Pin - Marang97 Etsy Shop
Skirt - Target via Goodwill
Shoes - Payless
Bag - Relic

I decided to try one of those blogger buns today. Whenever I wear my hair striaght up, away from my face, you can see my widows peak like mad. Makes me feel like Eddie Munster! Please tell me it's not really all that bad...

Crazy - 11-15-11

2011-11-15T14:27:00.000-05:00

And the craziness continues!

Tonight I am planning on sitting down at the computer and printing out all our hotel receipts, tickets and etc for the trip. I am also going to be updating the 700+ songs in my itunes library for the trip. Wish me luck!

Today's Outfit:
Top - Victoria's Secret
Tank - Kohls
Flower Pins - Marang97 Etsy Shop
Skirt - Target
Shoes - Walmart
Bag - Relic

Busy Week Ahead - 11-14-11

2011-11-14T10:15:00.000-05:00

Getting ready for my busy week ahead. 4.5 ish work days then a road trip to Florida.

I've had my outfits planned out for a bit now and today, when I looked at the extended forecast, I learned that I am going to have to change 2 of them. Oh well.... I'll figure it out.

Just a head's up. I am not taking my laptop with me to Florida, so I won't be blogging like normal. I will be tweeting though! So if you want to follow my tweets and keep up with our road trip, just go to the right and follow me on twitter!

This morning, I didn't realize it was raining and I went and blow dried my hair all nice and straight. Then I got rained on. A Lot! So now my hair is kinda straight and frizzy. Fun! Oh well..... It happens.

Today's Outfit:
Sweater - Tommy Hilfiger
Tank - Old Navy
Skirt - JC Penny
Shoes - Target
Brooch - Gifted
Bag - Relic

Makeup - FBFF - 11-11-11

2011-11-11T09:29:00.000-05:00

Today's FBFF is all about makeup. Well, the lack thereof. We were supposed to post a photo of us without makeup. Well, I do that every day. I don't wear makeup. Except for chapstick/gloss. Which I don't even consider that makeup. That's just something to help keep my lips smooth and kissable! lol.

I have never really worn much makeup, even in high school. In the 90's, I wore that dark lipstick that was in style and some foundation to hide the pimples that everyone gets but that was about it. Once my face cleared and everyone realized how horrible that dark lipstick looked, I switched to light glosses and no makeup and it's been that way ever since.

I attribute my good skin and ageing well, to good skincare, a bit of genes and not wearing makeup.

My skincare routine changes sometimes, I am still trying to find the perfect combination of things, but it is mostly the same. I have also been slowly changing over to more natural products as well. In the morning, I wash my face in the shower with Sibu Beauty facial cleanser, put on eye cream by Riviva, followed by some zit cream by Mary Kay (as needed), then moisturize with Burts Bees Sensitive Skin daily moisutrizer. In the evening, I wash my face, use the eye cream, zit cream as needed and then a night moisturizer by Boots.

The chapstick/glosses I use are simple as well. My very favorite that I use ALL the time is Coco butter lip balm made by Cococare. It is THE BEST! I have been using is for years and years. This is followed closely by regular strawberry or cherry chapstick. I also use Burt's Bees Tiger Lilly Tinted lip balm. That's it.

To find the Linky for this post and visit other people's makeup-less photos, visit Oranges & Apples by clicking HERE.

If you would like to join FBFF head over to Modly Chic and subscribe HERE.

Busy as a Mouse - 11-10-11

2011-11-10T10:06:00.000-05:00

Woke up to very chilly weather! That's more like it fall! Let's keep this up and the snow away!

There is still so much to do before vacation. I am trying to not get stressed about it. Billing at work, more house cleaning, packing, etc. why do I do this to myself?

Kind of a short post today. Way to busy at work for anything else.

Today's Outfit:
Sweater - Target via Goodwill
Top & Shoes - Target
Mouse Brooch - Gifted
Skirt - JC Penny
Bag - Nine & Co

Nerdy - 11-9-11

2011-11-09T09:26:00.000-05:00

OK guys, I have a confession..... I am such a nerd! Just got the phone call last night that we will in fact be having Thanksgiving dinner at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmead Village. (Harry Potter World at Universal Studios) I am beyond excited! I can't wait till our vacation now! The 16 hour drive will be all worth it!!!!

Last night hubs ended up working late so we didn't get the carpets cleaned. We shall see how it goes tonight. I personally think we should just wait and do it Sunday night, but who knows....

Today's Outfit:
Top - Old navy
Skirt - Merona via Ebay
Tank - Kohl's
Bag - Chadwick's
Flower Pin - Self-Made
Shoes - Target

Mustard, Black & Red - 11-8-11

2011-11-08T08:50:00.000-05:00

Last night, I slept terribly! I woke up almost every hour. So not fun. Oddly enough though, I am not all that tired this morning. Go figure.

Tonight after work, I believe that we are going to go home and move all the furniture out of the office and the living room and clean the carpets. aren't we a fun and lively bunch?

Things left to do on my cleaning list: move stove and clean under and around it, move fridge out and clean under and vacuum coils, clean wooden floors, Wipe down cabinets, clean ceiling fans and turn them to the winter setting, clean baseboards and clean kitchen rugs, and then do the carpet in our bedroom and closet.

since we are doing the main carpets tonight, I believe we will also be going out to dinner afterward. Probably something quick.

Sorry the photos are kinda crappy today. I am still playing around with the camera settings and trying to get the timer to work right and not go blurry. It's a fancy camera I tell you!

Today's Outift:
Sweater - Goodwill
Tank - Old Navy
Skirt - Ebay
Shoes - Walmart
Brooch - Gifted
Bag - Candies

Busy Week - 11-7-11

2011-11-07T10:56:00.000-05:00

These next two weeks are going to be a busy whirlwind of a time! It is crunch time at work and during the week of Thanksgiving we are going on vacation. So I am trying to get everything caught up and done at work and get things done at home. It's going to be busy, busy, busy!

Hubs and I have been talking lately about friends. Our close (best) friends moved earlier this year and we no longer have any good friends around. So we tend to get a little lonely and bored. But, do you know how hard it is to make friends as a couple and when you are older? It's miserable.

How was your weekend? Did you remember to set your clocks back? Poor Sophie was so hungry at 4! (She normally gets fed around 5pm, once we get home from work) How do you explain daylight savings time to a cat? I can imagine that once I get home from work this evening, she will be crying at the door!

I was cleaning the house yesterday and my tendency for perfection got the best of me. I thought I had to deep clean everything! Luckily, hubs stopped me and convinced me that some of it can wait. I will be cleaning the baseboards, cabinets and wood floors next weekend. Sometime this week we are going to clean the carpets.

No outfit photos today. I spent more time talking to hubs this morning. I did wear the exact same thing I wore last Monday though.

Books, Books, Books!!! - FBFF - 11-4-11

2011-11-04T07:33:00.004-04:00

Wow, it's been a long time since I participated in an FBFF! I love books and reading so I thought now would be a great time to get involved again!

Today's topic is to talk about books. Katy mentioned to keep it light and fun and to talk about our 5 favorite books or the last 5 books we read.
Right now I am currently reading the Blue Bloods series. I am a super fast reader. Just this past Sunday, I started and finished the first 3 books in the Blue Bloods series in one afternoon. (about 600 pages) I think there are 6 or 7 books in the series right now.

Here is a little bit about the series that I copied from Wikipedia - Blue Bloods is a series of vampire novels by Melissa de la Cruz. The series is set in Manhattan, New York. There are currently five books in the series: Blue Bloods, Masquerade, Revelations, The Van Alen Legacy, and Misguided Angel. A companion novel, Keys to the Repository, was released on June 29, 2010. Bloody Valentine, another companion novel was released on December 28, 2010. Two more books are set to be published: Lost in Time and Wolfpact.

It's a decent read. I wanted something light and not to intense to read and this series has fit the bill so far. I am currently on book 4 and will probably finish out the series over the next week.

Another recent book that I have read and enjoyed it Water for Elephants. I read it before the movie came out. (I still haven't seen the movie, but I hope to rent it this weekend) I really enjoyed the storyline and feel in love with the characters. I am wondering if this will make the cut for one of my favorites.

Now I am going to talk about some of my favorite books. Books become my favorites when I am able to read them again and again and again. I have several that I read almost once a year or so.

Some of my favorite books:
1. Harry Potter Series - no matter how many times I read these books, I always find something new that I didn't see before. It is a great series and I encourage everyone to read them!

2. The Lonesome Gods by Louis L'Amour - I have been re-reading this book since I was in Jr. High! That's over 16 years! This book is about a boy and his struggle with his grandfather. It is kind of a western, but you really identify with the characters. It is a very good book.

3. The Haunted Mesa by Louis L'Amour - The same goes for this one. Usually when you hear Louis L'Amour, you think of John Wayne and Westerns. But this book is more modern. It is supposedly set in the present day. There is a another dimension/rip in time/ whatever you want to call it. It is kinda spooky and makes you think. It's a great book and one that I enjoy reading.

4. Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen - Does this one even need an explanation?

Well that's the only ones I can think of off the top of my head. I have read sooo many books over the years that sometimes it is hard to keep them straight. If you read any of my favorites, let me know what you think about them! I'd love to hear your thoughts!

If you would like to join FBFF head over to Modly Chic and subscribe HERE.

Waiting for the Weekend - 11-3-11

2011-11-03T08:00:00.003-04:00

The week is almost over! I am always so giddy about the weekends. I like being able to do what I want, when I want. Also, the week after vacation is always so hard. I have so much to do still to get caught back up. This is why I hardly ever take off a full week. Way to much to do before I leave and way to much to do when I get back. It's insane!

This weekend I am hoping to get the house cleaned and finish organizing my craft room and get some crafting done. I am also going to play with my camera more and figure out some more things on it. (I didn't know camera's were so confusing! lol!)

Tonight I am going to make spaghetti for dinner.

Today's Outfit:
Top - Old Navy
Tank - Kohls
Brooch - Good Friend Sarah
Skirt - Boden
Shoes - Keds
Bag - Nine West

Half-way - 11-2-11

2011-11-02T10:17:00.003-04:00

I can't believe it's Wednesday already!

So far this week has gone by really fast! (it helps that I took Monday off! lol!) The birthday madness continues! I stopped by Starbucks this morning and got my free birthday drink! Pretty soon I am going to have declare November y birthmonth as well!

Tonight I am going to play some more with my camera and load the editing software that came with and and see what I can do. I am still not totally happy with the way my photos are coming out. It is so much harder to get it focused first and then jump into the picture. Sometimes I really wish hubs would take the photos of me. Oh well, I will get it figured out.

Today's Outfit:
Top - Victoria's Secret
Tank - Kohls
Skirt - Target
Shoes - payless
Bag - Relic
Cream Flower Pin - Self-Made
Gray Flower Pin - Marang97 Etsy Shop

November - 11-1-11

2011-11-02T09:56:00.003-04:00

Happy November everyone!

I know this post is a day late, but that just means you will more than likely get two posts today!

How was everyone's Halloween? I had a lot of fun. I took the day off for my birthday and slept in. Well, I tried to but all those facebook notifications on my phone kept waking me up! I then got up, got ready and headed out to Goodwill. I found a mustard cardigan that really reminds me of something from Anthropologie and a new stock Target belt. After that, I went to the mall to spend some gift cards. I got a cardigan and top from Macy's and a new coat from Forever 21. (Thanks Klout & Collette). After shopping, I went home and watched a few movies and passed out Halloween candy. Hubs came home with a DQ ice cream cake and made stir fry for dinner. It was yummy! He also got me a fabulous new camera for my birthday. (I took the photos I used yesterday with it and will be using it here on out.) I am sorry if they turn out a bit blurry, I am till trying to get used to the settings and finding the right ones and so one. In case you are wondering, it is a Nikon Coolpix L120.

Yesterday after work, we went to Benihana's for my birthday dinner. It was yummy! If you sign up for their club, they send you a gift card for your birthday. It is great!

The Outfit:
Cardigan - Tommy Hilfiger (Macy's)
Top - Target
Skirt - JC Penny
Shoes - Payless
Bag - Relic
Brooch - Gifted

Halloween - 10-31-11

2011-11-01T12:55:00.003-04:00

Happy Halloween everyone! (I know, it's a day late, but I was on vacation!)

Here is what I wore.

Today's Outfit:
T & Shoes - Target
Tank - Kohls
Skirt - Boden
Bag - Nine & Co
Brooch - Gifted

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I'll post more later. Very busy at work trying to get caught back up!

Vacation

2011-10-24T12:54:00.001-04:00

Just a reminder that posting may be light or non-existent this week. Hubs and I are doing a staycation. Hope you all have a great week!

Cars - 10-20-11

2011-10-20T08:12:00.005-04:00

Penelope (my car) is whole again. I picked her back up last night at the dealership and she looks as good as new! (the dealership scratched 2 parts while they redid her pain job. They had to order the parts they ruined and replace them)

After picking up my car last night, hubby didn't want meatloaf for dinner. So, he went to Taco Bell on his way home and I grabbed a burger from Steak-N-Shake. So not healthy, but oh well. I think I'll make chili & cornbread tonight. We shall see...

Today is Thursday and tomorrow is Friday! That means I have 2 working days till my 10 day vacation! I am so excited! We aren't going anywhere, but have some fun things to do. In addition to just chilling out and relaxing, we are going to be cleaning out the garage & shed and reorganizing them. Reorganizing the office closet. Taking a BUNCH of stuff to the Goodwill. I am hoping to clean & organize my craft room, get my closet cleaned out and stuff listed on Smashion. We will probably hit up the movies one day (I kind of want to see Puss in Boots. The commercials make my laugh!), go out to dinner at Benihana's, and just do whatever we want all week.

Today's Outfit:
Sweater & Tank - Kohls
Skirt - JC Penny
Brooch - Gifted
Shoes - Walmart
Bag - Relic

Professor Plum in the Office - 10-19-11

2011-10-19T07:40:00.008-04:00

So last night, I got home and my nice black file boxes had been delivered! Organizing supplies just make me giddy! So I put those together and put them in place. I still need to transfer my files over though. Then I set up the printer we bought. Hubs and I had dinner and then we went and dropped my car off at the collision center again. (they are fixing two parts that they damaged) Then we went to Wendy's for Frostys and then home for the evening.

I am hoping that tonight I can finally get caught up on blog reading! I am 300 entries behind! I have no idea how I get so far behind sometimes.... oh wait, I have a job and a husband. Maybe that's why I am always so far behind... lol! Another blogging question. I was left an anonymous comment that for some reason isn't showing up... Anyway, they said my text was hard to read because of the background. I have a large style black font on a cream background. Is anyone else having this issue? Do you see what I see?

I have had this outfit idea in my head for quite some time, but couldn't find a dark purple sweater. I finally found one at Macy's and decided to wear this outfit today. Hubby really likes it, but I am unsure about it. I think it might be because the color of the dress is so light. I think if it was a shade or two darker, I would like it a lot better.

Today's Outfit:
Sweater - Macy's
Dress- Chadwicks
Belt - Target
Shoes - Seychelles
Bag - Nine & Co

Suze over at Miss Vinyl Ahoy asked a bunch of us bloggers to wear purple today to bring awareness to Domestic Violence.

Domestic Violence of any kind should not be tolerated. 1 in 3 families are affected by domestic violence. Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors — physical, sexual, psychological, and economic coercion — used by one intimate partner against another (adult or adolescent) to gain, maintain, or regain power and control in the relationship. Batterers use of a range of tactics to frighten, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, often injure, and sometimes kill a current or former intimate partner.

Please, if you are in danger, call 911, your local hotline, or (in the U.S.) the National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233 or TTY (800) 787-3224.

Mrs. Peacock with the Pipe - 10-18-11

2011-10-18T09:32:00.005-04:00

So last night instead of going to Yoga, I went home and picked up hubby and the printer and we took it back and exchanged it for a different model. (this one is better!) So I will be setting that up tonight once I get home from work.

We went to one of my favorite restaurants afterward, Abuelo's. (Authentic Mexican - it's very good!) But, it just wasn't as good as it usually is. It was good, but..... The broccoli was ok, but not as good as normal and the enchiladas I got, weren't as cheesy as they normally are. So it was good, but not "Oh My Goodness, this is fantastic"

Do you ever feel like your just taking up space at work? The big boss just asked me a question and I told him the answer. He then had to call someone else to find out the answer as well. That's one of my biggest pet peeves. If you aren't going to believe me or take my answer at face value, don't waste my time by asking me.

Tonight I will be making chicken pot pies, setting up the printer and figuring out exercise classes for when we get done with vacation. We have 6 training sessions left as well. I'll get something figured out....

Today's Outfit:
Sweater & Tank - Kohls
Skirt - Liz Claiborne
Shoes - Walmart
Peacock Brooch - Gifted
Bag - Relic

Monday, Monday - 10-17-11

2011-10-17T08:05:00.003-04:00

5 days till vacation! A much needed break, i might add. Even though we aren't doing anything away from home. I just can't wait for the down time. 10 whole days for me of doing nothing except for what I want. (I took my birthday off as well. So I have 10 days and hubs has 9.) Well, that and some house things we are wanting to get done. (Clean & organize garage, organize my craft room, cleaning the floors and carpets) But other than that, nothing. Just movies and snuggling and sleeping in all week long!

I woke up late this morning. Actually I woke up on time, fed the cat and then laid back down in bed. That was so not the right thing to do. I didn't have time to take any outfit photos so you get an iPhone photo instead. Please ignore that silly half grin, I was trying to not get caught taking photos of myself at work.(How would you explain that one?)

The shirt I am wearing is from Walmart. I did the embellishment myself. Skirt is my Boden jean skirt. Shoes from Target and the bag is my Yellow, Nine West bag.

We pretty much finished up the office this weekend. We still need some floating shelves for the red wall and we also need to get the printer set up and working. I tired getting it set up yesterday, but I think it's broken. So, I have to take it back to the store and exchange it. The carriage isn't coming over when you open the lid to put in the ink cartridges. I'll try and get some photos taken this week.

I have yoga tonight. We don't have any gym sessions booked for this week. We are extremely tired at getting up way to early twice a week.

How was your weekend?

Days in my life

2011-10-13T10:27:00.007-04:00

This is a typical Monday or Wednesday in my life.

5 am - wake up, feed cat, shower
5:30-5:40 - wake husband up
5:40 - 6:30ish - continue getting ready for work. Blow dry hair, straighten hair, etc. Make bed. Make sure gym bag is packed and ready. If enough time, throw a load of clothes in washer
6:30 ish - 6:45 ish - take outfit photos and crop photos
6:45 - leave for work.
7:00 - stop by dry cleaners on way to work to pick up/drop off dry cleaning
7:30 - arrive at work.
7:30 - 11:30 - work. maybe write a blog post if I have time.
11:30 - lunch time. finish blog post and upload it. eat lunch. and/or run some errands if time permits.
12:30 - back to work.
12:30 - 4:45ish more work.
4:45 ish - leave for yoga class.
5:15 - 6:20 - Yoga class
6:25 - leave gym for home.
6:45 ish or 7 ish depending on traffic. - Arrive home, feed cat, empty gym bag and repack for morning. pack hubby's gym bag, do load of laundry, put dishes away from dishwasher, wash face, put on jammies, start dinner, water plants if needed.
7:30 - 8 eat dinner. (times could be later depending on what I fix or when I actually get home)
after dinner around 8:30 ish - clean up dinner, put dishes in dishwasher, maybe do another load of laundry, talk with hubby. try to relax, watch TV, play on computer etc.
10pm Bedtime!

This is a typical Tuesday or Thursday

4:30 - wake up, feed cat, get hubs awake, get ready to go to gym
5:10 ish leave for gym.
5:30 - 6 gym training
6-7 get ready in the locker room
7 leave gym for work
7:30 am on is just like the Monday/Wednesday times.
4:50 leave work for home.
5:20ish arrive home, feed cat, etc. from Mon/Wed times.

Friday is just like Mon or Wed but with no Yoga/Zumba class and no packing of the gym bags. Usually on Friday nights we go and do something after work. Maybe go for dinner, go walking around or stuff like that. Sometimes we just stay in and watch a movie.

It's a crazy schedule right now. That is why we want to change the morning gym. 4:30 is just way to early. It's a half hour before my normal wake up time and an hour before hubs.

Also, on Wednesdays I want to take the Zumba class, so I would have to leave work at 4. In January, school starts up again and we will have classes on Tuesday nights. So we will have to find something that works for the both of us and doesn't make us go all crazy.

So Ready - 10-13-11

2011-10-13T08:13:00.003-04:00

I am so ready for a vacation it's not even funny!
I am so behind on blog reading/commenting and just blogging in general. I didn't even post yesterday! And let's not get started on outfit photos! I haven't had time or I just plain forget. It's rough I tell you!

The last week of October will be spent doing nothing! Well, we will be doing some stuff at home like cleaning out the garage and some minor things like that, but for the most part, we will be sleeping in and just relaxing! I cannot wait!

So please be patient this week and next as posting may be sporadic and sparse.

Gym Talk - 10-11-11

2011-10-11T07:49:00.006-04:00

I like the gym. I like feeling stronger and healthier. I love my yoga classes on Monday & Wednesday evening. But, this morning thing has got to go! We have got to work out a better schedule or something. I just don't know what to do, we have such busy, hectic schedules now. And then when school starts back up in January, it's just going to get crazier. We need to find a time that will work for both of us since we do like working out together.

Had Yoga last night. I really enjoy the yoga class. But I am just wondering when I will become more flexible.... I still can't put my palms on the floor while keeping my legs straight. Oh well... It will come.... eventually.

I forgot to take a photo tonight once I got home. I left work to only work more, I am just now finishing up for the evening.

PS. Hubs just told me the iOS 5 update will be available tomorrow!!!!!!!

Busy, Busy - 10-10-11

2011-10-10T08:34:00.004-04:00

Boy did I have a busy weekend!

Friday night after work, hubs picked me up and we went and picked up my car. She's back! She looks good, except for 2 parts that the body shop scratched. They are ordering new parts for it and will have them in and on soon. But, I have Penelope back and she is almost as good as new! After that, hubs and I went to BW3s for dinner and then went bookshelf shopping. We did find the bookshelves we wanted and ordered them (they will be in this week). Then we went home and watched Fringe then went to bed.

Saturday morning we had the Aqua Fit class. It is an ok class, but we just don't feel anything the next day from it. So I don't think we are going to do that class anymore. Plus I smell like chlorine for 2 days afterward. After the class we met up with my mom and dad for an afternoon of fun. We also had a late lunch/dinner. After that, we went home, hubs watched the rest of the Notre Dame game and I did my normal errands - Walmart and Kroger. By the time I got home and got the car unloaded and groceries put away, it was already 8:30-9 ish. So we watched a little TV and went to bed.

Sunday morning we got up, had breakfast, worked a little in the office and then went to Lowes and Office Depot for a few more things for the office. After we got home we headed out for the Colts game. It was fun and our seats were awesome! We did end up losing so that wasn't much fun. But it was a good game. After the game we ate dinner at Yats and then went home. It was 7:30 when we got home so I cleaned up the kitchen a bit and then we worked in the office for an hour and a half and then started watching Lion King. We went to bed at 10:15. (I posted a bunch of game photos on Twitter last night)

This upcoming weekend we aren't doing anything but staying at home! We will do the normal errands and yard work, but that's about it!

Sorry for no outfit photos today. After the alarm went off, I laid back down for a few minutes and that didn't turn out so well. I ended up not having time to take the photos. So, to see what I am wearing today, visit this post.

Google+ - 10-7-11

2011-10-07T10:02:00.002-04:00

Alrighty peeps, spill the beans on Google+. I just made an account and know nothing about it. Please share your knowledge with me. Thanks!

Idiots and the Gym - 10-6-11

2011-10-06T09:29:00.003-04:00

Last night on my way home from yoga, guess who passes me in traffic? That idiot who keyed my car! You better believe that I got a photo of his plate! I so want to turn it into the police, but hubs thinks I shouldn't. The funny thing though, is that while following him in traffic, who should pass us but a green Kia Soul just like mine. It was just bizarre!

So speaking of yoga, it was tough last night! Lots of downward dogs, upward dogs and planks. My upper body and stomach muscles are sore today! This morning we did upper body training at the gym. Can you say "wore out"? I am so ready to go home and just take it easy today!

My poor car may be done today. I really hope so! I am so tired of driving work vehicles back and forth to work. I am glad that they are available to me but I miss my car.

Today's hair do and outfit just aren't jiving with me today. My hair is ugly today and I just don't feel confident in my outfit. I really hate when that happens! Oh well.... I'll get over it.

Today's Outfit:
Sweater & Dress - Old Navy
Gray Flower Pin - Marang97 Etsy Shop
White Flower Pin - Self-Made
Wedges - Payless
Bag - Relic

Wednesday Really? - 10-5-11

2011-10-05T08:30:00.004-04:00

Happy Wednesday all! This week is going by really slowly! I really thought it was Thursday today....

Office progress is coming along. We got the chairs and desks put together last night and in place. We also got our monitors set up. I am still looking for 2 black bookcases (4 shelves each) and a file cabinet. We also need pencil cups, wastebasket, cat bed for Sophie, and blinds for the window. Hubs also needs to patch up some holes and repaint. Once we have the bookshelves, new paint and such done and in place, then we will look at some artwork and such for the space.

I have yoga tonight. I am really starting to enjoy the yoga classes. I can already tell I am a bit more flexible than I was before.

I am really hoping that my car will be fixed soon! I hate driving work vehicles! But, I am glad that they are available to use as long as no one needs them. So I guess that is a good thing. But, I miss my car. I also miss being able to get out on my lunch break. I have a gift card to Macy's to use and I can't go..... boo-hoo...

Today's Outfit:
Top & Bag - Target
Skirt - JC Penny
Shoes - Walmart

Lady Gaga Do? - 10-4-11

2011-10-04T09:32:00.004-04:00

Gym this morning. Total failure on the hairdo. I was trying out that "fun bun" that keeps making it's way on Pinterest. Totally failed at the fun part, as it turned into a Lady Gaga bow instead. Oh well....

I came out of the gym and hubs was all like, Oh no.... that's horrible, you should of redid that... Oh well, I didn't have time. Plus I work with a bunch of engineers and it's doubtful that they would even notice.....

Today's Outfit:
Sweater - Target
T - JC Penny
Tank - Kohls
Flower Brooch - Gifted
Skirt - Boden
Shoes - Payless
Bag - Relic

No Car - 10-3-11

2011-10-03T09:20:00.004-04:00

How was your weekend? Mine was pretty good. We spent the majority of it shopping for office stuff. That was an ordeal and a half.

Happy October! Welcome to my favorite month of the whole year! (It's my birth month!)

Saturday morning we had the Aqua Fit class. It was a lot of fun! A lot more challenging that I thought it would be and I was actually a bit sore on Sunday. So, I think we will be taking it every Saturday morning now.

Did you notice anything different about today's photo? Yeah, I forgot to put my glasses on. Hubs had to take me to work this morning and I was rushing around trying to get photos taken and bags packed and I totally forgot to put my glasses on before taking my photos. Oh well. Just imagine them being on.

I will be car-less all week. I had to drop Penelope (my poor car) off at the collision center for her makeover. So we dropped it off yesterday. Thankfully, I will be able to take home a work vehicle as long as one is available. If not, then hubs gets to pick me up. So all this week, we will be playing the car game by ear. My car is supposed to be finished by Friday, but it could be earlier.

Today's Outfit:
Top - Victoria's Secret
Tank - Kohl's
Flower Pins - Marang97 Etsy Shop
Skirt - Target
Shoes - Payless
Bag - Relic

TRESemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo

2011-09-30T16:01:00.001-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TRESemmé for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

TRESemme has a full line of dry shampoos that revive your style's look and feel when you want to skip a day of washing. They are uniquely formulated to absorb excess oil and remove odor and the full line of dry shampoos rejuvenates hair without a drop of water! There is a renewing burst of citrus extracts infused into every product, that leaves hair with a clean fresh scent.

The full line includes:

Strengthening Dry Shampoo: the formulae, with B12 vitamins and keratin, helps strength hair and leaves it full of body.
Volumizing Dry Shampoo:the formula, with mineral clay and citrus, removes oil while injection hair with salon-gorgeous volume.
Smoothing Dry Shampoo: the formula, with Vitamin H & Silk Proteins, refreshes your straight style by removing excess oil, impurities and odor to ensure your smooth look lasts.
Moisturizing Waterless Foam Shampoo: the formula, with Witch Hazel, Citrus, and Aloe Vera, refreshes your hair by removing excess oil, impurities and odor while moisturizing hair.

If you are like me, you've probably tried out other dry shampoos to extend the life of your hair over a day or two, and you have probably not been pleased with the results. I have been using Suave Dry Shampoo, but it just makes my hair greasy. The smell is wonderful, but I don't like that greasy feeling it leaves behind. I think during my next Walmart run I am going to pick up one of these and give it a try!

I am excited to try out TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo. I have tried many of their styling products and really like them so I can only assume that this will be the same.

Follow these tips on how to use the Fresh Start Dry Shampoo.

Make sure to shake the can vigorously before use. Also make sure to shake it in between sprays as well.
Do make sure to lift sections of dry hair and spray at the roots.
Do spray in short bursts, 8-12 inches from head.
Don't spray like hairspray. (continually and all-over)
Do leave in for 1-2 minutes.
Do use fingertips or a brush to distribute product evenly.

Get this! Julia Allison has teamed up with TRESemme and created a tutorial to teach people how to use the Fresh Start Dry Shampoo properly. She is also giving away a $500 Target Gift Card to a lucky viewer! Check it out and enter to win!

Thinking its Friday, but it's only Thursday - 9-29-11

2011-09-29T09:11:00.006-04:00

The new guy that taught our class last night was a lot better then last week! I actually enjoyed it last night. So that's a good thing. This Saturday we (Hubs & I) are finally taking that Aqua Fit class. So I'll let you know how that goes. Hubs and I were talking and if we like the Aqua Fit class, he is going to take it on Monday & Wednesday nights. If I end up liking a lot, then I will join him on Wednesday nights and only take yoga on Mondays.

I am so tired today! Last night after yoga, I got home and changed back into my regular clothes. Hubs wanted to go shopping. We sold most of his old musical stuff (we still have some left) and now we are converting that room into a shared office. So we went to Best Buy and Office Depot last night. I had checked out Staples earlier in the day so I knew what they in terms of desks & chairs. We checked out Best Buy for monitors and really didn't find any good deals there. We found the desks and chairs we wanted at Office Depot and put in our order. Hubs got himself a docking station for his work computer and now needs to find dual monitors and a keyboard. We still need to find a bookshelf and filing cabinet as well. But pretty soon I will have some photos to share of the room! I LOVE redecorating.

Today's Outfit:
Dress - Kohls
Cardi - Old navy
Brooch - Gifted
Shoes - Walmart
Bag - Target

Tired - 9-28-11

2011-09-28T11:00:00.003-04:00

I totally forgot to take a photo of what I wore yesterday. Oh well.... It wasn't very exciting anyway.

I am looking forward to Yoga again tonight, but it is with that new guy from last week. If the class isn't any better, I may not go on Wednesdays anymore. Hubs and I are going to the Aqua Fit class on Saturday. They also have that class on Wednesday nights so if we like it, I may be joining hubby in that class instead and then only taking Yoga on Monday nights.

Not much to talk about today. I am putting my resume out there again and applying for some jobs. I gave my company almost a year now to implement the things they said there were going to do and nothing.... It's really frustrating.

I've been really down on myself lately and I need to snap out of it. So bear with me.

Today's Outfit:
Dress- Walmart
Sweater - Old navy
Bag - Chadwicks
Shoes - Target

Sibu Beauty Review

2011-09-27T09:04:00.001-04:00

The kind people at Sibu Beauty contacted me a few weeks ago to try out one of their products. I got to choose between the repair & protect daytime facial cream or the balancing facial cleanser.

I choose to review the balancing facial cleanser. I was expecting to receive a sample product, instead, what I got was a full size bottle. I was pleasantly surprised by the fast shipping. I was excited to try out the product as soon as I got it.

I have been using the facial cleanser for about 2 weeks now. The first week, I only used it at night. Then about a week ago, I started using it both day and evening.

I really like how my skin feels after I have washed it. My skin feels clean, but not does not have that ultra tight feeling that most cleansers leave behind. The odor is pleasant, not overpowering and a bit citrusy. At first, I really didn't like the way the product smelled. I have a pretty sensitive sniffer and to me, it kinda smells funny. But not off-putting. The smell goes away after you rinse.

I am really surprised by how much my skin likes the cleanser. I did break out with a pimple or 2 when I first started using it, but I haven't had any since! (Usually I only get a few zits right around that time of the month, or whenever I switch products.) I am really looking forward to purchasing the daily facial cream as well. Eventually I am going to purchase the night cream and the eye cream! (but I have creams that I need to use up first before I buy them)

The opinions expressed in this review are mine. Sibu Beauty provided me with a full size product to review.

Weekend Rambling - 9-26-11

2011-09-26T09:03:00.002-04:00

Friday morning I took my car in for the estimate. That butthead did $1400 worth of damage. The whole entire drivers side will have to be repainted and 2 parts need to be replaced. That night, I got home from work and just wanted to crash. I had a horrible, stressful week and I didn't want to do anything! But, Hubs called and his parents were on their way into town and would be staying with us for the weekend. So I did a quick clean up before hubs & I had dinner. (they got there around 11 pm)

Saturday we traveled 3 hours north for a funeral. (the reason his parents were with us). It was a sad day. After the funeral we stopped by the best gyro shop in South Bend for lunch. YUM! They put all those places in Indy to shame! TO SHAME! Then on our way past my hometown, I made hubs stop at The Streamliner for a Suicide. They are so delicious! They taste kinda like a Tootsie roll. It is coke (I think) mixed with cherry, chocolate & vanilla syrup with Marshmallow cream.) I love them and haven't had one in years! Once we got back into town, we went grocery shopping, put stuff away and relaxed. (It was around 7:30 by the time we got home)

Sunday hubs made chili with sweet jalapeno cornbread. It was delicious. We mainly spent the day relaxing. We got some of his music stuff relisted on craigslist.

Tonight I am looking forward to my yoga class. I think, weather permitting, hubs is going to mow and fertilize the grass tonight.

I didn't snap a photo today because the in laws were still at my house this morning. So here is a link to what I am wearing (click here). The only thing different is my hair.

Work It! Business Suits at Express

2011-09-24T10:04:00.001-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Express for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

From the Executive to the Profession and even to the Creative Professional, Express has the suits that every man/woman needs!

Have you guys checked out the suits at Express? They are fabulous! Express has great business wear for women. If you haven't check them out I would highly recommend you to do so.

The women's suits can easily be combined with other pieces to help extend your wardrobe. You can throw on the jacket with jeans to go out for a nice dinner date and you can pair the suit pants with a sweater for those more casual work days. If you think about it, the possibilities are endless. These pieces can easily be mixed, matched, and dressed up or down to suit your needs! (Yes, that pun was totally meant to be there! LOL!)

Express carries both men's and women's suits so if you and your hubs are both needing something new, it's a one stop shopping store!

Have you heard about the great Express sweepstakes that is going on right now? You can win a $500 suiting makeover! Just visit their Facebook page and you can be entered to win! It's that easy! You can even go back and enter every day for a chance to win!

Check out Express and then let me know what suits you love and why? How are you going to wear your new suits?

Yoga & Vehicles

2011-09-22T07:55:00.003-04:00

So last night's yoga class wasn't very good. I guess it was a new guy and he was about 20 minutes late. He didn't have a soundtrack and the moves we did weren't very fluid. I really enjoyed Monday's class much better.

So on my way I am driving down the road. Traffic is a bit heavy. I turn my signal on to change lanes. Let it be known that my car has very bad blind spots! Even though I check and recheck, sometimes I cut it close because I just don't see that other vehicle there. Well this happened last night. I went to change lanes and this guy was coming up fast, I didn't see him in my blind spot and I tried to get over. He honked and flipped out! I got back in my lane, no accidents were caused. No one got hut. The guy goes zooming past me, cussing at me and flipping me off. (My bad. I'm sorry I didn't see you in my blind spot. No one was hurt, no ones vehicles were damaged) The guy was ahead of me and I got over no problems. He then slowed down and was still yelling at me in the rear view mirror. Just flipping out over it and kept flipping me off and was just being a jerk. For 3 miles this continued on!

We end up in the turning lane at the walmart plaza. He was in front of me. (I should have just gone home, but we needed some stuff from walmart.) He pulled into the gas station and stopped at a pump. I kept going to Walmart. I sat in my car for a second to see if he was going to come over and find me, but I didn't see him. So I went into walmart to grab the items we needed. I wasn't in there for maybe 25-30 minutes. I come out and find my car keyed from bumper to bumper. I can only assume that it was that dude. So I go back inside and ask if they have security footage. (they do, but can't let me see it.) So I call the police and a policeman comes out and I file a report. I told him the whole story including how I almost hit the guy and how rude and obnoxious he was for 3-4 miles. The police are going to check the security footage. I know that there isn't anything they can probably do. But it feels good to know that I filed the report. When we were at the stoplight I should have just gone home, or gotten a photo of the guys license plate or something. But I didn't even think about that. I am mad at myself that I didn't. But I am more mad that there are idiots out there that think it is ok to destroy someones property. My car is only a year old and is the first brand car that I have ever had.

The police report will be ready for me in a few days. So at least I will be able to find out if they could ID the car or find the guy. The funny thing is that this guy was driving a nice, newer car and from what I could tell of the back of his head and his eyes, he was probably in his 40s. So he was old enough to know better.

Hubs is just glad that nothing happened to me personally. He told me last night that we would get it fixed, it's no big deal, people are just stupid.

Here are some photos of the damage. (you may have to enlarge them to see them well) I will be calling my insurance company later today to find out what needs to be done next.

Yoga & Weightlifting Gloves - 9-21-11

2011-09-21T07:57:00.005-04:00

Yoga tonight! Tonight's class is with a different instructor. This could be a good thing or a bad thing. Time will tell.....

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good yoga top? I currently wear workout tops like this, but they are a bit loose for yoga. Whenever I am doing a downward dog, my top falls up. I would like something that will still cover my stomach, but won't shift around a lot.

Tonight after yoga, I will be meting up with Hubs at home and then we will be going to Walmart to get some weightlifting gloves. Our trainer is going to teach us some boxing and the gloves will help protect our knuckles. So while there, I am going to checkout their yoga tops and see if they have anything that will work.

I am also hoping to check out the curlers. What I am doing now just isn't working. I spend about 20 minutes with a curling iron, curling the ends of my hair, all to have it fall out mid-morning. So I hope to find some curlers that will work. Then I can just put the curlers in, and finish getting ready and then take them out. I really hope it works.

Today's Outfit:
Top - Victoria's Secret
Tank - Kohl's
Flower Pin - Self-Made
Bee Brooch - Gifted
Skirt - JC Penny
Bag - Chadwick's
Flats - Target

Getting My Fitness On - 9-20-11

2011-09-20T15:58:00.004-04:00

I really enjoyed the yoga class last night! It was really relaxing but rewarding. I did manage to work up a sweat while stretching out my body. It felt really good. This morning we worked out with the trainer doing upper body. (My arms are going to be sore tomorrow!) Tomorrow night is another yoga class, Thursday w/trainer lower body, Friday will be a rest day and then on Saturday we are going to try the Aqua Fit class.

Busy, busy day at work today so really nothing much more to talk about.

I am making chicken fried steak tonight with green beans, gravy and mashed potatoes. Yummy! Why do they call it chicken fried steak anyway?

Today's Outfit:
Shirt - Old Navy
Tank - Kohls
Skirt - Boden
Shoes - Keds
Bag - Target

Wonderful Weekend - 9-19-11

2011-09-19T08:18:00.004-04:00

I don't know about you all, but I had a productive weekend! I got almost everything done on my list. There were a few things that didn't get done, but all in all, it was a good weekend.

The items that did not get finished:
Finish the sweatshirt refashion I am working on
Finish the new brooch board I am making
hang brooch board
organize some more of my craft room

But that is ok. I'll just work on them through the week and next weekend. I do feel a bit refreshed from this weekend and almost ready for work again. I do need some time off though.
How did your weekend go?

Tonight I am starting the yoga class at my gym. I will be going Monday & Wednesday evenings. The class is an hour long. I have taken it once before (only 1 time) and I enjoyed it. So here is hoping that I will like it on a regular basis. Tues and Thurs mornings we have our personal training appointment. We are about out of them, so once we are, we will still be going to the gym those mornings, but will be working out on our own. We usually do upper body & abs on Tuesdays and then legs & abs on Thursdays. I believe that on Saturday we are going to start taking the Aqua Fit class as well. If hubby likes it, he will take it on Monday & Wednesday evenings as well. So hopefully we should start seeing some progress. (I really hope!)

Today's Outfit:
Shirt - Victoria's Secret
Tank - Kohls
Yellow Flower Pin - Marang 97 Etsy Shop
Cream Flower Pin - Self Made
Skirt - Chadwick's via Goodwill
Shoes - Payless
Bag - Nine West

Weekend Plans - 9-16-11

2011-09-16T08:30:00.004-04:00

Do you have any plans for the weekend?

I always have very ambitious plans for the weekend.
Here are mine:
* Clean the house
* Grocery Shopping
* Walmart Run
* Pharmacy for prescription refill
* Buy mums & pumpkins for porch
* Clean Porch and put out fall things
* Clean up the old summer flowers and plant mums
* Finish the sweatshirt refashion I am working on
* Clean up the office - start listing that stuff on craigslist/ebay
put the fall/winter bedding on bed
* clean out fridge
* Post office for stamps
* Finish the new brooch board I am making
* hang brooch board
* organize some more of my craft room
* Decide what week in Oct/Nov we want to take off for Staycation. (getting things done around the house that need doing.)
* Figure out what week the super Bowl is. It's in our town this year! We are going to spend a lot of time downtown that week! Fun!

Not Feeling It - 9-15-11

2011-09-15T08:02:00.003-04:00

Just not feeling it today folks. I like to keep it real here on the blog and today, I'm pretty blah. I'm pretty frustrated at work, not feeling well in general (thanks hubby!) and just want to have a pity party for myself. Don't worry, I'll cheer up, it just may take a day or two....

Today's Outfit:
Jacket - Chadwick's
Tank - Kohl's
Skirt - Liz Claiborne via Ebay
Shoes - Payless
Bag - Relic
Brooch - Gifted

Living in the 90's - 9-14-11

2011-09-14T07:52:00.004-04:00

So I have been trying to come up with new combinations with my clothes. I always wear certain skirts with certain shirts and rarely deviate from that formula. But I have been inspired by Pinterest lately and all the great combinations that people come up with. Today's Outfit reflects that experimentation. Look at that pattern mixing - stripes & florals!

I tired it with a a belt over the cardigan and hubby said that it looked like I was just trying to make things work and it didn't look very good. He liked it a lot better without the belt so that is how I am wearing it. Truth be told, I didn't try the outfit with the belt under the cardigan, I tried it over. Now I am wondering if I would have liked it with the belt under the cardi.....

Do you want to know a secret about my shirt? It is actually a low scoop neck T. I didn't like the way it looked from the front, so I am wearing it backwards today. I like the subtle cowl like look it gives it.

Also, while I was getting ready this morning, hubs told me he thinks I have a 90's hair-do. He really doesn't like me wearing my hair this way. I just don't know what else to do to keep it out of my face some days... Oh well... Plus, now looking back at that photo, I am unsure if I like my hair that way. hmmmm.... Must try a different way to pull hair back.

Today's Outfit:
Sweater - Old Navy
Shirt - Fossil
Skirt - Target via Goodwill
Shoes - Target
Bag - Chadwick's
Brooch - Gifted

Hubs went to the doctor yesterday. Turns out he has a sinus infection. Poor thing. He is loaded up on his antibiotics and went to work today. He is determined to work a full day. Poor guy, he is a workaholic and being home the last two days has really been hard for him. I hope he is feeling better soon.

Orange For The Win - 9-13-11

2011-09-13T07:38:00.003-04:00

Can I just tell you how much I love my HANA hair Straightener from Misikko! LOVE IT! It is a bit pricey but sooo worth it! Now all I need to get is a better blow dryer and some curlers. I have a 1 1/5 inch curling iron, but it just isn't putting the amount of curl in that I like and It takes to long to do my whole head with it! I have a pretty decent hair dryer, this one by Conair. But I have heard that if you get a pricey one (like the ones by Misikko) then it cuts your dry time in half! But it's gonna be awhile before I can upgrade my dryer. (After all, I did just buy it not too long ago)

Did you all see that adorable video of my cat snoring? If not, just scroll down to the next post and watch it. Make sure to have the sound turned up! you may or may not be able to hear it depending on your speakers. I could hear it fine at home, but on my work computer, not so much.....

Hubs is still sick. He is going into work again today. He left early yesterday so we shall see how long he stays today.

Today's Outfit:
Sweater - Old Navy
Dress - Walmart
Shoes - Target
Bag - Chadwick's

Sophie Snoring

2011-09-12T20:31:00.003-04:00

Hubs was at home sick today and sent me this little video. You may have to turn the sound up loud to hear. I know the video quality is bad, but he was sleeping.

Sickie - 9-12-11

2011-09-12T08:13:00.003-04:00

We had a pretty low-key weekend. Hubs was sick all weekend, which inevitably means that I will probably be sick next weekend. oh what fun! He went ahead and went into work today to get a few things done this morning, but will be going home soon. Poor guy.

So pretty much nothing got done over the weekend. I always feel bad when I do the house cleaning and he isn't feeling well, cause I make so much noise. So I only picked up the house. No dusting or vacuuming got done. Oh well.... I'll get it this weekend.

I wanted to get some crafting done but once hubby was down for the count, I didn't feel like it. I just lounged around with him watching bad movies and bad football games. Watching the Colts huddle was actually quite painful. They don't huddle..... Payton needs to recover quickly and get back to the game!

Last week I was a bad blogger. I updated some days, but not every day. The gym thing is still throwing me off photo wise. I hate getting ready at the gym in the mornings. But going after work is just not feasible. We are going to have to get something figured out that will work for the both of us....

We have decided to go back to an MBA program. This time we are not going back to IWU. We hated their MBA program. So we looked into Anderson University and are pretty pleased with theirs. It starts in January of 2012 and we will be finished June of 2014. This means that we need to get his music stuff (speakers, keyboard, music desk thing, microphone, etc. all unhooked and sold so we can turn that room into an office. He has been wanting to do that anyway for some time now, so this is just motivation to get it done.

You guys, I hate to complain about my job, but.... I know... It's a good job and I have a great boss and coworkers (at least in my department) but I am bored out of my mind with it. I have asked for more work, different tasks etc., but until they change their billing software or come up to this century with they way they do things I am stuck. I just don't know what else to do......

I have updated my resume and I think I look great on paper and on LinkedIn, but no calls, no interviews, nada. Am I stuck at this job forever? I am just really frustrated right now.

I didn't take outfit photos today. There really is no point. I'm not wearing anything new. It's still warm outside (high of 87 today) and I am just feeling blah with my wardrobe right now. But if you really must know what I wore, click here. The only difference is instead of the gray bag, I have my tan one today and instead of the gray flower, I have a cream one on today.

Testing

2011-09-10T14:42:00.001-04:00

Just testing out the blogger app from my iPhone.

KRISTINA J.: Two Birthdays and a Great, Big Giveaway

2011-09-09T12:03:00.000-04:00

KRISTINA J.: Two Birthdays and a Great, Big Giveaway

Two for One - 9-7-11

2011-09-07T09:12:00.004-04:00

Today you get two outfit photos! Yesterday was so busy I wasn't able to post. Here is what I wore...

Tuesday's Outfit:
Sweater - Old Navy
Shirt - Victoria's Secret
Belt - Nine West
Skirt - Boden
Shoes - Target
Bag - Chadwick's

Gym training in the morning, followed by a full day of work and then a meeting with the MBA rep at 6pm. Got home, talked and then went to bed.

Today this is what I am wearing...

Wednesday's Outfit:
Top - Victoria's' Secret
Tank - Kohls
White Flower Pin - Self-made
Gray Flower Pin - Marang 97 Etsy shop
Skirt - Target
Shoes - Walmart
Bag - Relic

Today is more emailing of the school to get things finalized and then we have to decide on a start date and all that fun stuff. At least I will have some time to relax tonight. I was going to go to a yoga class tonight, but I forgot my stuff at home. Oh well, maybe next week.

Gym training in the morning. Nothing scheduled for after work so hopefully I will have enough time to post tomorrow night.

Preppy - 9-1-11

2011-09-01T15:30:00.004-04:00

First of all, happy September! I am so glad to see August leave, although it can take it's hot weather whith it! Today and over the next few days, temps are back up in the high 90's. By Labor day though, it should be in the mid-high 70's. I CAN"T WAIT!

We had a gym training session this morning and it kicked my butt! I felt like I was gonna pass out and I was weasing so bad! But I'm okay now, just sore. Bound to be more sore tomorrow.... Does anyone know why your more sore the day after a workout? It's annoying.

Today, I decided to dress a bit different than I normally do. This is a corporate appropriate look. Of course, by the end of the day, I look tired, worn out and a bit wrinkled and disheveled. (Oh, well.) I also pulled my hair into a braid today.

Today's Outfit:
Top & Skirt - Lands End
Shoes - Payless
Bag - Candies

New Layout - 8-31-11

2011-08-31T08:55:00.004-04:00

We are halfway through the week. After today, we are done with August! Bring it September! I am ready for Fall! Unfortunately, it will be in the 90s here for the next few days. Once that breaks, it will be in the 70s and I can't wait!

Trying a different layout this time with my photos on photobucket. Let me know what you think.

Nothing much to say today. Wednesdays are always boring.

Today's Outfit:
Sweater - Old Navy
Top - Target
Tank - Kohls
Brooch - Gifted
Skirt - Boden
Shoes - Candies
Bag - Nine & Company

Gym Wound - 8-30-11

2011-08-30T13:44:00.006-04:00

Had a gym training session this morning. Oh My Goodness! We worked on arms and abs today. My arms were already sore when I headed for the showers. I always call hubs once I leave the gym (we do work out together, he just gets done getting ready way before I do) and I joked to him that it hurt to pick my nose!

Thursday is more legwork at the gym. Sundays we either walk, hike or go to the gym. I am thinking about taking the yoga or mat Pilate's classes on Monday & Wednesday evening to help with my core strength and flexibility. The classes are at 5:15 so I would be able to take them on my way home. I may start that next week. (Only Wednesday though since Monday is a holiday.)

Speaking of the gym, today as I was getting dressed, I scratched myself on the chin. It hurts! I didn't realize how bad it was till I was on my way to work and I touched it, the spot felt a bit moist and I realized I was bleeding. I have been putting antibiotic ointment on it all day. I hope it heals fast.

Tonight for dinner I am making BLTs and homemade shells & cheese. YUM! On our way home from Chicago we stopped at the Dairy Farm and bought some cheeses. I am going to be using those cheeses in the shells & cheese tonight. I can't wait!

Not much else to talk about tonight....

Today's Outfit:
Cardigan - Old Navy
Dress - Kohls
Shoes - Walmart
Bag - Relic
Brooch - Gifted

Sponsor SOL

2011-08-30T10:00:00.003-04:00

Now accepting sponsors for September!

Large space only $10
Small space is only $5

email me for more details!

Long Week - 8-29-11

2011-08-29T08:23:00.003-04:00

Interesting weekend. Glad it's over. Although I must say that Satruday and Sundawy was beautiful! Hubs and I put the top down on the jep and took the doors off and ran around town. We also took a short drive to the local park and took a walk on Sunday.

I am glad that this weekend is a 3 day weekend. Three Cheers for Labor Day!! This will be a long week though. It always seems like the week is longer when you are waiting for an extra day off. Do you have any plans for the long weekend?

I think I am going to make either BLTs or Tacos for dinner tonight. Either item just sounds good to me. What are you having tonight?

Today's Outfit:
Sweater - Old Navy
Dress - Walmart
Shoes - DSW
Bag - Chadwicks

Bump It - 8-25-11

2011-08-25T07:22:00.009-04:00

Started out the day at the gym. Why do they keep it so hot in there? Even in the locker rooms it's hot! I take a shower and get ready and I am sweating the whole time. It kind of defeats the purpose of showering you know.....

Worked on legs today and I am already sore. I don't know how I'm gonna walk tomorrow. LOL! For the hair, I bumped it up in the front and I kinda like it. I didn't tease it or use any hairspray on it, so next time I will try it a bit different.

The funeral for my uncle in tomorrow and I really don't know what I am going to wear yet. Last time we had a funeral on my dads side, I wore a nice understated suit and almost everyone else was in jeans... (seriously. Almost everyone) So I think I may wear my black Gap dress....or maybe the purple, or a nice skirt and top..... I don't know.... I do know that if I can't wear heels, it will limit my choices.

Last evening we went to dinner with some good friends of ours. Both hubs and I were tired, but it was a very nice dinner. After dinner we ran to Miejer for some oatmeal and a cat scratcher and went home. After I put away the groceries and gave Sophie her new scratcher, we went to bed. (It was 9:30 and we were both tired) I know that we will both crash tonight.

I just spent some time going through my archives. You guys, I have worn like the same 7 outfits for like 2.5 years now, and I've hardly changed them up. I need some new stuff!

There will not be a post tomorrow or any over the weekend. I need a little bit of a break to spend time with family. I will be back on Monday though!

Today's Outfit:
Top - Victoria's Secret
Tank - Kohl's
Flower Pins - Self-Made
Skirt & Shoes - Target
Bag - Chadwick's

I have no idea why the brooch photo or the outfit photo won't post how I edited them. It's a mystery to me. I am sorry that the brooch photo is so huge, I can't seem to get it to work right. Oh well. I am still figuring out photobucket.