Pinterest Challenge #2

Hello again.  Just wanted to update yall on my second Pinterest Challenge success.  Now, it's not very creative.  But I have re-created it numerous times.  I only thought to get a picture of the most recent one.

Here is the pin I strived to re-create:

Here is my rendition:

Here is the step-by-step.  I started with a coat of clear polish.

Then did two coats of OPI "I'm Not a Cocktail Waitress"

Then I did another clear coat on every nail except my ring fingers.  I did this very sparkly top coat on the ring fingers.  It is not as sparkly as in the original pin but it makes a nice accent nail.  

Please forgive the horrible lighting in my living room.

I have also done this with grey and a peach color.  I am not a huge fan of red finger nails (I usually save it for toes) but I was feeling festive.

Stay tuned for Pinterest Challenge #3.

Pinterest Challenge: Update #1

To be honest I have been slacking on my creation of pins.  I need to hit up Hobby Lobby and Lowes to get some supplies for the more interesting crafts I want to complete.  Hopefully after the Holiday chaos I will actually have time and money to get these going.

But I have been successful on a few pins!  So here is #1 from my challenge.

Ever notice this pin from Pinterest?

With some help from my lovely and clever friend Laura, I have been successful with the Sock Bun.  Now I really thought it would never work on me.  I have very thin and fine hair.  It is longer than shoulder length but it is not thick.  Not even close.  But, this Sock Bun method has been amazing! It took me a few tries and I am still perfecting it (takes some finesse to get it tight and the sock covered up).

I started with a dark brown sock (sorry New York & Co. that I had to ruin your nice socks but its all I had).  I cut the toes off.  Then rolled the sock into itself to create this donut.  Then I put my hair in a high ponytail and pulled my hair through the sock.  I placed the tip of my ponytail on the sock and started tucking the ends in and rolling the sock down towards the base of the pony.  Just kept tucking the ends, spreading the hair around, and rolling the sock until I got to the base.  Like I said, the more I do it, the better I get at making it tight and secure.  Here is what I ended up with after a few trials:

I have much better pictures of it on my phone but for some reason my phone is refusing to cooperate with my computer.  I am so in love with it.  It is easy.  Makes me look like I have thicker hair.  It also makes me feel like a ballerina which I've always wanted to be.  I think I'll be rocking this look all Christmas break.

Stay tuned for Challenge Mission #2.

Shout Out to all my fellow bloggers/pinners who have been completing Pinterest projects.  You are my inspiration!

I Saw the Sign

I am almost 29 years old.  Tomorrow is the big day and I am feeling a little old.  So I started to think of the signs that I am getting older.  I decided to share these signs with you!

1. I love to wear sweats.  I would rather wear sweats than any other piece of clothing
2. I get up at 5AM and am perfectly happy to go to bed at 8PM.
3. I adore shopping for furniture, kitchen gadgets, home decorations, and appliances.
4. My idea of a perfect Friday/Saturday night is sitting on my couch in sweats watching Harry Potter or Ghost Adventures.
5. I would rather be home then anywhere else in the world.
6. I am posting picture of my cats more and more on Facebook and Twitter.
7. I love sweaters and cardigans.
8. Going to the college bars makes me feel really old.
9. I have baby fever.  Like bad.
10. I get the urge to knit something on a regular basis.
11. I had my 10 year high school reunion this year.
12. I want another cat.  3 would make me a bonafide Cat Lady.

Here's to having as much fun as possible during my last year in my 20's!!

Pinterest Challenge

Hi, remember me?  I think I need to just admit to the fact that I am horrible at this whole blogging thing.  I love to read others (and trust me, I catch up on yalls blogs at least once a week) but am pretty crummy at keeping mine updated.  Well, I am going to try yet again to do more posts.  Starting with accepting my friend's Pinterest Challenge (to check out the "rules" go visit her lovely and current blog here).  So to start, I am going to post some of the pins I plan on following through on so you guys can hold me accountable!

Sweater Dress with Plaid Shirt 

Yarn Wrapped Wreath for Christmas or a year-round one

Burlap Wreath

Scrapbook Paper Tile Coasters

Throw Pillows for the new love seat (will have to buy these cuz I can't sew)

Ricotta Spinach Wontons

Rainbow Cupcakes

Rescue a third cat???  Is that just sad?  But I mean, come on, my duo needs a ginger or a grey kitten in the mix.  Right??  And I would be rescuing it!

Post some pics of pins you have actually made/acquired/eaten!  I will keep you posted on mine!  Happy crafting!!!

This...

makes me so happy.  So stressed for Game 7 tonight...

Day of Mixed Emotions

The date September 11th is a day of celebrating for my family.  9/11 is my dad's birthday.  My dad is the most amazing man.  He is my best friend, my hero, and the one whom I compare every other man I meet.  I strive everyday to be more like him.  So Happy Birthday to my dad!

10 years ago this day took on another meaning.  I was getting ready for my morning class my freshman year of college when the Twin Towers fell in New York.  I sat in the living with my roommates, glued to the T.V., crying as we watched the tragedy.  So today I also remember that day and the way it affected our entire country.  Today I thank all the firefighters, police officers, and compassionate citizens who risk it all for strangers.

 

Labor Day Weekend

Whew...what a long, crazy, fun, exhausting weekend.  I technically had a 5-day weekend which made going back to work IMPOSSIBLE today.  Here is the run-down.

Thursday:  Took a major exam for a certification that allows me to keep my job be better at my job.  Unfortunately don't find out if I passed or not until October.

After taking the test, this one and I met up with friends for some celebratory drinks.  Then it was off to STL.

Friday:  My big bro and I drove the LONG (6 hour) drive to East Troy, WI.  There we stood in line for nearly 2 hours to get our PJ20 tickets and merchandise.  PJ20 is the musical festival Pearl Jam put on for their 20th anniversary of being a band.  Then off to the hotel to pass out.

Saturday: Up early and ready for some rock music.  Unfortunately, it rained practically all day.  Sorry smaller stage bands....but we stayed inside and out of the rain.  We met some pretty interesting people while hiding from the storm.  The rain stopped by 6ish so we could take our seats for the main stage.  Mudhoney, Queens of the Stone Age, and the Strokes opened up the show.  Then Pearl Jam took the stage until after midnight.  They were pretty great and had us all on our feet for nearly 3 hours.

Sunday:  Day 2 of the festival and much better weather.  Actually had to wear jeans and a sweatshirt.  Had lawn tickets for this day so we grabbed a spot on the lawn early in the day.  It was nice to just sit and listen to the other bands play prior to the main stage starting.  Sat with people we had met the previous day.  I swear my bro can make friends with anyone.  Day 2 the opening bands (same ones) actually sounded a bit better.  And Pearl Jam played for 3 hours-that is a long time to be standing/dancing.  Trust me.  My body hates me right now.

Monday:  Long drive back to STL and then 2 more hours back to CoMO.  I am pooped.  And totally getting sick now.  Ugh.  But it was a very fun weekend.  I think I may just be too old for 2 days of rock music.  After returning from the trip went to get sushi with a friend and ate so much that we are pretty sure we were sushi drunk.  But it was delicious.

Now back to work and staying home with the kittens for a while.  Though they were alone most of the weekend, they did have some pretty sweet cat-sitters come and play with them (well Cody did, Cami is a brat).  Thanks to the lady mentioned above and her adorable son for taking such good care of them!  And now Cody has a new friend in a certain little boy.  Come back and play soon Boo-Boo!

Ok, think its nap #2 time....

The Other Website in My Life

Hello again.  It's me.  The woman who is horrible at blogging.  I have to admit it is because I have another website love affair.  With Pinterest.  I LOVE PINTEREST!  It gives me such good ideas.  None of which I have actually done yet...but....


So I decided to finally post again by sharing some of my favorite pins so far.  I will try to limit myself.

I LOVE this outfit so much.  I am feeling the peacock thing lately and this is so simple and cute.  I just bought an amazing brown leather jacket so all I need are the boots, scarf, and ear rings.  This is happening ASAP.

I recently started knitting so I don't think I could make this, but my good friend (who is an excellent knitter and better blogger than myself [read it]) could probs make this (for me).  I think it is adorable.  Even though I don't drink coffee, I love hot chocolate!

I want this framed and in my house immediately.

I really like this idea for my dining room table.  So simple and I could actually do it myself.  Now how to keep the cats from drinking/knocking/eating it....

Had to share my recent peacock find.  Could never paint this myself but I am loving it for my dining room chairs.

I am slightly addicted to tattoos.  It takes me awhile to find something I love enough to permanently put it on my body.  But once I do, I have to get it.  This one is Latin and translates to, "She flies with her own wings."  I would get it on the outside of my right foot, not my wrist (already have one there).

And I will leave you with just a couple of my favorite quotes.

Appropriate Comment? Or Back-Handed Compliment?

So a few months ago a friend and I were talking about some of our high school classmates.  One of these classmates is getting married soon and we started discussing her fiance.  My friend asked me what I thought of this lady's fiance and I said, "Well, he's not ugly."  Now, this statement startled my friend and she nearly fell out of her chair laughing.  Which was unintentional on my part.  It was a very honest comment and I actually meant it as a good thing.  He is not ugly.  My friend thought it was actually an insult and just a way to mask saying, "he aint cute."  I did not mean it that way but it does sound funny...

Anyway-at work today my wonderful co-worker (check her out) and I thought up other scenarios where the statement, "Well, (it/he/she/they) are/is not ugly," would fit in nicely.  Here is what we came up with:

• Do you like my (sweater/shirt/shoes/dress/etc.)?
• Look at my baby!
• This is my husband/wife.
• I got engaged!  Here is the ring.
• I got a new haircut.

Can you think of any other scenarios?

An Unintentional Hiatus

Looks like I have dropped the blogging ball again.  Been over a month since I have posted any updates.  Yikes.  You would think this means I have been SUPER busy...but it really means I have been lazy and cheating on Blogger with Twitter...(I am slightly obsessed with the pictures celebs post.  Makes me feel like I actually know them.)

So here is a run-down of what I have been up to lately:

1. I moved from a 2-bedroom apartment to a 2-bed/2-bath duplex.  With a yard and a garage. BALLER!
2. My dad was in the hospital for a weekend due to a hernia, swollen leg, and extremely slow heart beat.  He is fine and everything is treatable but it was hard on me.
3. My parents moved my grandma (Dad's mom) and aunt (Dad's sister) out to MO from CA.  I will spare you the details but let's just say the entire experience has been....stressful.
4. I thought my boy cat had gotten outside and was gone forever but he was really hiding under my box spring that he chewed a hole in...jerk ass cat.
5. It is hotter than Satan's balls in MO.  Which sucks because I am the sweatiest person alive.  I wear men's clinical strength deodorant for crying out loud.
6. Working is driving me crazy.  Thank gawd I have wonderful coworkers to keep me sane.
7. I made up two songs about hummus the other day.  
8. Still gawking/falling in love with the hottie at the gym.
9. One of my besties is getting married this weekend.  I am a bridesmaid (1st time).  I am so excited/nervous/happy/giddy.  
10. I think I am addicted to Ricola.  No seriously...

I promise to post again soon!  Sorry for the hiatus.

Blog Revamp

I have been making numerous changes to the ol blog lately.  Bet it is getting pretty annoying!  I changed titles, oh about 900 times.  And now I have changed backgrounds (again and again and again).  I feel like changing my blog is the new cutting my hair-when I feel restless I grab the computer instead of scissors.  (O.K., I never actually cut my own hair.  I call my stylist and she grabs the scissors.)  But I think I am finally happy with how it looks.  So maybe next time the restless bug bites, I should open the storage closet and tackle that mess!!!

Have tons to blog about (bachelorette weekend was bananas!!) but I have to upload pictures before I can share the stories.  Stay tuned!

The ABC's of Little Ol Me

I stole this idea from one of my fav blogs (Smart and Sassy with Sprinkles).  I think it is a cute way to get to know each other and share some fun details.  

Ambition: To love my job, my city, and my spouse (guy where are you????!!!!)
Bad Habit: biting my lips, cussing

City: Currently-Columbia.  Dream-New York

Drink: Regular Coke and Mojitos (currently)

Education: Masters in Special Ed and almost done with my BCBA

Food: Addison's Nachos.  CoMO peeps you know what I'm talking about!!!

Guilty Pleasure: Jewelry, 90's & 80's movies, zombie/vampire movies, ABC Family shows

Hometown: 29 Palms, CA

Ice Cream: Orange or Rainbow sherbet

Jonesing for: This weekend, the Cape Cod trip, and a beer

Kryptonite: Apparently douchy men

Look-a-like: Huh, I don't know!  My mom??  Any suggestions?

Movie: Because I Said So, 300 (yummies men), Lars and the Real Girl, Harry Potter

Nickname: B, Brooklyn, Brookenizzle, B Dub

Obsession: Currently-losing weight.  P90X arm workouts are no joke

Perfume: Love Spell but I need to revamp

Quirk: I love to talk in accents.  British and country mostly

Regret: Not keeping up with my running lifestyle

Starbucks: Blended strawberry lemonade

Thrift Find of the Year: Need to do more thrift store shopping.  But I finally bought the leather jacket I have been coveting (and some fabu black heels)!

University: U. of Redlands and MIZZOU!

Vacation: This year-Cape Cod.  Dream-Italy

Wine: White or sweet red

X: marks the spot!

Years: 28 (almost 30)

Zen: Weekend BBQ with good food, great friends, yummy cocktails, gorgeous weather, and a cat or two to snuggle with

I would love to know more about you guys!  Post on your blog for my reading pleasure!  :-)

Moving...

Whew, it has been a busy day.  No, not at work.  On the phone!  I have been talking to my current apartment complex and my new duplex owners to coordinate moving out of one and moving into the other.  And it looks like July is going to be one hell of a busy (and expensive) month!!

I will have to document the epic job of packing my apartment up this month and moving to the new place.  I am happy it all worked out even though it means paying partial rent on two places next month (not to mention rent on the current and security deposit on the new this month).  I am so in love with my new place (well mine as of July 8th!).  It is a sweet little duplex on a culdesac in a nice, green neighborhood.  I can not wait to share pictures of it with you guys!!  I will finally have a garage, two bathrooms, a fireplace, a BIG kitchen, and a very comfy wood deck.  Oh man I am pretty excited!

Had to share the news.  Keep checking in for details and updates!

People Just Get Engaged

My wonderful co-worker and beautiful friend Cortney over at Our Fishy Family got engaged a few weeks ago.  So obviously it was the perfect excuse to get everyone together and celebrate with a luau themed BBQ.  I even got to spend time with my long-lost friends Anna and Molly.  I have missed them so much.  It was so nice to chill and help Cortney and her man celebrate this happy occasion.  I am so happy for her and her cute family.  Can't wait for the wedding next year!  I love me some weddings!  Here are some pics of the party.  Love you Cortney!

 

The yummy cake.

The little guy.  So cute.

The happy couple.

The ladies.  So happy to see you Molly and Anna!

Jess and Molly

Me and Jess

Anna and little man

Father and son

Mommy and son.  Love his jammies.

More pics on my Facebook page.  Congrats again my friend!!

I Hate Goodbyes

I had to say a pretty tough goodbye in March to my closest friend in CoMO.  She moved to Texas (#worststateofalltime) for a better job opportunity.  I am terrible with goodbyes in general but having to say it to my heterosexual life partner was pretty horrendous.  Add in that I barely had any time to mentally and emotionally prepare for her departure.  There are just not enough words you can say to someone you really love to let them know how much they mean to you.  I miss her every day.  I hope she has fun and enjoys being in Texas (#worststateofalltime)  Here are some pics from our last night hanging out in CoMO.

I had to say yet another goodbye last month.  My dear friend Molly from Molly's Musing moved back to KC to attend nursing school.  I have not known Molly long but she has become a wonderful friend.  I really miss her.  I am excited for her to start school and fulfill her dreams but my selfish side wishes she would come back and save me from the boredom that consumed my life.  At least we have FB, Blogger, and Twitter (not to mention phone calls and texts) to keep track of each other.  Here is her farewell potluck at work.