Happy New Year!

Thank you to all my readers and followers - it's heartwarming to know you are checking up on me.  I love hearing from you!

 

From my family to yours

 

Wishing you and yours a very blessed 2015!!!!!

A new Vox Box!

Look what came for me last week from Influenster

 

 

A #FrostyVoxBox

 

There is all kinds of goodies in here to sample and review. Stay tuned!!!

 

 

PS: If you would like an invite to Influenster, let me know.

 

Wishing you

I know

It's no excuse, BUT - - - -
I haven't blogged because I've been wrapped up in work and holiday preparations. My shopping is ALMOST done - the Mr. and I are planning an outing tonight to finish up. I don't have ANYTHING wrapped yet... So, there will be a wrapping night soon.

Work is getting crazy busy (as usual this time of year) - so I'm pretty zapped when I get home.

I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season.

Happy Friday!

I know I said I'd do an update - it's been a week...  I will try to work on getting a trip report put together.

Monday I had a medical procedure done that went fine. AND Little Miss made a trip to the ENT with ear pain. It turns out the sticker from her hearing aid battery was stuck in her ear.  Funny now, Monday - not so much!

Tuesday was our work client shopping trip to Chicago. It drizzled most of the day. I had very nice lunch with a girlfriend who works downtown.

Wednesday our furnace went out. They came back yesterday to repair it. Thankfully the outside temps weren't too cold Wednesday night.

Now we have reached the weekend - hooray!
Tonight is my work Christmas party.
Tomorrow I am having lunch with my sister and watching my nephew in the evening.
Sunday I'm off to work.

I hope your week has been good.
What are you up to this weekend?

Recap to come

We returned from Disney World on Sat night/Sun morning. We had a great time!

After I catch up the laundry, I will do a full recap of our trip.

Blogger shout out

Now for a little different kind of Friday Fun...

 

I always enjoy reading others' blogs.  I have some to recommend to you (believe me, I could recommend A LOT more!).

For beauty:

Elle Sees

Blush and Barbells

For inspiration and positivity:

The Artsy Cajun

This Italian Family

Life in High Heels

For craftiness:

Murphy's Law

Life with the Tucker-Wolek Clan

Scrapbook Treehouse

Last Yesterday

Books and reading related:

Semi Charmed Kind of Life

Mrs. Mommy Booknerd

To armchair travel with:

The Wander Blogger

Just cuz they're fun:

Handling with Grace

Love Peace & Understanding

The Darling Redhead

Then There Was We

Please go check out these fantastic blogs!!!!! Tell them I sent you.  ;-)

Winter Reading update

11/1/14-11/30/14 reading completed....

Semi Charmed Life  Winter Reading Challenge

5 points: Freebie!  Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier   (Finished 11/21/14)
10 points: Read a book written by an author who has published at least 10 books.  The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes   (Finished 11/7/14)
10 points: Read a book of short stories.  Girls Night In
10 points: Read a book with a food in the title. Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Cafe by Fannie Flagg
15 points: Read the first book in a series that is new to you.   Deja Dead By Kathy Reichs  [Bones series]
15 points: Read a book that was originally written in a language that is not your native language.    All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque (German to English)
15 points: Read a book written by a local author.  Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin (Chicago area author, 345 pages)
20 points: Read a "bookish book." The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (finished 11/5/14)
20 points: Read a book with a direction in the title.  Murder in the South of France by Susan Kiernan-Lewis (Kindle book, 326 pages)
25 points: Read a book from a genre you don't usually read. From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris (fantasy genre)
25 points: Read a book with a song lyric in the title. Under the Boardwalk by Carly Phillips and The Drifters
30 points: Read two books with a different meal in each title.  Progressive Dinner Deadly by Elizabeth Spann Craig (Kindle book-216 pages) & Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland

Nov. Points:  35
Total points:  35

The 12th month

Wishing you all a wonderful, joyful

 

 

Friday Fun - Black Friday edition

 

 

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's Monday....again!

Thank you for asking your "Ask Jen" questions so far - please keep 'em coming!  I will continue to collect them for about another week and will post my answers December 10.

It was a rainy weekend - ALL weekend! It was that winter grey... I wanted to just stay in bed all weekend, but alas - that was not in the cards.  I worked at the library all day on Saturday then all afternoon yesterday.  Today we are being threatened by Mother Nature with 2-5" of snow and 20-30 mph winds. Yeah - hoping that doesn't happen...

Saturday evening, we went to see/listen to our godson's band regional concert. It was very impressive! These middle school students rehearsed for 5 hours on Saturday (they came from LOTS of schools from 8 counties) and put together a wonderful performance! They came to our house after the concert to have pizza and hang out. It was a nice way to end the day.

How was your weekend? What did you do?

Last call!

Any Ask Jen questions!

Is there something you are dying to know about me?
Are you curious about me or my life?

Here's your chance - ask away!!!!

Friday Fun

Disclaimer: may not be suitable for young viewers

Happy Friday!

Wordless Wednesday

Hello Monday

Well this weekend flew by quickly!

 

The Mr. and I celebrated our anniversary on Saturday. We went to see Interstellar (with Matthew McCoughnhey - sp...). We were not impressed...  It's a very long movie and most of it is incredibly dull! We did enjoy our dinner at Ruby Tuesday's though.

 

Yesterday morning, I had a beautiful family brave the snow and cold temps for their family Christmas/winter photos. You can check out a few of my favorites at my photo blog. I am very happy with how they turned out.

 

Winter is upon us here in northern Illinois - the high temp over the next 5 days is 23F (I believe on Thursday).

 

How was your weekend?

Happy Anniversary!

17 years ago, on a surprisingly snowy day, I married my best friend!

I love you babe!

Friday Fun

Happy Friday!

I hope you have a great weekend

Christmas in Snow Valley review

I am part of the Christmas in Snow Valley book tour at I Am a Reader.

Grab your copy for just .99 cents!

 

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Smashwords * iTunes

Christmas in Snow Valley

Christmas in Snow Valley is packed with six wonderful Christmas novellas sure to bring romance into your holiday season.

Snow Valley, Montana, is a small community with the tradition of doing Christmas big. Festivities begin with tree lighting in the town square the day after Thanksgiving and continue until the culminating romantic Christmas Ball. From the Polar Express to a Winter Carnival, there’s something for every wonder-filled child—and every couple who’s in love—or about to be.

An Unexpected Kiss by Cindy Roland Anderson
Lucy Phillips doesn’t want to spend her Christmas vacation dodging her ex-boyfriend, so when he turns up at the airport to give her a ride home, Lucy panics and asks a complete stranger to kiss her. Although the kiss is incredible, Lucy never expects to see the guy again. Is it bad luck or destiny when Lucy comes down with a sore throat and the new doctor in Snow Valley is none other than the guy she kissed at the airport?

Feels Like Love by Jeanette Lewis
Christmas in Snow Valley is the perfect way for April Winston to introduce her city slicker fiancé, Scott Mecham, to life on a farm. If only Wade Hadley, hometown boy and high school sweetheart, will cooperate! But Wade has no intention of letting April go without a fight. This Christmas, Wade is determined to overcome their painful past and show April that she already has what she’s been seeking all along.

Full Court Devotion by Cami Checketts
Kazlyn is too busy with her schooling and future plans to enjoy life, let alone fall in love with a man who has heartbreak written all over him. Tyrese Hamilton, a college basketball star and major heartthrob, is intrigued when Kazlyn doesn’t pursue him or even seem interested. Ty’s career is in jeopardy, and he needs a miracle and Kazlyn to save him.

The Christmas Eve Kiss by Taylor Hart
When Molly O’Hare gets a prediction that she will kiss her true love on Christmas Eve, she thinks it’s utterly ridiculous. But when she gets teamed up with Kevin Snow, aka her ex-boyfriend, to decorate a Christmas tree, things start to change. Too bad getting over the past is hard and seeing him kiss another girl is even harder. Now Molly is left with a choice—run away from home and heartbreak or let Christmas work out a miracle all of its own.

Risking it all for Love by Kimberley Montpetit
Succumbing to family pressure, Jessica Mason reluctantly comes home for Christmas. Ever since her high school boyfriend’s death from a car accident three years earlier, Jessica and religion have not been compatible. So, when she visits Michael’s grave, she’s surprised to meet the handsome James Douglas, Pastor John’s nephew, who’s studying for the ministry. James can not only dish back Jessica’s finely-tuned sarcasm but understands grief all too well, turning Jessica’s world upside down. Is she ready to take another risk on love?

Blue Christmas by Lucy McConnell
As head of Snow Valley hospital’s fundraising effort, Paisley Hackett barely has time to organize the craft show, cookie decorating party, and the annual Christmas Ball. What she doesn’t have time for is falling in love with Clay Jett, the incredibly handsome bass player who sweeps into town. She’s been burned by a tourist romance before and, with everything going on, Paisley will have to work overtime to protect her heart from Clay and his swoon-worthy ballads.

My review:  5 out of 5 stars
These are all sweet, clean romance novellas based in the little down of Snow Valley. The characters and storylines are all believable and fun. I thought they were all quick reads and enjoyed them all.
I hope you'll get your copy of them at the links above.

Happy Reading!

A small treat

Yesterday was a frustrating Monday morning at work. I felt like I had to fight everyone on getting stuff done and phone calls made. I think it was made more frustrating by the fact that I had had a wonderful weekend taking lots of photos and spending lots of time with Little Miss and my camera.

When a client called me at lunchtime to ask if I had an gotten an answer for him...I almost lost it. So, I decided to take the bull by the horns and go to the client myself. So, I took the papers, made up a little goodie bag (candy, crackers, water, etc) got in my van and drove out to the country. It was a beautiful day, so it didn't bother me to get out of the office for a bit.

I drove out to the field he was working in, parked and waited for him to get to the end of the field round. He signed what I needed him to, we visited a little bit then we both went back to work.

This daughter/granddaughter/great-granddaughter of farmers loved the smell of corn being harvested and the sound of all the machinery running. It was a little treat for me. I hope there are more harvest visits soon.

New book release!

Prosecco Pink by Traci Andrighetti
Release Date: November 3
Genre: Chick Lit/Cozy Mystery 

For Franki Amato, life in New Orleans is anything but “The Big Easy.” When she met handsome bank executive Bradley Hartmann, she knew she’d finally found a man she could trust. But she can’t say the same for his sexy new secretary, who is about as trustworthy as Mata Hari and every bit as seductive. Meanwhile, Franki’s best friend and employer, Veronica Maggio, has named her the lead investigator in the murder of a gorgeous cosmetics CEO who was found lying dead in the master bedroom of a historic plantation home. Now the pressure is on Franki to figure out what a bottle of pink lip gloss and the legend of a pink diamond have to do with the bizarre killing. The problem is that the plantation is notorious for being haunted, and Franki is less than enthusiastic about the prospect of meeting a ghost. Adding to her stress, her Sicilian grandma is up to her usual meddling antics—this time planning Franki’s engagement to Bradley before he’s even considered popping the question. As Bradley grows distant and plantation employees begin dropping like Southern belles during a sweltering summer, Franki turns to a psychic with a phobia of ghosts to solve the mysterious murders and her own relationship fears.

Traci's bio

Traci Andrighetti is the national and international bestselling author of the Franki Amato Mysteries. In her previous life, she was an award-winning literary translator and a Lecturer of Italian at the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a PhD in Applied Linguistics. But then she got wise and ditched that academic stuff for a life of crime—writing, that is.

If she's not hard at work on her next novel, Traci is probably watching her favorite Italian soap opera, eating Tex Mex or sampling fruity cocktails, and maybe all at the same time. She lives in Austin with her husband, young son (who desperately wants to be in one of her books) and three treat-addicted dogs.

Social Media

http://traciandrighetti.com

https://www.facebook.com/traciandrighettiauthor

https://twitter.com/TAndrighetti

Buy Links

Amazon http://amzn.to/105MAXe

Barnes & Noble http://bit.ly/1tizikl

iTunes http://bit.ly/1tizn7G

Kobo http://bit.ly/1wd2U59

Smashwords http://bit.ly/1BMQvnP

Gemma Halliday Publishing http://bit.ly/1xEpCBo

Ask Jen reminder

Hello friends!

I haven't done an "Ask Jen" post in a while, so....

ASK!!!!

Post a question in the comments by November 3, 2014 (that's this coming Monday) 

and I will answer your questions the following week.

Thank you all for reading and following my blog.

A little faith

I have felt there is a lot of sad news and bad news out there lately. This video helped restore a little of my faith in the world.

 

I have been enjoying Matt Nathanson's music for quite a while. (I hope to catch a show someday...)

His newest song "Headphones" is great! I loved it as soon as I heard it. Then... I saw the video -

 

 

Having been down this road with Little Miss, I think I cried through most of the video.

I know what an amazing thing it is to be able to hear things or have your loved one hear things they've never heard before!

 

THEN, I found this behind-the-scenes video and I was in need of a tissue again

 

Thank you Mr. Nathanson and the Starkey Foundation for all you do!

Winter Reading Challenge

I have decided to participate in...
Semi Charmed Kind of Life Winter Reading Challenge

Reading is to be done November 1, 2014 through February 28, 2015.

Here is my list to read....
5 points: Freebie!  Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
10 points: Read a book written by an author who has published at least 10 books.  The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes
10 points: Read a book of short stories.  Girls Night In
10 points: Read a book with a food in the title. Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Cafe by Fannie Flagg
15 points: Read the first book in a series that is new to you.   Deja Dead By Kathy Reichs
15 points: Read a book that was originally written in a language that is not your native language.  All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque (German to English)
15 points: Read a book written by a local author.  Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin (Chicago area author, 345 pages)
20 points: Read a "bookish book." The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
20 points: Read a book with a direction in the title.  Murder in the South of France by Susan Kiernan-Lewis (Kindle book, 326 pages)
25 points: Read a book from a genre you don't usually read.  From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris (fantasy genre)
25 points: Read a book with a song lyric in the title. Under the Boardwalk by Carly Phillips and The Drifters
30 points: Read two books with a different meal in each title.  Progressive Dinner Deadly by Elizabeth Spann Craig (216 pages) & Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland

#SCWBC14 

Ask Jen!

Hello friends!

I haven't done an "Ask Jen" post in a while, so....

ASK!!!!

Post a question in the comments by November 3, 2014 (that's this coming Monday) 

and I will answer your questions the following week.

Thank you all for reading and following my blog.

Photo blog

I put up a new post yesterday on MY PHOTO BLOG

I would love your thoughts...

Wordless Wednesday

Yes, it looks like this here right now!

It's a beautiful blessing of living in the Midwest.

Weekend recap

It's Monday again...  I hope you all had a good one!

In a nutshell:
Little Miss stayed at my parents to play with her cousin for the night
Ran errands
Grocery shopped
Made pizza
Huskies won!
Bears lost
Finished a book (review to come)
Went to Six Flags
Took some leaf photos
Cleaned house
Caught up on laundry
Started another knit hat
Watched Captain America: Winter Soldier (eh - probably 2 1/2 stars)

I think that about covers it.

How was your weekend?

Proceed with caution!

For us here in the Midwest (and many other parts of the US), it's harvest time! I love this time of year.  However, this time of year is also dangerous for drivers - both in cars AND in farm machinery.

If you come upon a piece of equipment being moved (from either direction), please slow down!!!!  Proceed with caution before trying to pass.


Reminder-----bridges and other "road narrowing" objects on the side of the road (ie:mailboxes) will make it so the driver of the equipment has to move more centered on the road so as not to hit anything.

Reminder 2----farmers have A LOT to watch and pay attention to as they move their equipment. Please be cautious as they may not see you, especially if you are coming from behind them!

Be patient and don't get upset because they are going slow (you like to eat, right?). Their commute to work sometimes takes a slower pace than yours. Allow room and time to pass farm equipment!

Wishing all the farmers a safe, prosperous harvest!

Friday Fun

TGIF my friends!!!  This has been the longest week...

Last Saturday evening, Little Miss & I ran to the store to pick up a few groceries.
The store we go to usually has a small cart of single beers you can purchase. So, I stop and am looking through to see what I might want to try.
Little Miss proclaims (very loudly): "You know Mom, you're not setting a good example for me." Immediately, heads turn our direction.
And where is the giant hole in the earth to swallow me?!
I just quietly took my cart and headed for the check out line.

UGH!

It's funny now but at that moment, not so much...

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Wordless Wednesday

Update

Hello to you all!

A couple of weeks ago, I told you about a new wellness challenge that was starting at our workplace. We are now 2 weeks in and I have been doing pretty well.

The challenge is to consume your daily amount of recommended water (your weight divided by 2 = oz. to drink) and 5 servings of fruits and veggies.

I have met the water part everyday so far, except for 1. I have eaten 2-3 servings of fruits and veggies every day. I have had no pop on those 2 weeks, either. Believe me, these are both HUGE improvements on what I was eating and I am much more conscience of what I drink.

I am feeling a little better, more energetic and "lighter". This is easy to do when I have others in our office participating and we can "announce" what glass of water number we are on for the day or share an apple with each other. My hope is to keep this up when the challenge ends.

I have been walking more and started using hand weights this week to start toning my arms a little more. (sorry to those of you following me on Pinterest, I know I've been bombarding the board with workouts and healthy food pins).

Have a great Tuesday!

Sunday

A preview

Just a little preview of what's on my PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG right now.

Happy Saturday!

Friday Funny

I swear this commercial producer had my Mr. and kids in mind when they made it!

 

Why I Do...

What I do everyday!

Over the weekend, I watched the documentary film,  FARMLAND.  (Hurry! Hulu is running it for free for a couple more weeks!!!)

First, there is a lot to learn from the ag industry through this film - a lot of it is the day-to-day life of a farmer.
Second, I don't care where you stand on the GMO issue...this film covers many sides of it, so don't judge too quickly-either way.
Third, this film is beautifully shot! (Especially for those of us who love rural settings and farm equipment working in the field)

This film reminded this country girl WHY I love my job and WHO I do it for!

Please, please take 90 minutes and watch this film!

Sunday

Since I found the PRAYERFUL BLOGGERS a little over a week ago, I've enjoyed their support and companionship.

I created this:

Wishing you a blessed week!

40 in 14 - #23 ("Day of Fame")

I completed an item on my 40 in 14 list, way back in January.

#23 - Try to be a movie/TV extra

At the time I did it, we were asked to please not post anything on social media (due to fear of someone posting a possible spoiler). So I didn't, and hence - it was tucked WAY back in my files so I never posted about my day being an extra for the TV show, Chicago Fire (and if you have read my blog for any amount of time - you know I like my Tuesday nights!).  My blogging friend, Wendy, [check out her blog!] asked me about this a few weeks ago, so here is my self-declared "day of fame".

(FYI - it was Season 2, Episode 14 - "Virgin Skin") - see trailer below:

I had been trying to get an extra part on the show for quite a while (thanks to the Chicago Fire Extras Facebook page - check it out if you are looking for something like this).  The casting company called me Wednesday at 3:30 in the afternoon and asked if I was available the next day. I almost fell out of my chair. I quickly called my boss, asked if I could have the next day off; got his blessing then called them back.

They gave me the wardrobe specifications and when to call to get the final details for the following day. I had to work my second job that evening, so after job #2 was done that evening, I went home - picked my wardrobe choices and packed a garment bag. I threw a book in too, called to get the details and got some sleep.

The next morning was an EARLY one - up to get ready; fight Chicagoland traffic and head to location. I got to the location really early but that was ok - I watched all the trailers being brought in and set up. I read my book a little and just relaxed.

One of the assistants came through the parking lot to "collect" the extras and they shuttled us off to a holding room. I gave another assistant my information and had a seat to wait. It was one of those "hurry up and wait" kind of days. We watched the snow fall outside (yes, it was a snowy winter in Chicagoland) as we got to know each other and sipped coffee.

I met some fantastic people and had some pretty entertaining conversations with several of my fellow extras. (A few of them had been "regular" extras in a few shows shot in the area at that time) All of the staff that we had contact with was fantastic - very friendly and entertaining. The wardrobe gal came around to check what we had on and what we had brought.

We had "breakfast" about noon - standing outside in the freezing cold. The food was fantastic and if you left that area hungry - too bad!

Anyway - I was picked to be in the first scene they were shooting. So onto the shuttle van we hopped and off they took us and shuffled us off to a very small holding room. We were given this warning - "do not talk to the actors, they have to stay in character". Um, ok. They slowly picked a few of us (there were probably 15 of us) at a time to start filling in the background of the scene.

My job in the scene (where Shay and the fill in paramedic save a man's life in an office), to walk back and forth on cue in the hallway. I wasn't in frame when it aired, but hey...what are you going to do?! We were at that location for almost three hours. They shuttled us back to the big holding area, where the rest of the day's extras had changed from their office attire wardrobe to their factory worker wardrobe. They had us change then sent the ones who hadn't been in the first scene to start "marking" the next scene.

One of the production assistants (PA) came in and said for us to plan on being there until about 2 a.m. (Insert my 'oh crap' face here) I texted the Mr. and let him know. He texted back that with the snow and time, he booked me a hotel room down the road. Bless his heart! I would just get my butt up early the next morning and head right to work from there.

We sat and watched TV and visited. They fed us an amazing dinner about 5:30 - pasta, fish, steak. Kraft services has some amazing cooks! Some of "the" actors were all eating when we went through the line and most of them were cordial to us. I would eat there ANYTIME! We (the extras) ate together and shared our stories from the day, so far.

The extras involved in the scene being shot had to eat quick and hurry downstairs (that's the warehouse scene in the trailer above). About 7:00, the same PA came in looked at the about 10 of us sitting around and said "How would you all like to be wrapped for the day?" Seriously? Sounds good to us! So we were dismissed. As one of the other ladies (who writes for CMT's website) and I were leaving, in walked Jesse Spencer (Matt Casey on the show).

He gave a quick nod and hello. We both returned his hello - then proceeded out the door and giggled like a couple of junior high girls in the hall when the "cute boy" walks by. (Ok - not my most mature moment...)

 

They shuttled us back to our snowy cars and my "day of fame" was over.

I drove to the hotel, cancelled my reservation and was home by about 9:00.

 

A couple of my observations:

*I was surprised how "short" most of the actors are. (Most were about my height)

*A lot of the production staff is "doing their time" hoping to move up to higher positions and "bigger" things

*There is A LOT of waiting and down time in TV production

*I am glad to say I did it but don't know how anxious I would be to do it again... OK - who am I kidding? I would do it again!

 

 

Have you been an extra in a movie or TV show?  What was it?  Should I be looking for you?



October....

Make sure you wear your pink!

Support your local pork producers!

A rebuttal (sort of)...

to life!

Thank you to all of you for your understanding of my post about blogging. It's nice to know I'm not "alone" in that boat.

Sometimes life throws a lot of fastballs right at you and it can be frustrating and painful! Last week, I felt like they were just slamming into my chest and gut.

The past couple of weeks have been really hard on our Little Miss at school. There has been some bullying and teasing from her classmates. She had many stomachaches but never hesitated to go to school - which I think shows her strength.  Her teacher and the assistant principal have been on the situation and are aware of it. It just makes my heart hurt for her!  She said the end of the week last week was a little better and I hope that trend continues.  Here's hoping for a good week for her!

Last week, with the guidance of a wonderful bloggy friend (thanks, Jessy) - I was led to a new-to-me blog:  Prayerful Bloggers.  I have joined these ladies on the blog now and their Facebook group. I hope to revisit and re-evaluate my faith (which has waivered on many occassions) and keep a positive attitude (for myself and others).  These ladies have been very welcoming and supportive.

I don't usually get into religion on my blog because I don't like to stir up topics that some people can get riled up about. BUT - I do want to disclose the following information regarding this topic:
*I DO believe in God (I have never doubted that)
*I was raised Catholic but due to some circumstances/situations (which I won't disclose here), I have left the Catholic faith but haven't yet found a church I am comfortable in.

So, I feel a little less tense this week (so far) and hope it stays that way!

Use Your Stuff

This week is my last week as a guest designer at Use Your Stuff.

This week's theme is Food & Drink   Do you like to eat and/or drink?  If so, how about doing a scrapbook layout of your favorite food and/or drink?  Then, link up at UYS blog.

Here's my take on this theme.
From our trip to Hawaii, in 2007 (yes, I'm that far behind!)

 

A couple detail photos of this layout:

 

 A pocket page of their menus:

 

I hope you'll join in this week!

 

The challenge

Tomorrow starts a new healthy lifestyle challenge at work.

The Rules:
6 weeks

5 servings of fruits and veggies/day
Consume the suggested amount of water you should be drinking each day (your weight divide by 2=number of ounces of water you should be drinking)

I will try to post updates on my progress each week.

I also plan to add 30 minutes of exercise, 3 times a week to this challenge, for myself.

Pressured

Hello friends!

I want to post a little something about blogging.

I love my blogs. I love reading others' blogs.

BUT....I feel so pressued to try to blog so many days a week. Those bloggers who have a schedule for their posts and plan them ahead - I commend you! I wish I had the time for that.

Life gets messy sometimes and it needs my attention more than my blog does. My family will always come first, so if i don't post for a while, I'm probably just busy with life.  I work two jobs and have crazy schedules to juggle and still want to spend time with my three favorite people. Ya know?

I hope it doesn't make me "less" of a blogger if I don't have a schedule of posts and post when I feel like it...

I hope you will still stop by and check in. I check emails almost everyday, feel free to drop me a line.

Keep blogging!

Friday Fun

Ok scrapping friends...."hop" on over to

PRACTICAL SCRAPPERS

for a stash busting blog hop!

Happy scrapping!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

August, 2014

Hay lift trolleys

 

You can check out more barn tour photos HERE

Use Your Stuff challenge

Happy Monday! I hope you had a good weekend.

It's time for another weekly challenge over (and Week 4 of being a guest designer) at:

USE YOUR STUFF #154

It's a sketch this week!

Here's my take on it:

 A couple of detail photos:

I hope you will play along and link up at Use Your Stuff!

Wordless Wednesday

Use Your Stuff

It's a new challenge over at USE YOUR STUFF

This week is Back to School

I hope you will join in and link up your projects!!!!

Here is mine this week

Happy Scrapping!

Social Media Mixer #16

Hey friends!

I linked up this week with the Social Media Mixer. Feel free to hop over and link up any of your social media! You may be featured next week....

Feel free to follow my Instagram at cubsfan3410

Have a fantastic Sunday!

Apparently...Friday Fun

I don't know if you saw this viral video this summer...it cracks me up!

Apparently Kid:

Yesterday he was on Ellen and we were cracking up watching this.

 

Part 1~

 

Part 2~

 

Apparently...it's Friday! Enjoy your weekend! Seriously!

Wordless Wednesday

A thing of the past?

It was announced yesterday that our local Barnes & Noble is going to close at the end of the year. That's very sad to me! This bookworm loves browsing through the books - there's a cozy smell in the shelves.

Are brick & mortar stores and shops becoming a thing of the past? Am I the only one who still likes to go in and smell, touch and hear the items I'm looking for? Don't get me wrong, I do some on line shopping but I still like to walk into a store.

It saddens me to think that these places are going out of business!

Do you still "go" shopping or do you do most of your shopping on line? Just curious (no judging either way!!!!)...

Use Your Stuff

Happy Monday!

There's a new scrap challenge up this week over at  USE YOUR STUFF

Stop over and play along!

Here's my border punch challenge project

Scrap cards

Here are some cards I made last week

 

Exciting scrapbooking news

I am the September guest designer over at Use Your Stuff scrapbooking blog.

Stop over and play along...and every week!

Friday Letters

TGIF!!!!

 

Dear Friday,

Hello my friend!

 

Dear Holiday Weekend,

Let me get through work on Saturday then make Sunday & Monday slow and leisurely.

 

Dear Blogger Friends,

Thank you for stopping by my blog! I am hoping to get caught up on my blog reading and commenting.

 

Dear Huskies,

That's one win - a great start to the football season!

Dear Cubs,
Sigh....next year! However, I may win my bet this year over your record (thanks!).

Dear Bears,
Preseason is not making it look like a good season. I hope you're saving the "good stuff"!

 

Dear New School Year,

I'm so glad you have arrived again!

 

Dear Bag of Yarn,

I plan to make some time to work with you this weekend.

 

Dear Camera,

You will not defeat me! You and I have a date!!!!

 

Dear Mr.,

Thank you for letting me vent and cry. I wouldn't have made it through this week without you!

 

Dear Mother Nature,

How about a nice weekend?

 

 

What are your plans for the weekend?

Crochet projects

I have had my hooks flying this weekend. I finished two projects, small ones, but they're done.

I made these for my aunt's granddaughter who is due to arrive in October.

I made this headband for Lil Miss to match her 1st day of school outfit.

Now I have to finish the blanket I'm knitting as a test for a designer. I will post pictures when it's complete.

Have a great Sunday!