Friday Fun, Summer edition

Yes, I said summer! (The cold hasn't frozen my brain....yet!)

It's been another bitterly cold, snowy week here (and in most of the country). We are under a winter storm watch (thanks, Maximus!) this weekend with 4-8" of snow predicted. So, I have decided it's time for something warm weather-ish.

Our closest Six Flags is building a new coaster, GOLIATH, opening in May. I am super excited!

Pull you lap bar down, keep all loose objects inside the car and enjoy the ride!

Welcome back! I hope you enjoyed!

If you didn't like the ride, how about a nice summer song?

Who doesn't think summer when you hear the Beach Boys?

What are you up to this weekend?

I hope it's something fun!

Blogging funny

I KNOW this is my family's (espeically the Mr's) worry when something out of the ordinary happens.

And usually...if it is something like this - it ends up here.

Does anyone else's family and friends "fear" they may "make the blog"?  Ha ha ha!

I am adding a few links to some blogs I've been reading lately, I hope you'll stop by and tell them HI!
Love Peace & Understanding
Nestful of Love
Sassy in Sequins
 (And check their blogrolls, too!)
I randomly picked three from my blogroll to the right (not picking any favorites here...). But please visit the other blogs on my "Blogs You Should Visit" list!

I myself, am not a real big fan of beauty/fashion blogs. (Kudos to those who blog these topics - you do a GREAT job - it's just not high on my interests list)
BUT...
Elle Sees
is the exception I make to reading beauty blogs. She is very practical and has some great tips and product reviews. (This cheap skate likes a lot of the products she uses and reviews)


I would also like to say that now that I've "figured out" Bloglovin...I think it's the greatest thing ever! I love having those blog posts all in a list and in my face. Brilliant!  If I'm not following you there yet, let me know!

Thank you to all my readers and commenters - I love hearing from you!

Have a great day!
(It's almost Friday...)

A little sports related post...

* I know the Super Bowl is Sunday, but frankly - I don't really care! I will probably be eating and doing something crafty during the game.

* The Olympics start in 9 days! I am excited about that. I like the skiing, sledding and curling events the best. What do you like?

* Baseball spring training is coming too! Pitchers & catchers report February 13 and position players report February 18. I know it's going to be another horrible year for the Cubs, but I'm ready for baseball to start!

What sports do you enjoy?

Gratitudes

I haven't done one of these posts in a long time.

This week I am grateful for:
* My husband
* My kids
* My parents, siblings (yes, the in law ones too!), my nephews and niece
* A roof over my head
* Food to eat
* Heat
* My jobs
* Good books
* My blogging friends
* A good laugh
* Finding at least one good thing each day

I hope you have much to be grateful for too!

To my Australian readers

Happy Australia Day!!!!!

Book review 2014 #2

I just finished:

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Genre: Fiction

5 out of 5 stars from me

Publisher's Synopsis:  Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane.

Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that.

What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time.

My thoughts:  This is a book where I laughed, cried and shook my head in disbelief. The storyline is so well written. Lou, Will and their families are fantastic charcters. I recommend that everyone read this book! I will be thinking about it for quite some time.

Getting to Know Jen

WOW!

I got some fantastic questions! Thank you all for your curiousity. Please visit these wonderful bloggers' blogs.

 

And now, a little about me.

 

Julie at Life of the Tucker-Wolek Clan asked: I would like to know your fave TV shows... I know one, but interested in the others!!

 If you have read my blog (or seen my facebook page) in the last 6 months, you will know that I love

It's three episodes old right now, but I am enjoying the spin off

 Others that I watch pretty religiously are

 

 

and a lot of shows on History Channel.

 

Lynn at Lynn Murphy's Law asked: You have amazing strength. Where do you get it from?

 I have been thinking how to answer this one and will try to write my thoughts the best I can.

A lot of my strength honestly has come from growing up and hard knocks in life. My parents raised 5 pretty amazing kids (if I do say so myself...), they encouraged our independence and individuality but never hesitated to make sure we were on the "right path". 
I was a single mom at 19 - my parents were always reassuring me that was doing ok.
The Mr. and I have been through some really rough times in our marriage and that has taught me that I AM strong and tough, I can face some of the worst things that can be thrown at you and still be standing up and smiling, when it's over. And sometimes, you have to lean on others and work together.

One of the hardest things I have learned in my almost 40 years is to trust my feelings and heart to others. If people truly love me, they will continue to love me when I mess up and will pick me up, brush me off and give me a push down the right path.

Mary Jo at The Scrapbook Treehouse asked: Do you ever go to crops here?

 I have been looking in the St. Louis area for a weekend crop. One of these days I am going to get down there for a weekend, with out the Mr. and kids to hang out with some fellow scrappy peeps.

Amber at Last Yesterday asked the following questions (you were working hard, girl!):

How do you like working at a library?

 I love it! I get to work in a place surrounded by books, what's not to love! I hold storytime once a week and the kids crack me up.

 

What is/are your favorite genre/s?

 Ooooo - tough one!
I read based on my mood (and sometimes based on the cover of the book). I read a lot of general fiction and mysteries.

 

Can you name a favorite book?

 I read Little Women at least once a year. It's hard to pick one favorite, there are so many amazing books out there. 
Recently, some of my favorites are:

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls

The Right Hand by Derek Haas

A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin

What project (crocheting/knitting/sewing) are you most proud of?

 WHOA! THIS is a tough one!
I guess I would say, click on the links for scrapbooking, knitting, crocheting, sewing to the right of this post - if I posted it on here, I am pretty proud of it.
I like the sweater I crocheted a few years ago (my first non-blanket project) and several of my scrapbook pages.

 

 

Which craft is your favorite?

 I enjoy being crafty and trying new ones. I would have to say my favorite is probably scrapbooking.

 

How did you learn each of your crafts?

 My mom taught me to sew

I taught myself to crochet

My sister taught me to knit

My mom got me started with scrapbooking

What photo are you most proud of?

 This was REALLY hard to pick!

But, probably this one I took last summer:

 

What's your favorite subject to take photos of?
I love to take photos of people, especially candid kid photos.

If you could learn anything, what would you like to learn?
I would love to use ASL (American Sign Language) fluently.

Wendy at Blush and Barbells asked: How did you learn this scrapbooking stuff? The finished product is pretty awesome.
Thank you for the compliment!
My mom bought me basic scrapbooking supplies for my birthday about 15 years ago. I've been at it since then.
My scrapping style has changed a lot in that time.
I have "learned" by doing. I have found that I just play with the pieces I want to use until it looks like something I'm happy with.

My mom asked: How have your likes/dislikes changed since you were a child?
teenager?
Hmmmm....
Well I am certainly more willing to try new things now than I was when I was a child or teenager. That goes for food, adventures, places.
I think my food tastes have expanded considerably as an adult - I like a lot of things now that I couldn't stand growing up.
Thank you so much for your questions.
Thank you for reading all of this and visiting my blog.
Please visit the blogs linked here!

Have a great weekend!

What are your plans?

THANK YOU!

I am completely overwhelmed by all your wonderful comments and e-mails about being a TV extra. It warms my heart to know you all are as excited as I am.

Currently, the episode is scheduled to air - Tuesday, Feb. 25 on NBC at 10 ET/9 CT.

Like I said, I'm not holding my breath on having an appearance but enjoyed the experience and the people I met.

How will I survive 4 weeks without Chicago Fire?

"Wordless" Wednesday

So this month, I've been attempting to keep up with a photo a day challenge (I haven't done them ALL!) put together by Fat Mum Slim. Here are a few of mine from this month so far.

Eyes

Black & White

 Breakfast

Starts with G

Word to live by

It happens everyday...the alarm

Book review 2014 #1

Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

Genre: romance

4 out of 5 stars

Publisher's synopsis:  When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family. 

But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her . . . a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo's empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards . . . and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven.

My thoughts: I listened to the audio book of this. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline was good. I loved the twist at the end! 

I can't wait to see the movie....

What are you reading?

Happy Monday!

I hope you all had a nice weekend!

Saturday, I worked at the library. We got about 2 more inches of snow. Winter can move along, now!

Sunday was a lazy day for me. I did some laundry, made breakfast and lunch, started a new book, took a little nap and scrapbooked. The Mr. and Young Mr. had to work for a few hours.

I completed this paper bag album for my scrap group this week. I'm happy with how it turned out and I hope the other scrappers enjoy making one, too.

Front cover:

Interior pages:

Back cover:

Thanks for taking a look at it!

Have a great day and week!

Thanks for stopping by.

Getting to know...

ME!!!!!!

I throw this door WIDE open...

Post a question you want to know about me in the comments section by 8 p.m., central time. I will post a new "Get to know Jen" post next Friday (Jan. 24).

Ask away!

40 in '14, adventure 2

Happy Friday!

I'm making some headway on these adventures this year.

Yesterday, I completed

#23-Try to be a movie/TV extra

Casting for Chicago Fire called and asked if I could do it. Ah, YES!!!!  It was a fun experience. After a minor freakout about putting my wardrobe together, a little sleep, a freakout again in the morning, I was off.

The staff contact I had was positive. I met some great people, too. And I'm not gonna lie, there was A LOT of downtime, but I got some reading in and a little nap.

I am hoping I make it in the scene, but time will tell.

I'm thinking I may be a Mike Wazowski.

But that would be ok, too. 

I'm glad I did it.

 

(I have a few off set photos I'll get posted soon)

 

I'll post the air date as it gets closer.

Have a great weekend!

Ooooo, pretty!

I won a giveaway from The Artsy Cajun. Here's the Vera Bradley clutch I won. I can't wait to use it!

Thank you Jess!

Make sure you visit her blog.

It's Monday again!

Happy Monday!

As I perused Pinterest on Friday night (yes, my Friday night is pretty exciting...), I came across this:

Each year that passes, I find this to be more and more true for myself.

I hope you all had a good weekend and wish you a wonderful week ahead!

Sunday Social 2

First and most important,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MISTER!!!!!

Today I'm linking up with Neely and Ashley. Please go visit their blogs, they're a blast!

1. What is the name of your blog? How long have you been blogging?
My blog is It's My Life (glad you found me!). I have been blogging since June, 2006
2. Why do you blog?
I started blogging so my family could keep up with my family. It has evolved into a creative outlet for me. I enjoy sharing bits of my life with my readers.
3. What is the first blog you ever followed?
Whoa! Let me think.... I believe it was a friend's blog on their military life and her creative projects. She no longer blogs.
4. What is your favorite post you wrote in 2013?
#1000
5. What are your blogging goals for 2014?
a. To blog at least 12 times a month
b. To work on my 40 in '14 list and document my adventures
c. Try to have more guest bloggers
6. Top 3 favorite blogs to follow?
a. The Artsy Cajun  lots of DIY and positive posts
b. Life with the Tucker Wolek Clan  she's super scrappy and inspiring
c. This Italian Family she is a great cook, photographer and all around amazing blogger

I hope you will visit these blogs.

On another note....I am planning a "Get to know Jen" segment. If you want to know something about me or my blog, post your question in the comments section. Thanks!

Thank you for stopping by today.

"Old School"

So this week, besides the freaking cold weather, my scrapping inspiration came from being included in the Old School Peas over at Two Peas in a Bucket.

These are the Peas who have been on the site for a loooong time. (I'm a 10 year member). We posted a recent layout (if we are still scrapping), chatted on the MB and caught up a little. I am looking forward to catching up more with these gals and keeping my scrapping going.

If you're a long lost Pea, I hope you'll join us each Friday.

Here's what I've scrapped this week. Sorry, I don't keep track of my supplies I use....

The streets are ice covered this morning, so it's time to throw something in the crockpot, clean house and hit my scrap desk.

Happy Saturday.

Join me tomorrow for Sunday Social.

Friday Fun, Reading

I started this. It's great so far, if I could have a little more time without interruptions....

I love this!

What are you reading?

Have a great weekend!

40 in '14, adventure 1

I completed one adventure on my list.

#3-get a massage

Last Friday afternoon, the ladies in our office all got a spa treatment. This was our reward for dealing with the office remodel last summer. I opted for an hour massage.

I hadn't had one in a few years. It was so relaxing! She used hot bamboo sticks on my back and the bottoms of my feet. That made my decision as to whether I would ever get a hot stone massage- YES!!! I fell asleep at one point and woke up drooling on myself. I would say I was relaxed!

My back hasn't felt this loose and relaxed (still!) in ages. I hope to have another one in the next year.

Happy Wednesday!

Recipe - Cinnamon Rolls

We had a snow day today (call it a butt ugly freezing cold day). So, I made these cinnamon rolls for breakfast. I used my bread machine to make the dough, first time I've made them in the 16 years I've had my machine.

They were quite tasty and delicious with a cup of coffee.

Cinnamon Rolls

Dough:

6 1/2 oz. (3/4 cup + 1 T.) 80-90 degree milk

1 egg

3 c. Bread flour

3 T. Sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

4 T. Butter or margarine

2 tsp. active dry yeast or 1 1/2 tsp. bread machine yeast

Filling:

1/3 c. Butter or margarine, softened

1/3 c. Sugar

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg, optional

1/2 c. Chopped nuts, optional

Icing:

1 c. Powdered sugar

1-2 T. Milk

1/2 tsp. vanilla

Use the Dough setting on your bread machine

Add warm milk and egg to pan

Add flour, sugar and salt to pan

Settle ingredients in pan. 

Cut butter into 4 pieces and place in corners of pan

Make a well in center of dry ingredients and add yeast.

Program and let machine run.

Place dough on floured surface and knead for 1 minute, let rest for 15 minutes

Roll dough into rectangle, about 10x15 inches.

Spread butter over rolled surface of dough to within 1 inch of edges.

Sprinkle the filling mixture over buttered surface.

Roll dough tightly on long side

Press edges to seal and form into long roll

With a sharp knife or thread, cut into 1 inch pieces.

Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes

If you refrigerate rolls overnight, let stand at room temperature for 1 hour before baking

Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown

Cool in pan on cooling rack, then drizzle with icing

Cut apart, remove from pan and enjoy!

I hope you like them!

Oh the weather outside...

Is frightful!

I think we're going to have a rough winter! It's been that way so far.

We started getting snow before Thanksgiving. We have seen very few days above freezing here since then. (Yes, I am whining about the weather!)

I consider myself a pretty hearty Midwesterner, but the high temp for today is -12F, with wind chills of -45F. THAT is freakin' cold!
All the schools have closed, several businesses and even the city governments. Our office is closed until noon, but then it's off to work after that, for me. The Mr. is not happy about my having to go out, but....such as the life of a working girl.

I did get some scrapping done this weekend. The cold and snowy weather inspired me to clear off my desk and get working. (I'm working toward my annual layout goal...)

I swear I'm going to finish our Hawaii scrapbook!

Stay warm.
Have a great Monday!

Sunday Social, Week 83

I decided to join the Sunday Social this week, now that they are on Week 83....

I am linking up with Neely and Ashley. 

1. Do you plan to change any of your eating habits in the new year?  
I plan to drink more water this year. My eating will probably stay about the same.

2. Any workout tips to get us back in shape after the Holidays?   
Nope, I need to get there myself. My plan is to join a gym.

3. What is your favorite thing you did over the Holidays?  
I took the day after Christmas off. I have never done that and it was great! It was probably the most relaxed holiday season we have had in a long time. I enjoyed our Christmas and New Years.

4. What is something you hope that you accomplish in 2014 that you did not in 2013?   
You can check out my 40 in 14 list, that's what I hope to accomplish.

5. Name 3 things happening this year you are excited about and why.   
A) A new niece or nephew being born, who doesn't love being an aunt?  b) continuing to enjoy my job and its rewards.  c) TBD, I guess.

It's snowy and cold here today, such is winter in the Midwest!
Have a great Sunday! 

Scrap Our Stash Challenge #11

I decided to try to keep up with this challenge this year. Plus, it jumpstarted my scrapbooking for the year and got me doing this layout.

I hope my scrappy friends will jump in on this too. You can check it out here, at Scrap Our Stash

 For this challenge and layout, everything I used was in my stash.

I used:

5 square brads

4 colors of cardstock

3 patterned papers

2 star diecuts

1 star rub-on

I hope you will join in and link up on their blog.

Happy scrapping!

Liebster Award

Thank you to Jessy at The Artsy Cajun for passing on the nomination for a Liebster Award to me. This is my first Liebster Award. And I'm so thrilled! This award is for bloggers who have less than 200 followers. 

It works like this:
You start by being nominated by a fellow blogger who likes what you have been posting.
Then you tell 11 random facts about yourself and answer 11 questions.
You then get to nominate 11 fellow bloggers and give them 11 questions to answer.

11 Random Facts
1. I like purses
2. I want to be brave enough to get a tattoo
3. I wanted to be a sportscaster when I started college
4. I think being a wife and mom is the best job
5. I've never broken a boke
6. My favorite candy bar is Snickers and Milky Way
7. I have submitted to be a TV extra twice, but no luck
8. I wish I had a winter home at the beach and a summer home in the mountains
9. I was a band geek in school
10. Unless my craft supplies count as a collection, I really don't collect anything
11. My favorite "unhealthy" drink is rum and coke

My answers to Jessy's questions

1. What is your driving force in blogging?  My readers.
2. Dogs or cats?   I'm not a big pet person, but between the two, dogs
3. What is your favorite, go-to bible verse?  
   
4. How has blogging changed your life?  I have made some great blogging friends and I find I remember more details of things we do as a family.
5. What is your favorite down-time activity?   Reading or something crafty
   
   
   
   
6. When you think back, what is your favorite childhood memory?  Wow! Tough one!  Ummmm....I grew up with 4 siblings, so I think the memory list is too long to pick one. We did a lot together and usually had a lot of fun. 
7. How do you balance work, blog, and family?   Usually not too well. ;)  I work very hard to keep my life balanced and hold onto my sanity.
8. Favorite song at the moment?   I've been listening to Randy Houser lately.
9. Describe your perfect day?   A sunny, 75 degree day. A nice hike or bike ride with my husband and kids. An afternoon nap and reading in the sun.
10. Where would you like to travel next?   Somewhere with sun and sand
11. What is your best piece of advise for new bloggers?   Blog what you know; don't force a post; if you need a break, take it.

My 11 questions for my nominees

1. Why do you blog?

2. What is your highlight(s) of 2013?

3. What hobbies do you have?

4. What is your favorite dessert?

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

6. Did you have any pets growing up?

7. What is your favorite thing about yourself?

8. Do you like sports? If so, who do you cheer for?

9. What is your favorite season of the year? Why?

10. Do you have a piece of jewelry you wear everyday?

11. Name 3 things on your life bucket list.

My nominees are

Courtney at Air Force Wife and Our Life

Tanya at Creative Endeavors

Kelly at Kelster Jean

Nicole at Letters from Nicole

Amber at Last Yesterday

Debra at Peace, Love & Understanding

Nicole at Prairie Princess

Ashley at The Darling Redhead

Sara at To the Moon & Back

Valerie at Val's Outside Voice

Kiesha at The Cross Family Adventures

Leave me a comment when you post to your blog. I don't want to miss your post!