Lavender and Glitter

I always have my nails painted.

Always.

This time I used:
Zoya in Kendal
e.l.f. in Dream Maker

Miscellany Monday

A photo modge podge of this and that today.

One small thing that makes me happy and oh so satisfied is when a hard boiled egg peels easily.

I love that the temperature is finally above freezing. In fact, it even got up to about 75 this weekend. The only thing I hate about spring is { D I R T }. Giant piles of dirty snow melting. Yuck! 

Check out this HUGE pile of dirty snow. 

I worked all weekend on new product for the Junk Market coming up on June 1st.

Name badge reels.

One of my favorite things to do lately is creating cute hair clips sets for Birthday party favors.

And, last but not least, I will be participating in :: Blog every day in May - a challenge :: with Jenni from Story of my Life (one of my favorite blogs to read). Even on the weekends. This is definitely a challenge for me. I struggle to blog four days a week. We'll see how it goes. Jenni has given a topic to blog about each day for the month of May.

The Friday Five { L I G H T }

I love lamps. 

I think they make a room feel more homey.

Here are five lovely lamps.

1. / 2. / 3. / 4. / 5.

Enjoy your weekend!

What I Wore Wednesday

I haven't posted an outfit in months.

I know you're wondering if I was a nudest. Nope.

Just a fattist. Yup. My word.

Fattist = a person who no longer fits into his/her clothing after gaining an obscene amount of weight in a short time.

For me it was two years. 30 pounds. Gross.

Well, I'm back. I started working out two months ago and eating better (not great but, better!). I'm down 6 pounds.

After looking at these pictures I've decided I need some style help. I have good taste in clothes. It just seems to disappear when I go shopping.

Enough of my jibber jabber.

outfit #1

dress/ from Zulily - sister ordered it and it was too big for her so she gave it to her fatty sister. lucky me!

boots - etienne aigner

legging - target

cardi - target

outfit #2

blazer - old navy

top - old navy

jeans - AG

shoes - Payless (love them! Most comfortable ballet flats EVER! and only $5!!!)

outfit #3

top - JCP

cardi - Target

jeans - joes jeans

shoes - bass

So, that's what I look like.

This is how I wish I'd look. {via}

OR

{via}

I'm trying to wait to go shopping until I lose more weight but, it's so hard because I want to look cute now.

Diary of a Former Skinny Girl

{ via }

When I saw this on Pinterest I knew I had to post it here. Think back. Do you remember a time when you weighed less than you do now but, thought you were fat? Yeah, we've all been there. When I saw this - it got me thinking about when I was skinny...

I remember being so skinny growing up that the doctor said I had to drink protein shakes to put weight on my body. I think the shakes finally kicked in - about 20 years too late!

I remember being so skinny that I couldn't find any clothes to fit my super skinny waist.

I remember being so skinny that I couldn't sit on anyone's lap because my butt was so bony.

I remember being so skinny that you could see every vertebrae on my back and my hip bones stuck out.

I remember being so skinny that I never thought I would EVER gain weight. EVER. When I was 25 and a size 2 I thought I had made it to adulthood with a good body.

I remember when I could a row of Oreos. With no consequence.

{via}

Those were the good old days.

Poppy and Pippa

:: Monday Shop Update ::

{ NEW } name badge reels

{ NEW } hair clip sets

So... What are you waiting for? Go to Poppyandpippa.com right now and place your order! :)

The Friday Five { Color }

My favorites for Spring!

1. / 2. / 3. / 4. / 5.

Pink

Yesterday, I attended a funeral. A funeral for a child that never had the chance to take her first breath. A child that was loved beyond words. This beautiful baby girl's heart stopped before she had the chance to meet the wonderful parents that brought her into this world. 

I can't imagine going home to see her little room all set up. To see all of her little clothes hanging in the closet ready to wear. I can't imagine walking into her room without...her.

I can't imagine being her mom. I can't  imagine being her dad. 

Her parents have an amazing faith in God. They weren't able to come home from the hospital with their baby but, instead with a box of mementos. Nonetheless, her parents don't blame God. They don't blame anyone. 

I will never forget what I felt when I watched these grieving parents walking out of the church carrying a tiny pink casket. 

I know they are devastated by their  loss and there are no words that anyone can say that will ease their pain. 

I ask if there's anything I can do.

Of course, there's nothing.

Nothing I can do will help them through this grief. 

On the other hand, they have a beautiful 3 year old daughter that is funny, talkative, imaginative, and full of life. She will help them go on. Her little giggle will still bring smiles to their faces. She'll probably ask a million questions, like, "am I still a sister?"

She will always and forever be a big sister to her angel sister in heaven. She's very lucky to have a special little sister who will be her beautiful angel watching over her each day.

If there's any comfort I can bring to this family it is this - they are loved. They are being prayed for by people they've never even met.

*I know this post isn't my typical post but, I have so many emotions over this families loss, I had to write.

Ipsy

A friend from high school introduced me to Ipsy after I was complaining about Birchbox on my blog. Both of us cancelled our Birchboxes in December.

We were both on the waiting list for a couple of months, so we just recieved our first Ipsy Bags. Ipsy opens it up every couple of months for new members.

It is the same cost as Birchbox - $10 a month.

The first difference I noticed was the fact that Ipsy sends it's items in a shiny pink padded envelope.

While I loved the high quality packaging of the Birchbox, the Ipsy items came in a reusable makeup bag. It's not high quality but, it doesn't matter - it will be perfect for my gym bag.

Three of the four items I received were full size items. There were NO perfume samples, NO tiny samples of lotion, shampoo, or conditioner. I am pleased with this first package!

Items Reviewed.

Be a Bombshell Blush in Sweet Cheeks. It is a highly pigmented bright pink. In other words, a little goes a long way. I really like it - it's perfect for my skintone.

MICA Beauty Cosmetics mineral eye shadow shimmer. I am not a huge fan of shimmer eye shadows so, I was hesitant to even try this mineral shadow. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the color I received - Earth - It is not overly shimmery or shiny. It is just a touch of light shimmer in a natural color.

Miss Professional Nail Sation Nail Lacquer in *Of Corset I'll Call You* - it's a lovely light pink. It looks like a bright bubble gum pink when in fact, it's very very light. I had to apply three coats to get a color similar to the bottle. Miss Professional Nail made this color just for Ipsy. 

Big Sexy Hair Powder Play Volumizing and Texturizing Powder. I haven't given this a try. 

I hope that Ipsy stays strong and doesn't fade for me like Birchbox did.

Do you get Ipsy, Birchbox, or another monthly subscription? 

Spring? Oh, Spring?

As I sit here, it's 5:15 am on Monday morning. We had ANOTHER snowstorm yesterday and last night. It continues to lightly snow today as well. School is two hours late this morning. Yes, it's two hours late on April 15th due to SNOW.

Who ever heard of such a thing!?

Last year at this time we were wearing shorts and complaining about the heat.

I'd give anything to complain about the heat right now.

I don't know how much more I can take of this weather. I don't know how much more the teachers can take of this weather. The kids have cabin fever and it's not your regular "every spring" cabin fever. They are simply beside themselves. They are constantly bugging each other, tattling, and just not being nice. They need a change of weather as much as the rest of us.  They need to get outside and run! Don't get me wrong, they still get outside even in the winter but, it's pretty hard to run in a couple of feet of snow dressed from head to toe in snow gear. But, luckily this week is a week of fun!

It's The Week of the Young Child - {The purpose of the Week of the Young Child™ is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.} (NAEYC.org)

There are fun things planned for every day this week! Today we are going to be painting canvas to hang in each classroom. We will not be doing the tape letters. Instead we will attach letters to the canvas after the paint is dry. Each teacher is going to choose a Bible verse for their canvas.

Tomorrow it's PURPLE day! Purple is the official color of WOTYC. I know the teachers have some fun activities with the color purple. One teacher is even using purple frosting! Yum. On Wednesday we are going to have a PJ day. It's a favorite for kids and teachers alike. We will be watching a short movie on the "big screen" and enjoying a special treat. On Thursday, we will have special readers reading to the classes throughout the day. Finally, on Friday, we are going to be dressing up to go to the BEACH. Yes, the beach. I purchased new sand toys to play with in their sensory tables and the Zoo is bringing some animals by to share with the children.

I hope all of these fun activities help the week fly by!

The Friday Five { Spring Faves }

Today I'm going to share FIVE things I'm loving for SPRING! 

Now, if only Spring would arrive in ND. It's way toooo cold for April. The highs are about 20 degrees below average! Blah!

Anywho - onto some fabulous finds.

{1}

I saw these TOMS Wedges the other day - sure would be great if "someone" would buy them for me. (size 8) hehe!

{2}

I've been obsessed with this Etsy shop - The Merriweather Council since I came across it last year. Isn't this embroidered necklace sweet for Spring?

{3}

I need to purchase a gold Sharpe so I can do this super Springy manicure. I love polka dots! I found it on the blog - Justlove.lythings

{4}

I'm ready to break out my white jeans! This outfit is perfect for a cool spring day.

{5}

And last but not least - this mint chevron iPhone case. It's so Springy!

Happy Friday!

Enjoy your Weekend!

It's the Little Things

I don't know about you but, I think this "Spring" weather is a real downer. It's been so cold with little to no sunshine for the past couple of weeks. I can't stand it!

This is the forecast for today and the rest of the week

Nothing like snow to crush your dreams of a lovely spring. 

Now, don't get me wrong, I love snow but, I think I need to clarify my love for this cold dream crusher from the sky. 

I love the FIRST snow.

I love snow at Christmas. 

I even love a good snowstorm in February but, that's were the love ends. In March I am ready for the snow to melt. I'm ready for the sunshine and warm temps that April (sometimes) brings.

My husband is very aware of how this weather makes me feel. He knows I need sunshine to function like a human. Even though he can't change the weather that brings me down  -he knows how to pick me up.

It's the little things.

I love my husband for so many reasons.

Today, this is the reason I love him.

This miniature Dwight was on the bathroom counter this morning. It was the first thing I saw when I turned on the light. And you know what? I smiled. I laughed... at 5:15 am. It was just what I needed to get a great start to my day.

I know it's not traditional but, it is us.

I think I'll be able to handle the snow forecasted today a little better knowing that he was thinking about me before he went to bed. Well, either me or Dwight. 

I hope you have someone who takes the time to do the little things.

Enjoy your day!

Diary of a Former Skinny Girl

As you know, I hate to exercise. I've gotten great at bitching and complaining about anything active.

That is until recently. The last week in March to be exact. If you follow me you know I have found my love for water exercise.

I know what you're thinking when I say "water exercise." You're thinking of a bunch of old ladies bobbing up and down in the pool slowly moving from side to side. Well, you're dead wrong. What hydro power is is basically amped up "on land" aerobics but with the resistance of water. It's crazy hard. But makes me feel crazy good.

I always thought I hated to exercise.
I thought I was too lazy to even give it a try.
I thought I was too embarrassed to workout in front of other people.

What I discovered is - if you change the way you think, all of the negitive "I can't do it" thoughts - they quickly leave your mind. Now, I look forward to working out and being embarassed is a state of mind. If I can work out in front of others in a swim suit when I need to lose 30 pounds - anyone can do it. You just need to change the way you THINK.

Via

How are you going to change your mind - world? Have you done it recently?

What....Where...huh?

I think I'm losing it. I mean really losing it.

Example one:
How many times can one person slice off a "few" layers of skin on "her" finger before "she" learns how to use an exacto knife? Let's just say it's been more than two but less than five times.

ouch.

Example two:

Last night (while my husband prepared supper) I walked into the kitchen and the water was running. I asked him why the water was running - to which he replied - you turned it on. Yes. I turned it on. No. I have no memory of that action whatsoever.

Example three:

This morning I got into my car - as I sat there looking through my keys I swear I couldn't find the key for my car! I looked through them twice before I remembered that my key folds up so it looks like my old auto-start. Seriously. Re-donk. 

Wow.

And i'm only 36.

I don't even want to know me when i'm 50.

Don't forget to visit Poppyandpippa.com and take 

advantage of this great Spring Sale!

Spring Sale!

Spring is here!

(Actually, not-so-much "here" as in Fargo but, technically it has been Spring for several weeks.)

It wouldn't be Spring without all of the Spring sales - so... Poppy and Pippa is having a fabulous sale to help you out with some fun accessories for this bright and fun season!

Here are a few of the great name badge reels

How about some no crease yoga hair ties?

You can even pick your own color rosette for a clip or bobby pin.

Enjoy shopping with the coupon below! It is good through Wednesday, April 10th.

poppyandpippa.com

The Friday Five

Nothing from my past week to share.

In fact, I'm kind of sick of trying to figure out things to post from the past week. Not every week has five things to share and to prevent myself from feeling lame I decided to change it up a bit.

Every Friday I'm going to post 5 things.

That have nothing to do with my week.

My first **The Friday Five** are some super cute DIY projects I found on Pinterest.
{links to each project are below}

1. / 2. / 3. / 4. / 5.

Currently :: April 2013

I haven't done a "Currently" post since last April. So, I thought I'd catch you up on me.

CURRENTLY

Makeup Favorite

Benefit - Fake it - it's a super moisturizing concealer. I love it for around my eyes.

Frequently Wear

Dress / leggings / scarf / boots (can't wait for warmer weather!!)

Food

Red peppers

Bane of my Existence

Whidbey insisting that he needs to cuddle at 4 am - every. single. morning. But, really, who can resist this face?

Shame Inducing Guilty Pleasure

McDonald's Chocolate Shake (700 calories!! UGH!)

Saving all my Pennies for

small thing - TOMs Ballet Flats (same as last April!)

big thing  - a new house, condo, or town home

Excited about

My new car! 2013 VW Jetta (This is the only photo I have of my new car)

Obsessed with

Hydro Power - Exercising! I never thought I would EVER be obsessed with physical activity!

Anticipation for

Warmer weather - ballet flats and summer clothes

Drooling over for Spring

Skimmers! I have never loved "crop" pants. Skimmers are exactly what I've always liked - just at the ankle.

What are your currentlys? (not a word. I know.)

Gym Membership

Yes, folks, you heard it here. I officially have a gym membership. For those of you that don't know me - this is monumental. I loathe running and hate jumping of any kind unless of course it's on a trampoline. Who doesn't love jumping on a trampoline? I wonder if my gym has a trampoline...

Anywho, after trying the Hydro Power class two weeks ago - I'm hooked. It's water areobics on acid. It's crazy how difficult it can be. There's no down time. I'm ready to die after the warm up. We use water weights and noodles. I'm amazed at how this class works every muscle in my body.

via google images

Unlike working out on land - when you workout in the water you leave the pool exhausted but, refreshed. On days when I don't have class I swim laps for about 30 minutes. 

Along with working out 5 days a week I'm keeping track of everything I eat on My Fitness Pal. I'm down 3 pounds.

My sister also told my about Raspberry Ketones. She's lost 6 pounds since January. I'm giving it a try. There is no medical research indicating that the supplement actually does anything to boost weight loss but, really, what do I have to lose... except for weight!

I can't wait to see where I am in a couple of months!

Have you lost a lot of weight? How did you do it?