Krystal's Kitsch

Project 366 {Photo Challenge: Week 8}

2012-02-27T07:55:00.000-05:00

Another week, another seven pictures.

This week was kind of a blur. From a second doctor's appointment to revealing to the world our little secret, I felt like my mind was racing. In GOOD news, I somehow felt motivated and energized this weekend. Always a good thing.

Continuing on with the February challenge, here are some pictures I took this past week.

19: Something I Hate Doing. Writing in my planner. Yes, my Erin Condren is adorable and I love my colorful Sharpies I have just for my planner... yet most days my planner sits on my desk unopened. I *want* to write in it, I do... I just kind of hate it.
20: My Handwriting. The first page in my Listography Book. It's a cute book. I recommend it!
21: Picture of myself that I like. I didn't pick one from my wedding -- too easy! I picked one from when we had been married just six months and I was tan, tipsy and accessorized!
22: My Shoes. I cheated. Instead of showing you my shoes, I am sharing some baby booties that were a gift from the husband's mom!
23: Where I Work. Our building sits on this beautiful courtyard.
24: Inside my Bathroom Cabinet... actually in my bathroom basket of products.
25: Green. Yesterday we hit up the beach and there was green everywhere...

P.S. This is what a Listography book is:

Birchbox: What I've Actually Purchased

2012-02-25T11:00:00.000-05:00

{Originally posted at Erin's blog for her Favorite of the Week!}

Birchbox has been blogged about to death, but I haven't seen anyone ever take the plunge and ORDER a full-size product because the sample they received was so awesome. For those aren't too sure about Birchbox, it's a monthly subscription service where you receive {usually} luxury samples for just $10. At the current time that I'm writing this... it's "sold out." How an online subscription service can sell out is beyond me, but back to business. Have you ordered anything full-size from your Birchbox? Or, do samples you receive frequently make you upgrade for the large size?

One nice perk of Birchbox is the ability to leave reviews on the samples you receive. When you log into your account and look at the box you received for the month, you are able to click on the items. Usually there will be an icon to "leave feedback." Once you do, you receive 10 points. After receiving 100 points, you're able to turn those 100 points into $10 off! Holla!

Anyway, before the holidays I finally committed to ordering some products that I had received samples off in the past year.

Colorescience pro® sunforgettable® Mineral Sun Protection SPF 30 Jar

I received a tiny pot of this about six months ago and used every last drop. It is a sunscreen that goes on like a mineral powder...but something about the coverage I enjoyed. Since I opted for the darkest shade -- the "almost tan" -- it gave slight coverage that I liked. I usually am in a rush to leave for work in the morning, so I throw on some moisturizer, some concealer, then cover my face with this. I like the results for day time. The full size jar was $28...but it was larger than I expected! And, I use this daily...which is why it's my favorite of the week!

Stila Holiday Daydream Palette

My very first Birchbox had a Stila eyeshadow pot in it. While most people are familiar with this brand, I wasn't. When I saw that this palette was just $18 ... I immediately added it to my cart. I love all the colors. Very fun!

Birchbox's shop also sells things that I had never received as a sample {but perhaps others have}, but the items looked fun anyway. One of those bonus buys was:

J.R. Watkins Peppermint Foot Salve

I used it around the holidays. It did work...but I always forgot to use it before bed. I must remember!

I also threw in this as a gift for my mom:

Benefit Ooh La Lift

So...what have you purchased after receiving a great sample?

The secret is out.

2012-02-24T08:28:00.000-05:00

Since it's Facebook official, I guess it's time to put it out there in blog land.

Hooray, Baby!

We found out very early -- before I was even late -- on New Year's Eve. I just wanted to make sure if I was going to be boozin' it up that there wasn't a baby inside. But there was! ;) Needless to say our New Year's Eve turned tame pretty quickly!

About two weeks later we told our parents with picture frames and a quick picture I made.

So, early September 2012 there will be a new addition to our family.

The past 12 weeks have been SO TIRING. I'm exhausted just from like... well, doing nothing. I was super sick for about 2 days but besides that I have been feeling relatively well.

I'll share lots more next week. Just wanted to throw this up on the blog!

Bridal Banners and More // Earth Cookie ETSY Shop Giveaway {Sponsor}

2012-02-21T12:23:00.000-05:00

{Psst... I guest blogged today for Henning Love! I wrote about my love for my hometown--the Tampa Bay Area. Be sure to check it out!}

I wanted to take the time to one again welcome Earth Cookie as a sponsor!

Meet Jessica:

She makes adorable paper crafts as well as other items in her shop Earth Cookie. Cupcake toppers, prints, cards, and various party supplies in her shop. She blogs over at Blabberings of a Craft-a-holic!

She rotates her items as seasons and holidays come up -- and now is a big time for brides and babies!

Bride to Be Banner -- perfect for a bridal shower. She even does custom orders!

Love Is Sweet Banner -- I'm thinking this would be a great addition to a candy buffet!

Just Married Banner

She even makes custom birthday hats for kids! I love these! :)

Her prices are more than reasonable and you get a lot for your money. And -- you can even get MORE with the code KRYSTAL20 right now. Definitely check her out!

Now -- time for a giveaway! How does $20 to her shop sound? Great!
Use Rafflecopter below to enter.
{Note: If you can't see the Rafflecopter giveaway widget, click on the title link of this post of click "Read More" under my signature.}

*Also, I have a giveaway for a free wall hanging from Melonie with At Home America going on. This would be a great addition for your gallery wall.
*And, there's still time to sign up for our spring swap!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Get to Know Melonie with At Home America {Sponsor Giveaway}

2012-02-20T07:56:00.002-05:00

Let's give a welcome to a fellow blogger, Melonie, and her new business venture! She is a home style specialist for At Home America. At Home offers affordable, versatile home-decorating accessories for every room, style, season and celebration. Let her show you how to turn a house into a home sweet home.

Shop // Twitter // Blog

Want to Shop?
Melonie can offer you a free USA or Hope metal sign for anyone ordering $25 or more. {The sign will ship separately than their order.}

Her website has SO many amazing pieces. From serving dishes to home decor, this is a really neat site. It's unlike anything I've seen before. Since I moved and don't have access to all my favorite home decor stores, this is a great alternative! The prices are really affordable too.

Giveaway
And, she is being very generous and offering ONE lucky reader an "Enjoy the Journey" sign. This is a $34.99 value!

*To see the Rafflecopter giveaway widget, please click "read more" or the title of this blog post to enter. Thanks!*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

One Year {Anniversary}

2012-02-19T09:50:00.000-05:00

Well -- look at that. We made it to our one year anniversary. Not that I'm surprised or anything... it's just time is seriously flying.

I can't even honestly tell you that I've put away all my wedding goodies or dry cleaned my dress. Those things haven't happened. I can't even tell you that I ordered a wedding album {Well, I did order an album but a cheapie one from Mixbook} or that I have maintained my wedding weight. I didn't get everything from our wedding registry -- but it didn't matter anyway. I don't think we needed a lot of that stuff...you can just get carried away with the scanner!

It's funny how many details you can forget over the course of the year -- the day really does go by SO fast. It's nice to say that I'm happy with all the decisions that we made for the wedding--even the TV one! It was kind of a blast.

I remember seeing my groom for the first time on our wedding day.

The moment right after we said "I Do."

Just a feeling of being delirious happy-- like, did this just happen?

But -- what I most remember about our wedding... well, my memory is a little foggy. Shots every hour will do that to you!

I remember lots of crazy dancing.

Rowdy guests.

Lots of spills.

Keg stands.

More crazy dancing.

We still had our cute moments too.

Like when my husband got behind the mic and toasted and sang...

The last picture my photographers took is one that makes me laugh sooo hard every time I see it. It's straight out of the end of a cheesy romantic comedy or something. Guy sings to girl. Crowd goes wild.

Total cheese and I love every minute of it.

One thing I'll never forget for sure though ... my entourage for the evening.

Word.

While of course I am "excited" to say that we have made it past the one year mark, I'm more excited about what is coming up for us this year.

As for us -- things were not blissfully easy this year but they weren't that difficult. We started new jobs, packed up and went south. It was such an easy decision to relocate and things have been pretty mellow. I know that our next few months might be a little crazy -- spring training {my husband covers baseball} is already consuming his life. He actually is working today before we head to the beach and celebrate.

I'm just glad that we got married -- he was the right guy for me and I've never felt more complete.

Project 366 {Photo Challenge: Week 6 & 7}

2012-02-18T12:10:00.000-05:00

I decided to post this a day early (and well a week later too since I'm cramming two weeks in one post!). Tomorrow is our super special one year anniversary and I thought I would spend tomorrow's blog post sharing some more awesome wedding photos. Why not!

5: 10am. The sun shining through the palms at work.
6: Dinner. I know, I know. I suck. I couldn't help myself though.
7: Button (s). XBox. The only reason I use it is for Hulu Plus. Addicted!
8: Sun...or what is left of the sun. A gloomy overcast day.
9: Front Door. Ready for Valentine's Day.
10: Self portrait. Me. In Bed. Exhausted. My eyes somehow came out super green though here!

11: Makes me happy. Kaze playing with his toys...non stop. All day long.
12: Inside my closet. I use a fabric shower curtain as my door. There is no organization method here.
13: Blue. Nothing but a beautiful blue sky. Got to love Florida. Winter totally skipped us this year! ;)

14: Heart. I had Tijuana Flats for Valentine's Day dinner. The husband was working and I wanted dos tacos and crushed ice. All is well in the world.
15: Phone. A pretty blue phone I keep on my desk. I don't know if it works. It's just pretty.
16: Something New. Coasters I won from Embellished Living over on The Girl in the Red Shoes. Pretty perfect timing, wouldn't you say? As our anniversary is tomorrow!

17: Time. It's Girl Scout Cookie time! Hooray!
18: Drink. I braved Trader Joe's this morning to score some goodies. It's the first one in Florida and every old person was waiting outside with me at 7:45 am. Today wasn't even the Grand Opening! I knew better than to go on opening day -- opening weekend even! However, they still had cops directing traffic and everyone was loading up their carts with cases (And cases!) of wine. I know why it's so popular - I loved it! I will share more about it later!

3.14 {Spring} Swap

2012-02-15T09:16:00.003-05:00

We are hosting a pretty sweet spring swap! Erin, Jen & myself somehow ended up with this wacky idea for a Pi Day Swap... spring themed of course! Fill out the form below to sign up. Feel free to share our button on your blog.

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My Funny Valentine

2012-02-14T19:10:00.000-05:00

I ended up having to go through old MySpace and Facebook photos to sort of remember my Valentine's Day throughout the years.

Last year - easy. Cameras were following us and we had Valentine's Day lunch on the beach before he headed to work. We were married a few days after, so Valentine's Day wasn't so much of a priority.

2010 - Flogging Molly concert! I had to dig through the archives to remember ... but how could I forget? We bar hopped, ended up at The Columbia in Ybor City, and then headed to the Flogging Molly concert. It was sold out and I had won tickets online - major win! It was a great show and I remember having tons of fun this night.

2009 - Our first Valentine's Day as a couple. We went to this crazy bar in Ybor City {Crowbar for all you locals} where they were having an 80s Prom with a ska cover band. I got all decked out and we had a blast being ridiculous. This was one of those nights where a cab was totally necessary...as were 3am pitas from Pita Pit.

Holy 80s.

So, what did 2012 have in store for us?

Well, it's a TUESDAY. I hate when silly holidays end up during the week. Doesn't the calendar know we are WORKING?! ;) Honestly though, it was a very low key day as we both had to work--opposite schedules at that!

I picked up some grill essentials and some heart shaped candy for him. Some metal skewers and seasonings for cooking me food, of course. He gifted me some chocolates and a personal heater so I stop complaining that I'm cold all the time {It's like soft and fuzzy and has pockets for your hands}.

After exchanging gifts at lunch time, I headed back to work. I stopped by Tijuana Flats for some To Go and am now catching up on life. Exciting Valentine's Day, huh? Though -- our anniversary is this weekend and hopefully our schedules won't be as hectic.

Though, digging through my old photos made me want to share some hysterical photos.

Our first picture together. St. Patrick's Day... 2008? Yes. 2008.

Our first weekend that we were "together." He gets dragged to a preppy golf themed party at a club.

I feel like we look so young though it wasn't that long ago!

His birthday a few years ago.

Halloween.

My 24th birthday.

Gotta love a photo booth.

We have had entirely too much fun the past few years that it's kind of nice to have some low-key nights every now and then. Though, who am I kidding, we have been having low-key nights for several months now! ;)

The best thing about my husband is I know that he will be my partner in crime when and if we do have a wild night out. This past year went by so fast - it's hard to believe we were married a year ago almost. We have made so many memories -- with only more to come. More awesome memories. Some more awesomer than anything we have ever experienced. I couldn't have picked a better person to be my forever valentine.

<3

{Bloggy Blues}

2012-02-13T10:00:00.001-05:00

My favorite blogs are the ones that actually post real content. Sure, I enjoy reading what color nail polish you wore last week or what crafts you made from Pinterest (and I post those things too every now and then), but I love blogs that are real. Real emotions, real stories, what’s REALLY going on in the writer’s life. I mean, that’s why I read blogs. I want to relate to other’s stories and that’s why I decided to blog myself—maybe someone would relate to what I share. Or not, whatever.

I’ve been pretty quiet lately just because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to share about myself and my life. Who exactly AM I and what the hell am I doing? I never had time to question myself before I moved—I had work, two jobs, a wedding that took up a lot of my time (both before and afterward, lol), and a ton of friends that turned any of my spare days into happy hour plans. Now that we have moved, I find myself sitting home alone a lot. Some days I enjoy it. Before we had our internet and cable hooked up, I looked forward to coming home and watching Seinfeld DVDs and journaling. Once we had all our utilities hooked up, I was able to catch up on my shows and Netflix. I found myself reading more—one benefit to moving that I have enjoyed. Since I’m not running myself ragged all over town trying to make it to work with over an hour commute or visiting friends and family, I have DAYS to actually open a book and READ. It’s quite relaxing actually.

Moving came so easily for us, I never really questioned it. I didn’t have to. I found a job quickly—a pretty sweet gig at that. My commute went from over 2 hours a day to barely 15 minutes. I like our new house better than our old one and it’s been fun exploring our new city. It’s just something is missing. Perhaps it’s friends, perhaps I need another job to keep me busy and my funds high, or perhaps I’m just in a funky funk.

---

I wrote what's above about a week ago and never posted it. After saving it and re-reading, I really was just having a bad week. This weekend made me feel SO much better. I was able to hang out with my husband, the band that played our wedding was in town so we sat and froze outside a local bar listening, we slept in a lot, and I basically shrugged off my To Do List. It was nice!

I feel a lot better about starting this week and in just TEN days I will probably have the best blog post ever. Until then, I have a few giveaways from my sponsors and some catching up to do.

What's funny is I had wanted to share one of my favorite uplifting songs in this blog post, and it was a Whitney Houston song! I had been jamming to her and Mariah all last week...very crazy about the news of her death. I'm sure the topic has been filling everyone's Readers all weekend, but dying alone in a bathtub is tragic any way you look at it.

February Sponsor Welcome {Jen}

2012-02-06T12:20:00.001-05:00

Go go gadget SPONSORS! Okay, so in case you didn't know, I've known Krystal for 15 years (we literally just figured it out this morning- true story) so of course I had to support her and be a sponsor so her blog could in turn support me. Whew.

Celebrating the Royal Wedding at a local pub

Knowing each other since the 6th grade, you realize that one very common element in your friendship is music and as our friendship progressed, it meant boy bands. We had a severe love for boy bands and I'm not ashamed to say that we still do. We may or may not have had a plethora of Nsync posters lining our bedroom walls...we may or may not have waited for hours in line at a Wal-Mart and bought presents for each member of O-Town before meeting them...we may or may not have stalked boy bands after concerts...anyway, the point is that as music junkies we created some of my favorite posts with a linkup, Tubular Tuesdays, where we showcased our favorite songs (Oldies, 80s, 90s, 00s, Current, Soundtracks).

But, besides my favorite music linkup, you'll find my stories about painting here, here, and here. With friends and members of my family, I have gone to many an instructions paint class. You'll also find a lot of posts that mention my boyfriend...I just love his smiling mug...and the things we do, including a chili cook-off/food truck rally, Giraffe Ranch Tour, photo montages and beachy stuffs (we are in Florida, after all).

I was MOH in my BFF's wedding in November

I also recently helped to start a group for Tampa Bay bloggers. We met up a couple of weeks ago and of course, I documented it for all to see. Such a fantastic group of women! We have many more meetups to come!

If I had to write a brief bio, and I guess I have to because Krystal told me to (who knew how these sponsor posts work??), I would say that I'm closer to 30 than 20 and I don't like it. I got accepted into Nursing school and then changed my mind so I'm trying to pursue a career in the non-profit world (it's way harder than I thought it'd be). But, I volunteer for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and for the Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue and I LOVE it. I currently work as a paralegal and love my boss, but I wish I loved the job. I'm doing a 14 Days of Valentines for the boyfriend and this pretty much describes my corniness. One of my resolutions was to comment on blogs more so if I follow you, or if you follow me and I follow back, expect to get a comment on almost every post.

I also love movies, going to dinner and nice walks on the beach. No, seriously, I do. I've been with the boyfriend for over 5 years and according to my mom's numerologist, he'll put a ring on it in 2012 and we'll have a girl and a boy out of the deal.

I'll take one of these, please.

In my free time, I'm with friends, trying new restaurants in the Tampa area for my food blog (where I also post recipes!), reading and updating my Goodreads, tweeting with the masses (or, the over 500 people I can't believe actually follow me...shhh a lot of them are spam), Pinning, and watching an insane amount of Food Network while simultaneously online window shopping (because I'm broke all the time). Oh, and I can't forget that I'm obsessed with all TV, especially "reality" shows, and I check into my GetGlue account on the regular. Speaking of TV, who is excited for The Walking Dead in less than a week?! I, for one, will be attempting to throw together a zombie-themed dinner for the boyfriend and I.

My #1 most viewed blog post is my post titled I Really Really Love Concerts. Basically, I worked for a radio station and was lucky enough to go, for free because I was working the event, to the Maroon 5/Train concert and it was one of my favorite concerts ever. Also, I think this is the most viewed because I show lots of nice Adam Levine pictures that I stole from the Internet. (Also explains why half of my traffic sources are from people Googling 'Adam Levine'- you're welcome, world.)

Won't you please join me and my amazing followers at my personal blog and my food blog? I'm pretty awesome- you'll see ;)

Project 366 {Photo Challenge: Week 5}

2012-02-05T16:00:00.000-05:00

Another week, another seven pictures.

I finished out the January Photo a Day Challenge before starting the February one. I sort of like the "challenge" of seeking out strange things to photograph.

Anyway -- here we go!

29: In my fridge. Steady condiment supply.
30:
31: Me. Again. I was totally pissed that night!

1: My view that day. My desk.
2: Words. My Ziggy calendar page for the month. Adorable, no?
3: Hands.
4: Strangers. Denim shorts on the beach are a major no-no!

P.S. I wrote this about the Photo Challenges a few days ago. I believe it got buried in everyone's readers ! ;) See how I conquered January and anticipate finishing off February!

Photo a Day

It's not to late to join in:

Love {My} Wedding

2012-02-02T08:00:00.002-05:00

I usually never miss a challenge hosted by Neely & Amber, but this month was a little nutty for me. I, cannot, however miss the WEDDING topic!

I mean, here we are... almost one year after the BIG DAY! Our one year wedding anniversary is the 19th and things this past year have certainly been crazy. We had our wedding shown on reality TV {I can't decide if this was a good or bad decision, LOL!}, we moved, we have had family drama, we adopted a third dog, we both got new jobs....

It's been one hell of a year.

I just wanted to share some of my favorite wedding pictures and some of my extra touches that I still adore to this day. I don't know if I could ever tire of them. If you've followed me for a while, you're probably tired of these pictures... but allow to reminisce!

My fabulous brooch bouquet
{Finished literally one hour before the wedding}

With no time to finish brooch bouquets for my maids and no room in the budget for flowers, PINWHEELS it is!

We had a first look.

Our ceremony set up on the beach...

A steel drummer that played "I'm Yours" as I walked down the aisle...

aisle walking

The BIG kiss!

We all then walked to the water and threw some shells in while making a wish!

Had to take some "formals..."

Time for the RECEPTION! My favorite part! ;)

Burlap runners, milk glass, pinwheels, carnations and cootie catchers.
A whole lotta cheese! ;D

Our guestbook -- sign a postcard -- stick in mailbox!

CAKE

Cake topper :)

BBQ for dinner. YUM.

First dance to "I'm Yours" the Casanova Session version!

I changed. Party time.

Cake smash!

SHOTS every hour! It was so fun!

The favors -- shot glasses!

And, to end the night, my husband joined the band and sang to me!

And there was a photo booth. A serious must!

I can't believe it was a year ago but I still have such fond memories of the day!
My advice to anyone planning a wedding -- do what YOU want to do. I know that sounds "Bridezilla" of me, but it is true. The only one who really remembers all the details of your BIG DAY is.. well... you, the Bride! I am so glad that I had awesome friends and a husband who went with the flow. We had a great party and even greater photos!

Which brings me to my next piece of advice. Do not under any circumstances skimp on photography! Find room in the budget to make it work. Photography should be high on your list of priorities! I mean, why do you think I had catered BBQ instead of a sit down dinner? Because I spent my money on photography (and a wedding planner...lol) instead of fancy food. It worked out to my advantage because the BBQ was DELICIOUS! ;)

The Aftermath:
P.S. For those want to know, I have my brooch bouquet in a mason jar on my dresser. My cake topper was packed away and I'm actually trying to remember where we put it! The pinwheels clearly didn't last through the night but they looked good in pictures! ;) I gifted all the milk glass to my wedding planner because she was first of all a total saint who dealt with some reality TV assholes but also because she definitely went ABOVE and BEYOND her call of duty. And, what was I going to do with 50 or so pieces of milk glass? I barely have room to store my dishes! My wedding dress still hasn't been dry cleaned and is sort of just thrown in my closet on the top shelf. I should probably make that a priority. I'd love to one day be able to FIT into the dress. I definitely don't anymore! I know, it's sad, it was only ONE year since the big day but my curves have certainly filled out since we moved down to southwest Florida!!

All my wedding recaps and vendors can be found on my wedding page:
Krystal & Scott's Wedding

Hey, It's OK...

2012-02-02T07:26:00.002-05:00

Hey, It's OK...

to shamelessly blog three times today. I've been in a FUNK and need to *catch up.*
to have had Easy Fries every day for lunch this week. Hey, after my vomit fest last week my stomach is a little touch and go. One thing it won't throw up? French Fries.
to blog in my head all day long...and then never actually get the courage to blog what I'm thinking or I simply lack the motivation to start.
to be super excited about a Scentsy order to arrive! It will be a gift for a friend and I know she will *love* it. The trouble will be picking which scents to keep and which scents to gift...What are your favorites?
to completely and utterly HATE Facebook and all that it is doing. I can never see all the updates from my friends {I just learned about selecting "view all updates" from a person}, my timeline is a mess, and for some reason it takes a million years to load photos to my iPhone from Facebook.
to also completely and utterly HATE Google+. I'm pretty sure they're forcing us to use it -- so sure I made a page just in case -- and I don't like it one bit.
to mourn the loss of Picnik. Who decided that site would just SHUT DOWN?! Oh, Google, that's who.
to verbally attack social media websites. I need a life.
to be completely clueless about what we should do for Valentine's Day...and our FIRST wedding anniversary. Shouldn't he be the one planning? ... ;)
to admit you have a secret. And you're holding out on sharing for a good while.

P.S. It's also okay to have a post without pictures every now and then.

A Photo a Day

2012-02-02T07:23:00.004-05:00

If you're not participating, you're probably tired of seeing things like an extreme close up of my eye or the view from outside my window. I had a friend write me and ask "why did you post a picture of your condiment selection on Facebook?"

The photo challenge. DUH! ;)

Anyway - I managed to somehow complete the entire month of January and am ready for February. I still think it's a cute way to share what I'm doing for the day and is a helpful reminder of...oh hey... I had a DONUT for breakfast that day. SCORE.

In all seriousness though, I have managed to take some cute pictures. Sure.. maybe only like 4 out of the 31 I've taken so far... but that's a start.

January

Source: fatmumslim.com.au via Krystal on Pinterest

The results

{Made with my handy dandy Project 365 app on my phone}

February

Will you conquer this challenge too? Or, do you think we are all a bunch of crazies for taking pictures of things that don't matter?

Project 366 {Photo Challenge: Week 4}

2012-01-30T08:12:00.002-05:00

Another week of taking pictures each day!
January 22nd through the 28th

For reference, here is the January Photo a Day challenge I'm participating in:

Source: fatmumslim.com.au via Krystal on Pinterest

I'm all sorts of late posting this - but hey - at least I posted! This has been an unusual week for me with being sick and having my energy ZAPPED out of me. I hope to never feel that way again! Yecch!

But - this is a new week. I promised both myself and my husband that I would lose the grumpies and start anew.

22: My wedding shoes. Safe and sound in a storage bin in my closet.
23: Something old. The vintage brooches on my wedding brooch bouquet.
24:Guilty pleasure. Seasonal candy. Hello, peanut butter M&Ms.
25: Something I Made. I added a background to my bookcase with some wallpaper and a lot of patience.
26: Color. I love pink, green...and well, black of course. This is a new chalkboard I found at Target.
27: Lunch. I see a lot of Easy Fries in my future. I can't help myself. SO YUM.
28: Light. Bathroom night light!

Linking up here!

Get to Know Carissa's Silver Lining {Sponsor}

2012-01-28T16:37:00.003-05:00

ETSY shop owners know the way to my heart. Carissa's shop is full of adorable jewelry in a variety of colors. She also makes custom necklaces and sells her photography!

My favorite pieces in her shop currently:

I've had my eye on these for a while! These Brass Bow earrings are very cute. The colors of the beads are also my "thing."

I'm also way into this necklace! I love the variety of beads and how differently they are sized.

She also does custom name necklaces... for just $15! That's a steal.

Head on over to her shop and check out her inventory!

[sick week]

2012-01-27T07:29:00.003-05:00

You know how people disappear for days or even WEEKS on end? I always wondered WHY. I mean, if I were sick... surely the only thing I would want to do would be to prop myself up on the couch with my laptop and blog, blog, blog.

WRONGo.

I pretty much have been in hiding since Monday. I've been sick -- so sick! Yesterday was the first day I could actually eat three meals and today seems to be shaping up to be better than yesterday! Finally! Relief!

I even managed to go grocery shopping last night.

Small victory.

Now I know why people schedule posts... so life can carry on as usual even when behind the scenes things are a big mess!

I can't wait to catch up with everything over the weekend. My house is in shambles, I have run out of clean work clothes, and my dogs want attention.

What a waste of a week.

Take it from me. Don't get sick.

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2012-01-22T13:01:00.001-05:00

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Project 366 {Photo Challenge: Week 3}

2012-01-22T09:50:00.000-05:00

{ It's Project 366 because this year is a Leap Year! Don't forget! ;) }

Another week of taking pictures each day!
January 15th through the 21st

For reference, here is the January Photo a Day challenge I'm participating in:

Source: fatmumslim.com.au via Krystal on Pinterest

15: My January Ziggy comic on my 2012 calendar. Happiness.
16: Morning. The view of some of the plants at work.
17: Water. Pretty much the only brand I drink...has nothing to do with the taste though! I mean, it tastes just fine, but it's CVS' brand. Periodically {once a month or so} cases go on sale for barely $2... I stock up!
18: Sweet chocolate donut.
19: Something I bought. I won From Mrs to Mama's giveaway and it included a $40 gift certificate to Paper & Ink designs. I paid for the difference and received this sweet personalized serving tray! Hooray!
20: Someone I love. Just my husband. ;D
21: Reflection. The sun setting at Marco Island.

Linking up here!

Likes & Dislikes

2012-01-21T08:14:00.000-05:00

{This appeared as a guest blog on All About Ashley two weeks ago!}

LIKES

Coke Zero
Peppermint Mocha Coffees
Old Navy sales
Target's $1 section
Postcards
Funky postage
Snail Mail
Surprises
Kate Spade anything
Betsey Johnson
Glitter -- anything and everything! Especially glitter polish!
Zoya Nail Polish
Pop music
Jersey Shore. Haters gon' hate!
Parks & Rec
Stand up comedy
Good beer
Baseball
Beaches
Pirates
Vinyl -- as in records, not the material! ;)
Journaling
Nonfiction Books -- memoirs, especially humor ones, are my favorite!

DISLIKES

Being late
Plans changing at the last minute
Paying shipping for online shopping
Paying full price for anything
Days I'm running too late to straighten my hair
Winter
Hoarders
Junk... I like to go through my stuff regularly and PURGE!

Hope you are all having a lovely day and Happy 2012!

Phone Photo Fun {"Disposable" Cameras on your iPhone}

2012-01-16T10:04:00.001-05:00

Have you heard of the iPhone app Hisptagram Disposable? Basically it's a camera on your phone that takes pictures with filters...the only difference is you don't get to see what "develops" until you take a whole roll of film! So, you take 24 pictures with your iPhone and they "develop" showing you how the filters came out on your pictures. Bonus: You can "share" the disposable camera with others using the app... so you and your friends can take pictures on the same "disposable" camera!

Jen & I did this over the weekend. It was fun to see what pictures came out. It was also a way for me to stalk her over the weekend. She went to the movies, out to dinner, driving around town, I got to see all of that... lol.

Get ready for some really random photos.

Taken by me... Driving to work.

Current mood of my office! POSTAL! ARGH!

My cute cupcake calendar on my desk at work! An ETSY purchase of course.

Jen took this driving... the sky was pretty!

HELLO JEN!

Jen's man. This hat is hilarious. Wolf? Skunk?

Hello, delicious.

Same scene, I took this on two different "disposable cameras" we had going.

This was a place we went to dinner. On the water as the sun was setting.

Pretty, no?

So... if you have this app... we should become Facebook friends so you can invite me to take silly random photos on your camera!

Project 366 {Photo Challenge: Week 2}

2012-01-15T08:30:00.000-05:00

{ It's Project 366 because this year is a Leap Year! Don't forget! ;) }

Another week of taking pictures each day!
January 8th through the 14th

For reference, here is the January Photo a Day challenge I'm participating in:

Source: fatmumslim.com.au via Krystal on Pinterest

8: The sky from our front yard
9: Daily routine: Checking the mail! It was magazine day!
10: Childhood. My husband bought me an inappropriate children's cup for my stocking this Christmas.
11: Where I sleep.
12: {Creepy} Close up!
13: In my bag. A mess of notebooks, my life planner, water, etc.
14: Currently reading... was in bed reading Jen Lancaster.

Linking up here!

HANAair Professional Hair Dryer Review!

2012-01-14T07:00:00.002-05:00

When I was contacted by Misikko asking if I was interested in doing a review of their HANAair Professional Hair Dryer, I was like... do you know how crazy frizzy my hair is?! Thank YOU! I was so in need of blow dryers!

It shipped really fast -- even around the holidays -- and the packaging was amazing! From scented rose petals to bottles of Shine Shield Hair Serum, I Was impressed. The best bonus in the packaging though was Paul Mitchell shampoo. What a major score.

My old and now dead to me hair dryer was a Conair from college. I'm pretty sure I bought in 2004 with a coupon at Target. That thing was a beast and took forever to dry my hair. I never considered upgrading as I didn't blow dry my hair often enough just because it was SUCH a pain. I'm so grateful to have a new hair dryer that blows my old one out of the water!

The Hana hair dryer was FAST. It got my hair dry in half the time my clunky old one did. It also was lightweight. I would say it was the best blow dryer.

Adjustable Heat
2 Fan Speeds
3 Heat Settings
Plus Cold Shot
Ceramic Heater
Most Advanced Far Infrared Ionic Heat
Tourmaline, Titanium Oxide & Silver Infused
Pure Tourmaline Crystals Add Antibacterial Ions and Shine
Attachments Concentrator
Warranty 2 Years style

Quick facts
Design Italian
Wattage Proprietary Design Allows for Equivalent Operation of 2300 Watts
Low EMF Environmentally Safe
Motor Life Longest in Industry
Cord Type 12' Extra Long, ALCI safety plug

The dryer is currently on sale now for $194! While I've never splurged on something in that cost before, I would say that if you dry your hair regularly and need something that is reliable and works, Hana should be on your list!

Misikko also sells flat irons. I have a Hana straightener from them that I've been using for two years and it does the job! I love it!

Note: I received this product in exchange for a review. No other compensation was received.

A licky Boom Boom Down

2012-01-13T07:40:00.000-05:00

I have a pretty regular schedule during my week days. I work from 9 to 5 with an hour lunch that I take at about .. .11:58. I drive home... listening to the radio...and it's about a 5 to 10 minute drive [depending on if I hit lights or not].

Anyway, I always have it tuned to the same station and right at noon it's when they play old school music...which I love. I do not however love that they seriously play the same songs at 12:01 nearly every day. For those that live in big cities, you don't know how lucky you are to not have radio stations that are purely suck. Coming from Tampa to a smaller area, it's a big difference. I usually can't even listen to the radio for long periods of times because it's just so so bad down here! LOL

I'm pretty sure I've heard this song about 50 times since I moved down to southwest Florida... and you've probably heard this song... never? Okay, maybe a few times. For those who remember this song, did you know it went on to be like one of the most selling "reggae" songs in Guinness? Google has all the answers.

I had no idea he was so...geeky looking. While I was hunting for that video, I found this gem. Remember In Living Color? I totally watched it when I was young with my parents...lol. Anyway, Jim Carrey was always hilarious.

As noted here. And....this is how I end up on the internet for hours at a time. I start finding other clips related to the clip I just watched...

Oh, the 90s.