The Thing About Daisies...

Weight loss Wednesday: Eating across America

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:00:09 PST

Time to be candid about the upcoming move, back across the country no less, while trying to lose weight. Sounds pretty impossible doesn't it? Cause it does to me. In fact I've tried to do it once already.

Moving is a part of the job when it comes to the military. It becomes a part of your life, whether you like it or not. How often you do it can vary greatly. When this next moves comes, it will have been our 3rd, with two of them being within 18 months of each other. And yet we're noobs when it comes to military moves. But it doesn't make it any less stressful. At least not for me.

And I eat when I'm stressed.

But I've already shared that with you before.

The last time we moved I was in full "I hate my body" mode. I was over feeling blah about myself and was trying to work on weight loss. I wasn't invested 100% which, of course, isn't a good way to start. I also started a few months before we moved and I was stressed. So I ate. Go figure.

The eating badly before the move is something that I can fix. I can easily pull out something to make for dinner. It's the moving across the country, with a dog, while towing a car that causes the most issues. There is no easy way to eat well as sometimes you go through towns that don't have a lot to offer other than fast food. For the places that do offer more options we have to worry about what to do with Emmett and if we can find a place to park our car towing a car. It's not easy.

So what can I do differently for this move? If fast food is the best/only option I can get iced tea instead of soda. I can pass on the french fries. I can swim at the hotel (if they have a pool). I can get out and stretch my legs every time we stop.

I can also make sure that I get back into proper eating habits and working out when we get to our new home. As there was a long period of poor eating/laziness after we got here.

It won't be easy, but it can be done. I just have to push myself to be better. By being better about my eating I'm being better to myself.

Is there anything that you do to help your eating habits when moving?

Manicure Monday: Zoya Roxy

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:00:12 PST

Today's beauty for Manicure Monday is Roxy from Zoya. This is a polish that I kept seeing on blogs and then promptly forgetting what the name was. This happened at lead 5 times before I actually remembered to write the name down and buy it. This is one of those polishes that is just amazing. I don't know how I went so long with this polish not being a part of my collection.

It's a red-ish purple almost jelly that is full of purple glitter. The glitter just shimmers from within. So amazing.

For this manicure I played around with a half moon manicure. I used both a matte top coat and a normal top coat to achieve the effect.

With flash

This is now easily one of my top 10 favorite polishes in my collection...and it's a LARGE collection!

You can buy Roxy on Zoya.

Giveaway: Konad winner!

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:45:33 PST

First, I want to thank all of you who entered the Konad giveaway. I'm hoping that while some of you came for the giveaway, that you'll keep following as I appreciate each and every reader! Second, it's time to annonce the winner!

40 people entered, so that was what I put into the random number generator over at Random.org and it popped out...

...comment 19, who was Andrea from Canada!

I'll be contacting you via email. If I don't hear from you in 48 hours I will choose another winner.

Again, thank you to all who entered! I look forward to being able to share other giveaways with you soon!

Giveaway: Last change to enter giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:38:05 PST

Yep...today is the last day to enter my giveaway for the Konad nail art kit. If you haven't entered yet...do it!

If you did enter, keep your eye out for a post tomorrow for the winner. Good luck to all who entered!

Weight loss Wednesday: My play list

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:24:11 PST

Working put isn't always fun. A good portion of the time I will go to the gym and just feel...bleh. Just because I'm at the gym it doesn't mean that I have the drive to work out. That's when music comes into play.

There's a good chance that I would not work out the way that I do if I couldn't pop on my head phones. Music drives me...pushing me to start and to keep going.

With music being my motivator, my play list is beyond important. A slow song can totally screw with my pace, while a fast song can push me to work harder.

I've spent awhile adding, trimming down and perfecting my workout mix. And because it's such an important part of my workout routine, I thought I'd share my must have songs. Now keep in mind that this is not my whole list, as that would mean having to list 130+ songs. This is just a list of the songs that are always on my playlist, no matter how many times I change the list around.

Workout playlist

The Academy Is...- The Phrase That Pays
The Academy Is...- We've Got a Big Mess On Our Hands
Alkaline Trio- We've Had Enough
The All-American Rejects- Move Along
The All-American Rejects- Night Drive
The Almost- Say This Sooner
Blur- Song 2
CKY- 96 Quite Bitter Beings
Dragon Force- Once In a Lifetime
Evanescense- Call Me When You're Sober
The Exsies- Can't Relate
Fall Out Boy- Chicago is so Two Years Ago
Finch- What it is to Burn
Goldfinger- Counting the Days
Jimmy Eat World- Bleed America
Jimmy Eat World- Get it Faster
Lady Gaga- Just Dance
New Found Glory- Head Over Heels
New Found Glory- It Ain't Me Babe
Nine Inch Nails- The Hand That Feeds
Nine Inch Nails- Only
Pusicfer- The Mission
The Rasmus- In the Shadows
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus- Face Down
Spiderbait- Black Betty
Spinnerette- Ghetto Love
Versa Emerge- Paint it Black

If I had to choose 5 songs that I absolutely had to have no matter what the would be Nine Inch Nails "The Hand That Feeds", Versa Emerge "Paint it Black", Lady Gaga "Just Dance" and both songs from Jimmy Eat World (Bleed America and Get It Faster).

What songs are on your playlist? Any must haves?

And don't forget tomorrow is the last day to enter my Konad nail kit giveaway! So enter if you haven't.

Manicure Monday: Butter London's No More Waity, Katie

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:17:06 PST

Hello! I'm back with another installment of Manicure Monday. Today's mani is No More Waity, Katie from Butter London. My friend Cassie asked me about this polish, because a lot of bloggers have not been fans of the color. But I, on the other hand, really enjoy it.

It's actually an unusual color in my collection. The base is a sheer gray with lavender glitter. I think the problem most people have with the polish is that the base is sheerer side and you need at least 3 coats for full coverage. That doesn't bother me though, as I can always layer the color onto a gray base coat.

Natural light

Flash

This is one of those colors that also looks amazing with a matte top coat. Here I used Essie's Matte About You.

Matte top coat, natural light

Matte top coat, flash

What are your feelings on this polish? Did you love it? Hate it? Or have you even seen it?

You can buy No More Waity, Katie at Ulta.

Don't forget to enter my Konad nail kit giveaway. There's only 3 days left to enter!

Life: Momma I'm coming home!

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:00:02 PST

Thank you Ozzy Osbourne for the perfect title and a somewhat fitting song. You know minus the whole issues with my mom and her not actually being there, but lets not nitpick.

I'm coming home! And by coming home, I mean that we are moving back to my place of birth. As of yesterday we have our official orders.

Now I can totally ~~get started on this peaceful process~~ freak.out.and.panic.and.plan.and.over.stress.

Yep...sounds about right.

I can tell you that we're bummed about moving away from Ohio. We've really liked it here. And honestly 18 months is a crap amount of time to be somewhere. About a year in is when we are usually totally comfortable in a place. Funny that we actually like it here and this is the shortest stay we'll ever have in a place.

Sadly though, our house will go from this:

Our master bedroom and bath.

Our guest bedroom.

Living room.

To this...again:

Which, of course, makes me want to curl up into a ball.

Again, in case you've missed it...I HATE packing an moving. A lot. A lot a lot. I don't like other people touching my stuff, but not enough to make me want to do all of the packing myself.

Then there's the unpacking. While it's fun to set up a house how you want it...it doen't just magically happen.

I'm trying to breathe, while I keep making lists. As lists are what help me keep my small bit of sanity.

So here we go...two months till we're out of here. I'd ask for those two months to at least be slow, but we all know that's not going to happen.

Wish me luck...and sanity!

Weight Loss Wednesday: Week 4

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:35:14 PST

Last night was my weigh in for week 4. It's been a whole month since I started with this newest plan.

I can't say that I am happy with the weight loss I am seeing...or better yet, not seeing. But that's why I gave myself other things to look at such as NSVs and measurements. And I can tell you that if I didn't have those things, I'd be super bummed right now.

While I can say that I am working out, I can't even come close to saying that I'm eating as well as I should be. While I am eating and snacking less, I'm still not eating as well as I could be. I have to blame a lot of that on just plain laziness and oncoming stress. We're moving very soon and my stress load is slowly growing because of it. I am a stress eater. And the stress is only going to be growing for the next 3 months as we working on packing, moving and unpacking. If you can't tell I am not a fan of packing/moving.

At this point I need to work on coming up with some NSVs that involve moving. In hopes of that giving the little push I need. I'm also going to have to have some "blackout days" where I just won't/can't stress about what I am eating, as long as it's in moderation. Because sometimes it's not possible to not eat fast food when you're driving across the country with your belongings and a dog.

Now onto the better news.

Even though I have only lost about 2 pounds, which occurred last week, I can say that I didn't put on any major weight (I had a fluctuation of .3 lbs for the week). But even though those numbers aren't moving...my measurement numbers are! I have lost anywhere from .5 to 1.0 inches on almost all of my measurements (I have only seen a .25 inch reduction on my calves and no movement on my upper arms, but I am doing a lot of arm and leg workouts).

I am also working out far more frequently and finding what does and does not work for me. I have a good gym routine (row machine, running, stationary bike and weights) and at home I am using Jillian Michaels: 6 Week Six-Pack. I'm hoping that once my knees start feeling a bit stronger that I can get back into using the 30 Day Shred.

The last thing I want to show you is my week 1 stats compared to my week 4 stats. I have no reason not to show these to you, as so many of you are in the same boat as me and if something I am doing helps you, then it's well worth it!

Week 1

1.10.12

Weight: 187.6 lbs

Bust: 42"

Upper Arm: 13"

Waist: 35"

Hips: 45.5"

Thighs: 27"

Calves: 15.25"

Week 4

1.31.12

Weight: 186.1

Bust: 41"

Upper arms: 13"

Waist: 34"

Hips: 45"

Thighs: 26.5"

Calves: 15"

What are some things that drive you to keep going? Have you had any hiccups in losing weight? What are you doing to fix them?

Manicure Monday: Zoya Dovima

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:00:13 PST

Today's manicure is from Zoya. I recently acquired the polish during one of Zoya's amazing winter promos. They seriously love their costumers!

Dovima is a beautiful black matte polish. It was actually one of the few that I didn't own yet and decided it need to be a part of my collection. I'm glad I grabbed it, because it is a beautiful black with shimmer in it. Which gives it a deep charcoal look in certain lights. And while it's certainly beautiful in its matte form, adding a top coat makes the shimmer pop.

Natural light

Overhead light

Flash

Top coat, natural light

Top coat, flash

I love matte polishes, but they are finicky. They chip quickly, like in a day or two quickly. On top of that, oils from your skin can give the matte finish a more satin look. Sadly it's just the nature of the beast. I have heard that if you layer the polish that it can prolong the life the color (think: base coat, color, top coat, color), though I haven't tried that yet.

You can buy Dovima through the Zoya website.

Weight Loss Wednesday: Non Scale Victories

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:00:11 PST

Lets be brutally honest here about weight...

When we don't see a loss on the scale we freak out. We've all done it...so don't even pretend. It happens...we get into our heads. The added insult to injury is when we know we've been eating better and/or we've been working out a lot more than we ever have. Yet that number doesn't budge.

That stagnant number has sent me into a tailspin more times than not. I've cried, raged and just flat given up when my weight just won't budge. But a lot of times we are so blinded by the lack of weight loss that we don't notice that our jeans are fitting better...that a climb up the stairs feels like less of a hike...you can work out longer and harder...

Yet that number finds a way to hold us back. Sometimes there's just one number... I like to call it "the hurdle number", because it's just that one number you need to get past. Mine is 180 lbs. I can work my butt off and get to 180 lbs and then I can go for weeks not seeing a budge in my weight. It's my hurdle.

So what do we do when we're stuck? Look elsewhere. Sometimes we need to look at the simple things to see a change. Something that has nothing to do with the scale. I call those things Non Scale Victories (NSV). Now I can't take credit for that name or idea, as my husband told me about it. He saw it on a weight loss forum, but you better believe that I am going to be using it!

Pretty much NSVs are all of the good things that happen beyond actual weight loss. Things like fitting into an old pair of jeans, noticing you look thinner, being able to run faster/longer, not craving a food that was a staple...and so on.

As I was putting together my NSVs goals I tried to incorporate both looks, feeling and strength. But that's just what I wanted and everyone's NSVs will look different.

Here are my NSVs:

Non Scale Victories:

~ Fit into a pair of Gap jeans (they say that they are a 12...they are lying)

~ Be able to wear high heels for more than a half hour (this sucks for a shoe lover)

~ Be able to do 3 "girlie" pushups in a row (I can't even do one)

~ Look in the mirror and actually see change

~ Be able to run a full mile without walking

~ Be able to do one pull up

I will definitely be adding to my NSVs as I think of more, but this is a good start for me. And to go along with my NSVs I'm adding incentives to them. Just small things, like buy a shirt to go with the jeans I just fit into. Or get a pedicure to were with the open toed shoes you can wear for more than an hour. By no means do incentives have to be added, but for me it's an added little push.

Have you ever done something like NSVs before? If you have, did they help? If you haven't do you think you will give them a try? What would some of your NSVs look like?

Crafts: That dreaded rug

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:58:02 PST

Remember that one time when I said I was going to make a rug?

No?

Well I can't blame you as that was 8 months ago.

But it's almost done, I just have a very small handful of squares to fill. And while it didn't turn out how I wanted (I had to cut down on the size because of a lack of fabric), I can at least say I did it. And Emmett absolutely loves it and that's enough for me. I'll be posting the finished product within the week. So keep and eye out!

Manicure Monday:A sneak peak

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:49:30 PST

So here it is...Monday and my nails are very much naked. Not really a good thing for manicure Monday's. But fear not, here's a photo of some recent polish acquisitions to tease you...

Keep an eye out, because these will be showing up on my nails very soon. I promise!

If you are curious about names, comment and I'll get back to you with their names/brands.

And don't forget to sign up for my Konad nail stamping kit giveaway if you haven't done that already!

Weight Loss Wednesday: Starting

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:57:06 PST

Weight loss has been a topic that has popped up on this blog many...many...many times. It's also something I have failed at many...many...many times.

The intention is there, the follow through it lacking.

So here I am on attempt number I don't care to count. But this time...this time something is different. Actually a few things are different. I have a solid plan and I have it written down. I have goals, measurements, incentives, Nate and my friend Cassie as well.

So this time around I am keep a journal of sorts. I'm not using it to track my food or anything like that. Instead I am using it to keep track of my weight, measurements, goals and incentives. I wanted to start tracking my measurements, because I tend to freak out when I see no weight loss...even if it's apparent that my thighs are thinner or my pants are looser. So taking measurement gives me another way to see the changes my body is going through.

Along with that I have weight goals and matching incentives. The bigger the goal, the bigger the incentive. On top of that I am doing Non Scale Victories. Again this is so that I am not basing everything on what the scale says. It's just as important to celebrate fitting into that pair of jeans as it is celebrating a 5lb weight loss.

I am also long distance weight lossing with my friend Cassie. We're both working on losing weight and we are both helping press each other to keep going. Because honestly, knowing that I'm not the only one with weight loss issues is refreshing. When we are feeling down, we get/give a pep talks. I'm also lucky in the fact that I have my husband, who is like my own personal cheering squad. He pushes me and keeps me honest.

Having all of these things written down has helped a lot already. I can't lie about my weight. I can't ignore my goals. It isn't an option this time around. I'm being honest about my body and what I need to do to get to my happy place. And seeing as I am being honest, here's my starting stats:

Week 1

1.10.12

Weight: 187.6 lbs

Bust: 42"

Upper Arms: 13"

Waist: 35"

Hips: 45.5"

Thighs: 27"

Calves: 15.25"

So here goes attempt whatever this is...also known as my most successful attempt.

Life: A very merry birthday to Nate!

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:42:12 PST

Today I have a hard choice to make. Do I bake my husband a cake or just go buy him one? He's the baker in the family and I get rather mean when he offers to bake things for his special occasions. And even though I have contemplated allowing him to bake, I never let him. Especially not today, on his birthday. I'd rather him just be able to come home, relax and celebrate.

While I'm making this hard choice he's off as school getting smarter. Much, much smarter. I never expected to be married to a Physicist, but life is funny that way. Even though we are so totally different, we are also very much the same. He balances my crazy, never leaves me feeling dumb (unless I accidentally see a homework problem of his) and always tries his hardest to keep me smiling. He is my perfect, brainy, goofy, loving match.

I'm glad that I get to celebrate so many things with him, especially his birthday. As I honestly don't know what I would do without him in my life. I can't help but smile when I see a mischievous smile cross his face, or when he goes running off to play with something that has caught his eye. Every day he reminds me to just have fun.

So here's to my wonderful husband, whom I hope to share many more birthdays with!

Happy Birthday Nate!

Manicure Monday: My nail care and Lynnderella's Attitude Adjust-Mint

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:59:00 PST

Hello! And welcome to the very first ever Manicure Monday! I'm kicking of this weekly topic with not only a manicure, but also with what I use to keep my hands as happy as possible!

I always had iffy nails that were never quite happy. I could never grow them long as they were always pealing and breaking. On top of that I was a nail bitter. And then for good measure I was handling cardboard boxes and visual displays on a daily basis. Just a bad combo all around. I barely ever painted my finger nails and would often play it off as it being "tacky", when really I was just bummed that my nails looked like crap and that wearing polish didn't help hide that fact.

A few years ago I finally sucked it up and started using the nail/hand products that I had bought but never used. Not so shockingly my hands and nails started to look better. And all it took was a few simple products and a nightly routine.

I will file my nails and clip any stray cuticles and nails whenever I need to. I find that if I don't fix a nail right away that I will fall back into picking at them. So I always have a nail file and cuticle clippers close at hand. At night, right before bed I rub cuticle oil/butter onto my nails and then follow it up with a hand cream. Doing it right before bed gives everything a chance to soak in.

Other than adding lotion and cuticle butter to my routine, my biggest realization was that sometimes you just have to let go. And by that I mean let go of failing nails. So many of us want longer nails, so when they break we scramble to do anything to save them. For me, I just have to let go and trim them. Sometimes it's the only way to save them. Nails grow and they will be happier if you trim off anything that is causing problems.

Here's a list of nail products that I feel are must haves:

~Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream: I apply this every night before bed. I have been trying to use this up as I want to try Lush's Lemony Fluffer Cuticle Butter. Though the Burt's Bees has work very well for me.
~The Body Shop's Almond Oil Daily Hand & Nail Cream: I use this every night after applying my cuticle butter. It's nice and light both in feel and smell.
~Cuticle clippers: A must have to keep your nails looking clean. Helps get rid of hangnails, dead skin and, of course, cuticles.
~Rounded nail file: A nail file is a must have to keep your nails smooth and shaped. I really like this rounded on I just got because I can get into corners far easier.
~4 step nail buffer: I just reinvested in one of these and I had almost forgotten how nice it makes my nails feel and look. I use this once every two weeks but no more than once a week.

Now here's what I use for painting my nails:

~CND Stickey base coat: This is a bottom coat that stays a little sticky that helps hold the color onto your nail for longer. I swear by this stuff.
~Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat: It does exactly what it says, it makes your nails dry lightning quick. The only thing I have issues with is color shrinkage.
~Manicure sticks: Perfect to help clean up around the edges.

Now that I've shared my must haves, lets move on to what really brought you here...the manicure! The color here is Lynnderella's Attitude Adjust-Mint over top of Essie's Mint Candy Apple.

Lynnderella is known for her amazing hand mixed glitter polishes and even better known for how hard they are to order. I was lucky enough to get in on her last shop opening and grabbed Attitude Adjust-Mint and 8 others.

I'm in love with Attitude Adjust-Mint, it was far easier to use than expected and is full of shimmer, green hex glitter and opalescent hex glitter. I probably could have gotten it opaque in 3-4 coats, but I didn't bother because Essie's Mint Candy Apple worked so perfectly as a base. For this manicure I used 2 coats of each polish with 2 coats Seche Vite to get it smooth.

You can buy Essie's Mint Candy Apple here and you can check out Lynnderella's blog here to find out when her shop will be open again.

So how do you take care of your hands and nails? Have you heard of Lynnderella? What are some polishes from her than you have your eye on?

Life: Giveaway reminder

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 12:54:04 PST

Just a reminder about the Konad stamp set giveaway that I have going on!

Also, look for a post tomorrow to kick off Manicure Monday! Not only will I be sharing a manicure, but I'll also share some of my must have products that help keep my nails and hands looking good!

Until then, I hope everyone has a great remainder of the weekend!

Giveaway: Konad stamping nail art kit

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:00:12 PST

I just couldn't wait till Friday, so lets get this second coming of this blog kicked off! And what better way then with a giveaway!?

NailPolishCanada.com recently contacted me about hosting a giveaway for a Konad Starter Kit. It's a new product for them, but Konad is the beyond popular nail stamper that allows you to turn your nails into a beautiful work of art. I've never used one, but it's definitely a product that is on my wish list.

Isn't it beyond fitting that it's a nail give away, especially with the new, weekly, Manicure Mondays!?

Now here's what you can win:

The kit includes:

~M2 plate

~M3 plate

~5 mL polishes in red, white and blue

~Stamp

~Scraper

On top of that you can get an extra plate, of your choice, for free (if you win). All you have to do is go onto the NailPolishCanada.com website and look through the Konad plates. Then list the plate number that you want in your comment!

And if that isn't enough, the winner will be entered to win a chance to win $200 worth of Konad supplies! The winner will be drawn on February 15 and contacted by NailPolishCanada.com.

The rules and how to enter:

1. Be sure that you follow this blog.

2. Must live in the US or Canada to enter.

3. Post a comment saying enter me and don't forget to tell me what Konad plate you'd want.

4. Leave your email address in your comment so I can contact you if you win.

5. After the final date to enter I will chose a winner (randomly) and will post the winner in a blog as well as contacting you through email. The winner will need to email me back with their info within 48 hours so that I can send your info to NailPolishCanada.com. If I haven't been contacted by then, I will chose a new winner.

6. The final date to enter is Thursday, February 9, 2012.

Life: Blog revamp and new posts

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:48:34 PST

I know yesterday that I talked about some changes around here. One of those things will hopefully be a new look. It's time.

Some other things you'll see it more recurring posts.

Coming this Monday I'll be starting Manicure Monday, where I'll be sharing my weekly manicure. Which will have both new and old polishes, along with where you can buy them (if they're still available).

I'll also be doing a candle of the month post where I will be sharing the candle(s) I am currently burning and loving. And...if it gets popular enough I just might do an occasional giveaway with the current candle.

Then there will be Weight Loss Wednesday. Yep, that's right. I'm kicking my weight loss into high gear. No more woulda, coulda, shoulda. Next week I'll be starting off the Weight Loss Wednesday with my starting weight, my goals and incentives.

Along with all of that I'll be doing more posts about preparing to move and my idea boards for how we'd like to set up our new home.

And again, if there is anything you'd like to see me talk/post about let me know in the comments! I do so love comments...

Life: The best is yet to come!

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:14:08 PST

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Yep, that's right. It's a new year and while I am taking better care of myself, I'm also going to take better care of this blog. So keep your eyes open for new weekly topics. Also, if you have any suggestions for what you'd like to see more of, let me know in the comments!

And to kick this revamp off, there will be a Konad nail art giveaway that I will be posting on Friday!

Shopping: Deals deals deals

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:13:35 PST

Yep that's 3 boxes, each packed with its own tinsle tree. Why three you ask? Because at $6 a pop I just couldn't resist. Especially because they were originally $60 each! I also got a ton of othe stuff from Target. All of which was 90% off.

Excuse me while I go do my "I just scored" dance.

Beauty: Zoya's 2012 promo

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:10:05 PST

That's right, Zoya is kicking off the new year with a promo and I just had to share!

That's right, you get two nail polishes for free (all you have to do is pay shipping). You can also add $25 to your purchase and you get free shipping. This promo lasts until 1/9/12 so you have some time to pick out the perfect colors.

Oh and if you need any suggestions on colors...just shoot me a message or comment!

Life: Calming snow and a resolution

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 11:10:27 PST

I awoke to a light dusting of snow this morning. It's only the second time we've really gotten snow this season. Snow is one of the few things that we look forward to in our household. In fact Emmett has been perched on the back of the sofa watching the snow fall.

There's something peaceful and renewing about the snow. It makes me happy and always seems to calm my thoughts. Which is something that is always greatly appreciated and currently needed. While it is the beginning of the new year and there is so much potential, it's already a year with a lot to do. Of course, all of this brings me stress.

So here I sit with a cup of tea surrounded by holiday decor that needs to be put away, clothing that needs to washed/folded/hung, dishes to wash, organizing to be done. All while starting to prepare for another move back across the country.

But for this moment I am calm and enjoying a moment to myself. And that is good, because it's part of my New Years resolution to myself.

This year I am promising to take better care of myself. It sounds so simple, but it really encompasses so much. Some of the things are simple like having me time or just being who I want to be. Other things, though, are things I'll have to push myself to do. Things like eating better, working out more, lose weight, set up a proper evening routine, etc...

But it is worth it, because it's for me and as cheesy as it might be to say, I am worth it.

So here's to me, but also to all of you. Because this year will be our year. We will all accomplish something, anything off of our list. And we will be better for it. I hope everyone has a wonderful 2012!

Life: A look back as well as looking forward

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:52:35 PST

2012...I see that you are just a day away. I commend you for your sneaking prowess. I did not see you coming.

This year has been full of a lot of things, but I can't help but find myself thinking about everything that will be happening in 2012. But before I get to what's going on with the new year, how about a quick recap of 2011?

My year started with me finding my first gray hair. Something so small...yet it rocked my world. Silly I know.

Winter hit with a vengeance, we found ourselves having to have our pipes defrosted. Which lead to much stupidity and having to have a dish rack in our guest bedroom. This was followed by a large ice storm that moved through the midwest and caused a lot of damage. In fact the worst night left us watching limbs fall dangerously close to power lines and our windows.

All of that ice was followed by a fire that ravaged the strip mall right by our house. It was insane to be able to walk right down our street and stand yards away from a roaring fire.

A spring started to...well...spring we saw a Valentine wine tasting party and a St. Patties Day party

Around that same time I really started falling off of the blogging bandwagon. I was burnt out and didn't have a lot I wanted to talk about.

When summer hit Nate and I finally saw ourselves taking a vacation to the Sandals at Antigua. We were not impressed with our stay at all and look forward to taking another tropical vacation at another time.

Blogging still wasn't happening. But I was trying.

As summer came to a close I threw a baby shower and put together a "baby shower in a box" for my friend Cassie.

Throughout the year I had been trying to get into running, which saw a lot of ups and downs. But I found my stride and can say that I don't hate running as much as I once did.

Fall saw my lack luster birthday, a few more gatherings and getting ready for the holidays.

All of that brings us pretty much to now. I am definitely ready for this new year to start, even though the first quarter of it is going to be crazy for us.

Pretty much as soon as the new year hits, we'll be kicking it into high gear to get ready for our next PCS (fancy military acronym for a move). Yes...after almost a year and a half here in Ohio, we will be moving again. It will be bittersweet, as we have many friends here whom we love and enjoy spending time with and we have truly enjoyed all that we have found in Ohio (I wish we would have explored more). Yet at the same time Nate will finally get to do what he's been dreaming of since I have met him, which is teach.

From January thru April our lives will be hectic. We'll be prepping for a move, making sure that Nate's thesis is done, have him defend said thesis, graduate, move and then settle into our old house.

It's crazy to think so much will be happening, but such is the case with life. It doesn't stop even for a new year.

I hope that your year has been wonderful and that your new year is even better. Hopefully I'll see more of you as well!

Life: All I want for Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 11:22:30 PST

There are a few things I actually have my eye on this holiday season, which is odd for me. In fact this year there is something I really want, but am not asking for. What I really want is the glassware that I grew up with. For as long as I can remember I drank almost everything out of Iittala's Ultima Thule cups. I have very vivid memories of coming into my mom's room in the morning and seeing one sitting on her night stand, filled with her morning Diet Coke.

Sadly, after moving out of the house, I no longer got to use those beautiful cups. What's worse is I didn't know who made them and never could find them when I did searches for them. Apparently "bubble bottom glass" and "dripping bottom glass" weren't winners in the search engine. Then a few months back I gave the search another go...and I found them! Once I found the name I was able to find tons of places that sold them. Not only can you still buy them new, but I have found a plethora of then in vintage condition.

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So I found them, but why am I not buying them you ask? Well, we're moving in 3 months and the thought of these glasses having to be shipped twice, with hopes of them not breaking, is just too much for me. Don't get me wrong, I want them. I have to fight pushing the buy button every time I look at them. What keeps me from doing it is knowing that one day I will own a set of my own and I can start creating my own memories with them.

Crafts: Winter wreath

noreply@blogger.com (TheThingAboutDaisies) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:03:06 PST

Just a new wreath that I was able to throw together in under 30 minutes (would have been faster if I hadn't had to paint the wreath form).

Hope everyone's holiday season is off to a wonderful start!