Rambles By Gina

All Lacquered Up {Nail Polish Swap}

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 03:00:00 +0000

This has seriously been in my drafts for a while, I completely spaced and forgot to publish and link it!! After my super awesome last polish swap I was so excited to join in on this fun one :) It was hosted by Meghan from Shine On and Angela from Hairspray & High Heels!

I was partnered up with Katherine from Sparkle Girl's Life and we quickly got in touch with each other and found that we both had a love for China Glaze polishes! How I love shopping for any nail polish, but China Glaze, heck yea! We decided that we were going to send each other 3 polishes and call it good!! Boy was it good, I absolutely love these colors!! Ahoy! has gotten a lot of use, it's a perfect super fun summer color! I love how it sparkles when light hits it!! Secret Peri-Wink-Le is not too far behind it, I love blue shades, especially this one. I literally ran out of this one a few weeks ago, so it totally comes in handy! The Haute Metal is uber fun too!! I just put it over the blue for picture purposes, I think it would look neat on black! It was also kind of neat that we both gave each other a pink polish, blue polish and a crackle!! I am so pleased yet again with this awesome swap! It's been so great getting to shop and swap such fun colors, check out what I sent Katherine here :) Big thanks to Meghan and Angela for hosting such an awesome swap!! Big thanks to Katherine as well, hope you are enjoying your new fun polishes!! Can't wait for the next one! !

Sunday Social

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 05:00:00 +0000

It's Sunday Social time, linking up once again with Ashley and Neely!!

1. What is something you have wanted to do but are afraid of?
I would love to travel to Ireland, but I have a hard time going on a plane from here to Las Vegas, I can't even imagine flying that far lol I would also love to have my own photography studio, but I doubt myself a lot more than I should honestly. Until I get more confident I won't be comfortable in doing it.
2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
5 years, wow! In 5 years my son will be graduating high school and my daughter will be almost in junior high...WOW! I see myself happily working in the Criminal Justice field, still continuing to do photography on the side for fun!
3. What are you looking forward to before the end of 2012?
Reaching some of the personal goals that I have set for myself. I slacked off for the first part of the year, but I have a good amount of time left to meet and exceed what I had planned :)
4. What are your hopes for your blog?
I just want to keep on rambling on like I have been all along. I hope to continue to meet new and fun people and continue to have fun :)
5. Do you always see yourself living in your current town/city?
I actually do, I really really like the town that we are in and can see us staying here for the long haul or at least until both kids are completely done with school.
6. What is your morning routine?
It's pretty much the same every morning, with the exception of the weekend of course ;) First thing in the morning Little Miss will either wake me up before the alarm goes off or I will wake up and get her up and moving. She get's herself ready for school while I make mine and the sweets bed, brush my hair, teeth and all that goodness. We do her hair and then head off to her school. Once she is dropped off I will either come right home and make coffee or splurge and head to Starbucks for some coffee. Upon arriving home I usually sit and check emails, Facebook and Twitter at the computer, then I will work out (sometimes) and then shower and the domestic duties begin!

Flashback Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Today's flashback photo I was originally was going to add to the me, myself and I post I did the other day, but I saved it just for today!! This is from The Boys very first Halloween! This would have been October 2000 and he was 10 months old! He was a little panda bear, it was seriously the cutest! I remember finding it online months before Halloween, it was part of the Tom Arma collection and was a must have! Boy did I have to save for that one!! We didn't go but a few places, mainly family and friends, but he sure loved it. Everything except the panda eyes Auntie Mimmy gave him! Those were a hot smeared mess that is for sure!! He knew something wasn't right and did everything in his little power to get that off his face!! Happy Friday all, have a great one and a even better weekend!

DIY Headband Holder

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 08:21:00 +0000

Earlier this week I finally got a chance to start on a super fun project for Little Miss. See Little Miss is all about hair goodies! Whether it be bows, ponytail holders, barrettes, flowers or headbands, she loves them all and has quite a few of them!! Which means they usually end up scattered from one end of the house to the other, hidden in the backpack or even in the back of my truck. So after seeing this on Pinterest I followed the link to this post and figured it be something neat and fun to make!! I'm all about the organization, makes for a happier me that is for sure!! It can either stay on the bathroom counter or go on her vanity, as long as the headbands stay in one place I am uber happy! I had all supplies on hand so my crafty time began!! I figured I would share :)

Let's begin with all the supplies needed: an empty oatmeal container, fabric(Little Miss is all about hot pink and zebra so this was her fabric of choice), mod podge, foam brush, ribbon and a glue gun!!

First you will want to cut a piece of fabric, I did mine a rough cut like in the tutorial. If I had a mat and rotary cutter I probably would have make it more precise, but this worked just fine for me too! Then just take some mod podge and cover a big section of the container.

Next you will want to just wrap the fabric tightly around the container, if there are any bumps smooth them out.

Then you will just fold the remaining fabric inside the container and under as well!

After you are finished set aside to dry

Cut another fabric square for the lid and cover with the mod podge. Wrap the lid in fabric. The tutorial had to use the glue gun and wrap fabric that way. Part of me wishes that I would have done it that way to eliminate so of the mod podge soaking the fabric, but it wasn't as noticeable once it dried.

Lastly cut a piece of fun ribbon to wrap around the edge of the lid. My glue gun was taking too long to heat up for me so I just pinned it for picture purposes and then went back and glued it around the lid.

After all is complete just let it dry and you are good to go for a way fun and cute headband holder!! No more headbands scattered everywhere! You can even take off the lid and keep spare rubber bands, hair ties, ribbons, etc!! Duel purpose...even better!!

me, myself and I {link up party #3}

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 10:00:00 +0000

1. When you're feeling down, what do you do to pick yourself up?

Usually I will listen to music! Music has always been a big outlet for me and almost always makes me feel better! Just turning on some of my favorite songs loud as can be helps out! Listening to music as I drive to and from Starbucks will do the trick too ;)

2. If you had to live in a different time period which would you prefer?

Part of me wants to say the 20's and then the other says the 50's. I have always been interested in both of these time periods, so either or is all good with me!! The clothes from both are so cute and fun!! It would be neat to see how different things would have been compared to now.

3. What is the most creative Halloween costume you've ever worn?

Is it bad that it's been so long that I cannot even remember?! The last time I really dressed up was on my son's 2nd Halloween (he is now 12) and I was "Farmer Gee". I was rocking some jean overalls, a flannel, pigtail braids and drawn freckles on my face lol!

4. Five weird things about you we wouldn't know without being told?

* I always have to grab the second item on the shelf. I have been doing this for as long as I can remember, why I cannot say. Every item has been touched at some point so I don't think it's that, just another quirk of mine ;)

* I cannot straighten my pinkies! Never been able to, can't explain why on that one either.

* I watched One Tree Hill from start to finish and I have no shame in admitting it!

* My jeans have to cover a good portion of my shoe, like shown in the picture below. Unless I am wearing capri pants, then it doesn't bother me as much. Weird right?!

* I cannot stand to wear socks to bed! Back in the day I absolutely had to wear them to sleep and then after I had my daughter that changed! Cannot stand anything on my feet in bed!!

5. What would you tell your 16-year-old self?

What were you ever thinking wearing odd colored press on nails to Prom sophomore year, yikes!! I have a picture to always have me remember that one!! Really though, I would tell myself to keep being myself, smile always, take lots of pictures, always cherish the good group of friends you have and lastly..loose the bangs lol!

Catching Up

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 23:48:00 +0000

Wow! Take a week off and you really miss so much lol! I took a mini break from the blog this past week and wow o wow do I have a lot to catch up on!! First off I would like to say a big hello, welcome and thank you o' so much to all my new followers!! I so am going to catch up on the new comments ASAP!! I totally wanted to do a little giveaway when I hit 50, but I have passed that already, thank you again! Will definitely be planning something fun here soon!! Will keep everyone posted!!

I made this last week my step away, get caught up and organized week! It was nice, but I am glad to be back and beginning the process of catching up :) I am finally sticking with my Pinterest goals of at least one or two new items/recipe try a week! I made Little Miss a super cute headband holder and will have that blog post up soon!

Not too much of anything has really gone on! Little Miss is sick right now :( I thought for sure I was going to have to take her into Urgent Care today, but thankfully I didn't have too! We have both had a day of rest and movie watching! She is back to her happy go lucky and silly self!! Makes me so happy!! Now just hoping no one else catches it!! Clorox wipes have been my BFF for the past few days!!

Well duty calls, time to get my domesticated mommy self in gear! Dinner, baths, bed and finally time to relax is all in my near future!! Be back soon!

It's Reveal Time {spread the polish}

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 21:49:00 +0000

It's no surprise that I am a big time lover of all things nail polish!! So when I saw a post about a nail polish swap I knew I just had to check it out!! I have never done a swap before so when I saw it was all about nail polish, I was all over that! The swap was organized by Rachel at lala lists and Carly at lipgloss and crayons, seriously how could I not?! So I jumped on board and waited patiently for the swap buddy date!! I was paired up with fellow newbie blogger, Allie! Seriously a sweetie, check out her blog!! A Day In A Joyful Life! We quickly exchanged information and the nail polish hunt began! Her request was "seasonal colors" Score!! With Fall coming up I could not wait to see what I could find!! If you want to check out all the sweet goodies I sent her way go here!! I tend to go slightly overboard when it comes to nail polish and when I couldn't just decide on one, I got them all!! You can never have too nail polish much right?!

These are the super awesome goodies that she sent me! Could not be happier!! She took my love for sparkles and totally ran with it!! I absolutely love it all!! Bonus that she even checked out my blog and saw I had a Little Miss and even sent a little something for her!! Hello Kitty and Nail Polish are two of her favorite things, so she was super stoked to get home from school and see! She seriously has not stopped wearing them since!!
A few days later I received another goodie package with a fun silver glitter nail art polish and some handy dandy nail care sticks! Can we say awesome!! I couldn't have been happier!! I seriously love them all!! A big thanks to Allie for sending such awesome goodies and to Rachel and Carly as well for setting up such an awesome swap for this first timer!!

Don't forget to go by and check out Allie's awesome blog :)

Sunday Social

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Is it seriously Sunday already?! Being that it indeed is it's time for Sunday Social!! Time to link it up with Ashley and Neely!! Join in on the Sunday fun and link up :)

1. 5 items you can't live without on a daily basis(water, food, shelter, and clothes dont count)

I am going to go with my iPhone,

Coffee

My awesome kiddos and My Sweets

My iMac

Nail Polish

2. All time favorite book? Why?
My all time favorite book would be The Notebook! Not only do I absolutely LOVE the movie, but the book is awesome as well! I had taken quite a break from reading a while back and then happened to pick up a copy! I read that book cover to cover in a day, I couldn't put it down! Following close behind it would be The Help! I wanted to read it before I saw the movie and that was another one I didn't want to put down.

3. Something you'd like to accomplish before the end of 2012
I have two main things that I NEED to accomplish before the end of 2012 lol! I want to be back in the working field and I want to have family pictures taken! We have yet to have them done professionally and it's something that WILL be done by the end of this year!

4. If you could go back and relive any year of your life which year would it be?
Ooh wow, this is a toughie! There is a part of me that wants to go back to 1999 when I first met the sweets! Not that I would do anything to alter us getting together, but I would make sure that I would have taken pictures! With as picture/camera happy I am I virtually have zero pictures of me and the sweets in those beginning stages and I really wish I did! That was really such a fun time and year that I wish I totally had some good pictures to look back on!! I think I would also change me putting college on hold! I took a little semester break and then after finding out I was pregnant with The Boy I took an even bigger break. Looking back now I could have gotten it done and there is a big part of me that wishes I had!

5. What do you wish people knew about you without you having to tell them?
That I may seem all shy and quiet on the outside but get me talking and that will change :)

Sunday Social {All About Blogging}

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Today is Sunday which means that it's time for Sunday Social link up with Neely and Ashley!! Today is all about the blog!! Enjoy and join in on all the fun!!

1. What is the name of your blog and how did you come up with it??
The name of my blog is Rambles By Gina. When I first started blogging back in 2007 I was just blogging mainly to do the Project 365, A Photo A Day type blog. I got through the first year and found that I wanted to say more than just a caption with a daily photo and I also tend to ramble...A LOT once I get to talking! So I put that together with my name a voila..you have Rambles By Gina!

2. What do you love the most about blogging??
I love just writing in general. I don't write to really target a specific audience, I just write to write or ramble. I love that if I want to remember something or have something on my mind I can log on and write it down! I love that I have something to look back on when I am older about things that I have gone through, memories we have created, things my kids and sweets have done and said! It's a great way to keep those memories fresh not only for myself, but family and friends too! I absolutely love reading and finding new blogs to check out!!

3. What are your 2 favorite posts you've written?
DIY Glitter Starbucks Tumbler - This was my first project/DIY that I have ever put up and I was so very pleased with the ending result!! Usually I see a fun project and it doesn't come out the way that I had visioned it in my head!! I seriously love my sparkle cup, everyone needs one, it makes you smile!!
Joplin - This post does not even convey the thoughts and emotions that I went through on that day, sheer and utter sadness. My heart still hurts and those emotions still come back reading it today.

4. What is something you'd want to tell someone just starting out in blog world?
Well technically I am just starting out in the blogging world myself. While my blog has been around for quite a while, I am starting to get more social and reaching out more to other bloggers. I still have a lot to learn, but for the time being I am just going to enjoy meeting new people, recording my thoughts and rambling on! I think I would say to stay true to yourself, write what you want and don't loose sight of yourself and why you are blogging!

5. Biggest blogging learning experience you've had?
Everyday I look further beyond the blog writing is a learning experience for me. I still feel I have so much more to learn and experience honestly. I love the new friendships I am building :)

6. Give us 3 blogs we NEED to be following that you love.
There are so many awesome blogs that I read and follow, I could seriously spend the majority of the night listing them all :) Some of my faves include:

Lil Blue Boo

My Beautiful Crazy Life

Yours Truly

A Night Owl Blog

A Day In A Joyful Life

O' Happy Day

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 08:09:00 +0000

Today was officially the start of the super tasty Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks :) I've seen a lot of other bloggers were lucky enough to score it a few days early, but sadly I didn't get one until today! Oh my is was uber tasty!! It may have been uber hot outside, but this totally hit that "I am ready for Fall spot" What made it even better is that it was free!! On my last trip to my local Starbucks the super cool favorite barista of mine gave me a free drink survey card. Totally took advantage of that one, seriously cannot beat free!!

Tuesday Ramble

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 03:00:00 +0000

It's time for a Tuesday ramble..meaning..I really have nothing too exciting going on so I am just going to talk about random stuff that I have been up to the past few days. With a little help from some pictures too!! First up...good ol' Target!! Oh my how I love me some Target!! It really has everything...fun soaps, fun decor, fun random kitchen goodies, hair and nail goodies, fun shoes, and heck even some new fun carts ;) I went in with the intent to only get a "few things", but seriously is that even possible!! I could spend forever in there I really could. The family may not be able to or want to, but ooh I can! I had on my list: dishwasher soap and hand soap!! Yea like that was gonna happen! I managed to get a few extras but not as bad as it usually is!! I have been waiting patiently to get some of the Orla Kiely Method soap, but it is always ALWAYS sold out when I get there! Not that day, they finally had it! I may have only been in two kinds/scents, but they did indeed finally have it!! I chose to get the Vanilla Chai and it doesn't disappoint! While I was aiming for a Fall scent, this one totally makes me think of Christmas (not that I mind at all considering that is my favorite time of the year) I kept coming out in the bathroom expecting to see a Christmas tree and lights in the living room!

Then I found the snazzy Starbucks Hot Cocoa! Can we say yummy!! Hurry up cooler weather!! Seriously cannot wait to give this a try!! Another thing to try, the Extra gum!! Oooh wow it's a goodie, seriously does taste like rainbow sherbet!! It was a great last impulse buy as I was checking out! It was definitely a fun afternoon!! I am a little on the glad side that they didn't have up all the Fall decor yet or that could have done some serious damage!!
As for the rest of the weekend and Monday we just lounged around the house and didn't do much of anything. I wouldn't have had it any other way either!!

Sunday Social {Summer Wrap Up}

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 05:00:00 +0000

It's time to link up with Neely and Ashley for Sunday Social!! Summer time has come to an end so this week them is all about "Wrapping Up Summer"

What was your favorite trip/vacation/activity this summer?
This summer we didn't really go anywhere due to the sweets work schedule and them not being able to take summer vacation :( We had people come to us though! My bestie, my T came to visit for Memorial Day weekend and while it was a short visit, we still had a great time!! We did have some family come also to visit though and we seriously had a blast!! Love love love those moments!! Fun times, great music and BBQ goodness!!Any activity we did with the kiddos was super fun too! We spent the majority of the summer at our local pool and had so much fun!!

Favorite outfit look of the summer/clothing item?

Probably a tank top, 3/4 length cardi , capri pants and my sparkle ballet flats

What is one thing you wish you had gotten to do this summer?
I really really really wish we had gotten to go to the beach!! It wasn't in the cards or anything, but it still would have been super cool to be able to go there!! I always find it such a peaceful time, I miss being close to the beach! I would love to have this view like we did when we went to The Outer Banks last family vacation every morning, one day!

Favorite Song of the Summer?
Some Nights by fun. is one that I had playing quite a few times!
Everybody Talks by Neon Trees is another fun one!
Burn It Down by Linkin Park too!! Love this song!!

Favorite movie/tv show of the summer?
I really didn't have a specific favorite, I never miss an episode of The Real Housewives of New Jersey!!

Flashback Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 04:22:00 +0000

Cannot believe it's already Friday, a rainy rainy Friday in these parts that is for sure! Totally not complaining because we totally need it!! Even if it's been raining since midnight last night lol! I haven't really been in a posting mood this week, but after seeing this picture I just knew it would make a perfect one for today!!
Today's flashback is one of me!! I was browsing some a good friends Facebook and she had posted old class pictures, talk about a Preschool flashback! Ahh to be 4 again lol! I really wish I knew where all of mine were, how cool to look back on for sure!! Will definitely have to see about printing this bad boy off!! Happy Friday all!!

Sunday Social {Internet}

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 06:00:00 +0000

It's Sunday Social link up time with Neely and Ashley :) Week 12's theme is "All About The Internet", here we go!!

1. What is the first website you log on to each day?
On my phone the first thing I usually check in my email. I check both of my Gmail accounts and then I head to Facebook and Instagram :)

2. Give us some funny websites you visit that we need to know about
I think Awkward Family Photos is hilarious! Cake Wrecks cracks me up constantly too! Ooh can't forget about Damn You Auto Correct either!

3. Pinterest or Facebook? Why?
Ooh wow this is a toughie! I really really like both of them, but lately I have really been spending more time in Pinterest than Facebook. There are always endless pin-ibilities to search though and pin, even though my pin to project ratio is pretty low, I can't help it! I <3 Pinterest!

4. Twitter or Instagram? Why?
Hands down Instagram! Sure I have had my Twitter account forever, but something about Instagram just draws me in more than Twitter. Maybe once I get more familiar with Twitter I will like it better, but for now I just randomly use it from Instagram pictures and any giveaway tweets!

5. Favorite youtube video...post it!
First this video never ceases to make me laugh out loud, any of her videos really!! Seriously funny!!
A few years ago one of my brother-in-laws showed us these Balloonshop videos and at the time I totally needed the laughs! While they are a little cheesy, watching them today still makes me laugh out loud! It made it even funnier when him and The Boy would try to recreate them, talk about funny!!

6. Biggest online pet peeve?
The one that really stands out in my mind is the assumptions one makes on a Facebook status. Why is it that there is always one person who thinks the most random thing must be about them?! This has happened to me numerous times! It could be a certain quote that may relate to absolutely nothing other than I liked it and shared it or a simple statement like "Eww what an ass" is totally taken the wrong way! Suddenly you start getting random text messages or Facebook messages about it and it leaves you saying, seriously?! So yea I would say that is one of my biggest online pet peeves!

Flashback Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 10:06:00 +0000

This was taken when my precious baby boy was just 5 days old! My goodness so tiny and damn I look so young!! Hard to believe that month early little dude is now a 12 year old junior high boy!! He will always be Mama's little man no matter how old!! Happy Friday to all!!

DIY Glitter Starbucks Tumbler

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 00:18:00 +0000

For a little while now I have been seeing the glitter Starbucks cup picture on Pinterest and knew it was totally something I had to try out! I mean, Starbucks and fun glitter...yes please!! Awesome combo??? I think so!!
While I didn't have spray adhesive like a few of the blog posts suggested be used, I figured I'd try something I had on hand, Mod Podge! So I crossed my fingers, gathered up my tumbler, glitter, mod podge, a foam brush and went to work!
It didn't even occur to me to take step by step pictures until after I had posted my finished cup pictures on Instagram. So why not make another one, I mean you really cannot have too many fun cups right?! They are not perfect pictures (good camera battery was dunzo), so the point and shoot and iPhone totally came in handy!! So here is my Starbucks DIY Glitter Tumbler tutorial!

Let's begin with the supplies: Starbucks tumbler (the one that is two pieces, a lot of the newer cold cups are one solid piece), Glitter (any color or size works, I've seen it done with super fine glitter, I opted for bigger), Mod Podge, a foam brush, piece of paper and container (not pictured)

1. Take the foam brush and begin to paint the inside with the mod podge. You want to get it coated well and make sure it covers all areas inside of the cup.

2. After all areas of the cup have been coated with the Mod Podge pour glitter into the bottom of the cup

3. Take a piece of paper, I used heavy card stock and make sure that you cut to a somewhat smaller piece to cover the top of the cup. I made the mistake of leaving the paper big and when I went to shake, glitter flew out all over me, the desk and the floor lol

4. Shake the cup a few times, you can also move the cup around to make sure glitter covers the inside of the cup. If you see any bare spots you can always shake more glitter into those areas to cover.

5. After you have it coated in glitter let cup dry, mine was about an hour and a half. Then if you want a thicker coat of glitter (which I did), you can repeat the glue and glitter until you get your desired results. I just did two coats and it was perfect!

6. Let the cup fully dry! I did mine overnight and by the morning I was able to put the cup back together and it was good to go!! I also did the same to one of the lids and learned that unless you want to drink some glitter that wasn't such a good idea lol! Thank goodness for back up lids though ;)

So if you are tired of just a plain clear Starbucks cup and glitter makes you smile, by all means glitter yours up! You won't regret it one bit!!

Me, Myself and I {Link Up Party}

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 10:30:00 +0000

1. What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail? I have always always wanted to have my very own photography studio. While I have dabbled in photography for quite sometime now I honestly lack in the confidence department when it comes to branching out and just going with it and not fearing the chance of failure. I have great equipment, I'll continue to gain more knowledge and practice makes perfect, one day hopefully!! 2. If you had only six months left to live, what would you do with the time? Ahhh questions like these are always so hard to answer!! If I was faced with that situation though I would spend each and every second of that time with my family!! I would hope we would be able to travel to some place tropical and spend the majority of that time there! I would live each moment to it's fullest and create lasting memories no doubt about it! 3. If a front page news article was written on you, what would the headline be? Ooh wow I have absolutely no idea! Probably something like, "It's Happened..Gina and Dustin Have FINALLY Tied The Knot, 2 Kids and 14 Years Later" ;)
4. What is your biggest pet peeve?
The main one is people who can't drive!! People who cannot chew gum properly, people who cannot take accountability for their own actions and people who always play the victim card. Ooh it absolutely peeves me off when I step on ice(either barefoot or right after I have put a pair of fun socks on) because a certain someone drops it on the floor just because he knows I loathe it (love u sweetie)

5. What is your favorite chick flick movie?
Absolute favorite is The Notebook!! Also love Steel Magnolias, Sweet Home Alabama, P.S I Love You, Dirty Dancing, Sixteen Candles and I could seriously keep on going!!

Sunday Social - Time To Go Back..

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 04:17:00 +0000

It's Sunday Social link up with Neely and Ashley time!! The theme for this weeks Sunday Social is, "Kickin' It Old School"! So let's take a little trip down memory lane shall we?!

1. What were you like in Middle School/HS?(pictures)
For both middle and high school I was pretty much the shy and quiet type, until you got to know me ;) I was the person who got along with anyone and everyone in all grades! I love all things photography, nail polish and music (hey I still do!!)

Me and my bestie T when we were in the 8th grade! Still besties today!

High School Days

2. What were your favorite past times?

Anytime spent with friends, hanging out, dancing around and acting silly! Going to the movies, going to the mall, laughing! Lots and lots of laughing took place, great memories for sure!!

3. What songs were you obsessed with?(Backstreet Boys anyone?)

In middle school it was all about: Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men,Tag Team (who didn't jam out to Whoomp! There It Is?!)

In high school I was all about MxPx, Blink 182, 311, Sugar Ray, Weezer, Social Distortion, Beastie Boys, Green Day, Mighty Mighty Boss Tones, ooh and definitely cannot leave out *NSYNC! Loved loved and still love me some JT ;)

4. What fashion statement do you look back on and cringe?

MY BANGS! Oh my goodness what was I thinking? I honestly thought it was cute, seriously Gina?! Overalls and flannels, ooh and Birkenstocks too! Wasn't a Washington State girl or anything ;)

5. Who was your celeb crush?

In middle school I thought Marty York from The Sandlot and Tony Lucca were total cuties!!

As for high school, these two hunk of studs...Paul Walker and Mark McGrath, ooh how I loved them(!! I had pictures of them everywhere in my room!! I lost count on how many times I watched Meet The Deedles just to see PW ;) Ooh I loved me some Justin Timberlake and Nick Hexum too!!

Heck yes I was rockin' the eyebrow ring!!

6. What were your favorite tv shows/movies?

For tv shows it was: 90210 (never missed a single episode in all its running), Melrose Place, Friends, Dawson's Creek, Party of 5, Movies: Titanic, The Sandlot (this was junior high, heck I still love that movies), Varsity Blues, Scream, American Pie, I Know What You Did Last Summer (Ryan Phllippe, hello!

Seriously that was so fun!! I totally recommend snagging button heading over there and taking your trip down middle school/high school memory lane!!

Back To School

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 07:41:00 +0000

Well it has been a busy busy week around these parts that is for sure! This week it was time for the kiddos to get back to school :) It went awesome! Both kids love their teacher, well teachers for The Boy, have made some great new friends and had an all around great first week back to school! I went to take a few pics of The Boy outside the junior high the day before rather than on his first day! He didn't think it would be too cool with his mom making him stand and pose in front of the school in front of hundreds of 7th and 8th graders, so we compromised ;) I still cannot believe my baby boy is a 7th grader, craziness I tell you! I got pretty emotional on back to school orientation night, thank goodness his dad went with him, I just lost it when he came into our room dressed and ready to go, it would have been worse I think had I

gone lol! Little Miss absolutely loves being in 1st grade and has the sweetest teacher! Don't mind the dry, dead and utterly blah looking grass in her photos! It is hard to believe that a just a few months ago it was so nice, green and pleasant to look at! Blah overly hot summer!! Anyway, Little Miss had a great first week as well! She loves coming home and telling us all about her day, what she did, what she ate, what she played, things she learned and people she met and played with! I absolutely love it!! Things have started to fall back into routine as well and I am all for that!! I am getting caught up on things around the house (well except that pesky sock basket that I seriously am still avoiding), I got the planner all filled out with our school activities and days off for the next school year and that makes me a happy camper too!! All and all is was a pretty great week!! I have lots planned for next week but that goodness will be part of Super Sunday coming up!! Well they eyes are starting to grow tired so that means it is time for bed! I am trying to get better with that as well! Here's to a great weekend!!

Flashback Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 15:58:00 +0000

Today's flashback is Little Miss circa 2008, my super cute curly haired hazel eyed princess!! This I believe was the beginning of summer after brother left to go and visit family :) She was so lost without him!! Looking back it really doesn't seem like this was that long ago!! She loved sitting out back and playing on the back porch, well she still does actually!! She would drag all her Little People and My Little Pony toys out there and stay for hours! Lots of great memories that is for sure! Love flashing back!! Happy Friday to all!!

Sunday Social

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 22:34:00 +0000

Today I am going to skip my typical Super Sunday and join in on the fun of Social Sunday with Neely & Ashley! Today is all about Fall and o' how I love me some Fall! I honestly so beyond ready for Fall, so if you are listening Fall, hey how about making a appearance like soon?!

1. What is your favorite Fall activity?
I really have so many of these!! Love to start decorating for both Halloween and Thanksgiving, Fall colors rock!! Football, The Boy has played football for the past 5 years and it's a little sad he is not this year!! We can still go and support his buddies though!! It does mean Kansas City Chiefs game time too and those are always a blast!! Trick or treating with Little Miss, warm drinks from Starbucks (which is a fairly new thing of mine, yes I am the one who orders a caramel frappuccino when it's like 10 degrees and snowing out)!

2. Do you follow a football team? If so, which one and why?
Growing up it was Steeler's nation at our house! My dad is a total die hard fan and I will admit back then I could care less lol! When I lived in Washington State I was somewhat of a Seahawks fan and it wasn't until my sweets that I really started getting into football!! This house is a Kansas City Chiefs house no matter what as the sweets says ;) We are also Mizzou fans as well!

3. What is something fun about Fall in your area?
The pumpkin patch and the Harvest Fest at Silver Dollar City! I love driving down, seeing all the awesome Fall colors, pumpkins and leaves every where!! I love taking the kiddos pictures with those as a background!!

4. Fave Fall outfit staples?
Jeans, jeans, jeans!! Oooh how I love jeans and I cannot wait to wear them on a regular basis! Zip up hoodies, cardigans, sweaters, cowels, scarfs, oooh I soooo cannot wait to wear all that goodness!!

5. Thing you are looking forward to most about this coming Fall season?
Chilly football games with my sweets! Fall baking for the sweets and kiddos! Reaching my fall weight loss goal (hence the leaving me out of the fall baking category), family pictures, no more hot, humid and unbearable weather! Back to school activities with the kiddos, starting Christmas shopping and being able to wear jeans whenever I want and not have a heat stroke!!

6. Favorite Fall holiday? Traditions?
Both Halloween and Thanksgiving! I love fun Halloween decorations around the house, going out to find the perfect costumes for The Boy and Little Miss, trick or treating and all that goodness!! Spending time with family on Thanksgiving and ending with preparing for my ultimate favorite season and holiday..Winter and Christmas!!

Flashback Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 20:30:00 +0000

Talk about a flashback indeed!! Here we are with The Boy on his 4th birthday at Chuck E. Cheese's!! Cannot believe that in a few weeks this little boy of ours will be in junior high :( I know I tend to say that each year, but this year it's really hitting me that my little boy is growing up!! It just still gets me a little teary eyed realizing hes's 100% out of little boy clothes and in men's clothing!! When did this happen seriously?! Though as it did though I have to admit that I am so very proud of the preteen he has became!! He has such a warm, kind heart, sweet personality, he is hilarious (which I mean he's half me so that is a given lol lol...so just kidding, but really he's seriously funny) He's so smart, get's awesome grades, is such an exceptional gifted and talented artist (which that comes from Dad), I am just beyond proud of him!! He will always be my little boy no matter how tall he gets (which this summer he has totally surpassed

me), what grade he goes in, how cool he is, he will always be Mama's Little Man!!

Super Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 21:04:00 +0000

Wow it's already that time again!! Man the past week has seriously just flown right on by, cannot believe that summer is just about over!! While it was a pretty productive week, I didn't get exactly everything done that I would have liked, but that is fine by me lol! I got all caught up on laundry and the closets and such all organized, so to me that is a big progress!! The goodness that was taken out of the closet is just about all prepped and ready for it's eBay debut :)
This week should be a pretty laid back one, I am looking forward to next weekend as it's tax free shopping weekend! While I have gotten most of my back to school shopping there is still a few more things that need to be picked up!! Little Miss has her bag all picked out for the new school year, I thought for sure it would be another Bieber one, but nope. She has decided to go with her trademark hot pink and zebra this year! It comes with a snazzy matching lunchbox so she is stoked!! The Boys shopping is just about done, he just needs a couple flash drives and he is good to go!! I can totally get those goodies taken care of and you can't beat tax free!! I have a lot of goals this week with it being the end of the month, so here is to a laid back yet productive week!!

Work on monthly calendar and menu.
Tackle that sock basket (I failed to do this last week and I have got to get it done!)
Make this kiddos chore charts!!
Organize the mass collection of nail polish I have!! I think I have a few in every room that I go in lol!
Organize my computer desk.
Start back to school folders.
Organize laundry area (I am sooooo beyond ready for a big laundry space that is for sure)
Start listing eBay goodies.
Restart my Insanity program!! I got the time to do it, I just need to make myself!! My whole back in shape summer went to crap!! I have no one to blame but myself of course, but I have got to get back on track!! Family pictures WILL be taken this year!!
Organize all photos on the iMac and iPhone!
Organize back hallway shelves and under kitchen table!!

Cupcake Time

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 04:35:00 +0000

Ok if there are any lovers of...1. Cupcakes...2. Peanut Butter and 3. Chocolate then these are the cupcakes for you!! After my somewhat of a cupcake fail last week, I totally redeemed myself with these bad boys!! I have made these before and they were a total and complete hit with my Sweets, he absolutely adores them so who not better to make them for :) I found the recipe a while back on this snazzy blog, Love From The Oven and they do not disappoint one bit!! I totally recommend these to anyone and everyone!! There are so many other good treats that I have marked down to try out! The kiddos and sweets are going to be in treat heaven!!

On A Roll

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 02:43:00 +0000

With organizing closets that is!! I am uber proud of myself, I have gone through both kiddos closets and pulled out all items that don't get any use, that are too small or just simply aren't wanted anymore :) I am pretty pleased with the results too!! I am pretty anal when it comes to the way the closets are organized, a tad OCD the sweets says!! I always have to have the hangers facing a certain way and the clothes have to be grouped a certain way too! It makes things so much easier when it comes to putting things away and finding things too! Little Misses closet was up first and it was amazing how much remained after I pulled everything out lol! Her eBay pile is a real good one! I figured I would have a good amount of left over hangers for back to school goodies, but nope looks like I will be purchasing some more lol! I need to get more of the pant hangers for her skirts which take up the two big bottom bins! For the most part though I am real pleased with how much better her closet looks now!! The boys was pretty simple too! Even though he is 12 I still go through and keep his organized too! There will be times that I let him do it, but I usually end up fixing some part! He doesn't share the same it's better organized

view that I do lol! It's time we get him some normal hangers too, my goodness how I HATE wire hangers!! There is a story behind that though lol! When he was younger he had a habit of just pulling the hanger to remove a shirt or pants, which would always end up breaking the hanger. After about a billions incidents and purchases I decided to use the left over wire hangers from The Sweets work uniforms. That way if he pulled them down, it wouldn't break and I wouldn't be out more money. Not that hangers are spending or anything, but it got pretty annoying after a while lol! Now that he is older though and has grown out of that habit I think it's time to finally be rid of those pesky Mommy Dearest reminders lol lol!!
As for my other goals for the week I am doing pretty good actually!! Laundry is just about all caught up and tomorrow I seriously am going after that annoying ass basket of socks!! Menu planning has been started, the chore chart (well I have got a few of those ideas I need to look at on my Pinterest, and then make it!!). I think I am on the right track though!!