A Year in the Life of June Cleaver

New Life, New Directions and New Journeys

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:32:00 +0000

Well, 2011 saw huge changes in my personal life. I took time away from writing here and definitely missed it! I have made some major changes, some extremely difficult, but necessary to do. I have also relocated and am now living in North Carolina.

I am loving my new home so far and getting used to a new life as well! During the next few posts, I will share some of the significant changes with you all as I begin to regroup and "get back on the horse"!!!!

Hope you will follow me on my new journey!

Giveaway from Downeast Basics!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:37:00 +0000

Downeast Basics* is one of those companies that has become a "go to" for easy everyday solutions for my wardrobe. These days, I cannot get enough of their dresses! I recently had the opportunity to try out their Miss Maxi Dress in Grey Stone which is this beautiful purplish color with a grey undertone. I have been wearing this constantly this fall and keep getting compliments. Its great for all sorts of occasions. I find I am wearing it to everything-from waiting for my daughter's bus, to getting together with girlfriends for a night out, to church and more! The versatility is fantastic!

Miss Maxi Dress

Want to Get the Miss Maxi Dress?

Downeast Basics has generously offered to give one of my followers an item of their choice from their collection!

How to Enter the Contest:

All you need to do is the following:

1) Visit their site by clicking here. Then come back to my blog and let me know what item is your favorite.
Be sure to leave your email so I can let you know if you won! (NOTE: you have to be a follower of my blog to win, so make sure you are a follower if you are not already)

EXTRA ENTRIES: (each one will get you FIVE extra!)

2) Like Downeast Basics by clicking here and leave them the following message:
I just entered a Giveaway from the A Year in the Life of June Cleaver blog from Downeast Basics & hope I win! Thanks Downeast Basics!
Then come back here and let me know you did so I can check it out!

3) Spread the word about this giveaway-tweet it, post it on your blog, etc....and just come on back and leave me a message so I can check it out!

Contest ends on October 28, 2011.
This contest is open to US residents only, 18 years of age+. Item given to you by Downeast Basics is subject to availability of in stock items only.

*I was given a sample item from Downeast Basics. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

Make Up Giveaway: SMASHBOX Custom Color Set

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:17:00 +0000

There is nothing I like better than EASY makeup! I have discovered the best, easiest makeup in town. Its Smashbox's Masters Class 9 Custom Color Set. I use it in Light because I have a fair complexion. The kit contains an entire set of coordinated shades, from eyeshadow, blush, liner and lips, so all you have to do is put it on and you are good to go. There is even a super-easy guide inside for the make up challenged (ME). There is no thinking here. I love it. Its an easy Mom no-brainer time saver and you will look completely put together. Who doesn't love that?

Want to get one of your own?
I recently received an extra one of these and I am giving it away!!!! It is a Light set, and here is what you will get if you win:
- 0.053 oz Cream Liner Trio for light skin (soft plum, dark brown, deep royal blue)
- 0.34 oz Fusion Soft Lights for light skin (champagne, peach, rose)
- 0.075 oz Eye Shadow Trio in Fizz, Minx, and Obsidian (peach beige shimmer, silvery taupe shimmer, pewter gray shimmer)
- 0.14 oz Lip Enhancing Gloss in Radiant (sheer color/ metallic golden rose)
- 0.19 oz Reflection High Shine Lip Gloss in Pink Sorbet (sheer golden pink)
- 0.04 oz Limitless Eye Liner in Onyx (black)
- 0.04 oz The Nude Lip Pencil in Light (soft nude)

HERE IS WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO TO ENTER THE CONTEST:
1) BECOME A FOLLOWER OF MY BLOG. Leave me a message to tell me you did or you are a follower.
EXTRA ENTRIES:
(these will get you 2 extra entries-please be sure to number them so I know how many to give you!)
2) FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER BY CLICKING HERE
Be sure to leave me a message here to tell me you did so I can verify.
3) FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK BY CLICKING HERE
4) BECOME A FOLLOWER OF MY OTHER BLOG, Fresh Jessie and leave me a message here to let me know you did.
5) Include a note about this giveaway in your blog. Come back here and leave me the link so I can check it out. Thanks!
6) Grab my cute button! Let me know where I can take a peek at it for verification.

A winner will be selected by random on or about October 11, 2011 and will be emailed! Please be sure to leave me your email address so I can contact you. This contest is open to US residents who are 18 years of age and older only. Thank you!

Win a $50.00 Target Giftcard!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 04:57:00 +0000

Hi everyone! I have just started a new blog called Fresh Jessie. It is my new blog which will focus on great healthy recipes which feature farm fresh ingredients and photos, design based features, product reviews and of course, what else---giveaways!

To start out on my new blog and to get me going, I am giving away a $50.00 giftcard to Target for anyone who becomes new followers on Fresh Jessie. So, to get in on this giveaway, here's all you have to do:

1) Become a follower of my NEW blog, leaving me a comment on my NEW blog, by clicking on Fresh Jessie. This will get you one entry. Don't leave your comment here-make sure you visit the NEW blog by clicking on the link highlighed above! Thanks!

For Extra Entries:

2) Follow me on Facebook here. Leave me a comment on Fresh Jessie to let me know you did. This will get you another entry.

3) While you are visiting me on Facebook, leave a message on the Wall. This will get you one more entry. Please be sure to go back to Fresh Jessie to let me know you did so to be sure you receive your entry.
*** REMEMBER-ALL COMMENTS MUST BE POSTED ON THE NEW SITE and NOT ON THIS SITE TO BE ENTERED INTO THIS CONTEST!!!!

The winner of this contest will be selected by random on or about July 30, 2011. Winner will be contacted by email and must respond within 48 hours of email or will forfeit prize. Open to US residents only, 18 years of age and up. Thank you.
Kristin is the winner of this contest! I have sent an email to you-Please contact me to claim your prize!!! Thank you!!!! Thanks to everyone who participated.

New Direction for June Cleaver

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Sun, 01 May 2011 15:11:00 +0000

A Year in the Life of June Cleaver, as a project, is over....but do stay with me because I will be coming back soon with a new look and a brand new focus! My new outlook will be some of my favorite things- dining and designing! In addition, I will be featuring lots of product reviews, giveaways and more. So, stay tuned.......

End of the June Cleaver Project and What I Learned

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Well, my year long project has been over for about three months now. While there were many great lessons learned from June Cleaver, there were also some disappointing ones. I have thought for many months about what I would write about my experience and here are my final conclusions:
1.) It’s not possible to be June.

Even though June made it look so easy, there is no way to do it all! Cleaning, cooking, shopping, ironing, playing with the kids, finding time for your husband, having any time for yourself, let alone friends-HA! There is no way it can be done. Something has to go if you want to really live the 50’s happy housewife lifestyle. And of course, in my case, I was working part time as well. I was trying to do everything and found myself stressed out all the time trying to do this. The whole point of my project was to get back to a simpler way of life, but at the end of the day, I found it was more complicated. Which leads me to my next point…..

2.) The Importance of “Me” Time.

During the June Cleaver project, I lost myself entirely. I gave up everything that pertained to “me” time and put all of my focus on family and trying to be a good wife and mom. Without a doubt, I gained from this effort in many ways, but at the same time, I lost personal happiness. I did not do any of the small things that could bring me happy, like taking some time to paint a picture or going out to lunch with a girlfriend. I realize in retrospect that this was a mistake. You know that old saying….If “Momma” ain’t happy, then no one’s happy…..I realize the truth in that statement now. In order for a family to be happy and healthy, the mom has to be happy and healthy—so, “me” time is definitely something that must be added into the mix somewhere.

3.) Technology is a good thing-when necessary.

During my June Cleaver project, I tried avoiding technology whenever possible in order to keep my focus on family. This meant giving up my cell phone a lot as well as the computer more often than not. For example, I frequently left the cell phone home. However, I cannot tell you how many times I would be out at the grocery store and wonder if we needed milk or toilet paper, only to find out when I arrived home that we did or did not need it! I won’t get into the nasty details here. In any event, I realize that technology would have made June’s life a lot easier when it came to practical details. So while my project reaffirms my believe that technology can make life harder in many ways by distracting families from what is important, it can be a good thing-when necessary!

4.) Television- Can’t Live With It, Can’t Live Without It.

Well, as much as I hate to admit this one, I eventually decided to allow Tiny to watch some television in small quantities. I started out with a bang, filling our free time with projects and distractions. However, as time went on, Tiny became so used to looking at ME for fun, she started to have attachment issues. She actually stopped playing independently and sought me out everywhere. I finally snapped one day and let her watch the ole television once again. The good news is that she is way less interested in it these days. She has also developed a very strong interest in drawing and now keeps a series of drawing journals which keep her very busy.

5.) Money-Didn’t Save Any!

Somehow, I did not save money this year despite my efforts to be frugal. I tried cutting coupons all the time. While I did save at the grocery store with those and created a super coupon organizer, I found that at the end of the year, I spent more money. I think I spent the money I saved in the grocery store on craft projects and hands on activities with Tiny during the year.
6.) Cleaning Relieves Stress.
I have discovered that I love to clean. I have also realized that it is a huge stress reliever. And it burns calories. Why pay a house cleaner—or go to the gym for that matter? No wonder June was cleaning all the time-and so fit.

7.) Ironing Still Stinks.

Ok. I have finally mastered ironing. I can iron whatever you throw at me now. It still stinks.

Starting Off the Year with Some Changes and with CSN Stores

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 21:25:00 +0000

Its a new year and a new June Cleaver blog! Since my "project" is over, I am now going to be devoting my blog to new things which you will see in the upcoming year and beginning soon. Starting off the new year, I am going to be checking out the very awesome CSN Stores. CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from modern office furniture to cute cookware to chic lighting, to housewares, toys, and lots of other awesome goodies! You can seriously find everything you need here. I love it and I am sure you will, too.

I am going to be back soon with some big changes and I know you are going to love them. And stay tuned for some great giveaways, too!

$20.00 Giveaway for J.Grace Designs Headbands!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:02:00 +0000

I recently reviewed a headband from J.Grace Designs* on Etsy. I was really excited when it arrived because it was so beautiful! There were delicate hand-beaded flowers and a vintage millinery flower as well. This headband was really unique and special and I am SO in love with it!!!! I have been wearing it and have gotten bunch of compliments. One friend of mine has already contacted the designer for her wedding.

The headband designer describes her muses as "Paris, Old Hollywood, vintage glamour, haute couture and fashion runways from around the world." The array of designs are beautiful and the prices are really great; I checked out the prices this evening and they range from $9.00 up to $20.00. I like that!

J.Grace Designs has generously provided a $20.00 giveaway to one of my followers! To get in on this, here is what you have to do:

1) Become a follower of my blog if you are not already--then go to the J.Grace Designs etsy shop and come back and tell me what you would use your $20.00 for. Please leave me your email in case you are the winner!

EXTRA ENTRIES:

2) Tweet about this giveaway. Come back and leave me the link here so I can check it out. You will get 2 entries for this.

3) Tell someone about this giveaway other than tweeting (by email,by blogging, by conversation, etc...) and when they come back and enter here, I will give you 5 extra entries (make sure you come back and refer to their entry so I know!!!)

This contest is open to US residents only-no age requirement for this one. This contest will end on December 21st, so it will be able to ship out right around the holidays! Winner will be emailed by me and must contact me in 24 hours or a new winner will be picked. Good luck!

* I received a headband in exchange for this review.

The Best Holiday Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 04:58:00 +0000

Recently, Flanigan Farms* got me thinking about what holiday presents to give to my family and friends. Then, I started to think about what was my most favorite holiday gift. While memories of great toys, visits with Santa, gatherings with family and friends immediately came to mind, I took some more time to reflect upon this question.

In 2001, I had just completed an advanced law degree in Chicago. I had been offered a job and was toying with the idea of accepting it; however, circumstances beyond my control altered the landscape of the job market such that the job soon became non-existent. Suddenly, I found myself living back in my parent's home in my late twenties, unemployed and looking for a job.

One afternoon as I was in my quest for a job, my mother burst into the room in tears. "Your father has cancer," she blurted out in an alarming, halting tone of voice. I felt like everything around me stopped moving and I was in slow motion. I didn't know what to say next, or what to do. "What? What are you talking about? What do you mean?" was all I could utter as tears blurred my eyes and my knees and body started to shake.

My father, a very active, super-healthy 54 year old man, who always visited his physician for his annual check-ups, had gone to get a routine colonoscopy. During the initial part of the procedure, the doctor discovered a tumor so large, it was impossible for him to perform the procedure. The doctor was actually able to visualize the tumor and could assess that the growth was malignant. We learned later that the tumor was Stage 4; we subsequently were advised that the cancer had spread to my father's liver and his lungs.

After somewhat recovering from the initial shock, my mother and I tried to figure out our next steps. Thankfully, my mother is a registered nurse, so she was able to utilize her contacts and knowledge to map out what needed to happen. In the midst of my father's first chemo treatment, 9-11 happened. While 9-11 was a horrific tragedy for everyone, everywhere, especially to those who lost loved ones, the sadness and shock of it in some ways mirrored, and magnified, the personal horror and shock we were experiencing in our family. Just several weeks later, my father had his first of many surgeries at St. Vincent's Hospital in New York City, blocks from the World Trade Center. In late October, many city blocks in the area were closed off; a burning smell hung in the air. You could still see the smoke rising from Ground Zero in early December of 2001.

My father endured years of radiation, chemotherapy and endless surgeries. He underwent experimental surgeries and sustained countless procedures and tests. He had a heart attack which the doctors said was caused by the strain of all that he had gone through in battling the cancer. And in all of this, he prayed. He stayed positive. He laughed.

In 2003, the cancer had remarkably stopped spreading and was in remission. My father was here to meet my husband, dance at my wedding, see my daughter's first ultrasound appearance at my obstetrician and then later at the hospital when she was born. He was there when we bought our first house, helped us paint it and helped us with countless other things I cannot even begin to list here.

My father is still with us all today. Somehow, he has fought back against this awful disease that brought him, my family--and me--to our knees, made us get sober to it real quick, have a new, painful respect for it, but most of all, realize that life is the ultimate gift anyone has to give.

So, for me, the best holiday gift I have is every single holiday that my father is still here with us today. He not only has shown me that miracles can happen when one fights an unyielding fight against the odds, with a positive attitude, laughter and prayer, but also that family is the most important gift of all.

* Flanigan Farms has held a contest for bloggers, asking bloggers to write about a favorite holiday gift, holiday present, etc. 3 bloggers will be selected to win a gift certificate based upon their article.

You can get FREE SHIPPING at Flanigan Farms by entering the code GIFT on all orders of $20.00 or more!

Flanigan Farms brings you the freshest and highest quality natural unsalted nuts and edible seeds with a track record of over 40 years. All gift sets are nestled in natural excelsior and packed in Flanigan Farms’ classic packaging, creating a beautifully clean presentation that is sure to impress any home chef.

This makes a great holiday gift-for family, friends, co-workers, business associates and more!

Have You Tried the NEW Boston Market? Enter to Win a FREE GiftCard!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 20:52:00 +0000

Recently, Boston Market* has made some changes. I don't know about you, but I have had a love affair with their macaroni and cheese for many years, so when I heard this, I was a bit concerned. However, I have discovered that my old flame remains on the menu, so my love affair will just continue to grow....

Boston Market has enhanced its commitment to the guest experience, offering upgrades in operations, food presentation and menu items (yum!). For example, in the operations area, restaurants now feature increased staff, more customer service training for employees, while in food presentation, customers will now enjoy real carving stations, a chef's hot case and real plates and silverware. New menu items are delectable; these include: gourmet sides such as garlicky lemon savoy spinach, loaded mashed potatoes, sandwiches like the Rotisserie Chicken Pesto; and a variety of hand-tossed salads, including the Mediterranean, Southwest Santa Fe and Asian. (I am getting so hungry writing this!!!)

As an added healthy bonus, Boston Market has also reduced the sodium in their homestyle rotisserie chickens by 20% and their poultry gravy by 50%. I like that.

I recently tried out the new Boston Market myself and all I can say is YUMMY! The new changes are impressive. I felt like I was dining in an entirely new restaurant, even though I had been to the location in the past. The most awesome thing was the FOOD! We tried the garlickly lemon savoy spinach, the Asian salad with chicken on top, mediterranean green beans and a rotisserie sandwich on multigrain wheat bread with a side of a new zesty bbq sauce. (and of course my love, mac and cheese) We were NOT disappointed. Everything was wonderful and I admit it, we ate it ALL! Ward, Tiny and I sampled everything off of each other's plates and had a great time.

Want to Try Out the New Boston Market for Yourself?
The good people of Boston Market have generously provided a $10.00 gift card for one of my followers to try out the new Boston Market for themselves! Want to get it on this? Here is what you have to do:

1) Visit Boston Market's website and then come back here and tell me something you didn't know about them. Be sure that you are a follower of my blog and that your email is publicly available so I can contact you in case you win!!!

EXTRA ENTRIES: (You will get 1 extra entry by doing any of the following)
2) Become a follower of Boston Market by clicking Here! Come back and let me know you did!
3) Blog about this contest! Come back and let me know where you did so I can check it out.
This will be verified.

This contest will end on or about November 22, 2010. Winner will be selected by random, and will have 24 hours to respond to email to claim prize or a new winner will be drawn.

* I received a gift card to Boston Market in exchange for a review of the new Boston Market; no other compensation was received. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

A Day at the Beach and A $20.00 Giveaway from Studio By The Sea

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 14:34:00 +0000

Here in the northeast, the fall is upon us. A day at the beach no longer is filled with the laughter and voices of beachgoers, but is replaced with nature's song of crashing waves, gulls crying above and the rustling of leaves as they race along the sand in the wind. Tiny and I have spent a few days here and there visiting the empty beach, taking in the change of seasons and playing at the park. We enjoy this peaceful and quiet time of year at the beach, spending quality one on one time. Here, she tells me about her day, and I learn about her ups and downs. I also get time to connect with her and teach her about sealife, cycles of life, seasons and more. I cherish this time.

While the season is changing, you can always smell the salty sea air at the beach! Which reminds me of the great jewelry and hair accessories from the Studio By the Sea, a shop at Etsy, one of my new sponsors! Studio By the Sea creates one of a kind accessories and artwork inspired by the ocean, the Hamptons on Long Island and the beach.

Want to Win a $20.00 Gift Certificate from Studio By the Sea?
Studio By the Sea has generously provided a $20.00 gift certificate for a giveaway to one of my followers! Here is how to get in on this giveaway:

1) Become a follower of my blog. Make sure you leave me a comment letting me know, with a public email so I can contact you if you win!

EXTRA 5 ENTRIES:

2) Blog about this giveaway! Come back here and leave me the link so I can check it out!
All entries will be verified.

3) Grab "Studio By the Sea's" cute button and post it on your blog! Come back and leave me the link so I can check it out! All entries will be verified.

This contest is open to US residents 18 years of age and up. Contest will end on November 20th, 2010 and winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond. Thank you!

My Favorite Shutterfly Holiday Cards & a Free Shipping Code Offer

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 07:00:00 +0000

Already, its November 1st! I cannot believe it, the year is already in its final months. I am already contemplating what to do for my holiday greeting cards. In an effort to save some money and work towards my "frugal" goal, I am planning to use one of our family photos and upload it to one of the card-generating photo sites. One of the easiest to use, with the widest range of holiday themes is Shutterfly.*

Shutterfly's Christmas cards as well as their Hanukkah cards are really inspiring! They offer a wide range of designs, from modern to classic looks, and they allow you to insert more than one photo. I don't know about you, but I frequently have issues selecting just one image!!!! Ward and I sometimes end up narrowing our choices down to a few pictures but then we cannot agree on that final photo. I love the fact that Shutterfly allows you to be indecisive like myself!

While all of the designs are really beautiful, my favorite design this year is Scrapbook Style Sage because its looks so much like a sweet, handmade scrapbook design, but you don't have to do any work! I love the colors and the classy feel to it. I am looking forward to trying out this design with my family's photos.

FREE SHIPPING! Right now, Shutterfly is offering free standard shipping with discount code "SHIP30" for merchandise orders of $30 or more shipped within the U.S. only. Love that!!!!

* I received the opportunity to receive fifty complimentary photo cards in exchange for a review of Shutterfly.

Holidays Are Coming (Already???)---and a $25.00 Toys R Us Gift Card Giveaway!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 01:15:00 +0000

Wow-is it really almost NOVEMBER already? I cannot believe that October is just about over. How did 2010 get so close to the end? Already I am trying to make my list and check it twice after feeling pressure when shopping for Halloween and being bombarded with Christmas items.

This year, I am planning to try and get most of my holiday shopping done early. I did this years ago and it was a huge stress reliever during the holidays. However, in recent years, I have found myself running around in December, trying to get it all done at once. Last year I made a note to myself NOT to do that again, and since I am trying to be more organized and "June Cleaver"-like, I am going to be starting soon.

Do you have any tips or tricks for helping relieve the stress that comes with the holiday season and the planning that tends to go along with it? I would love to hear what your secrets are!

WIN A $25.00 Toys R Us Gift Card!***

Since I am feeling the holiday spirit and am back from my blogging hiatus, I am sponsoring a holiday giveaway. Here's how to get in on this.....

1) Become a follower of my blog. Leave me a comment with a hint or tip on how to plan, save money and/or relieve stress during the holidays. Be sure to include your email if its not public so I can contact you if you win!

BONUS ENTRIES:

If you do any of the following, you will be entered to win this contest another TWO times per each entry.

* Blog about this giveaway! Come back and leave me the link in your comment.

All links will be verified.

* Follow me on Twitter by clicking HERE. Come back and leave me a comment telling me you did. All comments will be verified.

* Become a fan on Facebook by clicking HERE. Make sure you come back and leave me a comment to let me know you are a fan. Again, this will be verified.

* Link to June Cleaver on your sidebar or grab my cute button and post it on your blog. Leave a comment with the URL so I can check it out. Thank you!

* Thank you to everyone who entered in this contest! The winner is Michele! Please contact me to claim your prize & provide me with your address so I can mail you your gift card in time for the holidays!

***This contest is open to US residents, 18 years of age and older. Contest ends on November 14, 2010. Winner will be selected by random drawing and will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to respond! Thank you!!!

Happy Halloween Bento

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 07:00:00 +0000

Just a simple Happy Halloween Bento......
The "Jack O'Lantern" was made from Babybel cheese. My daughter is on a turkey/bologna/cheese kick these days!

Halloween Mummy Craft Project for Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 07:00:00 +0000

I have been working on a Halloween craft project for my daughter's kindergarten class and we have been doing Halloween mummies. This is a very easy craft project and is also very inexpensive.

All you need for this project is a package of wiggle eyes, white crepe paper streamers and paper towel and/or toilet paper cardboard tubes. I purchased the eyes at the local craft store for about $2.00 and the streamers at the local dollar store for $1.00 for a package of 2.

All you need to do is glue the white streamers to the tube. We have used glue sticks in order to minimize the mess factor. Then the kids just wrap away. Once they are all done, they just need to put on the eyes and they are all set-you can even buy eyes that are sticky already so this is even easier to do--no glue mess!

BOO! The finished product-simple & easy mummies!

This project is simple and if you are trying to coordinate a bunch of excited, Halloween-candy-eating children like myself, this is a very manageable project! If you wanted to, you could be a bit more ambitious and poke holes through the middle and insert a white pipe cleaner for mummy arms.

Bento Boxing!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:47:00 +0000

These days, I have been busy making bento box lunches for Tiny. I originally started this year making the traditional lunch box type meals, but after finding some inspiration in a magazine recently and also reading how bento boxes can help to encourage healthier eating, I decided to give it a try. I have discovered a new hobby I cannot get enough of! Here are some of my recent creations:

Top: strawberry slices, pretzels, mini cat grahams, raspberries

Bottom: Turkey sandwiches on wheat bread circles, with cheese "flowers"-the centers are made of peppers. The butterfly in the middle is made of cheese with peppers and 2 raisins for the antennas.

Halloween Theme:

Top: Turkey Rolls, Mozzerella Cheese "Ghost" with chocolate chip eyes

Bottom: Chocolate Graham Cats, Crackers w/Edible Marker "Haunted Messages" and orange and green white chocolate wafers

Thank You, Barbara Billingsley

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 15:24:00 +0000

It is with such sadness that the world has lost Barbara Billingsley, best known as June Cleaver in the television show, Leave It to Beaver. As June Cleaver, Ms. Billingsley not only encapsulated the persona of an awesomely perfect balance of suburban housewife and mother, but also she was a fascinating retro icon, donning signature pearls and perfectly coiffed hair, all while espousing lots of motherly wisdom.

As Barbara Billingsley, the world has lost a true "lady." Ms. Billingsley was a class act, always well spoken and graceful. She also had a sense of humor; for example, appearing in the 1980's movie Airplane! where she used "jive" talk in speaking with fellow passengers. While I never had the opportunity to personally meet Ms. Billingsley, she will always be someone I think of dearly for the way she has made an impact in my life.

Thank you, Ms. Billingsley.

Courtesy of Imdb

An Alice in Wonderland Tween Party

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 14:07:00 +0000

Recently, my niece turned ten. She adores Alice in Wonderland, so my sister and I decided to throw her an Alice-themed party. We scoured the local mall, party store, craft store, dollar store and toy store to search for all things Alice-inspired. Here is our final result:

The Table

Centerpiece

Chandelier-with hanging cards from red ribbons & Alice in the middle

A card garland adorning the staircase next to the dining room

Hanging card garlands and ribbons along the ceiling

Butter mints in card theme wrappers on the table

Eat Me Petit Fours (yum!!)

Drink Me red punch (yummy!)

An Alice blanket draped over the china closet added an extra touch

The cake (I made this myself!)

Here is the cake with some great black and white candles

The birthday girl with some guests!

And the party wouldn't be complete without a "cheshire cat"!

(Okay-she was part of the family already, not a prop!!!)

Hope you enjoyed this! It was really easy and fun to do!

Featured In:

Book Review-Living Life in the Zone

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 15:45:00 +0000

I recently read a book called "Living Life in the Zone." I read it and my husband did, too. It was actually a book geared to a male audience, so it made more sense for Ward to read this one!

This book basically reviewed how life today places men into typical macho man roles and how life would be different if men looked at common life issues at a deeper spiritual level with God at the center of the issue to see how God's influence would affect the outcome of the issue. The book looks at these issues on a "40 day" approach.

The book focused a lot on the Bible, so it assumed you knew a lot about the Bible and were an avid reader of it. Also, the book took issues and applied how God would handle the issue first and foremost to resolve the matter. However, the book did not try to force the reader into using the Bible as a way to alter what the reader believes, but to simply provide affirmations.

The book was a decent one which would be best for Christians who had some knowledge of the Bible and therefore could relate to the references. It would be good for use during Lent, too, since it referenced the 40 days for studying.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Set Backs in the Life of June Cleaver

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:29:00 +0000

Recently, my posts have been a bit more sporadic than I would like. This site is one of my greatest passions and I love to write on a daily basis. I love to write about happy things, funny things, interesting things-you get the idea! But, the time has come to pony up on a few things going on at the moment which has been affecting my ability to get on here as much as I want and I want to take the time to share this with you, especially since you take the time to come here to read my blog.

As you may remember, I had back surgery in June. Right after the surgery, I thought it was a great success because I did not have any more pain and was feeling great. Unfortunately, this summer things took a turn at some point and I have had more pain than I even want to get into. This past weekend, I was unable to walk due to some nerve problems in my legs. I have been confined to a bed for many days and have been struggling with just about everything. Simple things like picking up something on the floor, driving a car, doing laundry, playing with Tiny, to more significant things such as working, is all becoming problematic. I feel overwhelmed, sad and I am starting to get depressed by it all.

Its taken a toll on my family life. I am no longer able to run around or be so physically active with Tiny. I have missed out on family gatherings, picnics and parties. I have not been able to visit my grandmother who is not well. When I do attend a function, I pay the consequences in the resultant pain for days on end. I miss being a part of everything and I miss being my old self. I feel guilty that my husband has to pitch in so much these days and give up a lot to help fill in the gaps where I am now unable to act, although he claims that it is no problem.

I am working with my doctors to try and resolve everything. I am looking at alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and physical therapy. I also have systemic lupus and diabetes, so I have to juggle these medical issues as well.

In the meantime, I am trying to keep my part time job and do as much as I can to live a "normal" life. I am thankful for this blog and my followers who keep me focused on other things and "in the game" so to speak! I am trying to focus on the positive, keep a positive mindset and try and stay as happy as possible. I am thankful to God for my husband and daughter and keep focusing on all of the things I have to be grateful for.

This week, I am going to be doing some write ups which are different from my prior ones; I hope you will enjoy them! I hope and pray to be back (no pun intended) on my toes soon and writing more frequently for you! Please feel free to email me if you are interested in guest blogging; I would love to have you! Thank you for your support and for taking the time to read my blog. I really appreciate your support!

Wednesday's Winner: Blog of the Week!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:40:00 +0000

Today, I was going to be putting up one of my favorite blogs, and one that inspired me to start blogging myself. However, when I visited yesterday, I found that this blogger had finally revealed a big announcement which I have been waiting to receive for months now....and its REALLY amazing. SO-I am going to be awarding the Wednesday Winner Blog of the Week to her NEW site, which is her NEW project. Have I mentioned how AWESOME and AMAZING it is?????

It is Give Every Day, which is the new project from blogger Stephanie Schaeffer from Metropolitan Mama. Her and her family and going to sell their home and most of their belongings to travel the country in an RV in order to help the world and promote good causes. Please stop by and check out this remarkable and inspiring blog. Congrats, Stephanie and good luck!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday Jam Session: Sour Cherry Jam + Winner of Target Giftcard!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 23:21:00 +0000

Is it me, or did the summer fly by this year? I can't believe its already August! I have been busy in my kitchen, making lots of preserves before the summer comes to an end. I don't think there is anything better than having homemade jams in your pantry in the middle of a cold winter! Today, I made sour cherry jam. I must say, the cherries were so sweet, though, I hesitate to call it "sour"!

First, I had to pit the cherries. I was careful to wear gloves or I would have been walking around with stained red hands all week long! That would not have been a good time. Next, I had to boil the cherries with a bit of apple juice.

Boiling the Cherries

I then added one box of powdered pectin for unsweetened jams and jellies-I love it because it makes it possible to eliminate the sugar in any recipe, so you can use honey, sugar substitutes or just a bit of sugar if you want, provided that you are certain to add lemon juice, as it adds to the jellying process to firm up the preserves. I also added 1/2 tsp of unsalted butter to reduce foaming. Once it was at a full rolling boil, I was good to go. I fillled the pre-prepared jars using my funnel (a must have if you are canning!), cleaned the rims and then boiled them in my canning water bath.

Filling Up the Jars

Jars Filled with Hot Sour Cherry Jam-Yum!

Now, Tiny and I have been decorating our jars. We have been having fun with the fabrics but haven't figured out what labels to use just yet. That is the fun part for us! I hope we can figure that one out before we eat all of this awesome jam!

The Finished Product (Minus Labels!)

Ok-in other news, I reached my goal of 500 followers! THANK YOU EVERYONE for following my blog! I really appreciate your support & readership! In accordance with my Target $25.00 giveaway, Tiny and I decided to put down numbers onto pieces of paper and then Tiny picked one randomly. The winner of the giftcard is NUMBER 24!!!! Pamelajane!!!! I have emailed you, so please get back to me to claim your prize and provide me with your shipping address so I can mail you your gift card! Thank you so much for entering this contest. For all of my other followers---please be sure to keep following, as I have some great giveaways and more in store for everyone in the near future!!! Thank you!!!

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Create Your Own Tile Mural or Home Project with IdeaStix Plus a Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:04:00 +0000

Recently, I had the opportunity to try IdeaStix*, which are self-adhesive decor accents you can use to create many different types of projects-from tile murals, kitchen backsplashes, mirrors, glass, lamps and more. With IdeaStix, the sky is the limit!

I tried the IdeaStix Mural Style in "Fleurs" design in my bathroom. The design is really beautiful, and features multicolored flowers in a basket. The set came with easy to follow directions and simple, self-adhesive pieces which you just had to stick accordingly on the area you were using. The most difficult part was the measuring of the area and that was it. The result was pretty impressive, considering I did this on tile. It actually does look like its engraved in the tile, unless you get up really close and start to feel the tile itself. I love the result and it makes my bathroom look way better than it did before I used the IdeaStix!

Fleurs Design, Courtesy of IdeaStix

IdeaStix are also waterproof, removable and reusable, washable, heat resistant, stain resistant and steam resistant. In addition, they are colorfast. They also do not leave behind a sticky residue when you remove them. They are great for renters since they can be removed so easily and are not permanent!

Want to Try out a Set of IdeaStix of your Own?

The good people from IdeaStix have provided a set of Tropical Fish accent designs for one of my followers to try out for themselves. If you want to get in on this giveaway, here is what you have to do:

1) Leave me a comment telling me where you will use your IdeaStix. Please be sure that your email is accessible so I can contact you if you win!

BONUS ENTRY:

2) Become a follower of my blog! This will get you 3 extra entries!

This contest is open to US residents, 18 years of age and up only. Winner will be chosen by random on or about August 20, 2010. Thank you!

* I received a complimentary sample of IdeaStix for purposes of this product review. No other compensation was provided.

A Very Cool Kitchen Helper Which Also is GREAT for the Kids and a Great Spin n' Stor Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000

I don't know about you, but I am always cognizant of thoroughly cleaning my produce, especially in light of recent salad recalls. I recently tried a new kitchen product called the "Spin 'n Stor."* This is an innovative bag which cleans your salad greens, removes water from them and then freshly stores your salad greens in the refrigerator. This product makes me feel a bit better about the thoroughness of the cleanliness of the lettuce and greens I use in the kitchen.

Here is how it works: you put your washed salad into the bag, hold the top closed and then spin the bag in a round, circular motion. This part was actually really fun--my five year old, Tiny, enjoyed that part of it and was dancing around while hurling the bag in a big circle. Once you are done, the water goes into the bottom part of the bag in a special reservoir. You can then pour that part out. Afterwards, the bag is then closed with twistie-ties.

Images Courtesy of ArgeeCorp.com

The Spin n' Stor has been used by Rachael Ray, in Jaimie Oliver's "Cooking for Kids" segment on the Today Show, and has been featured in Woman's Day, Cooking with Paula Deen and Ladies Home Journal. Personally, I think these are fantastic for getting the kids involved in the kitchen! I can't tell you how much Tiny loved spinning our salad and then helping me make the salad afterwards. It was a great way to get her involved.

Want to Get Some Spin n' Stor Bags of Your Own?
The wonderful people from Spin n' Store have generously provided a set of four Spin n' Stor bags as a giveaway for one of my followers. To get in on this giveaway, here's what you have to do:

1) Tell me how the Spin n' Stor will help you in your kitchen or make your life easier! Make sure your email is public or leave me your email in your comment so I can contact you if you are the winner.

Bonus Entries:
* Become a follower of my blog. This will get you 2 more entries!
* Blog about this contest and leave me the location so I can check it out. This will get you 3 more entries!
* Tweet this contest. This will get you 4 more entries!

This contest will end on or about August 15, 2010 and the winner will be selected by random and contacted via email. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim prize. Contest open to US residents 18 years of age and up only. Thank you!

* I received a complimentary Spin n' Stor bag for purposes of this product review; no compensation was provided.

Wednesday's Winner: Farmhouse Musings

noreply@blogger.com (Jessie) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000

Today's Wednesday's Winning Blog goes to one of my absolute favorites: Farmhouse Musings. This amazing blog is the counterpart to its awesome online store, http://www.farmhousewares.com/. Each one is fantastic-the blog features the best stories, pictures and more-its makes me feel like I am right there on the farm and am part of the extended family. The store, on the other hand, makes it possible for one to bring the amazing goodies right home to your own doorstep to enjoy for yourself--amd wait until you see the treasures you can find. They are all seriously fantastic finds!!!!

Image from Farmhouse Musings Blog

The shop's great items have been featured in all sorts of magazines such as Brides, Martha Stewart Living, Romantic Homes and more. The owner of the shop, Betsy, describes herself as "striving to surround my family with the values of sustainable living--without sacrificing style" and is dedicated to the green movement. This past winter, I interviewed owner Betsy and she was just fascinating. To read more about her, her inspiration and shop, just click here.

Image from Farmhouse Musings Blog

I feel like I just want to pull up a chair to the farm table and visit with old friends whenever I read this blog and I am sure you will know what I mean when you stop by and visit Farmhouse Musing's blog! Enjoy this great Wednesday Winner!