Karina's Challenge

Get Inspired Project - Your Cup of Cake

2012-02-15T01:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my "Get Inspired Project"

Today I'm going to introduce you to a blog that you are going to want to bookmark it, pin it, you name it! This lady is very talented, you will see my friends :)!

Your Cup of Cake

Why: I have to admit that I'm new reader of Lizzy's Blog, I found her tru a fellow blogger on the web. I started to look at her recipes and oh my! I fell in love with her blog! She is an amazing baker and photographer. She inspires me to be a better baker and to take better photos of my food... I also found out that she lives in Utah which it means I might have to buy some of her delicious desserts!

Lizzy

1.Tell me a little bit about you and your site... My name is Lizzy and I am a college student. I find time to bake between going to classes and working. My blog all started by accident. I just needed a place to put my recipes where I wouldn't lose them, so I started a silly blog. And now, a little over 1 year later it has exploded. I love making flavor combinations and pretty desserts like cupcakes.

Almond Joy Cookie Bars

2. Do you have a bucket list and if so what is one thing that you would like to complete by 2012?

You can check out my new years resolution page for some goals of mine. But I guess this summer, I am trying to intern with The Food Network, cross your fingers for me!

Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

3. Is there anything that you would like to share with my readers?

I recently got a new camera. I upgraded from a little canon powershot to a canon rebel T3i, so I am very happy with my new photos. Photos really make a blog look professional.

Salted Chocolate Caramel Rice Crispy Treats

So did I convince you yet? Isn't she amazing? Go check out her other recipes!

Good Luck Lizzy! I'm crossing my fingers that you get your internship!

Love,

Happy #Valentines Day!

2012-02-14T06:33:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was full of suprises from my hubby, I'm such a lucky girl!

I promise to share everything soon... But for now have a :

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!

Love,

#Etsy Spotlight - Hanson Handcrafts

2012-02-10T11:32:00.000-08:00

Today I'm Excited to tell you about a brand new Etsy Shop named "Hanson Handcrafts" Rob is a coworker of mine, and as soon as he told me that he had an Etsy shop I was so excited to check it out that of course I had to feature him on here!

1.Tell us a little bit about yourself: My name is Robert, I'm 26. I have been dating a wonderful girl for a little over a year, and am slowly teaching her how to help me with my sewing. Between the two of us we have four super energetic dogs that we love. I created Hanson Handcrafts with my Mother who does the crochet and helps with some of the quilts.

Photo Courtesy of www.stealnetwork.com

2.Tells us a little bit about what you do?I have always enjoyed making quilts, from simple baby ones, to give to friends and family when they welcome a new family member to the big intricate patchwork ones. I especially like to create something that catches the eye, but is also functional, my favorite being quilts made from old denim jeans.

3.What/who inspires you?My inspiration for quilting comes from both my parents and my grandmother, growing up I always had a handcrafted quilt on my bed as well as one or two to wrap up in on cold days that they had made for me.

Happy Pink Dots - Hand Tied Baby Quilt

Dark Red Stripe Youth Crochet Beanie

4.If you could have a super power, what would it be?Any superpower that would enable me to help people and better the planet would be ok with me, plus I think I would look pretty good in tights

5. Where can we find you?

Etsy Shop

Facebook

Wasn't that awesome? Now go on and Like him on Facebook and check out his shop! Thank you Rob for letting me feature you!

#Valentines Inspiration... #Pinterest

2012-02-10T01:00:00.000-08:00

{Source}

To tell you the truth hubby and I dont really have plans for Valentines Day this year... We are probably going to have a romantic cooked meal and cuddle up on our couch and watch a movie. It will happen this weekend since Valentines Day falls on a tuesday this year and hubby works late. It is funny how things change from the past year... But, we arent complaining! Staying in and being in eachothers company is just our style :).

Just Hubby and I

Chocolate covered Strawberry

Movie

PERFECT NIGHT!

Here is some inspiration via Pinterest:

SO WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THIS VALENTINES DAY?

Get inspired Project - Mom it Forward

2012-02-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my "Get Inspired Project"

I'm so excited to share with with you guys this interview! It is very inspiring you will see :).

Mom It Forward

Why: The Mom it Forward girls are amazing! I truly am inspired by Jyl and what she has done. I love that they are always giving back, always! I love how much I have learned from them. I have enjoyed getting to know them, especially at #gno's! Trust you want to check out their site right now and I promise that you will be Hooked! Ps: Did I mention that Jyl is the Co-Organizer of EVO Conference? hmm yeah... Amazing :)

{Jyl Pattee}

1. About Mom It Forward...

Mom It Forward began in September 2008 as an impromptu Twitter get together with four gals that later turned into a regular #gno party every Tuesday night. The goal was to have conversations that helped strengthen women as individuals, addressed parenting issues to help us raise kids with character, and better the communities in which we live in an effort to change the world one mom at a time. Since that time, we have formed a fun online community, a media group, and co-organize an annual social media conference (evo Conference).

The notion of giving back is part of our foundation. We "mom it forward" through uplifting online chats, local service projects and other fun events, awareness raising for important causes and issues, and by giving mom bloggers the opportunity to partner with brands in a meaningful, fun way.

{Jyl & her family}

2. Do you have a Bucket List and If you so what is one thing that you wish to complete in 2012?

The item at the top of my bucket list was to go on a humanitarian aid trip to India. I was able to accomplish that in November 2010. Jill, another team member, had a similar item on her bucket list--to go to Africa and serve the people there. This week, she will cross that off as she goes to Malawi with the World Pneumonia Day Coalition to raise awareness about the fact that pneumonia is the leading cause of death for children 5 and under worldwide. She will get up close and personal with the people there as well as talk to doctors and organizations who have recommended solutions. I'm excited to learning more about how we can get involved and help.

3. Any projects you would like to share? "Who's Your Valentine"

From February 5-29, MomItForward.com is hosting a Who's Your Valentine photo contest. All you have to do is upload a pic of your Valentine here http://momitforward.com/whos-your-valentine-photo-contest-entry-form. We'll be choosing daily, weekly, and a grand prize winner. Winning photos will be featured on our Facebook page and winning entrants will receive a Hershey's prize pack. Our goal is to help spread the love this Valentine's season.

Wow! Are you Inspired yet? Thank you so much Mom It Forward Girls :)!

PS: Check back on soon for another interview. You can go here to see my last interview.

Love,

Social Media Junkie

2012-02-08T01:30:00.000-08:00

Hi! My name is Karina Wetzel and I'm a self-proclaimed "Social Media Junkie"

I love that I can connect with someone from the other side of the Country. That I can find inspiration in a click of a button, that I have met great friends... Aw I just love this socila media community!

Here is a summed up version of Social Media:

{Source}

Here is what I Love about each Network and why I think that you should be part of it too:

Blogging: Why should you blog? Lets just put it this way: Everyone has a story and they are all different. I want to know what your story is! Think of a blog as an journal, you are writing down your thoughts. Also, you are definitely going to meet new friends. You can start a FREE blog either thru Blogger or Wordpress.com, and it is pretty self explanatory. But, if you have any questions at all please down hesitate to ask :).

Pinterest: AWWW {imagine me waving my arms up and down with a huge smile on my face} I love this place! Why pinterest? let me break it down to you: You have allot of ideas in your head, you turn to google to search for inspiration. You decide to bookmark a website that you found that had the best Recipe. A couple of day later your bookmark folder is full and disorganized. Not Anymore my friends! Enter Pinterest: An online pinboard where you can pin your pictures and bookmarks, organizing and share in categories such as: DIY,recipes,Crafts... Now, next time you are looking for inspiration you can log in to your Pinterest account, search for a specific word and Ta-Da! You know have a new addiction my friend! {Pinterest is on a waiting list to sign up, so make sure to go enter your email info and they will send you an invite}.

Facebook: A social networking website where you can Find all of your old high school buddies! Meet new friends, Create Status updates that people will click "Like" on. Share content with others and just stay up to date!

Twitter: A microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters. I #love Twitter! Use Hashtags to find trending topics. You can also participate in Twitter parties and meet new people that way. #gno

Youtube:It is a video-sharing website on which users can upload, share, and view videos. What is the meaning of Double Rainbows? Youtube will show you what it means :).

Linkedin: It is a business-oriented social networking site. Think of it as a professional facebook. Dress to impress and upload your resume!

Foursquare: It is basically like this,Members note their locations with a mobile phone and can find out where friends are.

G+: It is a community where the world's most active and influential professionals, academics and entrepreneurs connect. I have not gotten into it as much as everything else... But I am trying since GFC will be going away in march.

How about you? Are you social?

Stay tuned for tomorrow's interview as part of my "Get Inspired Project"

Love

Get Inspired Project - Not Just a Housewife

2012-02-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my "Get Inspired Project"

I'm so excited to start this project with a Blog that I truly enjoy and am very inspired by.

Not Just a Housewife Why: Stacy is REAL, and has more power tools that my husband {Awesome}. She is not afraid of showing behind the scenes pictures of her house{Again, I love that she keeps it real}. I remember the first time I read Stacy's blog, I could not believe how awesome and easy her tutorials were! and how simple she made he Jig Saw and power tools look {As in I was confident I could build something}. This was the first post that got me hooked: "Scrap wood lamp with hand painted shade" Do I need to say more? I Just Love this Girl! One more thing, Her blog Name is the best! I love that she is basically telling you to own it! own what you do, and don't be ashamed... Trust me, She is definitely "Not Just a Housewife"

{Stacy}

1. Tell me a little bit about your blog & Yourself:

I have been married for almost 12 years to my collage sweetheart. Together we have 4 little boys. I was a major tom boy growing up so I am perfectly happy raising all boys :) I have always been interested in creating things. Even when I was tiny. My mom could never find the scissors or tape when I was growing up and she always knew who to blame!

I have always had people tell me I needed to do something to share my ideas but I didn't know what. I would teach people whenever I was given an opportunity but as a stay at home mom those chances were few and far between. When I discovered creative blogs I knew I had found the way to finally reach more people than those in my neighborhood. I knew I would be posting my projects but I also was hoping to find inspiration from those who read my blog. I love hosting linky parties for that reason. I feel like it is a place to SHARE ideas. Almost like a get together of friends who all have the same mind set. I am so happy I started my blog :)

{Stacy & Her adorable Family}

2.Do you have a Bucket List and If you so what is one thing that you wish to complete in 2012?

I do have a bucket list. Some of the things on there are quite silly. And it is long. I like to challenge myself. I want to learn to do as many things as I can before I die. But the one I am going to mention is this...... I want to learn to be more disciplined. I am a fly by the seat of my pants kinda girl in the sense that I wake up not really knowing how the day will play out. Will I start a new project when the last 5 are not even done? Will I decided to completely tear everything apart because I have the sudden urge to de-clutter? Or will I feel glum and lie around in PJs and then feel guilty that nothing got done? I know that most people would add "Live more in the moment" to their bucket list, but I think I have that down. I need to almost do the opposite a little more. This year I want to plan more, have a schedule that I actually stick to, and be more organized in thought. In other words....more focused :)

3.Here are my Favorite Projects from her Blog:

{Stenciled Ceiling}

{Mason Jar Wall Planter}

{Scrap wood Lamp}

Wow! Are you Inspired yet? thank you so much Stacy for this, It means a lot to me :)!

PS: Check back on Thursday for another awesome interview.

Love,

Get Inspired #Project!!!

2012-02-06T22:02:00.000-08:00

Earlier this year, going thru my "Challenges" list there was a couple of numbers that really stood out to me. - As in I must get to work on them asap kind of standing out! After that feeling I quickly decided that I wanted to work on #96 : 96.Interview "Inspiring Bloggers" and work on a fun "giving" project to go with it!

Can I say that I'm super excited about this? I've got amazing Bloggers/Sites that I'm going to be featuring here on my blog that I cant wait to share with everyone!!!
I wanted to say how humble and happy I am that they took the time out of their busy life to email me back...
Trust me, you don't want to miss the interviews I did with them :)
Something else I need to tell you, As the "Giving" part of this Project I decided to help out this amazing family and I will soon post my ideas and how you can get involved too. But for now take a look at their story:
"Fishes for Marrow Wishes"

Love,

Traditions...

2012-02-05T09:50:00.000-08:00

Oh how I love traditions!!! Growing up, my mom always made sure to teach us family traditions, in a way that my sister and I would enjoy... Some were just simple things, some where traditions that were passed down from generations. Such as:
Sunday Dinners at Grandmas, Picnics at the park, Girls night out with my mom, writing on journals, learning my grandmas recipes,crafting with my grandma, Saturday morning = Deep Cleaning our house listening to super awesome jams, Donating and helping out at our local orphanages and soup kitchens,and many more that I'll sure remember later...
As soon as I got married I was so excited about starting my own traditions as a family!
1.Start a yearly Montage of pictures, this one below is from 2006:

2. Start a family Scrapbook {I'm a couple of years behind on this one}3. Continue to write on my Journals... {This changed once I started blogging}4.Family Dinners, And learning new recipes5.DIY Birthday Parties6.Write a note to loved ones just because...7.Donate, Give, and Help8. Birthday T-shirts:

9. And our Newest Tradition, Take a family picture every Sunday no mater where we are:

10. Do you have any traditions? I would love to hear about them in the comment section!!!
Love,

Bucket list wishes... #bucketlistgirl

2012-02-01T21:21:00.000-08:00

I'm a dreamerI'm a wisher I'm thinkerI'm a challenger...

Okay so lets focus on only one of these words: "I'm a DREAMER"
I often day dream about my future, I think about goals and challenges that I would like to work on & also hopes and dreams. Talking about challenges, I havent worked on anything that is on my list... Bad I know!
The other day, as I rested on my couch I started thinking about my "purpose" or as some would say my "Calling in Life". Of course I know that I have a purpose when it comes to my family and loved ones but, this is differences that's where the word "DREAMER" comes in... As I was dreaming of crossing things of my list and helping someone in my neighborhood cross something off theirs. It totally hit me! I decided to start a list of of "Bucket List Wishes". Basically I will write down things that I would like to help my community out with and we will go from there{ As in I will try my best to reach them}. So here are the ones I could think of for right now:
"Bucket List Wishes"1. Host a food drive event2.Host a care package for the "troops" event3.Help out at a "Soup Kitchen"4.Donate! Donate5.Operation "Inspire me" {More on this soon}6. Send an anonymous letter to a person in need of a cheer up.7.Pick a family or an individual in need and work on something amazing for them.8. "Be part of an amazing project to help someone in need" {I'm working on something super awesome that I cant wait to share with you all next month}.9.Work on a Bucket List Wishes page.10.Invite my lovely readers {YOU} to submit ideas for this list or a family that it is in need.
Excited? I sure am! I hope to find more ideas as the months rolls in... For now I'm focusing on a couple... Can you guess what they are?
PS: I love this message BTW:

Now here is what I need from you! Do you have a family that you know that is in need... Or and idea for the "Bucket List Wishes" page? Please msg me and we will get talking my friends :).
Love,

Lots of Love Giveaway Event

2012-01-31T22:43:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Lots of Love Giveaway Event. This event is hosted by And The Little Ones Too, Put A Little Umbrella In Your Drink, Seeds of Life, and Taking Time For Mommy. This event features giveaways with a value of $25 or more at each of the participating blogs! Be sure to visit each blog from the linky below and enter for your chance to win! This event will close on February 14th at 11:59 pm EST.

Here at Karina's Challenge you get to win some exciting stuff!!!
1. "Lubies Package" $30.00 worth of Lubies cuteness:

2. Surprise "Chocolate Package"
I will be giving you a variety of my favorite chocolates :)

To ENTER just follow the instructions Bellow:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please understand that And The Little Ones Too, Put A Little Umbrella In Your Drink, Seeds of Life, and Taking Time For Mommy, along with the other "Lots of Love Event" bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. However, we are responsible for contacting our sponsors regarding the winner's prize at the close of the giveaway. We expect that our sponsors will fulfill their prize agreement and ship them to the winners in a timely manner.

Dear Husband...

2012-01-31T21:20:00.000-08:00

Hey There cutie face... I love you so much I thought I would write a birthday post dedicated to you... but first of all: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Can you believe how fast time goes by? I cant! Remember 8 or so years ago when I we were first dating?I had asked my mom to make you a Birthday cake and we also had gone out to dinner to celebrate? Wasn't that fun? I remember giving you that super awesome "polo t-shirt" that you just loved! Aw good times!
Anyways, I love to look back and see how times have changed and how we are now!
If someone was to tell me 8 years ago that I was going to meet this handsome guy with blond hair and blue eyes, that we were going to get married and have an adorable little boy, I would have said no way! Haha
Oh Babe! It is you and me against the world! Together Forever! I Love your GeekinessI love how supportive you areI love How stub urn & Grumpy you can be! lolI love how you take care of me when I'm sickI love that when I'm with you there is never a dull momentI love How awesome of a DAD you are to our trouble boy!I love how hard working you areI love that you like to shop just like meI love that you are always up to doing something crazy!I love how adventurous and Spontaneous you areI specially love how you can keep it real!I LOVE YOU JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!!!

Happy Birthday again and here is to 50 more Birthdays!

Love,

Your Wife...

Messy Moments...

2012-01-29T22:32:00.000-08:00

Life: the general condition that distinguishes organisms from inorganic objects and dead organisms, being manifested by growth through metabolism, a means of reproduction, and internal regulation in response to the environment.
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Oh Life! It is just crazy how much you change... Hubby and I often talk about our life and how things are now and how they used to be. We have learned to LOVE and EMBRACE every single moment that comes our way {Isn't that how it is supposed to be?}. We talk about our future and where we would like to be 5 years from now... It is fun I tell you!
Our path that we are taking has alot of road blocks, bumps and dead ends... But, with a little patience we somehow get to our destination. I think that is crazy how things happen don't you? As I always say: "Things really do happen for a reason"
When Life gets too busy I like to stop and...
Enjoy the messy moments:

Enjoy the playtime and fun moments:

Enjoy my family time, even if it is only on weekends:

So my advice to you my friends is, to enjoy the little things and you go by your day... As cheesy as this may sound take time to smile at someone or to compliment them. You just never know how much of a difference you will make.

And remember, Enjoy your "Messy Moments"

Love,

Tag your it!

2012-01-25T21:44:00.000-08:00

Jennie from Our Family of Four Tagged me today for this awesome survey...

The Rules

1- You must post the rules, and link up who tagged you.

2- Post 11 fun facts about yourself in the blog post.

3- Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create 11 new questions to ask the people you have tagged.

4- Tag however many people you want!

5- Let them know you have tagged them!

The Facts

1.I'm originally from Brazil {For those of you that didn't know :)}

2.I'm not a morning person at all

3.I love meeting new people but, I'm also pretty shy when I first meet them. And once you have known me for little while that all changes and it would get me to shut up... lol

4. I love to cook and bake, and sometimes I get discouraged when people act like I cant...

5.This blog is my "baby" it truly is! Its my journal, my outlet to express myself. Here I have a voice. I'm not judge and I plan on staying here for a while :).

6. My little family is everything to me! I don't know what I would do without them... Its so funny how we can just sit at home on weekends and do nothing but just hang out with each other... I enjoy every minute of that. Oh How I love them!
7.I wish that I would go back to dancing.. It is a part of my life that I miss very much... someday I tell you!
8.My back is killing me right now, all I do when I get home is sit on my couch and relax because it just hurts to walk around the house. {My job is pretty demanding, I stand for 8 hours straight}.
9. I wish I was a stay at home mom... and I somehow feel that it is my fault that I cant do that, Like for the first year of my little boys life I could have figured something out to help my husband out from home... sigh
10. I cant wait till summer time gets here! It is a happy time for me lol... Snow just isnt my best friend.
11. Speaking of best friends, My mom and my sister are the best and I love them both so much, sometimes I wish that we lived closer to each other..

The Questions

1- If you could do absolutely anything in the world, knowing you wouldn't feel fear, what would you do? Oh My! I have no idea... Lol this is a hard one! All I can think of right now is skydiving.. haha

2- If you could have any animal as a pet, what would you pick?
Oh My this is a hard one! I'm thinking a "Panda" Cause they are soo cute... lol

3- Best day of your life so far? The birth of my son!!!

4- What is your biggest fear? Losing my loved ones

5- Where do you see yourself 20 years from now? Happy, with my hubby & Kids, with a good money situation, and living in a house by the beach :)

6- What is your favorite TV show right now? hmm I think that I'm between switched at birth & Parks and Rec... lol

7- What movie could you watch over and over and never get tired of?
"Baby Mama" lol

8- What is your favorite quote and why?
Life is short... Make it amazing!

9- If you had an all expenses paid vacation to anywhere in the world for one week, where would you go and who would go with you? Brazil hands down!! I would bring my hubby & Little boy and my parents and sis :)

10- Favorite childhood memory?
I think it was spending time with my mom and my sister... doing anything! The beach was fun too :)

11- Who is/was your hero while growing up and why?
My MOM! She was and still is! I love her so much!

Tag! Your It!

1. Hannah {Me oh My Desserts}

2. Laura { Learning Ranch}

3. Ashlee { Our Little Fam}

4.Carli {Living the Scream}

5. Anyone else that wants to play along :)

And here are my Questions for you:

1. Do you have a Bucket List? If yes what is one thing on your list that you would like to accomplish the most?

2.What is your favorite candy bar?

3. What do you see yourself doing in 5 years from now?

4.Something embarrassing about yourself?

5.What is your favorite childhood memory?

6.If you could have a superpower what would it be?

7.Do you have a dream job? What is it?

8. If you could go back in time, what would you tell your young self?

9. Ice cream or Chocolate?

10. Winter or Summer?

11. What would you do if you won the lottery?

Recipe Tuesday - Chocolate Chip Cookies

2012-01-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

This recipe is amazing... Over the weekend Hubby and I decided to bake a couple of different cookie batches. {Lemonade Cookies & Chocolate Chips} I'm pretty sure I can speak for my hubby on this one that the cookies pictured above won! So Good! Here is the recipe:
2 Cups of Butter1 1/2 cups of sugar2 cups of brown sugar 3 large eggs2 t. vanilla6 cups of flour3/4 t. salt1 1/2 t. baking soda3 cups of chocolate chips
Cream Butter and sugars for 3-4 minutes. Add Eggs and vanilla and beat until light and fluffy. Sift to combine dry ingredients and add to mixture. Add chocolate chips. Roll into 1-2" inch balls and place on cookie sheet. Bake 375 degrees for 10 minutes or until slightly golden.
PS: This recipe is from my wonderful cookbook from "Lemon Poppy Inc"
Have a wonderful day!Love,

Blogging Conference - Story at Home

2012-01-23T19:16:00.000-08:00

Earlier this month, I was going over my goals for this blog and things that I would like to accomplish on here. Going to a blogging conference is up high on my list! I have a couple of them that would like to go to but, are a bit too much for out budget right now. In Comes this "Stacy From Not JUST a Housewife" Telling us about this awesome blogging conference that it is happening here in Utah called "Story at home" Here is a little bit more information about it:

Doesn't it look amazing? This conference is just what I need right now :)

And guess what? If you are in Utah you can head on over to "Stacy From Not JUST a Housewife" for a chance to win tickets!

Love,

Outfit Post...

2012-01-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

I completely forgot about taking pictures this past weekend, when I did remember it was a bit dark outside... Hubby was nice enough to take them for me : ).
I really wanted to show how cute my shirt is that my little sis got me for Christmas and the earrings:

Black Shirt: Down east, Pink shirt & Earring: Gift, Shoes: Pay-less, Jeans: Hydraulics

Next time I'll get some better shots :)! Have a wonderful Monday...
I will be linking this post here:

Unplugged...

2012-01-22T22:22:00.000-08:00

That word pretty much sums up how my life went last week...
My week started alright and it was going great then, I started to feel discouraged... About my blog, about the other bloggers out there and how lately in "blogland" there has been so many fake people there that are don't really care about their readers... Or how it has been such a HUGE competition... To me it's Sad especially since I LOVE reading their blogs! I don't consider myself "big" and if I ever get there in the future I don't want to change... I love you guys! My Readers, my supporters, my Friends and I don't want that to change at all :). That is why I had to step away and "UNPLUG" myself from the blogging world,Twitter & Facebook...

But, I'm back and recharged! I'm ready to be as REAL as I can on here and tell you how it is...Now that that is out I can tell you something crazy that happened this week...I was off work and picking up my little one, as i park in front of his daycare I get a police officer asking me if I lived there and what the address was {He had a huge riffle btw} I tell him that I'm picking up my son from Daycare and as soon as he hears that he tells me to hurry in and go hide in the basement... What? What was he talking about? I walk in, grab my little one and tell the daycare lady what was going on. The cop knocks on the door and tell us that the next door neighbor is armed and they have the house surrounded. Again, WHAT? Well, down to the basement we go... I was so worried but so happy to be with my little one at a situation like this.Anyways, 40 mins later the cops have him outside and his whole family. It turns out that he had stabbed someone and had hit the person with a metal pipe. Then ran home like nothing had happened... Again WHAT? lol
Crazy right? Let me get super REAL for a moment here... I envy stay at home moms! I really do, I wish that I was at home with my little boy everyday so I could protect him and care for him... It sucks! It really does! But, there is nothing I can do at this moment...

Reading his favorite book:

Well moving on to better things,
I had such an awesome weekend! I was able to hang out with my little family and I baked way to many sweets and yummy dinners! SO worth it though :)...
I'm so Happy to finally get back into things... I sure have missed you guys!!
HOW WAS YOUR WEEKEND?

Pantone's Colors for Spring 2012

2012-01-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

I wasn't able to go outside this past week and get pictures taken... Mainly because of how cold the weather is in Utah right now! Anyways, I decided to write about the upcoming color trends for 2012 instead. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, the fashion color authority that dictates the latest and greatest colors from the runway to the retail stores, explains:

“Consumers look to spring for renewed energy, optimism, and the promise of a better day… color can help them alter a mood and provide vitality and enthusiasm that enables them to experiment with new looks and color combinations.”

Source: The Perfect Palette

The color of the year is: "Tangerine Tango"

So what do you think? Yay for unique colors or nay? I've got to admit that Tangerine Tango is growing on me.

Also, I'm really excited to combine Sodalite blue with Solar Power! I must go shopping {As in look thru my closet that is}.

I'm excited that it is Monday but, I have so many projects and Giveaways vinyls that I need to work on... If only my computer wasn't giving me problems!

Have a great week,

Love

Resolutions vs Goals & Bucket lists...

2012-01-13T23:37:00.000-08:00

I blog about "Bucket Lists" naturally getting asked how I feel about Resolutions is a normal thing{especially when a new year starts} I decided that I would go ahead and write the difference between the two {From my point of view}.

Just remember, if you are making a resolution, goal or bucket list that:

Resolutions: A commitment that an individual makes at New Year's Day, is a formal expression of opinion or intention made.

Goals: A goal is an objective, or a projected computation of affairs, that a person or a system plans or intends to achieve.

Bucket List: A list of things to do before you die. Comes from the term "kicked the bucket".

When it comes to resolutions I do believe in them but, would rather not overwhelm myself and write a huge list of things I want to complete then, at the end of the 2012 {Like the month of December} get stressed because I didn't get them done. Hence my Love for Goals and bucket lists! Here is what I want you to do instead...

1.Think of 10 things you would like to get done by the end of 2012, that is only one Resolution/goal a month.

2. Instead of Saying: I'm going to loose 25 pounds, start small like 5 pounds.

3. Eating Healthy: Start out by picking one of day of the week that you can eat whatever you feel like then, for the rest of the week no junk FOOD!

4.Not into the Whole resolution thing? Pick a Family Theme!! Just think of a word that you like... For Example: "Health" {As in this year our family will focus on healthy things}.

What are my Resolutions you say?

I will be adding most of them to my "Challenges" but, for now I want to mainly BE HAPPY! and keep doing what I'm doing...

We also chose a theme for our family this year:

"CHANGE"

it meas that we are going to embrace everything and anything that comes our way...

I would love to hear your opinions on this topic!

What do you think about Resolutions?

Love,

Wordless Wednesday...

2012-01-11T01:30:00.000-08:00

Have an amazing day! check back later for a linky party :)!

Love,

Goodbye Boring Salad!!!

2012-01-10T21:23:00.000-08:00

I'm known in my family for making "Fancy Salads" as they would say... Naturally when it comes to get together s and parties I usually make the Salads.

Here are my Tips for making the Best Salads:

Ditch the plain "Iceberg leaf" {There I said it}Try Spring Mix, Or Spinach instead
Use fresh fruits such as : strawberries,mandarin oranges,grapes,apples,mangoes & etc
Use fresh veggies: cucumbers,tomatoes,bell peppers,onions & etc
Try sprinkling a bit of Cheese on top
Bake chicken or Steak and cut into pieces.
Make your Own Dressing!!

Check out these crazy Salads below :

Source: livelonglivestrong.tumblr.com via Karina on Pinterest

Source: pinterest.com via Karina on Pinterest

As you know I got the 5 "When Life Gives... Recipe Books" for Christmas and I've made a couple of things from them! One of the recipes was this yummy "Strawberry Spinach Salad" It was so good, and it had its own dressing! Here is a picture bellow:

{From the Book When Life gives you a Garden}

I loved Learning about Ali Eisenach, she is the creator of this book! She did all 5 own her own... As in photographs,design, and cooking... and the best part is that they are only: $8.99{Free Shipping}

Awesome Right? These are my tips for an awesome salad!

WIW - Outfit Post

2012-01-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

Fashion has always been a big part of my life but, for some reason when it comes to taking photos of myself I could never get it figured out or never had the courage. Last year I had my ups and downs with my weight and self image... As I never felt pretty enough for taking pictures of myself. Then, I stumbled upon this blog Named "Momma Go Round" and started to read her fashion posts and saw how confident Nina was in front of the camera... Her Real Momma Real Style Link party was awesome! One day I woke up and realized that I was determined to take pictures of myself no matter what, Thats where my First fashion post came from. Trust me! Nina is such an inspiration to me! So in true "Bucket List Girl Fashion" I decided to add 3 new Challenges to my List:

Everything from this outfit I got for Christmas! So here we go:

Blouse with Belt: Maurices

Ring: Gift

Bracelet: Hubby got it for me for Christmas

Pants: Vanity

Flats: Forever Young?

Note to self: Try not to make the same pose when getting pictures taken...

My Challenge to you my friends:

Take Chances, You are Beautiful inside and out & Life is Short so make it amazing!

And if you are in need of some inspiration please check out " Momma go Round" Where I'm also linking up this post this week.

Love,

My Faith...

2012-01-08T11:03:00.000-08:00

This is something that I don't really talk about on here, I'm sure I mentioned it here and there but I never actually sat down and wrote a post about my faith,until tonight. I've been blessed in so many ways in my life lately but I have been struggling with writing down my feelings about it. I know I got to start somewhere and after all this is my journal that I hope to share with my children in the future! For those of you that don't know I'm LDS or as some would say I'm a Mormon... I should back track a little and say that I wasn't always LDS and that I actually grew up as a catholic. Where I'm from the Catholic religion is the majority and LDS would be the minority. I will eventually share how I came to be LDS but, that will take a long post probably cut into 2 parts. So for now I'll just share a little bit of what I'm feeling and hopefully soon I'll have the rest.

My Faith,

It defines who I AM as a person and who I WANT to be.

It Gave me one the most beautiful and spiritual moments of my life to this day, My marriage to my Husband in the TEMPLE.

To where we were Sealed for Eternity... We believe that we will be a family together forever and in the end with will be reunited.

My faith teaches me to pray everyday and night before meals, before going to bed and when feeling a little unsure and in need of talking to our Lord.

We believe in our Prophet and in the teachings that he provides us, and thru that we live everyday trying to follow his example.

My Faith makes me and my husband want to be better example to our little one and future kids.

Teaches us to be KIND,

not to Judge,

Count our many blessings

Be Charitable

Be Thrufull

Be forgiving

Be an example.

Follow in our Saviors footsteps...

This a photo of the Salt Lake City Temple where Husband and I where Sealed:

Coming soon:

The Strugles I had when I was between Faiths...

How I became a member of the LDS Church...

I hope that you check back :)

Love,

A Challenge to you... #bucketlistgirl #Challenge

2012-01-07T11:19:00.000-08:00

There is a first for everything right? I'm so excited that it is the wekend as I'm working on my "Challenges" and in true Karina's Challenge fashion I will for post it on here :).

Here is one the things I get to cross of my list today:

1.Create a Youtube Video

PS: I'm still learning so there are alot of things that need to change for my future youtube posts but, for right now I'm ok with how it turned out:

I want to you to join in on the challenge next week so make sure to come back! I'm giving you 4 days to think about your Bucket list and write a blog post, or a make a video {Anything goes} and come back her on Wednesday the 11th and link up.

If you get stuck and cant think of ideas I wrote a post on this subject : Starting a bucket list!
I hope that you have a wonderful weekend... I've got a busy day ahead of me! Alot of tutorials and house cleaning to do!