How Pinteresting!

Today I thought I would link up with Michelle at the vintage Apple for Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday.

Source: bubbles-emery.tumblr.com via Danielle on Pinterest

I love this placement for a tattoo, but I want white ink.

Source: imgfave.com via Danielle on Pinterest

This is too perfect! I need it!

 Source: thehighheeledhostess.com via Danielle on Pinterest

I am sooo ready for summer!

Source: Uploaded by user via Danielle on Pinterest

This is an awesome idea!

Source: amerrierworld.com via Danielle on Pinterest 

My sister makes an awesome Pumpkin pound cake, I'm so making this happen this fall!

In other news, I am trying to come up with a better name for my jewelry business. I'm struggling to come up with something though so anyone who wants to weigh in, I'd love it! Wanna check out the designs? Visit the facebook page and browse the pictures!

Ink and Harleys

Talk to Me Tuesday is a weekly feature where I chat up some of the coolest women on the web.

Terri, AKA The Bipolar Diva
Terri is the amazing woman behind The Bipolar Diva. She's a suburban mom living with bipolar with a love of motorcycles, tattoos, and all the luxuries in life. Mom of eight, she is a force to be reckoned with. If you've never met her, you should definitely check her out and add this amazing woman to your reader!

Diva: Hey Girl!
D: We're finally doing this!
Diva: I know!
D: I have to admit I've been looking forward to this chat! Motorcycles and Tattoos!
Diva: My favorite subject *grins*
D: Right?! Before I get too far, my first three questions: Where are you? What are you wearing? and What are you drinking?
Diva: I'm wearing jeans and a Harley hoodie, I have a clueberry scone and I'm drinking a latte.
D: A latte sounds good right now. It's actually acting like winter in SC today and it's cold!*almost two weeks ago, we're back to spring weather today*
Diva: It's actually ok here today, finally!
D: Harley weather?
Diva: Not quite, I like mine at least 60. Its about 50 at the moment and I like to be warm!
D: I'm a warm weather girl too, I'd die if I ever had to live in a northern state. I like my hot summers and mild winters.
Diva: I have friends in Alaska and I think they're damn crazy!
D: OMG, I'd die!!!
Diva: Me too! I HATE snow with a passion!
D: So lets think warm thoughts *grins* Motorcycles. You have a freaking awesome one!

Diva: Thank you, I love her!
D: Did you have a vision from day one? Or did she slowly evolve into the beauty that she is now?
Diva: I kind of had a vision when I bought her, but it was no where near where she is today. I knew I wanted pink and at first I thought I just wanted pink "ghost" flames, but as I lay in my bed recovering from the accident I decided I wanted a more nostalgic look. I wanted it different, but classic too.
D: Well, you chose well, I love it!
Diva: Thank you! I do too, and she gets compliments everywhere we go. I had a guy tell me once that my bike says, "I'm a lady, but I'll still kick your ass." *laughs*
D: I love it! Sounds about right! What's the best ride you've ever taken on her? Anything stick out?
Diva: I favor long trips. We go to Street Vibrations every September and are gone for about a week to ten days, it takes two or so days to get there and it's a week of motorcycles, tattoos, people and debauchery *grins* We try to take several long trips during the riding season.
D: Sounds awesome! I'd love that. I don't have one, but i feel like I'm supposed too! * laughs*
Diva: I think you're the kind of girl that would love it!
D: As soon as it starts getting warm out I always feel like I'm missing something!
Diva: You are! If I were there I'd come scoop you up and we'd be off for a ride!
D: I wish you were! I had a friend for a while that took me out a few times, but no more. That's a story for another day. So you're awesome photo shoot from last year? How much fun was that?!
Diva: That was incredible! Sexy clothing, leather, motorcycles and tattoos.. in my element and away from the suburbia mom I play during the week.
D: You looked like you ate up every minute of it!


Diva: Oh yes.
D: How many tats do you have?
Diva: I have, let's see... One on the back of my hip that's a cover up, one on my outer left thigh, one on my front hip and stomach and a 3/4 back piece.
D: I've seen pics of the one that climbs your stomach and it's gorgeous! How long did you sit for that?
Diva: Thank you! that one took two 3 hour sessions I think, if I remember correctly.
D: That's dedication! I love them, but I can't sit that long *laughs* I have four small ones.
Diva: Well, Vicodin helps.
D: *laughing* I bet it does!
Diva: Mine are all larger pieces, but they are in spots I can cover them in my daily life as a business owner and mom.
D: I know what you mean. Mine started that way, but the last one is on my wrist. Bracelets don't quite cover, but they distract from it.
Diva: I want another tat, but I'm having to talk my husband into it.
D: I want a lot more but finances are prohibitive at the moment.
Diva: I'm thinking of getting a white one on the inner part of my forearm, that was it's not TOO noticeable, but it's still there.
D: I have been dying for a white ink tattoo! I keep trying to figure out exactly what though, and where I want it. I'm actually thinking along my collarbone would be fun.
Diva: I think I'm addicted to the needle *laughs* I saw a white one on pinterest the other day and fell in love with it. the collarbone would be fun.
D: I saw the white before I got my last one, but I love my color too.
Diva: I do too. It was funny, I usually come into Starbucks in my daily suburban mom clothing and one day I was leathered out with my tats showing and this older woman touched my shoulder and said, "Dear, I've never seen this side of you." I wasn't really sure what she meant by that 8laughs*
D: I'd have loved to seen her face!
Diva: It was priceless! But, she still talks to me so I guess she's accepted it *grins*
D: Of course! Who couldn't accept you!
Diva: Haha, oh let's count the people... mainly people in this small clique-ish town.
D: Well, people who matter I should say *laughs*
Diva: True, true.
D: So I know you're a Harley girl, but have you ever had anything else?
Diva: Never. I'd never been on a motorcycle until I bought my husband one for father's day in 2005. I loved it so much I had my own four months later, and then my Isabella came that next May. I'm full on, die hard, Harley. I love the culture, or sub-culture I guess.
D: Yeah, I don't have one and I'm already a Harley girl. I drool, and at least once a year I go customize my own online and print out a new picture *laughs*
Diva: *laughing* I do that too! Although, I'd never get rid of mine, she's a part of me. My husband wants me to get a new Road Glide, but I think I'll stick with my Heritage.
D: I always go back to a Sportster or the closest thing I can find. I'm always browsing the classifieds.
Diva: I just sold my Sportster, I never rode it anymore and she needed someone to love her. The sportster is pretty affordable as far as Harley's go, and they are fast and sleek.
D: That's what I've been thinking and it seems like it would be easier to handle for a newbie. So I dream, and peruse the classifieds. One day I'll have the money for it. 
Diva: Good for you!I didn't get mine until I was 43 and I wish I'd gotten it sooner.
D: I'm hoping against hope that when I get my debt paid off in a couple of years I can get one. I'm aiming for my 30th birthday *grins* This has been fun!
Diva: It has been. It's been nice to be able to "talk" to you! I've always admired you.
D: Same here, you're the first blogger I found when I started and I've always admired your honesty and the way you deal with everything you have on your plate!
Diva: Oh thank you. That's awesome coming from you. My life is chaotic but I don't know any other way!
D: I'm willing to bet you appreciate life a little more because of all of it!
Diva: Oh yes, I certainly do.
D: Thanks again for doing this, it was really fun!
Diva: It has been fun! Bye for now!
Wanna chat? Check out the Talk to Me page for more information on how to be a featured guest!

Review: If You Know Her by Shiloh Walker

If You Know Her

by Shiloh Walker
Published by Ballentine Books

ARC recieved from author

FAIR WARNING! If you haven't read the first two books in the series, If You Hear Her and If You See Her, then this review will contain some spoilers. You can find my review of the first book HERE, and I suggest that to be where you start, and my review of the second book HERE.

From Goodreads:


A SHADOW IN THE WINDOW. 

Nia Hollister doesn’t scare easily. Come hell or high water, she intends to find her cousin’s killer. She returns to Ash, Kentucky, for answers. What she doesn’t expect is to ache with desire every time she sees Law Reilly. If any man can help her escape the nightmares for a while, it’s him. But can she allow herself to take comfort in those strong arms when a murderer still roams free? 

Unknown to Nia, as she quietly slips into Law Reilly’s home, is that she’s being watched—by someone who is waiting for an opportunity to strike. 

Timing is everything, though he can’t wait forever. If she’s not frightened, she soon will be. Nia has made a vow to find her cousin’s killer. She should be careful what she wishes for.

My Thoughts:

This book was a perfect ending to the series. On the romance side of things I was so happy to see Law finally find someone, and become a little more confident in himself. In the first book I saw him as a sad little puppy dog who couldn't get the girl. In the second book he was like a big brother looking out for Hope, but Nia brings out his stronger side and he does a little more taking charge in this book, and I really liked that.


Nia is a really interesting girl. I love the bad ass persona she has, albeit the grief stricken gun wielding girl from the second book had me nervous. She's leveled out some in this book though. She comes back to Ash because she simply isn't satisfied that her cousin's murderer is really Hope's dead ex-husband. She starts digging around and finds some pretty disturbing facts.


When we discover who the killer is, and find out the totality of his MO, it's incredibly disturbing! I was excited that the killer was who I suspected though. That's my favorite part of reading a mystery, trying to figure out "who done it" before the author tells us!


This was an incredible series, I highly recommend it! My book club is reading If You Hear Her for March's meeting and I can't wait until they get into this series so I have more people to talk about it with!

Birthday Bash!

So I have been very busy for the past few days and I thought I'd show you why!

J turned 30 this weekend!! On Saturday we had a party with all of his friends and our families. I spent all of Friday night making cupcakes. I made three batches. Red Velvet cake with Cream cheese icing, Dark Chocolate cake with Orange Cream icing, and Golden Vanilla with Vanilla Buttercream icing.

I was busy, but it was all worth it. J had a good time, and after the party most of our close friends went out downtown and brought in his birthday together. His birthday was actually Sunday so we were all together when he actually turned 30!

We had such a good time. J has some really great friends and it was a really great night. So here's to the next 30!

Too much? Too cryptic?

I always struggle writing very personal posts. I filled the screen with words and then quickly deleted them all. I am having a difficult day. I want to tell you all about it, but that would decidedly be oversharing. I don't want to be cryptic and mopey, because not only is it undersharing, it is annoying.

So basically? I used to have a friend, but she's not my friend anymore. She abruptly cut me out of her life three and a half years ago. It was her decision and I really thought that she would cool off and change her mind. She didn't. I've reached out twice, and while she's not hateful, she'd clearly not interested in fixing things either.

I won't say she didn't give me a reason, she did. But the logic didn't apply to other relationships in her life. So I have always wondered why she cut me out and not everyone else.

Just so you know this wasn't just any friend. We were thick as thieves. She called my mama "Mama K" and often referred to herself as our "other sister".

So about every six months I am reminded of our friendship and the very abrupt way in which it ended. I never got any closure, and I'm still very hurt that our friendship apparently meant so little to her.

I have new friends, and they are great friends! Sometimes though, it makes me sad that I lost her. We shared a lot of really great times, and some of my best memories involve her. 

So today I'm sitting here wondering. Wondering what happened, wondering how she is now, wondering if she regrets cutting me out but is just too stubborn to try and repair the damage.

Have any of you lost a friend this way?

Its Ok Thursday! {3}

It's time for Its OK Thrusday with Neely and Amber!

ITS OK...

That I have come into work with a wet head three days this week. Waking up in the morning is not my forte and  my boss rides me about being on time. So I'll be on time, even when it means wet hair!

That I don't have a lot to say today because I keep thinking about what I need to do next.

That I hid Steph's mixer on the shelf in my closet last night because I didn't want J to see it and ask questions.

That even coffee isn't working this morning.

That my mom underestimates my ability to be superwoman ;)

That I'd rather be home reading today. My allergies are killing me and I ran out of meds last night. I would've run by the store this morning but... (see wet-head reference above)

That I was out of my element because last night was my first Wednesday night sans worship team practice. As a result my room that once looked like this:

I can't believe I'm letting people see this!

Now looks like this:

Clearly I'm not finished, but already so much better! You can see almost all of the floor!

I'm not done by any means, but it was a very productive evening! When I finish I'll post better pictures of the whole room. This is going to be my "work room".

Lent

So today is Ash Wednesday and many of us ate all kinds of fatty foods yesterday to prepare for whatever we were giving up as of today.

I am personally starting the season of Lent with a little bit of anxiety. I gave up fried food this year. My thought process had been that I need to be healthier and not junk up my body with a lot of grease. Which is still very much the case. I just didn't realize what a huge group of food I was cutting out!

Over the past few days it has been pointed out all the things I am giving up. I already knew that fast food would basically be out for me, but I now realize that mexican food is also out for me. Everything I can think of that I order when I go has something fried, even if it's just the chips in my nachos.

I'll be doing a lot of baking and broiling and roasting at home. I'll be trying out some new recipes and forcing myself to find healthier ways to prepare my food. It's going to be a good thing.

 I'm just really anxious about it. Historically I've been a really picky eater, and while I've gotten much better in the past year about branching out of my comfort zone, I still struggle with my "fall back" foods. For example almost every restaurant serves chicken fingers and fries. So if all else failed I was ok. That won't be an option for me this year. This will force me to get creative on the days I have to eat out, and I will be forced to plan my meals better. 

So that's what I gave up for Lent, what about you guys? Do you observe Lent? What did you give up this year? Anyone add a practice to their routine rather than give up something?

Gettin' Fit with Steph!

Talk to Me Tuesday is a weekly feature where I chat up some of the coolest women on the web.

Stephanie

Steph is the brains behind the blog Babe's Rockin Mami and the creator of delicious treats at Steph's Rockin Bakery. She is also a co-creator of the Flab to Fab Challenge, an online community group of individuals working together to get into their best shape! She is also a loving wife and an awesome mom. One of the few bloggers I actually get to physically "see" from time to time since we live in the same town.

Running late as usual I text Steph to say I'm on my way home to talk and J boots up my laptop and makes me coffee as I scurry in the door for the "interview" that was supposed to have started 30 minutes ago.

D: I'm here I'm here! So sorry I'm late! 

Let's chat! Allow me to get into my interview mode. 

Steph: No problem, just procrastinating on dinner. Do you need to put on glasses? 

D: I do actually! lol I can't read the screen otherwise! So what is for dinner? I'm curious.

Steph: I haven't decided. I know a salad and a veggie but I have to pick my entree. Maybe some pasta tonight. 

D: NutriSystem meals? 

Steph: Sii, There are lots of choices but nothing ever realy stands out for dinner. 

D: That's a cool deal you have there! 

(Steph is receiving free NS meals for a few months to blog about her results on the program)

So, my first three questions are: Where are you? What are you wearing? and What are you drinking?

(Yes, I stole them from Jeff Foxworthy.) 

Steph: I am in my living room on the couch wearing a stained shirt, yoga pants and slippers *laughs* Very sexy, no? 

And I'm drinking Crystal Light. I'm sure he would be ok with your stealing. 

D: I figure it's not likely he'll ever find out anyway.What kind of slippers? Are they fuzzy? *grins* 

 Steph: They are these sweater like ones. Similar to those weird boots that look like sweaters but they are slip-ons. Nate picked them out the other day, 70% off at Target! Woo! 

D: Hey, hey! I do love target, especially when they have sales! So we are talking about weight loss today! 

Steph: We are! 

D: So you have been on your own weight loss journey for a little while and in the process you've inspired a lot of other bloggers to join you! (Stephanie has teamed up with Jayme for the Flab to Fat Challenge. They have a group on FB that encourages each other and they run weekly features on their blogs. This year-long competition is open to everyone, and you can join in at any time!) Can I be nosy and ask how much you have lost so far? 

Steph: You can, I have estimated that from the beginning to now I have lost about 16lbs and 26 inches. I didn't weigh myself before I started, only a month in but I can guess. It's a big loss, but still a lot to go! 

D: But it's such a great start! 

 Steph: I know the 26 inches for a fact! *laughs* 

D: The inches are always more important to me anyway. Call me vain, but I care what I look like more than I care about the scale! 

Steph: I feel the same, the P90X has put so much muscle on my under the fat that is has also pushed the scale up. Muscle weighs more so I try not to get hung up on the pounds. 

D: Exactly. I've been making some baby steps toward getting healthy again. I'm focusing on the fact that I haven't gained anything and I've added more veggies into my diet. 

(Since the time of this convo I've also joined a dance class, and I have a standing Zumba date with my best friend, Jen) 

Steph: Not gaining is good. I went clothes shopping the other day and I was so excited that for the first time in a long time it was for SMALLER clothes! 

D: That is exciting! Have you always struggled with your weight? Or did it come with adulthood? 

Steph: Always, as long as I can remember. I was never a skinny kid! It got worse in adulthood when I was in a bad relationship and then I was able to lose 60 pounds after I ended it. Then I went and got pregnant *laughs* Now my weight doesn't just fall off anymore. 

D: Well I understand how hard it can be. I started gaining weight in the 4th grade. Since my second year of high school I've lost and gained the same 65ish pounds. 

 Steph: Mine significantly increased when I got boobs. So you get the up and down struggle! You lose then gain, and lose then gain! 

 D: Yep! 

Steph: I have been finally able to realize it's more mental than physical for me. I self sabotage myself a lot. 

 D: You have been so inspiring though! Clearly this time is different for you. Is there a reason or motivation that you haven't had before? 

Steph: I think what is different this time is that I have gotten rid of a few people in my life who were negative and hindering me and I gained a very supportive husband. I also see living as long as possible for Nate and being able to romp with him as a motivator too. I was the girl who was fat but had the 'hot mom' and I don't want him to have the 'fat mom' if that makes sense. I have also been able to look at myself objectively and try to get behind the mental roadblocks. When I was younger there was a lot of abuse and violence around me and I seemed to eat my feelings. When I got older I got into an abusive relationship and continued to do that. Now I am in a good place.

D: Being there for your family is a great motivator! I can personally attest to how great your little family unit is too!

You three seem to be a very happy family.

Steph: We actually hate each other a lot, it's a big front for everyone. *grins*

D: Ah I see!! *grins* Well don't worry I won't tell anyone!

How do you go about making time for your workouts with Nate? You must have a system in place.

Steph: Being the crazy scheduler that I am, I do! When Chris closes {at work} as soon as Nate is down for bed I start my workout. If he has been rough I wait about a half hour then get busy, workout, shower and make dinner before Chris gets home. If I have an evening plan or Chris works earlier I usually workout during Nate's nap and take a super fast shower. It can be done with kids or a job but you have to want it.

D: I believe it. I've yet to get myself into a routine. I'd like to blame it on my schedule, but motivated people such as yourself always have me facing the reality that I simply have to want it.

How do you handle the days when you're just so worn out you feel like you don't have it in you? Do you have a mantra or a mental image that spur you to do it anyway?

Steph: I didn't used to think I had time because I would rather be doing something else but I had to realize that to lose 150 pounds I'm going to have to devote time to it. The days that I don't want to do it what I usually do is tell myself "just do it for 10 minutes and if you still don't want to then stop" and usually after the 10 minutes I will keep going but there were a few times where I stopped. If you are too tired, you are too tired. But make sure you aren't just being lazy first!

D: That's a great rule!

Steph: If I'm sick or just exhausted I might skip. I think that in my 90 days of p90x I skipped less then five times for various reasons. Stomach flu, sick baby, etc.

D: I'm so jealous of you for completing P90X! That is a major accomplishment!

Steph: I was so proud of me!! I like to act like I know I will finish it but I was really unsure in the beginning. It's HARD but I did. I really think if I can do it anyone can do it!

You included!

D: I'm hoping to borrow it from a friend soon. What I would really like to to use the Insanity program, just because I think I would enjoy it more. Either way, I think a DVD is the way I need to go right now. I have a treadmill but I need to switch it up and get some complete body workouts

Steph: I like DVDs because you can do them at home and you get a pretty good workout. I have heard great things about Insanity, I may try that after my 2nd phase. Do you know people who have done it?

D: A girl I know from high school did it. She's actually a personal trainer now and she highly recommends it.

Steph: You should try it then!

D: I really should!

J's been looking for a sale or used copy for me. Hopefully soon!

Steph: I used to do abs of steel and thighs of steel on VHS when I was like 22 haha I loved those tapes! 

D: I remember a group of girls in college that would bring in an old Denise Richards DVD and we'd all do it together - while laughing at the clothes. You burn even more calories that way!

Steph: I love those clothes...if I was smaller I would so rock a unitard.

D: *laughs*Yeah? Well then, what do you say to that? 

Steph: Not in public or anything, well, maybe I would go take a class at the gym complete with sweatbands and leg warmers.

Hmmm, maybe I should do that when I get to goal weight. There is that jazzercise place downtown.

D: Oh yeah, I do want some legwarmers!

A little different from my goal clothes though.

I've been looking at corsets and fitted skirts, but you know...

That's just me *grins*

Steph: I don't even have goal clothes yet. I just want to be able to go into a store and just buy something anything off the rack in the 'normal' stores where you can get a jacket on winter clearance for $10 and don't have to wonder if it will fit next year.

D: I understand that sentiment! I need new clothes so bad but I keep waiting to get smaller clothes because I don't want to risk going shopping and discovering I need a size up!

So that settles it!

I'm getting up early tomorrow to get on the treadmill!

Gotta start somewhere.

Steph: You can do it! A little bit is better then nothing at all!

D: And a little bit everyday will add up! then I can do more because I'll have more energy! It can be done!

Steph: You will get SO much more energy! AND it takes like a week before you notice. Today is my day off and I wanted to workout just to use up some energy!

D: That's awesome! Tomorrow it is! So it's been great talking to you! 

Don't forget to check out Steph's blog and the Flab to Fab Challenge!


Wanna chat? Check out the Talk To Me Tuesday page for details on how to be a featured guest!

Mondays with Missie: Surprises

Missie strummed her nails against the wood laminate tabletop. She’d waited three days later to answer Tommy’s text. She lied of course, saying it hadn’t come through until the day before. She suggested he meet her for lunch at Juan’s down the street from the complex.

“Hey!” Tommy slid in across the booth from her and offered a smile.

“Hey yourself!” Missie grinned and got their waiter’s attention. Once they had placed their order she leaned against the table.

“So what is going on?” She asked.

Tommy shrugged, “Nothing anymore. Kendra and I fought. I thought it was over but we patched things up, so.”

He was fidgeting, playing with the white paper that had covered the straw now floating in his tea. She heard what he wasn’t saying. He’d been mad at Kendra, and hoped to hook up with Missie.

She leaned back in the booth and sighed. She wanted to ask why he was still with the girl that drove him to the point of insanity on a monthly basis, but she knew better than to question a friend’s relationship. That always backfired. So she took a side approach.

“I’m glad you are happy Tommy. You deserve to be happy.”

He shrugged in response and dismissed the conversation with a wave. He asked about work and Gina. Even though she was his cousin he didn’t keep up with her. He knew she was with Josh, but he probably didn’t know how serious they were.

They chatted until their food arrived and then ate in a companionable silence. Tommy finished first and talked to her about his little brother’s football team while she finished. Bobby went to the same high school Missie had attended and it was fun to hear about the kids that were there now.

“Hi Missie,” She heard the voice off to her left and felt a large hole where her stomach had been five minutes ago. She glanced at Tommy first and his expression confirmed her gut was on target. She put a smile on her face and turned to face the only boy who had ever broken her heart.

“Hi, Brian.”

What a week!

I have to say, I'm kind of glad this long week is OVER!

Yesterday was insane. First I slept through my alarms and I was a half hour late for work. Then there was no internet ALL DAY! I rely on the internet!

So anyway my weekend recap. As I mentioned Thursday I tend to paint my nails a lot. So these were my nail colors this week.

 Of course I used my new Essie Matte About You top coat with all of them. I love it!

And it was my last week of practice at the church. I'm taking a break from singing with the worship team because I basically just don't have enough time right now. I'm excited about the extra time I'll have, but I'm a little bummed. I've been singing with these guys for about 6 years now! Of course I was asked to help with an education series and I'll be working on that for the next month of Mondays.

My favorite coffee mug. If I only I would listen to it!

All in all though, it was just a really long week and I am kinda glad it's over. Although now I have to deal with J's birthday party next weekend so I'm sure it'll be a whole new set of stress this week :) Oh well, Que sera, sera!

Its Ok Thursday! {2}

Today is Its Ok Thursday with Neely and Amber!

ITS OK that I actually cried when I got home Sunday night because I hated leaving my family.

ITS OK to continually and shamelessly plug my Etsy Shop because I need all the money I can get for J's birthday party!

ITS OK that I sampled all of the goodies I took to work for Valentine's Day (just to make sure everything was up to par).

ITS OK that I feel like a kid playing house on nights that J stays over.

ITS (really) OK that I got aerobic dance classes for Valentine's Day! I was so excited about this class but stressed over the cost, so J gave it to me for V-day!!

ITS OK that I'm stressing over what to wear to J's birthday party in a few weeks because I'm meeting a lot of his college friends for the first time.

ITS OK that I only get into the "clean up and clean out" mode when it's a special occasion.

ITS OK that I had chips and dip for dinner the other night because I was too lazy to cook for myself.

ITS OK that I paint my nails multiple times a week because I hate chipped nails (and I get bored quickly).

Meet Edenfantasys!

Since I'm here on a new blog with some new friends I feel like I'm starting fresh! So I want to reintroduce you, or perhaps introduce you for the first time, to my favorite online company, EdenFantasys.

EdenFantasys is an online sex shop and they have so much to offer! It's more than a retail site, it's a community where you can get involved and earn points to count towards your purchases! Just by setting up an account and creating a wishlist, you're going to earn points that convert directly into giftcards that you can use!

With EdenFantasys you can shop for sex toys, sensual romance aids, books, DVDs, lingerie, and luxurious bath and body products. With that kind of selection there is something for everyone!

If you're new to the idea of buying things to spice it up in the bedroom, you may think that receiving a package from a sex store would be embarassing. That's where you'd be wrong! You see the packaging is so discreet. I would be comfortable having this shipped to my mom's house! In fact I often have the shipping boxes sitting around the apartment when my mom visits and I can guarantee that she's never had any idea.

Of course there are always great articles on Eden Cafe and great giveaways every week! If you are a facebook fan you can get some great deals that way too. There are just so many ways to plug in with EdenFantasys and I think that anyone and everyone will find something that they just have to have.

My next big purchase will be one of these...

Image borrowed from EdenFantasys.com

The Original Toibocks looks like a jewelry box but there is a hidden compartment that can only be unlatched with a magnetic key. It's perfect for the small items you want to get to quickly, but don't want to be easily accessed by little hands or prying eyes.

If you've never visited EdenFantasys take some time to check out their site. Everything might not be for you, but I guarantee you will find something you love and you won't be disappointed.