Thursdays are Happy Days!

I love Thursdays. In part it's because tomorrow is Friday, in part it's because I do enjoy link-ups, and yet another part is because this particular Thursday is also payday. Granted, a lot of that paycheck is spoken for, but nonetheless there is money in the bank.

So it's Thursday, and ITS OK...

To only be half looking forward to the weekend because while I love seeing my family, I'm not super excited about the activity.

To be excited that tonight I might actually work on jewelry orders in my new space! Between moving and being sick Tuesday I haven't really had a chance.

To be sad that I didn't make it to the track last night. It was just too late by the time we finished with dinner.

To spend a lot of time looking for healthy recipes for my favorite foods because I just can't make myself eat food I don't like in order to lose weight.

That I have been having really really weird engagement/wedding related dreams and I'm not even engaged yet? (Maybe this one isn't so ok...)

To be very ready for lunch with my bestie!

To be going crazy with braids! I love my long hair but it's getting hot and I need it off of my neck!

To pimp out Neely's 1500 Follower Giveaway again because apparently I'm allowed to do this more than once, and I want to win :)

What's OK with you this week? Link-up with Neely and Amber!

Starbucks Confession

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I don't like Starbucks's ground coffee.

I know! Everyone loves Starbucks (myself included) but for me it's only for specialty drinks, and even then I prefer Bella Latte (gasp)

I'm not a wuss, the coffee isn't too strong (my family was in auto body repair I know strong), it's too bitter. IMHO it has a strong acidic taste that keeps me from enjoying it, and because I drink my coffee black, there is no masking it.

I drink it when necessary because let's face it Starbucks Coffee is better than no coffee. As a rule though I prefer just about any other coffee.

I give props though, I love their Mochas, and I love their baked goods. It's still great for breakfast and coffee dates. I just avoid the actual coffee.

Do you have something that you just don't like that everyone else does?

Getting Settled!

I'd like to say a special thanks to those who have served our country and their families for making a sacrifice for our safety.

Today I'm not partying it up like most people. I'm finally moved (more or less) and I'm taking advantage of the day off to relax and settle into my new space. There will be a few small trips over the next couple of weeks but the majority of it is done. Liam is settled at J's place, and I'm settled at grandma's. She's already got a grocery list for me to shop this afternoon :)

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day!!

Two in One. You're Welcome.

Source: someecards.com via Danielle on Pinterest

Its OK

... to use this post to tell you about Neely's fabulous 1500 Follower Giveaway! She's giving away 15 awesome prizes to one lucky winner and I want it to be me! So I'm telling you so I can get more entries :) Yep, that's what just happened.

...that instead of completely exhausting me, moving has totally psyched me up. Once I'm done I'm sure I will crash, but the more I purge the lighter I feel. It's awesome!

... that I'm excited that today is my "Work Friday", but I realize that since I'll be packing/cleaning/moving tomorrow it's probably not as great as it would normally be.

...that while I love my precious Liam, I might be a little excited that he will be with J and not underfoot while I work on my various projects at my grandmothers.

...that I'm litterally dying to get my Vox Box from Influenster! Now that I know what's in it I'm particularly excited to try out the products! i'm so impatient that way sometimes.

...that I'm doing two link-ups today :)

Little Delights Project

I found a new blog through pinterest yesterday. Brooke at The Little Delights in Life has some of the most awesome Cake Tutorials! She also has a weekly link-up called Little Delights Project. So here are my 5 little delights this week!

1. Learning to paint. I'm an amateur but it's so much fun!

2. Getting rid of 15 bags of stuff! (and still counting!)

3. Parking in a driveway instead of a parking lot.

4. My new business logo stamp :)

5. Spending time with my sweetie! He's been such a huge help this week!

Picture Note: For starters, this was after we'd loaded up both SUVs and I especially was very hot and sweaty.

Also, after the first pic I told J to open his eyes. The second pic is what I got. Oh well, he's goofy but he's mine and I love him :) 

Bandwagons... gotta love 'em

So the heavy down pour of rain literally dampened my plans for moving last night, but I managed to get 3/4 of my closet to my grandmother's and I have two more bags of trash and one more bag for the thrift store.

Current Count:

9 bags for trash

5 bags for thrift store

1 box of books for trade in

I also thought I'd jump on the 'Things I Love' bandwagon so here it goes.

I Love

...Black coffee. Yes, I'm racist when it comes to coffee, only black will do.

...Unless it's a Raspberry Mocha, then I guess it's kinda bi-racial, but it's also amazing.

...Red Wine

...Sangria

Source: southernliving.com via Danielle on Pinterest

...Malibu Rum

...Sweet Tea

(hmm, I seem to love a lot of beverages)

...Lip Balm (EOS Summer Berry is my fav right now)

...Reading. Seriously, the perfect day consists of curling up under a blanket to read an entire book in one sitting.

...Making jewelry that people love. It's very validating for me.

...Lingerie.

Source: tumblr.com via Danielle on Pinterest

...Laying out in the sun. I love feeling the sun on my skin. I hate that my job keeps me inside all day!

...Getting Thank You notes from clients. It makes all the bad days seem worth it.

...Sunday afternoon naps.

...Girl's Night with my friends.

...Visiting my family.

and plenty more but my brain just said it was finished so. I'm out for now :)

Also, check out my new friend Holli's Blog! I was excited to help her with a new design and she is only 2 followers away from 50 so give the girl some love :)

Moving... again.

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So I was talking with my sis the other day and we realized that this would be my fifth move in six years. It's the eleventh move in my lifetime, and that doesn't count college or that one summer before senior year when I crashed with my friend Danielle in this tiny little house with a very unfortunate hot water issue. Craziness. This moving stuff is for the birds. On the bright side, I par down my junk every time.

I've decided to keep a tally of stuff I throw out.

So far:

7 bags for trash

4 bags for thrift store

1 box of books to trade in for store credit :)

So now my work table and all of my jewelry and crafting supplies are tucked safely into my new room at my grandmother's house. Tonight we are moving a chest of drawers, and a kitchen table to J's apartment. The plan is to take more clothes and personal items to my grandmother's Wednesday, and Thursday is set aside for dinner with my dad and taking stuff to his house for storing. I'm off Friday so my four day weekend is dedicated to packing, moving, and cleaning. With a little luck my apartment will be cleared out by next week. If not I work five minutes away and I can swing by after work for small loads each day. My lease isn't technically up til the end of June, but my weekends are so busy next month I was afraid I wouldn't get it done if I waited. I have a habit of moving during the holidays. Last year it was 4th of July. Huh.

J's an angel. He and I are moving me by ourselves this time, except we have to find someone to come help him move my treadmill. It's the only thing I own that is too heavy for me to help him with. Everything else breaks down.

So send some prayers and happy thoughts my way this week! I'm gonna need them.

I finally slept!! (and ate a blueberry)

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So after weeks of running around feeling like I would never be rested again, I finally got some sleep this weekend. I slept in until 11:30 Saturday morning! Not to be outdone J stayed in bed until 1:00pm, but whatever :) I worked on cleaning out closets and I had three large garbage bags for the dumpster, and 3 for the thrift store. I'm no where near finished but it was a very large dent and I'm proud of it.

My sister spent the night Saturday night and despite staying up talking and laughing at people on facebook we actually went to sleep at a decent hour. I tried to convince her to actually start using her blog and even tried to ply her with a cute blog design that involved owls. Alas, she is convinced she has nothing to blog about. (Because I do?) When I pointed out how hilarious she was with the facebook commentary she simply stated, "But I can't blog about this! No one would like me anymore." Which could be somewhat valid. But in all fairness, those people deserve her snarky humor, because they are crazy. CRAZY.

So I slept until like 10ish on Sunday and went for lunch with Jen and Smash before hitting another bridal shower. We also planned our kick-ass surprise bachelorette party because we're awesome like that. Many pictures to come when it's all over :)

Then last night I had dinner with J and his parents and sister. They now know that he is keeping my cat when I move which I'm sure implies all sorts of things, but they seemed to love giving him a hard time about it so I think they are cool with where we seem to inevitably be heading. Also, I love his parents. His mom loves red wine as much as I do and that makes me very happy :)

Also, I had my first blueberry last night. How I've lived 27 years without a fresh blueberry I do not know. Now I've had one though, and it was heaven. I will have more very soon!

Why do we Lie?

So, I almost titled this post "Don't Lie", but then people wouldn't read the post because they would think that was all I had to say. Then I briefly considered, "How stupid do you think I am?" and I quickly determined that wasn't a good idea because number one I wasn't the recipient of the recent lying, and also because I was afraid some of you might answer in the comments and then I would have a really bad day and cry because I'm PMSing.

Also, I'm reading Jenny Lawson's Let's Pretend This Never Happened and I'm in the mood to tell you every crazy thing that runs through my head.

The premise of this post? Lying is Bad.

I know, you're thinking that I could have simply titled to post "Duh", written that one sentence and you'd be over it already, because seriously, who doesn't know that?

Well, really bad criminals and of course they lie because they don't want to go to jail and wear those really ugly jumpsuits and only wash with soap because scrubs and loofahs aren't a luxury I think they give you in jail.

Obviously though criminals aren't the only ones who seem to think that lying is perfectly acceptable in day to day living. 

This is what I've notice. People either A) want everyone to like them so they lie to make themselves look better or at least not as bad as they think they will look if they tell the truth, or B) they've really screwed up and they want to pass it off on you (or some other innocent bystander).

There are also those instance when you can't possibly fathom why someone did that to begin with and so there is the huge lie that looks more like a false alibi because really it is much easier to believe that they were at the grocery store rather than freeing animals at the zoo downtown and leaving them to run out into the freeways and die and cause major traffic accidents.

My point, yes, I'm getting there.

Why can't we all just get along? Doesn't everyone over the age of 21 realize by now that none of us are perfect and as long as our intentions aren't malicious, honesty is always the best policy? I mean, everyone gets caught lying eventually. How can you keep up with all of that. I'd rather say - Hey, I did this. I didn't realize at the time that this would happen and I'm really sorry about it. Are we cool?

Cause seriously, if I made an honest mistake or only slightly screwed something up, who is going respond with - No Damnit! Why didn't you just lie to me so I could be angry that the restaurant messed up my order instead of knowing that you simply forgot to tell them I didn't want mayo on my burger!

No one. I mean, probably someone but no one that I care to be friends with so, yeah.

Now if you're lying because you realize that it would be better for your mother to think that you were sick and your boyfriend was in the bathroom holding your hair away from your face than to realize that the two of you left the bathroom at the same time because he was fucking you on the sink counter because that would be traumatizing for her? Then yeah, go ahead and do that. And for example if your best friend asks for your opinion on a dress she wants to buy and it makes her look like a malformed human sausage, maybe you could stick with, "It's really not my favorite, I think you look better in A-line dresses." (Not a lie, just not quite so brutal.)

So the short version of several long stories? I know a lot of people who lie about really stupid stuff. Like, what time they left dinner because they don't want someone to know they didn't call the second they got in the car, or saying that they got their information from a third party because they don't want to admit that they were actually present for whatever act the boyfriend/girlfriend did because if their friend is in denial they don't want to be the one to shatter it for them. These lies end up making the situation worse, and eventually they get caught in their crazy collection of lies when the truth wasn't all that bad to begin with.

So yeah, that's all I wanted to say today. Lying is bad, don't do it.

Disclaimer: None of my examples are actually lies that spurred the writing of this post so if any of my friends or family are reading and you are thinking, oh good she's not talking about me.... I probably actually am ;)

Have a great weekend!

Its OK Thursday {11}

I'm linking up with Neely and Amber for Its Ok Thursday!

ITS OK

... that all I have wanted all day was to get back in my jammies and under the covers. I am really really tired today for some reason.

... that I'm getting really excited about my business and asking myself has I can maybe move up my timeline on being self-employed because I LOVE what I'm doing.

... that I've adopted dragonflies as my thing. I tried to avoid it for a long time cause it was my mom's thing, but I simply cannot resist reality anymore. I love them.

... I'm ready, more then ever, for it to be the weekend. I'm ready to sleep without an alarm clock.

That's it. i'm sluggish and unmotivated today. What do you all do when your week is just not going according to plan?

EdenFantasys & Bachelorette Parties

So this is a big year for weddings in my circles of friends. I've been to one already, another this summer, and two more before long. Obviously that comes with bachelorette parties (one of the best parts of a wedding if you ask me).

Edenfantasys has a lot to offer the bride-to-be. They've always carried gorgeous lingerie, but now they have a specific Wedding Shoppe section on their site dedicated to that little something new, or something blue :)

Via

EdenFantasys is also a great place to shop for other things you'll need the night of the party! In their Party Favors and Gags section you'll find party ware and gag favors for the bachelorette gang, as well as some game ideas! My favorite bachelorette party game is decorate the panties. Some of you have done it I'm sure. You have a pack of cotton panties in the bride's size and a bunch of permanent markers. Each guest decorates a pair and the bride-to-be chooses the best design!

Of course my favorite bachelorette party memory was two summers ago when my friend Lys got a full-body stocking (fishnet) from her PASTOR'S WIFE! It was awesome. She turned fifty shades of red! (You thought I was going to say grey didn't you? It's all anyone's talking about. Must read that book soon.)

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Don't forget to pick up surcee gifts at checkout! A multi-pack of edible lubes breaks down into great gift favors, so do other lotions, lubes, or small bullets, depending on your crowd.

I'm looking forward to the next bachelorette bash, because I get to help my friends Jen and Smash plan it! It's always fun to help get ready for these things. How about you ladies? Any great bachelorette party stories? Maybe you have some great game ideas you want to share, I'd love to hear them!

Crash and Reboot (or just another Monday)

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So I'm finally back, or at least I think I am. After two non-stop weeks, I had the typical minor major breakdown and this morning I have a crying hangover... ah the joy of my normal.

However, I do think that for at least a couple of weeks my schedule has thinned out so that I can do some of the things that I need to do for me, this involves packing, moving, and filling orders from the awesome jewelry show I had last weekend!

Here are a few of the things I've been doing...

Went to Design with Wine twice. One birthday, and one "oh yeah I have the LS voucher and it expires this week.

Spent a fairly significant amount of time with my family. Always fun times :)

Sat through this trial. (50 years for this scumbag, woo hoo!)

Had a lot of fun with with my Lexington girls at the Wine Walk.

I also celebrated Mother's Day, my sister's birthday, my mom's birthday and my boyfriend's sister's graduation this past weekend. 

I've started making personalized note cards, jewelry display hangers, and this week I'll be making a set of magnets. I'm excited for my fall booth displays. I also found out that I will probably be getting an order for one of my snowman blankets soon. I'm so excited about the future of my business right now.

That's all I've been doing really.

Happy Monday!!

Popping in!

So I'm kinda crazy right now, running around without an extra minute to try and put an intelligent blog post together. Hopefully I'll get it back together for next week. But I saw this on pinterest and thought I'd share :)

Source: fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net via Kristen on Pinterest

True, yes?

Until things are no longer sideways...

ITS OK Thursday {10}

I'm feeling free as a bird, because it's Thursday! And it's also my "Friday" at work.

So here goes,

ITS OK

... that I'm getting of at 2pm to go home and do laundry and pack for the weekend so I can go spend the evening with friends and then stay over with J.

... that I'm really excited about some of my new designs and I can't wait to show them off at the Jewelry Show Saturday!

... that I skipped breakfast this morning. I was in a hurry, whatever.

... that I've drank A LOT of coffee this morning. Whatever fills the belly.

... that this is soo me right now...

Source: someecards.com via Danielle on Pinterest

... that I forgot to take pics while I made my super awesome jewelry organizer last night. I will make more and do a DIY post then. I'm thinking Christmas presents.

... that when I "cooked" last night, I totally fixed frozen lasagna and texas toast.

... that I know exactly what I want to get my mom for Mother's Day, which is why I haven't bought anything yet. I'm being picky, and I don't want to over pay. If anyone has suggestions on affordable dragonfly stationary/notecards/sets, please feel free to let me know.

... that I'm soo excited about being off tomorrow! I love a long weekend, even if it's busy.

... that I'm seeing my family this weekend! Yay! I can't get enough of them, I wish they lived a little closer!

That's all I've got today. What's ok with you?

Weigh-In Week #2

So it's the end of my second full week of more exercise and better eating habits. I wish I could say it was a complete success but unfortunately I had no loss this week. I was disappointed because this weekend I was down another pound so I was looking forward to a good loss, but for whatever reason that was a no go. 

As far as confessions there was the chocolate yesterday (too much), and I went to a wedding on Saturday with lots of drinks and a candy bar. (Eek) BUT I danced like a crazy girl so I burned calories! *grin*

Anyway, better luck next week for me I guess. Of course we are having a Sundae Social at work this afternoon, but I'll just have a little bit.

This is me with a couple of girls in my dance class. I look a mess, but it was a fun night. (Jen couldn't make it, so we were 'scolding' her.)

Delicious Chocolate...

Chocolate is my weakness. I can't say no to it. I can turn down a lot of things, but when my co-worker came in with a box of Russell Stover's Chocolate Truffles, I was done for.

Three pounds of chocolate truffles!!! Who needs that?!

I've had at least 6 chocolates today (7? 8? Agh!). I wanted to do so good today because I weigh in tomorrow morning. And when I cheated checked my progress Sunday I was down another pound already! Could these chocolates cancel my progress? I hope not!

I vow to work my ass off in Dance Class tonight, and I will not eat any snacks after dinner, I may even throw in an extra 20 minutes on the treadmill for good measure. Here's hoping the scale is good to me tomorrow.

Side Note: The "Elegant Giveaway" ends tomorrow night so get those last minute entries in if you want this series and an adorable pearl and crystal bracelet!