beautiful

came home today after going back for my grandmother's funeral. too many emotions, too many things to say. i put a beautiful picture of her on our mantle.

my daughter says "mom, your grandma is beautiful. she has pretty lipstick and .. mom, does she love kids? it looks like she loves kids" and i said "jael, my grandma loved kids the most "she said "what if she forgot her toothbrush going to heaven and gets cavities?"... i tried not to cry.. then she just hugged my leg and said "mom, i love you... its hard to let go of something you love so much huh?"

my little girl... she's only 3 years old and so compassionate and wise.

my grandmother was beautiful... so beautiful. it is hard to let go of something you love so much...

humble hands

This Christmas eve I lost my grandmother who was so precious and dear to me. She was so many things to me that I cannot fully grasp that she is gone. I contemplated writing about it, but thought it might help me sort out my thoughts and fully accept things more.

I grew up with my grandmother, in many ways she raised me. When I was young she lived with us and shared a room. I loved her.

humble. sweet. quiet. loving. hard working. giving. beautiful... so many words come to mind. She woke every morning and sang her favorite hymns, prayed and read the word aloud. Every night she did the same thing. The sound of her reading and praying is so clear in my mind and such a comfort to me. She was shy, kept to herself.. never wanted to inconvenience anyone.. always served.

Her passing came as a shock to all of us. Knowing we only had days, I was blessed to be able to sit by her bedside and hold her hand. share good memories, apologize for things I could have done better, and thank her for instilling in me so many fundamental truths that made me who I am today. With her kids, with her grandkids... she always loved. Even when we were unloveable... she loved.

She went to be with the Lord on Christmas Eve as family sang her favorite hymns. Fitting that the next day was Christmas. This is why Jesus came... so that beautiful souls like her could live in eternity. What a beautiful lady.

My heart is sad because she is no longer here, but my spirit is happy to know she is with the Lord. There is no more sadness, sorrow, hurt, worry or pain. Just praise, dancing and love.

What a lovely lady... I miss her...and love her so much. Thankful for the life she lived and that she was part of mine. words cannot say enough....sarang hae yo halmuni....

Jesus Couture

touch

we were at el pollo loco today and they have these new touch screen coke machines that are amazing! its just one machine, 106 flavors...i think it made our day! haha...

i feel like i live in the future. ipods, touch screens... all i need is a hovercraft.

on another note, we had the privelege to be a part of Team Focus today. a great group that was created to mentor and disciple fatherless youth boys... what a great day. I got to share a little bit and was glad i was given that opportunity. God is good.. changing lives. I am amazed at the life I have. if you told me 15 years ago that i would have the life I have now, I would have laughed and probably sadly said "yeah right". I am so glad that God has greater vision, hope, love and plans than I do. I love that guy...

Festive Fingers

here are a couple of quick nail tutorials for Christmas. Have a beautiful day everyone!

snowcapped tips

Santa Claus ho ho ho

How to use a Hair Bobble

i didn't realize how many people didn't know how to use a hair bobble. hopefully this is helpful to follow and learn! have a beautiful week my peeps!

Christmas Gift Ideas

Hey everyone! I thought I'd help out with some Christmas gift ideas. each picture will be clickable to where you can purchase them. I will add new things as I find them so keep checking back!

$5 and under

$20 and under

$30 and under

$50 and under

$100 and under



$200 and under

if you have more than $500 to spend, I'll give you my address and shipping address. haha!

Reflection

what a wonderful weekend. i got to share just a little bit at a ladies tea...and even though i cried through most of it, it was good. i always say that if your experiences can make one other person think, be thankful, understand, or encourage just a little bit...than it is worth it.

came home and was thinking about the good friends i have. they are honest with me, open, and tell it like it is. i've always been a pretty open person i guess. susie says i'm very transparent. one of my best traits..but also my tragic flaw.
so i am always thankful when people are open and up front with me. friends are like mirrors. they help you see things about yourself you can't see on your own. sometimes you don't like it, but it doesn't mean its not true. and on the other hand sometimes its hard to accept that you are beautiful, creative..and having a good hair day. haha!
anyways, so today as i reflect i am thankful for all the mirrors in my life that show me what i can't see...

Ellen Degeneres

so. ok.. first off. i realize i did a AMAZING job editing this video, and said the same thing twice.. but i was excited.. haha!!

so i have been saying its gonna happen somehow.. maybe this is my way!

Thanksgiving

I am thankful for SOOOOO many things! I wish I could list them all, but here's a few...and a video about thankfulness!

-our troops who leave their families to fight for our freedom, and to their families who stay behind and stay strong while their moms, dads, wives, husbands, fathers, brothers, sisters, daughters, sons are off fighting... we love you and appreciate all you are doing for us! i wish the news would spend more time on honoring these people and their families, especially those who have lost loved ones instead of doing weekly specials on heidi and spencer and what madonna is wearing!

-good in laws! i am blessed and so loved by all the Brattruds.(Bekah, I know you are an Arsanto now.. but I include you in this fo sho) You each, individually are amazing.. even the ones in the oven!

-God's provision in our lives and for our lives

-the internet, so we can share, grow, and encourage people we would have never met otherwise!

oOooh.. the oven is beeping, gotta go! happy thanksgiving everyone!

circle lenses

i know circle lenses have been big for a long time now.. but since anyone can buy them online without a prescription, from overseas.. you really don't know what you are getting. there have been numerous cases of people having permanent damage and even going blind due to the low quality of circle lenses they are wearing. cuteness is not worth blindness.
i have found these ones made by acuvue, a reputable contact lens company. their contacts are 'medical' while other circle lenses are considered 'cosmetic'.
so please be careful with your beautiful eyes!!

there can't be a rainbow without a little rain...

so our good friend who we call 'coach', because.. well.. he's a coach, came over yesterday to fix drew's truck. we have to have atleast ONE working vehicle right?! my beautiful friend sarah came to my rescue again and let us borrow her car so i could pick up kids and take my kids to church today.
sunday school craft? check. kids toys? check. snacks? check. offering? check. good attitude? check.
just as i am about to leave my phone rings.... *sigh.
"uh jeannie? can you come pick me up? my tire blew on the freeway".

REALLY!?!?!?!??!!? i had to laugh. i'm now not surprised or phased by this little 'thing' we are going through. 5 cars in 2 weeks...

so i packed my kids and one of the youth girls in the car and was off to rescue my husband. when we got there, we loaded up the projector screen and Drew crouched/crammed/ squished into the back and off we were to church.

all i can say is... God is good.

i rarely get to sit in worship, but today.. i told myself i need to worship.. even if just for one song. so i did. i sang loud, and praised Him. for being Good, for being our Provider... for being our Strength.

After service Mrs. Tucker (one of the ladies who came to the scene with her husband when i got in the accident) said something so interesting to me... she said " i don't know how to say this the right way.. but when i was standing on the offramp after your accident, I saw Drew walking up the ramp with Jael on his shoulders and Jehu in the stroller. They were all happy, she was happy, he was happy, and Drew was happy pushing the stroller up the off ramp. Strangely the first thing I thought was 'wow, jeannie has a good life'. I know its weird thinking that when you just got in an accident, but Jeannie.. you do.. you have a good life."

and I do. I have a good life. and i know it.

my life wasn't always like this.. so i am thankful every day. for love. for beautiful kids, for a husband that loves me. things don't matter... THEY are what matter, relationships matter... so today with the rain still trickling outside my hope is still growing...

thank you guys for reading, and hope you know that you are loved too :)

a little rain...

today it is raining.. a little from the sky, a little from my eyes, a little from my heart.

its been a tough couple of weeks.
news of my grandma's health fading, 2 accidents, husbands truck dead, borrowed car dead...

i couldn't sleep last night. my neck was killing me. sharp pains from my chin down to my arm. woke up and decided i needed to see a doctor. apparently i have a badly sprained neck and am having spasms.
on the way home from doctor, in another borrowed car.. i had to stop by the body shop to collect all our belongings out of my totalled car. it was sad. didn't want to say bye. its not final, but pretty sure.
i sat in the back of my mangled car, with the rain dripping through the cracked windshield. and i cried. prayed. and cried. God moves in answer to prayer right? so i asked. "God, i have hope.. provide for us.. in a big way"
as i was driving i got a call from my husband... the great gap insurance which sounded good, is good.. just not that good. whatever money we get from the accident goes back to honda.. and then whatever is left over in payment...is covered by gap insurance. so... after kelly blue booking our car, it looks like we might get about $12.oo. yes. TWELVE dollars.
cried again.

as i was pulling up to our house i thought, i'm gonna check the mail. why can't there be a big anonymous check? right? then i prayed. "God, just show me that you CAN..." i turned the key with my eyes closed, looked inside. nope. just two bills. of course.. then i crouched down and looked again.. just in case. far back was a little red envelope jammed up against the back.
a little note from drew's cousin saying 'we are praying for you' and a check saying "thought you might enjoy this, we are praying for you".
it wasn't enough to buy a car. but its enough for me to know that God hears my prayers... and He is good, and He WILL provide.

Thank you Josh and Rebekah Kapcynski.. for being a little umbrella on my heart today.. and turning my sad tears, to tears of hope.

God is good.. He will provide.. and I will blog about it :)

Sigma Brushes

so i've been wanting sigma brushes for a long time... but really, they weren't even an option. i couldn't justify buying makeup brushes when we have bills to pay. i have to admit i settled for 'comparible' brushes... and now that i have the sigma brushes. they are NOT comparible.

i got 2 of the high definition (f80 and f82) sigmax brushes FREE using my swagbucks. its the only way i could feel okay about getting them! so finally today they arrived.. and they are AMAZING!

they are so dense that they don't waste product and the fibers are shorter to get a more precise application. i have to say, they are worth the price. FO SHO.

so i know i should be the spokesperson for swagbucks.. but for real, this way i get stuff i want without feeling guilty! you use it just like google or any other search engine, earn points and then redeem them for prizes.. i always go for giftcards...


swag away!!!

drew and me

how to: High Bun

so the bunny bun is back in.. just super high on your head. i made a quick video on how to do it. here are some pics. i did mine and sarah's the same, just pulled it out a little different. enjoy!

perspective

what is going on.
so yesterday I got in another accident.
we had a record high at church, went to lunch and was on the way to the park to watch the boys play basketball.
the kids had fallen asleep in the back, and as I was approaching the off ramp that was under construction and lined on both sides with barricades I saw a ball of wire. about the size of a tumbleweed. I couldn't tell if it was soft, hard...but because of the accident I had last week, I could hear the officer saying "if there is an obstruction in the road, you have to do whatever you can to avoid it". so I swirved around it, but the opening to the offramp was too narrow. the tip of my car hit one barricade and I hit the opposite wall, back and forth four or five times like a pinball machine.
At the first hit I said "oh no", but then when I hit the second time.. the car started tilting back and forth and it felt like we were going faster. Hit after hit I cried out to God "God, help us! LOOOOOORRRRRDDD".
I have never been full of so much fear, so quickly in my life. The horrible thought of something happening to one of my kids is unbearable. as I hit I kept thinking "no, please.. it can't end like this!".
when it finally stopped I was so scared to look back at the kids.

Jehu looks at me and goes "woah" and grins.. like it was fun for him.
and then Jael goes "mom, why did you hit the walls? now how are we gonna get to the park?"

oh. my.

luckily a police car was driving right behind me. she said all she saw was a big cloud of smoke go up and thought 'oh dear'. I guess my front tires blew up which caused the smoke.

when I got out of the car, I could not believe it. unbelievable.

the officer then said something quite interesting. she said "are you a christian?"
and I said "yes..definitely a christian" and she says "ok, I just feel in my spirit your family must be doing something really great... the devil is trying to keep you down. has other things been happening to you?" and I say "well, I got in an accident last week and my husbands truck broke down"..... she then gave me a hug and said "don't give up, He's doing good things through you"

wow.

I have to say, at one moment I felt like a damsel in distress and could see my prince in the distance. I wish I had a camera and non-shakey arms to take a picture..
The sun was setting and I could see a trail of dust.. Drew was running up above on the mounds of dirt that were piled up for construction, he slid all the way down to where our car was. I could see him running as fast as he could.. and it made me feel safe, so loved.

our good friends the Tuckers came and helped us. It is so good to have people who are calm and under control around.. I am so thankful for them.

At the end of all this. all I care about is that my kids are healthy and happy. a car is just a car.. objects are replaceable.. people are not.

Sarah came over that night with some coffee and to drop off her car for us to use.. again. not even a thought, she just came. such a good friend with a lovely heart. We still had the borrowed car from last week so we are good... but am so thankful for friends like her.

so with a stiff neck and sore body,many hours of crying, waking up in panic... I am so thankful that God has good plans for me and my family. that He protects us.. and that He IS doing great things...
ain't nobody gonna hold us down!!

torn.

today was an interesting day. bitter-sweet.
sometimes i don't like discovering things. ugh. i'm trying to be vague...but its hard to be honest when you are vague.

*ahem.
so today i realized a lot of things about people...and about myself. i get hurt easy. i am hypersensitive...and i feel let down a lot. i feel like i truly give myself to people, in friendship, in relationships.. if i'm in i'm in, if i'm not.. i get out.
i think it is a hard realization when many of the people you pour yourself into, very frequently, undoubtedly let you down. its sad. it hurts.
on the other hand, there are people who give and give. who love unconditionally. who are loyal, humble, loving... are there when you need them to be. like a true friend should be.
so today i was a bit torn. hurt. but happy. i allowed myself to feel let down, but just for a moment. i didn't want to allow that to overshadow all the love, and good relationships that filled my home. so today i am thankful for those....

i've heard the quote "don't make someone a priority, when to them you are only an option" many times. the truth is, i still make people a priority even when i know i am not a priority to them. even if they are not a good friend to me, i will still be a good friend to them. i guess it is something i don't understand, and i don't want to...because as long as i don't understand it, i won't be it.

the biggest and most important friend to me is my husband. today he listened, he extinguished fires in my heart, he encouraged me, loved me, was strong, was gentle... was everything i needed him to be.

so today i am a thankful woman. thankful for good friends. beautiful children. and the time i get to spend with them.

mini get away

This is Sarah. Ain't she cute? She just had her THIRD baby 9 weeks ago. She is one of the strongest, most independant, confident women I know. But like most women when it comes to herself, and embracing her beauty.. she gets shy, giggly, and embarassed when people tell her how beautiful she is. She is gorgeous naturally. Trust me.. we were roomies in college, I've seen her at all hours, the girl doesn't need makeup. BUT since I LOVE makeup.. I thought it would be fun to do a little quickie mini makeover in a style she normally wouldn't wear. She is very natural and neutral... So just a little bit of red lipstick and eyeliner made a big POW. She is so cute. Doesn't she look like a teenaged intern working for Teen Vogue? I love it!

So last week me and my 2 girlfriends decided we needed an emergency, mini-vacation.. as cheap and as quick as possible. God is good. We got the hook up! we stayed in one of the nicest hotel/resorts in Palm Desert for the price of a best western.. got plane tickets nearly free... and got blessed with some fun money by one of the gals too....
they flew in monday evening. left me wednesday afternoon. just one day. one full day... but that is what we needed! we had so much fun just 'being'. its weird to not have a time constraint and just chat, eat, talk... enjoy. just for a minute. just for a day. So blessed we all have understanding supportive husbands who let us do this and hold the fort down with all the kiddos.

So today is back to our favorite little people and enjoying our blessed lives. Just a little retreat to reflect on all God has given us.

The older I get the more I realize the importance and rarity of good friends. So I am going to cherish the ones I have as much as I can.

Susie.. I'm coming to get you next!

polka dot nails

Here is a quick way to get perfect polka dot nails using the Konad Nail art system! enjoy :)

the funny man upstairs

I have often thought that God must have a sense of humor. Not only because I see and enjoy things that are funny, but because of circumstances and how He so creatively works.

So my car had been in the shop for 2 weeks after having that freak accident on the freeway.

Let me pause for a second.

ok... you really don't realize the convenience of having a car until you don't have one. It is like someone stole your legs.. and you are home bound. can we say cabin fever?! So even though I was praying every day for my dream mini-van... I didn't realize how thankful I was for my car until it was gone.

ok back to story.

So the auto body shop calls to tell me my car should be ready soon. Seems like only a few moments passed when my husband calls to tell me his truck has died. (ok, for those of you who know him and his 'stud truck'...this is devastating to him.) My husband drives an 88 pickup that doesn't have a keyhole for the door, window wipers that work...on top of me having to crawl through the window at 8 months pregnant cuz the door doesn't open! He LOVES his truck.

Anyways, the auto body guy says needs a new battery and alternator.

So I think, in light of our automobile woes, I shall cook a grand meal. A belly full of food is a lot less grumpy...

So the kids and I are sitting at the table.. when I see this pull up:

do you see what it is?!

my husbands truck on top of the AAA tow truck, but inside the bed of HIS truck is a Barbie Jeep. WHAT IN THE WORLD?!

My husband subbed at the middle school and one of the ladies that worksthere brought it for my daughter!!!! It really drives too.
It was so funny! So the only person who has a car that drives is my 3 year old daughter...it does fit my son too, so that's a plus.
so if you are driving to church on sunday and see a Barbie jeep on the side of the freeway, it will be my kids on the way to church. no excuses now right?!
God is good and He makes me laugh.
During the last few weeks we have had generous people allow us to use their cars.. and I finally got mine back today.

I am still praying for my Toyota Sienna Mini Van though!!

I love Keurig!

I got my keurig coffee maker last year for my birthday from my loving hubby. (or maybe it was more for him, because I am MUCH nicer after I've had my coffee!) anyways, I love it and still use it every day. If you are a coffee drinker, you should invest. you will save money in the end. I go to starbucks way less, and am 'happier' a lot quicker. haha! I swear, coffee has mood enhancers in it!

Anyways, here is a quick video to show you how it works if you haven't seen it before. Every cup is perfect and delicious!



ps. my new favorite lipstick by Rimmel is "airy fairy". its a really pretty nude... the only thing is, I feel like my lips smell like grandma! hahaa!

no more stinky!

ok. so if you are anything like me, you'll appreciate this. More often than I would like to admit, I put a load of laundry in, only to forget about until the next time I do laundry. OR until I pass by the laundry machine and there is a musty odor coming from it...then i think 'oh crap'. Then, I run the machine again, only to do the same thing all over again. This happens WAY too often. That now, even when there is no overdue load in the washer, there are remnance of the musty-ness.

Anyways, I was at Super Target the other day and saw this little beauty on the counter staring back at me. Could it be? a solution to my musty problems?

So it comes with little packets inside. 6, I think. Anyways, you dump one packet in the washer (with NO clothes) and run it with warm water. and VOILA! your washer not only smells wonderful and new, it LOOKS cleaner!

I have to say that I've done 6 loads of laundry since and the laundry smells more fresh and clean too. So, I'm a believer!

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash: Pink Grapefruit

oh, and the chicken using the McCormicks spice thing turned out SOOO yummy!!

perfect season...

so i was grocery shopping today and came across these. GENIUS. they are all the spices you need for that particular dish, ALREADY MEASURED OUT!! oh yes.. and then the back pops out to be a recipe card. it tells you on the back everything else you need...a full recipe. so easy!

this is the one i got, i'm excited to try it... i'll let you know how it turns out. (it was a buck something fyi)

anyways, the kiddos and i are making witch fingers so i gotta run. hope you all have a great evening!

Joy

today as i was driving home with my son, a huge piece of heavy metal that was tormenting the freeway hit my car. ruined my tire and the parts on the bottom of my car. we saw 3 others being towed for the same reason..and then at the shop my husband said 4 more came in from the same thing. horrible.

funny thing is, it doesn't have me down. we are safe, no one is hurt... and that is most important.

we dont' have an extra car.. and we don't have money to pay for it.. BUT it doesn't seem to bother me.
God is my provider, and regardless of what happens.. He is Good.. and is still my Provider.

Happiness is based on circumstances, situations. happiness comes and goes, depending on what is going on. Joy on the other hand comes from within. The core root of it coming from Him because He is my source. so, regardless of circumstances or happen-stance...
I still have joy.
i think of it as joy is part of who i am... happiness is a welcomed side effect.

hairstyles dad can do!

so this is by request of my loving hubby.

i freak out when he takes out my daughter with 'crazy lady hair' as i call it. so he asked me to do these for him. she has curly hair that grows in all directions, so just leaving it down is not an option... hope its helpful to you to!

goodbye bra!

ok... most women own ATLEAST 10 bra's... but always default to the one or two that are super comfy. we wear them to death. we forego the pretty colored, lacey, cute bras we thought we would wear and go for comfort. some of our favorite bra's need to be let go...

for instance, when:
-color: the bra use to be a gleaming white, is now a how do i say this nicely....a vanilla-ish color?!. c'mon girls. what if someone SAW it?!
also, i often see people's bra strap poking out. and i KNOW its not suppose to be that dingy grey color!
-structure: the wire is poking out the side or in the middle..and all day you are shifting and squirming, trying to poke it back in.
-shape: when the cups are no longer round, but look deflated, squished, lumpy, saggy.. just like how you DON'T want your boobs to look... get rid of it!
-fit: when the back rides up and is not level with the sides and front... it does not fit right. most of the support comes from the back. so if its riding, its too loose and stretched out and your shoulders are gonna pay for it.

if they are SUPER yucky, throw them away. invest in a new bra, one that's comfortable. you know you will wear it EVERYDAY. so think of it as an investment. your girls will thank you for it.

now what about all those neglected bras that never made it to the favorites list and are shoved to the back of your drawer or are hanging lonely and unused in your closet? you can DONATE them!
here are a couple of places i've found that you can donate, most of them donate to homeless women and those who sufferfrom domestic violence, help support breast cancer research, or use them towards a good cause:

http://www.BreastTalk.co.uk

http://brarecycling.com/index.shtml

http://www.softrock941.com/

my monster friends....

here are my little halloween-ee nails. i would like them a bit neater, but the brush was all out of whack and i was tired! but you get the idea right?
hope its easy to follow along. have a beautiful day everybody!

God doesn't love us because we are so lovable...He love us because He is so loving...

here we go again...

so i have been trying to grow out my bangs.... for about 10 years.
every time i get close to having them grown out, i see someone with bangs and want mine back.
maybe bangs and me are destined to be together forever.
i DO have an insanely large forehead... maybe its for the best. haha!!
so i attempted to make a video of how i cut them, hope its helpful!

JCLU forever winners!

CONGRATULATIONS!
if you are a winner, please message me your address within 48 hours or we will have to pick another winner! yay!!!! thank you for all you entered.
http://www.jcluforever.com

ruffle boots

got my second pair of FREE boots using my swagbucks! wooohoo!
for those of you who don't know (and i'd be astonished if you didn't since i seem like a swagbucks salesperson). swagbucks is a search engine like google, only you win points by searching and using that engine. you can trade your points for prizes or giftcards. i was skeptical and didn't really believe it until i got my first prize in the mail. now i'm addicted, its FREE STUFF!!! i trade mine (so far) for amazon giftcards and i buy stuff i want that i normally wouldn't buy myself.
both the boots i got so far are from 'make me chic'. they retail for $25 i think.
anyways... here is my swaggernaut swagbuck pitch for today! hahaha!!!

cutting it off

so i just gave myself a little haircut. it was WAY overdue...
made me think about so many things in my life i need to 'cut out'. we carry things around that we know we need to get rid of, but its always 'oh i'll deal with it later' or 'its not THAT bad, i can wait a little longer'.
the reality is, when its dead.. its dead. keeping things around, in or on you that are not healthy will affect the rest that IS healthy.
I need to get rid of some things inside of me that i've been hanging on to. things that i have always said 'i'll deal with later' or 'its not THAT bad'.
those little things that i think aren't such a big deal, keep me from living the to the fullest of my capacity. it steals bits of joy that i don't even notice are mine.

so 4 inches of hair later, i feel a little lighter and a little more enlightened.

hope you are having a beautiful day. :)

treasure

these are two of my treasures.
i value them so much, i cherish them. beautiful, irreplaceable treasures.

as i grow older i realize how much harder it is to make good friends, and keep good friends.
life changes and its not like high school or college when you do the same things, see each other every day, tell each other EVERY small detail of everything. people move. grow families...change. so friendships take so much more effort. they have to be intentional. days go by, details are forgotten and before you know it... you have no clue what is going on their lives, and they don't have the slightest idea what is going on in yours. so when something 'happens' its just too much effort to get into it ALL. so you just leave it, don't bother with it and move on. except with those select few. you make effort, you ask questions...you try. with these friends no matter the days, months, years... it is like it has always been. just deeper. stronger. your heart is an open book to them. they see you. they get you. they understand.

i really believe that people were made to be relational. we grow and thrive through relationships.
good friends are like mirrors, they show you things about you, that you can't see yourself. true friends let you be honest, raw, ugly...and they still love you. no judgement. they take what you say and take care of it. they want the best for you. they celebrate your success and hurt when you fall. they help you heal and nurture your wounds.

i have been blessed with a core of good friends. but this week i am especially blessed by these two beautiful ladies. so much love, encouragement, wisdom and compassion.
thank you for loving me like you do. i know and feel God's love for me with such a deeper understanding through my friendship with you. my beautiful irreplaceable treasures...

i like to give: giveaway

so i can't say i'm good at a whole mess of things, but i do like to give...
especially to those that i love. i want to give them everything and anything. i always daydream about things i would get people if i became an instant gabillionaire (that's how much i need! hahah)
i've even had dreams of taking people to car dealerships and saying 'will your mom or dad get mad that i got you a car?' hah!! i wish.. I WISH. or atleast own a huge company where i could hire everyone i know that needs a job and pay them WAY too much.. and get them to do stuff, just so they 'earn' it..but it would be stuff that was fun, that they enjoyed to do. or own a HUGE complex of homes where people who needed a place to live could stay for free, have community and bbq, swim, sing, dance.. play games together every day..the dream can just go on and on.
me and my daydreams.. anyways...
so for those of you who encourage me and support me, this is for you...
all entries need to be submitted on http://facebook.com/alittleaboutalot
you can write anything and everything. it could be long or short.. tell me what is new in your life :)
good luck! love you.... (and sorry i got all emotional! i'm such a girl!)

tired

do ever just get tired? tired orf trying, tired of hoping, tired of doing, tired of being?
I often get to this place where I'm just tired.
I know my life is good, I am blessed...
I wish I could be bundled in the warmest, softest, cuddly-est blanket and sit on the beach and watch the waves, have not a care and just marvel.
marvel at the beauty, the wonder, the mystery.
Just a moment of silence, even from myself..from my thoughts and breathe.
a long deep breath.

I have moments throughout the day that I wish I could log in the 'don't forget this' part of my brain, and I could go back to that moment at any time. see it, smell it, touch it, feel it. There are so many beautiful things in the world that get so clouded by the busyness of life...

I often wonder when I see people walking, driving. I wonder where they are going, what they're doing.. what their story is. So many people get up, go to work, come home, go to sleep...just to do it all over again. working to live, living to work.

There has to be a greater purpose, there is a greater purpose. I wish more people knew that. I want more people to know that. To live beyond the mundane, the every day...
instead of just 'doing' tasks, really delighting in them. LIVING life, having a destiny, a purpose...a calling.
God has a purpose for each one of us. a purpose that no one else can fulfill. He made you perfect the way you are, the way you were suppose to be and you are able to do things that no one else can.
God does not make mistakes...remember that.

you are beautiful and wonderful. believe it. receive it. live it.

coconut water

ok, just one more thing about coconuts... promise! oh, and it comes in flavors.
the original is 100 % coconut water.. it tastes aight.. but they have ones that taste like peach, mango... check it out!

benefits of coconut water:
more potassium than 2 bananas!
antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
used to regulate blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels
boost energy levels and increase metabolism in the human body
used to treat: stomach flu, dysentery, indigestion, constipation, intestinal worms, cholera, urinary abnormalities, urethral stone, malfunctioning kidneys, dry and itchy skin
applying Coconut Water onto affected skin areas every night before going to bed may help with acne, age spots, wrinkles, stretch marks, cellulite, and eczema.
Abundant in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients it is a natural energy drink.
more Potassium, Calcium, and Chloride than sports drinks promotes smooth healthy skin Rich in Potassium and other minerals, Coconut Water helps to regulate our internal fluids and replenish and rehydrate the body.
It has been used to treat dehydration caused by dysentery, cholera, diarrhea and stomach flu
drinking one cup of Coconut Water twice daily during digestive tract abnormalities, hot temperatures, and after strenuous workouts can help rehydrate the body quickly.
For constipation, diarrhea and other common digestive problems drink one cup of Coconut Water twice daily.
boosts immune system
natural electrolyte and isotonic beverage which help increase the body's metabolism=weight loss
settles and calms upset stomach

People who suffer from strangury, polyutra and other urinary ailments drink coconut water to relieve their symptoms.
helps to break up kidney stones making them easier to push out.

ps. my forehead looks awefully wrinkly. my anti-aging cream is failing me. what do you use?

coconut milk

so i'm discovering the world of coconuts.

i've been cooking my rice with a little bit of coconut milk lately and it tastes so good!
i have a cooker similar to this one, nothing fancy:

and then what i do is take about 1/4 of thai coconut milk and mix it in.
just make sure you shake the can before you puncture it, it settles in the the can so the water and creamy part separate a bit.
you can get this at any grocery store. its usually in the 'asian/ethnic' section. it adds just a hint of flavor, but its so yummy. it does make the rice a little less sticky than normal.
yum yum! there are so many things you can do with coconut milk!

Coconut milk benefits: Coconuts are seen by some as a miracle food, helping protect and cure the body of internal and external ailments. Coconut milk has many uses, most of which build up the immune system and the body's defenses.


Nutrients: Coconut milk contains many vitamins, minerals and electrolytes, including potassium, calcium and chloride.

Saturated Fat: The saturated fat in coconut is made up of short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids the body quickly turns into energy instead of storing as fat. Therefore, even though it's high in saturated fat, coconut can aid in weight loss

Lauric Acid: Half the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut milk are composed of lauric acid, which is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-fungal. Coconut milk can help boost the immune system

Dairy-Free: Coconut milk is a dairy-free alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to animal milk. This vegan drink is also soy-free, gluten-free and nut-free.

Relief of Ailments: Coconut milk is known to relieve the symptoms of sore throats and ulcers.

Skin Care: Coconut milk is used in skin-care products to moisturize the skin and relieve dry skin and rashes. It also can be used on the hair and in baths.

anyways...
had a beautiful day at church today. so many kids for sunday school, and one of the ladies brought drinks and snack bags for all of them. It is so nice to see people joyfully serve and give.

September Musts & Busts

here's just a couple of things I discovered in September that I like...or not like so much...
hope its helpful! have a great day!

oh..and...If you haven't checked out Hautelook yet, its a great website. Free to join... Every day they have different brands selling their stuff for 30-90% off. yup, for reals. Brands you like too. Juicy Couture, Urban Decay... everything and anything, even baby stuff. Its fun every morning just to see who and what is on sale. Here is the link!

http://www.hautelook.com/invite/JBrattrud831

JCLU forever giveaway!!

I am so excited! JCLU forever sent me these items, and I am going to use them for a giveaway...
weeeee!!!!! please please enter so you can win!
leave me a comment below and the winner will be chosen by random.org on October 14th!
here is their website, please visit and support them... very reasonably priced
www.jcluforever.com