2011 spring trends

Here are some fashion trends I love coming up for spring 2011....

Lace, Macreme...I think if its done right, worn right is so beautiful.. feminine and romantic. I always think of lace, pearls, silk and satin in warm champagne colors... I was at Target yesterday and they had some cute little lace dresses on sale for $10!
The "belt purse". c'mon people. This is straight up a fanny pack WHICH I love. I got a hip/fanny pack last year, also at Target that I absolutely love. Kind of biker/rocker-ish. I wear it every time we go to Disneyland. I kept telling my husband fanny packs are gonna make a comeback... and I think they are! woo!

Bright, bold colors. I love colors. Especially yellow. Its just so happy and bright. Citrus colors look like they are popping up everywhere. I love it. Also stripes.. and the whole 60's thing.

Biker. I love biker jackets. Halle Berry wears them a lot and I love the sexy, tough feel they give off. This one is a longer version which I thought looked more 'feminine'. The short black with the collar up is a great option, and you can find them anywhere for pretty cheap. I got mine... again, at Target for $20 (is there anything I DON'T get at Target?! hmmm..)

Oh my goodness. I got clogs at.. yes, Target in the clearance section for $3.98 over the Christmas break. I love them. I feel cool. There are so many variations of the clog that I've seen. Forever 21 has some really cute ones right now for under $20. I think of my mon in the 70's wearing a pretty long flowy dress and her clogs. the 70's are making a comeback too.. love it.

Flared jeans. Thank you 70's... Skinny jeans have been in for too long. and lets be honest, they ony look good..well, if you're skinny. Every time I put them on, I see my reflection when I'm out and think.. "what was I thinking?! I look like a stuffed sausage!" Flares are great for more body types... and great with clogs!
Eclectic Florals. I like the whole mismatched-ness. Vintage colors...

anyways. that's a little fashion forecast.. hope it helps!

Purederm Sheet Mask

I discovered these korean sheet masks when I was in canada at walmart! they are a dollar something there so I picked up a few and then my mom sent me some she had got from korea... I think they are pretty accessible, and affordable!
I love them, I have seen a real improvement in the texture of my skin.
just make sure you warn your loved ones before prancing out of the bathroom looking like this!

side braid and wave

so i know a lot of girls, teens, moms, college students.. who say they don't have time to get ready or do there hair. hello, me neither!! so when they ask me when i have time to do my hair... the answer is always the same, all of my 'hair do's' don't take very long, or trust me.. i wouldn't do it. i don't ever take the time to blow dry my hair, let alone wash it.
here is a quick, less than 5 minute hair do for ya! hope its helpful



on the way home from church i was driving some youth home and one of the girls made a comment about my hair and i said "ugh, its always a mess!" and from the back my little daughter goes "mom, your hair is never a mess, it always looks the most beautiful" ugh. heart melting. i need to be more careful of what i say.. even little things like that, my little girl picks up on everything...and i don't want her to hear those things come from me.
i tell her every day she is beautiful, but what makes her the most beautiful is her heart. she loves people, loves God, is caring, and is my daughter... THAT is why she is beautiful. (she really is beautiful physically too..but you don't want a girl to have a big head about it ya know?)
anyways...today was a weird day. i blame it on it being my 'time' of the month....that included with the rain, i just felt out of it. after church i came home, put on my pj's and took a 4 hour nap! what the?!
tomorrow is a new day... looking forward to it.

OPI Katy Perry Teenage Dream

Pretty pink sparkles! here is one of the polishes from the new Katy Perry line for O.P.I. I love it, it is dense and sparkles real nice. Here's a quick video! have a beautiful day everyone~



oh, and here's a quick video if you need help getting off the glitter!

tooth pain

If you know me, you know I have major dental problems. I have super soft, shallow, small, weak teeth/bones. I didn't lose all my baby teeth in the back either... so the cavities I had from childhood carried over into adulthood. I know a lot of people think that it is all about oral hygeine... which is helpful, BUT my dentist told me "you either have strong teeth or soft teeth". I have friends who brush once a day, never floss and don't have a cavity. Where I brush, floss, mouthwash... and have horrible teeth. After giving birth to my first child, my teeth got even worse. Anyways, I got 4 teeth pulled out. got 10 root canals, 2 bridges and 4 crowns. all of this to say.. I know tooth pain.

Anyways, my husband had been going through horrible tooth pain the last couple of months. One of his teeth actually ended up being pulled. He was squirting orajel, anbesol, taking pain killers, rinsing with peroxide... nothing would help. His dentist gave him a sample of this toothpaste:
Colgate Enamel Protect



how and why had I never heard of this?!?!? ok, it doesn't get rid of ALL the pain.. but it sure helps more than anything else I've ever tried! I started using it to see if it would help with sensitivity and the occasional toothache I still get. I have to say, it is a miracle in a tube. I love it. suggest it, wish I could send it to all of you...

anyways, in a nutshell.. if your tooth is ouchie. get this!

Crackle Polish

The new 'crackle' or 'shatter' polish trend is growing so I thought I'd show you how it works. OPI has one that is part of the new Katy Perry line, but as of now they only offer it in black. This crackle polish is called Mia Secret, and comes in a variety of colors. I ordered online for FREE using my swagbucks... Oh yeah~~ the retail on it is about $5 where the OPI is around $9.

A Princess Party

Today we get to celebrate my little girl's birthday. She turns 4 this week. Its weird because I can't imagine life without her. She is smart, funny, compassionate, articulate and so intuitive. really. The things she says and does always shock me... even though I know all of this about her.
My love for her grows every day, and I truly want to give her the best life.
Made me think a lot about God's love for me, and you. As much as I love my little girl and want the best for her... He loves me more. Wants more for me. So as big of a cheerleader I am for my kids, I have the Almighty God rooting for me. He wants me to succeed, achieve, have fun, laugh, enjoy life, experience good things, have a blessed life.
I think most people put a cap on the happiness and joy in their life. They limit themselves....for what reason, I don't know. All I know is.. there is more out there waiting for us to take it.
God not only wants to give His kids what we NEED, but also what we WANT...
can I tell you a quick story?

When I first moved to l.a. I remember needing mascara. I know, dumb.. but mine was all dried out, and I literally didn't have any money. So as dumb as it seemed, I prayed. Asked God for mascara... yes.. with all the wars, poverty, hurt in the world.. I asked him for mascara.
Driving home from school I was looking at the beautiful polluted sunset of L.A. and thought, Wow.. God is so artistic. He is good, and thanked Him for it.
I got home and there was a huge box on my front door step. weird.
I looked and it had my name on it. No one really knew my new address...but ok.
I opened it up...
and people...
it was a box from L'oreal with almost EVERY PRODUCT in their line! there were over 10 macara's in there! I started laughing and crying. oh mascara.
I don't know how L'oreal even got my address or how it got to me. BUT in such a dumb way as mascara.. I learned that God cares. even about the little things. I asked, I received. I think sometimes people think that they shouldn't ask for little things like that, that its petty, not important. This is what I think.. why not pray for all the big, important, major things AND pray for the little things too? I'm not saying that everyone is gonna get a box from L'Oreal on their doorstep. what I am saying is that, God sees... and He cares. Even that His daughter needed mascara.

there is my scattered thoughts for this morning.
love you all.. have a happy Monday!

God is good.

remember when I said I knew God would provide and that I would tell you about it?
I think that was a little over a month ago.
Now we have a beautiful Toyota Sienna minivan (even the color I wanted) AND a Highlander (for FREE) for my husband. Yes.. God certainly does provide~~ in so many ways, far beyond anything I could wish, want or imagine.
We don't have a lot of money.. but we are rich in love, life and are so well taken care of. I could not have all the things I have if I were try to get it myself....not even close. I am humbled and so thankful that He knows my needs better than I do, and He cares... and takes care. My Father...He truly is my Jehovah Jireh.. my provider.

move over law

have you heard of the move over law? i hadn't... until i get a ticket for it!

i was driving home yesterday from san fransisco.. i was in the middle of nowhere surrounded by cow farms and semi's. i was in the slow lane... i saw 2 cop cars pulled over on the side, giving someone else a ticket. didn't think anything of it. a minute later a cop was behind me, so i got out of the way thinking he was trying to pass. then his lights went on. "what the?!" i thought. pulled over. my husband was like "maybe one of our lights are out or something". anyways, he comes to the window and says "did you see the two cop cars pulled over?" and i said "yes i did" and he said "did you see the stop lights?" and i said "stop lights? for me? " and he said "No, just stop lights." asked for my license and registration. walked away.... my husband and i were like "hmm.. i don't get it. maybe one of these cars are stolen and he's just checking our registration". the police officer comes back and says "do you know how many cops are killed on the side of the road by other cars driving by? there is a new law that came out 2 years ago. we just starting implementing it. if you see an emergency vehicle on the side of the road you have to go to the furthest lane away or slow down to 20mph. did you know that?" and i replied "i didn't know that". and he passes me a ticket. uhm.......

ok. i totally understand we need to keep police officers safe. but he didn't explain why i was getting a ticket UNTIL he handed it to me! and didn't give me a chance to explain!

i was in the slow lane behind a sea of semi trucks. by the time i SAW the cops, i was passing them. i actually DID change lanes when i could, b/c when he pulled me over i was in the left lane. there were only 2 lanes!!!

anyways, depending on the state in which this happens the ticket can be up to $800 and 3 points on your license. AND you have to show up for court.

I wish he would have given me a warning, how do people know when there are new laws? seems kind of harsh for a first time to someone who was driving the speed limit and didn't know...

*sigh. so i thought i'd share so you all knew. this counts for ANYONE on the side of the road. including tow trucks, anyone with hazards on...and so on.

for more info:

www.moveoveramerica.com

anyways.... on a happier note, here are the winners for the Jesus Couture Giveaway!

Pink Titanium Curling Iron by Hot Tools

so I finally got a new curling iron! woohoo! mine was so old, squeaky and dirty....

This one is made by Hot Tools and I have to say that it is pretty great! I got it for free on Amazon using my swagbucks. The price on amazon for it is $46.00. If you use a curling iron frequently, I think its worth it. I probably wouldn't have tried it if I didn't get it free, but now having it... I think its worth the price.

anyways, here's a little blurby video about it. basically everything I just typed! haha~

hope you have a good week.

Fun Chop

So I discovered these "cheater chopsticks" a while ago.. that's why little princess is so young.. but it wasn't until recently I found where you can buy them.... the 99 cent store! oh yeah....

free

today I woke up to the thought of my grandmother worshipping. with her arms out, face up, eyes closed.. sun warming her face... just worshipping...freely.

no pain. no sorrow. no worry. no hurt.

what a beautiful thought. The mystery of heaven is something I can't comprehend or fully understand...but I know that it is real. I know that she is there. I know that she is free. I know that it is beautiful. He is beautiful. wonderful... so thankful He came for beautiful souls like her, so she can spend eternity with Him...

Scunci Evolution

So I was at Target the other day and these little hair ties caught my eye. they 're made of silicone-y jelly kind of.. rubber? so I was curious. I have a problem with my hair ties always snapping as I'm tying my ponytail... so I thought I'd try them. they are surprisingly thick, stretchy and firm. They stay put and do as they're told AND don't pull my hair out when I take it out. So on a whole.. I'd say they are a thumbs up. :)

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!