6 years and counting....

Happy 6th Anniversary!!

my hubby got all fancy on me!

So weird how time flies. I can't imagine, or kinda... don't wanna imagine what my life was before I got married and started our family. It's like my life was black and white before and now it is in full color. I am looking forward to 60 more with my Prince Charming. He only gets better with age. More handsome, smart, loving and kind... He's such a catch, and I caught him!!!

Oh wow..I just realized it is nap time in our house... maybe I should make use of it and take a nap myself!!

ps. I was thinking of doing a 'preggo outfit' section. I hate traditional maternity wear, and I think you should still be able to look cute as your belly grows. Would you find that helpful? have a great day everyone!

16 weeks

So I am 16 weeks now and still nauseous.. C'MON!!!!
I have finally admitted to myself that my jeans are too tight. Its weird because you dont' just gain weight in your belly, it feels like your skeleton gets bigger. Shoulders are broader, chest cavity is thicker.. and my feet are longer. What the?!
So I guess its maxi dresses for me for the next couple of months!
I go to the doctor today. I don't now if she is gonna check anything or just measure and make sure everything is okay. I am secretly trying to find a way I can get her to do an ultrasound (so I can see the sex of the baby!!, they don't have any appointments until late june).

a couple of people have asked me to blog about my pregnancy, but I don't know what is interesting... so here is a quick video of me blah-blahing really about nothing...

Thank you for my treats Maren!!! you are the best and I miss you :(

Thor

so 9 years ago I started dating my very first boyfriend...who knew it would totally change my life! 6 years ago (the 24th) I married him. It is weird when I think back to what I thought of him, how he made me nervous... and the things that made me crush on him. 6 years of marriage, 2 kids and one on the way later... the things I love about him and make me crush on him are totally different. He is a different person, I am a different person...and our love is different. Different in a good way. So much deeper with greater understanding. He is such a man of integrity, he is humble, he protects me and is like a gentle warrior. I always say he was born in the wrong era. He should be a gladiator or a warrior who goes to battle wearing a bear on his back. He is a manly man. A fighter, but loyal and true to his roots. A hard worker and always chooses what is right. It is funny because I don't think he is anything like the character...but we watched Thor and the whole time I kept thinking that he reminded me so much of my husband! a couple of people have texted asking if we have watched Thor and said it reminded them of him too. Funny. Maybe its the beard, blue eyes and the warrior-ness.... I think my husband is dreamy :)

totally unrelated once again, but my sister asked me a while ago to make a video on how to put on false eyelashes. there are a couple of different kinds, so I thought I'd start with the demi lashes.

l.o.v.e.

Me and my little man feeding the giraffe this morning.

Today was a beautiful day. Tiring, but nice. I love my kids so much. Wish I could do more for them, give them more...
I have a friend visiting for the week I haven't seen in 10 years and we were looking at my kids baby albums and it is amazing how your love grows every day for your little peanuts. They've changed so much, I had no idea my life would change the way it has. I want to be a better mom, have more patience, more creativity, more energy, more love. They deserve the very best. So I am going to give them the best of me :)
Tonight before my son went to bed he said "lah dyoo mah, lah dyoo mah" over and over...love you mah.... the best words of the day!

So I had to whip out my nail schnazz and bedazzle her nails a bit.. which made me realize how long it had been since I did mine (mine never go naked, but when you're nauseous.. your nails are the last thing on your mind!)

her nails...


Here are her toes, which inspired me to do my nails...

Natural Prom Look

Today I got to help Miss Tiffany get ready for her first prom! She is so cute. She normally doesn't wear any makeup, so I wanted to do it natural.. but still make her feel pretty. so here is a quick video.. wait til the end to see my little cuties!

fancy...

So after many years of wishing, dreaming.. and secretly being jealous of people with refrigerators with water and ice dispensers....we finally got one. Thank you tax return! I have to say, I felt pretty darn fancy. Ice and filtered water whenever I want?! oh, why yes... thank you!

It had been less than 2 weeks when I walked into the kitchen to find this:

my wonderful 2 year old son decided he wanted to contribute to the fridge art.. and make it permanent. yup. that's permanent marker on there. I had to laugh, or else I would cry. We were on our way out the door to church for Easter Sunday.. so I took a deep breath and we left.

When we got back I tried EVERYTHING. magic eraser, bleach, acetone, alcohol.. nothing... a little smudge here and there would get smudgier.. but nothing got it off.

I thought of other solutions..we could frame the lower part and showcase his art.. or, we could graffiti the whole fridge and TRY to make it look cool.. nothing.

guess what got it off?!

perfume.

yup. with the first spray the ink dripped down the fridge and wiped completely off!!! who would have thought. now, there are spots that are a little darker and deeper that were a littler harder, but I could not believe it... and now, my kitchen smells delightful. yay for not freaking out!!~

Pretty Eggs

I have to say. I'm excited to decorate eggs. These are from our egg session last year. I got all the stuff at the 99 cent store... so that's always a plus! There's just something so pretty about a colorful egg... don't ya think?

speaking of eggs...I get to go to the doctor tomorrow and see my little egg turned jelly bean. I'm excited. I always say I wish there was a little "window" of clear on your belly while you are pregnant so you can see little baby. I know that would be weird, maybe kinda gross.. but I find it all so amazing. Even though this is baby #3 I read the weekly development and have daily tips that get sent to my phone. It is all just so amazing. my heart understands it, but my brain does not. It just does not make sense how a little baby forms and is in there!!!

I am hoping my nausea actually decides to go away this time instead of lingering until the end. I AM feeling better overall.. so maybe that is a good sign. I had some very UNsexy moments in the last couple of weeks....my husband must be horrified. either way, he hides it well.. which is good for me!

Beachy Waves

I feel like every time summer is around the corner the 'beachy waves' come back in style. i'm either way on top of things, or not 'in style' most of the year. My hair is naturally, ugly wavy. So this is how I've been doing my hair for the last 7 years.. atleast. I just don't have the time, patience or sweat glands to blow dry my hair and then straighten it or curl it.

Here is my favorite hair product for achieving the perfect wave. no crunch, no debris, no flakes... just nice soft waves... promise~

what's in your every day bag?

i use to love HUGE bags ( i still do, i think they make me look skinnier.. haha!) but since i have a bajillion things to carry for the kids i don't carry much for myself. i carry this little messenger bag that my mother in law got me for Christmas almost every day. its just so comfortable, fits what i need, is light..and my hands are free to wipe snotty noses and rescue barbie hair that is stuck... anywhere.

my bag

Betsyville by Betsey Johnson

wallet

Deux Lux (i got it at marshall's for $12!!)

action figure

don't know who this dude is...but he made it into my purse

clif bar

i get ravenously hungry with no warning, i break out in a cold sweat and feel like i'm gonna pass out. so this is to prevent my drama. haha!

lip gloss

i don't carry any makeup. but girl, my lips are always dry!

mentos

these have become my new best friend. with all the dry heaving and nausea.. they help, for the moment they are in my mouth...

fruit snacks

these are my emergency "ack! they're having a meltdown give them something quick!" snacks

hand sanitizer

their hands are cute, but i don't trust 'em.

hair pin

i don't know how that got in, but its my little girl's, thus makes me smile :)

my phone.. and my camera would be, but i'm using it!

what are some things you carry around everyday?

rough beginnings.

man. it has been a rough few months. its not like i didn't know it was going to be hard, but the reality of it is worse. so many people told me that every pregnancy is different and that this might be 'the one' that was different. LIES!!! hahahhaa!!i still don't understand preggo's who never get sick!
i don't know if it is worse....but i also didn't have 2 kids to take care of the last 2 times!
lying in bed, gagging, dry heaving, throwing up.. feeling icky everywhere. its weird, because i am such an anxious person i can rarely just 'lie' and do absolutely nothing. one day my husband comes into the room and says "why don't you watch some tv atleast? you have been lying in the dark for a week" and i was just like " i can't" i literally felt like i could not do anything... going to the bathroom was my outing for the day.
all that complaining to say... i think i'm slowly coming back to life.
i'm still nauseous and gaggy... with the worst cottonmouth imagineable. BUT i can actually get up, sit up... and i WANT to take a shower. haha!!

anyways. today i woke up feeling thankful. thankful that God is in control, when i (and my body are not). that there are people that love me and those that i love so dearly. the sun is shining, the birds are chirping... i got a new refrigerator...life is pretty good.
hope you are all doing well!

true colors

so i've been sick. like sick-sick. for almost 2 weeks. at first i thought it was just morning sickness... then the fever, chills.... had a ear infection, throat infection, cold... now i have bronchitis. on top of the horrible nausea. i hate being a sick whiner. but i will be, atleast for this blog.
i hate lying in bed not doing anything. the truth is, i've felt so horrible i don't even WANT to do anything...which is really weird for me. i'm a very anxious person...so sitting still is hard for me.
anyways, i've learned a lot about love this week.
my husband has been so good. doing EVERYTHING, taking the kids EVERYWHERE... taking care of me, and still having a good attitude about it. still giving me back rubs, running to the store, bringing me treats and telling me i look beautiful when i have a permanent ponytail (even without the elastic.. oh yeah, its gotten that bad) he tells me to rest and makes me feel loved. i think the worst part about being sick is that i feel bad to him....
so today i'm up, for the last 10 minutes so i thought i'd write a quick blog.. so i could remember how good he is to me even when i am so icky.
i hope this is the last week of sickness and i am alive and well next week!
thank you Lord for giving me a man that meant the 'sickness and health' part!!
have a good week and eat lots of good food on my behalf!
xo

reflection

you know that saying "don't make someone a priority when you are only and option"? how about "don't make someone a priority when you AREN'T EVEN an option"!!

haha!
This is a thought I've been pondering a lot lately. My husband and I are both guilty of it. Pouring into people over and over, only to be hurt and dissapointed.
He always says "do unto the Lord". Which I totally agree.. good things, effort, time given... it is all worth it.
BUT, I'm talking about those relationships that are a little closer...
I find that there are those that you give and take and the relationship is pretty even...those that you receive more from, and then there are those that you give and give and give... and nada. zip. zero. zilch. You pursue them, do all that you can do.. and rarely a call back, a text, anything. Always frustration, hurt, feelings of being let down. But yet you keep pursuing them. Do you love them? yes. BUT I feel like there comes a point where you back it up. Realize that they will not be or give you what you are hoping from the relationship..and ACCEPT what it is. Does that mean you totally give up? no, I think you just have to be more wise about how much you invest of yourself.. be there when they are... but don't chase them and then feel hurt when they don't respond.
I feel like I have experienced this on varying degrees. with close friends, not so close friends, family.... not everyone is willing, or able to give you the kind of friendship you are willing to give. So...I think I will be a little more careful on who I share everything I have with. Appreciate those friendships and relationships that ARE responsive.. and keep my heart soft, let the love flow... and let all my hurt feelings evaporate.
a wise man I know once said "only expect from people what they show you" true... very true.

Spring Flowers

The last couple of days have been tough. Morning sickness has once again taken over! So today I braved out to Michael's and got a couple of little things for me and my princess to work on together. We made these little felt flowers and glued magnets on them. We had to make a lot, because there was a long list of people she wanted to give them to! She has such a beautiful and generous heart. After making them I thought I'd make a quickie video on how to make them. They are super easy and adorable. You could stick them on hairbands, hairpins, bags.. super cute. Hope you enjoy and have a great week. I am hoping to come back to life soon!

Lazy Day

Today has been nice. I have done absolutely nothing productive. We are always on the go and in a rush, we rarely take a day and do nothing. My husband let me stay and bed and rest (which is nice, I've been so tired and haven't had a chance to rest!) We went outside with the kids and played basketball... well, lets re-phrase that... we threw the ball somewhere near the hoop and ran around in circles. Talked, laughed, had a tickle war and now everyone is taking a nap. There are loads of laundry and a pile of dishes..but I'm not too worried. I think some times you need to take a break and just 'be'.
While I was in bed I was watching episodes of TLC Baby Story. And the moment I wait for is right when the baby comes out. That moment when the baby is still purple and mom is in shock is so beautiful. It just doesn't make sense how that baby was in her belly, and is now out.... my mind cannot wrap itself around it. Just beautiful.
Anyways, I'm secretly waiting for the Fed Ex guy to get here. My husband shattered his glass screen on his Droid, and I have ordered parts to try to fix it myself. I found a video on YouTube, and I'm pretty confident I can do it! So now I'm just anxious to try. For all you droid-ers out there here is the video, I ordered all the parts off of amazon for pretty cheap:



You can buy phone cases and screen protectors for under $5 on Amazon, I would suggest it as I know many a shattered Droid owners!

On another note, I did a quick video a couple of days ago on how I keep my jewelry (especially my wedding ring) clean using stuff I already have.. hope its helpful!

quad lids

oh yes. my little monolids have turned into quadruple lids. i had a friend go "uh, what the heck are monolids?" monolids are usually on asian people, when we don't have an eyelid crease, thus making them hooded.. and monolid, opposed to double eyelid. Mine tend to fold...too much when I'm tired or sick. I actually like my eyes better without the fold (which is horrifying news to my Korean relatives who have offered to pay for me to get double eyelids). So, on days like today I feel funny, my eyes all wide and round. haha!! give me my almonds back! I have been SO tired, and hungry at all times. Can't seem to sleep when I get a chance though.


The other day I was flipping through my Lucky Magazine (there's a Lucky Kids now by the way, and it's awesome possum). And I saw and advertisement for these little hand lotions. How cute! so of course I did some investigating and tracked some down. Here is a little review! have a good week everyone!

Life in Bloom

Ok. I feel pregnant now. Boobs are sore, cramping.. bachache... tired... and SUPER hungry at the same time! haha! I have not been able to sleep the past couple of days. I think its a mixture of excitement and body changes. I cannot believe I am pregnant! I am excited and cannot wait to meet this new little one. I love baby smell. Baby noises... baby breath. It's all so beautiful. My daughter is so excited too. She can't stop talking about it and asking me questions... a little too many, and too in depth for a 4 year old.

I have been trying to figure out the logistics of everything, but the reality is, that like most other things... I can't figure it out. We will have to go with the flow.

AAAHHH! I still can't believe it!!

anyways I did a nail tutorial for the nails people have been asking about. It is super quick and easy. I call them my "life in bloom" nails. Hope you like! (sorry my hands are so dry and nasty, I should have rinsed and moisturized before taking the picture!)

Foggy Eyes.

wow. those two little lines change everything! I seriously carried that stick into every room, under every type of lighting. I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. Why does that first line have to be so faint? They should make THAT line triple thick and bold! Even in the middle of the night I went back to the bathroom to double check! hahaha!!!
We are so excited that we are expanding our family... I still can't really wrap my head around it. I haven't been able to sleep since we found out.
I feel like, almost everyone has one, two is average and expected.. but the world of three is a little different. I feel like, am I being accessive? selfish? then I think... no, I love my kids so much and feel like I would never regret having another... but I would regret not.
So with that said.. here we go again!
It was so cute because my daughter has been praying every night for a little sister. The morning after we found out I said "what have you been praying for every night" her eyes widened and said "WE ARE GETTING A BABY SISTER?!?!" and I said "well honey, we don't know if it will be a brother or sister.. but maybe" and she said "well, that means maybe it COULD be a sister" and I said "true, but if its a brother mayb the next one will be a sister". and she said "OR, they could both be girls and I'd have TWO sisters!".
The girl is right. and very smart.
Anyways, I have to admit I'm anxious about being pregnant again. BUT with the other 2 I was already super nauseous and throwing up at this point... so, so far so good :)
Every child amazes me. So once again, Drew and I have created something that will last for ETERNITY. how great is that?!

friends...

Today is my most beautiful friend Maren's birthday!!! We have been friends for almost fifteen years!! She is the most creative, beautiful and HILARIOUS friend. I am so blessed in so many ways to know her.
Good friends are hard to come by, and as you get older... it becomes even harder. To have a friend that you can be completely comfortable with, be yourself, share anything and know their love for you does not change is such a wonderful thing.
Hope you had a wonderful day! I so wish we were in the same country!!!

Fittingly here is a song for you, sung by our very good friend Eric. We totally know he is going to make it BIG. He is humble, talented...and has such a serving heart.

Spare Tires

I'm having a 'ick' day. Most women have them. Today is mine. My wonderful hubby gave me some 'fun money' to go shopping. Bad day to go. First off, I wore the WRONG outfit. Everything was way too tight, I felt like a stuffed sausage. Sitting in the car I reached down and grabbed handfuls of spared tires that seem to have gotten larger around my midsection. I let out a big sigh... and then, my husband's voice so clearly came into my mind. He always tells me I'm beautiful and that he doesn't understand why I get self conscious or think I look fat...men. Then I stopped myself. The road I was about to go down in my mind is not a good road. I've been there before, and I just feel worse. Then I thought.. who does God say that I am? He says that I am beautiful and wonderful. When I look at myself in disgust, I am insulting His creation. So, I went to McDonald's and got a big mac. HAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAAAA!!!!! I am not saying that it is okay to mistreat your body and fuel it with big mac's... BUT it is also not okay to beat yourself up for something you are not. So with that, I am going to eat better tomorrow... and think more positive thoughts tomorrow, and maybe slap on an extra coat of lipstick (just to be safe! haha!)

Pink Orchid Lips...another trend for spring is the bright pink lips. I fear to say maybe Nicki Minaj had a little to do with this. Either way, I embrace the bright... Here are a couple of suggestions for lipsticks, enjoy~

Jeanius...

So I've been 'trend watching'. One of the upcoming color trends for makeup is 'denim eyes' basically anything denim-y. blues...greys.. you get it.
MAC is coming out with a line called "Jeanius".. which, is genius. It comes out March 3rd. Isn't the packaging adorable?

so I did a quickie tutorial. hope you enjoy!

Igloo

It has been pourig rain outside. Which for me, who has been sick, gives me another reason to stay in an oversized hoodie all day. Light some yummy smelling candles and watch movies with the kids.
Yesterday out of nowhere my daughter goes "mom, where did the igloo outside come from?" and of course I was like, what is that girl talking about?
a couple of hours later I went out to get some groceries, opened the door.. and low and behold. There is a huge pet igloo on my front door step.



now of course I am so thankful to whoever would think about my dog in this dreary weather... but the investigator in me wants to know who it was! I started listing off people in my mind right off the bat. (really, I think it might be my neighbor whose backyard is connect to our up the hill. she always looks down and is really concerned about our dog. calls me every time he barks. really.plus they have a big truck) Anyways, my wise husband says "if they wanted us to know who left it, they would have told us. Be thankful and don't investigate. It gives us a reason to be extra nice to everyone". He is right. So, in light of that.. whoever it was, thank you thank you!

thought I'd make a quick video since people often ask me what kind of candles I'm burning cuz they smell DELICIOUS!!! enjoy~

Pretty Little Liars

Ok. I admit it. I watch Pretty Little Liars and... I love it. From the fashion to the teenaged drama. I love it. What can I say...

So Hannah often wears this really pretty berry colored lip that I always catch myself wondering what it is the whole time she is in the scene. So I've been on the lookout, and I think I found one very comparible. L'Oreal's new infallible reds line has a beautiful berry color in #130 "Enduring Berry"

So today we are thinking of getting solar panels put on our house to create energy. Lower electric bill and in 12 years we will no longer have an electric bill... what are your thoughts?

Romeo and Juliet

Today we finished a series we are doing with some couples (and singles). Its filmed in the 80's, but there are so many good nuggets of wisdom. One that stuck out was "Even if you think you are not Romeo, I assure you, she is Juliet... so you better find the Romeo in you".
So true.
Every woman wants tenderness, love, gentleness.
He shared many stories of what love should be. One of the points was that the last act of love as a married couple is to release them when they pass away to the Lord. A loving act he remembered as he recollects a time when he visited a couple and the old lady was sitting by her husband's bedside stroking his hair, wondering if each breath would be his last.

I am so in love with my husband. more deeply than ever before. the thought of him ever not being there makes my heart so sad. I often see the couples out together, at restaurants... and they will sit through a whole meal without a word to each other. I don't ever want to become stagnant, lazy, or apathetic like that towards him. I enjoy and savor every moment. I have made it a point to try not to make a 'big deal' out of small things. There might come a day when I would give anyone for just one more moment, so I need to make each moment now count.

He is my Romeo.

On a totally different note, it has been a weird week. I often think things, and totally want to blog about it.. but then think "what if they read it". Then I think, maybe it wouldn't be so bad, they need a kick in the butt!
I just find that people who have the must 'suggestions' are the people who do the least. do you ever notice that? those who serve with good hearts rarely complain. Then there are those who have a suggestion, idea, complaint about everything and then they don't even show up. Someone told me this week, "don't expect so much from people. just expect from them what they show you". Good advice.

I am glad to see certain people resurface in my life. It is hard to watch people make choices that you know will hurt them, and even though you tell them over and over... they do it anyways. I wish I could save people from heartache, but I guess that is part of the learning process. So I pray hard, love them, and try to be a good friend. I'm determined to see people live beautiful, blessed, joyful lives.

On another unrelated note, today I discoved Puffs Plus with Lotion and Vicks. one word. AMAZING.

its been a rough week, and with raw noses and sore throats, this was a pleasant surprise. when you blow your nose or wipe, the menthol actually clears it. (not forever, but for the moment it feels amazing)
so that is all for now lovely people. leave me a comment, question or thoughts so I know you were here!

Tattoos

Ok. So I was hesitant to blog about this because there is so much to say regarding it. So I am actually going to bypass that whole discussion and just explain my tattoos.

First is Cosmetic Tattoos:
I got mine done in 2001, Cosmetic tattoos are semi-permanent so they last a couple of years and you need to get them touched up. I haven't yet...



Now tattoo-tattoos:
I thought for a long time about what I wanted, and where I wanted it. I had actually wanted one on my foot for a very long time, and then decided on getting it on my shoulder. My only advice (or atleast that I will give) is take your time. Don't do it on a whim... even if you have to wait to get an appointment with a really good artist. This is on you forever, you want to make sure it is what you want, where you want, and how you want. that is all.

Love Nails

Did another variation of the "love" nails...

its so fun doing them. I did these using the Konad Nail art system. I think its available in most mall now in the free standing kiosks.

B.R.A.T.

Our family went up to big bear this week.. only to be cabin ridden the whole time. my little munchkins got sick.. so we got cabin fever, literally.
We are back home now and on the BRAT (bananas, rice,applesauce, toast) diet until their tummies settle.

I was flipping through some magazines while I was there. sidenote: I do not do good with too much free time and nothing to do. I thought I was going crazy!
anyways, flipping through magazines... and I noticed a lot of the model's in different ads were sporting the half moon manicures.

I've always been on the border about the half moon. Part of me thinks it looks really cool, and then part of me thinks it looks weird. Either way, the trend is back. If you want me to do a video on how to, let me know.. it's super easy.


So Sue, if you are reading this... I went out and got the new One by One mascara, after you asked me if I tried it...I got curious.

Ok... So if you have thick eyelashes naturally, you will love this mascara. If your eyelashes are sparse like mine, not so much.
It does a really good job of separating the lashes so they look pretty and natural, very natural. It almost separates each lash too much for me. I need a little clump and thickness to my mascara. So for me, its a no go. but if you have lashes like my sister in law.. you will LOVE. that's it for now! let me know if you were here and what kind of things you like reading.

Hope you have a beautiful day...

Pantry Moths

Let me just start off with saying that I have had this yucky heebie jeebie feeling for the past couple of days.
About a week ago, I noticed a couple of little moths flying around our house. Didn't really think anything of it... then I started seeing more and more... I thought, hmmm.. I think they are coming from the pantry.
Upon further inspection I discovered something I would never wish on anyone. Lets just say, One moth can lay up to 300 eggs in one shot. They turn into larvae, then turn into a moth. sick.
So I started doing some research online like I always do.
All the websites seemed to have the same information.
Pantry moths usually come home with you from the market. Either inside of rice, grains, or other dry foods. Once you get home and put it in the pantry, GAME OVER.
for real.
To get rid of them, you have disgard all food in the pantry, clean the pantry with warm soapy water, vacuum, repeat... you can even get traps, and most of the time you see another infestation before its over.
I almost threw up. I held my breath and I swear I felt creepy squigglies on my body. Every time my hair fell on my face I freaked out.

~deep breaths~

So, I cleaned out the whole pantry. Washed, disinfected.. prayed over (haha!!) and left it empty for a couple of days.
Today I invested in a whole bunch of air tight containers... and I'm watching everything like a hawk.
so gross. AND a lot of work.

ick.

anyways, on a totally unrelated note. I sell Avon. I have for a while, and I totally forget that I do until someone mentions something about Avon. (shows how dedicated I am to it! haha!)
I've been asked a couple of times to do reviews on products I like and dislike, I've kind of put it off because there are so many things I've tried that I didn't know where to start. So here is me starting. This it the beginning of Avon Review central!



Here is a link to my Avon Shop too.... www.youravon.com/jbrattrud

Love in Little Packages...

you know how they say 'good things come in small packages'? It is so true.
my kids are little, compact, tiny little people...but they are so intuitive, full of love, non-judgemental, encouraging rays of light in my life.
My daughter truly has a loving and compassionate heart and always says the right thing at the right time.
"mom, are you sad a little? well, God made you perfect and I think you're perfect..so you don't have to be sad anymore"
or she'll just hug me and say:
"momma, you're the best mom I ever had" and I would say "I'm the only mom you ever had!" and she would say, "but you're the best mom in the whole wide world"
Every day this little girl brings color into my life. shows me a little more beauty, and reminds me of basic principles of love that I need to remember.
My son is smile. I know that is not proper english. But he is the essence of the word 'smile'. I can't look at him and not smile. He is joy in a dandelion head. haha!! Hearing my kids laugh and giggle is the best medicine. I really do wish I could bottle it and send it to people around the world. I think it could heal any sad heart.

I got a little package in the mail of these SPLENDID Wet N Wild eyeshadow palettes. who knew Wet N Wild was so hard to find nowadays??
anyways, here is a quickie every day look tutorial for one of the palettes, enjoy!

Dolce Vita for Target

I am the biggest cheap-o and normally would not pay $30 for shoes, especially ones I can't wear every day. Yes, I'm a grown woman...just a frugal one. Anyways, fell in love with these....




Today I am thankful for:
my coffee maker
nail clippers
my kids laughter
fine point pens
crisp cool air that hits you when you step outside after being in a hot kitchen

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. :)