Merry Christmas...Weekend!

I will be away, enjoying the time with my loved ones but wanted to wish each and every one of my most favorite followers a wonderful, peaceful, loving Christmas...Until next week my loves!

Currently..

Thanks to this hottiemchotterson for this idea...

Current

Book

I am a HUGE book lover. And am sadly not reading one right now...because I am waiting for this one to hopefully be in my stocking. Or under the tree. Or somewhere with my name on it.

Current Playlist

OH get ready for this one. I rarely listen to music- and yes, my commute is about 40min each way. BUT, lately I have been rocking out to these boys..

OH yes, I just went there. And I know all the words.

Current Drink

I am in serious love with sparkling water and a wedge of lime right now.

Current Food

Cucumbers soaked in apple cider vinegar with pepper. Seriously- I adore.

Current Favorite Show

Revenge

Current Needs

 To be enveloped in Christmas. 

Current Triumph(s)

Being up in the gym, workin' on my fitness 5-6 days a week. In winter. Go me.

Current bane(s) of my existence
Feeling like I am stuck in a hamster wheel.

Current celebrity crush

Channing much?

Current #1 blessing

That this sexy beast (who I have to admit, completley rivals Channing) is healthy.

Current indulgence

I have to stop eating these.

Current outfit

Sorry- no pics of this mess. But I can tell you that I am wearing:

White NorthFace Fleece, Pants from Express, Sweater from American Eagle. Yes, its "Cold, Casual Tuesday."

Current excitement
Being reunited with none other than my beauts. PLEASE tell me they aren't gorgeous. 

Current mood
I.can't.wait.Excited.

Current favorite holiday decoration

Ms. Gorgeous.

Current #1 item on your wishlist

These please.

Current new year's resolution

To be debt free. Booyah.

I confess...

That after this blog, there is a good chance you won't be my friend any more. But, you should know my fingers are crossed that you will still want to be friends. K?

I get asked a lot about my hair- I rarely wear it the same way everyday. I am so not the kinda girl who straightens their hair everyday- parting it the same way, everyday. First off, my current bangs drive me insane most days. So, that equals many braids, twists and bobbies. Please tell me you know bobbie, yes?

In any event, I always get asked about what I use on my hair. {Which I am saving for some future posts- keep your eyes peeled for my Covet List: Hair Edition}. But, here is something I can share with you.

Did you catch on to the one thing all of these photos have in common? Other than the fact that I apparently change my hair color- alot? {Don't worry, we won't ever be going back platinum}Yep- DIRTY hair. This girl, as in  me- does not wash her hair except every 4 -5 days. Which I guess could also be once a week?? Go ahead and put your judgy pants on, because I am okay with my dirty hair. Now, there will be times when it is necessary to wash it 2 or 3 times a week. For example, if I happen to be on a 4 mile run and get caught in a torrential down pour? I will go ahead and wash my hair. If I happen to sweat so much during a workout that it looks like I washed my hair? I will go ahead and wash my hair. See? I'm practical. And besides- the best part about not washing my hair is telling people. Its worth it to see their eyes get huge and where I can almost see that convo bubble appear above their head that says, "SO, you DON'T shower?" Ummm, no. I never said I don't shower, I said I don't wash my hair. There is a difference my friends. Yes, I shower. Everyday. I'm fairly certain my husband would be offended if I didn't wash off my daily gym sessions.

Another fact? I never, ever use dry shampoo. Gasp. I.KNOW. I have no idea how this is possible. I am thinking its because my hair is colored (and has been since I was about 14 or so) and thick. So maybe it soaks up daily oils & sweat? Other than that- I truly don't know.

Also, when I do wash my hair- I only wash it at night and go to bed with it wet. Nope- no blow drying on this head of hair. Hence the reason I have had the same blow dryer since I was in highschool. Ya- girlfriend is ancient. I recently donated her to the hub for his RC Car hobby in hopes that I can upgrade for the twice yearly blowdry that may or may not happen to my hair. I guess I was blessed with straight hair- {thanks momma}. And yes- I will use my flat iron or my curling iron if the pillow gnomes went a bit crazy during my slumber.

That's it for this Sunday my peeps.

Now go wash your hair. 

Christmas Countdown

Let's be real- for one hot (or cold, depending on your geographical location. One point for me, using big words)second. Our friend Mr. Claus is coming to town. And quick. Does anyone else feel like December snuck up on them real quick? I don't like sneaky people months.

We are spending this magical holiday with my family so I wanted my precious tree home, up and sparkling the weekend after Thanksgiving. Normally we don't start this early, but this year I was pretty much gung-ho for operation glitter explosion. {Sending a shoutout to my hub, for being post nasal surgery and doing this with me. Love him!}

I won't chatter much more. So, take a deep breath, imagine yourself in a place of glitter, snow, fire and spiked eggnog. (That's for you Raven- I got you girl.} Yes, its Christmas. Please come and party with me!

So, avoid the malls, the lines, the rude people with jabby elbows. And plant yourself on your couch with your Ipad (santa are you listening? I need this!) and do your last minute shopping. They offer 1 day shipping for a reason!

DIY-Christmas Style.

Hello my pupcakes! I am linking up with the gorgie Becky on this Tuesday- to bring you one of my DIY's, Christmas Edition. For my new friends who hopped on over here, welcome!

I feel sure that most of my savvy followers are already well aware of the amazing world that is Pinterest? Yes? Good. Well, I had been wanting a new wreath to add to my Christmas mania decor. Though- I did not want to pay high dollar for said wreath...SO, I put on my DIY pants and got busy. At midnight.

What you'll need:
1 wire hanger
1 set of strong fingers
Glue gun
Approx. 60+ ornaments
Ribbon

 1-  Remove tops of ornaments in preparation for a date with a hot glue gun. This is where you need to pay attention- You are NOT going to want to do this. You've probably already said, "Bish, there is no way I am removing every ornament top and hot gluing that shit." Mmm, Yes you are. Trust me- just do it. You will be a sorry son of a gun if you don't.

2- Glue gun time. Glue all tops onto ornaments. Try to avoid hot glue burns. Tho- if you have ever wrangled with a hot glue, you are pretty much aware that this is inevitable.

3- Use a wire hanger and shape into a circle. You may need a manly effort here- it was hard for me to crimp the wire in some places

4- Begin stringing the ornaments into place. I really didn't have a rhyme or reason here.

5- Use shatterproof ornaments. Case in point.

6- Starting to take shape,  yes?

                                                                          Hello gorgeous!

Now, go get busy- you have an wreath to make. Or wine to drink. Whatever.

Glitter Swap!

A few weeks back, two of my most favorite bloggers, one ToohotforwordsRaven and another Bargain Blonde announced their Glitter Swap. An amazing chance to get a fab gift and meet a new friend- sign me up! So, I was thrilled when I saw the little box waiting for me in my mail box..from my new friend, Zara!

Umm- hello gorgeous! Not only is she super cute, but she has great taste too!

I love new things especially when they just arrive in the mail- there is nothing better than Santa, am I right?

Now, go visit my friend in Colorado...Zara! {Thanks girlie, you're the best!}

And for any new visitors- I'm so glad that you decided to come visit me! Kick off your snow boots and tromp around a bit.

Stay tuned for a Christmas filled week.

Honest Wednesday...

True, today is Wednesday. But I chose today to be honest {which I usually always am anyway} on my little blog.

I want to know one thing...Why does it become so hard to make friends as we get older? I say we, in hopes that you who are reading this, feel this way too. And I mean friends that-
 
   *Share the same interests
   *That truly want to be your friend too
   *That are in the same {or close to} age/stage in their lives
   *That if you want them to listen they will
   *That if you want them to problem solve for you, they will
   *That if you want them to lie and tell you that there are no new wrinkles, they will

via

  I have friends, yes. And I have 2 best friends...who are related to me- so even if they didn't want to be my friends, they really wouldn't have a choice. But I feel like something is missing. Gone are the days of showing up to a new setting as the new girl and muddling around until you find the friends that suit you best. High school and college are the days that best friends are made...easily. I don't doubt they can't be found now, but why is it so much harder? Gone are the days of...."Hi, I'm Sheena...Do you want to be friends?" There are so many variables now...work, marriage, babies and life in general. I am honestly somewhat embarrassed that I blogging about a topic like this {because who doesn't have friends?}...but as I proclaimed yesterday, I decided to use this blog as my thoughts. And this was weighing heavy on my mind tonight.

I would say its my New Year Resolution...but that might be weird. Or would it? What's wrong with wanting new friends in your life? I say nothing.

So, I am now accepting applications to be real life, friends. Not acquaintances, but friends. Please see above asterisked areas for guidelines.

Much love my pupcakes.

I confess...

I've been meaning to write this post since I saw it on one of my favs blogs- over here. She is SUPER cute!

So here it is...

Confessional Monday...

I confess,

    That I haven't wanted to blog lately..to the point where I just wanted to sign off and bid my 24 sweet followers adieu. I know, I know- its me, basically throwing a pity party for myself {don't worry, I am having a party hat bedazzled for myself.} I look at other blogs and think- "wow, they have 500+ followers." How do you get passed the point of not caring about other blogs? Or why people don't comment? Pity party closed. I am now writing just to write and not worry about anything else. K?

    That I am rediculously excited for Christmas. Seriously. My life is not complete unless my Christmas Tree lights are lit, and fire is dancing in my fireplace. Even if its not cold enough to warrant a fire. I dare hub to tell  me its too hot out for a fire.

That today completely kicked my ass. SO much so, that I don't even have the energy to disguise that word so you don't know what it says. {Which brings me to my next point....if you say a%s or trash or arse, isn't it exactly the same thing? Whats that phrase...Mean what you say and say what you mean?} Ya, something like that. Anyways- I am pretty sure everything about today screamed Monday. And then I had a serious workout. The kind where holding a pencil and attempting to sit on the toilet are going to be a huge struggle rightnow tomorrow.

That I loathe and I mean utterly despise- the Education Connection commercials. Seriously- everytime one of those redonk jingles comes on...I cringe. So much so, that I may or may not have rearched how to submit a complaint form online. I was unsuccesful.

That I am kind of over FB at the moment. Between politcal opinons, health plugs and everything in between, I just need a breather!

That even if I never make it to 25 followers I am okay. Because I am thankful for each and everyone of your sweet cupcake faces.

Here's to Tuesday!


 

Pictures say more than 1,000 words

It had been 7.5 years since hub and I had ourselves a professional photo-op. This was our last professional shoot....

 Ya- we were just little tykes then. So I was thrilled to have ourselves documented at this point in our lives. We have been married for almost 8 years and have never been happier. No, we aren't one of those couples that have had an easy, breezy go at it. Are there those couples out there? If so, I'm jelly. If you are married you know the amount of work that goes into staying best friends, lovers, communicators, helpers and everythinginbetween. We have certainly had our ups and downs and I am thankful to be on an "up".

So grateful to the amazing Ginger Salmon, for capturing us the way that she did.

Have yourself a lovable Tuesday, my peeps.

Move it Monday

Hello my pupcakes! How was your day of Thanks? I am actually doing laps right now trying to rid myself of pumpkin pie. I mean technically, pumpkin is a vegetable right? In any event, we had a great Thanksgiving.

The hub is still recovering from surgery- but he is definitely on the upswing. Surgery took over 2 hours last Tuesday and was a bit overwhelming that night and on Wednesday. I definitely am no stranger to blood coming out of a nose at a rapid rate- lets just put it that way. Sleeping has been on the couch for the past few days- as he has to be elevated and I felt like I had to be nearby in case I was needed. He heads back to the Doctor in the AM to have the stints (that are stitched into his nostrils *shudder*) removed. He is SO looking forward to that.

Needless to say, our Thanksgiving was quiet (as we couldn't travel due to above mentioned business). But it has been nice to be able to spend so much time together, even if it was mostly recovery.

I have no exciting pictures for this post- but don't be too sad. I have an exciting DIY- Christmas Edition headed your way. As over the weekend, I turned this house into Christmas Town. I love nothing more than to walk into my home that smells like a forest, with twinkling lights, glitter and the smell of cinnamon.

Stay tuned...

One word...

Grocery Shopping...

I am a multi-tasker. I feel best when I am doing 2-3 things simultaneously. This being said- I really don't dislike grocery shopping. But, it does not really allow multitasking. When shopping, you pretty much have to just grocery shop. That was until I found out about this kind of grocery shopping.

Over on the East Coast, we have both Lowe's Foods (not related to the Home Improvement store, confusing I know) and Harris Teeter (there are others, but these are my 2 favs). If you are from the West Coast, you are now probably chuckling at a name like Harris Teeter. I know I did when we moved from Arizona. At first I wanted my Safeway, Albertson, Fry's....but I don't mind anymore. Let's talk Lowes...

I found out- that this blessed store offers online grocery shopping. Yep- you read it right, online. I love online. I've done ALL of my Christmas shopping online. It makes me deliriously happy to not have to scuffle around with others, being subjecting to flemmy coughs {especially this time of the year}and not have my space bubble invaded. So, obviously my heart skipped a beat when I found out about this.

How does it work? You visit the site of the grocery store and login to your account. Then you begin shopping! Seriously- they have everything categorized and so easy to find! Plus, after you checkout you can save your items, for easy re-ordering. So, there I was- in the comfort of my home, pajamas, a fire going and I was grocery shopping. I could take my laptop into the kitchen to see what we did or didn't have. AH-mazing I tell you! You choose the date and time frame that you would like to pick the groceries up and VOILA! The next day, the sweet lady Patti {who was mentioned in my Friday Letters} called me to let me know how my shopping went and asked me if I would like to add anything else. Perfect if you thought of any forgotten items! The next day- while out running errands- I went "shopping".

I pulled up and told them who I was and pulled around to have my groceries delivered to me. I met Patti- who was SWEET as pie- and she loaded my groceries for me and took my card. {This is also when you would give them any coupons you might have}The cost to have them shop for you? A tiny $4.95. Seriously- that.is.it. I would rather not get a bag of chips and a soda and pay for someone to do this for me. It such a huge timesaver. They gave me a welcome packet, huge reusable grocery bag and sent me home- with my groceries- smiling ear to ear.

Remember the story about the wine bottle with the party hat? If not, you can read it here. But- this is the SAME store. Seriously the best customer service out there.

And, if you have kids? They take note- and bring them treats whenever you pick up your groceries. No more wrestling with tiny tots in the grocery aisles, or planning your day around trips to the grocery store and everyone is happy!

Moral of the story? Save your sanity and pay the $5. Its worth every single penny.



A Series of Unfortunate Events

Have you ever broken a mirror? Me neither. But, I do think that we have seriously had a case of the bad luck sniffles. I don't talk too much about the hub on this blogdiggity- but this one is unfortunately (for you) all about him. Not to brag- but my husband is fairly amazing. Seriously one of the smartest men I know. Build a race car? Sure. Change tires, brakes or oil? Yep. Install tile, countertops, flooring, doors, carpet, paint, ceiling fans and anything related to plumbing? You betcha. Landscape, trim trees, planting? Uh-huh. Get my drift? There is seriously nothing that man doesn't know. Well- except for understanding my moods. Ya- he's still working on that one.

As I write this blog, he is currently in surgery. I know- kind of crazy to be blogging while hub is under the knife- but I gotta do something to occupy myself.My boy has a horrible nose that he barely can breathe out of. And if you've been following for a little while then you are aware of the Medical year we have had. He gave us a pretty good scare a few months back- lots of tests, dr visits, procedures, etc. Needless to say- we met any maximums that were in place. Therefore- we were finally able to get him the surgery he needs. And yes, right before Thanksgiving- immpecable timing if I do say so myself.

So lets rewind a moment. Its Wednesday night- I am in my happy place, in jammies and by a fire with my furbabies. Hub just got home from work and was cleaning out his truck. He comes back inside and informs me that we are most likely going to need to go to Urgent Care. Ummm- 'scuse me?? Apparently while reaching under his seat, something cut his thumb. And by cut- I mean slice, requiring 4 stitches. That was fun- especially since there is only 1 Urgent Care open after 8pm in America. {Yes, we would have gone to the ER- but the $150 copay to do so, did not excite me}.

Lets jump to Friday. We had friends coming into town- so I was preparing Beck Manor. Hub just got home {are you sensing a patern here?} He had gone over to our cabinets {I would say pantry- but we technically don't have one}and upon opening one of the cabinets- our massive 10oz glass jar of honey flew out. Like launched its ass outta the cabinet. On its way down, it hit the edge of our tile countertop and shattered. Resulting in broken glass and honey, everywhere. Not only that- but a shard of glass went through his pants and lodged in his thigh. Seriously. Through his pants. It looked like I tried to stab him with a blunt object. So, off to Urgent Care again to be sure there were no left over glass pieces in his leg and more stitches.

This was of course- all before his surgery today. I asked him if had been doing bad things lately.
Sometimes bad luck...is just bad.

I'm off to continue working on the bubble he is going to live in for a little bit.

I am....Monday

I got this idea from the gorgeous Casey Weigand...

I am weird because...
I hate Styrofoam
I am petrified of Clowns. I can thank my 14 year old birthday part and the movie IT for making that worse.
I LOVE marshmallows & Peeps. But I will only eat the pink or yellow chickies- no others.
My imagination is out of control. What if I fell down the stairs, what if someone jumped in front of my car, what if that car wasn't paying attention... therapy maybe?

I am a bad friend because...
I expect too much out of people.
I would rather be in front of the fire with my hub and furchildren then going out- 98% of the time.

I am a good friend because...
I can keep a secret.
I treat someone the way I hope to be treated.
I'm really good at hair and makeup. Atleast that's the impression I get when people plop themselves in front of me, bobbie pins in hand.
I love like I mean it.
I would do just about anything {short of murdering someone} for a friend.

I am sad because...
I won't ever be a daddy's girl.
I won't ever get to thank my grandmother- for giving me the best mother in the world.
I don't live down the block from those who mean the most.
People hurt animals.
I'm noticing more wrinkles.

I am happy because...
I am a momma's girl.
My marriage is better then it ever has been- cheers to year #8!
The holidays are here.
We can finally afford to get the hub's nose fixed.
I only have to be 4,000miles from my baby sister for 6 more months.

I am excited for...
Christmas. I could go on and on about this alone.
A European holiday.
The addition of a new 4 legged family member. Even if it means dealing with tantrums from one of the fur children.
My Blog & New friends.
Running + Training + Half Marathon #6.
A brand New Year.

Enough about me, what about you?

Fridays Letters

I'm linking up with Ashley on this one, because I'm a huge fan of the Letters of Friday.

Dear Husband, I am thankful that you kept our life interesting on Thursday and took us on an impromptu road trip to Urgent Care. I am also happy that they were available to provide you with stitches so you are now back in one piece. Dear Patti at Lowe's Foods, You seriously were the sweetest person to me today- so much so, that you deserve your own post come Monday. I am so stinkin' excited about shopping for groceries online and picking them up. 10minute grocery shopping and I don't have to get out of the car? Yes please! Dear Bella and Caris, You both were horribly obnoxious today running around like you were training for an agility course. But I remember when you were not fond of eachother and I am so glad you are the best of friends. Dear Sister, After being 4,000 miles from you for the past few years- I am still in shock that you are going to be 5.5 hours from us next summer. Barbeques, girls trips,  beach vacays...so thrilled.

Happy Friday!

Wednesday Rant

This show gives me hives. I get the premise of wanting to save money. Trust me- I get it. But I do not get clearing out shelves at grocery or drug stores- so people like me, can't get the one can of cranberries, bottle of mustard, jar of pickles or bottle of aleve because YOU had to get 93? Seriously?

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And I laugh. You clear the shelves and then leave your extra coupons? For what? Me to hang on to the coupon and hope the store restocks the item while its still on sale? Psshhh.

I especially love when you are standing in line and say- I could never afford this if I didn't have coupons. Honey- no one could afford 89 bottles of Tylenol, 36 packages of diapers and 49 bottles of mustard all at once.

Now, don't get me wrong. I love coupons and I get crazy giddy about a good deal. I just don't think that its right to clear out shelves so others can't get the things they need because you chose to wipe the shelves down.

Sorry girls for the rant- this show gets me fired up! {Yep, the southern-ness just eeked out on that one!}

Weekend Factor

Hullo pupcakes!

You want the good news or the good news? The good news is that tomorrow is Tuesday. The other good news is that means the weekend is that much closer. I know- you feel better now, right? Your welcome.

My weekend was full of amazing nothingness. Sure we did stuff...but nothing off the charts. We (as in me + hub, duh) spent 3 glorious days together. Dr follow ups with flu shots (romantic, no?), nail salons, remote control car tracks (don't even ask), some shopping and a photoshoot- (all lovey dovey, I love you kinda, style). The best part? We got to complain about our arms being bruised (for 3 days!) from the POS flu shot, shopped til we dropped for...air filters and groceries {#excitinglife} and then meet up with one of my favorite photographers for some "document us" type photos- and managed to hopefully look like we love eachother- after I was admittedly a mighty B on the way to the shoot because I read 15miles as 15 minutes and hated my outfit- ya, one of those moments.  On another note, here's to hoping these legs of mine resembled Alessandra Ambrosio and NOT the vienna sausages that I am pretty sure was going on.

In other news, any XFactor lovers out there? I normally don't watch shows like this {aka Idol, The Sing Off, America's got Talent, etc} BUT, I happened to tune in to X Factor and am SO glad I did. For this girl, right here.

Meet Drew.

Not only is her voice AHH-mazing {the proof is here & here ) but she is also from my home town. A tiny (I'm talking 3 stop lights when I was there in highschool) tumbleweed of a town smack in the middle of the great state of Arizona. Naturally- I am rooting for her. Because I would be crazy not to.

In any event- I'm off to slumber.

From one Bella to another...

In case you haven't met...let me introduce you to one of my main-squeezies, one of my sweet fluff puffs..

Meet Bella. She is the most rambunctions, loving, licking obsessed, fetch adoring,thinks I hang the moon- kinda pup. She is going on 7 years and that makes my heart hurt a little bit. If you are a fur-momma, you can get it, right?

My sweet girl is my fluffy, sweet loving pupcake and I would be so sad without her... maybe hence the reason we are thinking of adding to our brood? No, I haven't told her yet...when we brought the other fluff home {our meowrific kitty Caris} we went through a HUGE adjustment period... Pee on mom's side of the bed? No problem. Pee on Daddy's shoes? Yep, twice. Pee on the couch where Daddy sits? Uh-huh, there too! Needless to say, we were very jelly of our new sister. Can you understand my hesitation to add to this mix? Add in the fact that this time, her new sibling is going to be 3 times her size. Kind of like this...

Meet Max.

 Part sweet, fun-loving boy...part Iwillripyourfaceoffifyoutouchmymomma boy.

So, I would imagine the adjustment period might be rough. But I am a fan of the idea of their protective features they come with. My little 9 pounder loves me somethin' fierce...but can't offer much in the way of predator protection services. Even if in her tiny head she is convinced she is part Great Dane, part Mastiff.

In any event, I recently became friends with this sweet lady. Meet Ashley {from Adventures of Newlyweds}...

A fellow fur-momma to her very own Bella. I am fairly certain they were destined to be soul sisters. But until then, they will have to settle for DogBook and poking eachother. Recently, she found out that her baby Bella needs surgery. The kind of surgery that costs upward of $1500. Ya, that kind. So, like any momma would do- she has hit the ground running and Fetch & Co, her very own Etsy shop was born.

You can find amazing jewelry, pup leashes, super sweet coffee mugs- with new items being added all of the time. So far, she has raised $450! So, if you would, please go and visit her at Fetch & Co and help her sweet Bella get the surgery that her little leg needs! I just received my mug in the mail the other day...and I am in love. Cute, no?

That's all for now my peeps- the weekend is ALMOST here!