Unveiled.

secrets secrets...

2012-02-09T08:00:00.001-06:00

You know that thing that you know you should not eat, but you eat it anyways because it tastes just too incredibly delicious to pass up? Well, we all my have a few of these, but I definitely have one that stands out from the rest.

Ladies and Gents, let me do the honor of introducing you to my guilty pleasure...

source

I would proudly consume a hundred and one of these bad boys if I could. It will most definitely be my final meal. I shall die going into a breakfast burrito coma...and I am quite alright with that. :)

What is your guilty pleasure when it comes to food?

fun + free date idea

2012-01-30T23:33:00.002-06:00

My lovely boyfriend and I had a great adventure last weekend. We decided to go on a little scavenger hunt at the Branson Landing (an outdoor mall here in the wonderful town of Branson)! The night before we made a list for each other, then the day of the hunt we revealed the lists to one another. Benjamin had some interesting things on the list for me...including planking, yelling "I love you, Benjamin Aron Alve-Smith!" at the top of my lungs in front of everybody, owling, and offending strangers. Sounds like a great time, right? Well, it was! Here are some pictures from the day...

Before the scavenger hunt

Benjamin HATES Toms...so it was a real treat to see him try on a pair. ;)

Chewbacca was hiding out in Hot Topic...in bobble head form. :P

It took him SO long to find "California"! When he finally did find it, he was SO excited!

One of my to-do's was to steal a spoon from Orange Leaf.

I guess "owling" is the new "planking"?? I didn't even know about it until recently! Interesting concept...

Of course, Benjamin just had to put "planking" on my scavenger hunt list...

After the hunt...as you can see, we're both still happy with each other! ;)

We had such a fun time doing some crazy things! The best part is...we didn't spend a dime, but rather spent TIME together! :) I hope all of you had a great weekend!

my day...

2012-01-19T15:00:00.000-06:00

is filled with peanut M&M's, note-taking, scanning, working out, eating, researching, running around...oh and breathing. (which could easily get forgotten!)

tonight is filled with my boyfriend, jersey shore, yummy food, cuddling, and relaxation.

all i have to do is get through one more class.

happy thursday! what's your day filled with?

diy | nail art

2012-01-13T09:44:00.003-06:00

My roommate and best friend Emily is an art major and nail technician. I would say those two talents go hand-in-hand. On Wednesday she so sweetly did my nails. Thank you, Emily!

I would like to share with you how she did them so that you can try them out for yourself!

supplies needed: three different colors of nail polish, clear top coat, thin nail polish brush or thin paint brush

1. apply your lightest color to all your nails, covering the entire nail. this color will end up being the middle segment of your nails. (i started with the silver). let your nails dry.

2. using your thin brush and another color of polish, start with the back segment by creating a wide "V" towards the back of the nail. fill in the section between the "V" and the back of your nail.

3. clean your thin brush.

4. using your thin brush and your third color, create another wide "V" towards the tip of your nail. fill in this segment between the "V" and the tip of your nail. let nails dry.

5. apply a top coat of clear nail polish to keep your nails from chipping.
(this tutorial is written assuming you were to do your nails yourself, laying your hand flat with fingers pointing away from you; if having someone else do your nails for you, create the "V"s upside down.)

that's it! enjoy your nails, and happy painting! :)

hula-hooping

2012-01-11T21:44:00.000-06:00

HULA-HOOP
invented in 1948 in Los Angeles, California by Arthur K. Melin and Richard Knerr
also, item found at Academy Sports that will turn any person back into a kid

Hope you had a great Wednesday!

new goal of 2012: working out

2012-01-10T10:18:00.000-06:00

I couldn't resist... :P

My boyfriend Benjamin and I started on a goal for 2012 yesterday. We started working out again. During the summer we worked out together, and we were doing really good! We both felt really good about ourselves and we had a consistent schedule going. But, just like every other time I've tried working out, I slowly started slacking. We both slowly stopped working out, and really haven't worked out since.

We both decided that we needed to get back in shape. I've always had insecurities about my body, and working out really helps me feel good about myself, even if I don't lose actual pounds.

We wanted to work out together, be each other's accountability, and help each other remain disciplined through this goal of ours. There is a gym on campus, but since Benjamin graduated last year, he can no longer work out in the gym. :( So, we went on a little trip to find a gym that we could both work out in. We ended up finding a great gym through a friend at a local baptist church. It's a really great facility. It has a full sized gym, track, weight room, cardio room, a room with treadmills and ellipticals, and locker rooms with showers. The best part of this? $20 a year. That's right. $20 a year!!! We tested it out, and started our goal.

I realized that I'm not able to do as many sit-ups as I once was able to...that needs to change! We had a great time working out together! I usually get confused on some of the equipment, so having Benjamin there to help explain it to me was a great thing. It's always nice to have someone to work out with, especially someone who is on your same level.

I hope that we're able to keep up this time. I weighed myself (which I NEVER do), since I would like to know if along this journey I lose any weight. Fingers crossed! If not, at least it's time that I get to spend with my wonderful boyfriend. Plus, it makes me think a lot more about how I eat (Example: Tonight we decided to go to Subway for dinner instead of McDonald's), which is always a great thing.

Have any of you started on a working plan since the new year? If so, what are some things you're incorporating into your plan?

I hope you have a great Tuesday!

broncos vs. steelers

2012-01-08T14:04:00.002-06:00

3.30pm.

Today at 3.30pm I will be cheering on my Denver team as they face up against the Steelers. It's bound to be a ridiculously great game. My sister-in-law is a Steelers fan, so it's always a riot in my family when the Broncos and Steelers play eachother.

According to NFL Mobile, the Steelers have a "slight edge" against the Broncos...we'll see about that...

don't miss it.

it's the little things.

2012-01-08T13:15:00.005-06:00

It's moments like these that make me so happy to be his.

starting again.

2012-01-07T15:15:00.001-06:00

Let's try this blog thing again. :)

I've been so busy with college, work, and keeping up with a boyfriend (!!) that I haven't really had much time to keep my life recorded on my blog. So, with that said, I dearly apologize. Forgive me?

Right now my life consists of relaxation while I enjoy the freedom of break from school. I start my sophomore year in a little over a week. I am so very excited to be progressing in my college career, but not so excited that it's progressing so fast. Here are a few recent pictures from this past Christmas break:

My girls and I went ice-skating this winter. It was on our must-do list for Christmas break. (L to R: Jessica, Me, Emily)

My man and I have had a wonderful time making great Christmas memories. Our one year anniversary is coming up in February. :)

Part of our Christmas present from my parents was lunch at Haruno. I'm not a huge fan of sushi, or any type of fish, but I sucked it up and ordered an avocado roll... ;)

I hope that you've had a wonderful winter break. Things are starting to pick back up after the New Year, so I am wishing all of you smooth transitions and a happy weekend! :)

favorite. favorite. favorite song.

2011-04-11T14:00:00.001-05:00

I am so obsessed with this song right now. I can’t stop listening to it. It makes my heart flutter.

B.o.B. has became one of my most favorite artists.

Enjoy. <3

public speaking

2011-02-08T10:10:00.000-06:00

my first speech is in an hour.

gulp.

hot and dangerous.

2011-01-27T00:17:00.000-06:00

Ewww...so I've been super sick lately. Gross. I'm slowly getting over it. My throat is on fire still. And I keep violently coughing. Ugh. Oh well.

Last night was the Freshmen Formal...

UMMMM...probably the most fun I've had in a LONG time. SOOO much fun! I can't even begin to describe how much I love college!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!!!

I thought I'd share some pictures from last night...I promise not to overload you. :)

Emily and Me (Yes, we're all aware that Emily looks completely EVIL in this picture!)

Ashley and Me

Me and Daniel

Emily, Isaiah, and Me

Addie and Me (my "momma"!!)

Zach and Me

Emily, Jessica, and Me

This has a story behind it...perfect picture, perfect moment. <3

Needless to say, it was wayyyyyyyy too much fun.

I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT DANCE.

my trip to red velvet + college life

2011-01-20T00:43:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday I finally visited the store that I've been reading about for over a year now. I was SO excited when I walked in...I was literally shaking. Now, if you don't follow Elsie and Emma, you really need to. They're both adorable and so much fun.

Here are a few pictures...I felt silly taking pictures, considering the fact that both Elsie and Emma were there. I didn't want to look silly, but next time I am SO taking more pictures! :)

EEEEEEEEK! So cool. I loved their wedding dresses. So dainty and vintage and amazing! AH!

School is going great. A lot of running around and chaos sometimes...but it's great to just relax. All of my homework for tonight is done...great feeling...this is the earliest I think I've been in bed for awhile now...college life is consuming me! I have a big day tomorrow full of classes, work, work outs, and chill time. FUN. :)

The freshmen semi-formal is coming up...I'm SUPER pumped about that. I haven't been to a dance for awhile. I love dancing, so that should be a ton of fun. And no, I don't have a date! And I will be keeping it that way. :) I'm not quite sure what I'm going to wear yet...it's between this black velvet dress or this anchor dress paired with leggings. Hm. We will see!!

I hope everyone is having great weeks!

update.

2011-01-16T23:41:00.001-06:00

PEOPLE.
The people here are so amazing. I’ve never been around so many purely genuine people. My closest friend is this girl named Emily. I knew her a little bit before coming to college; we have a lot of mutual friends. We both go to James River. She’s so awesome. The guys here are pretty cool as well. They are very gentlemen-like, and not because they are trying to flirt, but because that’s how they were raised.
JOB.
My job is an okay job. I wash dishes at the Keeter Center, which is the fancy restaurant that is open to the public. It’s pretty fast-pace, and sometimes can be a little tiring. But it’s paying for my tuition so I’m not going to complain.
CLASSES.
My classes are overall pretty good. I have two that I’m a little worried about. One has a lot of reading and the other has a lot of writing. But I’m pretty sure I will get through it. My favorite class is my Fundamentals of Mass Media class. It’s a lot of fun. It’s an open discussion class, so there’s a lot of input. I love it so much. We watch music videos and movie clips and discuss them. Pretty cool.
MY ROOM.
I am living by myself, no roommate. At first I was upset with this, but as the week went on, I soon realized how convenient it is to be alone. I also somehow managed to score one of the biggest rooms on campus…I’m not quite sure how that happened but it’s a great bonus. I love my room here more than the one I have back at home. It’s so roomy and it’s just ME. I love decorating it, and being able to start fresh.

So, overall I’m having quite an amazing time. I didn’t think I would meet so many great people and have this much fun!!!!

the beginnings of college life.

2011-01-12T22:59:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I think it goes without saying when I say that I am having an AMAZING time at college. Nope, "amazing" isn't even a great enough word. Let me just say that this school is...LEGIT. It is so much fun. I have met some of the coolest people in my life. Yes, I know I haven't updated in awhile...but what can I say?? It's so much fun here, and I've just been super busy! Here are some pictures to show you a little bit more about all of this...

One of the games we played during Character Camp

My dorm room :)

Coffee house night with musical guest Ben Rector. <3

The view from my dorm room. Looks like a Bob Ross painting.

I have more pictures, but my computer is being silly and stupid. :/
I hope to update more often! Once I get into the swing of my schedule then I shall post more often.
:)

college countdown | 11 days.

2010-12-22T10:01:00.000-06:00

11 days.

until I start working at getting in shape.

until I have to clip my fingernails for my new job.

until I get a ton of new friend requests on facebook.

today's plans

2010-12-20T08:45:00.000-06:00

I get to spend my day with these two lovely ladies today. I'm excited. I'll be leaving for college in thirteen days, so I'm trying to spend as much time as possible with caleb, becca, and selah.

Becca and i will be making these today:

photo courtesy of Heather Amer

I'm excited to actually hang out with my sister-in-law. I haven't really got to hang with her for awhile, so it's nice to have some girl time (and baby time!)

Selah just recently had her christmas pictures taken. Here's just a little teaser for you...

heather cherie photography

Anywaayyys...I'm pretty excited for today, and I'm sure you will be seeing another post from me today for my college countdown. I hope all of you aren't tired of me yet! I'm just so excited to be going to college in 13 days!

14 days + a little weekend recap

2010-12-19T14:22:00.000-06:00

14 days.

until I get to wear my new dress to the banquet during Character Camp.

until I stay up late every night.

until I can say that I'm an official college student.

Ok, so Friday night I hung out with my friend Danielle. We joined our friend Michael downtown for some subs, cupcakes, and coffee...with conversation of course. Danielle and I went to Gordmans, where I picked up my new dress for the formal banquet during Character Camp. (!!!!) I'm so excited to wear it.

That night I didn't sleep at all. We stayed up talking and laughing. Needless to say...I was SO TIRED the next day. Although we had Christmas at Grandma's, and another Christmas party after that...I MADE IT. I guess 9 hours of sleep last night wasn't enough for me...I skipped out on church this morning.

Today I'm enjoying a day full of football.

Can you believe Christmas is this Saturday? It came up so quick this year. Luckily I have all of my Christmas shopping done. I just need to wrap all of the presents. Which I love doing, by the way.

What's something you like to do before Christmas day?

college countdown! | 15 days.

2010-12-18T13:27:00.000-06:00

15 days.

until showers become a luxury.

until I can wear sweats to class.

until I move all my clothes from one closet to another.

pretty pretty... mittens + tutorial!

2010-12-17T14:25:00.001-06:00

all images via <3

Ooohh lovely mittens. How I love you.

Here is a super cute tutorial from Ruffles And Stuff on how to turn old socks into

long gloves (and scarves!!)

[click on image for tutorial]

Keep those fingers warm!

college countdown! | 16 days.

2010-12-17T08:21:00.000-06:00

16 days.

until I get to meet my "siblings".

until I get to experience the joy of studying again.

until I get to use my soft, new towels. :)

pretty pretty... winter sweaters

2010-12-16T15:23:00.000-06:00

souce: <3

If you're like me, and find it incredibly difficult to rock a sweater, here are some links for you...

HOW TO WEAR A SWEATER

CARDIGAN STYLES AND HOW TO WEAR THEM

4 CHIC WAYS TO WEAR A CARDIGAN

Forever 21 has some really cute sweaters this season. Click here to browse through their catalog.

For more unique patterns and sweater styles, visit Urban Outfitters online.

Make sure you stay warm and cozy this winter!

It's starting to get pretty cold out there!

college countdown! | 17 days.

2010-12-16T14:28:00.000-06:00

17 days.

until I get to sport a hair net at work everyday. [yay...]

until I get a college "mom" and "pop".

until my sleep schedule gets all jacked up.

it's becca's birthday!

2010-12-15T13:25:00.000-06:00

It's Becca's birthday today!

Isn't she stunning?!

She's the best sister-in-law anyone could ask for!

She's one of my best friends, and such a strong woman.

Please do me a great favor and head on over to her blog and wish her a happy birthday!! :)

college countdown | 18 days.

2010-12-15T13:06:00.000-06:00

18 days.

until I meet a whole new group of friends.

until I start fresh with a new room.

until I switch from mom's cooking to cafeteria food. [not a good thing]

pretty pretty.... ornaments.

2010-12-14T19:30:00.001-06:00

source: we<3it

college countdown! | 19 days.

2010-12-14T15:42:00.000-06:00

19 days.

until I start my new job in the Keeter Center, working in the kitchen. [just found that out today! yay!]

until I have my first roommate.

until I start a busy schedule, balancing work and school!

as i promised :)

2010-12-13T12:48:00.000-06:00

These are all taken by Heather of Heather Cherie Photography. Her work is amazing. :) These are just a few of the many pictures she took over the weekend. I'm sure I will share more later; it was so hard to pick.

college countdown! | 20 days.

2010-12-13T09:48:00.002-06:00

Oh yeah.

It's countdown time, people!

One of my favorite things to do...count down the days until a special event in my life. In this countdown I will be counting down the days until I move into college!

YAY!

20 days.

until I get to use my new bedspread that I bought in the summer at Target.

until I get to move-in to my suite-style dorm room. (EEK!)

until I can start taking classes again. (call me crazy, but I actually ENJOY learning.)

PSSST: Today I will be sharing some pictures from Friday night with all of you of the most beautiful baby in the world. You won't want to miss it. <3
PSSSSSSSSSSSSSSST: Make sure you check out this website. They have the most delicious recipes.

say hello to my baby niece

2010-12-12T17:49:00.004-06:00

My precious niece was born Friday night at 11:53pm.

She is the most precious baby girl in the world. She has beautiful brown hair and gorgeous blue eyes. When she looks in my eyes, it makes my heart melt. She is so alert and calm. Her sneezes are the cutest thing ever. I find it such a big deal when she makes noises and silly faces. I am so addicted and obsessed with this baby. I woke up in the middle of the night last night and just stared at her pictures on my phone for an hour. I couldn’t wait to hold her again today.

Becca started having contractions around 2am on Friday. Caleb and Becca went to the hospital, and were told to go back home. It wasn’t time yet. Later that day she started having contractions about 4 minutes apart. This worried them, for Selah wasn't due for another three weeks. They called the doctor, and she told them to go ahead and come into the hospital. Caleb packed up a bag, and they headed to the hospital. Becca was so strong through it all. She stayed positive the whole way, and I was so proud of my brother. He was so casual and calm, and eased Becca while she was in pain.

Later that night, at 11:53, as my family and the Amer girls huddled outside the door, we heard the cutest cry in the world. Selah Grace had finally made her appearance.

We all got a chance to hold her before we left the hospital on Friday night (it was actually Saturday morning!). We came back to visit with the three of them last night. After church this morning we went to the hospital to visit with them a little bit more before they packed everything up to go home.

While holding her today, she fell asleep on me. I’ve never felt so much love. <3

Our friend Heather Amer was there on Friday night. She is a photographer and took many beautiful pictures, so be watching for those soon. :) My Facebook is flooded with status updates, wall posts, and pictures of this precious little baby. Don’t expect any of that to change any time soon.

Be sure to visit Becca’s blog or Caleb’s blog for future updates on baby Selah Grace. We are all so happy and excited that she is finally here. :)

fill in the blank friday | dec. 10

2010-12-10T08:18:00.001-06:00

Join in on the fun here.

I wish that I didn't have to get up this morning. Fridays are always extremely difficult for me. I don't want to get up. I just want to stay in bed where it's warm and cozy!

Yesterday I went to work for a few hours and then came home and watched TV. Thursdays are GLORIOUS. The following shows were on last night: The Big Bang Theory, Community, The Office, (normally Outsourced is on), and The Apprentice. So I just sat in front of the TV all night, like I do every Thursday. :)

Today I will be keeping my fingers crossed. I will also be working on a project for Bible Quiz, as well as going to a banquet dinner for the leaders in my youth group. It's the Christmas banquet. It's so much fun!

Tomorrow I will be going to Bible Quiz practice for the first time in a long time, and I will be visitng with my Grandpa for his 80th birthday. And there's a possibility something else might happen. But I'm not sure yet. So I won't even tell you because then I'll get my hopes up!

Maybe my roommate will message me back today. I found out yesterday, and immediatly Facebooked her! I friend requested her and messaged her, telling her that we're going to be roomies in the spring! That was yesterday morning. I haven't heard back yet. I mean, seriously...who doesn't check their Facebook everyday?!?

Someday I will go on a road trip with my friend Danielle. We both promised eachother we will go on one atleast once while we're in college.

I love this song. If you're not watching The Sing Off, you're really missing out. Here's a clip of one of the groups. They got eliminated on Wednesday night, but this song is probably my favorite so far of all the groups.

preparing for christmas / spazz post

2010-12-08T10:55:00.001-06:00

“Throw your soul through every open door. Count your blessings to find what you look for. Turn my sorrow into treasured gold.”
Rolling In The Deep, Adele

Christmas is drawing nearer and nearer. I know this because of two reasons: the date on the calendar says so and the amount of Christmas posts in my blog feed is increasing.

I feel kind of left out that I’m not doing a Christmas series or a ton of holiday posts. It’s really not like me!

Christmas hasn’t really started around my house yet. As I said before, we don’t have our decorations or tree up yet. We’re putting them up on Saturday. We have this tradition where we listen to Elvis Presley’s Christmas cd while we put up the holiday decor. We line our kitchen doorway with all the Christmas cards we receive. We each have our own ornaments that we hang on the tree.

This will be the first year that my brother won’t be home Christmas morning to open up presents. I will admit, it makes me sad. It makes me feel like an only child!

This week I find out my roommate for CofO. I’m super excited! I keep checking the housing information online to see if they’ve updated it yet! I’m so excited.

I only have six days left at work, and then I’m done! FOREVER! It kind of makes me sad! It was my first and only job I’ve ever had.

Did anyone catch Glee last night? It was the Christmas episode! And am I the only watching the Sing Off? I hope not, because it was awesome!!

I’m off work today, which means I’m supposed to be productive on my own. Haha! Yeah right…I’m going to watch Ellen and then make some more hair accessories to take into Indie next week. Sounds like a productive day to me!

What are your plans for today?
Whatever they are, I hope that you have a great and fun-filled Wednesday!

best friend.

2010-12-07T15:08:00.002-06:00

one of Kristen's senior pictures from October 2009

Can I just say that I love this girl so much??
She makes me laugh so easily, makes me feel so comfortable to be who I am, and we are so alike that it's a little scary.
But it's normal to be exactly the same as your best friend.
Every time we're in her car we belt out songs on the radio, and try to harmonize. I think next Monday I'm going to bring my video camera in the car to record our (attempt at) singing. She thinks it would be a pretty funny video.
We have these long talks in her car when we hang out.
Talks about college, work, life...I'm really enjoying them.
She encourages me and makes me excited about my future.
Best friends have a way of doing that. :)

PS: Here's another good song that I've been listening to lately. I love it!

a way to start off your monday.

2010-12-06T09:32:00.005-06:00

Yeah, so maybe I changed my blog again. So what? I get bored really fast. And since it's winter and all, I felt like warming things up a little bit on my blog (yes, dark green is a warm color).

So I've been listening to the same songs lately. They won't stay out of my head. Because of this, I've decided to share them with you, and hopefully get them stuck in YOUR head as well. That way we can share in this annoyance together. This will be a great way to start off your Monday! (click on the picture to listen to the song)

But I guess it's not such an annoyance when the songs are genuinely GOOD SONGS.

Oh, and Facebook changed again. I don't know if I like it. Luckily you don't have to switch over to the new changes.

Did everyone have a good weekend? I hope you did, because I did! My weekend consisted of two things: bible quiz and football.

And my Broncos sucked this week. Actually, it was just Kyle Orton. He was throwing really bad passes.

Nonetheless,
I am still a Broncos fan.

We still don't have our Christmas tree/decorations up yet. I wouldn't let my mom put them up until December. Yes, I'm one of those people.

Is it starting to look like Christmas for you?

character camp mom + pop

2010-12-03T09:38:00.004-06:00

HOLY CRAP!

I've been so busy that I haven't had time to blog. That rarely happens, folks.

Soooo...I found out my family for Character Camp at College of the Ozarks!

FAMILY #7

Meet my mom and pop:

Adoration Johnson + Paul Baker

(are they not the coolest people you've ever seen???)

(and does she not have the most awesomest hair you've ever seen??? i want it.)

SO PUMPED.

PSSSSST: I just finished giving my friend Tiffany a little blog makeover. You can check it out here. I designed her banner, her pages and tabs, her sidebar art, customized her colors and text...gave her a complete makeover! If you would like me to design you a blog banner, sidebar art, pages/tabs, etc...let me know! I'll do it for absolutely free! :)

t-gives + weekend

2010-11-30T16:46:00.003-06:00

Ohhh what a wonderful Thanksgiving I had!

I had family that came in from Colorado. I love them so much! A few of my cousins I hadn't seen in years! It was great. I love hanging out with my cousins. We talked, ate, watched The Office, went bowling, saw the new Harry Potter movie (which I hadn't seen the previous two, so I was a bit confused), watched football, went out to eat, laughed, played Scattegories, learned a new card game (Golf), and walked downtown!

This was also the first year that I had a sister-in-law at Thanksgiving. :)

Friday I went downtown with my dad for Black Friday. We went to Indie and another store (I can't tell you because that's where I got Caleb's birthday present and I want to keep it a secret!). Neither of them were as packed as I thought they'd be. While at Indie, I dropped off some more inventory and picked up two new dresses :) They're kind of hard to see in the pictures, but they're extremely cute!

I went to the other store, and picked up my final Christmas present on my list: Caleb's. It was pretty easy to find, since I knew what he was wanting.

On Saturday I went downtown with my Grandma and mom. We walked around, and looked at all the different shops. I hadn't walked around downtown for awhile, so it was neat to stumble across some new favorite shops. :)

Then I saw Harry Potter with some of my cousins, and went back to Grandma's house to hang out with my cousins a little bit more before they left.

Sunday was my Dad's birthday. YAY! 40! He's a young one, and an awesome one. My mom and I got him a 50mm lens for his camera. :) Caleb and Becca came over after church. I made lunch for everyone, and we sat around and watched football.

Bo Bear trying to feel Baby Selah kick.

Oh, and I got to feel Baby Selah move around. :) I hadn't been able to feel her kick yet, so it was so incredible! Bo even got to feel her move around. :)

So, I got a lot of things checked off my to-do list this week!

I ordered Christmas presents, made more headbands, spent time with family, rinsed out the onesies I tie-dyed for Selah (FINALLY), cashed out some money for CofO, and worked on a little side project for Becca yesterday.

I feel productive. :)

How was your Thanksgiving/weekend?

nerves + excitement

2010-11-24T10:39:00.002-06:00

There are a lot of things that are going to change in my life when I get to college. Some of them I am excited about, and other things I am a little nervous about...

ROOMMATE. I’ve never had a roommate before, nor have I ever had to share a room. I have one older brother. I have always wondered what it would be like to have a sister, and I feel like this is my chance to find out! Sharing clothes, sharing a tiny (and I mean tiny) dorm room, trying to match up our schedules so that we don't bother each other at night or in the morning. What if my roommate is a psycho? I mean come on…doesn’t every one want to room with someone who isn’t crazy? I hope she is just like me, yet not. If that makes sense. Ha.

JOB. Well this is a given. Duh. At College of the Ozarks they have a work program. You work 15 hours a week and it pays for your tuition. I won’t find out what my job assignment is until I get there in January. I’m excited to find out what it is! Most freshmen either work in the Keeter Center (a public restaurant), laundry, or landscape. I hope I don’t get landscaping…it’s too cold to be working outside!

SCHOOL. I haven’t done homework since I graduated high school, which was April 2009. It feels like it’s been a lot longer than that. I’m just worried that I’m not going to be able to keep up with the homework. I’m not bragging, but I’m pretty smart. I mean, I’m not dumb. I would get As and Bs in high school. But college homework and studying is a lot more than high school…

MAKING NEW FRIENDS/CHARACTER CAMP. Honestly, I’m pretty excited about this one. Who wouldn’t be? I am a little nervous about the process…The first week is called Character Camp, and it’s kind of like an orientation week. There’s a set schedule. You’re put in a family with a “mom” and a “pop” who are upperclassmen, and you get “brothers” and “sisters” who are fellow freshman. I already know who my Mom and Pop are, which is very exciting. I will find out more about CC next week! YAY! I’m just nervous about some of the activities. I’m not an athletic or fit person so a few of the so-called “fun” activities are worrying me a little bit.

CLOTHES. Yes, I am worried about this one. I know I only live 20 minutes down the road from my college, but I’m worried that I’m not going to have enough room for all of my clothes. No, I’m sure I won’t. I guess it’s a good thing I can come home on the weekends and do laundry and swap out some outfits.

MONEY. This is a given. I’m going to barely make it, people! As of a few weeks ago it was looking like I was going to have to take out a loan to help pay for my room and board and my fees/text books. Now it’s not looking that way. YAY. God is providing money through random opportunities, which is amazing. As it’s looking now, I need to save every penny possible. No more going shopping or going on lunch dates with friends…it WILL pay off, though. Oh, yes. I also have to have money for my phone bill every month. Luckily I have Virgin Mobile’s $25 a month prepaid plan. It’s heavenly. Unlimited texting, unlimited data, and 300 minutes (which is all I need!) for only $25 a month. That really cuts down my bill, and will save me a TON of money.

I'm so sure I will look back at this post when I'm in college and LAUGH.

Ok, so since I sat here and complained about all of this stuff, and you sat through it, I am giving YOU a chance to complain about anything you want to me. The fact that Jennifer won Dancing With The Stars last night? The fact that you don’t have TiVo like me, and missed Glee last night? The fact that Thanksgiving is this week and you’re worried about consuming those 3,000 calories? What’s your complaint for the day? Go ahead.
VENT!

christmas shopping.

2010-11-23T16:29:00.000-06:00

source

Every year Christmas shopping seems to be a little bit hectic. Sometimes my dad and I will go the week before Christmas to get my mom's gift, and vice versa. It always seems to be crazy busy, too. Well, this is the first year I am ordering most of my gifts online. Yes, I am an online shopper! AND I AM LOVING IT! No standing in lines, no showing up to the store only to realize they are sold out on that one item I need, and no driving into town!

I know what some of you are thinking...

"But what about shipping prices?"
Did you know that most of the places online offer either a holiday shipping deal or a discount on their items? Everything I have bought so far I have been able to get cheaper. All you have to do is go to Google and search for "coupon codes" for the item you are buying. Other places online have their deals plastered all over their website.

Now, I can not tell you specifically what items I bought...but I can tell you that I purchased something off of Ebay and Amazon. Both items I was able to get free shipping! SCORE.

I would suggest for you to search online for the item you are wanting to get before you go in store (that is IF the store offers online shopping). Check out the deals they have, and see if you can get it cheaper by ordering it online. You will have to wait a certain amount of days until your item arrives, but it may be worth it if you can get it cheaper.

source

Anyways...
Here is my checklist for this month and next month...

~~Dad's birthday gift~~
~~Becca's birthday gift~~
~~Becca's Christmas present~~
Caleb's Christmas present
~~Mom's Christmas present~~
~~Dad's Christmas present~~

Of course, Caleb's is the only one that I can not get online. That's okay! What I am getting him will be fun to actually go in the store to get...

How is your holiday shopping coming along?

on edge

2010-11-18T13:52:00.000-06:00

"Take a breath, just take a seat. You're falling apart and tearing at the seams."

-heaven forbid, the fray
"In days to come when your heart feels undone may you always find an open hand, and take comfort wherever you can."
-comfort, deb talan
"And everyone keeps saying, 'Nothing helps but time.' Time is all I own. Time won't stop replaying over in my mind. I watch the hours slow down. So I crawl underneath my blanket, where I can hide away. I know I can't take it, because I see now it's just one of those days."
-one of those days, joshua radin

--

So lately I've been a little emotional. It's just a bunch of things that are hitting me at once. I would cry over the silliest things. I wasn't sure exactly why. I would just start crying for no reason. I would cry about 3 or 4 times a day. But I've gotten better. I still feel like there are a million things going on in my head, but I'm not crying so much anymore.

Music is usually the thing that helps me take my mind off of things, or helps me put words to my pain. But just until yesterday I wasn't able to listen to music. I usually fall asleep and wake up to it, but I just couldn't. It was like I didn't want to put words to my pain...I didn't really want to know what was wrong with me.

There's still a million things going on inside my head, yet I can't seem to sort them out. I don't know what they are, either. Don't ask me if I want to talk about it, because I don't. Partly because I don't want to talk about it, and partly because I don't really know what's going on.

Luckily I have friends who can relate to what I'm going through. They know not to try to beat it out of me, but rather just relate to that feeling of being emotionally unstable and yet not knowing why.

It might just be the weather, I'm not really sure. It might just be the fact that half of me wants to be in college right now, and the other half of me is super nervous to start college. Either way, whatever it is, it's bugging me. One day I will be normal and the next I will just want to crawl in bed and cry. I don't know why. Some things that have happened are contributing to it, which doesn't help. But I don't want to talk about them, so please don't even ask.

I hope you understand that I'm not trying to be closed. I just don't know what to say because I don't know what's going on inside my head. I just needed to get it out that I'm feeling a little on edge lately.

(And I also realize I stopped doing my Giving Thanks posts...I just didn't feel a desire to blog.)

happy haul-idays!

2010-11-16T16:29:00.000-06:00

Check this out! Chronicle Books is doing an AWESOME giveaway! What you have to do is post a list of books that add up to $500 that you would like to win! Find the books on their site!

1. Mini Goals Notepad
2. Skywriting Journal
3. Walls Notebook
4. Cath Kidston's Posies Journal
5. Lemondrops and Bluebirds Journal
6. Colors Journal
7. Songbird Journal
8. Animals Around the World Journal
9. Never Forget Journal
10. Music Listography (OMGSH!)
11. Listography Journal
12. The True and he Questions: Journal
13. Treetop Tidings Fold & Mail Stationary
14. The Book of "Unnecessary" Quotation Marks
15. Simply Organic
16. Craft Inc. Business Planner
17. Polaroid Notes
18. The Indie Rock Coloring Book
19. Gratitude: A Journal
20. The Complete Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook
21. Ticket Stub Diary
22. Death Cab For Cutie
23. Amy Butler's Style Stitches
24. Listography 2011 Weekly Calendar
25. Paper + Craft
26. Hot Type
27. 1,001 Ways to Live in the Moment
28. Artful Accessories
29. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
30. Julius! Growth Chart
31. D.I.Y. Delicious

=
$502.57!

go enter!

freebies + printables

2010-11-09T18:14:00.002-06:00

Ok, so I'm extremely bored here at work. There's nothing to do...so I found some cute printables for all of you! Go check them out!!

too adorable to pass up! print yours here

CUTE! download greeting card here

such a cute idea. tutorial and downloads here

get your own canister decals here

alphabet bunting. too cute. find it here.

menu planner. print it here.

(Becca had a great idea...put this paper in a frame. Use an expo marker to write over the glass. It wipes right off when your week is done!)

gift tags! adorable! get them here.

giving thanks | nov. 9

2010-11-09T15:12:00.004-06:00

November 1st:
I am thankful that I work with people who make me laugh.
November 2nd:
I am thankful that I am part of a creative family.
November 3rd:
I am thankful for warm pajamas and cozy hoodies.
November 4th:
I am thankful for my many friends who consistently encourage me and know how to lift me up when I am down.
November 5th:
I am thankful for my healthy addiction of Fantasy Football.
November 6th:
I am thankful for my dog Bo and the endless happiness he brings me.
November 7th:
I am thankful for Sundays. A day that I can be lazy and no one can call me out for it.
November 8th:
I am thankful for music.
November 9th:

I am thankful for my home.

Many people don't have a place they can call home. I'm so blessed to be able to say that I'm not one of them!

giving thanks | nov. 8

2010-11-08T10:03:00.002-06:00

I am thankful for music.

Adele. Coldplay. Joe Purdy. Metro Station. Lady Antebellum. Death Cab For Cutie. Missy Higgins. Lecrae. Rosi Golan. She & Him. Owl City. Katy Perry. Alicia Keys. Kanye West. Michael Franti. Britt Nicole. Usher. Jason Reeves. The Rocket Summer. Chris Garneau. Train. Iron & Wine. Azure Ray. Beyonce. Superchick. The Fray. Sia. Drake. Ingrid Michaelson. Joshua Radin. Kings of Leon. Rihanna. MGMT. John Mayer. The Xx. Lady Gaga. Brett Dennen. Ray Lamontagne. Taylor Swift. Sara Bareilles. Avril Lavigne.

one of my most favorites of all...

giving thanks | nov. 7

2010-11-07T10:53:00.002-06:00

I am thankful for Sundays. A day that I can be lazy, and no one can call me out for it.

giving thanks | nov. 6

2010-11-06T10:43:00.003-05:00

I am thankful for my dog Bo, and the endless happiness he brings me.

Waiting for his momma to come home

Yes, I know he does a lot of sleeping!

just as i promised + giving thanks

2010-11-05T13:22:00.007-05:00

So earlier in the week I told you that I have been working on a project. Indeed I have. It's been one crazy busy week.

There's a store in downtown Springfield that sells local handmade and vintage items. I submitted an application to sell my hair accessories in their store, and they so gladly accepted!! YAYY!! This whole week I've been making new accessories, printing off new labels, trying to think of creative ideas for tags, blah blah blah! I took my accessories to their store last night.

My hair accessories can now be found at Indie.

I am so ecstatic. Here are a few pictures of my newest items with their fresh tags. :)

All of the tags are paint swatches. Each tag is unique. <3

I am suuuper excited!!

If you live in the area, go take a look.

Indie is such a unique and fun store! :)

You can find Indie on Facebook. :)

----

November 1st:

I am thankful that I work with people who make me laugh.

November 2nd:

I am thankful that I am part of a creative family.

November 3rd:

I am thankful for warm pajamas and cozy hoodies.

November 4th:

I am thankful for my many friends who consistently encourage me and know how to lift me up when I am down.

November 5th:

I am thankful for my healthy addiction of Fantasy Football.

I am so happy that my brother dragged me into this. It's so much fun. I've always loved football but could never really get into it because I felt like there was no point in watching it unless the Broncos were playing. Now I have a reason to catch any game. I also find myself watching teams that aren't even on my team. It's given me a desire to watch football...even college football! I will admit it's an addiction of mine. BUT it's healthy, so it's ok. :)

fill in the blank friday | hair

2010-11-05T09:09:00.000-05:00

I am excited about these questions!

As always, if you want to join in click here. Thanks to Lauren from The Little Things We Do for hosting FITBF!

1. My last haircut was sometime in the middle of last month.

2. My most daring hair moment was when I cut 10 inches off! I went from this...

to this...

3. A hair style I've never been brave enough to try is an asymmetrical haircut. Like this...

Short on one side, long on the other.

My friend Meg (shown above) has this haircut and I think it is soo cute. BUT I don't think I could pull it off.

4. I've always dreamt of being a (blonde, brunette or red-head) brunette. Well, a part of me wants to be a blonde but I think it would wash me out.

5. My go-to hair do is short and curly. I get out of the shower, run a tiny bit of gel through it, blow dry it curly. Then I will tease the crown to give it a little bit more volume. It comes out perfect everytime.

(these are from this morning)

6. My biggest hair disaster was when I was in the 6th grade. I was getting ready to start junior high, and wanted a new hair style. I cut my hair short. REALLY short. Keep in mind I have naturally curly hair and I didn't know what a straightener was. It looked like an afro.

7. A hairstyle I am dying to try is Britt Nicole's hair. I LOVE IT. She's the hairstyle that I used when I got my haircut a few times ago, but it didn't end up like that. Oh well! I think it's so adorable.

I even love it when it was long.

8. My best hair was probably when it was long. I loved it long, especially in these pictures...

But then again, I love it just as much short...

9. The worst hair style I ever had was (refer to #6).

10. My hair is fine just the way it is. :)

giving thanks | nov. 4

2010-11-04T15:22:00.004-05:00

I am thankful for my many friends who consistently encourage me and know how to lift me up when I am down.

Words can't even begin to describe how important my friends are to me. I could never do life without these people. They are so dear to me. Whenever I am feeling lonely or down, they know the exact thing to say to get me back up on my feet. That's what friends are for, after all.

Here are just some of the faces that I consider to be my best friends...those who are constantly there for me, and will drop anything to help me through whatever I am facing.

(in no specific order)

Kia

Kristen

Rachel

Danielle

Becca

Cristianne

giving thanks | nov. 3

2010-11-03T18:26:00.002-05:00

November 1st:
I am thankful that I work with people who make me laugh.
November 2nd:
I am thankful that I am part of a creative family.
November 3rd:

I am thankful for warm pajama pants and cozy hoodies.

creativity slash giving thanks

2010-11-02T16:40:00.002-05:00

November 1st:

I am thankful that I work with people who make me laugh.

November 2nd:

Today I am thankful that I am part of a creative family.

I find myself in the middle of a busy week. I have a big project that I'm currently drowning in (drowning being a good thing). I find it silly that I'm even blogging right now because I'm supposed to be working on something for this project right now. You may be wondering what this project is, but I'm not going to tell you today. I will tell you Friday...I pinky promise.:) Friday is the day that this project will be complete. Just know that I am extremely happy right now. My creative juices are overflowing!

I am part of a very creative family...

DAD

likes to build things with his hands. He built our house, porch benches, a garden bed, a shed...you name it, he can make it! He has 15 years of experience in construction, so you can imagine how handy he is! He is currently engulfed in his own project right now.

MOM

is a writer. She finds herself writing too much in her classes. She usually has to narrow her 4-page paper into a 2-page paper. Crazy! She can write poetry and even can draw (although she doesn't do much drawing anymore). She's always the person that when either Dad or I are trying to make a decision on something we made, we always say "ask Mom". She's super intelligent.

BUBBY

plays guitar and draws. As a teenager, his room and his walls were covered in pencil drawings and lyrics from songs. He loved, and still loves, all types of music. I remember one night he was listening to classical music as he fell asleep. I didn't even know we had a radio station that played classic music. He can pick up a guitar and play any song after listening to it once. He's crazy talented.

BECCA

(I don't have her genes, but I sure wouldn't mind it if I did [that sounds creepy])

Becca is just like Caleb (which is a good thing, because they are married and all). She paints, writes, draws, blogs, and sings. Plus she is a pretty crafty little gal. She makes hair accessories, which you can browse through here, and she sews (check out her most recent finished project here).

----

So what I didn't realize when I posted yesterdays post that there are a lot of challenges going around this month. I just decided to post something everyday that I am thankful for. I guess I'm not the only one who is doing this! You can check out what Becca is thankful for here, and what Mandee is thankful for here.
What are YOU thankful for today?

a few things on my wish list + giving thanks

2010-11-01T13:45:00.002-05:00

Now, like Becca, I'm not making this list to be all greedy. I would just like to document some things that I would like to have. I know I probably won't get these things, but it's fun to wish.

(click on images for more information)

holy handbag! I just stumbled across this, and I am extremely interested in it...

Isn't this notebook adorable??

These boots. They're only $20 from WalMart! So cute.

So warm and cozy!

Dress from Forever 21. I love their clothes!!

What are some things on your wish list?

----

November 1st:

Today I am thankful that I work

with people who make me laugh.

My co-worker sleeping on the job.

my halloween

2010-11-01T08:35:00.000-05:00

Did everyone have a fun Halloween? I know I did! Halloween for me started on Friday with a little costume contest at my work (results still pending). Here are some pictures of my costume...

Then on Saturday my Dad and I filmed a video with me in my indian costume. Take a look if you would like...

On Saturday night I went to go see a play at Evangel University. It was called "The Boys Next Door". We ended up going Friday night, and then went back on Saturday night to see it again. My cousin Chris was in the play. He did a great job.

On Sunday afternoon I spend some time with my momma. We went shopping at the Children's Orchard for some clothes for Baby Selah. Then we had lunch at Subway and shopped a little at WalMart. Then I headed over to Caleb and Becca's house.

Candy bowl for the trick-or-treaters

Great way to cover the door bell that doesn't work..

decorations

Happy Halloween!

Caleb & Becca were dressed as Caesar and Cleopatra

Baby Selah :)

Beautiful!

I was trying to scare Becca.

It didn't really work.

It worked on Caleb, though!

He couldn't fight me off!

Until he used a choke-hold...

And that was my Halloween!

How was yours?

wicked tips | goodbye!

2010-10-31T08:00:00.000-05:00

I hope you've enjoyed my wicked tips for this Halloween! If you didn't catch them, you can read all of them here. I hope that Koree isn't too mad at me for kidnapping her blog for the past five days! I have to get back to setting houses on fire and scaring little kids from Kansas!

Have a great Halloween.

wicked tips | are you like suzy?

2010-10-30T19:00:00.001-05:00

I present to you, Suzy from It Walked On My Pillow...

----

okay, the thing about halloween is that you need either a million hours or a million dollars for costumes these days, and who wants to spend that kind of time/money on a costume you are going to wear once?

here i raise my hand and give a resounding: "not me."

maybe you feel differently. i feel that you are weird. [i have a friend who spent 125 dollars on a single red-eye contact for her costume. who knows what the rest of it cost. i almost cried. i'm THAT much of a tightwad.]

it is now the eve of halloween, and i don't have a costume yet. and tomorrow morning when i wake up, i probably still won't have a costume. and still no million dollars and million hours. but i ain't skerred. i'm going to wake up, pump up the jams [who's getting scared now by imogen heap (LINK), of course--what else do you listen to on halloween?], and make my halloween costume in 5 point 4 seconds.

my go-to? i scour the internet for a good close-up shot of somebody sort of a little bit famous, preferably not too recognizable, blow their face up [no not literally], print it off on cardstock, punch holes in their eyes [no not literally], and their ears, tie a string through the ear holes and wear their face along with a couple of hooded sweatshirts and sweatpants. i realize, it's not the prettiest costume, but i think i'm cool. and that's really all that matters on halloween. that and who's getting scared now by imogen heap.

here is a picture of me the last time i dressed up for halloween: i was john reuben, a white Christian rap artist. seriously, would you rather be a million dollar pumpkin, or a Christian rap artist?

me. too.

----

Are you like Suzy?

wicked tips | cake ft. lydia

2010-10-29T19:00:00.002-05:00

I, the wicked witch, will be out of your hair in two days! Have you enjoyed my tips for this Halloween?

Tonight's post will be taken over by Lydia. You can read her blog here! Such a lovely gal. One of Koree's favorite bloggers!

----

Hi, ladies (and possibly gentlemen)! I’m Lydia and I write over at my blog, Lyds Was Here. When Koree asked me to do a guest blog post for Halloween I was more than excited to participate! I really love Halloween and all of the fun stuff that comes along with it. I really like to bake, so I especially like a good, fun Halloween-themed recipe. So this year I turned to the queen of all things decorative, style, and food related…Good ol’ Martha Stewart!

On her website I found this really fun recipe for a “Marshmallow Ghost Cake.” Right away, I knew I wanted to try my hand at this one. It’s adorable! And it looks so fun to make. It was. For my first time baking it I didn’t exactly follow the recipe. Don’t get me wrong; I love baking from scratch! But for this time around I took the easy approach, and I changed things up a bit (my husband doesn’t like chocolate or cream cheese). So I used the following ingredients:

two boxes of white cake mix

vegetable oil

eggs

large marshmallows

baby marshmallows

chocolate sprinkles

whipped cream

and for decorative purposes, candles.

Using this approach to the ghost cake is great if you’re short on time, aren’t the best baker, or simply aren’t the biggest fan of baking. It’s pretty quick and simple, but most importantly, still cute and fun!

You need enough ingredients to make three layers of 8” cake circles, just follow whatever your cake boxes say, or if you’re being totally awesome and actually following Martha’s recipe…you’ll know what to do! So make your cakes and then it’s on to the more fun parts!

Once your cakes are done, frost them, and stack them up. E-A-S-Y. (I’ll be honest here, though…cakes are NOT my forte. And mine was a bit messy. Shrug!) Then it’s time for your marshmallow ghosts. They’re super cute and easy! For mine, I simply stacked a couple of big ones (using frosting) and a couple of small ones, too. I poked the chocolate sprinkles in for eyes, and I used the whipped cream for the tops of the ghosts. (Martha does it a bit different! See recipe.)

Now, my favorite part is the candles! The ones I bought are very BeetleJuice-esque. Um, basically my favorite. (Hello, namesake!) I really felt like they made the cake, and sort of saved it. Haha. I just placed them around randomly! Do it however you like. And when I was done, I sprinkled the rest of my chocolate sprinkles on the cake and on the plate. In my opinion, this sort of gave it a dirt/graveyard feel. At least, that’s what I was going for! It probably would have been better if I’d had more sprinkles, though. So if you decide to go that route, be sure to get plenty of sprinkles!

Like I said earlier, cakes are not my thing. This was actually the first “real” cake I’d ever baked. I’m telling you this basically just to reiterate the fact that this cake is easy and fun! Towards the end, I started to get a little nervous that it wasn’t “perfect.” But then I realized that wasn’t what it was about. (Unless you’re going to a big Halloween dinner party. Then, you can’t use that excuse, duh.) Seriously, though. It was really fun to make this cake, and probably would have been even more fun to do it with my little brothers and sisters. So if you have sibling or kids, ask them to join in! You’ll have so much fun making the little ghosts and decorating. Plus, you’ll need them there to help eat it. This cake doesn’t mess around…it’s huge.

I hope you guys enjoyed this recipe, and really hope someone will try it out! If you do, let me know. A big thanks to Koree for asking me to participate! I had fun. Come on over and visit me at my blog, Lyds Was Here. xo.

----

Thanks, Lydia! I love this cake, and really want to try it out!!

fill in the blank friday | halloween!!

2010-10-29T10:45:00.002-05:00

Before we start today's blanks I would like to say something...

I am going to college in the spring. Therefore, I will be quitting my job. (sad face) I didn't think it would be such a big deal until today. I just saw the "Help Wanted" signs in my boss's office. He's going to hang them up today. It shockingly makes me very sad. This is the only job I've ever had, so to leave it...it's just going to be harder than I thought it would be!!

Ok, enough with the drama. Time for some sweet Halloween blanks? So am I! These blanks are brought to you by Lauren over at The Little Things We Do. She hosts this every week. You can jump in any Friday! If you decide to join in, make sure you link up at the bottom of her post. Super easy!

1. My Halloween plans this year will include...

Today I'm dressed up for work. We're having a costume contest, and of course I'm entering! I won 2nd place last year with this costume.

The prize is money for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place! Whoo hoo! I'm dressed up as an indian today. Becca let me borrow one of her costumes she has. Thank you so much! Caleb called me Poca-hot-nas! Haha. Tonight I will be going to a play to see my cousin Chris do what he does best. (everything drama related) I'm super excited! Tomorrow I will be shopping for my baby niece. Her name is Selah Grace. She hasn't made an appearance yet, but soon will be here! Then Sunday I'm going to hang out with Caleb and Becca, and pass out candy to little kids who come trick-or-treating. :) (That was a VERY long answer...)

2. My most memorable Halloween costume was...

Well, I don't have one that really is my favorite in the past years. But I have a few pictures of some that I think are pretty fun.

This is me and my brother when we were kids. I'm not quite sure if this was for Halloween, because the date on the picture is from May. Oh well! I was a cowgirl and he was a cowboy. I think it's pretty adorable.

This was two years ago. I was a woman from India. I got that costume free through one of my mom's friends. Pretty cool, huh? I remember in 7th or 8th grade I went as a gothic princess. I put on a really fancy black and purple velvet dress, messed up my hair, and made my makeup really dark. It was pretty sweet.

3. For Halloween this year I am going to be...

Well, since I wrote a pretty long answer for #1, I think you already know. I'm an indian. I have my little moccasins on and I have a tomahawk in my belt. Fun. :)

4. I've always wanted to dress up as...

hmm...not really sure. This year I really wanted to be a bloody bride. I never really was in to the whole blood and gore for Halloween, but I think it would be a killer costume for this contest at work today.

5. Halloween free association!

Candy corn, pumpkins, orange, candy, monsters, zombies, october!

thanks Mandee ;)

6. The worst thing about Halloween is...

the calm after the storm. I get so excited to dress up. SO excited. I love it for some reason. And then I have to wait another 364 days to be able to wear a crazy costume. Man... :(

7. The best thing about Halloween is...

dressing up! Like I said before, I love dressing up! No one can laugh at me or make fun of me or say I look stupid! It's also fun seeing everyone else's costumes. I think it shows people's creativity!

Thank you so much Lauren for the fun blanks! :)

Have a great Halloween, everyone! :)

wicked tips | cookies.

2010-10-29T08:00:00.035-05:00

So, Halloween is just around the corner. Have you found your costume yet? If not, you need to get you one! I'm not very good with putting together costumes. I've never changed out of my witch's outfit. It's too comfortable and way too intimidating.

Today I will be sharing 5 tips for you! That's a lot! These are all delicious cookies. Go on ahead and try them out for yourself!

Tip 001: Witch Hats

ingredients:

1 (4.25-ounce) tube orange or red decorating frosting

1 (11 1/2-ounce) package fudge-striped shortbread cookies (32 cookies)

1/2 (13-ounce) package milk chocolate kisses, unwrapped (32)

directions:

Pipe a small mound of frosting in center of each chocolate-covered cookie bottom; press a chocolate kiss on frosting. Pipe a frosting band and bow around base of each kiss.

recipe found here

Tip 002: Pecan Caramel Spiders

ingredients:

1 1/2 cups toasted pecans

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, in pieces

1/4 teaspoon salt

5 ounces thin black licorice strands, cut into 2-inch pieces

6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

4 ounces milk chocolate, chopped

Chocolate curls or jimmies, optional

directions:

Line 2 baking sheets with waxed paper and lightly spray with nonstick spray. Mound 30 small clusters of pecans, about 3 or 4 pecans each, spaced a couple inches apart on the pan.

Make caramel: Warm the cream over low heat and keep warm while you cook the sugar.

Put the sugar and corn syrup and in a deep, heavy-bottomed large saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Stop stirring, raise heat to medium-high, and simmer until the sugar reaches the hard crack stage, or 305 degrees F on a candy thermometer, about 7 minutes.

Whisk the butter and salt into the sugar mixture. Gradually pour in the cream and vanilla taking care since the mixture will bubble up. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar reaches soft ball stage, 240 degrees F on the thermometer, about 5 minutes more. Immediately remove from the heat and cool for a minute.

Ladle a couple tablespoons of warm caramel over some of the nut clusters, to make the spider bodies. Then press 6 pieces of licorice into the warm caramel to make the legs. Repeat with the remaining caramel and licorice. (It's helpful to have an extra hand here, since the caramel can set quickly. If caramel hardens, warm over very low heat. ) Let spiders cool 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, put the chocolates in a medium heatproof bowl. Bring a saucepan filled with 1-inch or so of water to a very slow simmer; set the bowl over, but not touching, the water. Stir the chocolate occasionally until melted and smooth. (Alternatively, put the chocolate in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Melt at 50 percent power in the microwave until soft, about 1 minute. Stir, and continue heat until completely melted, 2 to 3 minutes more.)

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of melted chocolate on top of each spider. Sprinkle with jimmies or chocolate curls, if desired. Let cool until firm.

recipe found here

Tip 003: Sweet Bones

ingredients:

6 large egg whites

1 1/2 cups of sugar

directions:

Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Put egg whites and sugar in the heatproof bowl of an electric mixer. Set bowl over a pan of simmering water; whisk constantly until sugar is dissolved and mixture feels warm to the touch, about 5 minutes.
Return bowl to mixer, and fit mixer with the whisk attachment.Beat on high speed until very stiff peaks form, about 8 minutes.
Transfer meringue to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch plain round tip, such as a Wilton #1A. Pipe bone shapes, each 5 to 6 inches long, onto two baking sheets lined with parchment paper (as shown below). Bake until crisp throughout, about 1 hour. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
recipe found here

Tip 004: Fruity Mummy Cookies

ingredients:

3/4 cup of butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup sweetened flaked coconut

2 (4.8-ounce) boxes (12 rolls) yogurt-striped fruit-flavored rolls

Black decorator gel

Mini chocolate chips or small decorator candies

directions:

Heat oven to 350°F. Combine butter, sugar, egg and vanilla in large bowl. Beat at medium speed until well mixed. Reduce speed to low; add flour and coconut. Continue beating until well mixed.
Divide dough into 36 (1-inch) balls. Shape each ball into 2 1/4-inch long log. Place 1 inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until set. Remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely.
Cut each fruit roll into 3 pieces. Starting at top of each cookie, wrap 1 fruit roll piece around each cookie, stretching slightly to cover. Leave small opening near top for eyes. Place onto waxed paper. Use black decorator gel to adhere mini chocolate chips for eyes on each cookie.
Store in loosely covered container between sheets of waxed paper up to 2 days.
recipe found here

Tip 005: Black Cat Cookies

ingredients:

2 cups sugar

1 cup butter, softened

3 eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla

3 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

directions:

Combine sugar and butter in large bowl; beat at medium speed until well mixed. Add 1 egg at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla; beat until well mixed.
Combine all remaining ingredients except candies in medium bowl. Reduce speed to low; add flour mixture to butter mixture. Beat until well mixed.
Divide dough in half. Shape each half into a ball; flatten to 1/2 inch. Wrap each half in plastic food wrap. Refrigerate until firm (at least 2 hours).
Heat oven to 350°F. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface, one-half at a time (keeping remaining dough refrigerated), to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with 3-inch round cookie cutters. Place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Using fingers, pinch up ears at top of each circle. Place 2 pieces candy corn onto cookies for eyes and 1 red cinnamon candy for nose. Press tines of fork on each side of cookie below eyes to form whiskers.
Bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until cookies are set. Let cool 1 minute on cookie sheet; remove to wire cooling rack.
recipe found here

wicked tips | decor ft. becca

2010-10-28T20:00:00.000-05:00

So, if you're the type of person who decroates for Halloween then you most likely already have your decorations up or planned. BUT if you're like me, then you wait until the last minute to do everything.

This tutorial is brought to you by Becca. She is Koree's sister-in-law. She has a blog, which you can read here. She so lovingly created these pumpkins just for this post. So nice! Take it over, Becca!

----

Hey there! It's Becca from Life in Technicolor and I am here to share a simple little Halloween/Fall craft with you. It's really simple, requires very little supplies, and is great for little kids to make by themselves (as long as you give them safety scissors!)

Paper Pumpkins

You'll need:

• 2 sheets of orange paper (I used construction paper but you can use cardstock, scrapbook paper, printer paper, etc.)

• suede cord (you can also use ribbon)

• scissors or paper cutter

• optional: small hole punch

Step 1: Cut 1" strips from two sheets of paper.

My husband Caleb helped me out by making a smaller pumpkin. To do this, he cut his sheets of paper into a shorter length than mine.

Also, don't be concerned if your strips aren't perfectly the same size. As you can tell, mine are a little uneven.

Step 2: Punch a hole in the ends of each strip. Smaller hole punches work better if you have one, but if you just have a normal sized one, you can use wider ribbon or cord. I just used scissors since I had a large hole punch.

Step 3: Cut a piece of cord/ribbon.

Step 4: Tie a knot in one end of your cord/ribbon (and string it through all the holes on one end of your strips. If you're using ribbon, it helps to cut the end at an angle and then use a lighter to seal the edge.

Step 5: Then, put the ribbon through the other set of holes on the other end.

Step 6: Tie a knot at that end, making sure the strips bend a little bit to allow for the pumpkin shape.

Step 7: Push all the strips to the sides so they are pressed against the knots.

Step 8: You can also add a loop or a bow for decoration.

Step 9: Now fan out your little strips until they make a pumpkin.

Step 10: Arrange and enjoy your cute décor!

You could also use brown or white paper to make different colored pumpkins!

----

Thank you so much, Becca! This is such an easy and simple little way to decorate your home or patio!

versatile blogger award

2010-10-28T15:08:00.000-05:00

I have been given another blog award. YAY!

To accept the Versatile Blogger Award the rules are:

1. Thank and link back to who gave you the award.

Thank you, Beth! Check out her blog here. :)

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

I like popping my gum.

Halloween is my favorite holiday (odd, I know).

I ordered this shirt a little bit ago, and I am impatiently waiting to receive it in the mail!

My favorite movie of all time is Grease.

I can eat Candy Corn all day.

I don't like the words "similarly", "regularly", or "panties".

I am 18 and don't have my driver's license.

3. Pass it along to 7 blogs you've recently discovered and enjoy.

alisaburke, Beautiful Bridget Designs, champagne bubbles, Deer Little Fawn, Pocketfull of Pretty, That One Tall Girl, The Purl Bee

4. Leave your recipients a note, telling them about the award.

wicked tips | lollipops.

2010-10-28T08:00:00.003-05:00

Are you sick of me yet? You better not be, or else I'll spit fire at you!

Oh, sorry...I'll be nice.

Tip 001: Vampire Lollipops

supplies:

red cellophane

lollipops

black felt

twist ties

white address labels

scissors

peel and stick wiggle eyes

pattern (print it here)

directions:

Using the pattern, cut capes (one for each lollipop) from black felt.

Cut a piece of cellophane into a square, large enough to wrap around the head of the lollipop. (See photo.)

Loosely wrap the cellophane around the lollipop and place the wrapped lollipop onto the felt cape. (See photo.)

Wrap twist tie around both at the neck of the lollipop. (See photo.)

Cut fangs from white address labels and stick to the front of the lollipop. Attach peel and stick wiggle eyes to the front of the lollipop. (See photo.)

tutorial found here

Tip 002: Halloween Lollipops

ingredients:

2 cups of sugar

2/3 cup of light corn syrup

1/4 cup of water

10 drops of orange food coloring

8 drops of pure orange oil

10 lollipop sticks

assorted candies for decorating

directions:

Line three baking sheets with Silpats (nonstick baking mats), or grease them generously with vegetable oil. Prepare an ice-water bath. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan, and place over medium-high heat. Stir continuously to dissolve sugar. When the syrup comes to a boil, stop stirring and clip on a candy thermometer. Continue to cook, without stirring, until the mixture turns golden and reaches 300 degrees to 310 degrees. (hard-crack stage) on the thermometer, 5 to 7 minutes. Occasionally wash the sides of the pan using a clean brush dipped in cold water to prevent crystals from forming.

Remove the pot from the heat. Transfer the syrup to a 2-cup heatproof measuring cup. Using a heatproof rubber spatula, stir in the food coloring and orange oil until completely combined.

Working quickly, pour ten 3-inch circles of syrup onto prepared baking sheets. Press in lollipop sticks. With your fingertips or a toothpick, lightly press candies into the syrup. Set aside until completely cooled and hardened. (See more photos here)

recipe found here

Tip 003: Halloween Chocolate Lollipops

ingredients:

1-1/2 cups vanilla or white chips

1/8 teaspoon coconut extract

Ghost lollipop/candy molds

20 lollipop sticks

1-1/2 cups milk chocolate chips

1/8 teaspoon orange extract

Pumpkin lollipop/candy molds

directions:

In a microwave, melt vanilla chips at 70% power for 1 minute; stir. Microwave at additional 10- to 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in coconut extract. Cut a small hole in the corner of a pastry or plastic bag; insert a #3 round pastry tip.

Transfer melted vanilla chips to bag. Fill ghost molds three-fourths full. Press a lollipop stick into each ghost; top with a small amount of melted chips. Freeze until firm, about 15 minutes. Set remaining melted chips aside.

In the same microwave, melt milk chocolate chips at 70% power for 1 minute; stir. Microwave at additional 10- to 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in orange extract. Prepare a second pastry or plastic bag; insert tip.

Transfer melted chocolate to bag. Fill pumpkin molds three-fourths full. Press a lollipop stick into each pumpkin; top with a small amount of chocolate. Freeze until firm, about 15 minutes. Set remaining melted chocolate aside.

Remove lollipops from molds. Use reserved melted chips to add faces to ghosts and pumpkins. Refrigerate until serving.

recipe found here

Tip 004: White-As-A-Sheet Ghost Lollipops

ingredients:

1 (12-ounce) package white chocolate chips (2 cups)

12 (3-inch) pretzel sticks

24 miniature chocolate chips

directions:

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment or wax paper.

Place the white chocolate chips in a double broiler over just-simmering water and melt, stirring frequently. As soon as the chips are just melted (there may even be a few solid ones left), remove the pan from the heat and remove the top section of the double broiler so the chocolate's temperature doesn't keep rising.

Drop a generous tablespoon of melted chocolate on the parchment. Use the back of your spoon to shape the ghost from the melted chocolate: Drag the back of the spoon slightly downward and sideways to form a curved tail; push the chocolate up and over with the back of the spoon to shape a head and two little hands.

Push a pretzel stick into the tail, burying the pretzel about 1-1/2 inches in and spooning a bit more chocolate over to cover it. (You'll have a relatively short 1-1/2-inch handle to hold, but these ghosts don't last long!) Press 2 miniature chocolate chips into the head for eyes.

Continue working until you've used all the melted chocolate, making 6 ghosts on each baking sheet. If the chocolate firms up before you've finished, set it back over the hot water in the double boiler and stir again, being careful not to overheat it.

Place the baking sheets in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes, until the ghosts are firm, and serve cool.

recipe found here

Two more lollipop recipes:

Halloween Lollipops

Harvest Moon Lollipops