September 30, 2011

Friday Finds

Friday is almost over, but since Pat is away at a wedding I have a bit of free time tonight.  I wanted to share some items I found recently.

Recently I wanted a pair of rain boots.  My ideal ones would be purple Hunter Wellies.  Yes, ideal in style but not in price.  There was no way I could spend that much on a pair of rubber boots.  So I decided to go to target and see what they had.  I ended up with a cutesy pair of black and polka dot rain boots.  The price was great, and I figured the whimsical print would brighten a gray day.  But then last week I was browsing the shoe department at Belk and found some gorgeous rain boots for the same price I paid at target.  I want to kick myself for not finding these ones first.

I am super picky about the stuff I put on my lips.  I am definitely a chapstick type of girl.  (But I actually do not like the chapstick brand...see I told you I'm picky)  I have trouble finding lip products I like because I find they either dry my lips out more or they leave weird residue and gunk on my lips.  I've found a couple chapstick type products I like, but I want to have a little bit of color sometimes too.  I decided to try the Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm, and I am really impressed.  It's coverage is pretty sheer and light, but it still gives that pop of color.  It keeps my lips feeling moisturized for a long time, and it has none of the side effects that other lip products annoy me with.  I'm thinking I may need another one of these to carry in my purse, or maybe one in each color ;)
I've been thinking a pair of TOMS could make a good birthday gift for my birthday in November.  I'm a little afraid that they could make my feet look like skis (I'm a size 9), and I'm not so sure November would be the best time to purchase a pair.  I just can't help but love them though.  This is one pair I want.  
And this my dear friends is where my mind has gone completely blank.  I cannot remember anything else to put on the list, so it's time for me to curl up in my bed, watch a little tv, and get some sleep.  I'd love to hear if you've found any good items lately.  
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September 29, 2011

My Song of the Week

I decided that this Thursday I would link up a song over here:


I heard this song earlier in the week while I was driving Pat's car.  He has XM radio, which I despise paying for but rather enjoy when I get the chance to be out driving his car alone.  I love this song.  And it makes me think about how Pat has been home for 5 months now.  The time has flown by.  Having him home for 5 months has been great, but as more time passes there is a part of me that is always waiting for our next separation.  I guess that idea is always in the back of the mind for military families, but I'm choosing to enjoy having him here today.  (He's gone tomorrow to a wedding up North though... so it will be a lonely weekend for me and boys)




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September 28, 2011

Living Faithfully

This post is hard to write.  It's hard for me to find the right words to express my feelings.  It's also a very complicated issue, and I have so much I want to say.  I'm not sure I'll be able to do my thoughts justice, but I'm going to try.  I do not claim to know all that I should of my religion and faith, and this is the primary reason I do not share my beliefs on my blog often.  And now I ask kindly that if you have anything you feel the need to criticize or disagree with that I write below, please e-mail me as this is a very personal topic to share.  

Since I was a young girl, around 4th grade or so, there has been one topic that causes me great anxiety.  This issue that causes me such stress is the idea of death, not my death, but death in generally.  The idea of loss is what is hard for me to accept.  The thought of death doesn't enter my mind often, but when it does I feel a panic attack.

Let me first say, I am not fearful of the act of death.  I DO believe in an eternal life.  I believe in heaven.    These ideas are part of my faith.  I am a Catholic, however, I haven't been a very good Catholic.  I have so much more to learn and know.

The other night while laying in bed with Sean before he went to sleep, I began thinking about how old I am and how fast time has passed.  Then I got to thinking about how my time here on earth is short.  I don't feel like I've done all the things I should.  I have not taught my children all that I want them to know.  I have not been the person I want to be.  Thinking about how I've lived almost 30 years and feel like I've done so little brought me to the question of what is the point?  I am not asking what the point in living is, but rather what is my purpose in this life.

And the only answer I could come to from all the thoughts that were racing in my head was that my purpose is to live faithfully and serve God.   He is the reason I am here.  But even with this answer in my head, I felt overwhelmed.

Last night I confided my feelings to my husband.  I needed to talk about what I was thinking in hopes of finding more clarity.  He understood my feelings even though we often see things differently.  I told him that I feel the need to give God a greater presences in our life.  We need to teach our children and live a more faithful life.

I think one aspect that makes me feel overwhelmed is that I have so much to learn.  I want to know Him better.  I recently bought a study Bible because while I know some, I do not know enough.  Also after talking to Pat we have agreed that we will learn together and discuss our faith more.  We will strive to  bring God into our home and marriage.  And knowing that my husband is on this journey with me brings me much joy.      
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September 26, 2011

Real Momma, Real Style: Comfortable and Casual

My style is pretty simple:  usually jeans and a t-shirt.  Comfort is key for me.  Plus I need to be able to play with my boys and get dirty.   If we aren't really going anywhere you'll probably find me in my most comfy jeans--holes and all.


Jeans:  Silver Jeans Top: Old Navy Shoes:  Payless (4+ years old)  Pin: Yo-Yo Flower made HERE.
I'm trying to put a bit more effort into my appearance, but I will not sacrifice comfort.  Today I tried to class it up a bit with a button down shirt.  I had to wear pants I could roll up easily because I got to go pamper myself with a pedicure today.  It was awesome :D


On me--pants: Old Navy, tank: Old Navy, shirt: New York and Co.   On Ryan--pants: Children's Place, t-shirt: World of Coke ATL.

I received my order from LEC that I talked about here.  So hopefully you'll be seeing some of those things in pictures soon!  

I'm linking up with Nina.  

Momma Go Round

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September 23, 2011

Shopping

Kelly is doing a Show Us Your Life link-up about your favorite place to shop for adults.

As soon as I saw this topic, I knew what I was going to say.


This store is a fairly new find for me.  I believe I found it from another blogger.  And I know, when you hear Land's End you are probably thinking of your parents or frumpy mom style, but that is not Land's End CANVAS.  Lands' End Canvas is a more modern and fitted take on the casual and classic styles.  

Some of the best things about Land's End Canvas are the quality of clothing, customer service, and prices.  The clothing is top notch, not cheap-o stuff like you find at some stores these days.  The customer reviews are really helpful on this site which I love.  The prices are pretty good, but even better is that the clearance section almost always has awesome steals in it.  Plus, check out this return policy:

We care about the quality of our products and your satisfaction with them. Today, tomorrow, forever.

Our return policy is so simple it’s just two words long: Guaranteed. Period.®

It means you can return anything at anytime for any reason for a full refund of its purchase price.
I know I've mentioned this before on the blog, but this past spring, I placed an order.  I think I bought a pair of sandals and a bathing suit--both from the clearance section.  It was not a pricey order at all.  About a week after I received my order, a handwritten (yes, handwritten!) thank you note came in the mail from Land's End.  They really do care about their customers.  I highly recommend checking them out.  Here are a few of my favorite outfits from the website for fall.






Here are some cute pants that are in the clearance section right now for less than $30 a piece.  (The cords are $19.99)



I've been asked before about sizing.  That I'm not 100% sure about.  On my previous order I stuck with my normal size and followed what the reviews said.  I have an order of pants coming today and can update with fit a bit later.  Fingers crossed I don't have any to return.  

Because you guys are friends, let me share this coupon code I got this week.  For 25% any online purchase AND free shipping:  Promotion Code SAVE25  PIN 1231.  Valid thru 9/27.  

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September 22, 2011

I Did It!

Well, I did it.  I redid my blog design all by myself, and I'm really proud too.  I know it isn't anything super-deluxe, but it was hard work.  I may have to make a few tweaks here and there, but for now I'm done and happy to have accomplished something.

In other news, Pat's been in the field this week.  We're pretty used to him being gone, but we still do not like it.  I'm missing him a lot.  I'm also realizing each day that the boys really need more people in their lives.  It's just one more reason why I'd love to be able to move closer to family.  We'll have to see how this plays out in the next few months though.  We have some big decisions ahead of us.  

I really mean to write a whole post, but each time I try to add more it just isn't coming out right.  So I'm signing off for now....more soon.

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September 21, 2011

Please Pardon My Dust

I'm making some changes around these parts....please pardon my dust...and all the chaos that might ensue.

Shelly

Wants and Wishes

Since it's Wednesday I thought it would be nice to share some of my wants and wishes.  

Wants:
My birthday is coming up in November.  It's a BIG birthday, but I'd rather not talk about that yet.  I haven't come to terms with it at this point.  However, I have already told Pat what I want for my birthday.
I want an iphone, and rumor has it that it will be coming to our service provider this fall.  It seems that I might be able to get one for my birthday.  Being the nice wife that I am I told Pat he could buy one for himself too.  

Of course if I get an iphone I'd need a cute case for it.  
There are so many choices--subtle color, sophisticated, or a bright and happy burst of colors.  Decisions, decisions....

Wishes:
I wish I could figure out blog design.  Anyone that's been around my blog for a while knows I like to change the look frequently.  I've always been interested in trying to design my own, but each time I try it ends up in a big FAIL.  It is definitely a complicated process, and while I can figure some things out there is just so much I don't know.  Could someone please teach a class on creating blogger designs?  I need to know more about fonts, side bars, navigation bars, backgrounds....oh just about everything.  
You can have a little chuckle over my latest attempt.  Here's the photo:

Another wish would be for things to start falling into place about where Pat and I will be going next.  We're due to move in the spring and EVERYTHING is up in the air.  I wish we could fast forward to the move, but not fast forward the time with the boys.  I don't want to miss out on a single day with them.  Maybe if Pat and I could at least find out what is happening next I could relax a bit more.  

What are your wants/wishes on this Wednesday?

Shelly

September 19, 2011

Yo-yo Flowers

I've been seeing "yo-yo flowers" every where lately.  Since crafting doesn't come naturally to me, I had no idea how to make them.  I wanted to know how difficult it would be, so I did a quick google search.

I found this great video which made it look really easy.  After watching this, I had to give it a try.

Let me tell you before I show you the flowers that I am NOT good at sewing.  If there are sewing rules, I don't know them.  I make up my own technique as I go, but here is how I made the yo-yo flowers.  (I made many of them, so the fabric varies in the photos.)

First I traced a mug or a glass onto the back of fabric with a crayon or fabric pencil so that I would have a perfect circle.  I used a few different size cups to see what difference it would make in the size of the finished product.

 I cut out my circles.
Then beginning on the inside of your fabric start the basic running stitch--in and out.
Keep stitching all the way around.  It will start pulling together and folding so it looks a bit like an empty sack.  
Keep going all around until you've stitched your whole circle and pull the thread tight, closing the empty sack up.  
This is what it will look like when you've pulled the thread tight.  
And now you're ready to sew a button on.  This is where I have no rules.  I just try to make sure I sew it through the fabric in several places and make sure it is on nice and tight.  There are so many different styles of button, and I like to try various kinds.  
I just love this craft because it is completely easy.  If I can do it, anyone can.  I feel so accomplished making these pretty flowers, and it only takes a few minutes.  I've made several already and plan to make many more.  

So what am I planning to do with all the yo-yo flowers?  Here are a few ideas:

You can sew a barrette on to small ones for a cute hair accessory.  

Or you could sew a pin on for a little yo-yo flower brooch.  I used the bigger flowers for this.  I think it would be great to add to a fall scarf.  
And my favorite idea is to take a yo-yo flower pin and use it to decorate a gift.  You can pin it on a ribbon, and it makes a package look just adorable.  Plus it's like a second gift since the recipient can wear it later.   

So that's the latest craft I've been doing.  What crafting have you been up to?

Shelly

September 16, 2011

Twitter and MFF

First, can someone please tell me about twitter?  Why do you use it?  Why do you like it?  Is it something I should check out?  Is it hard to learn/figure out?

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In #58


  • Right now, our weather is like a roller coaster--high temps followed by lows, but what I’d really like is for fall to official arrive so the sweaters, scarves, and boots can make an appearance in my wardrobe.




  • I like to let my hair down and dance around the house with my boys




  • Mommy Rambles made a post about heroes… my hero is "The Man in the Arena", because "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."  (speech given by Theodore Roosevelt in Paris 1910)




  • It’s a weird combination, but I swear me  and my husband are a perfect pair!  Sorry, I was drawing a blank.  




  • Some may see the glass half empty and others may see it half full, but I see it as room to top it off.  




  • Shelly

    September 15, 2011

    Thankful Thursday

    In the past week or so, there have been moments where my heart is aware of the things it wants but doesn't have.  I can feel my spirit sinking as I start to desire these things that I cannot instantly attain.  But then something happens that makes me feel happy.  I begin to think about the amazing blessings I already have. I may not have everything I want, but I have so much more than I deserve.  How can I feel sad when I am with my two little boys that I think are absolutely perfect, or knowing that I have a husband who loves me and is willing to do anything to make me happy, or when I remember how much support and encouragement I receive from my family each day.

    via
    I feel a bit ashamed that I let my heart covet things instead of rejoicing in all that I have, but I am also proud that I have been quickly realizing this and changing my thoughts back to gratitude.  I have so much to thank God for and forgetting that would be taking it all for granted.  I am overwhelmed by the love and blessings surrounding me and so very grateful for the opportunity to realize that and give thanks.

    Shelly

    September 13, 2011

    Where We Met

    Maybe I had been looking at all the cute ideas people have on Pinterest for too long.  Or maybe I was remembering the past through rose colored glasses.

    For a while I had wanted to take a photo of the place where Pat and I first met.  If you've read my about me section you may have noticed we met in a hole in the wall college bar.  I thought a photo of the place could look artsy.   Maybe I could photo shop it into some glory.

    While I was staying up in New England this summer for three weeks, I had an opportunity to stop for a photo.  I begged my sister to drive me to the location despite the traffic.  She was wonderful to go along with this idea.  Pat and I crossed the busy road in front, and I tried to snap photos in between the cars passing.  It was at this point that I realized the artsy photo I was looking for wasn't quite going to turn out no matter how much editing I would do.

    I did get an urban snapshot of a closed down bar, but in my mind it will always have a slight glow around it and seem like a beautiful place.



    Shelly

    September 11, 2011

    The Sound of Silence

    My thoughts and prayers are with so many today.




    Shelly
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