The new year is here and it's time for me to get organized and try out some new things. I'm trying to avoid the resolutions I know I won't stick with (lose 100 lbs.) and try some things that might be more doable.
1. Cook something new each week. How lucky is my family? That all depends on how the recipes turn out!
2. Read more. I love to read and have always been an avid reader - until I had a baby. Between the baby, pets, a house, and a full-time job it's more difficult to crack open a book. My plan is to read at least one book each month. I'm a quick reader so who knows, maybe I can squeeze two books in per month. What's the first book on my list? The One I Left Behind by Jennifer McMahon. I've yet to read a bad book by Jennifer McMahon, so this one is already on my Kindle.
3. Spend more time on Pinterest. You read that right. I want to spend MORE time at that time-suck of a website. Even more so, I want to spend more time doing the things I pin. I am not a creative person, but I'm great at finding those who are a bit more inspired. I've already tried a few projects that I found on Pinterest and had fun doing it, so I want to keep that up in 2013.
4. Blog more. I need to make time for writing. My goal is to blog at least once a week.
5. Work harder at building my home baking business. I need to push myself so that I can expand my business. I would love to be able to quit my day job one of these days and bake for a living. That will never happen unless I make it a priority.
6. Get organized and stay organized! I'm sure this is a popular resolution for many of you. I can scrub floors and make toilets shine but being organized is not one of my better attributes. I want to spend a little time each week getting things organized and orderly.
What are your resolutions?
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Pinterest: Jen is late to the party
I'm always late on the internet fads and Pinterest is no different. I discovered it after everyone else did but I really enjoy it. One problem is that I pin, pin, pin but I never go back to those pins to try anything out. Do you have this problem? Well, next week that's going to change. Every day next week I will do something I pinned. I might focus on cooking and baking pins next week and beauty pins the following week.Either way, I'll feel like I'm not just wasting time at Pinterest.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
December 2011 Birchbox
ShowStoppers Designer Fashion Tape, $9.99 for 24 strips
Birchbox sent two of these to sample. ShowStoppers sticks to your clothes to hold them in place so you're not flashing your friends and strangers this New Years. Since my wardrobe consists of lots of denim and cotton, I will probably pass these on to someone who can use them. In fact, if you'd like these, be the first to leave a comment here requesting this sample and it's yours!
Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional, $29 for 0.75 fl. oz.and Harvey Prince Ageless, $55 for 50 ml or $96 for 100 ml
Benefit makes great products and The POREfessional is no exception. The POREfessional will hide those unsightly pores while providing the benefits of a velvety primer. Birchbox sent a 0.25 fl. oz. tube and this will last me a while. A little goes a long way with Benefit products.
Also in the photo is a sample of Harvey Prince's Ageless perfume. I'm not a perfume girl but this actually smells pretty wonderful. The notes are pink grapefruit, pomegranate and jasmine. Since I enjoy fruity perfumes this one is perfect for me.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse, $40 for 50 ml and Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss in Birchbox Pink, $20 for 0.21 oz.
I'm pretty excited to try this dry oil shimmer from Nuxe. You apply this to your face or body to give your skin a nice glow. You can even work a few drops into your hair for a subtle shimmer.
Jouer and Birchbox teamed up to create this lip gloss in Birchbox Pink. Birchbox Pink is a custom fuchsia. One coat gives you a nice semi-sheer pigment. If you're more daring, layer it for a more intense hot pink. I'm wearing this gloss right now and delighted to find that it isn't sticky.
EBOOST Orange Natural Energy Booster, $28 for 20 packets
Unfortuantely this is a product I will have to pass on due to my current health state. EBOOST promises a mega dose of nutrients with a tangy citrus taste. Be the first to leave a comment here requesting this sample and I will send it your way!
The verdict: I really enjoyed December's Birchbox. I might compare it to what GoGoGirlfriend sends out to make a final decision, but for now I'm keeping Birchbox.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Pound Puppies and the Owners Who Love Them
I visit Just Another Pretty Farce and ran across an interesting article that I'm surprised I agree with. Blogger Kat advised her readers against getting shelter dogs. Despite having a shelter dog, I agree with her.
Colby, our 10 year old Husky-German Shepherd-Rottweiler, came to our home six years ago after living in an animal shelter after his family gave him up. He is our first dog and he came with some surprises.
First, he loves to eat paper. Newspaper, magazines, boxes, books...if it's paper, he will eat it. On one of his first paper munching adventures, he managed to eat my hard-to-find copy of Ka-Tzetnik's House of Dolls and a book signed by John Irving. He aims for the good stuff.
Colby napping after making a mess.
Second, Colby has some unique health issues. He has blisters under his tongue, compulsively licks his front paws, has a low white blood cell count and a seizure disorder. After spending money and visiting an expert vet or two, no one can explain why he has any of these problems. Talk about frustrating.
So why do I keep this old pound puppy with his host of medical issues?
If you've ever met him, and many of my readers have, you know what makes him special. Despite having what seems to be a lot of illnesses, Colby is a happy dog and if he's sick, he doesn't know it. He keeps up with our 4 year old German Shepherd quite easily; tugging on toys and chasing her in the yard. He loves to play and for a hot dog, he'll do any trick he knows. Not only does he make me happy, but people around us love him as well. He's gentle to everyone. We have a list of people who have seriously told us that they would take him if we ever needed to find him a new home and children have named their stuffed dogs in his honor. Plain and simple, he is just a big, loveable dog. He even loves our cat.
Colby and Frankie, waiting for food together.
Despite my love for Colby, I still advise that you avoid getting a dog from the shelter IF you are not ready to spend extra money and possibly deal with some behavior issues. You might save money up front but, in the long run, it might be far more expensive. Too many dogs end up back at the shelter or misplaced because the owners were not prepared for the commitment. If you are ready to love and care for an animal despite the problems it may have, the shelter is the right place to get your pet.
So do I regret getting a dog with so many issues? Not even a little bit. He makes me smile everyday and I can't put a price on that.
Colby, our 10 year old Husky-German Shepherd-Rottweiler, came to our home six years ago after living in an animal shelter after his family gave him up. He is our first dog and he came with some surprises.
First, he loves to eat paper. Newspaper, magazines, boxes, books...if it's paper, he will eat it. On one of his first paper munching adventures, he managed to eat my hard-to-find copy of Ka-Tzetnik's House of Dolls and a book signed by John Irving. He aims for the good stuff.
Colby napping after making a mess.Second, Colby has some unique health issues. He has blisters under his tongue, compulsively licks his front paws, has a low white blood cell count and a seizure disorder. After spending money and visiting an expert vet or two, no one can explain why he has any of these problems. Talk about frustrating.
So why do I keep this old pound puppy with his host of medical issues?
If you've ever met him, and many of my readers have, you know what makes him special. Despite having what seems to be a lot of illnesses, Colby is a happy dog and if he's sick, he doesn't know it. He keeps up with our 4 year old German Shepherd quite easily; tugging on toys and chasing her in the yard. He loves to play and for a hot dog, he'll do any trick he knows. Not only does he make me happy, but people around us love him as well. He's gentle to everyone. We have a list of people who have seriously told us that they would take him if we ever needed to find him a new home and children have named their stuffed dogs in his honor. Plain and simple, he is just a big, loveable dog. He even loves our cat.
Colby and Frankie, waiting for food together.Despite my love for Colby, I still advise that you avoid getting a dog from the shelter IF you are not ready to spend extra money and possibly deal with some behavior issues. You might save money up front but, in the long run, it might be far more expensive. Too many dogs end up back at the shelter or misplaced because the owners were not prepared for the commitment. If you are ready to love and care for an animal despite the problems it may have, the shelter is the right place to get your pet.
So do I regret getting a dog with so many issues? Not even a little bit. He makes me smile everyday and I can't put a price on that.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
The Ballad of Bert and Ernie
One thing people at a Facebook forum pointed out is that Sesame Street should be about teaching letters, numbers, colors and shapes but not sexuality. Fair enough. I agree with that. However, how is it that a heterosexual couple (i.e. Maria and Luis) isn't teaching sexuality but a homosexual couple is suddenly teaching sexuality? Are straight married couples not having sex? Population stats beg to differ.
But why not show a same-sex couple, raising their children on the Street? They don't have to announce they're homosexual any more than we expect Maria and Luis to shout, "Hey, y'all, we're straight!" Just show them existing like the normal people they are. Sesame Street has always been about diversity and acceptance of the people around you. Homosexual and heterosexual people are part of our world.
I know some of you out there might be saying "But I think it's wrong to be gay." Of course you are entitled to this opinion, but even if you think it's wrong to be homosexual that doesn't change the fact that we often have to co-exist with people who are different. Don't we want our children to still be respectful of others and able to deal with a variety of people? That isn't a skill you can suddenly teach at the age of 10 or 13 or whatever age we think they can handle such information. Kindness, I'm not even talking about acceptance here, has to be taught at a young age.
So, let's let Bert and Ernie be the goofy roommates they've always been and let's teach our children that not all families are the same.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Birchbox is here!
You know how it kind of sucks to go to the mail box. You know what I mean....junk mail, junk mail, bills, bills, BILLS! Right? Well, I went to my mail box yesterday and found this...
My first Birchbox had arrived!
If you're wondering what the heck I'm talking about, Birchbox is a service that lets you get make-up samples each month for a monthly or annual fee. They have a couple of pricing structures to choose from. I pay $10 per month. With the monthly option, I can cancel any time I want. You can always pre-pay for a whole year and get a slight discount. If you pay for a year, you can't cancel but you can transfer the membership. My plan is to try it for a few months to see if it is worth it.
Look at that lovely packaging. I love boxes I can reuse.
Let's get to the good part...what was in this month's box?
1. Tatcha Blotting Papers. I received three handmade sheets. I'm really excited to try this. I've been a blotting paper fan since high school.
2. Herban Essentials Orange Towelettes. I'm a messy gal, so I can always use towelettes.
3. Kate Spade Twirl Perfume. I'm not much of a perfume person so a little sample like this will last me a while.
4. Pureology Strengthening Control Zero Dulling Hairspray. This is a nice sized sample. This will last me quite a while.
5. Nuxe Reve de Miel Ultra Comfortable Body Cream. .50 oz. will do me a while. Perfect for sticking in my purse.
6. Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss in Glisten.You can never have too many lip glosses.
So there you have it, folks. My very first Birchbox. Overall, I'm pretty happy with this month's goodies. There are lots of brands in here that I've never tried and a good mix of products. I also have to thank Kaye over at Save Those Cents for letting me know about Birchbox. Kaye knows how much I love my make-up.
With next month's Birchbox, we're going to do a little contest so stay tuned for that!
My first Birchbox had arrived!
If you're wondering what the heck I'm talking about, Birchbox is a service that lets you get make-up samples each month for a monthly or annual fee. They have a couple of pricing structures to choose from. I pay $10 per month. With the monthly option, I can cancel any time I want. You can always pre-pay for a whole year and get a slight discount. If you pay for a year, you can't cancel but you can transfer the membership. My plan is to try it for a few months to see if it is worth it.
Look at that lovely packaging. I love boxes I can reuse.
Let's get to the good part...what was in this month's box?
1. Tatcha Blotting Papers. I received three handmade sheets. I'm really excited to try this. I've been a blotting paper fan since high school.
2. Herban Essentials Orange Towelettes. I'm a messy gal, so I can always use towelettes.
3. Kate Spade Twirl Perfume. I'm not much of a perfume person so a little sample like this will last me a while.
4. Pureology Strengthening Control Zero Dulling Hairspray. This is a nice sized sample. This will last me quite a while.
5. Nuxe Reve de Miel Ultra Comfortable Body Cream. .50 oz. will do me a while. Perfect for sticking in my purse.
6. Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss in Glisten.You can never have too many lip glosses.
So there you have it, folks. My very first Birchbox. Overall, I'm pretty happy with this month's goodies. There are lots of brands in here that I've never tried and a good mix of products. I also have to thank Kaye over at Save Those Cents for letting me know about Birchbox. Kaye knows how much I love my make-up.
With next month's Birchbox, we're going to do a little contest so stay tuned for that!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge
If you're on Facebook then you have most likely seen the 30 Day Song Challenge. This is where each day for---you guessed it---30 days you tell about a song. Easy enough. While I like reading these on Facebook, I don't like to post them on Facebook. So, I'm bringing it to The Study Guide and I won't drag it out over 30 days. Here we go!
day 01 - your favorite song: Regret by New Order
This is a tough one. I go back and forth between Regret and Age of Consent as favorites by New Order. Regret has a slight edge for me in the best song department. It's well written (which isn't always the case for New Order songs), sounds fresh and even the video is still gorgeous after 18 years.
day 02 - your least favorite song: Firework by Katy Perry
I'm sure there are far worse songs but this is my least favorite song right now. I only know about this song because I teach 8th graders and they love this woman. I don't get the Katy Perry love at all.
day 03 - a song that makes you happy: Friday, I'm in Love by The Cure
Who would have thought The Cure could make such a happy little song?
day 04 - a song that makes you sad: Vincent by Don McLean
This song gets me every time. "Vincent" is about Vincent Van Gogh and the lyrics to this song paint a clear picture of his struggles.
day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone: All the Small Things by Blink 182
This song reminds me of Brian. In fact, any song by this band reminds me of him. One night, about 12 years ago, Brian dragged me to a bad party at his work back when we were just friends and I accidently broke this CD. I loathe this band but I swear it was an accident. I was classy and sent him a new copy.
day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere: Mambo Italiano by Dean Martin
This song reminds me of an Italian restaurant in Chicago that I ate at when I was about 19. It was my first visit to Chicago and my friends and I wanted to have a "fancy" dinner on our last night. This song was playing at dinner. I only wish could remember the name of the restaurant.
day 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain event: American Girl by Trisha Yearwood
Every time I hear this song I think of the first time I got stopped for speeding. I was driving to the library and singing along with this song. Apparently I was so into Trisha that I didn't notice that my speed was a bit much for the suburbs.
day 08 - a song that you know all the words to: Take it on the Run by REO Speedwagon
I know the words to lots of songs. In fact, knowing lyrics might be my only skill but I can belt this song out like no other.
day 09 - a song that you can dance to: Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson
I took a jazz dance class -once- and she taught us a routine to this song. If I think really hard, I might remember how to dance a little to it.
day 10 - a song that makes you fall asleep: Moonlight Drive by The Doors
I used to fall asleep almost every night listening to the Strange Days record. This is a relaxing song and still one of my all-time favorite Doors' song.
day 11 - a song from your favorite band: Send Away the Tigers by Manic Street Preachers
Powerful song that's meant to be heard in a stadium. If I lived in England, which I should, I could hear this in a stadium. I settled to hear it in a bar in Detroit with 200 people in the crowd and it was amazing.
day 12 - a song from a band you hate: I Hope, I Think, I Know by Oasis
I hate Oasis but I adore this song. I'm pretty sure I remember Bono saying to the press that Liam Gallagher had the voice of an angel but he was an asshole. That about sums up my feelings on him as well but I really like this tune.
day 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasure: See day 14.
day 14 - a song that no one would expect you to love: Sexyback by Justin Timberlake
Confession time. I love Justin Timberlake. I like his music. I like this movies. I like him. I find him charming and funny. I can't help it.
day 15 - a song that describes you: I have no idea. If you know of a song that describes me, please chime in.
day 16 - a song that you used to love but now hate: Jane Says by Jane's Addiction
I hit Jane's Addiction pretty hard in high school and early on in college. This was one of my favorite songs and now I don't care for it all that much. I probably don't hate it exactly but it has definitely worn thin on me. I blame Brian for my falling out with Jane's Addiction. He played them a lot when we started dating, resulting in me getting tired of them. I've just never warmed back up to them. Maybe I need to unearth Ritual de lo Habitual.
day 17 - a song that you hear often on the radio: Country Bone by Blake Shelton
I've been listening to a lot of country and bluegrass lately. Every time I listen to a country station I hear this song.
day 18 - a song that you wish you heard on the radio: I would take any song by the Manic Street Preachers
Even with XM, I still don't hear them on the radio.
day 19 - a song from your favorite album: Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses by U2
There isn't a bad song on this album and it was U2's last strong effort. This song always stood out to me and how hot are Bono and Larry in the video?
day 20 - a song that you listen to when you’re angry: Yes by Manic Street Preachers
I listen to this song pretty much any time I'm angry or even just annoyed, which is often.
day 21 - a song that you listen to when you’re happy: Mint Car by The Cure
The Cure is so good when they're happy.
day 22 - a song that you listen to when you’re sad: West Coast by Coconut Records
Great for a sad or pensive mood.
day 23 - a song that you want to play at your wedding: I've already had my wedding so I will leave this one blank. Unless I start prepping for wedding #2.
day 24 - a song that you want to play at your funeral: Changes by David Bowie
It just seems appropriate. This song feels happy and solemn at the same time, which I think often sums up funerals. And I like David Bowie so if you end up being in charge of my funeral, play this.
day 25 - a song that makes you laugh: John Deere Green by Joe Diffie
Any song with heroes named Billy Bob and Charlene is worth at least a smile or two.
day 26 - a song that you can play on an instrument: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
I refuse to tell you what instrument I can play this on. Since you know what I do for a living then you can probably guess.
day 27 - a song that you wish you could play: Just about any song would fit this category, as long as it isn't Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
I have no musical skills.
day 28 - a song that makes you feel guilty: ?
I'm confused by this question. Is this another guilty pleasure song or a song that illicits guilt?
day 29 - a song from your childhood: Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen
My mother tells tales of me be-bopping to this song at the young age of 1 or 2. It was evident at a young age that I would like good music.
day 30 - your favorite song at this time last year: Hmmm...probably something by Weezer.
I got super-obsessed with them around this time last year. I'm getting over it though.
day 01 - your favorite song: Regret by New Order
This is a tough one. I go back and forth between Regret and Age of Consent as favorites by New Order. Regret has a slight edge for me in the best song department. It's well written (which isn't always the case for New Order songs), sounds fresh and even the video is still gorgeous after 18 years.
day 02 - your least favorite song: Firework by Katy Perry
I'm sure there are far worse songs but this is my least favorite song right now. I only know about this song because I teach 8th graders and they love this woman. I don't get the Katy Perry love at all.
day 03 - a song that makes you happy: Friday, I'm in Love by The Cure
Who would have thought The Cure could make such a happy little song?
day 04 - a song that makes you sad: Vincent by Don McLean
This song gets me every time. "Vincent" is about Vincent Van Gogh and the lyrics to this song paint a clear picture of his struggles.
day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone: All the Small Things by Blink 182
This song reminds me of Brian. In fact, any song by this band reminds me of him. One night, about 12 years ago, Brian dragged me to a bad party at his work back when we were just friends and I accidently broke this CD. I loathe this band but I swear it was an accident. I was classy and sent him a new copy.
day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere: Mambo Italiano by Dean Martin
This song reminds me of an Italian restaurant in Chicago that I ate at when I was about 19. It was my first visit to Chicago and my friends and I wanted to have a "fancy" dinner on our last night. This song was playing at dinner. I only wish could remember the name of the restaurant.
day 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain event: American Girl by Trisha Yearwood
Every time I hear this song I think of the first time I got stopped for speeding. I was driving to the library and singing along with this song. Apparently I was so into Trisha that I didn't notice that my speed was a bit much for the suburbs.
day 08 - a song that you know all the words to: Take it on the Run by REO Speedwagon
I know the words to lots of songs. In fact, knowing lyrics might be my only skill but I can belt this song out like no other.
day 09 - a song that you can dance to: Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson
I took a jazz dance class -once- and she taught us a routine to this song. If I think really hard, I might remember how to dance a little to it.
day 10 - a song that makes you fall asleep: Moonlight Drive by The Doors
I used to fall asleep almost every night listening to the Strange Days record. This is a relaxing song and still one of my all-time favorite Doors' song.
day 11 - a song from your favorite band: Send Away the Tigers by Manic Street Preachers
Powerful song that's meant to be heard in a stadium. If I lived in England, which I should, I could hear this in a stadium. I settled to hear it in a bar in Detroit with 200 people in the crowd and it was amazing.
day 12 - a song from a band you hate: I Hope, I Think, I Know by Oasis
I hate Oasis but I adore this song. I'm pretty sure I remember Bono saying to the press that Liam Gallagher had the voice of an angel but he was an asshole. That about sums up my feelings on him as well but I really like this tune.
day 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasure: See day 14.
day 14 - a song that no one would expect you to love: Sexyback by Justin Timberlake
Confession time. I love Justin Timberlake. I like his music. I like this movies. I like him. I find him charming and funny. I can't help it.
day 15 - a song that describes you: I have no idea. If you know of a song that describes me, please chime in.
day 16 - a song that you used to love but now hate: Jane Says by Jane's Addiction
I hit Jane's Addiction pretty hard in high school and early on in college. This was one of my favorite songs and now I don't care for it all that much. I probably don't hate it exactly but it has definitely worn thin on me. I blame Brian for my falling out with Jane's Addiction. He played them a lot when we started dating, resulting in me getting tired of them. I've just never warmed back up to them. Maybe I need to unearth Ritual de lo Habitual.
day 17 - a song that you hear often on the radio: Country Bone by Blake Shelton
I've been listening to a lot of country and bluegrass lately. Every time I listen to a country station I hear this song.
day 18 - a song that you wish you heard on the radio: I would take any song by the Manic Street Preachers
Even with XM, I still don't hear them on the radio.
day 19 - a song from your favorite album: Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses by U2
There isn't a bad song on this album and it was U2's last strong effort. This song always stood out to me and how hot are Bono and Larry in the video?
day 20 - a song that you listen to when you’re angry: Yes by Manic Street Preachers
I listen to this song pretty much any time I'm angry or even just annoyed, which is often.
day 21 - a song that you listen to when you’re happy: Mint Car by The Cure
The Cure is so good when they're happy.
day 22 - a song that you listen to when you’re sad: West Coast by Coconut Records
Great for a sad or pensive mood.
day 23 - a song that you want to play at your wedding: I've already had my wedding so I will leave this one blank. Unless I start prepping for wedding #2.
day 24 - a song that you want to play at your funeral: Changes by David Bowie
It just seems appropriate. This song feels happy and solemn at the same time, which I think often sums up funerals. And I like David Bowie so if you end up being in charge of my funeral, play this.
day 25 - a song that makes you laugh: John Deere Green by Joe Diffie
Any song with heroes named Billy Bob and Charlene is worth at least a smile or two.
day 26 - a song that you can play on an instrument: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
I refuse to tell you what instrument I can play this on. Since you know what I do for a living then you can probably guess.
day 27 - a song that you wish you could play: Just about any song would fit this category, as long as it isn't Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
I have no musical skills.
day 28 - a song that makes you feel guilty: ?
I'm confused by this question. Is this another guilty pleasure song or a song that illicits guilt?
day 29 - a song from your childhood: Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen
My mother tells tales of me be-bopping to this song at the young age of 1 or 2. It was evident at a young age that I would like good music.
day 30 - your favorite song at this time last year: Hmmm...probably something by Weezer.
I got super-obsessed with them around this time last year. I'm getting over it though.
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