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Thursday, January 24, 2013

Saw it. Pinned it. Did it.

Over the weekend, I was able to make what I think was the easiest DIY craft on Pinterest.
My Pinspiration
& here is how I made a little gem of my own!
Gather the supplies:
1. Tape
2.One hanger (Already had it)
3. One pack of Shower Curtain Rings ($1.12)
Note: The photo above shows 2 packs of rings because I was going to add more rows, but realized I 
didn't need them when it was completed. If you have more scarves, you may need more than 12 rings.
Tape the curtain rings to the hanger and then tape them to each other. 
Once your first row is done, go back and add more tape to each part that was previously taped. 
This will allow the scarf holder to be much more sturdy. 
Add the second row of rings. Depending on how many scarves you have, you may want to keep going. 
Currently, I'm right at 12 so that's where I stopped.
Add the scarves through the loop and hang in your closet.
The total spent on this was $1.12!
This is such an easy and cheap way to hang all of your scarves in one place.
I, for one, and happy to no longer have them all just hanging together on one hanger.
If you have tackled a craft that you found on Pinterest, join us!

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Being productive feels good!

When I got home from work on Friday, I was greeted with this little surprise. 
My boyfriend knew that I had a rough day and since he had to go to work, he made sure to pick up a movie he knew I had been wanting to see. I spent the night at home with take out and a movie. Love him <3

On Saturday, I gave myself a nice little mani :)

I also finally tested out my Olay Pro X and I instantly fell in love. I've been using it daily, sometimes twice and my skin feels oh so smooth. For the price, it can't be beat. 
No weekend is complete without spending time with the person that makes me want to be a better person everyday, my Nephew.
I caught Prosecuting Casey on Lifetime Sunday night. My goal is to not keep Casey in the fore front of my mind, but I had to tune in. With no surprise, I hated her just as much as I always have. 
I know without a shadow of a doubt that she got away with murder.
Later that night, I had some drinks with a girlfriend that I hardly ever get to see. We may or may not have also scarfed down some orders of both Queso and mini corn dogs.  


This weekend, I spent a lot of time at home, which was much needed.
I had what I would probably call the most productive weekend of my life.


Here are just a few things I got done this weekend :)
  • Made a scrapbook of my Nephews 1st year. I'm only two years late :)
  • Completed a Pinterest project that I'll share on the link up tomorrow!
  • Did the coconut oil treatment on my hair again. My new weekly routine.
  • Organized the spare walk-in
  • Organized the bathroom closet
  • Organized the spare bathroom closet
  • Organized the hall closet
  • Did 3 loads of laundry and put them away - huge pat on the back for actually putting them away after they were washed.
  • Re-ironed some clothes that have been sitting in my closet
  • Put clothes that haven't been worn in over 2 years into space bags
I've also been able to keep up with my Couch to 5K work outs.
I'm currently on week 2. It's getting harder and easier at the same time!

Work has been super busy this week. Just trying to keep up! 

Happy Hump Day! :)



Saturday, January 19, 2013

Always On Time

Allie over at Dreams & Things posted this yesterday and it brought me back.. way back. 
Figured I'd jump in my time machine and have some fun! :)

Here's what you do:
1. Put your iPod, Spotify, Media Player, etc. on shuffle
2. For each question, click the 'next' button to get your answer :)
3. Write your answer and have a laugh!

You'll notice that I listen to a lot of love, Disney and old school emo or rap songs :)

IF SOMEONE SAYS 'ARE YOU OKAY' YOU SAY?
Once Upon A Dream - Sleeping Beauty

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Put it on me - Ja Rule

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
It Ends Tonight - All American Rejects

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Blurry - Puddle of Mudd

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Be Our Guest - Beauty and the Beast

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
Say it - Voices of Theory

WHAT’S YOUR MOTTO?
Ours - Taylor Swift

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Emotionless - Good Charlotte

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Rain will go away - Latif

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
You belong with me - Taylor Swift

WHAT IS 2 + 2?
Ho Hey - The Lumineers

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR EX BOY/GIRL/BEST FRIEND?
Hakuna Matata - The Lion King

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Circle of Life - The Lion King

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Can you feel the love tonight? - The Lion King... ok, seriously?

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Believe - Yellowcard

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Here Comes Goodbye - Rascal Flatts

WHAT WILL YOU DO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Marry You - Bruno Mars... Um, how perfect!! :)

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Alone With You - Jake Owen

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST??
The Reason - Hoobastank

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
A Woman Like You - Lee Brice.. hahaha

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Paradise - Coldplay

WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?
Wide Awake - Katy Perry

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Because of you - Ne-Yo

WHAT’S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Memory - Sugarcult

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Flightless Bird - Iron & Wine

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Read your mind- Avant

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
This Years Love - David Gray

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
God Must Have Spent - NSYNC

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Move Along - All American Rejects

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Part of your world - The Little Mermaid

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE? 
Hands Down - Dashboard Confessionals

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW? 
You Make it Real - James Morrison

WHAT WILL YOU NAME THIS NOTE?
Always On Time - Ja Rule/Ashanti


Friday, January 18, 2013

January's Glam Bag

Check out the goodies that Glam Bag sent me this month!
1. Cute Navy Bag - it's taller than the ones in the past and has a neat star pattern inside.
2. Martini Nail Polish in Frappe ($13) - This polish reminds me of Mr & Mrs
 by OPI or, my personal favorite, Essie's Fiji. Looking forward to trying it. 
3. Big Sexy Hair ($6) - Surprisingly, I've never tried this hairspray but have always wanted to.
Adding it to an attempted hairstyle this weekend :)
4. Pacifica Tuscan Body Butter ($7) - My Nephew and I put this on last night. It has a beautiful citrus scent.
5. Jose Maran Argan Oil ($14) - This product doubles as a hair revitalizer and a daily skin moisturizes.
It can help your split ends and give you a youthful glow. Where do I sign up?
6. Soho Concealer Brush ($6) - If you follow me on Pinterest, I have been looking at the concealer process.
So, this couldn't come at a better time. My skin will surely enjoy the silky nylon bristles, too. 

Without including the cute bag that comes with it, these products total $46
if they were bought separately,but I got them all for $10 including shipping! 
I've said it a million times and I'll say it again - GO GLAM! :)

Thursday, January 17, 2013

It's OK Thursday!

It's been a hot minute since I've done It's OK Thursday.
I figured why not give it a go today?
I'll be linking up with Neely and Amber. Join me!
It's OK...

..that I'm not obsessed with JT's new song. I know it will come in time.
I am, however, instantly obsessed with Nelly's new song, Hey Porsche.
That man can seriously do no wrong.
At this present moment, I'm also loving The Lumineers, Ho Hey & Hunter Hayes' beautiful song, Wanted.  

..that I began the Couch to 5K app yesterday and at 15 minutes I was hurtin'. 
Couch to 5k is an app that slowly 'teaches' you to run a 5k in 2 months time. 
I'm not a runner (nor will I ever be) but I do have a goal of running a 5k. 
It may not be in 2 months. Heck, it may not even be this year.
But, it is a goal of mine & achieving goals is important to me.
It helps motivate me in other areas of my life & extra motivation is never a bad thing.
Below you'll find the instructions for the first week of running.
They want you to work out a total of 3 times a week for 20 minutes, which is an attainable goal. 
.. that after having my first day of the new app, I was fully prepared to eat semi healthy. Nothing drastic because food is my happy time, but I certainly didn't expect to stuff my face with Hibachi. 
When I finished cooking my dinner at 7:30, the boyfriend calls and tells me to throw it away because we're going to Kobe (aka Food Coma God) with some friends.
Being the budgeter that I am, I saved the food for tonight and we headed to Kobe.
Chicken, Steak, Shrimp, EXTRA noodles, rice, soup & salad. And I'm spent!
The best part is the leftovers that I'll be eating immediately following my day 2 of the app. Oops! 
.. that my tax return is not exactly what I hoped for. A few hundred more would have
been ideal but I'm happy with anything, really. At least they are done and the money is on it's way! :)

.. that I got angry when reading this article. Sarah sent me this link disproving that.
Luckily, my plans to go find a Congress member to adopt me today have been canceled.
However, there are still many laws that Congress passes that they don't have to follow. I just don't get how the people that make the laws, don't have to follow them. Doesn't make any sense to me, at all.

.. that I have zero plans for this long weekend. I wish I was going on vacation or some sorts, but I can't afford that right now and it will be nice to get some errands done around the house. Last night, I cleaned & organized 3 separate closets. The spare bedroom closet  will hopefully be tackled this weekend :)

... that I've never been garage sailing and I'm dying to go.
I'm hoping to pick up some old pieces of furniture or home decor items and go all Pintester on them. 

... that I plan on doing absolutely nothing tonight because SUITS is back and we're throwing ourselves a mini Suits partayyyy.

That's all folks!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Free Organization Printable List!

Fun fact about yours truly: Organization makes me happy!
This doesn't just pertain to having my clothes color coordinated, oh no no no. 
Being on time is in my nature. I'm also that girl that is a stickler to plans.
If I say I'm going to do something, I hold myself to it. 

Something that keeps me organized is my love of planners. 
I just recently got this new planner from Maybooks to help me stay organized in 2013. 
Obsessed may be an understatement. It's lightweight so it can stay with me at all times, 
which is something I couldn't say about my Lilly Agenda from last year. 

In addition to my life planner, I also have a work calendar that helps me stay in the know about campaign end dates and any meetings that I have to attend. 
Would it shock you if I said that I also have one on the fridge at home? Well, I do. 
This one is just a reminder of birthdays or events. It helps keep the boyfriend in the know of events that he also needs to attend.

& there is nothing I love more than a sassy multi colored to-do list.
When things are pretty, I tend to look at them more.
To be honest, I make a to-do list daily using a sticky note.
It could be for groceries I need to pick up, recipe instructions, chores, or anything I may need a reminder for. 
This morning, I found a new cute to do list that I decided to add to my organization collection. 
I immediately printed it out and folded it to fit in my planner.
Next time, I think I'll adjust the size so folding won't be necessary. 
You can download this list or browse the rest of her collection here

I took it upon myself to organize a list of some other free printable lists that I could find on the blog-o-sphere.
You can find a cute and simple to do list here

This blog has every different kind of list that you can think of.
Menu plan, wedding list, course schedule, clutter prevention and so many others!

Kayla's blog has an amazing blog planner to help you organize post ideas, guest posts and project lists.

Personally, my favorite hails from this site.
You can find a monthly calendar, meal planner, shopping list and weekly planner on in the same theme. She has a ton of themes to choose from and if you are just looking for a yearly calendar, you can print out all of 2013 for FREE!
I hope 2013 is the year that we all get and STAY organized :)

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Chicken Stir Fry

The boyfriend had to work last night so I was on my own for dinner.
One of my favorite quick and easy meals is chicken stir fry.
I'm not one of those people that gets everything fresh or organic. I just like things to be easy, quick and tasty. 
That's where this recipe comes in. 
The best part is that the ingredients are super cheap and you don't use much of the sauce ingredients so once you buy everything it's enough to make the sauce about 10 times.
I'm pretty picky so I only use corn and broccoli but feel feel to add whatever vegetables you'd like.

Here's what you'll need:
1. Rotisserie Chicken
2. Corn - 1 can
3. Bag of Broccoli
4. White Rice
**Keep in mind that you can use any vegetables you want. If the boyfriend is home, I get the bag titled stir fry in the frozen aisle. I believe it has onions, peppers, broccoli, baby corn and snap peas. It's a perfect alternative if you like all of that stuff!

Sauce:
1. Flour - 8 tsp
2. Rice Vinegar - 1 tbsp
3. Soy Sauce - 2 tbsp
4. Water - 2/3 cup
5. Sugar - 2 tsp
6. Rice Vinegar - 1 tbsp


Here's what you do:
1. If you have a rice cooker, cook the rice in there for it to be perfect. If you don't, just follow the directions outlined on the box. You can also switch it up and use noodles or any other type of rice that you'd like. Last night, I actually put it over ramen noodles (without the seasoning packet). I've done this a few times now and it's quickly becoming my favorite thing to use! 
2. Cook the bag of broccoli in the microwave and then cook the corn the same way.
3. Peel off shreds from the rotisserie chicken and add them to a stir fry pan then include the vegetables.  
4. Add all the ingredients for the sauce in a bowl and whisk it until it's perfectly mixed.
5. Add the sauce to the chicken and vegetables and turn on the stove. Cook on medium for 5-10 minutes just enough time to soak the food in the sauce.
6. Add the mixture on top of the bed of rice. I like to pour extra sauce over the meal after it's on my plate.

& there ya have it. Easy 15-20 minute chicken stir fry!

Monday, January 14, 2013

Weekend Update!


Oh hello you dreaded Monday.
You really don't do anything wrong to me, except exist.
It's not you, it's me.

True to fashion, this weekend went by in the blink of an eye.
I did get to do a lot of fun things though so you will not hear this girl complain!

Immediately after work Friday I went to pick up my sweet Nephew and took him for ice cream. 
It had been a long week for both of us, so I felt we deserved it. 
In an attempt to channel Justin, Landyn put on his tie and sunglasses. Seriously, too cute for words.
 We went to a friends house for game night on Friday. Battle of the Sexes.
Sadly, the boys were the victors on this night. We'll get 'em next time!
We got home way too late Friday night and I had an early wake up call of 7 am. Not so fun on your day off, or ever for that matter.
My friend Jen got us passes to the Surf Expo because her company makes swim and beachwear.
It was really cool to see all the different brands. Not to mention, it reminded me that swimsuit season is just around the corner. Insert gag face.
Nothing makes you want to starve yourself more than seeing gorgeous models in bikinis all day.
Saturday was a long day so we ended up finishing it off by BBQ'ing at a friends house and then going home to watch Miss America. I was REALLY rooting for Miss South Carolina, but she ended up being the 1st runner up.
I'm just glad the new Miss. America is blonde. REPRESENT ;)
On Sunday we went to the I Do Downtown Bridal Crawl.
It's a super fun event where the different venues in Downtown Orlando are all set up for a wedding with different vendors at all the different locations. It's such a great way to plan for a wedding and get to meet with all your options in one place. 
We were well fed by all the different caterers and never had an empty glass. They had fun photo booths set up, DJ's, wedding coordinators, cakes, centerpieces and just everything to do with weddings. 
I got pretty tipsy from all the alcohol they were feeding us, but we had an absolute blast with the bride to be. 
I wasn't quite ready to quit drinking yet so luckily I met up with the boyfriend at our friends house for 
a few more drinks and caught a GORGEOUS sunset. I truly don't think it can be beat.
We headed home and settled in bed around 7:30 to watch the Golden Globes. 
While the speeches generally bore me to tears, I do love seeing the fashion.
Here are my two picks for best dressed this year!
Kate Hudson looked flawless in this black Alexander McQueen gown.
& Hayden Penettiere wow'd in this white Roberto Cavalli dress.
I love the simplicity of both hair styles. It really gives them a more feminine look, in my opinion. 

That's my weekend! Back to the grind of work, dinner, sleep then work again!
Looking forward to this 3 day weekend coming up :)

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Decor Inspiration

Remember that house I spoke of on Thursday? Well, no we haven't heard back. 
But that doesn't stop me from practically decorating the entire house via Pinterest

Curtains around the bed (with or without a window) are genius to me. It really brings the room together and gives it that sanctuary feel. Am I wrong?
Another option is a canopy style above the bed. The curtains hail from Ikea and you can pick up the rod at Wal Mart. The total project is a whopping $10. Can't beat that. 
*If* we get the house, we'll be re-carpeting all the bedrooms and the loft upstairs. Justin thinks he wants to wait on the wood flooring but I had to look for inspiration just in case he changes his mind. Dark wood makes my heart go pitter patter. 
.
Putting the shower curtain higher definitely gives a more warm/rich feeling.
 Just a way to  hide all those pesky laundry baskets to the blind eye :)
Cabinets can either make or break a room. But who wants to spend all that money adding new ones. Solution: stain them and add new fixtures. I will definitely be doing this :)
I'm nervous about my excitement. Since I'm sharing it so publicly, I feel that they are going to call at any minute and say that the bank didn't approve the offer. 

Fingers Crossed for good news calls only!

Friday, January 11, 2013

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup is my jam.
When it's cold outside and I'm watching my favorite show,
a hot bowl of chicken noodle soup is the key ingredient to a perfect night.

I've always been a canned soup type of gal. They are quick, easy and delicious.
But I've been trying out new recipes and decided it was time to give homemade chicken noodle soup a whirl.

Here's what I used:
1. Rotisserie Chicken - It's always my go to when I'm making fajitas, chicken & dumplings, stir fry,
or anything that uses sliced chicken. It makes life SO much easier. 
2. Egg Noodles - I used medium, but I don't think size matters.
3. Chicken Bouillon Cubes - I used around 7.
4. 1 can of Sliced Carrots
5. Parsley Flakes

Here's what you do:
1. Using a large pot, add water until it's about 2/3 full. If I had to take a rough estimate, I would guess it was about 8-10 cups. 
2. Add the bouillon cubes and bring a boil. 
3. Once it's boiling, add the noodles and cook for 8 minutes.
4. Add the carrots and chicken and cook for another 5 minutes. This is just to heat up the already cooked carrots and chicken.
5. Give it a taste test to see if you need to add any additional bouillon cubes or if it's just right.
I also added some salt and pepper for taste.
6. Sprinkle parsley flakes on the top & serve. 
This meal is incredibly easy and cheap to make. Plus, it makes enough for so many meals!
I've had it every day this week for lunch AND a few dinners.
I understand not everyone can do that, but I'm a creature of habit.

Last night, I gave some to my Nephew because he was feeling a little under the weather. 
Landyn, smile for the camera if you liked Aunt Stephy's chicken noodle soup. 
& there ya have it folks. This kid was a happy camper ;)

If I wasn't going to stuff my face at Chipotle today with Kate & Whitney
you could bet your bottom dollar that I would be happily having more soup!

My boyfriend doesn't classify soup as a dinner so we made him a grilled cheese on the side. Problem solved! 

I hope you enjoy it!

Thursday, January 10, 2013

House Shopping

is torture..

I don't think it's any secret that I've been dying to own a home.
I think I mention it in roughly 7 out of every 10 posts on this little blog of mine.

We've been looking for over a year to find the perfect house...
which might I add does NOT exist.

If there was ever a time to buy, it is now. So the pressure is on.
The trick is that I'm not actually buying the home, Justin will be doing that.
I guess the process is a little more relaxing to me.
However, we would be splitting all the bills but my name will just not appear on the mortgage.
I'd be silly to do that without a ring on my finger & I know that. 

Back in December, he put an offer in on a house. 
Since there was already an offer, it went in as a backup offer. A back up offer is when there is already an offer in but if the buyer backs out at anytime, you're the next offer they look at. 

The chances were slim, but we got a call on Tuesday telling us that the other buyer backed out!
They countered his offer back to the listed price (BOO), but after taking another walk through the house, Justin signed. Now we just have to wait for the final approval.
In as little as 3 months, we could be decorating a home. 
How fun to think about. 
Of course, I've been scouring Pinterest for all sorts of Home Decor ideas so my apologies if you're a follower :)

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

DIY Face Microdermabrasion

I'm here with yet another DIY beauty recipe that I did this past weekend.
Hope you enjoy this easy and inexpensive face scrub.

Microdermabrasion is a costly treatment that this girl just cannot afford right now.
After searching the Holy Bible of DIY projects, Pinterest, I found this extremely easy recipe for glowing skin.
I've only done one treatment and my skin definitely felt smooth immediately after. Hopefully after repeating this for a few weeks my skin will have the glow I've always wanted. 

Here's what you'll need:
1. 3 tbsp of Baking Soda
2. 1 tbsp of water

Here's what you do:
1. Add 3 tablespoons of baking soda to a cup of 1 tablespoon of warm water. 
2. Mix it completely to where it's almost a foam like substance
3. Using circular motions, rub it all over your face.
4. Wait 5 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water.
5. Repeat this once a week and you will be on your way to glowing skin!

I mean this just cannot get any easier and at only $0.50 for a box of baking soda, 
this may be the cheapest facial cleanser you can buy/make.