Life for Now..

it's been a crazy week.. we've had 14 visitors and been non-stop on the go.

i loved seeing everyone, especially my nieces. they are at funny ages where they say things to make me laugh, all of the time. this is really my first free moment (in between the loads of laundry and christmas decorating) i've had, to sign onto my very neglected blog.

(me with 2 of my nieces on their first subway ride.. the younger one asked as we passed the statue of 'liverty' [as she says..] "is she living mommy?")

tomorrow begins a new life chapter with my first day of cosmetology school. in reflecting on my life i've found one of the only consistencies is that my life, is constantly changing. life was drastically different 6 months ago and it's going to be drastically different 6 months from today. but i am beginning to find my niche. i'm no longer ripping out my hair from the stress of driving here, i've found some staple places to get food and other necessities, and our place is seeming more like home.

so now i'm off to bed with promises of more posts in the VERY near future.

a Laugh for your Wednesday

"i'm her mom.. no she's not!"

Back To School

i know, i know, the same person who had sworn off any more schooling after college is going back to school- cosmetology school that is. it's official, i have put in my deposit to arrojo cosmetology and start november 29th! i've been dreaming about going here since i first heard that nick arrojo was opening a school- but never dreamed that i would actually attend!! at any rate i am excited, eager, and blessed to be having this opportunity.. more later!

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a Laugh for your Wednesday

whoo goes there?

in sad owl news...

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DIY Coffee Stencil

this is such a charming DIY i first saw from Jessica at how about orange. what a good surprise for a roommate or spouse on an ever dreaded monday?!

what you'll need:

1.plastic lid of a soup container

2.exacto knife

2.sharpie

directions:

1. draw design

2. cut design out with exacto knife

3. lay the stencil on top of a mug with freshly made cappuccino inside and sprinkle with cocoa or cinnamon
(*hint: dusting the cinnamon through a sieve or strainer makes for a cleaner appearance- i didn't have either available! also fill the cup as close to the top as possible!)

voila:

i'm still working on perfecting it.. but you get the idea! :-)

a Laugh for your Wednesday

"he's gonna check and if i don't deliver all of them, he's gonna punch me in the face."

coffee buzz..

so i've started a new segment that i am calling coffee buzz.. which will highlight any good little finds i have while drinking my morning coffee....today's coffee buzz? DIY starbucks[esque] pumpkin spice latte [thanks to a facebook friend!]:

ingredients:

• 3 cups hot whole milk
• 4 teaspoons white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 6 ounces double-strength brewed coffee
• 3 tablespoons sweetened whipped cream
• 3 pinches pumpkin pie spice

enjoy!

The Human Experience on DVD

In very exciting news, the Human Experience a phenomenal documentary on the value of human life was just released yesterday on DVD. if you haven't had the chance to see the film at a screening, now is your chance! you can order it here..

Cold Hands, Warm Hearts

i'm participating in the cold hands, warm hearts swap hosted by sandyalamode and muchlove,illy- it's pretty much the cutest idea ever! you can read all of the details here, but in short, if you participate you are then paired with another person whom you buy mittens and other little goodies for. i just can't wait! winter is my least favorite, and i loathe being cold, but what a great way to ease into the season! i'll be blogging about the exchange, so, more later!

Versatile Blogger Award

so a good friend of mine just informed me that she awarded me the 'Versatile Blogger' award at her blog! naturally, i am thrilled!  so here are the rules:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award: bridget at delightful her blog is.. well delightful! and hilarious i'm always cracking up when i read it
2. Make a list of things about yourself that nobody else knows:hmm let's see 1.) i have a history degree and plan to do nothing with history for a living [unless you consider watching american pickers and pawn stars part of my living..ha] 2.) there's a special place in my heart for horrible films.. ya know the kind that are so positively horrible they're funny? 3.) my toenails are always painted 4.) i obsessively organize my purse at least 3 times a day
3. Pass the award on to other new bloggers whom you’ve recently discovered. i am passing the award on to danielle at  sometimes sweet...if you haven't seen her blog yet, go check her out!

a Laugh for your Wednesday

"which water? i don't understand?"

The Importance of Gratitude

with thanksgiving just around the corner [can anyone tell me what happened to october?] janel at runs with scissors started this awesome idea called the "thankful 30" which challenges people to journal something you are thankful for every day until thanksgiving... so cool! but i thought i would share my little year round spin..
so awhile back i started a 'gratitude journal.' each night before bed i write two lists: 1.) things God is doing in my life that i'm thankful for 2.) reasons i'm thankful for andy. i can't tell you how much this 5 minutes a night has changed my perspective on life! it's easy to get caught up in our pessimistic, selfish society, but by taking 5 minutes to go through your day and recognize the blessings, you:

1.) take focus off of yourself 

2.) actually notice the ways you have been totally blessed and 

3.) love better.

just think about it...when you realize all that someone is doing for you isn't your initial reaction to reciprocate, love more? whether your reaction is joy, prayer, little love notes thanking loved ones, gratitude is essential to increasing your capacity to love!  

just in case you're interested i get all of my journals through snapfish.com. my sister gave me one as a wedding present, getting me hooked! it is so fun to design them! the picture was one i'd taken in ireland during a semester abroad [which i'm so thankful for :-) ]