Lookie!!

Just wanted to share the card I made. I made it using a stamp I bought from Burnt Cookie on Etsy....Love her stamps!  I hope everyone has a nice day, halfway through the week!

Okay...this could be in poor taste to share, but I am doing it anyways!!!

Okay, so I ran across this, and I wanted to share, it made me smile....

Yes, this product is called POO-POURRI. Women wouldn't need this product of course, because as we all know, women don't have to, ya know, #2, but for anyone else....this product is mostly made to be used in an office environment from what I can tell. You take this product, and spray it right into the toilet, maybe 5/6 sprays....Then you will notice it miraculously will help everyone that may be entering into the bathroom thereafter. Funny....but true.

My Halloween Goodies...

Okay, so since I don't have any small children, I use Halloween, Easter, and other little holidays to make cute little goodies I can give out. This year I went and bought some clear baggies, some curling ribbon, and the candy of course. :) I am very happy with the way they turned out and am looking forward to giving them out on Halloween! :) I love making little things like these, so if you ever need help trying to come up with cute favor ideas for birthday parties, come to me and I can help, or I can just make them for you...I find that even though it can be a little time consuming, I seem to enjoy it! :) The favors are being modeled in one of my new purchases from Thirty One, of course! (I allow myself one, sometimes 2 purchases a month) This product is the "small magazine basket" but surprisingly, it was much larger than I thought it would be. Perfect for holding magazines, hence the name of the basket, wrapping paper, HALLOWEEN candy, etc... Anyways, hope everyone has a nice evening! Talk to ya soon!

Christmas will be here before you know it!

I just wanted to share another lovely product from one of my favorite Etsy Shops Say Your Piece , I am always finding something I want to buy, and I am pretty sure my next purchase will be coming up here soon. I am trying to remember when I started buying items from this shop, it's been a while, LOL.  I wanted to make a "Gore First Christmas" ornament.  Anyways, just wanted to share, this shop has plenty of items, good for any occasion really, so since Christmas is coming up, thought I would let everyone know what great gifts you can get from this site, go visit it!! :)

What business card design do you like the most?

I have been trying out different designs for a new Thirty One Gifts business card design...can't decide what one is my favorite, what do you all think I should go with??? Happy Friday by the way! (Had to blur out my phone number, to weed out the crazies, hehe)

Don't you just love this?

My mom saw this at a thrift shop, and bought it for me....she knows me well.  I love this! So cute, a high heel and a bottle opener, who could ask for a better bottle opener than that!! :) It's being modeled on my beautiful new mouse pad that I bought on ETSY ofcourse, where else?! Anyways, just had to share another fabulous find!! :)

Remember, Thirty One has a $5 Bag this month!!

Don't forget, the whole month of October, if you spend $31 you get an organizing utility tote for only $5!!!! They come in solid colors too!(Black & Brown)

Click here to go to my page....

I learned something I never knew....

Wanted to share part of the eulogy that my father wrote about my grandfather (Daddy-pa) This was something I never knew, and I am glad my father shared this with me... It really shows a lot about what kind of person my grandfather was...This past Saturday was his service...


"Dad fought in the Korean War.  While I was growing up I understood that he had ahead a tough time there and so never raised the subject.  But a couple of years ago, I decided it was time for me to know the truth of his involvement there.  I asked Dad what happened and found him surprisingly forthcoming.  I asked why he had never volunteered the information before and he replied that he didn’t know anyone was interested.  I assured him I was and what he shared with me was incredible.  Dad was a member of the US Army’s 2^nd Engineer Battalion of the 2^nd Infantry Division.  Dad fought in a particularly bloody engagement known as the battle of Kunu-Ri.  The 60^th anniversary issue of VFW magazine which came out this summer, ranked the 40 deadliest engagements of the Korean War.  The battle of Kunu-Ri was number 2.  What had happened was that 5 divisions of Red Chinese regulars had attacked the northernmost US Army position.  Dad’s unit found itself fighting a rear guard action against the incursion.  This meant that Dad’s unit became the front line of a struggle to delay the Chinese advance while the rest of the 2ID attempted to retreat. Dad’s unit was eventually overrun and he found himself miles behind enemy lines in brutal minus-20 degree weather, difficult terrain and amongst thousands of Chinese whose job was to kill him.  I have since read several books on this battle and still find it difficult to grasp the demands placed on Dad and the extraordinary endurance required from him to return safely."

I had wrote some things about my Daddy-pa in the last few weeks, it wasn't anything fancy, it simply stated the things I would miss about him. I debated whether I would talk at the service or not.  I have never been the best public speaker (Anyone remember me in my one and only beauty pageant?) If you did, it was probably because I made the biggest fool of myself and how do you forget something like that, haha. Well anyways, the day of the service I was still undecided. I had never spoke at a service, and I wasn't sure if I would be able to do it well, but at the last minute I decided I would. I simply shared the little things I would miss about my Daddy-pa, and I am glad I made myself get up there....it was a very difficult thing for me to do, to make myself get in front of a crowd of people, I have always really not liked public speaking, (speaking yes) but not to big crowds. I got up there, and I shared who my Daddy-pa was to me....and I have no doubt my Daddy-pa himself helped give me the courage I needed...

Fabulous Holiday Sweets

 

This holiday sweet is one of my favorites.  Made from chocolate and peanut butter, these candies are called Buckeyes. They are the best holiday treat, and I have started to make them every Christmas without fail. It was something my Mommy-pa Haga and my Great Aunt Ellen used to make every Christmas. Mommy-pa would give everyone their own bag every year. Due to recently losing Aunt Ellen & Daddypa, it just makes this memory ever so fresh in my mind….and it makes it that more important for me to make them…..so be on the lookout, chances are my freezer will be fully stocked with these….. Oh…..and I calculated the weight watchers points…..Each Buckeye is 3 to 4 points, YIKES, I know….but I have started to make the regular ones, and then mini ones for myself, so they are less points and WW friendly. You know I had to figure out a solution for this….can’t go without the buckeyes…..

“Come on Sara, pull yourself together” (self talk….it helps)

I have to say, these last few weeks, I have been pretty disappointed in myself. After the wedding, I kind of let loose on the weight watchers diet.  I had worked soooooo hard for the past year on it, met my goal, but now, I have tried to start the diet back at 3 different times, and each time I have managed to revert back mid week to my unhealthy eating habits, the calorie filled krispy kreme to the right, the ice cream bowl to the left…and I really need to stop it. Why can’t I get my motivation back?? How can I get it back? You know, every time I eat something bad for me, I feel so guilty now…never used to feel that way.  Now I think back to the quote “Eating skinny never tasted so good” and now I understand it a little better….once you get that goal you wanted, the accomplishment almost gives you that much more motivation not to revert back…..I just need a little bit more motivation that normal…..Maybe I need to start going to the WW Meetings I never went to, or maybe I should get back to my running….Man, I just need to get back into things…and now, like tomorrow.

And you know what else….The last time I saw my “Daddy-pa” before he passed he said that I had lost so much weight and he was really proud of me and what I had done for myself…..and that means more to me now than ever, that he noticed how hard I had tried, and what I had put into everything, and I am glad he got to see that before he left us….I am glad he was able to know what I had done for myself, that I was able to reach my goal and that I was able to get married to a wonderful guy that he “liked” more than the others (hehe).   That is almost a new motivation, to keep him that proud; he will just be looking down on me now, that’s all….

"May you see that happiness is found in what you have, not in striving for what you don't have."

I found these 3 books at Hallmark, they are between 10-15 dollars a piece. They all have different quotes and are written by the same author, Lance Wubbels. "Dance While You Can" has quotes about living life to your fullest, "If Only I Knew" shares quotes that really help someone that is going through a loss of someone they love...and "I Wish For You" shares quotes about following your heart. They are quick reads, and definitely worth buying in my opinion. These are the only 3 I have seen, so I don't think there are any others yet..... For someone who loves quotes like myself, these little books are perfect. They make you think about your life and others.....Anyways, just wanted to share.....

Thirty One Gifts Christmas Gift Guide!!!!

Thirty One Gifts has just come out with their Christmas Gift Guide for this holiday season.  The items are NOW available for purchase.  These bags make really nice Christmas gifts! For others and for yourself! My favorite items....The large utility tote and the zipper  pouch, I am going to have them in every color one of these days! Remember spend $31 and get the organizing utility tote for only $5. It's a awesome deal, Thirty One Gifts usually have pretty great specials, I like the $5.00 items and I also love when they offer free embroidery.

You can go to my site and order right from there if you see anything that you just HAVE to get! :) Click Here!

I will definitely be making this soon.....

Gina's Skinny Recipes: Pumpkin Spice No-Bake Cheesecake

Love this site, always has yummy healthy food finds....Just wanted to share! :)

Fabulous Find for October

 

This month I want to share some of my favorite cookies!!!! I love them. They look cute, and taste great!! Nanny's sugar cookies have some really cute Halloween themed cookies, they are great for parties, fundraisers, anything really. I have found myself buying these cookies, for others...and then eating them....and then buying more....try to find any occasion where I can buy some!!

Click here to go to her website, and she ships anywhere!! :)

Thirty One Gifts OCTOBER Special begins tomorrow!!!!

I can't wait to take advantage of this deal!! :) I got these bags for my bridesmaids before my wedding this past July.  I got them all personalized too!! My mom also has one of these also......It looks like I will be getting one this month as well!

You only have to spend 31 dollars, and this tote is only 5 bucks! :) I love the months were the bags are 5 bucks! :) I might actually get two for myself, haha..... Wait, I am supposed to be selling these, not buying them all....I do sell some bags to other people, really, I do....

October is a great month to start your Christmas shopping! :)

Here is my Thirty One site!! :)

So?! I needed a smile...

So I did two things.....

1. Had a nice glass of wine (again) before bedtime.....

2. Dressed Roxy up as a Hot Dog, not too sure if it's a good fit for her...we were just testing it out, that's all....

Anyways, it made me smile, I wanted to share.....

I sure am missing my Daddy-pa.....

It's took me a while to do this blog entry....mainly because I cry a lot, and it makes me sad to think my life without my grandpa.....I am very grateful that Scott and I were able to make it down to visit him a lot, it makes me happy to know that I was able to spend time with him.  I saw the happiness that came across his face when he would see us, or anyone in the family, and that made me smile.   I tried my best to let him know he was always in my thoughts....I sent him a card, a few weeks before he passed, for grandparent's day, and I made sure to put a lot of pictures in the card. They were from my wedding. I really wanted him to feel like he was there..... Sent him a nice plant too before that. The day he passed I had bought him another card to mail.....but I wasn't able to mail it, which broke my heart.....

Everywhere I turn....something is reminding me of him, and the tears start, (like they are now, but I am finishing this entry!!) I will miss soooo many things...

I will miss the way he would laugh at me, simply because I had to kiss him about 50 times before I would leave from a visit....he would simply just give me a grin, and a look like I was crazy, but a good crazy, hehe.....

I will miss the boat rides he used to take us on, he loved the water.....

I will remember how when I was younger I used to scoot the corn from my dinner plate onto my fork, so I was able to get it all in my mouth, and how Daddy-pa would say "I am gonna cut those fingers off if you keep doing that" and how I really thought I was going to be going home with no fingers, LOL...

I will remember how he was able to sleep through ANYTHING (in his chair ofcourse) or how he was always on the back porch drinking MGD. Just sitting outside, enjoying the beauty of life...

I will remember him taking me to shoot my first gun, at the wildlife club he was president of at one time....

I will remember how he always had a container full of nutter butters or oreos, and how we always would ask him if we could have some....

I will remember how we would beg to sleep in the basement, on a mattress in the closet under the stairs, don't ask me why....but we loved it.....now though, I would be terrified....

I will remember how Roxy always gave him a good smile, and she loved him, and the way he would feed her at every meal time....

I will remember how I told Daddy-pa I was making a scrapbook and needed some pictures, and how I made copies, and actually surprised him with a collage of pictures of Mommy-pa and him after she had passed, and I will never forget his face looking at me, he was a tough grandpa but I could tell how happy and touched he was to get it.....

I will remember LAKEFEST every summer, and how we would always walk around Clarksville to all the booths, and then see fireworks that night.....will never forget those memories....

The only thing that brings me peace now is that he gets to be with my Mommy-pa again, and I think he really wanted that.  I am blessed that if he had to leave, God took him when he did. In his age, his dementia had been getting worse, and I think God took him from us before it got too bad for him. It broke my heart that I couldn't live closer, but I was thankful that my parents were close.

I always felt close to my grandfather, after my grandma died, I made it a point to try to visit, try to send lots of cards, and call....just to let him know I always thinking of him....
and I always will be...

For those who can't cook......

I ran across this while looking for new WW meal options, and thought I would share.....

For 4 POINTS values

• Blimpie Chef Salad (without dressing)
• Subway Roast Beef, Turkey or Ham Sandwich
• One Del Taco taco
• Wendy's small chili
• One medium serving of Boston Market's Vegetarian Chili

For 5 POINTS values

• Del Taco Bean & Cheese Burrito (Red or Green)
• Large Au Bon Pain Split Pea Soup
• Six-inch Subway Turkey Breast Sub
• Taco Bell Soft Beef Taco or a Tostada
• Chick-Fil-A Southwest Chargrilled Chicken Salad with 2 tablespoons Light Italian Dressing

For 6 POINTS values

• Arby's Light Roast Turkey Deluxe Sandwich and a side salad with 1 packet reduced-calorie Buttermilk dressing
• Au Bon Pain Ham & Cheese Croissant
• One Hardee's fried chicken leg and a small serving of mashed potatoes
• A KFC Extra Crispy Chicken Drumstick with Skin plus 1 small piece corn on the cob and a serving of green beans
• Dairy Queen Grilled Chicken Salad with 1 serving fat-free Ranch dressing

For 7 POINTS values

• Wendy's Jr Hamburger with a side salad and half a packet of fat-free French dressing
• Six Burger King Chicken Tenders with 1 packet of dipping sauce
• Arby's Sourdough Ham Melt

For 8 POINTS values

• Hardee's Regular Roast Beef Sandwich
• Dairy Queen Homestyle Cheeseburger
• 1 pizza Little Caesar's Pizza Baby Pan! Pan!
• One Taco Bell Double Decker Taco Supreme
• One slice (1/12 of a large pie) Pizza Hut Chicken Supreme Stuffed Crust Pizza

For 9 POINTS values

• Burger King TenderGrill Chicken Sandwich with Honey Mustard
• Chick-Fil-A Chicken Caesar Cool Wrap
• McDonald's Filet-O-Fish
• 2 slices (1/4 of a medium pizza) Pizza Hut Thin 'N' Crispy Cheese Pizza
• Subway's Tuna with Cheese Salad

Love my latest Thirty One purchase!!!

I just ordered the cutest mini zipper pouch to use in my purse. It is solid black, monogrammed with my new initials in ivory.  I definitely have my favorite pieces that Thirty One carries, and I have ones that aren’t really “me”.  But this mini zipper pouch…..it’s”soooo me!”   I love the way it turned out. Now I am very guilty of finding something I like, and sticking with it…..I love simple/solid items, I think they are classy and super cute! So I find myself just buying those items for the most part. It’s probably not the best thing for me to buy all the things “I” just like, because when I show people items they see “my favorite solid items in my favorite font” LOL….. I do have plenty of catalogs though, and I still try to throw things into my collection, that I wouldn’t necessarily use, just to give everyone something different to look at. Thirty One is always having good deals, so if it is a 5 dollar tote week, I am buying a 5 dollar tote!   I have two products that I just love, and they are the zipper pouches and the large utility totes. I now have 3 large utility totes, and I have 2 large zipper pouches and one small one (okay so that’s 3) I use the large totes in my trunk, on weekend trips to visit the family, and they are perfect.  The smaller zipper pouches I use in my purse, and in the larger zipper pouch holds my mini laptop perfectly! Who would have thought!? So today is just my evening of ranting/raving about the products I sell so well, to myself, but to others too, I am sticking to it, I think I just need to let more people know what “Thirty One” is, because it’s not really widely sold here in King George, hehe….

Halfway through the week, am super anxious for the weekend to get here! Talk to everyone later…..and remember, I have a Sept. party open on my Thirty One site, so if you want something....

Click here for purses!!!! 

 

Back on the Banana Boat (and when I say Banana, I mean Weight Watchers)

So it’s been almost 2 months since Scott and I got married.  I have to say, that during this time, I haven’t been doing weight watchers like I had been previously….and after getting on the scale I realized I gained about 10 pounds since the wedding.   So, I decided as of last Friday, I was getting back on my weight watchers diet, which means, no more “straying away”.  Before the wedding, I had a specific goal I set for myself, to be at a certain weight before I got married. I was at 204 when I started in August of last year.  In that time, I lost 54 pounds, and got down to 150.  Usually I wouldn’t broadcast ANYTHING about my weight, but the fact that I was able to accomplish my goal, makes it easier to talk about!

So without the meetings, the “wedding” was my main motivation. Now I need to set a new goal for myself.  Not a weight loss goal, a new goal to help me stick to my weight watchers “lifestyle”. Still trying to decide exactly how to find that new “motivation”.

So as of last Friday, I am back on the weight watchers, and trying to do my 2 mile run/walk at least 2 to 3 times a week. Since I am starting the WW back up again, I am looking for new things to eat that I am not tired of, and that I haven’t ate previously.

Today I discovered that a box of cracker jacks is only 2 weight watchers points, what a great snack find. I am excited to take full advantage of that one!  Had a box today after lunch! Another new find (courtesy of my mom) are these Strawberry Smoothie WW pops….They are really good. They never looked too appetizing, so I never bought them. Last time I went to visit my parents, my mom had some, so of course, I sampled one, and then another, LOL….and they tasted just like strawberry ice cream with bits of strawberries in between! Sooo good, and they are only 1 point per bar….I could eat  a whole box and still have points left for the day, OKAY….so I wouldn’t do that, but I could, haha….

Anyways, I hope everyone has a good week. Will talk soon!

Thirty One Gifts SEPT Special!!

For the whole month of September if you spend $31.00, you get a demi purse for only 14.50. It's a pretty awesome deal! The demi purse has removable outside covers, so you can switch the cover to the purse, depending on what you are wearing for the day. I usually place atleast one big order each month (to help everyone save on shipping) This is the party I have open currently, so if you go here, you can purchase online!  I hope everyone has a great Friday, this week flew by!

Click Here to SHOP

Only $1.00!

Look at the lamp I found over the weekend at a yard sale, only cost me $1.00. It looks pretty nice in our living room. Thought I would share!

On a side note, tomorrow is Friday, yay! :) Hope everyone has a nice Thursday! :)

Cotton Candy Cupcakes?!?!

I regularly read this one blog, and today they posted a recipe, that looked so yummy, just had to share.  Speaking of food.....starting on Friday, I start the weight watchers diet back up.....I have had entirely way to many of my favorite treats this past month, and I need to get back into the swing of things.....

But first, the cupcakes....I will need to try to make these before Friday, doesn't leave me much time, haha....

oh, goodie! designs & events: recipe wednesday!!: "ok, party people. check your insulin now. as promised, the recipe for Cotton Candy Cupcakes!! via foodnetwork.com Makes 24 cupcakes Yello..."

Doing a little redecorating.....

Using some of our beautiful wedding presents, we now have a "whole new look" in our dining room. Well actually, since we have moved there, we didn't have anything on the table, so its more like our "first look" for the dining room, LOL.  The beautiful place mats (Williams-Sonoma) came from my parents, the dishes (Target)  from Ms. Amber VanAlstine, and the glass bowl (Crate and Barrel) from my Aunt Diane. My mom left some yellow curtains behind when they moved....and that brings the whole look together. I bought the fake lemons......because chances of me using lemons, are slim to none.

Next....we move on to the upstairs bathroom.......I have changed the shower curtain about 3 times now, I need a new look every so often. This is the newest look. I like it. :):)   It caught my eye, and it was pretty affordable too. Better Homes and Gardens makes this particular pattern/design. I have the towels, shower curtain, and bath mat..... I am sure I will come up with a bunch of other things to add to it eventually.

Definitely worth reading....

http://our-journey-to-parenthood.blogspot.com/
I ran across this blog the other day, and it was one of the most heartfelt/touching blogs I have read in a while. Take the time to go through and read it.......just wanted to share it, because it really was something worth seeing.

Tiffany's Purses?!?!?!

I heard it on the news this morning, WHAT?!?! This is great, LOL....I already told Scott the great news.....
You can buy them as of Sept. 1st!! :)

A few of my favorite wedding photos.....

1 month ago today.....

Can't believe I have been married for a month TODAY! It sure has flown by. Now that the wedding is over, I have had time to catch up on everything else, so hopefully you will see more posts from me again! :) Haven't been able to post as much as I used to.

My wedding photos are up online!! I anxiously have been looking forward to getting them! :) Feel free to take a look!  Just send me a message and I will give you the pass code.

Sincerely, Liz: Photography | Online Gallery.
They are located at http://www.sincerelylizphoto.com/photocart

When you go to the website, click the Access Gallery link and enter in the access code below:

Access code:  (Just message me, text me, facebook me, I am excited to share!) Just gotta keep out the creepers, LOL.

After this, you will be able to view the pics! :)

FALL 2010 Thirty One Products! :)

He are some of the new prints! :)
Click here to go right to my Thirty One Gifts page...