Life. Mostly Sweet.

state fair fun

2011-10-18T10:30:00.001-04:00

Don't judge me for riding the elephant.

I in NO WAY agree with having them at the fair. But to be honest, I just couldn't help myself. And plus, it was my Dad's birthday and it made my day better. :)

And, who eats fried butter???

new cookie cutters

2011-10-03T09:43:00.001-04:00

Are these the cutest things you have ever seen or what? I'm obsessed with the hedgehog. :) Mom got them for me at Ikea on Saturday and I couldn't WAIT to make cookies. I don't bake. At all. So, I asked her to get slice and bake sugar cookies and this is how it went....

So, I guess you are supposed to make them really thin if you use cookie cutters? They turned into big blobs! Oops. They were still yummy. :)

Going to use these little woodland creatures for something else soon...stay tuned!

new etsy shop - mac & moo

2011-09-28T13:21:00.000-04:00

Hey there Peeps! I should probably have waited until everything was set up but I just can't help myself...it's so cute and I love it so much! Check out my new Etsy shop. It will be filled with whatever I'm in the mood to create, all kinds of random goodness! I'll no longer be stuck making just jewelry or wreaths and I'll finally have a place to sell the fabulous "stuff" I find at thrift stores and upcycle. My dog "Maddie Moo" is part of the title because I will inevitably create all kinds of dog related things.
Well, that and the fact that I just love saying "Moo". :)

Do you love it as much as I do? I hope so!
And if you do and you need a new look? Please check out Sweet Mod on Etsy. She kinda rocks!

random thoughts - eyebrow maintenance

2011-09-25T11:51:00.000-04:00

I had a dream the other night that I was out in a bar (hint #1 that it was a dream) dressed up in a really cute outfit (hint #2 that it was a dream, that actually trumps hint #1) talking to a group of people, when all of a sudden I became overwhelmingly aware of my unruly and unkept eyebrows. It was terrifying. I didn't remember this dream until around 11:00 Friday night but I immediately took out my beloved and forgotten tweezers and "eyebrow mirror" and went to town. When I was done I felt like a new woman!

And then I thought, I bet no other 33 year old single woman in this entire world was sitting at home on a Friday night at 11:00 tweezing her eyebrows.

And then I thought, that would be a pretty cool superpower! What if I could know how many women out there were tweezing their eyebrows at that same moment? Or know how many other people are washing their dog at the same moment I am? Not that I ever wash my dog. I mean, it would be a pretty useless superpower but neat nonetheless. :)

Hope you all are having a great weekend!

xoxo

hello there...

2011-09-15T10:26:00.002-04:00

For the stinky Carolina fans in Columbia. ;)

I'm not sure where to start. I'm still around. I've now been off my foot for 6 weeks. I'm staying in my dad's room, staring at his clothes in the closet and his boxes of golfballs on his dresser, which makes me miss him so much. I'm being taken care of by my mom which I appreciate, but you never know what you are going to get with her. And in 6 weeks she's had plenty of ups and downs which is so hard to watch. I was fired from my job by a certified letter with no warning. My cat in Charleston must have thought I was never coming back so he ran away about a month ago. I haven't gotten a short term disability check or an unemployment check yet, which means I haven't had any money since the last week in July. And I had my first physical therapy appointment today and found out that my foot isn't healed up enough to walk yet and I will be in this air cast for another 5 weeks.

With all of this said, I totally get that it's not the end of the world. Everything will work itself out. But I'm still in a bad mood. And as for blogging, I figured I would spare you and not bitch and moan on here! I'm not one to sugar coat it. At all. ;)

In order to make some money to pay medical bills, etc AND in an effort to do something crafty and lift my spirits, I've been making Fall and Halloween wreaths. Thankfully, mom has fronted the cash for this project. They aren't anything too original as I've gotten the ideas from Pinterest and Etsy but they're fun to make and I'm just selling them at my brother's store. More pics to come soon.

**One other thing, I want to open another Etsy store where I can sell anything I make. I can't commit to any one thing because I get bored easily. I want to be able to sell my jewelry, maybe some wreaths and then whatever I'm in the mood for next....mason jar snow globes perhaps?? I would rather not open a million different shops. Do you think this would work? I am HORRIBLE at coming up with names. For example - my jewelry shop is "It's Simply You" and my blog used to be "Simply Collins". Anyone have any ideas to send my way??

Will catch up on your blogs soon!! xoxo

moving along

2011-08-26T15:03:00.000-04:00

Hello folks! Well, it's been a little over 3 weeks since my foot surgery. I now have 3 to 5 more weeks off my foot to go...sigh. Something about being stuck on the couch and on crutches REALLY makes me want to move. These photos below are a representation of exactly what I want to be doing right now. Aren't they beautiful? It is (or was) a photo contest called a Ballerina Project. AMAZING.

Um, my legs used to look like that. But my feet were better. :)

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and that Irene doesn't do much harm. I get my stitches out next week on the 31st and then I think I get a boot instead of a cast. I also think my roomie is setting up the downstairs bedroom for me so that I can come back to Charleston. Woohoo! Here's to the weekend speeding through for me! :)

Also....still working on tweaking the blog layout. So don't judge! ;)

my blog love should be your blog love

2011-08-18T10:05:00.002-04:00

I can't believe I am going to share her with you all. If I didn't, then I could start using all her skin care tips n' tricks and you would all wonder how I quickly became so much more beautiful over night. I could benefit from her healthy and delicious recipes that would make me fit and super hot. I would also be known in Charleston for my mad cooking skills. I could make all the DIY jewelry she shares on her blog and be the queen of accessories. And you all? You would all be left in the cold. But nope, I'm a nice person so I will share her with you. Sigh. It's not easy being nice.

Now on to introducing my new favorite blog and the inspiration behind it...
Lindsay from Delighted Momma.

Lindsay and hubs

Some of her yummy recipes

She shares a ton of DIY projects, here are just a couple

And facial tips galore!

Health tips...in fact, I have already started drinking this at night. Yuck!

Delighted Momma already has a ton of followers, so chances are you have already visited her blog. If not...run, don't walk...on over and check it out. It's one of those blogs that when you find it, you want to go all the way back to the beginning to make sure you don't miss anything! It's the perfect mix of just about everything and I highly recommend it.

Well, my days are going slow. I watch tv and stalk your blogs. But I am enjoying my bright red cast! Hope you have a wonderful Thursday!

cool colors

2011-08-14T12:27:00.000-04:00

I'm on my mom's laptop so I finally get to post pictures!! It's a Mac laptop, which I know nothing about, but I am quickly falling in love with it. Maybe she won't notice if I take it back to Charleston with me?? That is if I ever get to go home! Actually, I am incredibly thankful to be here and appreciate all help I am getting from my family. They are being quite good to me. :)
Anyway, if you need color inspiration for outfits, your home or even your blog...check out all the "cool colors" at Photo Card Boutique. I have been staring at these colors for days and just didn't know how to share them with you from my iPad.

Is it obvious what kinda of colors I fancy?
Happy Sunday to all!

under construction - my blog and myself

2011-08-12T10:48:00.000-04:00

So, I'm laid out in the backseat of the car on the way to Charleston to see my doctor about my foot. Mom's listening to Ronny Milsap and eating some kind of hot cheese something chips that smell horrendous. I'm playing with my blog layout on my iPad and it's obviously not going so well. And surprisingly none of this is annoying me, for some reason it makes me giggle. Maybe I'm starting to go a little crazy?? Fun stuff.

Well, I give up on the blog for now. Just going to stalk you all instead.
Happy Friday!

problem solved and plea for guest posts

2011-08-10T14:45:00.000-04:00

DSLR camera bags are so big and bulky that I seriously think twice about taking it out with me. Discovered this nifty little thing in my Etsy Finds email. This way you can throw it in your bag and not worry about it.
Do you use the big bulky camera bags or have you discovered something better?
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76682045/pixbag-dslr-camera-bag-case-made-to

Sorry about the fugly link thrown in there. Stupid iPad.

So, would any of you be interested in doing a guest post for me? This not-so-pretty look that iPad is leaving me with these days is making me crazy!
Email me and let me know! It can be about anything, I'm not picky!

animal shelter love

2011-08-07T10:58:00.009-04:00

We have some amazing volunteers that come in and take pictures for us at the shelter.

Aren't they so damn cute?!!

how to - wrap bracelet

2011-08-05T10:03:00.000-04:00

Saw a bracelet similar to this one on Pinterest and had to make it. It's super easy to make. Here goes...

Buy the leather cord, medium sized ring and findings listed later at a Michaels or other craft store.
Cut the leather cord about 45" for each side and wrap about the ring like shown below.

Wrap each side around your wrist twice.

These are the other findings you will need from the craft store. Have an employee help you, they are usually super helpful if you just ask. Don't cut the cord right in the middle of the wrist, cut it a little shorter to allow for the clasp. Otherwise, it will be too big. :)

You can then place the end of the cord into the piece listed below and use pliers to close it up tight. I have all kinds of jewelry tools but I am sure you can find something around the house that will do the trick.

That's it folks!

I only wrapped the second one I made around once and I think I like it better.

This one was my favorite. LOVE the color and it will be perfect for the fall!

Does that seem easy enough? If not, I will be happy to make one for you and list it in my Etsy shop. Just message me and let me know what color and I will let you know the cost. Hope you liked!

guest post: a friendship in review

2011-08-04T07:56:00.000-04:00

Hello! I'm Morgan from Oh Captain, My Captain and I'm filling in for my dear friend Collins while she's recovering from surgery. Poor thing is going to be bed bound for a few days and then crutch dependent for weeks. I don't envy the girl but I'm glad she had it so we can get back to doing fun things together!

Collins and I have been friends for years.... 6 to be exact and I thought it might be fun to look back through the years in pictures.

{Collins' mortified at my antics at my 27th birthday in 2007}

{out for our friend Christy's 30th!}

{Shots at the bowling alley in 2008. Doesn't get much classier than that! And yes, I'm a red head here... let's not discuss that}

{Rented a limo, hit our favorite spots in Charleston, and had a damn good time doing it}

{My birthday in 2009 at one of our favorite beach bars}

{my engagement party!}

Hope you enjoyed my trip down memory lane!

Collins, get better soon woman!

xoxo

under the knife today

2011-08-02T08:10:00.002-04:00

This will be me after my foot surgery at 2:15pm this afternoon...

Except that I won't be quite that cute, I refuse to get a pink cast and I will be pretty doped up so who knows what kind of language will be spilling out of this mouth. I'm sure I won't be so lucky as to pass out like this sweet kitten. I will instead talk all kinds of craziness and embarrass myself.
The surgeon has nerve damage to repair and he is also hoping to fix my tendon. Here's to hoping it's successful!

So where will this week of recovery take me? And what will I be doing?

- I will be staying out of town with my aforementioned 95 year old grandmother. So I will be watching Matlock, In the Heat of the Night, Judge shows and who knows what else. Maybe I can talk her into a little Shark Week to switch things up?
- I will be listening to said grandmother's stories about our family and my dad while laying on the oldest but most comfortable sofa EVER.
- I will hopefully be eating yummy sandwiches made out of the tomatoes in her garden.
- I will be making friendship bracelets. Because I will be bored.
- I will have my ipad so I will be stalking you all. Because like I said before, I will be bored.
- I will be re-reading Message from Nam, an old Danielle Steel book that was my favorite back in high school. Not sure why I've decided to pick it back up and read it but I hope it doesn't disappoint!
- I will be driving my brother and all of my childhood friends nuts by begging them to come entertain me.
- I will be missing Mr Chance, as I will have to leave him behind in Charleston for the week. The Moo will be traveling with me.

Sound good to you all? I have scheduled a couple posts and have a guest post coming so that you won't forget about me! Have a great Tuesday!

how to - raw sugar scrub

2011-08-01T08:53:00.001-04:00

I mixed...

1 cup raw oatmeal

2 cups olive oil

2 cups raw organic sugar

Stir it up and throw it in a jar!

Beware, it MAKES A MESS of your shower. But it's worth it!

Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

nothing wrong with being 95...

2011-07-29T08:28:00.000-04:00

This weekend I am celebrating a friend's birthday, working and then heading out of town to see my 95 year old grandmother (dad's mom), that I absolutely adore. I can't wait to see my family and relax.

Random pics from this week...

1 - My favorite dog found a furever home! She's been returned once so here's to better luck this time!

2 - Loving the new body scrub I made with oatmeal, raw sugar and olive oil

3 - My new return address stamp for the funeral thank you notes

4 - The beet salad I made was the bomb! I am now obsessed with the color of beets!

5 - My dinner last night...yum!

Have a great weekend!

absolutely delightful

2011-07-28T08:44:00.000-04:00

I've seen this on Pinterest and on Everyday Musings and since I love bananas, can only drink Almond Milk b/c of tummy issues and could devour an entire jar of Nutella in one sitting, I figured I should give it a try.

It did not disappoint. And it's so easy to make when you have a handy Magic Bullet!

how to: planting succulents

2011-07-27T09:12:00.018-04:00

I've always loved succulents. In fact, I can't remember not having a least one Jade plant at all times. I bought a tray full of succulents a couple months ago from my brother's nursery and am just now getting around to planting them. I have only planted two of them so far but that's because I am being picky about the planters. I want to find some unique vintage pieces for them so I will plant more as I find good homes for them.

If you want to know how to properly plant succulents read on...
First, make sure you buy catcus potting soil. Succulents don't like to hold on to water.

And if your planter doesn't have holes to drain the water, you'll need to add pebbles or stones for the first layer.

You can then add the potting soil. Just make sure it's a cactus potting soil or another sandy soil.

And now the succulent! Easy peasy!

Random tid bit: I could watch reruns of The Office every single day for the rest of my life and I would still be in stitches. It makes me laugh so hard I think I might pee my pants.

animal shelter love

2011-07-26T09:41:00.004-04:00

We spayed and neutered 171 dogs and cats between Friday and Saturday. And all for free! It's our mission and because of grants we are able to offer this to our community.

We can adopt out as many as humanly possible, but the only way to put an end to homeless animals is to get them all spayed and neutered. We drove vans out to a designated area at 4:00am and picked up animals, brought them to the shelter for surgery and them drove them back out to their owners. Two days in a row, our staff rocks. I may not like my job on a daily basis (today especially) but that's the politics of it. I love the animals and I love the staff at the shelter. I also love my volunteers. :)

found

2011-07-25T08:03:00.000-04:00

While reorganizing and rearranging my desk area this past weekend...I found the following...

My highschool ID from my sophomore year.

From my Vegas trip probably 10 years ago now.

And the sign I made when I lost my cat 1.5 years ago.

I'm glad I save everything. :)

it's too hot for clothes

2011-07-24T21:21:00.001-04:00

But if you have to wear something....

Pin It
All found at Zara and I want them all...

Also, you need to drink lots of the following in this heat. I love it!

soul of the south

2011-07-22T08:38:00.000-04:00

Last night I ~~burned~~ cooked a frozen pizza, drank an orange Fanta and read Garden & Gun. Are any of you southern ladies out there familiar with this magazine? Not sure why I'm all of a sudden getting it but no complaints here. I love it. There is an article in this one about Trombone Shorty and he's a badass. I had the pleasure of seeing him perform during Spoleto and he blew me away.

This weekend I will be working a good bit and all of my spare time will be spent on reorganizing my desk area/work station. I started the other night and crap is everywhere! I will also be making some new dishes...one of them a beet salad. I didn't even know I liked beets until recently. I'm also going to try and find a way to catch up on True Blood before Sunday. Oh how I wish I had the good channels....
Happy weekend folks!

"i miss you 48/14"

2011-07-20T23:11:00.000-04:00

"That's like 24/7, only twice as much."

This was a card I bought for my Dad while he was sick and I just found it tonight while reorganizing my desk area. Sniffle.

Missing him.

thrifting on etsy today

2011-07-19T15:34:00.000-04:00

I am dying to go thrifting. It's been too long. However, I am saving every penny these days for something bigger and better than home decor, so I thought I would do a little daydreaming on Etsy.

Since I have been making lots of summer salads lately, I want new mixing and serving bowls. I love vintage pyrex.

Growing up, I always thought my mom's green glass vases were ugly. Then we put some flowers from dad's funeral in one of them and I fell in love. I could totally have these little gems.

Next up, I am dying to revamp my desk and workstation area. I am loving this chair and this cabinet...

Last but not least, I have a tray of succulents that need potting. They would look right at home in these...

Don't even act like you don't like the duck.

So, maybe I will at least visit a couple of my favorite thrift stores this weekend and look for some cheap planters. Happy Tuesday peeps!

cat mint snack attack with mr. chance

2011-07-18T09:21:00.000-04:00

Mr. Chance greets me on the porch every evening when I get home from work, so that he can have a little twig of this Cat Mint. He kinda likes it. And I kinda like finally getting to know my camera so here goes. Enjoy!

I heart Mr. Chance in case you didn't notice!

I also heart Maddie Moo but she's obviously terrified of the camera. Weirdo.

breakfast of champions

2011-07-17T11:55:00.000-04:00

Well...this is my new favorite breakfast. Hands down. I love peanut butter and I love bananas, so why did it take me so long to put them together? I'm slow.

Scrumptious and super filling! And I have now learned that half a sandwich is the way to go.

I have 30 followers now. Happy Sunday! :)

new blog title, new look - check it out!

2011-07-15T16:51:00.000-04:00

Yep, you know you want to Follow Me now. Hint hint. Because I'm bright and cheery! It matches the blue walls in my room along with my bright red bedside table. Perfect. Thanks to Lindsey at Sweet Simplicity Designs...I am loving my new look! Thinking about changing things up? Use her. There was a wait list of course and I am impatient so I bought a premade and then some add-ons. Check out her custom work, it's pretty fantastic.

I heart this.

Happy Friday everyone!

just call me pissy cat...

2011-07-15T09:13:00.000-04:00

This week has just been the pits!

I will never get sick of LOL cats. Never. Make fun all you want!

I've been sick. Low-grade fevers are painful and I'm a big baby.

My Orthopedic Surgeon wants to do exploratory surgery on my ankle. Yippee.

That feeling on Wednesday when I thought I was getting better was all a joke. I now have a full on sinus infection. CAT scan yesterday and they cauterized my nose. Said surgery is most likely in my near future. Again, yippee.

In case you can't add, that's two surgeries and I've never even had one.

Storm knocked out power all over my neighborhood yesterday. It was hot in my house and I had to wait til 7 for the pharmacy to open up and give me my meds.

I've missed boot camp all week.

The shelter is full. AT CAPACITY. Which means...you probably know what it means. I hate that people give up their pets for no good reason.

We keep getting in dogs that have been left in the car. In this heat! One died and the others have suffered unimaginable pain. It's just sick.

I cried two nights ago for the first time in a while because I miss my Dad. Again, because I am a big baby when I'm sick. It's pretty ridiculous.

SO...this was my bedside table and my dinner last night. Which stinks because I got yummies from the farmers market yesterday afternoon and was so excited about cooking! And yes, I ate in my bed.

Okay, so it's one week of my life. Moving on!

P.S. I don't care what's on my table. I love it anyway because it's bright red. AND I love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches so what's the big deal?

One last note...my blog is being updated! Should be done soon and I am already loving it.

Have a great weekend peeps!

summer reads - where do i start?

2011-07-14T08:29:00.000-04:00

The following books are only a few of the unread books I have on my shelf.

Do you have a favorite I should start with?

frozen treats...because it's hot as hell!

2011-07-13T09:39:00.001-04:00

Banana Blueberry Swirl Popsicles found here

Chocolate-Covered Bananas found here

Honeydew-Basil found here

Striped Ice Pops found here

Frozen Melon-Margarita Pops found here

My favorite is the Banana Blueberry swirl, you?

(and yes, I am obviously obsessed with Everyday Food right now!)

calling all gardeners!

2011-07-12T19:34:00.000-04:00

WHAT is this all over my tomato plants?

It's only on my better boy and rainbow heirloom plants. My cherry tomato plant is doing fine!

It's quite scary to look at....you might have nightmares.

What the hell? Any ideas?

To help with the nightmares I will leave you with a prettier picture of my cherry tomatoes!

google +

2011-07-12T09:00:00.001-04:00

What's the deal with Google +?

Is anyone using it?

Worth it or just something else to pull me away from things I really need to be doing?

2011-07-11T08:26:00.004-04:00

I'm sick. Summer cold. Boo.

I had high hopes for this weekend but instead I got sick and it rained. I won't complain about the rain because we needed it and my garden is quite happy. And instead of complaining about the cold I will just post this picture that I found here.

I won't go into whether or not I agree with the verdict...I just love Dexter. That's all. :)

Happy Monday peeps!

care for an 8 ball?

2011-07-08T08:41:00.000-04:00

I bought this bad boy at the Farmers Market last night.

Looks like a strangely shaped zucchini but it's called an 8 ball.

And from there I made a yummy dinner...

This was prep. I poured the wine first. :)

Please note that the cucumber, tomato and basil are from my garden.

DELICIOUS.

I adore summer fresh produce!

thank you sweet morgan!

2011-07-07T08:47:00.000-04:00

I wanted to share some pictures from the David Gray concert I went to on Friday night. I have to start off by telling you that sweet Morgan and Guy passed along their tickets to me when they decided to go out of town. And they were good tickets.

Right smack dab in the center and only like 5 or 6 rows back. AMAZING.

I would also like to say that a man holding a guitar is sexy. And with an accent? Swoon.

{I apologize, pics were taken on my droid and for the life of me I just can't take good pictures on that thing!}

Thank you Morgan. It was perfect. :)

happy birthday to me!

2011-07-06T08:24:00.000-04:00

Where does the time go? I can't believe I'm 33 years old!

street performer love

2011-07-05T22:57:00.000-04:00

More London Pics...

Okay, so some of them were creepy.

dreaming in color...

2011-06-28T08:15:00.001-04:00

I have been day dreaming about 2 things.

Farmers Markets and taking another vacation.

So, I thought I'd share some of my favorite pictures from my trip to London back in March.

I present to you, Borough Market...

{i wanted to take this lady home with me, in my pocket. precious.}

{like beer?}

{this makes me want to can something. you?}

{just beautiful}

{i'm a sucker for fresh flowers and they were everywhere in london}

{cuties}

{how could anyone expect you to bite into this perfection?}

{an olive bar = heaven}

{more heaven}

{the chocolate covered almonds, dusted in cinnamon came back to charleston with me. delicious.}

{yum....}

{and then there was the scarey ass monkfish. i named him frank.}

{and last but not least, this decorative banner with a little surprise thrown in there}

I plan on taking a little trip to our farmers market this weekend since I will finally have a Saturday off...I can't wait! Might not be Burough Market but there will be heirloom tomatoes!

i'm only going to say this once...

2011-06-20T14:35:00.000-04:00

Just kidding. I'll remind you again in the Fall. :)

WATCH THIS SHOW - NEW GIRL

Because she's my girl crush and I think it's going to be hilarious!

Are any of you Zooey fans?

2011-05-04T10:29:00.000-04:00

I'm a little excited about tomorrow and Friday!

From the engagement...

To the first party...

To planning the wedding...

To her last night out as a single lady...

Sweet Morgan and Guy will tie the knot in just two short days!

2010-11-12T21:35:00.000-05:00

I've been MIA. Between starting my new job and everything going on with my dad and family, I am barely putting one foot in front of the other these days.

Here are some of the fun moments that have kept me together lately...

Band of Horses with Morgan and Guy.

Sweet moment with Ben Bridwell and his daughter. The show was the day of my dad's brain biopsy so this was definitely tough.

OK Go with my friend Amy. They were so much fun!

My new Nikon D3000. It rocks. I haven't had much time to play with it yet, so I make sure to take it to my adoption events and take pictures of the pups. Have I mentioned I love my new job? I'm a lucky girl.

Catching up on Dexter and Rescue Me. Does anyone watch Rescue Me? It's crude but holy shit it's funny!

One last thing, I am ready to decorate for Christmas and I need this banner.

{found here}

my whole heart aches...

2010-10-27T10:13:00.000-04:00

with love...

life lessons #1

2010-10-20T09:02:00.000-04:00

There are some things that everyone should know. Whether your parents should have taught you? You should have learned it in school? Your friends should have let you know? I don't care who should have shared it with you...you should just know.

#1 When you pull in to get gas...pull all the way up to the first available pump. Please. If not, the person pulling in behind you has to sit behind you and wait for (NO GOOD FREAKING REASON), in hopes that you are going to figure it out and pull forward. Then said person behind you realizes you are not going to pull forward and has to pull around you and back in to the pump in front of you. They then have to resist the urge to slam into the front of your car. It's not hard to just pull up when you first pull in. Really. I promise! Just give it a shot. Why is it that I know to pull forward and you do not? Is it because you are just an a-hole? I try not to assume so but I'm pretty sure that's it.

Also, if you insist on being a d-bag, please don't walk your happy ass inside and buy lottery tickets instead of gas. Thanks.

that's amore

2010-10-15T08:39:00.000-04:00

After all the recipe research I did the other night, I was in the mood for Spaghetti.

For some reason, Spaghetti always reminds me of Lady and the Tramp...

Do kids even watch these old school movies anymore? I love them!

My favorites are Mary Poppins, Pete's Dragon and The Fox and the Hound.

Precious.

good cause blog raffle winner!

2010-10-14T22:39:00.000-04:00

Well, I only had 3 people enter so the odds were in your favor...

Sweet Summer from B is for Brown is the winner!

Summer donated $ to Charleston Animal Society's Paws in the Park and is now the lucky winner of the following...

Thanks again to Margaret from Private Eyes Undies and Allison from Ink Meets Paper Press for their generous donation of raffle items, along with my necklace from It's Simply You.

And thanks to all who donated and reposted this blog raffle. The sweet animals of Charleston Animal Society THANK YOU!

Congrats Summer, you will receive your goodies soon!

back in the good ole days

2010-10-14T20:17:00.000-04:00

Inspired by Summer's post, here are some of my favorite childhood toys...

Strawberry Shortcake

*the one that blew kisses that smelled like strawberries!

Micro Machines

*yep, I played with micro machines.

Koosh Balls

My Bike

* with tassels and a basket, of course

Glow Worm

*I think this shows my age....

Etch A Sketch

Wall Walkers!

And last but not least...fitting with my job...

Pound Puppies

Thanks Summer, this was fun!

yummies

2010-10-13T22:27:00.000-04:00

It's strange to actually spend a night at home instead of the hospital with my dad.

I've been catching up on laundry, cleaning, blogs, tivo and making a grocery list.

I don't cook much but doesn't all this look delicious?

And to top it off....Carrot Cupcakes with Cream-Cheese Icing?

Yes, please.

All found on Martha Stewart Food. Will let you know how it goes!

Dad update: He was moved to a nursing home in Columbia on Friday of last week. On Sunday he aspirated and ended up in the ER with a fever of 105. He now has Pneumonia. It wasn't looking good for a while and he looked so sick and defeated. It was the worst night yet. The antibiotics have done wonders since they caught it so quickly. Now we just have to figure out where to go from here. He can't get fluids in the nursing home so it's maybe on to Hospice at this point. So frustrating. Just hoping Mayo Clinic gets back to us and says they can fix him! Especially since it's his 66th birthday tomorrow.

are they dirty?

2010-10-08T08:05:00.020-04:00

I have been living off the coffee in the waiting room near my dad's hospital room.

Every time I pick up a coffee stirrer, I wonder how many hands have touched mine.

I am not normally a germaphobe but for some reason this really gets me.

Does this gross you out?

Dad is being moved to a nursing home back in Columbia this morning. So...I hated last night. Despised it really. I am so used to being able to see him whenever I feel like it (every day) and I don't want him to leave. Especially since we still don't know what is wrong with him. We are sending his records to Mayo Clinic and Duke has already looked at them. He is still a medical mystery. Well, his "mysterious illness" can suck it.

it's a beauty

2010-10-07T09:03:00.000-04:00

Introducing my new friend...

Well, I haven't received it in the mail yet but it's on it's way. Woohoo!

So excited, it's pretty ridiculous.

Especially since I will have NO idea how to use it once it comes in.

But I can stare at it. Because it's pretty. :)

Update on dad coming soon. Every time we get a glimpse of hope, something comes along and bursts my little bubble. Well, my bubble can't really stand to be burst too many more times. I'm tired and incredibly sad.

Oh and don't forget about my blog raffle! Boy... KS , Summer and Morgan sure have a good chance of winning! ;)

giddy

2010-09-30T11:11:00.003-04:00

One of my new favorite blogs is Dancing Branflake. Love it. She just did a post on what makes her giddy and I decided that I just had to do it too.

I am going to have to agree with her on pointe shoes. Well, and the beauty of ballet that comes with them. It's been years since I have taken a class but the pictures below still make me giddy.

{found here}

* the smell of coffee

* beautiful photographs...old and new

* puppy breath

* libraries and the smell of books

* a child's laugh

* good music

* fall....and pumpkins

* a boat ride

* my cozy bedroom

* my new job

* my dad getting moved from the hospital to rehab soon!

What makes you giddy?

Don't forget to enter my good cause blog raffle!

wishing

2010-09-28T11:25:00.000-04:00

Today marks one month since my dad has been in the hospital here in Charleston.

We are no longer thinking Lymphoma (good news) but still don't know what's wrong with him.

He's a medical mystery.

I need House. Seriously.

The Infectious Disease team is now looking at him and we did another spinal tap yesterday. The poor man has just had it. For the last 2 or 3 days his mind has not been there. At all. Not even a glimpse. I will spare you the gory details but he's hallucinating and scared out of his mind. I can't imagine.

This morning I woke up, looked at him and he smiled at me. For the first time in days.

I loved it. With my whole heart.

So, today I am wishing that my dad was doing the things he loves instead of sitting in a hospital bed.

Just to name a few - spending time in nature...

playing golf....

visiting his mother, seeing his friends and his poor dog!

Now time to take a nap.

Happy Tuesday to you all.

soul feels good my friends

2010-09-24T16:20:00.000-04:00

I was just helping a young girl pick out a new kitten. When I said that I just started at CAS two days ago, she asked "Wow, does your soul feel good?" I replied, "Yes. Yes it does."

With everything going on lately I didn't even realize that it does. My old job and new job overlapped for a week and my dad has now been at MUSC for 3.5 weeks. It was nice to realize that even though I have a lot going on, my soul does feel good.

Have a happy weekend!

back in seattle

2010-09-23T10:00:00.009-04:00

so happy it's back. :)

i love you derek. will you please fix my dad? thanks.

so glad that my hottie below is hot. ahhh...

good cause blog raffle

2010-09-22T09:37:00.002-04:00

In honor of my first day at Charleston Animal Society, I would like to invite you to participate in the following blog raffle!

The Cause:
Welll duh, The Charleston Animal Society! We are doing Paws in the Park on
October 9th, in my very own neighborhood. This event is extra special to me because it's where I found my sweet Maddie Moo 3 years ago. So this year instead of just volunteering, I have joined a team to help raise money.

Instead of just asking for donations I thought I would give you some incentive and make it fun!

The Blog Raffle Goodies:

Yep, that's right.

* The lucky raffle winner will receive a set of Days of the Week Undies from Charleston's very own Private Eyes Undies! Make sure to check out her website or become a fan on facebook. My personal favorites are the Undie Libs. Genious! Value of $55!

* The winner will also receive a set of the most precious Thank You cards ever. Once again these are from Charleston's very own Ink Meets Paper Press. These cards make me want to thank people. :) Value of $12!

* Also, the winner will receive the Golden Feather Necklace from my Etsy Shop. It's my favorite necklace. I wear my own all the time! Value of $22!

Total value of raffle goodies is $90!

How to Enter Blog Raffle:

For one entry - click here to donate. Please donate at least $15. Keep in mind that this is for a good cause, the goodies have been donated and it's a $90 value! At the same time, every little bit helps so do what you can.

For a second entry - become a follower. Easy enough!

For a third and fourth entry all in one - reblog! I need all the exposure I can get to raise money, so you precious peeps of mine with lots of followers (you know who you are) - please reblog!

I will be choosing a winner through random.org the morning of October 8th.

They need your help.

An extra special thank you to Allison and Margaret for donating the raffle items for such a great cause!

this music video is a must watch

2010-09-21T09:22:00.000-04:00

I'm not a big music video fan....however, this is great! The dogs in it are so smart!

OK Go "White Knuckles"

They not be the best band around but I do like their videos. :)

This is a strange day for me. It's my last day at my old job before I start at the animal society. I have been working here for 5 1/2 years. It's a little scary but I am super excited to start my new job!

Happy Tuesday Peeps!

monday love

2010-09-20T09:37:00.000-04:00

A Cup of Jo had a giveaway on Friday. Thought I would share what I will get if I win. :)

I'm a big fan of yellow bags. Especially this one...

This Pumpkin Pie dress makes me smile ear to ear.

And this necklace "Luck" that I have actually been coveting on Etsy for the longest time now.

All from Spotted Moth.

fly far far away

2010-09-17T08:32:00.000-04:00

I like this tattoo. A lot.

I can't believe I am quoting from Forest Gump b/c it is far from one of my favorite movies. I can already hear you all yelling at me. I am the only person that I know that cannot stand that movie. However, the "I wish I as a bird, so I could fly far, far away" has been playing over and over again in my head this week.

Instead....I will be attempting to drive this big beast filled with animals to the Pet Expo. Keep your fingers crossed that I don't run over ~~anyone~~ anything!

Have a happy weekend!

you

2010-09-16T11:56:00.000-04:00

You

Leslie and Allison who came and met me at Yo Burrito the other night at a moment's notice to give me some peace of mind and a much needed break. A yummy mason jar of margarita, cheese dip and tacos. Perfect. And the good news that sweet Leslie is pregnant, it's just what I needed to hear. So excited for her and can't wait to meet "Little Burr" in the Spring.

You

All my friends that have sent flowers to dad, made dinner for us, sent text messages, emails and voicemails checking in and sending love and taken care of my animals while I have practically "lived" in the hospital with dad. You mean the world to me and I truly do feel the positive energy headed this way.

You

My bloggy peeps. You are all the best. I really appreciate all the caring comments you have left for me. And Summer, sweet Summer. She is going through so much in her own life right now but has somehow found the time to email me and offer her support. Summer and Kristen both posted about my dad and said the sweetest things, click above to see how sweet these girls are and why their comments about dad brought me to tears. Kristen and Summer are both women with the most perfect words. It amazes me.

You

My team at work, you are wonderful. I appreciate all your help since I know I haven't been pulling my weight lately. And to my manager that even after turning in my notice, has been nothing but supportive and understanding of me needing to spend time with my dad. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

You

The nurses on the 9th floor at MUSC. You are angels and have been so good to my dad and to me. I actually feel at home there, though I'm not sure that's a good sign. ;) My dad's oncologist. He's smart and he cares. And he demanded that I go home and get some rest, which is what I needed to hear. Thank you for that.

You

My new team at Charleston Animal Society. You just rock and I can't wait to officially start!

my next dream

2010-09-10T10:11:00.002-04:00

My 1st real dream has come true since I will soon be working on Charleston Animal Society.

Who am I kidding? I have already picked up my laptop and started going through files b/c I am so excited. :)

Well, my next dream? She is living it right this moment.

"She" is Jessica Peterson and her blog is Loved Despite Great Faults.

She's in Africa. It is the one place I would visit if I only had one chance to go anywhere in all of my life.

She is there to take pictures of the lovely children in orphanges in order to raise money for a new one.

Please go to the following post of hers and click on the the link if you would like to donate.

I hope she doesn't mind me posting just a couple pics to entice you to check out her blog. These are some of the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen. And nothing gets me more than the little ones in Africa. It's my weakness. Even more than my furry little rescue animals.

Do these not just make you smile? Or cry?

poor priest

2010-09-09T23:25:00.000-04:00

1st Funny from last night:

A priest walks into dad's hospital room last night to pray with dad and give him communion. He immediately asks what church our family goes to in Columbia. Easy enough...St Joseph's. Then he asks, who are the priests there these days? Dad and I look at each other. Silent. We don't go to church.

2nd Funny from last night:

The priest prays with dad and gives him communion. Okay, dad was then done. Priest proceeds to stay and chat and tell dad how to pray. Now, I do believe that prayer is a powerful thing. I really do. But I personally can get a little overwhelmed at times with religion because I don't really understand it. So he asks dad if he has brothers. Dad says yes, two. So he says, talk to Jesus just like you would talk to your brothers. Makes enough sense to me. Dad starts to get emotional and I know it's time for the priest to leave. He doesn't. Instead he says, I'm sure you talk to Jesus all the time like he's right beside you. Dad says (in his hard to understand stroke voice) loud and clear that Jesus must be really bored then. I just about died.

3rd Funny from last night:

The priest still doesn't leave. He asks me what I do for a living and I tell him I'm in between jobs. I explain that I am going to start at the animal shelter soon. He then proceeds to tell me about his daughter's cat (named Maddie-which is just weird enough) that got a tumor in his head. Please keep in mind that dad is on the Neuro floor. Enough said? He finishes by telling me that the vet opened him up the other day and realized he was so bad off that it would be the most humane thing to just put him down. I just stared at him in disbelief. As soon as he walked out the door, I promised dad I wouldn't let them put him down during his biopsy. He finally laughed.

I know the poor priest meant well but I tell you, it was just a flop!

As an update on dad, he woke up this morning and could barely move his left leg. He hasn't been able to move his right leg or arm at all for 2 weeks now. So as you can imagine, he was not a happy camper with only his left arm working. He was also told they are moving his biopsy to Monday. They just now took him down for an MRI b/c of his left side (and his head is not quite right today) so maybe they will change their mind and do it tomorrow. It sure would make us happy.

Please continue to pray.

found: rare photos

2010-09-09T09:32:00.000-04:00

I just recently found T Spoon of Sunshine and it might be one of my new favorite blogs. :)

She just recently mentioned Rare Photos of Famous People and they are fantastic.

Sean -freaking- Connery...what?!

Elizabeth Taylor - love it!

Kurt Cobain and of course this picture is just ironic and sad.

Gotta love Goldie Hawn -too cute.

Johnny Depp and his niece. I just love this picture for some reason.

And there isn't anything too special about this picture except that I love me some Clint Eastwood. So handsome.

Take the time to check out the other 99 pics, they really are pretty fantastic.

trying to be brave

2010-09-08T23:14:00.000-04:00

Well, I want that back.

My To-Do list these days looks more like this...

And the "go back to bed" part is done on a hospital couch.

Dad is having a brain biopsy done on Friday b/c they think he might have lymphoma.

I have surprised myself with staying strong in front of him, but inside I am terrified. And I have definitely let it out several times to some of my poor dear friends.

And as I type this, my dad is crying. Because he can't sleep. And if he isn't sleeping, he is thinking about the biopsy on Friday and what his future holds. He has had to lie around thinking about this since Thursday morning of last week. And there is nothing I can do. I feel so helpless.

So?

it's official

2010-09-07T17:00:00.001-04:00

I officially have the job of my dreams!

I turned in my resignation yesterday and will start my new job at Charleston Animal Society on September 15th, as the Adoption Coordinator!

warning

2010-09-07T09:24:00.001-04:00

Do not EVER drink Delirium. EVER.

Now, most of you would figure out from the word "delirium" that you should not drink it. Me? Nope. Sometimes I make bad decisions when emotional. And this was one of those times!

I had a really bad and super stressful day at the hospital with my dad this past Friday so I decided to take a little break for happy hour. Oops. I think I might have looked like this guy below...

It was not pretty when I got back to the hospital at 12:30am to sleep in my dad's room. Thankfully, the nurses felt sorry for me and didn't laugh.

I mean, look what I just found when I googled it...

"Delirium tremens is Latin for "trembling madness", commonly nicknamed "the DTs", indicating a violent sickness induced by withdrawal after alcohol abuse. Although it is commonly thought that sufferers hallucinate pink elephants, which may explain its use on the beer's label, the most common animals seen in delirium tremens hallucinations are cats, dogs, and snakes.^"

AWFUL. Anyhoo...stay away from this beer unless you want to HIT the floor!

nana by sally

2010-09-06T08:51:00.002-04:00

My friend Sally had one of her clutches on the front page of Etsy yesterday!

There it is in the bottom row. Isn't it lovely? Check out her shop (Nana by Sally) she has some fantastic bags!

These are my current favorites...

And the inside of the bags are just as perfect as the outside.

I don't know how she puts the fabrics together the way she does but boy does she know what she is doing! I have two of her bags and LOVE them.

Sally is just such an amazing person. Her business is really taking off and I couldn't be happier for her :)

Happy Labor Day

yes and no

2010-09-05T14:55:00.000-04:00

YES to the TOMS that I purchased yesterday!

And the best part is the inside. Look at the print!

NO to the TubeFlops I saw yesterday!

Of course we had to give them a try...

And Amy actually bought hers (on the left). Yikes!

i want to be "copperhawk"

2010-09-01T15:14:00.000-04:00

Isn't this mask fantastic?

check it out on etsy
Maybe for Halloween?
Or maybe if I put in on right now my mom won't know it's me and won't talk to me. :)
Dad has finally been transferred to MUSC and he has the best of the best doctors working with him.
I'm a happy girl.

will be back soon

2010-08-30T22:45:00.000-04:00

Dad's a sick puppy. Will be back soon to visit your blogs.

Coming back soon with a pretty fantastic post/raffle for a great cause. Stay tuned!

all smiles

2010-08-26T20:31:00.000-04:00

on the road again...

2010-08-23T08:34:00.001-04:00

Mr Chance is such a trooper. I don't think cats like to travel but he has been back and forth between Columbia and Charleston a lot lately and has been a well behaved kitty. Isn't he cute?

(my sweet but crazy dog is hiding on the floor, panting)

Dad is still in the hospital but is feeling and looking much better. I think the fluids are really helping. Guess that is what happens when you can't eat for 3 months! (I myself have never had that problem)

They are going to do another MRI of just his head tomorrow. The right side of his body is really weak and shaking. I swear the man has had a million MRIs in the past 4 months. His neurologist seems to think his issues are coming from his central nervous system (trying real hard not to google that right now)

1 - I am hoping and praying they figure it out tomorrow and that it's something they can fix

2 - I am hoping and praying that he stops flirting with all the pretty nurses that are giving him baths because it's embarrassing ;)

3- I am hoping and praying my uncles get control of my mother before I have to open up a can of whoop-ass

Glad to be home and happy Monday!

prayers needed

2010-08-20T22:39:00.000-04:00

I don't pray on a daily basis but I do believe that asking for prayers does help.

My dad is sick.

And for those of you who know me or have read previous blog posts, I have no relationship with my mom so my dad is all I have.

My eyes are just about swollen shut right now. Not sure how I am even typing.

Dad is back in the hospital.

For at least a year now my dad has been sick. No energy (none) and constant dizziness. He has been to his general practitioner, 4 neurologists, a hematologist, etc, etc and they just can't figure out what is wrong with him. He had a stroke about 3 weeks ago and he has gone downhill fast since then. He isn't eating. At all. He is losing from 3 to 4 pounds a week. He can't sit up or stand up b/c it makes him dizzy. Earlier this week they found out that when he stands up his blood pressure drops to 60/40. NOT normal. So I had high hopes that they could just fix that and all would be well. Nope. He is being readmitted into the hospital b/c he can't walk and he can hardly feel the right side of his body.

I am devastated. Actually, there are no words to express how I feel.

Somebody MUST figure this out and fix him.

I guess one of the doctors mentioned ALS tonight and that is what has me in a panic. It can't be. It just can't.

Heading to see him first thing in the morning and that just can't come soon enough.

Please keep him in your prayers, I would really appreciate it.

2010-08-20T09:00:00.001-04:00

My favorite comment ever

Oh Holly, you rock!

Happy Weekend...go forth and have fun!

weeds!

2010-08-19T09:30:00.005-04:00

I love this show.

i want to drink these all day and night...

i want to have a friend named conrad...

i want a grow house so that i can make lots of money...

i want nancy botwin's closet...

and i want nancy and andy to hurry up and love each other and get it on...

it's the little things

2010-08-18T09:02:00.000-04:00

* catching up on tivo and seeing lauren win so you think you can dance. knowing she was your favorite from the beginning - see fantastic SYTYCD video link below

* leaving your cell phone charger in columbia and discovering your roommate's boyfriend has one that fits your phone. phew.

* deciding that even though the DSLR camera you want is expensive, you can babysit and have jewelry sales to make enough money to buy it

* doctors finally putting dad on the right meds so that he can feel better (only took his blood pressure dropping to 60/40 to figure it out-brilliant docs)

* my grandmother already seeing a hummingbird out of her window. hope she sees lots more.

* your blogs

* starting a team for Paws in the Park so that we can make every shelter animal in Charleston happy

* catching up on True Blood and Weeds on sketchy online sites because you don't have the good channels

* falling in love with new music - frightened rabbit (the winter of mixed drinks)
download - you will NOT be disappointed

Think Ellen DeGeneres is funny? Watch this SYTYCD video!

yummy plants, stinky family

2010-08-16T20:08:00.000-04:00

I spent a disastrous weekend in Columbia.

- Taking care of my sick dad, which made me feel helpless.

- Getting in a huge fight with my mom just because she is my mom and she is super crazy.

- Also getting in arguments all weekend with my brother because he CANNOT stop talking about Fox News. OBSESSED.

On Saturday I went down to my brother's nursery to buy my grandmother a plant. She wanted a new hanging plant for outside her window at the nursing home. My conversation with my brother went a little something like this...

me: Hey, I need to get a plant for Grandmom.

brother: So I saw something on Fox News just now that said prison inmates make bonuses and the prison guards don't.

me: I just need a plant. Which one should I take?

brother: I mean, can you believe that crap? This world is going to shit

me: I don't care I don't care! Which hanging plant will do the best in full sun?

brother: Why don't you give a crap?

me: Because maybe the prison guards don't deserve a bonus. How the hell should I know?

brother: You would say that. Such crap. F-ing liberals.

me: Please. I am begging you. Will this plant work?

brother: From now on (as if he doesn't already do this) every time I talk to you I am going to bring up an issue for us to discuss. Just one.

me: (counting to 10) I am getting this plant and if it dies I will make sure to tell Gradmom to thank the prison system and those stupid liberals

I ended up buying her a hummingbird feeder instead.

These pics taken at his place the day before during a similar conversation about Glenn Beck...

Happy Monday!

beautiful

2010-08-13T15:47:00.000-04:00

I am in Columbia taking care of my sick father and let me just tell you...I could not have found this blog at a more perfect time. It's the prettiest blog I have ever seen. Go check it out. No, run! The pictures are just beautiful. I must save up money for a nice camera soon.

bawkbawkbawk

Have a great weekend peeps!

new crush

2010-08-12T18:09:00.000-04:00

Jason Bateman - enough said

anyone else think he's precious??

my etsy and etsy love

2010-08-11T08:00:00.001-04:00

New items listed in my Etsy shop!

Check them out at It's Simply You

Current Etsy love...

*these great concrete planters

*this shark's tooth necklace (since it was shark week last week)

*these elephant s & p shakers, precious

*and finally, these lovely thank you notes from my friend Allison's shop

I could go on and on and on as always..

Have a great Wednesday!

meet mr chance

2010-08-10T09:16:00.000-04:00

Introducing Mr Chance

Mr Chance was originally a feral kitten so he took a little getting used to. I couldn't even say the word food without him flying across the room right for my face. He was insane. However, he has now settled down and he and my dog are the best of friends. Really. Chance likes Maddie more than he likes me!

My sweet sweet Cassie got out of the house Thanksgiving weekend last year and never found her way back home. It was awful.

How strange is it that I randomly found this picture last night on some weird kitty blog. Does it look like Cassie or what?!

Fake Cassie

Real Cassie

inspired

2010-08-09T13:14:00.000-04:00

I was catching up on blogs earlier and was inspired by the following post. Wasn't the happiest of posts but it was true and it was honest. I stopped blogging a while back b/c of an honest post of mine. I guess I felt like this happy place of mine was now tainted. Well, it's not. So, here's to catching up on your blogs and starting anew. :)

I am hoping for big things today.

One thing I can't really discuss yet but just cross your fingers for me...just a hint...

Another thing, dad is seeing an ENT this afternoon and I am hoping they finally figure out what is wrong with him. More on that later.

Here's to a great Monday!

I'm Back!!

2010-04-09T10:10:00.000-04:00

With some big news - for me at least!
No more glasses...

No more prescription sunglasses...

Getting Lasik done at 1:30 today!!!!

Okay, I could have done without the images that popped up when I just googled Lasik. Might be a little sick to my stomach now!
Dad is coming to Charleston to take me which will help make me feel a little better about it. AND he is building me a raised bed in the backyard for tomato plants. I think I might be more excited about the plants than Lasik!

I have LOTS of catching up to do on your blogs and plan to do that this weekend. It's been too long!

my happy place

2009-11-18T22:44:00.000-05:00

It's taken me a while to get there this week but I just found it.

I bought books.

I freaking LOVE book stores. I love watching people sit and read. I love the smell of books. I love holding a brand new book. I love to look around and see so many books that I feel overwhelmed. A good overwhelmed. I love getting a yummy coffee while browsing the books.

Tonight, I went to Barnes and Noble for two reasons. To pick up some books that were recommended by a great friend on addiction/recovery/intervention. Mom is coming home. That's why it took me a while this week to get to my happy place. It's going to be a rough week. But I am bound and determined to teach my family what addiction to opiates really means. I am also bound and determined to get my family back. With or without my mom.

I also went to the bookstore to get the following book that I saw on Knack a while back.

Also got the following which I am totally psyched about!

No more spending money. Off to do some reading. Hope you are all having a fantastic week and I hope to catch up on your blogs soon!

need your help

2009-11-11T19:19:00.000-05:00

Hello Hello! I sure haven't been a fun blogger lately. Sorry about that! Just have a lot going on.

I am about to open up a new Etsy store. I have oodles (yes, oodles) of jewelry supplies. Tons of beads, wire, jewelry displays, etc that I am just never going to use. So - what better way to get rid of it than to open up another Etsy store. It's how I found all my stuff so...

Problem - I am not the most creative person in the world. I am swamped with work and everything else right now. That translates into having absolutely no brain power.

Here is a link to my jewelry store...http://www.itssimplyyou.etsy.com

Any ideas? I need your creative genius!

And a HUGE thanks to sweet Morgan for helping me out with the craft show this past weekend!!

decisions decisions

2009-11-09T19:22:00.000-05:00

I'm either about to throw my Tivo out the f-ing window or maybe I will eat an entire carton of icecream.

weekend to-dos

2009-11-06T10:28:00.000-05:00

Does this picture just make your day or what? Precious.

Today I am getting ready for the Daniel Island Fall Fair where I will be selling my jewelry tomorrow. Sweet Morgan is helping me and it's going to be an early morning so thanks lady!

After the market on Saturday I will be watching my Tigers ~~play~~ beat Florida State.

Sunday I will be cleaning out my closet and switching out to my winter clothes. Yikes. I better have a huge bag to donate afterwards as I never wear half the stuff I have!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

trust doesn't come easy for me

2009-11-05T15:33:00.000-05:00

How do you know when the past is really the past? How do you know when someone really won't hurt you again when they say they won't? And don't say that you have to trust them b/c that is how you get your heart broken over and over again. At some point you unfortunately have to put up that wall and move on with your life. It's not easy and it's incredibly sad. It takes years to build that wall and keep it up. Sounds unhealthy I know, but in this case the wall needed to be built.

My mother is an addict.

There, I have said it.

The shortest possible version of the story is that she has been addicted to pills since before I was born. She has been a very good mother and a very bad mother. My entire life I struggled to not give up on her. Five years ago I was done. I moved to Charleston to get space and it was the best decision I could have made.

We had an "episode" a couple of months ago and she is now living with my uncle in North Carolina. Hopefully she will pull herself together. This is the best chance she has ever been given.

Do you know any addicts?

If not, you have surely seen House, Intervention and/or all the celebrities out there that have problems.

It's crazy. Addicts know what they are doing. In most cases they know exactly what drugs they can mix and match together - what amount of alcohol they can add to it - it's insane!

My mother's drug of choice is Vicodin.

But she adds all kinds of other things to it (including oxycotton) depending on the day. It's amazing to me how one person can take all that she can without just dying.

And manipulative? Wow. She has her two brothers wrapped around her finger. Whereas they do know she has a problem and they really are trying to help her, she still has them snowed. She is SO good at blaming me, my dad and my brother on her being so miserable. It's exhausting.

Reason for this post - I just checked the mail and there was an apology card from her. Frustrated.

visit to the coastal carolina fair

2009-11-05T12:00:00.000-05:00

First I had to check out the precious farm animals...

Why I am not a Vet is beyond me. I LOVE ANIMALS.

Next was the food...

AND an elephant ear before calling it a night.

Also, my friend Amy talked me into riding a few rides...

And then there were the games...

That one was taken specifically for our little miss bananas. :)

And my favorite little moo cow. Hope the video works!

move over jim...

2009-11-04T22:34:00.000-05:00

I'm just getting started!

You can't really see it in the pictures but his prized Hall of Fame award is tucked away inside the big mound of lemon jello. It was pretty fantastic.

On to the vending machines...

oh happy day

2009-11-04T14:41:00.002-05:00

I just reactivated my Tivo. Had to order a wireless adapter but should be up and running next week. Yeay!

been buried

2009-11-03T21:09:00.000-05:00

Between wanting to divorce my mother and work last week, none of my posts would have been very positive so I decided to spare you.

But now I am back after a weekend home to visit with my dad. Which meant folding his clothes, cleaning his bathroom, watering the plants, etc. Love the man to death but he needs a woman taking care of him for sure!

I also got to have fun with my bestie for her 30th birthday.

Caught up with several other friends that I hadn't seen in way too long.

Now this week I am trying to wrap up an entire work week into 3 days b/c I am on vacation Thursday and Friday AND get ready for a craft show this weekend. I am selling my jewelry at the Daniel Island Fall Fair on Saturday and can't wait!

Also playing a prank on someone at work tomorrow...here is a sneak peek...

Hope you have all had a wonderful week and I can't wait to relax next week and catch up on your blogs that I have missed so much!

tied up with strings

2009-10-27T20:54:00.000-04:00

I had a bad day. I want to divorce my mother. Seriously. Still trying to decide what is TMI for this blog so for now I will let it go at that.

So...I was looking for some packaging ideas for my jewelry and found the following...

Aren't they adorable?

yep - that would be two in a row

2009-10-26T20:56:00.000-04:00

For two nights in a row...I have cooked dinner. This is big. Huge.

Sunday Night:

Tonight:

before

after

yummy yummy yummy!

beware...

2009-10-26T14:04:00.000-04:00

Since I have been obsessed with The Office lately, I suggested to a few coworkers that we play some pranks to liven it up a bit. Well wouldn't you know...my red Office Space stapler is missing....

It's On!

paws in the park

2009-10-26T13:24:00.002-04:00

I volunteered at Charleston Animal Society's Paws in the Park this past weekend. This event is one of my favorites for many reasons. Among them would be I adopted sweet Maddie Moo at this event 2 years ago.

It was a great turnout and it was so much fun!

angels and demons

2009-10-23T08:30:00.000-04:00

I babysat this angel last night..

Who had a demon cat...

(and this wasn't the half of the scratches)

And I started this book...

I know I am little behind at reading this and think it's going to be a tough one to get through. For some reason old people make me cry. And animals. Hmmm...

Couldn't resist posting this picture that I just found...

facebook funnies

2009-10-22T15:56:00.000-04:00

Woohoo...almost Friday!

hissy fit

2009-10-21T18:35:00.001-04:00

About to throw a full on temper tantrum...yes at the age of 31.

I just developed some film and what I was looking forward to seeing was...

a - the pumpkin patch from two weekends ago

b - reid and rivers decorating the pumpkin last night

c - maddie moo dressed up in her squirrel halloween costume

What I got was the pumpkin patch. That's it. What happened?

Film may not be for me. Not sure I have the patience for this.

cold feet

2009-10-21T12:58:00.000-04:00

When I moved this summer I had to take my fall/winter clothes and store them in Columbia. No storage space stinks! Anyway - it got cold and I have nothing but flip flops to wear. Although it's not that odd to see flip flops being worn year round in Charleston...my feet have been freezing!

Loving the following...

All from DSW

Overstock

Zappos

I am very excited about wearing boots but I have to tell you that it's rough at the beginning. I wear flip flops every day of my life. Even to work. So it feels SO claustrophobic when I have to start wearing shoes.

WHEN am I going to win the lottery?

arrggh

2009-10-20T21:20:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Reid and Rivers tonight. He looks a little drunk right?

boo!

2009-10-19T15:56:00.000-04:00

Boo #1

I made ghosts with Jenny's boys last night and had a yummy homecooked fried chicken dinner..

Boo #2

Reading Cross Country by James Patterson and I cannot put it down...

Boo #3

Mad Men. I don't like it. I would probably watch it anyway if I didn't have a million other shows out there that I would like to get into.

Hope you all had wonderful weekends!