Friday, August 31, 2012

This is the list that never ends....

It just goes on and on my friends....I'll stop. It's probably already stuck in your head though!

I have a major problem. I tend to just keep adding to my to do list without really ever crossing something off. We have lived in our house for 2 1/2 years now and I have literally accomplished maybe one thing on my to do list. Hang pot rack...check! That is so sad. I want to start holding myself accountable and actually getting things done. So here is where I'll keep my list and hopefully I'll work through it better than I have been.

1. Headboard for master bedroom Check!
2. Frame our boring/plain builder grade mirrors
3. Nightstands for master bedroom
4. Art for master bedroom
5. Hang shelves in craft room
6. New curtains and blinds/roman shade for master bedroom
7. Refinish dining room table
8. Possibly recover dining room chairs
9. New bed set for guest bedroom
10. Add more shelves in laundry room
11. Find way to store towels
12. Purge closet
13. Get Patio Furniture
14. Clean grill
15. Pressure wash house
16. Clean and reseal all grout
17. Find better way to store yard tools
18. Upholster box spring of both beds

Now I know there is more than this but this will do for now. I can always add to it later. Some of this stuff is decorative, some organizing, and some just plain cleaning. I need to get motivated and some of these will actually give me something to put on my tutorial page. So I need to get crackin'. I'll be back Wednesday with at least one of these checked off!


Wednesday, August 29, 2012

My not so daily routine

You know that girl who can't step foot outside without her face being completely done up? The one who even her close friends had never seen her without make up? Well that girl used to be me. I was so self conscious about my appearance sans make up that I even wore make up to the pool! Waterproof mascara of course. Well I'm definitely glad to say that I am that girl no longer. I even go out in public without any make up on sometimes. Which is a huge step for me. But on most days when going to work or to go shopping I keep my routine pretty simple. At least simple for me.

I don't know about you but I love to see what other products people use. If someone writes about how much they love a product I usually try it out. So here's what I use on a daily basis...


1. Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil in CIA
I like the coverage this pencil provides and that it's so light (I have super fair skin). The only pain is that I thought it twisted up, no it has to be sharpened. Which causes a lot of waste and sharp edges.

2. Beauty Blender
These things are awesome. I'm sure you have seen them floating around the blog world. Personally I'm too cheap to spend $20 on a make up sponge. So I used my birchbox points to get two for free!

3. Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer with SPF
I have used this for the past few years and I really have no complaints. Other than their lightest shade is a little too dark for me sometimes. I told you SUPER fair skin. It lasts a really long time and sets really nicely with pressed powder.

4. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder
I use the translucent shade, it helps with shine and like I said sets my make up very well.

5. Rimmel Natural Bronzer
This stuff is great for a little bit of color. A lot goes a long way so it lasts a long time.

6. Rimmel Blush in Pink Rose
I have used the same color for about 5 years now. It's subtle and inexpensive.

7. Too Faced Naked Eye Pallet 
The boyfriend got me this for a Christmas present two years ago and I still haven't run out. I'm not the most skilled at applying eye make up so having the colors laid out for me really helps. These pallets also include cards on how to apply them for different looks. It may seem kind of expensive but really you're getting 9 different eyeshadows that have great pigment.

8. Buxom Insider Eyeliner
This product is definitely something I probably won't buy again. I have always applied my eyeliner to the inside of my bottom eyelids and this has caused problems with smearing or running. This product boasts that it is specifically for the inside of the eye lid, yet I have the same problems. I can apply it in the morning and by lunch it's either gone or on the corners of my eyelids. But I'm still gonna use it 'til it's gone.

9. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
This is the best mascara hands down. I never have problems with clumping and it's cheap. I've tried more expensive drugstore and department store mascaras and they just don't compare.

10. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment
I am a lip balm queen. I don't really like things with color and just really love a good lip balm, so I pretty much have 10 different kinds at one time. But this one by Fresh is definitely my favorite. But I definitely don't like the price. $22.50 for lip balm? Seems kind of outrageous, I have only bought one tube and that lasted for a while. I recently got a mini one in my birthday gift from Sephora and rediscovered how much I love it. If you don't mind the price it's definitely worth it.

You also need something cute to store all this stuff in. This is my favorite bag right now.


p.s. all my links go to Sephora. I'm not being compensated by them I just love to shop there. I love that I can earn points for stuff I would already be buying. Plus they include your choice of 3 samples with every order. They also have great customer service, you can return anything even if it's used. If it's not for you they take it back.


Tuesday, August 28, 2012

10 Day You Challenge: 8 Fears

Hello!

It's been a really hectic past week. School started last Thursday and since I work at a university it's been pretty busy. Students constantly coming in asking where their classes are or if they can be added to a class. Parents even calling constantly about required materials and professors not answering their phones. Is it just me or is it a tad ridiculous that I have parents calling. I mean your child is an adult how are they ever going to learn to do what they need to if you're doing it for them. I'm totally behind supporting your child but seriously they can either call or come by if no one seems to be in their class, especially if you're in a different state and they're in the building.

Ranting is over!

Today I'm continuing the link up with the 10 Day You Challenge. Today it's 8 fears.




1. Death

Not just my own death but my parents, grandparents, boyfriend, my dogs. The list could go on and on. It might sound like a pretty normal fear but sometimes it gets so bad I get severe anxiety. Like can't sleep, totally stressed out, anxiety.

2. Someone breaking into my house

I am terrified that something that can never be replaced might get stolen. For instance, the ring my grandpa gave me before he passed away or my laptop (because of all my pictures). A fear that goes along with this is if I'm home when it happens. I'm honestly afraid something would happen to my dogs. It sounds crazy but I fear that someone will just shoot my dog because they're afraid he might attack them. I really don't worry about myself which might sound weird.

3. Small spaces and wide open spaces

Now I know this one's weird but I am afraid of both. I hate having my face and whole body covered by something. For instance, a blanket. I also get really freaked out in elevators. I always feel like the doors aren't going to open and I'll be stuck in there. The unknown is what's really scary about wide open spaces. I live in the desert so there were times in high school when that's where we would go to hang out. I always felt like something was going to come out of the darkness.

4. Infertility

I am really looking forward to being a mom and having kids. I'm afraid that when I'm actually ready I won't be able to have them.

5. Being unsuccessful

This mainly applies to the career aspect of my life. I'm afraid I'll never be happy with what I do and won't achieve what I want out of that part of my life.

6. Illness

Not necessarily for myself but for my loved ones.

7. Things going on with the world

The economy, global warming, all the violence, hunger, etc. I'm afraid that things will only get worse and not get better. Not only in the US but in other parts of the world as well. The revolution going on in Syria, the genocide in Africa, just everything seems so upside down right now.

8. Things that will probably never happen

Ever see the movie Deep Impact? Or Super 8? Or Volcano? War of the Worlds? Independence Day? Sounds like mainly aliens scare me... but yeah all of this stuff is super unlikely. But I still have a little fear that they might.


Okay now that I am sufficiently freaked out, that's it for now.


Wednesday, August 22, 2012

4 years and counting...


Today is mine and the boyfriend's 4 year anniversary! Above is a picture of the card I made him, it's counting from the day we met. Too bad he has to work tonight so this girl will be dining alone, boo! 

This is our first picture together! Back when we first met and were still teenagers. 
I miss my tan and his long hair. 
Here's to many more years together, wouldn't have it any other way.
Love you babe!


On another note One Crafty Cupcake just hit 1,000 page views. Trust me I'm super excited about this! 
Thanks to everyone who takes time out of their day to visit me over here!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

10 Day You Challenge: My 9 Loves

Today I'm linking up with

The subject today is 9 loves. I looked around at the different link ups just to get a feel for what other bloggers love, trying to get some inspiration for my own. I mean there's lots of things I love but it's pretty hard to narrow it down to just 9 things! But here I go:

1. My boyfriend. 

He is my best friend and the best thing that has happened to me. Tomorrow is our 4 year anniversary!
I just realized this picture was totally taken a week after I had my wisdom teeth out so my cheek is a little swollen. Oh well I still love this picture!


2. My parents.


My mom and I are really close and I would consider her my friend, but she still knows when it's time to be my mom. I don't know if that makes sense. Me and my dad don't always get along but he's a great dad and is always willing to drop everything to help me.

3. My grandparents.


I was the only grandchild for 16 years so to say they spoil me might be an understatement. But that's not why I love them. I lived with them for two years while I went to college in Texas and used to spend summers with them when I was younger. I've just always loved spending time with them. It might be because I lost my other grandparents so young that I really cherish the time that I have with them. I've even been trying to convince them to move here but no luck! 

4. My boyfriend's family.


There's 2 brother in-laws and new nephew missing from this picture. I love that the boyfriend has a big family. Being an only child I definitely missed out on the big family thing. And yes even though we're not married I definitely consider them family. 

5. My puppies.

You've already seen enough pictures of them. They are definitely one of my loves. I have always loved dogs and will definitely have them for the rest of my life. German shepherds and pugs are definitely my favorite breeds if you couldn't tell. 

6. Alpha Omicron Pi.


I love AOII for a million reasons. But the most important one is the bond I share with my sisters. It really sounds corny but it's something that I will always love. 

Let's get a little less serious now, shall we?

7. Hearts.

I love hearts. Hearts on anything, coffee mugs, towels, office supplies, anything. I may or may not have a heart tattoo. I also may have the product below sitting on my desk.


8. Military Coming Home Videos

I love to watch videos of soldiers coming home to their families. I can't help myself I always watch them. They just remind me of the sacrifice that people are making for complete strangers.  I also can't help but cry like a little baby, no matter where I'm at. This picture gets me every time.


9. someecards and hey girl. 

I love these things I don't know why. I can't explain it but they're hilarious. 











Friday, August 17, 2012

My babies...

Anyone who knows me knows that I love my dogs like they're my children. I know a lot of people believe that dogs should be treated like dogs but I just don't see it that way. My dogs live inside and are allowed to sleep in the bed and get on the furniture. They like to cuddle and sit on our laps (especially the 80 lb one!) I really do consider them a part of our family.


Buster is the handsome pug you see above. I have had him for close to 8 years now. He was originally supposed to be given to my Uncle but I fell in love with him so we kept him. He is literally the most loving dog I've ever met and no matter what is always by my side. Most people don't like pugs and think they're ugly (including the boyfriend) but I think he has always been adorable. I had a pug growing up so I'm definitely drawn to this breed. They are very loving and have lots of personality. Buster is amazing with kids too. I don't know if this is a pug thing or just a Buster thing. But my 2 year old cousin would pet and grab Buster and he never got mad or snapped, he always just sat there content with the attention. My cousin actually used to tell people that Buster was his best friend... it melted your heart. Doesn't he look so dapper in his sweater?


The large fellow you see above is Ripley or Ripples as I affectionately call him. He's an almost 3 year old german shepherd and the sweetest dog I've ever known. He can look a bit scary if you're not used to big dogs but trust me he's a huge baby. We always laugh when people say they're afraid of him because we know he's a big softy. The boyfriend and I got him when we decided to move in together. He's gotten a bit taller since this picture and is almost 6ft on his hind legs. He's TERRIFIED of fireworks and likes to sit on my lap on the 4th of July and New Year's Eve. One difficulty we face with him is that he has horrible allergies. We're pretty sure they're not food allergies since he's been on a grain free diet for over a year. He's also been chicken and fish free for about 4 months. The allergies seemed to get worse. So now we're thinking it's seasonal/environmental. I don't want to put him on steroid shots because I'm afraid of the longterm effects. But that may be inevitable if this next supplement doesn't help him. Even though he's constantly itchy and can't put on weight to save his life (because of the allergies) he's a very happy dog.


Roxy is the only other girl in the house and she is pure evil. Well maybe not pure but a large percentage. We got her as a companion for Ripley since Buster is old and grumpy and only wants to play for so long. She came to us from a local rescue and her living situation before wasn't so great. The way she reacts to some things we think she might have been abused. She was definitely neglected as far as attention goes. They don't really know how old she is but the best guess is that she'll be a year old come this September, October, or November. So she was about 5-6 months when we adopted her. She is very loving but she does have some rescue dog tendencies such as jumping and snapping. She does it out of love but it really hurts sometimes. She's ripped three of my shirts because she doesn't just jump, she plants her claws on your back and drags them all the way down. Trust me it feels as good as it sounds. Even though it's hard sometimes I still love her and Ripley really loves having someone he can wrestle with. Or in the case below...cuddle with.


I feel like a bad momma because I don't have any good pictures of Roxy by herself. She is a bit of wild one though so I don't think I'd ever catch her sitting still long enough to grab my camera.






Tuesday, August 14, 2012

10 Day You Challege: Ten Secrets

So today I'm linking up with Lauren @ Life.Love.Lauren. I went to high school with Lauren so it's kind of cool actually knowing someone in the blogging world in real life. This linky party is going until October 16th so it'll be something new every week!


Today is ten secrets... I really had to think long and hard because most of the things that came to mind weren't really secrets. But here we go!

1. I feel really uncomfortable when people compliment me. I don't really know why it just makes me feel awkward.

2. I like to write e-mails to companies when particular employees are super helpful. I feel like customer service these days is seriously lacking so I like to send positive comments when people are awesome.

3. I have an irrational fear that someone's going to break into my house and steal my jewelry...So I have it hid in a really random place that you would never guess. The boyfriend doesn't even know where it is. By jewelry I don't necessarily mean expensive things but stuff that if I lost it I would cry forever; the ruby ring my grandpa got me, my AOII badge, necklaces from my little, my class ring, and my AOII alumna ring. I'm also weird and keep all the boxes from any important jewelry such as my rings from the boyfriend. Is it weird that I'd be sad if someone took the box?

4. I don't wash my hair every day or even every other day. I have really dry hair so my hair really doesn't need it and gets really damaged when I wash it all the time. This stuff is a god send, it's taken me a long time to find a dry shampoo I really like. I like it because it gives my hair a lot of volume.

5. Sometimes I regret things I've done or not done in my life. But I always try to remind myself that life may not have turned out like this if I had done something different and I really wouldn't want to change anything. 

6. Now this isn't really a secret because if you ask me I'll tell you. But my mom introduced me and the boyfriend. He worked for her and always made fun of me for being spoiled and having a princess complex (I'm an only child! But I promise I'm not a spoiled brat)... needless to say I really disliked him. We had never met before because I was living in San Antonio but my mom would always tell me how perfect he was for me. I believe gross was my response... but literally the moment I met him I fell in love with him. That was it I was done. 
7. I HATE feet... and when men wear rubber flip flops... don't ask me why. The only feet I'll touch besides my own are the boyfriends. But that's just because I like to have my feet rubbed and you gotta give a little to get a little. But I don't let him wear rubber flip flops that's where I draw the line. 

8. I can't decide when I want to have kids. I'll see cute babies and think about how much I want one but then remember oh yeah I'm not ready for them! I try to give it an age range but get freaked out when I realize how close that is. 

9. I love to read band biographies or ones about rockstars or I even read an autobiography by a very popular groupie. I love rock music and the energy surrounding it. 

10. I'm scared that when I write this blog no one reads it. But this is for me and if anyone else wants to read it... that's fine with me too...







Friday, August 10, 2012

High Five For Friday....

I'm really ready for this week to be over. Not because it was particularly draining, just ready for a couple days of no work. I had my first sale on etsy and it has definitely motivated me to do some creating. I also have to baste, bind, and quilt (not necessarily in that order) my quilt for quilt for kids. So it should be a busy weekend for me....

I did finish my cousin's birthday present a little early.




He's gonna be 7 and all he talks about is how cool Star Wars is....he's never seen the movies. He mainly likes the lego versions of the ships so I felt this fabric was most appropriate. It's backed with black cuddle dot minky and bound with red bias tape. p.s. I will never use this stuff again. I really prefer to self bind the blanket with the cotton fabric. Take a look at the blankets in my etsy store they are self bound.

My sewing machine also decided it wanted to throw 25 temper tantrums during the making of this blanket. No kidding...threads were breaking, bobbin was too loose, bobbin would run out because it was wasting so much... adjusting the tension, width, length, rethreading 25 million times.... nothing helped... so frustrating..

But the good news is I'm 12 days early for his birthday! YAY! I have to ship it so since I was productive it won't be late....like everything else I send my cousins.


Moving on! Yay for Friday! Baby Stetson will hopefully be here today! I'm so excited! (that's a lot of exclamation points).






Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Sewing Rut....

Sometimes I find myself in a sewing rut... I usually have yards and yards of fabric and no motivation to do anything with it. I have no problem starting projects, cutting the fabric, and pinning them. Then after all the really tedious work is done I have no motivation to finish them... it stinks and makes no sense.

But there is hope! I actually found a way to get motivated that really works for me. I make something to donate. In May during one of my hardest ruts I found a woman that was collecting simple dresses to send to little girls in Africa. They had to be light cotton (because of the hot weather) and have no zippers or buttons (because they can break). The cost of new clothing for these girls could send them to school for a month which includes all the necessary supplies. I made two pretty cute pillowcase dresses, that way when they get to tall for them they can wear them as shirts... It really helped motivate me to get sewing again. It helped me enjoy sewing knowing I was helping someone else.


Alas, here I am in another rut. A person really can only stay motivated for so long. So here I am again working on a project to give away.

I've never really quilted before. The last quilt I attempted to make, I was a sophomore in high school. Same size squares? Who needs them! But this project really couldn't have been any easier.

I got in touch with the program, Quilts for Kids. They are partnered with Downy Touch of Comfort.

Together they send out everything you would need to make a beautiful quilt (minus the batting). The finished quilts are then donated to children in hospitals.


Look at that face! The quilt brings something bright and fun into a not so fun place. I can't wait to finish my quilt and hope it gives comfort to some child. 

I feel drawn to this cause especially. My grandma died when I was about 5. She was terminal with lung cancer so my grandparents were at the hospital a lot. While my grandma was in her appointments my grandpa would go visit the children's wing and noticed they didn't really have a lot of toys. I guess because most toys are plastic they are not safe in a hospital environment. So he asked if they would mind if he made some. Over the course of my grandma's battle with cancer my grandpa sought comfort through making these toys. Before his death he had donated over 2,000 wooden toys of all shapes and sizes. Hippos, puppies, elephants, anything you could imagine in every color. 

I would love to continue his work with something like this. 


Here's the link to request a quilt kit! I'll be back when I get some batting and finish mine up. 





Friday, August 3, 2012

It's my birthday!

So I'm one of those annoying people who loves their birthday... just a warning. I have been happily reminding everyone around me for about 3 weeks now that it was almost my birthday! They're pretty tired of it by now. Oh well! Unfortunately, I'm at work...it sucks being a grown up.

But anyways, I've decided that I have a problem. I have crafty/hobby ADD. I can never just stick with one thing sewing, baking, scrapbooking, photography, general crafting. I LOVE all of it. I just wish I could keep my attention on one thing long enough to work through the unfinished projects. But I was able to focus my attention long enough to take some cute pictures of my sister in-law and her cute family of 3 soon to be 4!

I am by no means a professional but here are a few of my favorites.






I've pretty much rounded out my photography experience... I've taken engagement, graduation, family, and now maternity pictures! Next thing I'll be adding to my resume? Newborn! I'm so excited for the first nephew to be here! Hear that Stetson? Hurry up and get out here!


p.s. IT'S MY BIRTHDAY :)





Thursday, August 2, 2012

Its Okay Thursday....




Its Okay........

to leave a pinterest page with everything I want for my birthday open on the table for the boyfriend...

to make such a pinterest page since I know how much he hates picking out gifts...

to always be looking for fun linky parties since I haven't quite found my "blogging voice"

to wait to clean the kitchen until tomorrow...

to be excited when my page views goes up everyday...

to keep saying I'm adding stuff to my etsy store even when I can't finish any projects because work/life gets in the way...


that I have no idea why my blog design does crazy things and my default font isn't showing up in this post..


to secretly hope that this will really happen....








Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Wordless Wednesday...Link up!

These are just some things I'm loving right now!



I loooove to look at cute pictures of pug and german shepherd puppies. It reminds me what mine used to look like it makes me miss them being small :( Buster is going to be 8 this year! I really can't believe it and have found myself cuddling him more, he really is the most loving dog I've ever had.

Loved the Dark Knight Rises. The Dark Knight was still better but I am more than satisfied with how the Dark Knight Rises tied things up... But I am still secretly hoping they'll make another one!

The food picture is Fish and Chips! I made this for dinner last night and it was delicious...I got the recipe from The Culinary Chronicles. Seriously, soooo good! Even the boyfriend who hates seafood ate 3 pieces. I would definitely make it again.