Why I'm starting to dislike blogging/pinterest….

Does anyone else feel like doing domestic tasks were easier before blogging & Pinterest?

Sure Pinterest has a million and one ideas derived from blogging about how to clean that stubborn soap scum on your shower. Or here's fifty different schedules and templates to help keep your house clean. 

I've tried the home binder, I've tried the templates but guess what? 

Unless these pieces of paper are going to channel the home decor from Beauty & the Beast and come to life they aren't going to clean my house. All they do is make me feel guilty about not having a clean house or being the perfect housekeeper/cook/hostess. 

And I get it…these kind of systems work for other people. But they don't work for me. 

I mean who has time to complete like 10 different cleaning tasks daily while doing all the other stuff people have to do in a day? Let's be real and show more pictures of what our houses look like on the daily. If just to show people that even the domestic goddesses of Pinterest sometimes have more important priorities than cleaning their toilets with Coca-Cola or boiling orange peels and vinegar to make their own cleaning solution. 

And if you're an OCD cleaner whose house is ready for company on any given day of the week? 

I'm sorry we can't be friends. 

Totally kidding just don't judge me when you come over and get dog hair on your pants. 

What can I say? My dogs live here, you don't. 

Just because I love gifs…

You're only as old as you feel...

If that's true I feel like an old lady.

I'm going to be turning 25 this year but feel so much older than that.

I guess that's what happens when you settle down and buy a house when you're 20.

I absolutely have no regrets about that but I do feel like a pretty big stick in the mud sometimes.

What does an old lady living in a 25 year old's body look like you might ask?

We're not there yet...

But I am so ready for 2013 to be over.

While it definitely had it's ups and downs I feel like I've had more bad luck then good. 

Thirteen is an unlucky number after all. 

I've been in 3 count them 3 car crashes this year! With one just being on Sunday.

The first one was probably 75% my fault. 

The second one was deemed 50% but I still believe I was just a victim.

The third and hopefully final I was 100% INNOCENT. 

If you're going to get in a crash I guess that's the kind you want to be in.

My poor little car is definitely taking a beating.

After 25 years my parents are getting divorced.

Yep.

Scary to share with the world (or all 36 of my followers) considering only 2 of my friends know.

But I like to keep it real so yeah. Divorce not fun no matter how old you are.

I don't want to be a Debbie Downer so moving on!

What good came of this year?

 I got a great job that I really like. 

For the first time since I started working at the young age of 15 I have no desire to look for another job.

It's pretty awesome. 

I guess that cancels out the 2 car crashes that were possibly partially my fault.

and just because I feel like this sometimes. 

Just a touch of whimsy....

Sometimes I really wish I was a little more whimsical. 

Is that weird?

I would love to have a house decorated with randomness and be one of those super creative boho types.

You know the type. You've probably seen their blogs. Cause they all have blogs.

They're able to pull anything together be it a room or an outfit and make it look so effortless.

I feel like whimsy is something you're born with and you can't learn to be whimsical.

This is pretty random I know. 

Just my thoughts as I've stumbled upon yet another blogger with awesome whimsy.

99 Problems But Weight Ain't 1

Geez!

I feel like it's been forever since I last posted.

So much has happened! Not really...but it seems like it.

My birthday came and went. Grown-up birthdays suck!

I've been chugging along at my no longer new job. I'm still loving it!

I bought some furniture to refinish. Like any poor blogger I did not take before pictures.

GASP! I know, I know.

In other news I found this really cool site called DietBet. Well actually MishLovinLife introduced me.

It's a weight loss challenge but instead of just having 1 winner, everyone who meets goal wins!

The goal is to lose 4% of your body fat. Umm that's totally not a lot.

You put money in the pot lose your 4% and either walk away with the money you put in or some extra!

This really is a win-win situation. That is unless you don't meet goal.

I struggle with motivation. I really do. I know I should work out cause it's good for you blah blah blah.

But it's just so hard to get motivated. As I get older it's only going to get worse. So I need to get on this.

The game I joined is 99 Problems But Weight Ain't 1 hence the blog post title.

It's $30 and weigh in starts in a couple days. 

I'm going to do this. I don't want to just give someone $30 because they could do what I was to lazy to do.

I'm going to make this happen!

Wish me luck! If you want to join click here.

The more players the bigger the pot. The better chance you have of making some money!

Hello? Is it me you're looking for?

I finally got my laptop up and running! 

Yay! It's like 6 going on 7 years old and frustrates the heck out of me.

The boyfriend offered to buy us a new iMac... and I asked the question 

any only child would ask the week of their birthday.

This doesn't count as my birthday present, right?

I know! I'm a tad spoiled at times. 

Being an only child not to mention an only grandchild for 16 years will do that to you.

Moving on!

This weekend was a fun one. One of my oldest and greatest friends got married!

Yes I need a tan...but I'm deathly afraid of getting skin cancer.

It runs in my family and I've finally come to my senses about the risk.

Her new husband is British so she wanted to incorporate that.

I helped her out with some Union Jack garters.

Horrible cell phone pic.

Her moving to a different continent has made me realize how you can take your friends for granted.

When someone's been in your life so long you just expect that they will always be there. 

Even though we don't talk very often when we get together it's like nothings really changed.

Friends like that really don't come along that often and I'm lucky she's one of mine!

Are you there blog?

It's me Jessica!

It's been so long since I posted. A lot longer than usual. Has anyone missed me? Probably not. But I've missed you.

STUFF has been happening. Life if you will. 

Finished up my other job started the big girl one. Haven't had the ummm "free time" during the day to stay updated on this thing. Or even my Etsy shop. Good thing the orders have not been rolling in because I do not have a computer right now. Writing this from my iPad. It probably looks funny and you wish there were pictures. But that is just too complicated from the Blogger app. 

Moving on!

I had a week vacation before my last week (really 3 days at my previous job) then I dove right into my new job. 

If I could insert some cute GIF of someone dancing ridiculously or screaming and running around I would.

I LOVE my new job. (This could possibly be embarrassing as my bosses have looked at my blog) 

But I do. I LOVE it and I'm not even fully into it yet. I love that I get to be really passionate about what I actually went to school for. It's awesome. I highly recommend it. I have an office and my brain hurts from trying to think what to put in it. I finally decided that I want cupcake art. I don't know why that was so hard. 

I really have nothing else to say right now. Blogging from the blogger app is limiting my creativity.

I have a recipe to post but like I said pictures are not my friend in this app.

I can't even insert my cute cupcake signature... dammit. 

High Five for Friday!

So exciting things have been happening this week.

So remember here when I talked about waiting for the job to be excited about?

I finally got one!

Not going into any specifics because we all know I like to be vague.

It's in my degree field and I'm super stoked.

Do people still say stoked? Well I just did. 

Something similar to this might have happened when I got the offer.

Possible Sun Poisoning...

So the boyfriend and I are doing a huge overhaul of the backyard.

Two years ago we paid a great landscaping guy to come do the backyard...

We had beautiful grass and plants and it was awesome.

Until weeds took over everything because of some seed they laid down.

Then they came back and redid the grass. 

That's when they laid grass on top of our surrounding wood chips.

Not a great idea.

Grass started growing everywhere and wouldn't you know it the weeds came back.

Fast forward a year.

We decided to be kind generous people and save a dog from the rescue.

A dog who is pretty much Satan herself. 

Who had been neglected her whole life and freaks out if you even leave the room.

Well even putting her outside caused her to panic. 

Fast forward to last week. 

Two of our cypresses were destroyed by spider mites. 

About 5 plants were eaten by the aforementioned Satan dog.

The drip system became a tug of war toy.

The grass was killed on purpose by the boyfriend because "it was the only way to kill the weeds."

So today was spent getting rid of the surrounding woods chips because

1. They were grass ridden

2. They're birch and Ripley is HIGHLY ALLERGIC

3. They absorb everything and I mean everything 

It already looks so much better just without the wood chips. 

We then fixed the drip system so we can finally water our remaining plants.

This weekend will be spent taking the wood chips to the dump. 

They are piled on one side of our yard right now.

Laying down new felt. Possibly getting some rock. Possibly planting replacements.

I'm already super sunburned and was quite convinced after hour 6 that I was going to die. 

We'll see how it goes this weekend. 

Eight Goals for This Month

We all know how I feel about goals?

Setting myself up for disaster! 

If I plan it out it's almost a guarantee it's not going to happen. 

But here are some things I would like to accomplish this month.

1. Put some miles on my new bike

Woo I'm at like 2 miles! lol

2. Plan a vacation for next summer

I'm thinking Myrtle Beach...

or maybe California...

3. Be more positive...
I have a problem with is and I definitely need to work on it.

4. Blog more

I don't feel the same pressure I used too... 

I feel like I'm leaning towards lifestyle blogging rather than crafty blogging.

I've also noticed I enjoy reading more lifestyle blogs than crafty blogs lately...

5. Enjoy my time off

I have a week off at the end of the month and I plan to be super lazy...

While catching up on everything I need to do around the house. 

6. Take my vitamins...

I've gotten really bad.

 I have a Vitamin D deficiency that causes swelling in my knees so I really need to get on this..

7. Fix Roxy's Harness

She ate pieces of it... that makes 3 collars/harness she's eaten.

8. Get on a workout schedule

Guess this goes with putting some more miles on my bike!

Struggling...

I feel like I'm constantly being the debbie downer.

I really try to stay positive but sometimes it is just so hard.

I'm definitely not where I thought I would be right now.

I'm having one of those days where I just feel like it's hopeless. 

That I'm going to be stuck in this same rut forever. 

I'm struggling waiting for a job that I can be somewhat excited about.

Sometimes I just feel trapped underneath what feels like a mountain of student loan debt. 

Student loan debt that I have nothing to show for but a piece of paper.

Trying to be positive.

Positive positive positive.

Thoroughly Exhausted Thursday....

I'm literally so tired I can barely keep my eyes open.

It's one of those weeks where I have definitely not gotten enough sleep and
am just ready for the weekend so I can sleep for 12 hours. 

Working at a university during the summer is torture. 

I mean yes I have a lot of stuff I could be doing/catching up on.

But that requires motivation. 

Motivation that 4 hours of sleep does not provide. 

I'm making the wedding cake for my brother-in-law's wedding so sleep will not be had tonight.

Wedding's tomorrow at 10am. 

Which means I'll be up at like 7:00 am otherwise known as way to early on a day off.

Tuesday Topics: 10 things that make you happy

A new round of Tuesday Topics!

These are great because they keep me a somewhat consistent blogger.

I've been busy playing around on my brand new iMac at work.

I've also been glued to the Jodi Arias trial. I can't help it. I really just want it over already. 

So some peace for the families can be had.

But today's topic are 10 things that make me happy.

I'm gonna try and keep it light.

1. The boyfriend

He drives me crazy most of the time but I'm happiest with him.

2. My puppies

Especially today I went home and Roxy is always just so excited to welcome me home. 

3. Rain!

I really want to wear my new wellies and need some rain so I don't look crazy.

4. Good News

Huffington Post has an entire section that is just good news. 

I love reading it when I'm feeling disappointed in humanity.

5. Family

Especially my niece and nephew. I always love to see them.

6. Ladybugs

Or ladybug things to stash around my desk and house.

7. My new bike helmet.

Yes I'm aware I'm ridiculous

8. Online Shopping

I'm definitely not an instant gratification kind of girl. 

I'd rather scope out the best deal from the comfort of my couch.

9. Trenta Green Teas from Starbucks

Never ordered trenta before. It was a must today.

10. My Flowers

These babies have survived my black thumb. Apparently the boyfriend has been keeping them watered.

I just thought they were miracles. Even though it's weird none of the purple ones are blooming.

Mother's Day Gift...

So I'm kind of lame and still make my mom something for Mother's Day.

My mom is seriously so hard to shop for and 

she always says she appreciates something that takes some thought.

My mom also loves her Chihuahuas. 

I know most people hate them but for some reason my mom loves them.

So last year I made her a desk calendar with pictures of her dogs.

This year I decided to try out my embroidery skills and I made this:

via: Sublime Stitching Chi Chi Fever Pattern

She really liked it...or at least she said she did.

I really loved the sublime stitching pattern it was super easy to transfer and came with a color guide.

Best of all it was cheap and it comes with a bunch of images so you can design your own arrangement.

If you're wanting to get into embroidery and need fun unique patterns I would definitely recommend them.

p.s. Sublime Stitching has no idea who I am. 

I've just been really enjoying doing some embroidery. I need to learn more stitches!

Tuesday Topics

Today's Tuesday Topic is One Reason You Started Blogging...

For the fame?

Maybe the money?

I kid I kid. 

I started blogging as a way to join in on something I sat and observed for so long.

I have been an avid reader of blogs for about 4 years. 

I loved all of these creative people who share not just their projects but their lives with complete strangers.

What have I learned since I started blogging?

It's a lot harder than it looks.

This is how I feel most days...

This Week...

So this week I decided to try doing a juice fast.

I know I know...why the heck would I want to do that?

Put simply...I feel like crap alot.

I'm always tired and have zero energy. 

My eczema is getting kind of ridiculous.

I have joint pain pretty often that is so painful I can't straighten one of my legs.

I need to start eating better and taking care of myself. 

So I decided to try a juice fast to kind of reboot my system. 

I honestly don't know how long I'll last.

These things are EXPENSIVE too. 

My breakfast this morning has a cucumber, three very large handfuls of spinach, 

two green apples, and a couple carrots...

Wish me luck!

Four Sites

I'm kind of an internet junkie... 

Four sites that I visit daily are:

Pinterest!

I have about 1,700 pins right now and I've slowed down alot... 

Bloglovin'

I've actually gotten used to it and kind of like it better than google reader. 

I get to actually see everyone's blog designs! Follow me here!

The Weather Channel

I usually check this out while I'm laying in bed so I can plan what I'm wearing. 

All my trashy tabloids

USMagazine, Eonline, TMZ, People... 

It's a guilty pleasure what can I say?!

I also catch up on the news. Since we don't have cable the internet is my only resource. 

I mean minus going to the store to actually buy a newspaper. But who does that?
Just kidding! I do sometimes.

Today is...

Good because it's almost Friday!

I have a lot on my to do list...starting with getting my house in order. 

But that's not fun! What is fun are Hunters! 

I think I'm ready to bite the bullet and just buy some. But I can't decide which color?

It really is a tough life. What'll be even tougher is if we don't get any rain this monsoon season!

My latest obsession?

I hate yogurt but Coconut yogurt is AMAZING. 

Seriously I eat these every single day and don't think I'll ever get tired of them.

I really need help deciding which color Hunters before I lose my nerve!

Tuesday Topics...

So in the spirit of being a better blogger. 

I need to get back on the Tuesday Topic Train... too many T's?

 What can I say I love alliteration. 

This week it is:

Six Favorite Things in Your House

Do my dogs count? I declare that they do!

Yes my 85lb baby is sitting on my lap. 

Spring 2009...

I know it's not six but...

Happy Tuesday!

Baby Shower for Baby Austin

So excited to be participating in Tiffany's virtual baby shower to welcome her little man Elliott!

So many great things were made I wish we could've done this in real life so I could try them myself! 

My contribution is Little Man Iced Tea otherwise known as Blueberry Iced Tea.

It was super simple to make all you need is fresh blueberries, water, sugar, and tea bags.

This iced tea uses a simple syrup which is easily made. Seriously super easy.

Take about 3/4 of the package of blueberries, a cup of sugar, and a cup of water and bring it to a boil in a small pot. Once the sugar is dissolved and the blueberries are pretty cooked use whatever means necessary to smash the blueberries. I used a mashed potato thing...that's a technical term you know.

While your blueberry syrup was cooking you should've been brewing some tea. I like to use cold brew tea bags just because it's faster. I did about two quarts of water with 4 tea bags. 

After your tea is brewed and your blueberries are sufficiently mashed simply mix the two together. If you don't like pulp you can use a strainer to separate the liquid from the pulp.

Add some ice and some whole blueberries for garnish and you've got a great party drink that's pretty too.

Take a look at the other items that were made to celebrate Elliott and Tiffany!