Just a "I can't sleep" Ramble

To blog or not to blog...that was the burning question in my mind as I lay awake...while my two year old son and husband snooze away *sigh. So I decided to give in to my wondering mind (my body will hate me in 5 hours) and write. Write what...I dunno but will find out as I go along.

 

It has been quite some time since I have dedicated time to this blog...I miss it. It's my out...my getaway...and my release but like so many others have little time to devote to the screen full of letters (or blank page depending on the severity of my writers block).

 

30 minutes later....why is it that I type writers block that suddenly the mental brick wall appears? Kind of like when someone mentions the word "yawn" or actually does the unthinkable...yyaawwnn (see!!!) in front of you (sorry in advance).

So this weekend my boys and I went camping...the last outdoor hoorah of the season and I must say, it was nice. I know...I know "Me? Camping?" To be fair there was an RV involved. This is a recent interest of ours and I am glad we acted upon it as these are memories I want my boys to cherish...I know I will. Unfortunately there is not much you can do remain a fashionable look while surrounded by trees that do not accompany a make-up artist, hairdresser, and photo-shoot but I; somehow, survived ( and promptly reunited with my hairdryer following our return).

 

The logical part of my brain is telling me to go to bed...at for once, I think I will listen. Stay tuned to my FB page as camping pictures will follow...along with another of my fun (and savvy) outfits!

 

Thank you all for you love, support, and continued dedication!

 

Have a fashionably beautiful day!
xoxo~LoriJewel



The Fashionably Beautiful Enabler

Necklace: Local jewelry vendor from art/craft event
Shirt: Runway Fashion Exchange
Headband: Walgreens

So obviously I love all things fashion and beauty and will usually try-total emphasis on the word try- something once (unless it's food; however, that is a whole other story).

I get so tired of the same hairstyle...same jeans and t-shirt...same shoes. As for shoes all through high school, up until about 2 years ago I wore flip flops (or thongs and I do not like to refer them as) religiously. Now, I know it doesn't get to cold in Arizona during the winter; however, bare toes can borderline frostbite at time-especially in the early morning hours. However, even then I wore them. I owned a pair in every color to match every outfit. Thank goodness I have graduated to actual shoes and sandals (which then I though they were sandals)


. 

Whoa...bit off topic there (excuse me, where does fashion anonymous meet again?) ...

Great time to introduce my FAV shoes! These are SO comfortable and go with everything!
Candies: Kohls (on sale...thank you very much)
Ring: Michael's Craft Store (Shocker...I know!)

Well, along came Pinterest and I no longer have to wear my hair the same way. No longer do I have to calculate my wardrobe with the same results. Let us not forget the beauty and accessorizing tips as well! I am one of those people who will coordinate my outfits the night before...all things included. I love to try new facial masks often. Playing with different hairstyles may now be a part of my resume. Yes, it is safe to say I am a beauty and fashion addict and I am blaming Pinterest (once more) for being my enabler. 

Recently I invited (ok...begged) my mother-in-law (God love her) to take part in my beauty journalism. Through many blurry pictures due to laughter we were able to salvage a few. 

 I feel so odd when taking self-portraits as I as there are to many options: open smile or closed,  should I sit or stand, this side or that...you get the idea (again...my poor mother-in-law who is by now claiming I am killing her). Feel special cause normally I would never post a few of these pictures for the public eye but wanted to share a few of my Pinterest favs.


What to get and how to do it...

I am sure you've seen these on Pinterest but I will post the ingredients/directions here. Hey, if anything you guys know it works! :)...

Pore Tightening Baking Soda Mask

To reduce the appearance of pores and to tighten skin (this-for me at least- tends to dry my skin a bit; however, the oatmeal mask will clear that right up!)

Pretty...huh?

* 1/2 cup of Baking Soda

*Enough water to make a paste

Put the baking soda in a bowl and add the water. When it becomes a paste scrub (LIGHTLY) on face and neck. Leave on till dry. When dry add another layer (do this over the sink...otherwise it will look like it was snowing in your bathroom). Wait till dry, rinse, and viola! Super easy and SUPER effective! 

Moisturizing Oatmeal Mask

* 1 cup of oatmeal (non-instant)

*1 Cup sour cream

* 1 tbsp of honey

Do you see the oatmal about to attack my eye?!

Mix it all together and wait about ten minutes for the oatmeal to absorb the wet ingredients. Spread on face gently and let sit till dry. No repeat necessary. Rinse and...you guessed...viola!

Apple Cider Toner

*1/2 oz Organic Apple Cider

* 3 Oz mineral water ( I used Pellegrino...so I could drink the rest, yum!)

*5 Plain un-coated aspirin tablets (love that these are super cheap!) 

Mix! Mix! Mix! Once you have mixed well (note that aspirin will take a while to dissolve...me and my lack of patience did not wait till all dissolved). Once you have mixed store it in the fridge( It will keep for about a month) till ready to use that way it will stay fresh and the cooling effect is nice. I poured mine into a cheap Olive Oil dispenser you can find at Walmart or Target. I have found it to be very effective. 

Add caption

LOVED this hairstyle!

Put hair in side ponytail. Twist lightly then pin as your wrap around ponytail holder. Do this loosely to get the voluminousness effect.

You can make it more sleek but I liked it messy.

 

 

 

 

 

There you have it...a few of my favourite "Pinterest" things! Hope you enjoyed and give a few a try. If you do PLEASE share! :)

 



Have a fashionably beautiful day!

xoxo ~ LoriJewel

Being Remembered of the Blessings

You know those little reminders in life?

The small ones like:

"Ha, that's why I don't leave the milk out and no it does not become cottage cheese..."

Oh yea, that is why I put the RedBox movie in my purse...to RETURN it. Or not...because more than likely it will become mine $25.00 later."

The big ones like:

"Who the heck was I kidding trying to handle it all on my own? Let alone thinking I was alone in it all."

My family is there through thick and thin. I can call my mom at any time of day or night (although for a few moments at midnight I am a strange woman calling her mom) and she will be there-or here if I need her to be-in moments. I take for granted so often those in my life that I can trust and count on when in need both physical and spiritual. My mom is currently out-of-state and although I love that she is able to visit her parents (and I am sure these times with her mom and dad remind her of the same blessing I have) I will hate that she is so far...but yet, she isn't. Just a phone call...no, not the same as a hug or seeing her face but her voice alone can calm me from any state or lift me from any low. God blessed me with an amazing mother and I am forever grateful. People tell me I don't know how lucky I am...trust me, I do.

My mom is one of my greatest supporters but I've also been reminded of how incredibly my husband is. We may have our moments (and they are rare at that) but when I need him (or anyone for that matter) he is there in a heartbeat. He really is my rock...and I do not give him or our marriage enough credit.

Another source of strength which I can rely on at any time of day or not (and if I do so at midnight will not be accused of being a strange lady) is God. I am not the outspoken and certainly not the ideal person of faith but yes, it is there. I pray often even just for a few moments and I am immediately calm, if not, than I am not listening to His comfort just of my own fears. People say they fear God...it's not a negative fear per se...but the His abilities can be fearful. Went down the wrong path at that fork in the road (why the heck (excuse my ditzyness it is 5:00 am) do they call it a fork in the road...I have never eaten from a two prong fork)? Yep, the way back may not be so awesome. Made the wrong choice? Righting that isn't gonna be an easy task. However, what I do know down that wrong fork prong making the wrong choice that when I turn around 

He is there to guide me.

He brought you to it...he will bring you through it

Cast your fears upon Jesus

He will give you nothing you cannot handle.

Pray

Those who know me know that this is not my typical mantra; however, today brought a lot of things forward that I have not thought of or things that I did not want to admit.

Here is to a better tomorrow...to a brighter future...and.just.to...

xoxo

LoriJewel

Celebrating with the Top Chef

The Next Top Chef

Leland absolutely loves to cook and bake and well anything else kitchen related…except the dishes, he’s not too fond of those for some reason. So it seemed fitting to focus his 7^th birthday around that theme, I give you Leland…’The Next Top Chef’!

Welcome/party favor table

I had the sign made at Walgreens

I was determined to put many of my beloved Pinterest finds to use for his party and I’m proud to announce my success! There were five stations each with its own purpose: Welcome/party favors, Pizza! Pizza, Cupcake Creations, Let’s get poppin’, and Lemonade stand.

Pizza! Pizza!

Cupcake Creations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The decorations were fairly easy to make and cost a lot less than they would have if I had purchased them made.  Although I could not have done it alone so huge thanks to my mom, mother-in-law, and hubby for helping with food a preparations <3.

 

 

The popcorn staion

Have some lemonade!



 

The final product...looks good is I say so myself!

 

 

Speaking of food…I usually have food for both adults and children; however, this time the kids made their own mini pizza and for the adults we provided appetizers. I love the idea of several appetizers instead of one main dish, especially since the party time was between lunch and dinner.  There was toasted ravioli (yum), mini tacos, macaroni and cheese mini cups, and pizza bites.  All of the food was a hit!

You cannot have a birthday party without some games…right?! So, we had to add in a few cooking theme games, which let me tell you took a bit of research. First game of the day…”Can you find the tomatoes in the spaghetti?” The catch? Blindfolded and barefoot!! Must have been hard because none of the kids were successful! Later we gave it a similar try with “Can you find the gummy worms in the Jello?” The kids were pretty good at that one; however, since they were blindfolded they had no clue it was Jello and were disgusted when they found out! It was pretty darn funny to see and hear their reactions…I think they had fun. 

The rest of the party was devoted to spending time with family. We also did some snacking on our popcorn and cupcakes which were a huge success. I must say the popcorn machine is one of my favorite kitchen gadgets!

Leland got some great art supplies, a slushy shaker (which was to be a Christmas present but Ryan and I forgot about it…lol), his very one cutting board, and of course money. Although Leland is not a money kid…he gets excited when he receives money but tend to forget all about it in 5 minutes; however, I am sure that will change soon. 



My lipstick note...Leland blushed

His actually birthday is today and I woke him with a lipstick message on the mirror (they love that) and a candle loaded donut (sorry Mrs. Hinkle).  Tonight’s menu is spaghetti and meatballs which is his favorite meal of all time.

I love celebrating my boy’s birthday, they are bittersweet moments.  I am excited to see them grow and develop but heartbroken to realize how much time as passed and how fast it is passing.  These moments remind me that every day is a gift. It’s an opportunity to say “I love you”, to give another hug, share another kiss, and make another memory.

It is a good thing I love to plan birthday parties…It is now time to plan Bentley’s second (ugh, where does time go) in just a few weeks. His theme…nautical…LOVE IT!

 

xoxo

Lori Jewel

Bring it on 2013!

You’d think that now the Holiday season is over that time would slow and everyday tasks would not be so chaotic…nope, not in my case. I actually think they are more hectic and crammed with “to-dos;” however, I am proud to say that I have gotten my Christmas decorations down and put away. Actually put away this year even (last year they spent 365 days in our playroom in boxes).  My husband is so proud of me…

One of the pet peeves hate post-Christmas is the numerous advertisements from companies declaring that “Santa” surely did not bring all the things you wanted and now there is a sale for that. Before Christmas these companies practically write your wish lists for you and afterwards they attempt to convince you that your Christmas was not all you expected.  What happen to the meaning of Christmas? Don’t get me wrong I love receiving gifts just as much as the next person and I find great joy in giving but being with family and taking time to savor the memories last a lot longer than any perfume, toy,watch, etc. Well…that was my two scents (more like .50).

What can I say...I love wrap?!

Christmas gift from my mom...love! I am wearing them below!

Our Christmas was wonderful and followed by an exciting New Year’s Eve complete with a light show.  Christmas morning we did our tradition of opening a few presents (we only open “Santa’s” and the ones from us or Ryan’s family since they are not here) followed by a breakfast specially made by my super talented husband. My family comes over later in the day for Christmas dinner; we cook the bird and my mom usually brings the rest.  She can make a mean seven-layer salad (no holiday is complete without), cheese ball, and sweet potatoes. It is nice gathering around the table and just sharing stories and laughing. Then it is of course followed by more gifts.  A few years back the adults in my  family decided to begin Secret Santa (well…it is never really a secret because someone …ahem…mom always figures is out) because of how costly it was becoming. It has turned out to be a pretty fun tradition…until I am asked to list my gift list and I go blank. This year it was a caboodle and my sister about died laughing. I remember when they were super popular but so cheap, bright and plastic…needless to say I never owned one then. They sure have improved…both in style and quality, I am proud to say I am a happy owner of caboodle (thanks mom  a.k.a Santa…shh).

I was also very spoiled by my boys and hubby…he hit it right on the money this year (although I was not shy with the hints). My hubby spoils me all year long so Christmas is just an added bonus and this one did not disappoint. The only things that could have made it better was having ALL our families here and LOTS of snow!!

New Year’s Eve included lot of fireworks courtesy of Ryan and my brother Daniel.  We lit off countless light shows all nightlong ending in a 3 minute long spectacular by Daniel and a little champagne splash from Ryan. We bought the bottle last year; therefore, it took him about 5minutes to open the darn thing…I almost grabbed him a knife. (lol). Bentley loved the light show and the kids enjoyed the sparklers.

 My favorite part was releasing the Chinese lanterns attached with our wishes. I am one blessed lady so there is not much to wish for but again…I am a woman so I thought of at least one ;).

So far the year has been good to us…busy …but good.  Bennie Bear is having trouble staying in his bed at night and so it has been taking us about two hours every night to get him asleep. Oddly though it is usually only on the nights when Ryan is home. I think it is because he misses him and wants to spend that time with him…he is 100% daddy’s boy.
  

After a few weeks of slacking the coupon-ing (and blogging…sheesh…I am surprised I remember how to type…are you all out there or have to deemed me a lost cause?) and slowly but surely getting back in the game. Hopefully I will be able to share my coupon-ing finds at some point. You think one measly coupon will do no good? After spending 5.85 on an $82.10 bill…you will think again!

Poll: Would you like to see my listed savings? If so, what type of information would you like included?

I didn’t make any NewYear’s resolutions this year…I have goals, yes, as I think everyone should.However, I am starting to live each day as it comes. Focusing on the small goals and celebrating the ones accomplished. We thrive on achievements and being able to visually see those goals we reach only motivates us to keep going. I am happy with where I am. I am blessed to be a stay-at-home mother, I have 3 beautiful boys, and wonderful (and handsome husband) and a family God knew I needed. This year I hope for health, wealth, and happiness not just for me but for my loved ones as well. I guess if I did have one resolution…it would be to have more confidence in myself. Believe in myself as much as my loved one’s do.

Whatever your resolution or goal I wish nothing but success and don’t criticize yourself for set backs…if they did not exist we would not know they true joy in overcoming challenges.

Here’s to a great(and hopefully successful) New Year… Happy 2013 everyone!

 Necklace: Goodwill

Earrings: Christmas gift (thanks mom!)

Watch: Michael Kors (Nordstroms)

Bracelet: Christmas gift (thanks again  Mom!)

Black tank: Target

Sweater :  Goodwill (Target Brand)

XOXO

Lori Jewel

I couldn't continue without this....

Blogging has been something I have enjoyed doing.Sharing information, styles, products and other things that would hopefully inspire another. This past week as I sit down to write for my blog my thoughts become lost. I kept telling myself to write about this or that knowing that as a new blogger with hopes of success I knew consistency was key but my heart just wouldn't move past the tragedy in Connecticut. 

My Internet time usually begins with Facebook, twitter, or news. Throughout the day my mind is full of blogging ideas always thinking "Hey, this would be cute!" Then as I turn my computer on ready to share I am reminding of the unthinkable. My inspiration comes to a heart wrenching halt as I learn more and more about each victim and their personal stories. I wanted to write about the event but then again thought "No, I will share something that may help others to escape reality...even for a moment." I couldn't do that, no matter how hard I tried. The victims and their families have been heavy on my heart and constantly in my prayers...still bringing tears to my eyes. I had to share my thoughts...even if it is just for myself. I wish I could tell each person how sorry I was; although, I know it wouldn't make the hurt go away. I, along with so many others, wish we could help....even just a little.

Just as I sit here to write I continuously come to a blank...a loss for words. It is impossible to share verbally how I feel as I am sure many others are.  Friday was a tragic reminder that I take many things for granted: each kiss, hug, "I love you" and little drawing.  

I am thankful for my family and blessed to have 3 amazing boys.

They say time heals and will take a great deal of time for these families to find some sort of peace but I hope they know that there is a nation behind them. Although they cannot see us we are hugging them and although they cannot hear us we are praying for them. 

Although it is true that we don't know what future holds, I'm not going to live in fear that "tomorrow may never come," I am going to live in the blessing of being given today and allowed to enjoy and cherish each little moment.

XoXo

Lori Jewel  

Crafting the Day Away

 


Scarf: Target
Shirt: Target
Blazer: JcPennys
Pants: Walmart
Shoes: Kohls
Necklace: Forever 21

My Tuesday was a busy busy day but filled with fun activities (and not so fun surprises). As I was getting ready this morning Bentley decided to dump his cereal on the floor instead of his tummy. After that was cleaned up he then decided that his diaper looked much better on the floor than on his booty...along with the poo in it. Yep...who needs coffee when you have a toddler?! After accomplishing the feat of getting myself and Bentley dressed (seriously...I deserve an award of some sort) it was off to my mom's house. 

 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
We had planned to do some Christmas gift crafting for my grandparents and Leland and I am proud to say we were able to accomplish most of it...which is rare for us as we are easily distracted. 
 
 




Super cute with recipes for all ages

Leland has had a passion for cooking and baking so this year I decided to center his gifts around this.  I was able to find a neat kid-centered cookbook by Rachel Ray at a local used bookstore and after an unsuccessful search for youth culinary classes I decided to make my own "Cooking with Mom" certificates, making it even more special.

Faking my way through

Of course Leland will be cooking in style as well. I found this apron at Joann's fabric and added some touches to make it more personal.





Now these touches are iron-on and the word "iron" is not something I am familiar with (that's what happens when your husband is a mechanic...not to many dress shirts to tend to). I am amazed I even knew where my iron was...which happened to be under a few inches of dust...like I said, not something I do often.


Love it


I managed to make it through (with some help from my mom of course) and surprised no one got hurt. I think it turned out great and can't wait him wearing it in action.

 



I think it will look better on Leland



 
 
My mom wanted to make something for my grandparents and loved her idea which is a crossword puzzle of all the grand kids.  It took a bit to get the puzzle figured out but once we did there was nothing to it.  A few materials and a little time is all we needed. Unfortunately we bought a canvas to large so we were unable to finish it...darn, I guess another crafting day is in our future.

 

Coming along well...now to put them on a canvas

Tiles for the crossword puzzle


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
It's good to know that another thing is off my gift list...and got to spend some quality time with my mom in the meantime.

 

XoXo

   Lo