Pretty Perfect Nails....Maybe

I really wouldn't call myself obsessed about one particular thing. Can I think about something frequently? Sure. But who doesn't do that. Do I change my mind a lot of the time? Yes. But that's a women's prerogative anyway right? LOL

Lately I have been obsessing over my nails though. Why? I have no idea. I have never really been the type to spend much time thinking about my nails. That is one area that I find to be incredibly simple. Just file and go. (Sometimes I will even put a few coats of polish on if I am feeling special or have someplace to go...but NOT often!!!) I just find the natural look is better for me and my line of work. You know, the mommy job!!!
Yes ladies...If you were anything like me when you got pregnant with your little ones, you probably decided to stop doing quite a few things as we were all afraid of the effect it would have on the baby right? Well one of the things I gave up was my fake nails.

Yes, I had fake acrylic nails once upon a time. Not anything fancy or long, just simple and usually a french manicure or neutral color....none of those fancy blues, reds, or corals for me!!! (And never any stencils or airbrushing!!! Yikes.)

If you have ever tried acrylic nails you know how amazing it is to have perfect polish on your nails for weeks at a time. I used to love not having to worry about a chip here or a break there, and putting on my own polish...well, that was a problem for me from the beginning. I mean who wants to take the time to polish your nails only to have em chipped by the morning!!! (And who has the time to wait all night for em to dry anyway right?)
So obviously I used to be a fan of acrylics. But now my nails have paid the price. I'm not really sure what has happened but mine seem to be doing a curling thing if they get too long...it's really crazy! And in the last week or so I have been wondering how I was going to fix the nail problems.
That leads me to the fact that I cannot believe this has become an issue for me. I have so many more important things to concentrate on; the house, my son, the meals, the cleaning, projects, finding a job....my issues are endless. (But I choose to focus on the nails...jeez! LOL)
Well....Today I finally gave in and gave myself a manicure when my son was at camp. I figured I would have enough time to really make em look nice. I do have to say that I am happy with the end result too. They look natural, clean, and very neat! Do they remind me of my beautiful acrylics...well, no. But hey, We don't always get what we want and sometimes what we do get isn't what we should have anyway!!!

Now that the nail problem is fixed I can relax. (Wait...what about my toe nails? They need a little TLC too! LOL)




And as always....Thanks for visiting!!!
Danielle

Buttons and Beads

I don't know about all of you, but I have always been crazy about hair products and accessories. Ever since I was a young girl I loved barrettes, ribbons, bows, clips, and headbands. The cuter the better for me. But as time went on and I became a mommy, my hair has become less complicated and a bit shorter! (I still love all the accessories, but I just do not have time to use em all!)

So, on the subject of hair and accessories...How many of us have needed a bobby pin here or there and do not want to use the plain old ordinary ones we see in stores? (I mean those are really boring!)
I came across the CUTEST bobby pins I have ever seen the other day while surfing etsy stores. Of course I just HAD to find out about em so Julie from DawnWillBreak sent me a sample and WOW, they are adorable!
Check these out....

She uses all kinds of buttons on her bobby pins to make them so colorful and bright...I can really see young girls loving these as well! (Wearing 3 or 4 of em in a row would be so cute!)
Not only that but she also does beaded bobby pins too...

How easy would it be to slip one of these babies in if you need a quick fix or just a simple decoration? And if you have children that dance, you know bobby pins are going to be your best friend...So, why not put a few of these in to jazz up the look?
Besides the cutest bobby pins ever, Julie @ DawnWillBreak has several other items she sells as well. Two of my FAVS are her earrings and bracelets.


The great thing about buying her adorable products is that NO ONE else will have the same item that you do. (She will make you an original item based on your request! How cool is that?)
The last product that is just one of the cutest ideas ever is a "button ring".
I think just about anyone would love a ring like this and the prices are fantastic!!!
Please go and check out ALL of her products at her site above and her blog Here. You will be so glad you did!

AND.....
Julie was nice enough to give one reader a set of her adorable bobby button pins. Just leave me some comment love and on July 1st I'll let the generator pick a winner! It's as easy as that....Yay!



And as always...Thanks for visiting,
Danielle

That's All Folks!

I would just like to say how deeply saddened I am to hear about John and Kate Gosselin and the decision to end their 10 year marriage. (I know, I know...it's a touchy subject!)

As I watched the show tonight, I couldn't help but see and feel the tension between them as they tried so hard to ignore each other while playing with the kids.

Here they are looking happy, but now..who really knows what they were feeling.

Was it the TV show that started them on the path to divorce? I don't know. All I can say is that no one wants to see a family separate. I sure don't.
And it's these little innocent faces that are going to suffer the most....
These kids never asked for any of this trouble. How sad is it that someday, when they are older, they are going to find out the truth of this whole ridiculous situation?
I just hope we can keep these innocent children in our thoughts and prayers and help Kate become a healthy and happy single mom! (That is one tough job!!!)
Care to share your thoughts on the parents? Kids? The whole situation? Please do!

As Always...Thanks for Visiting!!!
Danielle

And The Winner Is.....

Well, We have a winner for the wonderful Apple Blossom Candle from Great Lakes Soybean Candles.....

Congrats to comment #9 from Reeni who said she is also a follower!!! Yay! (See, it pays to be a follower!)

I would just like to thank Cheri of Great Lakes Soybean Candles for the most amazing candles....it was such a joy to work with you!!! :)

Hope everyone had a "Great" Father's Day as well....

6 Candles on the Cake

REMEMBER to enter my giveaway please!!! Just scroll down....It won't take ya long, I promise!!! :)

Now, Onto the Birthday Wishes......


I would like to say "Happy Birthday" to my wonderful and much *ahem* older son Roan.



Here they are celebrating his birthday at school on the playground...he even gets to wear the magic crown, how fun!!!

The day started out with Roan's Favorite breakfast and then off to Jungle Java for some really fun indoor playtime. If you haven't heard of JJ....well, your just plain missing out!!!
Dad and Roan are putting the socks on....
Being cheesy with the cutest cousins!!!
Here's the hubby playing on all the slides...(hey, he's a kid at heart!)
Just "Two Peas in a Pod!"
The funny face picture...doesn't everyone have one of these? LOL


Then it was off to Nina's house for pizza, birthday cake and LOTS of presents!!!
Is this the coolest cake or what? He didn't even want to eat it....he just LOVES his cars!




The day went by WAY too fast!!! I wanted to savor my "baby" becoming a "big" boy....I mean Kindergarten Graduation last week and 6yr old this week! Whew!!! What's next? :)

Tick Tock ... I Can't Stop The Clock!

REMEMBER...If you haven't entered my Great Lakes Soybean Candle Giveaway....ENTER NOW! (It's my very first giveaway! Yay!)

Now, onto what has been on my mind for 3 whole days....

Do you feel old? (I do not mean any disrespect asking this question, really!) But I feel old! I am 37 and have only 1 child, but I STILL feel old! Why is that?

I was thinking about how it feels like just yesterday that I was a young gal of just 20, living in my own apartment, working a full-time job, going to college, had an awesome brand new car, and felt like the world was at my fingertips! (Ahhhh, life was good!)
Oh, don't get me wrong...life is still good! How could it not be with such an amazing little boy at my side? Just looking at his face makes me smile....so life is STILL good, it's just different! (Yeah, I'll go with different.)

I feel like most of you reading this will probably be able to identify with what I am feeling...I mean, I think we all go through times where we lose our own identity or we feel like time is going by twice as fast as we had intended right?



Well....
I went to my son's Kindergarten graduation last Friday and even though I was one of the proudest mommies there, I came home feeling so emotional and crazy....I cried a good part of the day!
I just kept muttering "My baby is in 1st grade" as I walked around the house remembering when he was just born, looking for all the old pictures of him with his binkie, or how cute he looked his 1st Halloween when we dressed him up like a bat! (See what I mean? I'm old! LOL)

I'll be alright! I'm just having a hard time adjusting to the fact that I have a son who is now a 1st grader and on his way to college in the blink of an eye!

Ah, how the years go by so fast....

Ah, The Joy of Candles (Review and Giveaway!)

I have been thinking lately of the simple pleasures in life. Those little things that just make us smile. What is a simple pleasure for you these days? (It could be a bath or a walk....music or lighting a candle!)

Ah ha. Let's think about candles for a minute, shall we?

When I think of candles, I think about a wonderful smell and soothing candle light! And lately I have been indulging myself in candle light while writing on the computer at night....and it really makes a difference in not only how I feel but my house just smells fantastic!!!
I have used many many candles, but just in the last month I think I found one of my favorites. It's Great Lakes Soybean Candles and they are fabulous!!!

I had the pleasure of meeting (through email) Cheri, the owner of Great Lakes Soybean Candles and she is such a wonderful person...so full of information and has such a passion for her candle making business. It's a rarity that you find someone who not only works alone, but also puts everything she has into what she does. Cheri says, "MY GOAL IN 9 YEARS OF CANDLE MAKING HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO PRODUCE A HIGH QUALITY PRODUCT AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE." And she does just that!

Cheri makes ALL of her candles with premium pure kosher soy wax, scent, and cotton wicks. And in this day, it's so refreshing to hear that her products are good for you, your children and your household.
Not only that...but everything she uses to make her candles comes from the USA!! Awesome!

Cheri was nice enough to send me a sample of her products! (And when I say sample, I mean candles, tea lights, burners and soap!)
My absolute favorite item was the 8oz. Jar Candle. I mean, check out the pictures above and below...how cute is this candle? It comes in a mason jar and looks so friendly and comforting. (I have memories of my grandma's peaches and homemade jam in these kinds of jars.)

When you visit Great Lakes Soybean Candles, you will see that Cheri has almost 150 different scents to choose from. (Yes, you heard me right....almost 150! WOW!)
Some of my favorites are Banana Nut, Blackberry Sage, Champagne, Green Tea, and the one I'm sampling now... Lavender and Eucalyptus! (Lucky Me!) This one has burned for hours and hours and is still full. And the scent...well, let's just say that when I opened the box to take the products out, it was pure heaven!
Cheri sells her candles through her store, direct phone orders for fund raisers, (yes, she is nice enough to work with schools, colleges, daycare centers and churches so that they can make a profit from her candles as well!) but mainly on her etsy page. Click HERE to check out her amazing products.

************************************************************************************
Now on to the goodies my dear friends. Cheri and Great Lakes Soybean Candles was nice enough to offer one of my readers an 8 oz. Apple Blossom Jar Candle. Yay! How nice is that?

(So, What are the rules you say?)

Well, to enter this wonderful giveaway you first have to visit Great Lakes Soybean Candles and tell me which product and scent is your favorite. Voila, how easy right?

Now for additional entries....(Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

*You can follow me. (And current followers count as well!)
*You can subscribe to this blog.
*You can follow me on Twitter, BrnEyedGal... and Tweet this giveaway. (Please include your Twitter ID and URL of your post too!)
*Post about this giveaway for two additional entries. (Please leave two comments that you did this as well as the URL of your post! Thanks.)

Leave me an email address so I can contact you if you are the winner. US entries only. This contest will run until June 21, 2009 and picked with random generator. I will notify the winner the next day.... GOOD LUCK!

Till Next Time,
Danielle

Wordful/Wordless Wednesday...Yup, He's an Artist!

Oh, How I love to get these adorable pictures from my son. He did this one at school with paints in his classroom.
I think we have an artist on our hands ladies!!! What do you think?
(Oh, And I'm not just saying that because he is my child, LOL)



I just want to add that I got this lovely award from Carma @ Carma Sez. She is just awesome, so so funny, and her blog is one I visit on a daily basis! I can't help it, I'm hooked! Thank you Carma! :)

(Hey...Please scroll down to check out the other posts I wrote as well. I've been really busy!)

Hometown SWAP

I participated in a great blog SWAP organized by Shannon @ Welcome to The Nuthouse. We were supposed to send our SWAP buddy goodies from our home state...boy, this was just so much fun.
I was so excited to get my package from McBee @ McBee's World. She is from New Mexico and I have ALWAYS wanted to go visit.

I got a really great postcard, Red Chili Powder, 2 Jars of Salsa from Albuquerque, 2 Cucharas Candy Spoons, and the prettiest Virgin Mary Bracelet.
Here are closer pics of the bracelet and the candy spoons....both so cool!


She also sent me the nicest note telling me all about the "goodies" from New Mexico....so sweet!

Thanks again McBee! (BTW...the candy spoons are already gone, my son and husband are candy bandits, LOL)

Awards, Awards, and Wait....More Awards!

I received this absolutely adorable award from The Redhead Riter and also from Dawn at Two Pretty Little Skirts (Isn't that just the cutest name for a blog!!!). I cannot tell you how much I appreciate them thinking of me, it was just so nice! You have to check out their blogs as well...they are creative, fun, and both just a fun place to kick back with a drink and read!
Thanks Ladies!!! ;)

Now for the rules...
1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link to the person who nominated you...
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
6. Post their links.
7. Leave a comment for 7 nominated blogs too.
I'm not sure how interesting it is, but here are my 7 things.....

Hmmmm, lets see now.
1. I am a scrapbooking fanatic...I LOVE all things crafty like; making cards, stickers, ribbons, etc.
2. I have a crazy funny laugh...And If you get me laughing hard enough, I have to set my head down on the table! (Crazy I know.)
3. I LOVE country music. I never used to, but as I age I happen to be drawn to just the fun of it...
4. I am a huge Benecio Del Toro fan. I have seen all of his movies, just find him incredibly sexy, and his Bday happens to be on the same day as mine...how cool is that? LOL
5. I have a really close relationship with my Mother. WE are more like best friends as the years go by...and without her, life would not be as special!!!
6. I suffer from horrible anxiety and panic....
7. I'm an extremely emotional person...and I cry and the drop of a hat!!! (My Mother is the same way, go figure!)


I'm passing this one to....
Bunny @ The Paris House
Deb @ Life with Birk
Carma @ Carma Sez
Tami @ Diary of A Mad Woman
Mimi @ Frump's Findings
Cat @ 4 Nuts in a Nutshell
Daisy @ Daisy Pink Cupcake
(Just as a side note...you do not have to follow the rules for any of my awards...I give them to you because you deserve them and for no other reason!)





If one awesome award wasn't enough...I also got these two from Jenjen @ Gotta Love Mom. She is such a sweet gal; fun, thoughtful, and always uplifting...even though she is going through some hard stuff with family. Thank you Jenjen, you are such a great person and I'm so glad to have you as my blogging buddy!!!
I'd like to pass these on to....
Jennifer @ It's a Beauty Filled Life
Carey @ Life in the Carpool Lane
Kristin and Megan @ BonBon Rose
Momma Snail @ The Snail's Trail
Alicia @ More Than Words
Veronica Lee @ Of MICE and raMEN

Thank you all for inspiring me...You all are a real bunch of great gals and fantastic bloggers!
(You do not have to post about these awards....I give them because you deserve them and for no other reason!)
I'm losing brain power ladies...so if I missed you on this one, I'll get ya the next time!
Till Next Time.....

Change, Inspiration, Simplify

How many of us are in need of a totally new makeover for the home? I mean, how long has it been since we rearranged the furniture, painted a room, or bought a new duvet for our bedroom?


(Pictures courtesy of Pottery Barn)


I think many of us have way too much going on in our lives today. We are wives, moms, friends, cooks, maids, and the list goes on and on and on.

Well, I'm going to be first and stand up to say..."I NEED A CHANGE!"... "YES, I WANT A CHANGE!"
There are several projects that I need to complete, and many projects that have been in the works for two years or more. (OMG...Did I just admit that?)

So here is my plan. I am going to list all of the projects that I want completed throughout the summer months on my blog. Not only as a daily reminder, but also a motivator to actually keep track of what I've done and what is a work in progress.

And that's not even the best part!!! (What is you say?) Well, I am going to do before and after pics of these completed projects in weekly or monthly posts, depending on how big the project or the time involved.

Wow....it has been a long time since I have actually been excited to dig in and get my hands dirty in household projects! But it's time to complete them and simplify my life!!!
(If you feel motivated as well, by all means do the same thing!)

"Out of clutter, find Simplicity.
From discord, find Harmony.
In the middle of difficulty lies Opportunity."
ALBERT EINSTEIN

Friends

"May there always be work for your hands to do, may your purse always hold a coin or two. May the sun always shine on your windowpane, may a rainbow be certain to follow each rain. May the hand of a friend always be near you, may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you."
- Irish Blessing

I think out of any possible gift we can receive in our lives, friends have to be at the top of the list.
Thank God for my blogging buddies! (Whether your old or new, this means you!! LOL)

Free Photos Angels Fairies Mermaids Gothic Photos Glitter Graphics
http://www.free-foto-animation-digital-images.blogspot.com/

LEMON FRESH

Did I tell you? Do you know? I am in love with lemons! (Yes, you heard it here first.) I Love all things Lemon: lemon pie, lemonade, lemon potpourri, lemon candy...(lemon starbursts, lemon heads, lemon jolly ranchers), lemon yogurt, lemon pound cake, lemon scented cleaner, lemon dish soap, lemon candles, lemon hand wash (I am addicted to bath and body works lemon hand soap, mmmmm), lemon marinades, lemon vinaigrette, lemon trees, lemon leaves, lemon drops.... I just *heart* lemons!!!
So...I found some lemon yummies that looked fabulous and I wanted to pass them along to y'all! (If you try any of the recipe's, please let me know how they turned out okay?) Enjoy the LEMON Goodness!!!



Lemon Iced Tea

Ingredients:
2 lemons
4 cups boiling water
6 ginger tea bags
Ice cubes
Honey or sugar to taste

Directions:
With vegetable peeler, peel each lemon in a continuous spiral, carefully removing only the top layer-not the bitter white of the lemon. In large pitcher, pour boiling water over the tea bags and lemon peel. Cover and steep 10 minutes. Remove tea bags and chill with peel still steeping in a covered container.

To serve, remove peel and pour over ice cubes in tall glasses. Sweeten to taste with honey. Makes 4 (8-ounce) servings.
(Recipe from SheKnows.com)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Raspberry Lemon Pie


Ingredients:
1 (10-oz.) package frozen red raspberries in syrup, thawed
1 T. cornstarch
3 egg yolks
1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 (6-oz.) packaged graham cracker crumb pie crust
Whipped Topping

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In small saucepan, combine raspberries and cornstarch; cook and stir until thickened and clear. In medium bowl, beat egg yolks; stir in sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice. Pour into crust; bake 8 minutes. Spoon raspberry mixture evenly over top. Chill 4 hours or until set. Spread with whipped topping and serve.
(Recipe and picture from Thimbleanna.com)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Salmon with Lemon, Capers, and Rosemary
(Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis, Food Network)

Ingredients
4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
8 lemon slices (about 2 lemons)
1/4 cup lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
1/2 cup Marsala wine (or white wine)
4 teaspoons capers
4 pieces of aluminum foil
Directions
Brush top and bottom of salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and rosemary. Place each piece of seasoned salmon on a piece of foil large enough to fold over and seal. Top the each piece of salmon with 2 lemon slices, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of wine, and 1 teaspoon of capers. Wrap up salmon tightly in the foil packets.

Place a grill pan over medium-high heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill. Place the foil packets on the hot grill and cook for 10 minutes for a 1-inch thick piece of salmon. Serve in the foil packets.

What are you in *heart* with? Care to comment? Any great recipes with that item? drinks? Please feel free to share! :)