Currently...

Saw this fun post idea yesterday on Danielle's blog...then on Tiffany's...then on Kellie's. And I want in:). So, here she goes...

Obsessing over: The Walking Dead.  Blew me A.W.A.Y. this week!  I have it DVR'd so I can re-watch.  And re-watch.  And...you guessed it!  Re-watch:).  And look at the awesome Mac cover I found!!  I can't wait till it comes in the mail...mixes two of my favorite things, princesses and zombies:P!!

Working on:  A couple hours ago, I finished up sending out my cyber-Monday orders!  I think over 125 orders came in within 36 hours!!  It was so fantastic...and a little crazy!:)  Now that all the digi's are out, I'm focusing on:

Finishing my first newsletter
New artwork for my ART Etsy shop (opening back up after Christmas, revamped and all new!!)
Scrapbooking
Journaling
Christmas Gifts!!
New digi's (for release this Friday!)
Business Cards
And reading/ re-reading this girl's new e-course.

Thinking about:  My dad.  Just random thoughts because I love him so much!!:)

Anticipating:  Giving gifts at Christmas.  I SO love giving people gifts!!:)  The kids are at *great* ages this year!!  (I have said that every year to date...)  Especially Niamh.  She seems a bit older and is really into crafts, journals, perfumes, music...all things I am having a lot of fun shopping for!

Listening to: so far this morning (it's only 6:55am), the kids and I listened to Casting Crowns....and Niamh's penguins. She told me they were singing, but their voices are so tiny, you just can't hear.

 To be a kid again:).

Drinking: Orange juice and a black coffee.  Black because the lady at Dunkin Donuts didn't get my order quite right:).

Wishing:  For more organization.  More time.  A cleaner house.  And to loose my Thanksgiving pounds magically:).  Since that probably won't happen magically, I got this for Phil and I...to give us a little nudge:).  Can't wait to get my muscles on!

What's on your list?

Staying Cozy!

Earlier this month,   Robyn from Minimalist Knitter invited me to select an item from her Etsy shop.  I'm sure by now, you know I love scarves, especially the handmade kind...so I picked out this lovely green scarf for winter.  It's short and sweet and super cozy.  A nice change from longer, bulkier scarves- especially if you don't want the added bulk, just the warmth:).  I'm pretty hooked!:)  (Think I might snag another for each of the kiddies, too.  I always worry about sending them to school with long scarves, since the play on jungle gyms and climb sliding boards...I know it is me being a worry wart, but I just fear they might get tangled.  These are THE perfect kiddy scarves! No wrapping or fixing for little hands.  

Please head over to Robyn's blog (she has a little baby...he is the cutest!!) and say hello!  Also, check out her beautiful assortment of handmade items here.  (I bought my sister the Snug as a Bug Sleep Sack for my newborn niece, Elphie.  She loved it...such a nice way to keep baby warm without worrying about covers!)

And some pics from our Saturday.  Our old lady dog, Lilo:)...Getting rid of our pumpkins.  (Philly cried...he thought you could keep them forever; so we took a picture for memory's sake:)...Bought the kid's footie- jamas.  Philly picked Spongebob.  He also sleeps on a Spongebob pillow.  With Spongebob plushies for snuggling.  (Do you notice a theme here?:)  Niamh tried to talk me into the adult size pj's...but I just couldn't do it:).  Oh...and Sally Hansen nail strips-- Christmas prints!!  Now I'm candy-caned out!:)

Hope your Saturday was lovely and relaxing!!  Any Christmas decorating going on??  

I'm so ready to bust out the lights and tree!!:)

vest, target

jeans, ?

boots, dirty laundry/ lulus

cardigan, target

hat, goorin bros.

tank, target

earrings, target

XOXO

Something for YOU!!

Hello lovelies!! So. Have any of you braved the hoards of shoppers today?? I always skip on Black Friday. I know lots of people love the excitement of the sales and kick-off to the holiday season...but it is not really my cup of tea:). I prefer to shop online anyways...so Cyber Monday is more my thing:).

However, since it is the biggest shopping day of the year, figured I'd throw out a little freebie for ya:). Just until end of day Monday. (So, if you think you might want to play with it later-- download it now and save it:). I will be removing it from the link once Tuesday morning rolls around:).

It's a foldable Christmas greeting card. Kind of like a Christmas Valentine...you know, the ones that fold easy for kids):. It would be perfect for a daughter to hand out to all her little girlfriends at school. It can be decorated and fastened together in so many cute ways...even makes a super cute gift tag for your Christmas pressies!!

     

To print, I open the file and choose to print two 5x7" size cards on the same 11X8.5" paper.

After printing, cut the card to be 5" tall.  The middle image is 2 1/8" wide.  Cut the sides of the first and third images so that they measure 2 1/8" as well.  Score along grey lines.  Fold in mountain/valley folds.  

Have you ever been nervous to stand under a mistletoe?? This girl is, but eventually she puts herself center stage for anybody giving out Christmas kisses;). If you'd like to download the printable card, click the picture below.

**Please note: She may be used as a digi if you'd like to put her on a handmade card/craft instead. However, the printable card is MADE TO LOOK VINTAGEY AND I WILL NOT BE GIVIG IT OUT ANY DIFFERENTLY. (The image was drawn in pencil only, shaded, and the paper is speckled here and there...all intentional and not removable for download.) Please see above for printing/cutting/folding instructions.

I will also be re-opening my Etsy art shop after Christmas.  The artwork available in the shop will be new and not available in digital form.  So, everything will be unique...and most pieces customizable to your own color preferences for hair, eyes, skin tone, and clothing!  I can't wait to open shop again-- I've been working on some really sweet new characters:).  Here is a little sneak peek:)!...

And if you made it all the way down here:) before giving up on the reading:)...Kudos and a coupon to you!!:)  (It is a CYBER MONDAY coupon...so it won't work till 12am Monday morning EST:)

CYBERMONDIGILOVE

For Monday only, receive 35% of your entire purchase of digi stamps from my Etsy shop and a NEW RELEASE DIGI for free with any stamp purchase (one per customer:)!  The free digi will be a surprise...so you will have to wait for your order email to see her:).

That should be some pretty good savings...so you might want to sneak in those digs on your list while they are cheap:)!...And this coming Friday will be my last release of stamps before Christmas...I will have a group of really sweet ones ready for purchase-- from princesses to Valentine's inspired girls, bookworms to fashion girls.  A nice variety available to keep you all busy through holiday crafting!:)

Okay.  Whew...I feel worn out from all those announcements:).  Hope you weren't bored to death...I hope you come visit me on Monday...I wish I had a real store sometimes-- so you all could come in and order digs with me over coffee and muffins:)...Guess we will just have to make a coffee date over the computer:)...Till then,  HUGS my friends!

Linking to Casey's Follower Fest today...If it is your first time over here, please say hello and leave your link so I can come visit you as well!  Muah!x

Feasts.

The kiddies were feasting today at school. Both went as Indians. Niamh has to have her trademark howling wolf painted on her face. It has become a tradition ever since my sister drew it on her little cheeks three years ago. Philly went as Little Bear:). Because all I could come up with for his face was a bear print. And it didn't really compare to howling wolf girl-- so he got a name, too:).

It was Philly's first school feast. I asked him what his favorite part of the meal was. He said the popcorn and the 'white pa-nay-no-s' (mashed potatoes:). I never make them because mine always come out grossly slimy. (I know. Only I could manage to make slimy mashed potatoes every time!) Anyways, poor kiddo doesn't even know what they are called...but I just loved how he said it. So for now he loves pa-nay-no-s. Might even get some more tomorrow...I hope he says it again cuz it is too adorable.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Blue Hair and Teasing

I loveeeee big hair:). It is a good thing, actually. Because mine is poofy and frizzy, so it tends to naturally be BIG:). I like to add little pops of color with clip in extensions, too. Which, again, creates even more hair. Add some big hoop earrings and my favorite eye make-up...and I probably look a little "Jersey-esque". Maybe 80's too. But I like. LOL.

Last week, I was mid-hair sharing with you and then my little niece was born. (I held her today. EEP. She is literally the sweetest. I told my sister about all your lovely comments...they made her day:). I wanted to share the Jersey hair with ya'll...So, finishing up last weeks series of fun hair posts with extensions and teasing:).

I normally part my hair in two places, and place these clip-ins around the back of my head. I wore blue today...and they look perfectly real (except for the color;). And I can curl or straighten them, so fun for styling, too!!

Next, I take the top section of my hair and part it into two sections.  The back section I spray, tease spray.  Repeat.  And then brush the front section over it.  It gives me a nice little oomph! in my hair and covers the extensions completely.  **i learned how to 'properly' tease from the show Jerseylicious.  please don't judge:).  it is like one of those horrible things you just CAN. NOT. LOOK. AWAY. FROM...and my late night girly-show indulgence...

I usually have my hair straightened to start the whole process...just to keep the frizzing at a minimum:).  After I've finished up my styling, I go around and curl sections of my hair/ extensions with a 1" curling iron.  And that's it:).

It's never perfect.  But it's me:).  I need big hair.  Or funky hair.  Even over-the-top hair.  I think it has to do with me being extremely shy:). It's how I say BAM! to the world:)...*giggle*.

XO

Bloody Good

Snuck off with sister tonight to see Breaking Dawn.

Twilight will always be my very favorite. Then New Moon. Eclipse I didn't like at all. Breaking Dawn, pretty good:).

It was fun. And the theater, packed. Elbow to elbow.

Favorite preview before movie-- Snow White and the Huntsman. That looks good. Snow White looks grungy and a little on the tomboy side. How cool is that!?!

****************************************************************in other news:)...

My youngest sister had a sweet baby girl this week.  She went early and a little by surprise (got phone call at 415am:)...My mom, sister Becca, and myself were her cheerleaders:).  Have to admit, mom's comments made me giggle (like only a mom's can), and sister kept me calm.  I had never been on that end of it, literally:).  It was beautiful and exhausting and wonderful.  And now I have another little niece to love:).

Happy Birthday, Elphaba West!

7lb, 11oz

18 in

xo

Put a Hat on IT.

I'm half way through the week of hair styles. Today is my *all-time* favorite hairstyle cop-out:)...But before I get to that...

I started this week of hair just for fun. I love having a blog!  It is such a fun and open way to make new fiends and share in people's lives (even if it's just a tiny bit) who I'd never otherwise meet. If you ask Phil, he even knows some of you by your comment names...because I talk about you guys:)...I like to tell him about the comments that makes me smile and laugh. And the ones that make me think. And all the little hellos-- I love 'em:). I have so much fun on here, sharing with you all!

So, last week I think everything sort of caught up with me a bit. And I just lost that thing-- is it mojo?:)...I don't know. I get a little ahead of myself some days, and all the things I want to get done pile up higher than my laundry pile. (that can be pretty high, just for the record:). The week of hair styles kinda gave me something to work on, so I can still be writing and enjoying this place-- but also has bought me a little time to get back in my groove:). I just wanted to be honest with all of you. Because I otherwise would never have devoted a week of posting to hair. I'm not really that stuck on it:). I mean, I love it...but most days...this is me:).

Yeah, in a hat. And jeans. And under armor--which is a whole other obsession of mine.  I love that stuff.   But back to the hats... I have a huge collection. I love them. I wear them backwards like boys. And straight brimmed, yup. (Didn't know I could go gangsta on you, did ya?!:)...I have pretty, girly ones. And trucker hats. And I love newsboy styles. It is my hair cop-out many days, but the reality is-- I just love hiding in them:)

...Anyways, this is how I wear my hair most days. And, this week of hair has definitely helped me get back into the swing of things and not stress out about feeling that icky lack of writing mojo:). Most of all, I have so enjoyed reading your comments about styles and funny things to do with your own hair. It is nice to know many of you have to tame yours as much as I do! Geez-- if the guys only knew the effort we put into this stuff!:)

And I'm still in one right this moment:). Trying to keep warm. (I'm the only one in the family who likes the heat on. And I like it HOT.:) It's a NY Giants hat:), for the game Phil and I are headed to this Sunday. Can't wait. Hope it keeps me warm enough to enjoy the action on the field.

Thanks for sticking with me through all this hairiness. LOL... I will have a little more variety for you next week:)!

Muah!x

SC.

Saturated Canary? 

What’s behind the name?

sat•u•rat•ed (sa chu-r at ed) adj. Unable to hold or contain more; full.

I love this word, because I want to be completely filled with the Lord, my family, and the abilities and possibilities He graciously gives me. ‘Canary’—I love my mom so much...She has always been a huge encourager and supporter of everything I try. Her favorite color is yellow. That is where it all comes from;).

After:)

She woke up and JUMPED out of bed today. Funny what the prospects of gorgeous hair will do for a girl's Tuesday morning:).

ps...I learn so much from you girls across the ocean! never knew braids were called plaits in some places.  i told phil this and he said, "well then, what do they call 'plates'?? thought you might enjoy a chuckle from us US people:).

xo

edit-->  **pronounced 'plats'.  thank you Sharon!  will relay to hubs;)**

Mermaid Hair, Before:)

I have the beginnings of mermaid hair tonight:).  It takes a full sleep to go from human hair to mermaid hair, you know:).  Anyways, it is the easiest thing ever, and you all have probably tried it before.  It is Niamh's favorite!  (She actually hates the process.  Whenever you french braid wet hair, it doesn't feel too good-- lots of knots.)  Always worth it in the morning, though!  She can't wait to get to school and show her girlfriends her big, poofy, crimpy hair.

Need three things:  newly washed hair, blow dryer, and products.  I use my curly mousse, this heat-activated curl spray, and hair spray.  Work the mousse/ spray/ gel-- whatever your preferred product-- through the hair, from roots to tips.

After I put the mousse and spray in her hair, I blow dry until it is only damp and not dripping wet.  Some parts are even completely dry...but overall, it is still fairly damp. (Braiding completely wet, thick hair won't work.  You're just gonna wake up with wet, slightly wavy hair:)

(This is Niamh's pain for beauty face:) 

I section off her hair into three parts.  And french braid each section.  The more sections you use, the tighter your crimps in the morning.  Niamh will sit still for three sections.  That is her limit:).

Braid all the way to the very bottom, until you can't manage to go any further.  Use a little elastic band.  Sometimes the bigger elastic bands roll out during the night.  (Insert:  1/3 of hair not crimped.  not a great look. know this from experience.)

It's such an easy way to have her hair 90% done in the morning.  I can't wait to show you her pretty hair tomorrow:).  Mermaid hair.  I always imagine mermaids must have either super crimpy, long hair (not sure how this works out in an all-water environment:) or super long colorful hair.  (yes, we believe in mermaids;)  Due to my hair's frizzy nature, I choose the colorful option for myself.  And I'm going to completely cheat:).  Here are my new dreads:).  SO PRETTY.  And I got them curled this time.  Just for some extra sweetness!  Might have them installed soon:).  

What kind of hair do you guys have?? 

Long, short, curly, frizzy, straight, silky???  

Do you love your hair...or do you fight with it? 

 I've had a couple throw downs with mine...but all in all, I kinda like it.  Frizzy mess and all:)!!

Lattice

Here is a pretty and delicate hairstyle my sister introduced Niamhy to a while ago.  It reminds me of lattice...or maybe a web.  I think it looks kinda whimsical...and added some butterflies to the elastic bands to really pixie her out:)

Start with a middle part.  and pull two tiny sections from the part.  Make sure they are an inch or two away from each other.  

Bring the two pieces together in a "V" with a pony holder.

Repeat.  And move around the part, all the way to the other side.  

Split each new ponytail into two.  Bring pieces from different ponytails together, just like above.

Finish with some pretty butterflies or flowers.  

I like this hairstyle for Niamhy because it's so easy and unique. All she needs now are some fairy wings:).

xo