It has been a whirlwind of a year for little 'ol me. I would say this has been one of the best years of my life. For obvious reasons, and for some not so obvious ones.
For those of you who asked, I promise in the next week or so to have some new DIY's, recipes and tutorials comin' atcha (I've been a bit slacker-ish in that area lately).
But for now..a little look back at this year!
The Good:
--Becoming a Mama for the first time in June to our little guy, DAVIS RYAN (he might be my favorite thing in the world)
--Being able to buy our FIRST HOUSE (uber exciting)!
--Starting up (again) some true PASSIONS of mine (writing/blogging/painting/creating)
--Celebrating our 3 year ANNIVERSARY (it's small in years, but big in importance to us, cause it was one of our FIRST DATES after we had D)!
--Going on a "BABYMOON" to Cabo San Lucas, one of the best vacations ever (even though I was 3 months prego at the time).
--Sending my little Bro off to ARGENTINA (such a great accomplishment for him and my VERY proud Mom).
(*This is gonna be a cheesy one, so hold on tight) Really realizing that life is absolutely precious and that dwelling on silly, unimportant things is a waste of time. Life is GRAND!!
There were many more great little moments, but I will stow those away in the overhead bin for now!
There were definitely some NOT-SO-GOOD moments too, but I don't really want to dwell on the bad. And besides, this year is almost over, right?! On to bigger and happier times in 2012!
ALSO...I know this blog is still small, but for those who follow, read, comment or just browse my blog, I want to say a HUGE HUGE "YOU'RE AWESOME!" I love all your comments (that is..if they are nice)! I have met some really funny, talented, gorgeous bloggy friends! Loves to you all!
So, Happy (a little early) NEW YEAR to all my friends, family & followers! I can't wait for next year to begin!
Aaaand it's over. Just like that. The day after Christmas always makes me so sad! All of the events, outings, lights, feelings, food, and festivities leading UP to Christmas Day are the best! When it's over, it's like..ok..what now?
Now I am faced with questions like, "How long should I leave my Christmas Tree up for?" and "Is it still ok to eat like a little piggy until New Years?". Not as much fun, my friends.
However, Christmas WAS really great! Both of our families live here, so we have a busy busy couple of days. It's a lot of work with a six month old, but we actually did pretty well I think..all things considering! (A HUGE THANKS to all our family members who helped, changed diapers, and entertained D while we were there)!
The Highlights:
Ty's Grandma playing "Face Cookie" (Minute-To-Win-It Games) and getting all up in my bro-in-laws face to try and intimidate him.
Davis being obsessed with eating the wrapping paper, instead of the gift that was IN the wrapping paper.
My Grandma making a batch of Divinity (my favorite candy ever) just for me to eat (oink oink)
My 5-year-old cousin, while trying to look for a bag of Pistachios my Uncle had hidden, yelling "Gimme your nuts!" and EVERYONE dying of laughter.
Seeing Davis sit up for a LONG time and happily take in all the attention he was getting from doing so.
Looking through an old photo album with my sister and laughing hysterically at all the memories.
Watching my family open gifts to and from each other and the looks on their faces!
Ty looking at all of my boards on Pinterest, and picking out things to give me from my Pins! I was so IM-pressed!
Talking to my brother in Argentina (he left a week ago), and getting to hear about his first week down there.
Seeing my Mom & Dad sharing a tender moment.
Tyler's family singing "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas" and getting it stuck in my head the whole day!
Going through all the traditions that I love so much and having so much fun doing it!
It was an amazing whirlwind of a weekend, and I am happy it was a success! I am also in desperate need of a NAP!
I hope you all had a fantastic Holiday with your family and friends!
Happy Monday! I can't believe Christmas is THIS Sunday! Eek! I am a ball of nerves and excitement this year. I have so much I still want/need to do before then. So, because I will be so crazy busy this week, I thought I would do a "week of posts" in just one day. Today, being that day. Enjoy!
Make-It-Monday:
This necklace is pretty easy to make, which is why I love it so much. Think of the possibilities! You could add different beads, sequins, gems, etc..just make it YOUR own!
Materials Needed:
Step 1: Cut your string (you can use any color you want), into two strands. One strand needs to be an inch longer than the other (so it will lay flat).
Step 2: Begin stringing your beads on both strands. Tie a knot at each end of the beads so they stay in place.
Step 3: Once both of your strands are beaded, thread them through the toggle clasp and tie a double knot. *You can also use a jump ring and chain if you would like (I opted for the easier version of just double-knotting).
That's it, my friends.you're done! So easy, but so cute!
__________________________________________________________________________________ Try-It-Tuesday: Splurge vs. Save
As some of you know, I am a lover of all things Bobbi Brown. However, I don't work for them anymore, and so buying the products I have grown to love has become a bit taxing on my wallet. I have been looking scouring the aisles at the grocery store for something that would compare to this:
This Balm is aaaamaaazing! I have uber-sensitive (being a redhead) skin, and this stuff is phenomenal if you have dry, sensitive or flaky skin. It helps with wrinkles and fine lines and feels super rich, without being sticky. I have used this for about five years, and never thought I could find anything that would compare to it. Now, don't get me wrong, if you want (or CAN) spend the money..I say go for it! You won't regret it.
However, if you want to save a little money, I found a moisturizer I like almost as much for about $10.
It's Eucerin Q-10 Anti-Wrinkle for Sensitive Skin. It doesn't have a weird smell (I'm super OCD about smells), and is rich and creamy. It has already done wonders for my skin this winter! I can't tell you how thrilled I am (and how thrilled my hubby is) that I saved $70! I got mine at Ulta, if you want to check it out.
I have been asked to share this recipe, because it is just so delicious! It is one of my favorites and as easy as 1, 2, Chili!
Ingredients:
2 cans White Chicken (or you can use 2 cups of chicken from a Rotisserie Chicken)
2 cans Great Northern Beans
1 (14.5 oz) can Chicken Broth
2 cans Green Chilies
Seasoning:
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Cumin
1 tsp. Pepper
1 tsp. Oregano
Rinse and drain the beans. Combine all ingredients in a soup pot. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream and heat through.
Who doesn't want a good laugh everyday? I make it a point to try and get my little babe to laugh, and when he does, it is seriously one of the best parts of my day.
I saw this video the other day, and busted up laughing. This is SO me and my friends. Get your laugh on! :)
A quick THANK YOU to all of my friends, family and fantastic followers who have given me so much support on this blog so far. You guys have made me feel all tingly :) Love you all!
Have I mentioned how I love this time of year? I recently talked aboutsome of my favorite traditions. I realized the next day that I forgot a HUGE one that I love. How dare I?! It is...my Mom's famous Rocky Road Popcorn, of course! She gives it out every year to all of our friends and family, much to their delight. It is amazingly delicious..and verrrry addicting! It really has taken her years to perfect the recipe into what it is today and it is NOT an easy thing to make.
I wish I could say this was a recipe post, where I give you all the recipe; you go out and get all the ingredients and try to replicate it, but alas, it is not. Hey now, now, calm down. Even if I did give you the recipe, there is no way you could duplicate it. I could never duplicate it exactly the way she makes it, it just isn't possible. This recipe is my Mom's pride and joy, and she would never let me give it away. Hey, don't get mad at me...maybe you are one of the lucky ones who gets some this year (if you are my neighbor).
We did have fun documenting the process though. I never realized how much work..and chocolate..go into making this! My mom is amazing in the kitchen! Growing up, she was always known as Martha Stewart. She can whip up anything you ask her to, and would do it gladly. I never had to learn how to cook until I got married and discovered my Hubby wouldn't be satisfied with Mac&Cheese forever. Boo. It was only then, that I discovered how much work it takes to make GOOD FOOD! Once you get a recipe down pat, you kind of want to keep it for yourself. I would be doing her a disservice if I just gave out all of her secrets!
However, I will give you some clues as to how she makes it. This year, my sister and I decided to learn how to do it with her, so that one day, we might be able to duplicate it for our families & friends. It was a ton of work..but the end result is DE-licious and well worth it!
I guess this is more of a you-can-try-to-guess-how-to-make-Lesa's-Famous-Rocky-Road-Popcorn-post. Ha. Sorry, peeps.
Maybe, just maybe, you will try and make some..let me know if you do! I would love to taste some :)
I love this time of year. I mean, who doesn't? Yes, it is stressful. Yes, people are extra crazy. Yes, everywhere you go is crowded. But...I still think it's all totally worth it! For me, the thing that makes this season so special and makes it "feel" like Christmas time are the traditions! When I was young I didn't really think too much of the traditions we did year after year. Now that I have my own little family, they are especially near and dear to my heart. I can't wait for my little guy to get a little older so he can share in all the fun things we do!
So, I thought I would share a couple of my favorite traditions that our family does each year. Maybe you will get an idea to start with your family!
The "Spending Christmas Eve at Grandma's House" Tradition
It just wouldn't be Christmas without a get-together the night before Christmas. The whole family gets together and we eat, play games, and usually open an ornament that my Grandma gives each of the grandkids (another tradition). Also, every year we each write our predictions for the next year. We all complain about it while we do it, but the next year when we open them and read them, it was all worth it!
The "Advent Calendar" Tradition
When I was a kid, at Mom & Dad's house we had this old green advent calendar. There was a little mouse that would move from day to day. Each night an "elf" would put some candy in the pocket for each of us kids to eat when we woke up. We looked forward to every morning!
Two years ago, my hubby bought a new advent calendar for our little family. He wrote on little pieces of paper, one for each day of December, a little nice note to me or a song that we love. We have continued that tradition this year by each taking half the days and writing something we love about each other (cheesy, I know..but I love it)! When D gets a little older, I'm sure we will fill each of the boxes with candy like we did when I was a kid.
The "White Elephant" Tradition: This is one of my favorite traditions. We usually do a white elephant party with our friends and one on Christmas Eve with my whole family.
I know everyone plays this game differently...but... Here is our version: We each buy a $10-$15 gift and wrap it. Then we draw numbers and take turns picking a present out of the pile. You open it, and see what you get. The next person goes and can steal that first present or choose to open theirs. That specific gift can only be traded twice in a round. The game ends when the last present is open. It gets pretty crazy and heated with my family. There are usually two or three gifts that everyone competes to get! It's so fun!
The "Driving Around To See The Lights" Tradition:
This was always one of my favorite ones. I love seeing all the colorful lights and displays people come up with. There is a street called "Christmas Street" and EVERY house in that neighborhood is filled to the brim with lights. It's a must-see event!
Where we live now, they go all out and light up pretty much everything! The trees, the parks, the bridges, the bushes, EVERYTHING is lit up like a Christmas tree. I love driving home at night during this time of year.
The "Santa Gifts" and the "Wrapped Presents" Tradition:
Every Christmas morning, it was filled with suspense. We weren't allowed to look into the living room to see our presents (I'm sure one of us kids peeked a time or two). Our gifts from Santa were always left unwrapped and placed in our "section" of the room. Those were always the biggest, most exciting gifts like an American Girl doll, or a play kitchen, etc.. Then we would eat breakfast (my Mom makes the BEST orange rolls ever). After that, we got to open the wrapped presents from our parents. We each take a turn (youngest to oldest) opening our gifts until there were no more. I loved all the excitement about not knowing what you were going to get from Santa!
The "Give to Others" Tradition
My hubby and I really love this one. It truly reminds us to be grateful for everything we have. We will do an Angel Tree or Sub for Santa every year. I wish we could do more!!
Some new traditions I want to start with my family are:
The "Wrapping 24 Christmas Books and opening/reading one each day of December" Tradition (pretty self-explanatory, right?)
The "Sleeping Under the Christmas Tree" Tradition One of my friends told me they do this every year and I thought that sounded so fun. You pick one or two nights, and have a slumber party under the tree. Reading Christmas books, drinking hot chocolate, etc.
The "Christmas Cookie Decorating Party" Tradition Get all the kids together and go nuts! Get some sugar cookies. sprinkles, candy, frosting, and decorate your little heart out!
Why Eight things? Simply because my baby boy will be awake in less than thirty minutes and it's probably all I have time for! :)
So, in honor of gift giving/receiving season, here's what I am currently obsessed with right now.
Some of these are the things I am loving, some things I WANT (hint hint for Christmas), and some things I think I need to have!
Number 1: Lylif Accessories
I love pretty much anything from Lylif. But especially the accessories! They have amazingly great prices for some amazing jewelry. I will be giving lots of these as gifts this year for sure!
Number 2: Soap&Glory Skincare
Recently, I came across a new brand of skincare I absolutely love! The brand: Soap&Glory. The effects: amaze-balls! That's right. It doesn't hurt that the names/packaging of the products are so fun too.
My two faves are The Hand Food (hand cream) It's moisturizing without being greasy. Has a nice smell, but not too potent. Second, the Face Soap & Clarity Wash. It makes my skin glow! You can shophere.
Number 3: Terry's Chocolate Oranges
Christmas is so much fun because I get an excuse to eat whatever I want (hey, tis' the season right?). My ultimate indulgence are Terry's Chocolate Oranges. They are these decadent little chocolate orange slices cleverly disguised to look like an orange. They are melt-in-your mouth delicious.
My Mom gives us one in our stocking every year, so I try not to buy too many by myself before then. Ok, ok who am I kidding? I've eaten two already! Don't judge me..they are delicious! It isn't Christmas without one of these every year (or two or three).
Number 4: Instagram/Stickygram
Some recent pics from Instagram
Who else likes Instagram besides me? I might be a tad consumed with taking pictures and posting them. It's just so much fun and makes your so-so phone pics and makes them look oh-so great! I have TONS and tons of pics that I want to print out! So, I found this great website, StickyGram, where you can print out your pics and put them on magnets! How fun is that? Gotta love technology, eh?
P.S. You can follow me on Instagram @Jenna_Lesa)
Number 5: Joules Sweatshirts
Sweatshirts from Joules. My cute friend Jessica had one and she let me borrow it for a couple days. Big mistake. I might never give it back! They are so cozy and comfy, but really structured at the same time. I want about ten of them this winter!
Number 6: Butter London Polish
Butter London nail polish has to be one of the best polishes out there. They have gorgeous colors and they stay on really well (even with a baby sucking on and grabbing your fingers all the time)! My faves are West End Wonderland and All Hail the Queen.
These would make such great stocking stuffers!
Number 7: Miho Deerheads
These faux Miho Deer Heads from Iota Bristol are absolutely stunning! They are so whimsical, and I can think of ten places in my house I want to put one!
Number 8: Maybelline The Falsies Mascara
Oh. Em. Gee. I have not come across a mascara I have loved in so long since Chanel Inimitable. However, I don't get a discount at Nordy's anymore, so alas, I was on the hunt to find a comparable one. I found it! Enter Maybelline The Falsies Mascara. It makes your lashes look phenomenal and the best part people..no flakies! Yay! Everyone's lashes are different of course, but this is an all around great mascara.
So there you have it folks. A short list of the things I am loving right now! I could go on, but I hear my baby crying as I suspected! Love him!
Time for lots of crazy Christmas shoppers! Today, I will be one of them. Trying to sort through all the madness and people to try and get the best stuff possible for my loved ones (and hopefully, they'll return the favor :)
This is what I will be wearing while doing my spending..don't worry, I've got my game face on!
Jacket: Urban Outfitters//Striped Shirt: J.Crew//Jeans: Jolt @ Nordstrom//
Boots: Steve Madden//Necklace: Made by Me
Oh...and one of my little guy cause he'll be part of the shopping extravaganza too!
