My So-Called Chaos

I Confess

2012-01-27T11:52:00.000-08:00

I Confess That I'm trying to get my Etsy store submitted to Heartsy to run a super sweet deal on things. If you haven't already, could you do me a favor and go vote for my shop? They need more "Yes, Definitely" votes in order to approve it.

I Confess that sweet Jessica from The Landlady Diaries totally made my week by sending me a sweet surprise package. It had two glitter skeletons that she made for Christmas, some mixed CDs to brighten my day, a picture frame, a sweet card, cute nail polish, a candle, and a candle holder that matches the cute little tray I got from Mamarazzi's Favorite color swap a while back. Awesome!

I Confess that it was just the thing I needed in a week that has been hellish. It's been super busy/stressful at work, and I'm beyond exhausted and not feeling well. I'm so over it. TGIF!

I Confess that I learned from Impulsive Addict that to burn off the calories from just one single M&M you need to walk the entire length of a football field. I still have a bag in my drawer I haven't been able to even look at since then...

I Confess that I"m kind of over Facebook and the drama it brings... I doubt I'll ever get over it completely, but good god people-you don't need to post every complaint you have. It's OK once in a while, we all feel those feeling sometimes and just need to vent-but let's put some positive into the world! Let's make other people feel happy just knowing us and seeing our statuses. And by all means, the passive aggressive status attacks need to DIE! Seriously.

I Confess that you should read this flow chart if you aren't sure whether you are wearing pants or not. It's very informative. Huzzah, I'm probably wearing pants.

Source: buzzfeed.com via Angela on Pinterest

I Confess that I heard Moshe Kasher on the radio in the car this morning, and laughed soooo hard! He did this bit about how he has deaf parents and his mother had to type on the computer for the operator to call him as a teenager, it went something like this:

Deep voiced operator: Hello son.
Moshe: GOD?!?!?!
Deep voiced operator: No, it's your momma, how are you dear?"
Moshe: Mom? You're a black man?

I laughed so hard, I need to check out more of his work now. He's funny.

What do you have to confess?

27 Years!

2012-01-26T11:31:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful parents!

If it weren't for this day 27 years ago, I wouldn't exist!

The above picture is from the only family photos we've ever done.

I was about 12 or 13 in the photo (I'm guessing, it's been a long time.)

We all look like such babies, and look how adorable Ry is there in the front.

I love my parents, and I'm proud of them for sticking it out thick and thin.

And for still loving each other after all of this time.

Psychology of Color

2012-01-26T07:53:00.000-08:00

Source: Uploaded by user via Angela on Pinterest

Thought this was interesting enough to share!

Happy Thursday!

Reading Nooks

2012-01-25T07:30:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, I'm hoping to buy a house sometime this summer.

One of the things my dream house would have is a reading nook.

I pretty little corner where it is quiet, comfortable and cozy.

Hopefully next to a nice large window.

I've been pinning nook ideas...

Warm windows surrounded by a library of books...

Source: ffffound.com via Mandy on Pinterest

Source: kecuk.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: ourwestside.com via Angela on Pinterest

I love that this one can be closed up if wanted...

Source: homeandhearth.tumblr.com via Angela on Pinterest

Clean and clear relaxing spaces in windows...

Source: vi.sualize.us via Angela on Pinterest

Source: nuriendil.tumblr.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: apartment34.blogspot.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: cherrycoloured.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: reasonstobreathe.tumblr.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: houseofturquoise.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: theletteredcottage.net via Angela on Pinterest

Source: thezhush.blogspot.com via Angela on Pinterest

Cozy little spaces...

Source: google.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: trendir.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: bookporn.tumblr.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: booktryst.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: thesemomentsofmine.com via Angela on Pinterest

Whole rooms for reading with walls stacked high with books...

Source: Uploaded by user via Angela on Pinterest

Source: blog.hgtv.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: madebygirl.blogspot.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: booklover.tumblr.com via Angela on Pinterest

And whatever the hell this is... lol

Source: marvelouskiddo.blogspot.com via Angela on Pinterest

Happy List

2012-01-24T08:43:00.000-08:00

My roommate is the greatest.

He's my best friend, and lately we've been closer than ever.

Talking, sympathizing, and generally just spending quality time with each other.

I love him dearly, and am extremely grateful to have him in my life.

Kristina & Courtney came to visit last weekend.
They came down for the Chinese New Year party and it was so good to see them!
Kristi is pregnant, and I'm soooo happy for her-and little Court is growing up.
Quality time with these great ladies is awesome!

Gong Hey Fat Choy

It's the year of the Dragon folks, and for that-I'm HAPPY!

The year of the Tiger sucked, and the year of the rabbit was frustrating.

I mean there were good things both years, but overall they weren't the greatest.

I have a feeling this year is going to be better.

Source: Uploaded by user via Laura on Pinterest

No-drama friends.
I'm grateful for those friends of mine who are stress free.
Who cheer me up and never tear me down. Soooo grateful!
Shawn looked at me yesterday and says "If friends are hateful-they're not your friends."
So true.

Game night tonight!
We're going over to Shawn and Justin's for Game night!
A nice drama/stress free relaxing game night!

The snake is healing.
She ate yesterday, and her wounds seem to be healing up.
I'm still soaking and her and putting on cream but at least there isn't anymore shots!

What are you happy about this week?

MM: Human Punching Bag

2012-01-23T08:54:00.000-08:00

This week's song:

Human Punching Bag
by M. Ward

Human Punching Bag by M. Ward on Grooveshark

***

I feel like an emotional punching bag.

I understand that I'm not perfect, that I can make mistakes or sometimes be thoughtless when I speak, but I never do anything with bad intention. I never set out to hurt someone, or specifically try not to be there for anyone. I care, I really do-and I try to show that as much as possible. But I'm not perfect, and I make mistakes-I'm human.

Most of the time, I'm not really aware that I made a mistake or hurt anyone's feelings-and if someone felt slighted by me I'd expect them to do the adult thing and tell me so we can address the matter. I can't take it when someone just decides everything I have ever done is wrong and sets out to give me a massive emotional beating tearing me down and telling me every little thing they think is wrong with me. Usually this comes with a complete disregard for anything I've ever done in the past that was good or the fact that there was no bad intention to begin with.

It seems a lot that they save everything from their lives up and explode all over me without even taking the time to acknowledge that I have a side to the story, and that I may or may not have done what they're accusing me of.

My closest friends have discussed it with me and try to convince me it's not all me, and people are just taking out everything (regardless of whether it has anything to do with me or not) on me-and I take it instead of trying to protect myself. I take it because I feel like they need me to. They need to de-stress, or they're grieving and need an outlet-so I swallow my pride and push self-defense to the side and simply say "I'm sorry."

But I can't take it anymore. I'm only human, I make mistakes and will own up to what I can, but I have no more strength for the continual emotional beatings I take. I'm done. I don't love anyone any less, but I'm no longer going to accept being the punching bag, or hold onto the stress that these occasions bring. It's not fair to myself.

For now, I need to just step back and breath and try to heal from all of these bruises. Luckily, I have a few really amazing people in my life that have offered kind words and loving hugs that have helped in more ways than they know. To them, I am ever grateful for their love and support.

What are you listening to and why?

Link up!

So Much to Confess...

2012-01-20T09:05:00.000-08:00

I Confess...
I've decided to start offering custom beanies and scarves on my Etsy Store! So far I have more examples of beanies... Want one? I'd be happy to make you one! See prices, options (though I'm open to more than are listed), more pictures, and even place an order HERE. (you can also email me or leave a comment requesting one if you don't want to order through Etsy.)

My gorgeous sister played model here.

I Confess...
Another blogger sent me an invite to join Superpoints, and though I've never really been interested in anything like this before, it's been interesting to learn. She's made $500 in the last six months on it, and I like making money on the internet! You can take surveys, or complete tasks for points-and they add up so that you can get prizes or cash with them. One simple one is joining Netflix for 700 points-if you want Netflix anyway-that's easy! I've mostly just been seeing surveys.

Let me know if you want an invite! I can reach Gold status if I can get to people to simply sign up! (it doesn't spam you or anything.)

I Confess...
This also led me to find RewardTV which is mostly surveys about movies and tv, and it's super generous with points!

I Confess...
The snake thing is stressing me out. Her belly was red again yesterday and I worry that she's still getting too warm in her house. My Rheostat came in finally so I'm playing with adjusting the temperature, but it's still so difficult! Also, I'm glad there's only 2 more shots left-I'm so done with the needle part!

I Confess...
I found out I can't actually get a house until after June, so that's being pushed back. I had my numbers wrong before... Oh well.

I Confess...
This week has been long and draining, and I'm damn glad it's Friday because I need a break!

I Confess...
I have a party I'm throwing tomorrow, but have done nothing to prepare. I pretty much forgot about it until yesterday. Oh well, I'll figure something out.

I Confess...
Even though he and I are not friends anymore due to the blowout in December, when I heard that my ex/ex-friend had experienced heartbreaking tragedy-it was my instinct to jump in and help as much as I could. I realize I can't-and so I avoided messaging/texting him to offer help and just told his sister-in-law that if they needed help I would be more than happy to. Us not being friends anymore doesn't change the fact that I care about him, love his kids more than anything, and think what happened was horrible.

I Confess...
I like animals more than people. I think that people who do anything bad to animals should have the same done to them or worse. The above mentioned tragedy was that his neighbor fed his dog rat poison. She was one of the sweetest and mild-mannered dogs ever. The kind that actually gives Pitbulls a better name because she was nothing but love and sweetness and as timid as it gets. Come to find out that jerk has poisoned at least 2 other dogs in the neighborhood. So terrible. Why do people do things like this?

Last I heard they were giving her $700 in transfusions to try and save her life, but weren't sure it would actually work. So heartbreaking.

She really is the sweetest dog.

I Confess...
I don't want to end on a sad note, so here's something to brighten you back up and make you smile:

Source: Uploaded by user via Angela on Pinterest

What are you confessing this week?

Word of the Year: Simplify

2012-01-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

I know I already posted about my goal to live more simply this year, but when I saw the prompt to pick a word for 2012 over at Art @ Home I had to join in. The Lettered Cottage has encouraged us to pick a word for 2012 and link-up.

via

My word is Simplify.

via Dictionary.com: [sim-pluh-fahy]

To make less complicated, clearer, or easier.

I think that too often in life we make things more complicated than they need to be. Why does everything have to be this constant uphill battle we keep trying to win but never seem to? That's just silly. My goal this year is to simplify my life-that means cutting out battles, drama, and as many complications as possible.

My 2012 Goals for Living More Simpy:

De-Junk. My life is always so cluttered. I find I have drawers stuffed full, closets stuffed, too much dirty laundry, too much storage. Why am I still hanging onto these things that I never seem to need enough to make it worth it? I'm done. I'm getting rid of the stuff that doesn't matter. This includes people who make life difficult all the time or don't care about me in return.
Organize. For the stuff that does matter, I'm going to work harder to keep it all in order so that it doesn't ever feel like it's getting out of hand. When it comes to craft supplies and my clothes, I need a lot of help in this area. When I move in a few months, this will be a great place to restart with all my organization!
Avoid Gossip. I try to avoid gossip, but let's face it-even those of us who try to avoid it can be caught talking about people, or listening to rumors, etc. I'm going to avoid those as much as possible.
Speak Kindly. If I do feel the need to talk about people, I'm going to limit to kind things. If I care about someone then I should only say loving and caring things both to their faces, and when speaking about them. I would want people to speak kindly about me.
Complain Less. We all do it, but really dwelling on those things not only brings the people around me that have to listen to it down, but it brings me down as well! Enough!
Love More. Love is one of the most simple human emotions. I think we complicate it when most of the time we should simply let it be. I want to spread more love to my friends, my family, my pets, and really anyone I meet.
Listen More. Speak less.
Do things I love. Crafting, reading, relaxing, hiking, communing with nature, dreaming, doing, etc.
Spend more time with people who matter. This means making a greater effort to attend social events even when I get anxious and just want to hermit away, being there to support friends as much as possible, visiting people I don't see as much, sending letters/emails to people I miss, etc.
Just Be. Perhaps one of the most important goals. I need to stress less about trying to be things I'm not (improvement excluded) and about making everyone happy all the time. No one is perfect. I can improve but never reach perfection, so stressing about it is not going to help. I need to love myself, forgive myself, and take some of the worry and weight off of my shoulders. All I can do is just be.

What is your word for 2012?

Source: rougeamour.tumblr.com via Angela on Pinteres

STOP SOPA & PIPA

2012-01-18T07:42:00.000-08:00

Today is blackout day around the internet world.
It's time to take a stand against SOPA & PIPA
I'm taking a stand today as well.

Let's stand up to Congress and let them know that we cannot be bullied.
We will not be silenced. We will not allow our liberty to be taken away.
We are America, and we were founded on major principles that no lawmaker should be allowed to disarm.

Educate yourself.

What Are SOPA and PIPA And Why All The Fuss? by Forbes

Take a stand!

Join the Strike!

Sign Google's petition to stop SOPA & PIPA

Change your Facebook & Twitter badges.

Call your senator! (Will connect you with one click)

Tweet About It! Use #SOPASTRIKE & #BLACKOUTSOPA

See more: http://www.BlackoutSOPA.org/MySoCalledChaos

Shared Happiness

2012-01-17T07:40:00.000-08:00

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I am happy that I got to help a friend's friend out with his art project. You should all check it out, you could be a part of it too! All he needs is a picture of you, a picture that you think is beautiful, and one sentence that describes why you think it's beautiful. Check out the details HERE.

I am happy that today I get to go cash my check and then see about getting a secured credit card so I can start rebuilding my credit and hopefully buy a house in a few months.

I am happy that yesterday was a paid holiday and I earned double what I would normally make.

I am happy that this little girl is starting to perk up a little better. Her wound doesn't really look much better, other than it's not oozing or swollen anymore, but she seems to be a little more active when I pull her out.

She was totally pouting here though. She hates the needle.

I am happy that the roommate's mom gave me this adorable cardigan, which is flattering to my figure and looks great with the belt I stole from my dress. I look pretty cute today.

I am happy that the roommate and I cooked dinner together last night, and it turned out really really yummy.

Steamed Chicken with Chili & Cilantro Butter over Coconut rice with pickled veggies.

I am happy that I get to write in this blog and have wonderful readers like all of you! :)

What is making you happy this week?

MM: Thanks For Your Time

2012-01-16T08:36:00.000-08:00

Before we get to Musical Mondays this week, The Girl With the Blue Bow is featuring little old me on her blog this morning! Please run over and tell her thank you for me, and say hi! :) Who knows, you could get featured if you start following her-she's such a doll! :)

***
Now, on with the Music!
Create a post, grab my button and link up for some fun! :)

This week's song:

Thanks For Your Time

by Gotye

***

The roommate introduced me to this Gotye song since we've become so obsessed with Somebody I Used to Know. Working in Customer Service/Technical Support, I just think this song is soooo perfect, and wish I could convince my work to change our hold music to it! How fun would that be? Hope you enjoy it!

What are you listening to?

Link-Up!

Worrying Like a Momma

2012-01-15T11:07:00.000-08:00

My snake is home from the vet finally!

It's very unnerving trying to nurse her back to health.

We have to give her shots for 7 more days.

Soak her twice a day, and then put cream on her burns.

I'm worrying 24/7 about this.

Is she too cold? Is she too hot? What if she burns herself again?

I check her cage every hour right now to make sure the temp is right and it's clean.

We gave her the first shot today.

I held her as still as I could as my roommate stuck the needle it.

She jerked (she's stronger than she looks) and it went a little deeper than I expected.

I burst into tears. What if it injured her? What if we punctured something?

Ugh! I'm so worried about my baby-I feel like a real momma right now.

Please excuse me, I have to go check on her again...

Race to the Moon

2012-01-13T18:00:00.001-08:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cafe Well for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Who of you have heard of Cafe Well? I hadn't before, but now that I'm looking into it I'm finding that it seems to be a really great thing!

What is it? It's a social networking option that offers corporate wellness programs that actually work.

Having not heard of Cafe Well myself before, I googled it and found a bunch of other bloggers talking about it and how they wanted to use it to complete their New Years resolutions, and get fit. They seemed genuinely excited about the experience.

I went to their website and found this mission statement: Caféwell was created to provide a safe, secure and anonymous health care destination that connects you with other people who share your health care interests and needs. Caféwell is the only destination that exists for one reason "health." The Caféwell Community is there to address your needs, from chronic condition support, to healthy lifestyle tips and challenges. CaféWell understands how complex and difficult the health care system is to navigate. We make it easy to get the health information you need, when and where you want it.

That seems really awesome.

Their biggest project right now is called Race to the Moon, a project that aims to get members more fit by providing wireless pedometers that monitor their steps when walking or running and rewards them for certain milestones and accomplishments. Many companies offer similar structures, but show little accomplishment with the program-while tests with Race to the Moon and Cafe Well show some users taking over 50 million steps in less than a month. It's impressive. At this time only Health America members are eligible for Race to the Moon.

It would be really cool to get this implemented in my office, challenging people to not only lose weight but always take the stairs, park further from the building so they walk more, and to exercise daily. The benefits of walking on your health are amazing, and the self esteem boost as you start to see it working is even better. I feel inspired now!

Confessions: Houses, Pets & Mom

2012-01-13T09:11:00.000-08:00

I Confess...
When I saw this picture on Facebook, I wanted to adopt one of these puppies so badly! Especially little Ruby! I then decided that I wanted a pit bull someday, so I have to buy a place that allows me that option. The condos I love do not.

I Confess...
I hate HOAs. Sure, it's nice that they will do some of your maintenance for you, espeically in a condo/townhouse situation where they handle the lawn, the snow removal, etc. But I don't particularly like that they can tell me what I can do in my own home and charge me an extra $200 a month for it. Screw that. Now I'm looking at actual houses to buy.

If you're in Utah, or nearby-those babies are all for adoption through the Tooele Animal Shelter. They need forever homes.

I Confess...
It's really hard to tell your male boss that you need to leave early because you got stuck at your desk and now it looks like a murder scene in your pants...

I Confess...
I feel like a bad pet mommy. It was only a few weeks ago my poor ratties died (a dog-related accident) and then Wednesday night I came home and got my snake out to feed her and found she had a massive infection on her stomach that wasn't there a week and a half ago. :( This week has been so crazy, I should have gotten her our sooner to play with her but I put it off.

I burst into tears and immediately called the vet and set up an appointment for Thursday morning. I took her in and the Vet (who wasn't very nice, but I think maybe she's one of those people who are better with animals than people-either that or she thought I was a horrible owner) ran some tests and concluded that she'd somehow been burned on her undertank heater and then it got infected really quickly.

Since snakes can become septic really quickly, she recommended that we hospitalize her for a couple of days so they could treat her, and then I'd be sent home with injections to give her for an additional 8-10 days. Luckily it was only about $120 for everything including the hospitalization, so I left her there and went home to bleach everything in her cage. :( My poor baby.

I Confess...
I feel bad for not knowing some of the things that I'm supposed to be doing with her. Apparently I'm supposed to soak her for 30 minutes a day since the Utah weather is so dry, and create a moist moss hide for her when she's shedding that she can sit in. I had no idea... Luckily the vet gave me a pamphlet for better husbandry and I can improve her care. I feel like such a bad pet mom.

I Confess...
It was my mother's birthday yesterday, and she's one of the best mothers in the entire world. Happy birthday momma, I love you!

I Confess...
She's asked me that when I get my house and pick up my cat, I take the little baby one that looks like her too (it's not hers, but they get along well and will cuddle together) to decrease her crazy cat lady population and keep them together. I agreed to.

That annoyed look on her face? Trademark Emma.

I Confess...
When searching for the above picture, I found this one that describes my cat so perfectly.

She loves little random spaces, as long as she has a sunny window!

I Confess...
I'm getting more excited to have a house. Though I'm still nervous about the whole process...

Confessing is good for the soul, what are you confessing?

Bedroom Talk (No Seriously, Bedrooms.)

2012-01-11T09:14:00.000-08:00

Don't worry, no dirty talk here today.

(Sorry if you're disappointed! ha!)

But really, ever since I decided that I'm going to buy a house in a few months I've been obsessed with not only looking at houses on the market, but browsing Pinterest for decorating ideas. I'm so excited to own because that means I'll get to paint and decorate however I'd like! Awesome!

So here are some dream bedrooms...

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: weheartit.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Angela on Pinterest

Source: littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: weheartit.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: littlebluedeer.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Angela on Pinterest

Source: weheartit.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: nostalgiaxox.blogspot.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: dustjacketattic.tumblr.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: hgtv.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: weheartit.com via Angela on Pinterest

Aren't they lovely?

Direction

2012-01-10T10:13:00.000-08:00

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The difference a few weeks can make is astounding. So far in the first two weeks of January I've made more decisions and set more plans in motion than ever before, and the drastic change that has occurred in me since as recently as a month ago is surprising.

I am a self-proclaimed procrastinator. I have things I want and things I hope for, but I end up playing the wishing game... "I wish I had this" or "It'd be nice to do that" and while that's all well and good to hope for things, they never become tangible if you don't actually start moving in that direction. A month ago I was dealing with finding a new car after my accident, letting go of old friends that didn't belong in my life any longer, and just trying to make it to the new year without having a mental breakdown.

Now, I find myself determined and with a plan. A plan that requires me to stand up and take action and leave my procrastinating ways in the dust. Surprisingly, I do not have one ounce of desire to put it off. I feel filled with ambition and the desire to act now! It's kind of a wonderful feeling.

via

I called a mortgage broker yesterday who was recommended by a coworker who recently bought a house. I was nervous, and didn't expect to get approved because I had low expectations of my credit score due to mistakes I'd made when I was young and foolish. Luckily, the score was better than I expected and the one thing that is bring it down too low is something I'm already fixing and should be removed from the report in April/May.

While I can't get approved just now, the broker is confident that come May, we should have no problem providing I complete the following tasks:

Stay on track with my current plan to make my student loans current.
Get a credit card that I use to make one charge each month, and pay it off each month too.

That way I'm building good and healthy credit, and will hopefully have my score raised in time to look for a place this Spring/Summer. I figure since I'm month to month in my current apartment, I can just stay here until then and look for a place to buy when I'm ready.

I've also decided to go back to school this fall for Technical Writing. I already do a lot of it for work and figured that a degree in the matter would further my career and let me do what I love (writing) while also staying in a job market that can keep me employed (technology) and seems steady.

These changes all feel so very grown up, which is both exciting and scary. In any case, I have a plan and that makes me HAPPY.

I always figured I'd buy a house when I got married or settled down someday and had someone else to do some of the work with me, but now I'm just going to go out there and do it on my own. Who needs a man, right? I am woman, hear me roar.

With my luck, just as I get it all figured out for myself, is when I'll meet someone... Ha!

So I'm happy that I have a plan, and the motivation to stick it through. :)

MM: No More Drama

2012-01-09T09:10:00.000-08:00

This week's song:

No More Drama

by Mary J. Blige

***

I am so very beyond too old for drama.

***

What's your song this week?

Link-Up!

House Hunting, Credit Scores, & Pets...

2012-01-06T08:14:00.000-08:00

I Confess...

I'm getting a little into apartment hunting. When my roommate first announced he wanted to live alone and would be moving out sometime in the future, I was sad about it because he's my best friend. However, now a few months have passed and I'm starting to get excited for the change.

It's a lot of fun to look at floor plans and apartments and shop around when you have plenty of time. It's fun to envision your life in those little drawn out lines.

I Confess...

I wish I could buy a condo instead of go rent one, however I'm sure my credit isn't that great.

The roommate's mother works for a major bank and says that I should try anyway since the market is so low right now. It's a buyer's market, and places that were once going for 300,000 are now going for 85,000. That's a steal.

I Confess...

I know absolutely nothing about credit scores, or loans, or anything... All I know is that I made some mistakes that have affected my credit when I was younger, and I'm now trying to fix them. This is all so complicated.

I Confess...

I signed up at mint.com to watch my budget. I'm still trying to figure the website out, but it seems pretty neat. Plus I can monitor the whole thing from my iPhone.

I Confess...

I'm excited to find a place that I can have my kitty back! And maybe get a second little one. I think I've decided not to get anymore rats (although I'm not fully convinced yet... I don't know what to do.) because I can find a place soon where I can have my cat and maybe get another little kitten too! I miss her!

What are you confessing this week?

If My Life Were a Movie

2012-01-05T13:49:00.001-08:00

Prompt: "Your life is being turned into a movie...who will play your cast of characters?"

I thought this would be really fun!

Playing Me: Melissa Mcarthy

Click read more to see the rest of the cast!

Playing my mother: Kirstie Alley

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Playing my father: Tim Mcgraw

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Playing my Sister: Amanda Bynes

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Playing Brother #1: Channing Tatum

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Playing my Sister in law: Ellen Page

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Playing brother #2: Logan Miller

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Playing Josh: Matthew Morrison

Playing Julie: Sara Ramirez

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Playing Doug: Michael Rosenbaum

(he'd have to grow a goatee)

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Playing Megan: Tina Fey

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Playing Jon: Ewan Mcgregor

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Playing Max: Eric Stoltz

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Playing Shawn: Matthew Perry

via

Playing Justin: Luke Macfarlane

Playing Gayvid: Ricky Martin

via

Playing Jerremy: Edward Norton

via

Playing Angel: Rutina Wesley

via

Playing Kristina: Natalie Portman

via

Playing Ken: Jack Mcbrayer

via

Playing Courtney: Emma Roberts

via

Playing Brttany: Felicia Day

Currently

2012-01-04T12:46:00.000-08:00

Since it's a new year, I wanted to do a new Currently post like I did last year. I know my likes and dislikes change with the wind-so I think I'm going to make this kind of post a yearly thing. :) So here I am as of now.

If you'd like to see what last years choices were, go HERE.

Currently I am reading:

My current playlist includes:

Click read more to continue reading...

Current Favorite Colors:

Current favorite drink:

Current favorite food:

Current favorite shows:

Current wishlist:

Current needs:

Current triumphs:

Current bane of my existence:

Current celebrity crush:

Current blessings:

What I'm wearing today:

Current Excitement:

Current mood:

So what is current with you?

Live More Simply

2012-01-03T10:08:00.000-08:00

Another year has come and gone, and while I'm not one for making New Years resolutions because you almost never follow through all of the way, I am definitely one for making goals and working towards them. Sometimes you succeed and can feel amazing for accomplishing that goal, however since you're working towards something it's hardly a failure when you do not succeed, but rather a bump in the road. I find that with resolutions, you set very high expectations and it's all about the end result, so if you fail there is a higher chance of giving up.

My motto for this year is "Live more simply."

This is sort of a wide ranging goal. Living more simply includes a lot of decluttering, dejunking, and cutting out the things and people that bring me down or hold me back in life. I want to be able to breath without worrying or stressing about things all of the time, and I really want to be able to easily love and trust that those around me love and trust me-without being a complete drain all of the time or causing drama.

I am inspired a lot by the 2012 Declutter & Organize Calendar created by My Simple Life. It is a calendar listing daily simple tasks to help declutter, organize, and simplify your existence. It's such a great idea, I am totally going to work on doing as much of it as possible.

Here are some things I want to see happen during 2012 while I am living more simply:

Find a new apartment and live on my own for a little while. Hopefully a bright and sunny two bedroom (so I can have a guest/craft room), a little further south, for the same or cheaper cost than the one I'm in now, where I can have my kitty. There's no rush on this, I still love my roommate, but he's about ready to find a place and try it on his own for a while.
Figure out a budget and stick to it. I'm so terrible with my money. I don't save well and I still manage to live paycheck to paycheck when I'm making a decent amount. Not acceptable anymore.
Save Money. End my year with a good chunk of money in my savings account.
Fix my credit. I'm already working on this, and I hope that this will by my last time renting. I'd like to buy a house in a year or two.
Not let the little things get to me. I want to be much more zen and not always let the little silly things cause me stress or worry. It's not worth my time.
Finally Get Healthy. My coworker and I are joining a gym, I'm starting eat healthy, drinking more water, no more soda, etc.
Keep things generally picked up. It doesn't always have to be clean and tidy, but I just don't want it to get so out of hand anymore that I spend all day deep cleaning the house.
Spend more time with those who are good for my soul. Those good friends, family, framily, etc. who love me unconditionally and respect me-those who constantly uplift me and make my life a better place. In turn, I am spending less time with those who are not good for me, and cutting out as many of them as possible.

What goals do you have?

Also, I'd like to throw in my happy list today.

I'm happy that I get the opportunity to start clean with a new year, and to work towards my goals and live more simply.

I'm happy that Mamarazzi is hosting the Happy List again because while I loved it, December was a rough month and I messed it up more than I got it right!

I'm happy that I just got an email that says I'm getting a $500 Christmas bonus from my company, even though it's after Christmas. That's all going into savings!

I'm happy to be back at work and back to blogging regularly!

I'm happy that I won the happy list link up for December! Yay for Mamarazzi's favorite things! (sounds like Oprah hehe...)

The Soundtrack of 2011

2012-01-02T09:21:00.000-08:00

Since 2011 is now over, and 2012 is beginning-I thought I'd start the year's first Musical Mondays post with my soundtrack from 2011. Here is all the Musical Monday songs I picked for 2011.

2011 Soundtrack Tracks

David Duchovny by Bree Sharp
Shadow of the Day by Linkin Park
Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri
Perfect by P!nk
Little Lion Man by Mumford & Sons
Bleed it Out by Linkin Park
F*ck You by Cee Lo Green
Catalyst by Linkin Park
Ready to Love Again by Lady Antebellum
How to be Alone
Empire State of Mind by Jay Z & Alicia Keys
Self Esteem by Garfunkel & Oats
Rolling in the Deep by Adele
Be Ok by Ingrid Michaelson
Say Hey (I Love You) by Michael Franti & Spearhead
Where is My Mind cover by Yoav & Emily Browning
Party Like a Lohan
Someone Like You by Adele
I Want You by Kelly Clarkson
Black Crow by Namoli Brennet
Dust by Eric Himan
Blow by Ke$ha
My Boy Builds Coffins by Florence + the Machine
Raise Your Glass by P!nk
Ridin' Solo by Jason Derulo
Grace Kelly by MIKA
Tonight Tonight by Hot Chelle Rae
Dante's Prayer by Lorena Mckennet
Dingue, Dingue, Dingue by Christophe Mae
Wonderful by Rob Thomas
Arms by Christina Perri
Magic by La Roux
I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie
You Can't Keep Letting it Get You Down by OK Go
Muppet Show Theme by OK Go & The Muppets
There is a Light That Never Goes Out by The Smiths
Velha Infancia by Tribalistas
Long Time Coming by Maria Mena
Grimm Grinning Ghosts by the Disney Villains
That's What You Get by Paramore
With a Little Help From My Friends from Across the Universe
Shake It Out by Florence + The Machine
Stereo Hearts by Gym Class Heros & Adam Levine
I'm Sorry by Maria Mena
Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye & Kimbra

What songs were your favorites of 2011?

Link-Up!

Beginnings & Endings

2012-01-01T15:52:00.000-08:00

First off, Happy New Year!

I rang in the new year with a handful of close friends, and a lot of booze.

It was small and kind of chill, but with my nearest and dearest friends.

My goal for this year is to live more simply.

Also, sadly I have to say R.I.P. Nimh and Basil.

We left a friend's dog in my apartment while we went to breakfast, and when we came back they were dead. I didn't see any of the mess, Josh, Doug and Julie were kind enough to make me wait outside while they took care of it. From what we can figure the dog must have knocked it over and when they ran around he tried to play with them, and being so much larger and them so fragile, it didn't end well.

They were just a year old and I loved them so.

They were so sweet, loving, and genuinely happy to see me.

My poor sweet little babies.

I'm not sure if I want to get any more now...

This Year in Blog Posts

2011-12-29T08:53:00.000-08:00

Joining in on Writers Workshop this week with Mama Kat. Today's prompt is to choose my favorite blog post from each month of 2011 and share it. So I'm going to pick my favorites, even if there may be one or two extra in there.

January

20 Ideas to Make 2011 (or any year) the Best Year Ever

I wrote a great post about things you should do to improve your life and make your easy and wonderful! I should take my own advice more often!

Take Responsibility for YOUR Feelings

A great post explaining why we should take responsibility for the way we feel, and not allow others to affect us so much. Also, why we shouldn't dwell on the hurt people may inflict, especially if it is unintentional.

In Memory of an Amazing Woman

My friend Megan's mother died. She was too young to go so quickly, and the hole she left in the world was great. I never even met her, but attending the wake in support of my dear friend and hearing all the good she had done in the world, and how many lives she affected-really touched me and encouraged me to write this post about how I hope when I go that I will have that many people with that many loving stories to share.

February

Chinese New Year Party

A great photodump of all the pictures I took at my big Chinese New Year party. It was such a great time!

March

Ready to Love Again

It was my Musical Mondays post-a song called Ready to Love Again by Lady Antebellum. I discussed how I was ready to fall in love again, but how utterly frightened I was to try. I laid out all of my fears there on the page.

Lonely Can Be Healing if You Make It

I shared this video that I feel is amazing.

April

What's in my Bag?

A cute quick post that shows you what I carry in my purse.

May

You Have an Impact on the World
A great little post about the impact you have on the world, and how you should do your best to make it as positive as possible-because every little thing you do affects the flow of life for yourself and others.

June

Just Once, Understand
A AMAZING quote and image, and how I feel about them.

Currently
A great post that lets you get to know me as I was at that time. Sharing favorites and talking about things I love.

July

It's the Simple Things
A up-beat post about how the simplest things in life can really make it amazing.

Things I Like About Me
A good list of things I like about myself.

August

A Return to Dating
The story of what finally made me break my year of celibacy and my two year hiatus from dating. How a simple apology on my part really turned my perspective around. See also: Emotional Brain Vomit.

September

Spoiling Romance
A lengthy post about how I feel like a lot of the things I do (and probably many other people) during dating can really spoil the romance of the relationship.

Where I'm From
An artistic writing prompt induced poem about where I'm from.

October

In All My 25 Years
A post about 22 life altering things I've experiences so far in my life.

November

Shake It Out
I had a break up of sorts, and this is based on Florence + the Machine's song Shake It Out and how I'm just going to shake off the worry about it.

December

Somebody I Used to Know
A friend of mine decided he no longer wanted to be friends. This is a friend I have a huge history of and have cared for very deeply-and something silly that he thinks I did (I didn't) caused him to completely throw all of that history and all of my support away. This talks about how I'm just going to have to move on and he's now just somebody I used to know.

What is your favorite post?
Leave me a link and I'll come check them out!

2011 in Review: July Through September

2011-12-28T12:33:00.000-08:00

July

Musical Mondays for July included: Dingue Dingue Dingue by Christophe Mae, Dante's Prayer by Loreena Mckennit, Tonight Tonight by Hot Chelle Rae, and Grace Kelly by MIKA.
I got hooked on the Documentary for Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead.
I met this cute little face:

I listed a bunch of Things I Like About Me.
I did the Juice Cleanse, only made it a week but lost 10lbs!
My roommate announced that he wanted to move out.
David moved to Sacramento.

August

August's Musical Mondays included: Magic by La Roux, Arms by Christina Perri, and Wonderful by Rob Thomas.
I headed out on an Epic Road trip with my two best friends!

We got to see David again, since he moved to Sacramento.

We visited Castro Street in San Francsico:

And the Golden Gate Bridge:

And I stayed in my very first Hostel.

Took the subway in San Francsico:

Visited Portland and found it to not be exactly what we expected.
Ate at the famous Voodoo Donuts:

Saw the longest running drag show in America.
Went on Underground tours of both Portland and Seattle.
Toured a lighthouse.
Went to my first Gravity House.

Drove through the Redwood Forrest. Magical.
Saw the sun set over the ocean.
Played on the beach in Oregon.

Had a Donner Kabob
Visited the Seattle Aquarium
Met Beth in real life.
Went to the Utah State Fair and ate Rocky Mountain Oysters and giant turkey legs.

Went clubbing with Josh's grandma and her friend.

Started dating again.
My great grandpa died.

September

September's Musical Mondays included: I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie, This Too Shall Pass by OK Go, Muppet Show Theme Song by OK Go & The Muppets, and There is a Light That Never Goes Out by The Smiths.
I Fell in love with Dr. Who.
I started Carpooling.
We took the paddle boats out as a last hurrah for the summer.

We hung out at the bar a little with Shawn, Justin and Brian.
I wrote a great post about Where I'm From.
I hit 500 followers.
Beth and I announced Swapoween! :)

If I Had Fashion...

2011-12-28T11:03:00.000-08:00

Ok, so thanks to Camille I decided to give Polyvore a try... and now I love it. It's incredibly fun and a huge time-waster when you need something to keep your mind busy.

So here are a few items I've made-if I was thin enough to wear these things, this is just some ideas of the fashion I might have... Also, a lot of them I would have to find cheaper versions of... lol

Casual Teal by mysocalledchaos featuring pointed toe boots

Mustard & Blue by mysocalledchaos featuring a full skirt

Take Me Out Tonight by mysocalledchaos featuring sterling silver necklaces

Those are just the sets I have so far... Aren't they cute?
Have you tried Polyvore? Let's follow each other!

Happy List

2011-12-27T08:22:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Sorry this is late, I'm on vacation and lost track of my days somehow!

I'm happy that everyone I gave presents to seemed to like them.

I'm happy that I loved all of the gifts that people gave to me.

I'm happy for my family, and a fairly smooth Christmas.

I'm happy that I got to see my grandparents that I don't see very often.

I'm happy for all of these wonderful people in my life!

What makes you happy this week?

Confessing

2011-12-22T12:58:00.000-08:00

I Confess...
That I'm madly in love with the song "Somebody that I Used to Know" by Gotye and Kimbra. I was before certain events transpired, but even more now. Read yeserday's post to see more.

I Confess...

I'm feeling the need for change. Either a lot of it in little doses, or a little in a big dose. That's why the blog header and button got a new makeover. What do you think of them?

I Confess...

Someone who has been my friend for a very long time, who I have a huge history with, doesn't want to be my friend anymore. He accused me of overhearing him have a conversation about something that was none of my business this past weekend, and then running and gossiping about it. This is not even slightly true. It was told to me months ago, and then I moved on because guess what? I don't care.

I Confess...

I'm not hurt that he is wrong about this whole thing-I'm upset because any one who is a real friend would maturely approach their friend and say "I heard (or I think) this transpired, can you tell me if that's true?" That's what real friends do. If that's how it's going to be, I'm okay with walking away from it all.

I Confess...

I'm having trust issues at the moment with other people because of this whole thing. People who I'm afraid don't always have my back-even though it's honest.

I Confess...
It's times like these that make me insanely grateful for the other friends I have surrounding me. No matter what disagreements we may have, annoyances, or issues that arise-these true friends stick together and discuss it honestly-then IF something has been done wrong we work it out forgive each other. Why? Because we love each other and that's what you do when you love people.

I Confess...
I'm going to miss him a lot. I have loved him. I have loved his family. I will always love him and them. But I will be okay with this new path I am headed down.

I Confess...
It may even be healthier for me to completely let go of this friendship. At least for a while. A sweet blog friend told me yesterday that she thinks exes can only be friends after enough time has gone by that everyone had actually healed. We never gave it any time in between, so now it's time to.

I Confess...
Those friends I have that rally around me and support me are truly my family. I love them so much!

What do you have to confess?

Somebody That I Used To Know

2011-12-22T09:12:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite song right now.

Now and then I think of when we were together

Like when you said you felt so happy you could die

I told myself that you were right for me

But felt so lonely in your company

But that was love and it's an ache I still remember

You can get addicted to a certain kind of sadness

Like resignation to the end, always the end

So when we found that we could not make sense

Well you said that we would still be friends

But I'll admit that I was glad it was over

[[chorus]]

[But you didn't have to cut me off

Make out like it never happened and we were nothing

And I don't even need your love

But you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough

No you didn't have to stoop so low

Have your friends collect your records and then change your number

Guess that I don't need that though

Now you're just somebody that I used to know

Now you're just somebody that I used to know]

Now and then I think of all the times you screwed me over

But had me believing it was always something I had done

But I don't wanna live that way, reading into every word you say

You said that you could let it go

And I wouldn't catch you hung up on

somebody that you used to know

[[chorus]]

When do you decide that something is actually over? How do you determine when it's time to let go of something that you've held onto so tightly and fought for over and over trying to make it work for so long? Can exes ever actually be friends without it being weird? I used to think so, but I think I may have been wrong all along.

Something always goes wrong. There's always a certain kind of awkwardness between you, a tension that neither of you can ever quite let go of. I fight that tension by joking about it. Nothing is sacred. Make fun of the things that feel awkward or make you sad, because then they become less-that's how I was taught. That's how the world shaped me. Make fun of it until it becomes a joke, and you can just laugh at it instead of feeling hurt.

Unfortunately that doesn't work for everyone and some people would rather just ignore any of the history you had together to avoid having to think about it or resolving it. They swallow it down and pretend it never happened. Maybe those people aren't meant to be a part of your life. That reason you broke up in the first place, maybe it's the reason why you can't actually be friends later on either.

I held on for a very long time, because that's what friends do, and because there were kids involved. Kids I love more than I could possibly explain-kids that I loved like they were my own. I held on because he was someone I cared about very much and who I enjoyed hanging out with. Because despite the fact that I had loved him very much, he had always been a friend who I enjoyed -and that to me was more important than any intimate or romantic relationship we'd ever had.

But it's over now. We can't be friends. All because of something I didn't actually do, and can't figure out why I'm getting all of the blame for it. I wont go into details, I'm just saying that it's done. But I think he was just looking for an excuse to burn the bridge. So I'll let him burn his bridge if it makes him feel better and I'll walk away. Change can be good, maybe this will work out to be better for me in the long run.

2011 in Review: April through June

2011-12-21T12:32:00.000-08:00

April

April's Musical Mondays included: Where is My Mind a cover by Yoav & Emily Browning, Say Hey (I Love You) by Michael Franti & Spearhead, Be Ok by Ingrid Michaelson, and Rolling in the Deep by Adele.
Beth and I hosted the first annual Handmade for you Swaparoo and it was awesome!
My goddaughter Kailee broke her arm.

I made my first sale on Etsy. Thanks Janna!
I got a fancy mattress pad for my bed, and now I'm in love with it!
I posted my first vlog ever.

I showed everyone what is in my bag.
Josh's step-grandpa died.
I got cute new business cards from Vistaprint.

I met Isha in real life.

I turned 25.
I had an awesome birthday party!

We got to see Hal Sparks Live and meet him in person!

May

May's Musical Mondays included: Dust by Eric Himan, Black Crow by Namoli Brennet, I Want You by Kelly Clarkson, and Someone Like You by Adele.
I had Spring Fever really badly.
I got to spend time with my favorite honorary neice and my godkids.

I stated my feelings in You Have an Impact on the World!
My Great Grandma Dorothy passed away.

I started my new blog: Health Not to Health Nut.
I hit 400 Followers and had a huge giveaway to celebrate.
I decided to try taking 21 days to a lifestyle change, and did pretty good for a while.
We partied "like a Lohan" to celebrate Meggy's 30th birthday.

June

Musical Mondays for June included: Ridin' Solo by Jason Derulo, Raise Your Glass by P!nk, My Boy Builds Coffins by Florence + The Machine, and Blow by Ke$ha.
I got my first Hula Hoop from Haley!

Matt moved out from downstairs.
We went to the Gay Pride Parade.

Elisa and Julie moved in next door.
I got to go to Lagoon for the first time in years.
I developed a love for cute little summer dresses.
I went to the Arts Festival.
Threw an awesome gold-themed birthday party for Elisa's 25th!

Link up with us!

Happy List

2011-12-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

I'm down with either food poisoning or a super flu bug at the moment, I'm super behind on getting ready for Christmas, and I lost a friend over something I didn't actually do this weekend-so I'm going to keep this short and sweet.

I'm happy that I got to spend the weekend with a lot of good friends. First, Friday and Saturday with my friends up in Layton, with crafting, and celebrating a good friend's graduation. Then drinking and hanging out with Max, Josh, Doug & Julie.

I'm happy that Doug and Julie got engaged. Go them!

I'm happy that I made this gorgeous wreath:

I'm happy I finally got my Christmas tree up.

I'm happy that I got to see my family and play with my cute little cousins.

3-2-1 GO!

2011-12-17T00:01:00.001-08:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Slim-Fast for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I'm not lying when I say I've been a Slim Fast fan for years; especially when it comes to breakfast. For some reason, in the mornings my stomach doesn't wake up nearly as fast as the rest of me and I don't find myself wanting to eat breakfast-even though I know it's incredibly important. My solution? Grab a Slim-Fast from the fridge and go! It's quick, it's easy, and it gives me the nutrients I need to make it through the day without taking in too many calories. Perfect for the girl (i.e. me) who is always trying to lose weight.

See, I even have mine at work with me today!

When I'm being good, and following Slim Fast's 3-2-1 plan, I feel so much better. I have energy to make it through the day and I never feel bloated or like I ate too much or something horrible, unlike when I have something like a greasy burger for lunch (BAD!) It's great.

The 3-2-1 plan includes 3 healthy snacks (such as a slimfast 100 calorie bar, veggies, or some other healthy alternative.) 2 Slim Fast shakes or meal bars, and 1 balanced 500 calorie meal per day.

You can get the shakes in these awesome flavors:

Creamy Milk Chocolate
French Vanilla
Rich Chocolate Royale
Cappuccino Delight
Strawberries N' Cream

The new Slim Fast shakes and other goodies are available in the Pharmacy sections of grocers and retailers nationwide, but the easiest places to find them are Wal-Mart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, or online at Amazon.com or in the Slim-Fast 3-2-1 store on Facebook!

They also taste better than ever before. I really recommend giving it a try, I've enjoyed every experience with it and will definitely be using it to help shed all of the holiday weight (and you know, the other weight I already have) that I may gain! You can also "like" Slim-Fast on Facebook to keep up with the latest information!

I Confess: I have a car!

2011-12-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

I Confess...I haven't even put up my Christmas decorations yet... I started putting the tree up yesterday, but got distracted and never finished. It's kind of sad really.
I Confess...I'm giving away a copy of my friend Max's card game HERE! Go win!
I Confess...I finally got a new car! Just look how cute she is!

I Confess...Because of all the stressing and trying to find a car, I haven't even come close to finishing all my Christmas gifts! I'm not even sure what I'm doing for a bunch of people... Yikes.
I Confess...When I got back to my desk at work today, this is what I found. It was from my Secret Santa.

I Confess...BEST SECRET SANTA GIFT EVER!

What do you have to confess?

Eaten by Zombies! Giveaway!

2011-12-14T13:04:00.000-08:00

First of all, let me say-I just hit 600 Followers!
Welcome to all of you who are new here! I am really happy to have you!
You know what that means right? Giveaway time!
But first...

Image via gamesalute.com

Many of you have heard me talk about Eaten by Zombies! before, especially back when it was very first being released and I was trying to push the Kickstarter campaign for it. Thanks to all of the support by game lovers, friends, family, and zombie fans-they raised a whopping $47,874 to publish the game and push it through to shelves everywhere.

You may wonder why this is such a big deal to me, and other than the fact that I like zombies and card games, this game was created by one of my closest friends. Max has been my good friend for many years, and it's always been a dream of his to make something like this happen. Watching his life transform as he actually started putting all of this together, then as he started getting the art done by a talented artist he works with, when Mayday Games picked it up for publishing, as it started getting printed and promoted, etc. has been an awesome experience. I am so very proud of him!

via eatenbyzombiesgame.com

The first printing of the game sold out all of the copies ordered before they were even fully printed, and this week the second printing hits the shelves in game stores all across the country!

This would make a fantastic Christmas/holiday gift for anyone who enjoys games (I've played, and it's very fun!), anyone who has a thing for zombie movies, or really-anyone at all! It would also make an awesome family gift to give to an entire family because it brings people together and allows everyone to sit down and have a good time together.

via nerdbloggers.com

You can find the game in game stores across the country later this week, or you can order it from Mayday Games directly. It's only $25.96, which is an awesome price!

Note: If you buy the game and look in the instruction booklet-you'll see my name! I was an official game tester. Also, if you happen to come across the zombie named Max, that bears a striking resemblence to the following photo, it's because it's based on it and I took that picture! :)

Are you ready for the giveaway?

I am giving one of my readers (yes, it's coming directly from me, this post is NOT sponsored by Mayday Games or Max Holiday) all of the following:

One copy of the game Eaten by Zombies!

Plus the Promotional Cards

and the Rosie the Riveter Die to help count Zombies!

How awesome is that?

To Qualify:

*Must be a US Resident

*You must be a follower to enter.

Not a follower? Don't stress! Just click on the follow button at the top, or to the right!

Giveaway is open until December 31st, 2011 at 11:59PM MST.

Winner will be chosen at random via Rafflecopter and announced on January 3rd, 2012.

I know that wont be in time for Christmas gifts, but at least you'll get to win it and keep it for yourself if you want! :) That or give it as a birthday gift, or anniversary gift-the options are endless!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy List

2011-12-13T07:15:00.000-08:00

I am happy... That I get to go see some cars this week to see if I like them.

I am happy... That I test drove some more expensive cars, but didn't like them enough to get into debt over them, so I decided to stick within my price range and just buy something for cash straight up.

I am happy... That I went to Jerremy's birthday party Saturday night, because it was a lot of fun!

Making drinks-so yummy!

Heeeey! :)

I am happy... I finally met Hiro, David's dog. He's sooooo cute!

I am happy... I decided to participate in the 2011 Review Extravaganza! It's so fun!

I am happy... I have friends who can be silly with me.

I am happy... said silly friends look over and say "We should all be wearing silly hats."

I am happy... Said silly friends in silly hats decide they must be Jackie O and then respond to things all night with "Jackie O would never do such a thing!"

What are you happy about?

Link up!

2011 in Review: January Through March

2011-12-12T13:29:00.000-08:00

I've decided to join the 2011 review extravaganza. I think it's a great way to recap the entire year without having to create one giant post covering it all, and I get to follow the awesome hosts and see how everyone else's year went. Each week of the extravaganza we get to link up 3 months of the year.

January

My Musical Mondays for January included: David Duchovney by Bree Sharp, Shadow of the Day by Linkin Park, Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri, and Perfect by P!nk.
I was celibate and still on a break from the dating world.
I pierced my nose. It hurt, and took over 8 months to heal and look normal. But I love it now!

My friend Megan's mother died which caused shock and complete heartbreak for her and her family. I attended the wake in support and learned what an amazing woman she was.
I was featured as the Queen of the Day over at Dandelion Wishes.
I attempted the six week challenge which I failed to complete. :(
I wrote a great inspirational post on 20 Ideas to Make 2011 (and every year) Great!

February

Musical Mondays for February included: Little Lion Man by Mumford and Sons, Bleed it Out by Linkin Park, F*ck You by Cee Lo Green, and The Catalyst by Linkin Park.
I adopted two adorable baby rats (saved them from being snake food!)

I gave one of my Snakes to Matt and just kept the other.
I bought myself Valentine's Flowers since I was still single and celibate.

I finally got contacts.
I got to make handmade Valentine's Day Cards with the honorary kiddos!

I participated in Mamarazzi's pink swap and met the Awesome Haley who I adore and secretly think is a long lost soul mate!
Work released a new pricing structure which caused me to work a 12 hour day and help over 150 customers +. I received a gift card and recognition for being awesome about it.
I hosted a killer awesome Chinese New Year party where I made yummy Chinese food for and had a great time partying it up with my framily.

I reconnected with an old friend I haven't seen since Jr. High School, and she's just as cool as ever and I love her to death!

March

Musical Mondays for March included: Ready to Love Again by Lady Antebellum, Empire State of Mind by Jay Z, and Self Esteem by Garfunkle and Oats.
I recapped my funniest Twitter posts.
I went to New York City!

I opened my Etsy shop and started filling it with goodies!
I participated in the Spring Swap from Janna and got to know sweet Amberly.
I fell in love with this amazing video:

Join up and share how your year has been!

If You'll Stay in My Past...

2011-12-12T08:42:00.000-08:00

This week's song:

If You'll Stay in My Past

by Maria Mena

***

Spent the night dreaming of past relationships, of exes or not-quite exes, then woke up with this replaying in my head, so I thought I'd choose it for my Musical Mondays post today.

Sometimes it's better to cut and run, and leave it alone rather than trying to find a resolution during the breakup. Sometimes even when you're not totally to blame, it's easier to just take it and run than point out where they went wrong as well. They wont see...

And I will be your punching bag, if you'll stay in my past.

And I'll be your one regret, if you'll stay in my past.

And I will let you cheapen sex, if you'll stay in my past.

And I will let you forget me, if you'll stay in my past.

It's selfish of me to ask if you can only live off the memory of me.

So please stay in my past.

I'm not sad today or anything, it's just been stuck in my head. :)

Happy Monday!

What are you listening to?

Link-Up!

Confessions & Cars

2011-12-10T07:53:00.000-08:00

I confess... I will stay with State Farm forever because of this experience. They made it so quick, easy, and relatively painless-they also gave me much more for the car than I expected. I'm picking up my $5,000 check tonight-that's only just short of 8 days from the time of accident to payout. MARVELOUS!

I confess... I'm buying a new car Saturday!

I confess... I just realized I don't have to worry about my squealing belt, the broken struts, the torn off visor, or the dirty cup holders in that old civic anymore-and suddenly I'm excited for a new car!

I confess... I was looking through KSL and cheap cars and I created an obsessive spreadsheet with columns for price, NADA value, KBB value, Year, Make, Model, style, Exterior Color, Interior Color, Mileage, Trans, Condition, Extras, Dealership or Seller, Title, and links to the postings for the card. I was prepared.

I confess... Josh and I decided to drive around and look at Dealerships just to see what kind of cars we could find and how I liked them. We drove through the Toyota one, Nissan, Hyundai, Honda, and Mitsubishi.

I confess... I really like the salesmen at Ken Garff. They're not pushy at all, and they're super nice!

I confess... I may or may not have almost taken home a car last night that was a bit more than what I was planning on spending... But the payments would have been super cheap after my huge down payment.

I confess... I may or may not go back for one of these:

2008 Honda Civic LX

This car only has 74,000 miles on it and a ton of fancy features.

IT's also priced $2,000 below the blue book value (according to my research) because they're trying to clear the lot as it's the last few weeks of the year. If I buy this car, it needs those batman floor mats I was talked out of before...

2010 Toyota Yaris

It only has 25,000 miles on it, and is only $12,000.

It's kind of a cheaper car-the interior is a little cheap-but it's adorable!

I confess... I'd probably get scolded from my brother for even thinking about it-but as I was looking at a car for $8,500 yesterday that was cheaper with higher mileage the dealer looked at me and said "With as big of a down payment as you have, and as good a job-you might as well get something you can drive and drive. That Civic will suit you for a good 10-15 years at least...

I confess... I agree with him. I drive a LOT! However, I do still like the look of the older civics better, at least on the outside.

I confess... I can't wait to find the car I like best and take it home!

What do you think?

Mmmmm Applebees... Win a Gift Card!

2011-12-10T02:01:00.001-08:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Gift Card Weekend. All opinions are 100% mine.

Applebee's is a great low cost restaurant where you can gather around with a bunch of friends and get exactly what you want. Anywhere from great down home cooking like steak and potatoes, to tacos, or even an Oriental Chicken Salad. One of the best things about their menu is the entire section that has whole meals under 550 calories. It's lovely!

Do you want a chance to win a $25 gift card to Applebee's? 'Gilbert the Gift Card Machine' is giving away more than 100 gift cards a week in the time leading up to Gift Card Weekend. The daily giveaway for days between 12/10 and 12/18 are for Applebee's Gift Cards!

All you need to do is "like" Gift Card Weekend on Facebook. Also, if you share with your Facebook friends you can earn extra entries for every "like" you influence.

Gift Card Weekend is a once a year event where participating retail partners give featured offers for gift cards purchased during the Holiday season, that you can redeem the weekend of January 6th-January 8th, 2012. This is nice if you're a gift-giver, because you can get more bang for your buck and give your gift recipient a fun weekend on Gift Card Weekend! You can find more information by familiarizing yourself with their Facebook page after you've "liked" it.

Other cool places offering Gift Cards for Gift Card Weekend include:

JCPenny
Regal Cinema
Subway
Sephora
Applebee's
Bass Pro Shops
Adidas
Buca di Beppo
Lowe's
Spa Finder
Marriot
Giant Eagle

Go enter! It could be fun!

Still looking for Christmas gifts?

2011-12-08T08:21:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to let you all know that I decided to continue my Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale until Christmas. :) Prices still low, and all orders come with a free gift! Great for stocking stuffers or low cost gifts that are unique and handmade! :)

Also, I added a bunch of new and exciting things to my shop last weekend.

Check it out! (Click on the picture below to go to the listing:

Necklaces

Our Love is a Mixed Tape Necklace

Two listed, one with a red heart and one with a pink heart.

Mustache Necklace

Through the Looking Glass Necklace

Stereo Hearts Necklace

Masquerade Ribbon Necklace

Hot Pink Sun Necklace

Wire Wrapped Smokey Quartz Necklace

Earrings

BAM Comic Book Earrings

POW Comic Book Earrings

Peace Sign Earrings with Black and Pink

Birds of a Feather Earrings

DIY Christmas Decor

2011-12-07T07:51:00.001-08:00

Lately I've been a complete Christmas craft junkie on Pinterest.

I have an entire board specifically dedicated to DIY Christmas stuff.

Decorations, gift wrapping, presents, etc.

Today I want to share some of my favorite DIY Christmas Decor with you.

So you too, can have a homemade holiday!

(Gift wrapping, kids crafts, and gifts posts coming soon!)

My Favorite DIY Wreaths

Click on the mash of pictures to see it bigger.

1.) Christmas Ribbon Wreath 2.) Ornament Wreath 3.) Handmade Christmas Wreath 4.) Outdoor Christmas Wreath (not a tutorial) 5.) Eco Friendly Christmas Cork Wreath 6.) Snowball Wreath 7.) Winter Willow Wreath 8.) Pine Cone Wreath (no tutorial) 9.) White Pine Cone Wreath (no tutorial)

My Favorite DIY Decor
Click on the mash of pictures to see it bigger.

1.) Wire Christmas Tree Wall Decoration 2.) Christmas Tree Advent Calendar 3.) Christmas Decor Frame 4.) Pinup Card Wreath 5.) Little Pine Cone Elves 6.) Mini Fabric Christmas Trees 7.) Pint Jar Christmas Decor (no tutorial) 8.) Christmas Candle Chandelier 9.) Book Trees 10.) Christmas Tree Ornament Mobile 11.) Epsom Salt Ornaments and Candle 12.) Frosted Votive Centerpiece

My Favorite DIY Ornaments
Click on the mash-up of images below to view it larger.

1.) Scrabble Ornaments 2.) Peas in a Pod Ornaments 3.) Silhouette Ornaments 4.) Vintage Glitter Snowball Ornaments 5.) Bacon Ornament 6.) Felt Owl Ornament 7.) Stamped Bird Ornaments 8.) Our Grandbabies Ornament (not a tutorial)

I hope you have fun with these, a lot of them would make awesome gifts too!

Happy List

2011-12-06T07:00:00.001-08:00

Sorry this is late guys!I had to spend last night cleaning out my car at the auto body place.
I'm Happy that I walked away alive and with nothing more than a bruised knee after being in the middle of a 5 car pileup Thursday night. It was scary, but I am so very lucky.

I'm Happy that my insurance was better than I thought it was, because the car is a total loss and they'll actually cut me a check. They're also going to reimburse the tow which cost me $327! For that I'm grateful!

Goodbye old friend, you served me well.

I'm Happy for friends and family who are there to support me and help me out when stuff like this happens. My grandparents and my dad rushed to get me from the accident, Josh picked me up and took me home, my daddy gave a little money to help since the tow wiped all of my food and gas money for the month, and everyone has been so amazing and there for me!
What are you Happy about this week?Link-Up!

He said I'm sorry... So Sorry...

2011-12-05T10:43:00.001-08:00

This week's song:

I'm Sorry

by Maria Mena

***

To be quite honest-I really think that "spark" or "something special" "some call it magic" thing is bogus. Every time I think I've felt a spark with someone it's never ended well. Love at first sight? Doesn't exist. That thing people thing is the "spark"? Well I think it's just lust-or maybe a good case of the grass is always greener on the other side.

No, I'm not immune to it. I've felt it, sometimes I still think I feel it now and again when I meet someone. But do I trust it? No way in hell.

That's not just me being cynical either, it's an educated conclusion born out of experience. I've dated and dated and dated. I've dated good guys, good guys with horrible circumstances, and I've dated horrible guys. It always ends up in the same place, and those guys I thought I had a "spark" with usually end up there faster. So I try dating guys there's no initial spark with, going with the policy "love comes softly" to let it build and grow-and feelings do start to (if they're decent people deserving of feelings) and somehow they're still stuck on the "spark" theory and just not feeling it. Is that irony? Hmm...

I guess it's all part of growing up. Learning to overlook the silly fairy tale and find someone who is your best friend and lover, and then letting it grow into something more meaningful and true love-esque. Question is, how do I find someone ready to build and grow with me instead of just looking for something better to come along. Someone who thinks I am amazing enough to want to give it a real go with... We'll see. There's time.

He told me he was sorry, and that's fine. I don't hate him, I'm not angry at him-just at the circumstances. The really messed up part is that part of me, for a moment, considered sticking it out because I was enjoying the companionship-but I can't let myself just be someones "for now" girl anymore, no matter how much it sucks to be alone. I want to be a forever girl.

What are you listening to this week?

Link up!

500 Followers Giveaway Spectacular WINNERS!

2011-11-30T11:28:00.001-08:00

It's time to announce the winners, are you as excited as I am?
I have to say, this has been wildly successful and I'm SOOO glad for all the response!
One more follower and I have to get ready to post a 600 Follower Giveaway! Wow!

On to the winners...

The winner of the 8x12 Fine Art Photo from Valor Photography is:

Christian Nunez!

The winners of the Handmade Coffee Cozies from Breeze Creations are:

Beth &
Whitney Linderman!

The winner of the Custom Hula Hoop from Knotty Craft Kreations is:

Bernie!

The winner of the thrift package from Camille Yanair is:

Marie!

The winner of the Crochet Double Wrap bracelet by Opaque Dream is:

Jessica G

The winner of The New Death eBook by James Hutchings is:

Megan Morin!

The winner of the Ember Diadem from Girl2Goddess is:

Becca!

The Winner of the $12 gift card to Budugalee is:

Angel Jacklyn!

The winner of the Coochy Shave Cream from Slumber Parties by Alicia Barr is:

Stephanie King!

The winners from my Etsy store are:

Earrings of their choice: Lulu!
Hair clip of their choice: Berendina!
Custom Crocheted Headband: Alessia!
Custom Crocheted Beanie: Kathie!
Surprize Prize: Aik!

All winners have been emailed. Winners must contact me within 48 hours of notice of winning to claim prize, or new winner will be chosen in their place.

I hope you all had as much fun as me!
More giveaways coming VERY soon!

Getting Ready for Christmas Gifts

2011-11-30T07:49:00.001-08:00

Hello lovely people.

My Etsy sale has had such great response, that I've decided to extend it for the rest of the week! This includes custom orders, so if you're looking for meaningful Christmas gifts, I can custom make scarves, hats, jewelry, etc. specifically for the person you're giving it to! I'll even wrap it up if you want. FREE. :)

http://mysocalledchaos.etsy.com

***

Also, just look at all of you awesome followers, I'm going to have to do a 600 follower giveaway fairly quick after the 500 follower giveaway ends! It's amazing!

Speaking of which, it's your last day to enter-I'm going to be drawing winners tomorrow!

Don't forget to enter all of these awesome giveaways!

***
I have a new project coming up for some handmade Christmas gifts...

***

Yesterday on Etsy I ordered my Christmas cards for the year from the most adorable little shop.

The company is called Paperjacks, and my cards are all on recycled materials.

They also customized the cards and added my own little message as well as changed the color for free.

Look how cute! (mine will be red instead of green, and have my own message on the back!)

I also ordered a set of these ones from another shop.

I'm excited to start filling them out and sending them all. :)

Would anyone be interested in some kind of Christmas Card swap this year? Let me know!

***

Speaking of Swaps, I was holding out for Sami's 12 Days of Christmas Swap, but haven't heard anything and she hasn't blogged since September... So I'm guessing it's not happening. Anyone else heard of any good ones coming up that I can get in on?

***

I totally have two more Giveaways to run this month...
One from Paracord Projects by Doug.
One for Eaten by Zombies! The Game.

***

How are you getting ready for Christmas gifts?

Don't Worry, Be Happy.

2011-11-28T21:07:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! I am completely honored to announce that I'll be taking over Tuesday's Happy List for the awesome Mamarazzi until further notice. I really hope you'll all join me on Tuesdays while we get together and share all of the things that brighten our days and make us happy.
So on Sunday, I had a pretty rough day. I got dumped and Shakespeare (my fish) died. However, it's times like these that I realize just how much I need to stop and remember the things in my life that I have to be happy about.
♥ ♥ ♥
I am happy that I have such wonderful friends that take me with them on weekend excursions.

I am happy those same friends think I need to have a little more fun so they teach me how to play the slots.

I am happy that when I feel sad, my friends gather around me and cheer me up by taking me to the pet store to buy me a new fish. Everyone say hi to Galileo. He's a hefty little thing that already follows my voice and eats everything I give him. Such a sweetie!

I'm happy that those same friends are silly enough that Julie got her own pets. Specifically because Doug gave Julie crabs for Christmas.

I am happy for sweet comments from great friends on Facebook that cheer me up when I'm feeling blue.
I am happy for a great talent for crafting.My Etsy Store sale is going to continue for the rest of the week!If you haven't already, check it out!

I'm also happy that I've had such a great response to my Giveaways, which end Wednesday at 11:59PM MST.
If you haven't already, you should check them out!See the giveaways HERE.
What are you happy about this week?Link up!

Shake It Out

2011-11-28T07:43:00.001-08:00

First, My Etsy shop is having a HUGE Cyber Monday Sale! Please don't forget to check it out-all prices have been marked down significantly for pre-made and custom orders! Also, every order automatically comes with a free gift, as well as free gift wrapping and a card upon request. :)

Second, don't forget to enter all of the giveaways running from the last two weeks. There are 15 prizes from 10 different sponsors!

***

Now, back to Musical Mondays-which I've really missed! If you're new here, every monday I post a song for the week and explain why I'm connecting with the song. I then urge you to post your song with the button telling us why you love that song, or are feeling it, and link-up! If we get more than 5 people linking up each week-I'll draw a monthly prize for people who have linked up throughout the month! :)

This week's song:

Shake It Out

by Florence + the Machine

Regrets collect like old friends
Here to relive your darkest moments
And I can see no way, I can see no way
And all the ghouls come out to play

And every demon wants his pound of flesh
But I like to keep some things to myself
I like to keep my issues strong
It's always darkest before the dawn

And I've been a fool and I've been blind
I can never leave the past behind
I can see no way, I can see no way
I'm always dragging that horse around.

Our love has pastured such a mournful sound
Tonight I'm going to bury that horse in the ground
I like to keep my issues strong
But it's always darkest before the dawn.

[Chorus]
Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, whoooaaa
Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, whoooaaa
And it's hard to dance with the devil on your back
So shake him off, whoooaa

I am done with my graceless heart
So tonight I'm gonna cut it out and then restart
'Cause I like to keep my issues strong
It's always darkest before the dawn

[Chorus]
And it's hard to dance with the devil on your back
And given half the chance would I take any of it back
It's a fine romance but it's left me so undone
It's always darkest before the dawn

And I'm damned if I do, and I'm damned if I don't
So it's the drinks in the dark at the end of my rope
And I'm ready to suffer and I'm ready to hope
It's a shot in the dark and right at my throat

'Cause looking for heaven, for the devil in me
Looking for heaven, for the devil in me
Well what the hell, I'm gonna let it happen to me

[Chorus x2]

***

Well, I'm right back where I started again. I thought by taking a different path and choosing to date a "nice" guy who was honest and sweet that I'd maybe end up going down a different path this time. I mean the guy even bought me flowers-yet he had a problem with the idea of being in a committed relationship with me and I never could quite tell where he stood. He seemed really into me and being with me when we were together. Affectionate, aroused, and like he was having a genuinely good time-but the texting was getting fewer and further between and when I brought up meeting his kid he dodged the question a bit.

So that being said, I guess I knew something was up, and in the midst of a texting conversation Sunday morning he said something about people needing to recognize when they click and when they don't, which sounded like a dig to me so I bluntly asked if he thought we were clicking. I received a 4 texts detailing how he thought I was an amazing person but wasn't feeling a deep connection with me.

When I got home (this all happened while standing in line for the breakfast buffet at the Red Garter with friends-upon which I choked it down and faked a smile so the rest of the trip would still be fun.) there was a long facebook email waiting for me in which he apologized profusely and told me a bunch of reasons why I was amazing and any guy would be lucky to have me-but that guy just wasn't him and he felt really bad about it and still wanted to be friends. I haven't even been able to respond to any of it, I just don't have anything to say to him.

Josh hugged me and told me he thought this guy didn't intellectually challenge me enough anyway. He's at the point where he can't smile and lie and tell me "everything will be ok, someone better will come along-it'll all work out" because he doesn't believe it. I don't blame him. I don't believe it either.

Maybe some people just aren't meant to have anything real and lasting. This may seem like pessimism, but really I'm trying to be realistic-it may never happen. You can think "she's still young" all you want, but I look at some of these people who are 60 and have never been married or had real and lasting love and can't help but think I'm looking into the future.

Maybe some of us aren't keepers. They love us for a time, but never enough to want to spend the rest of their lives with us. Given my history, I just don't think I'm one of those people who people keep, and maybe I just have to accept that and try to live my life as full as possible without the possibility of romance.

For now, I'm just gonna shake it out.

Throw myself into projects and everything else in my life.

And shake it out.

What's your song this week?

Link-Up!

Giveaway (CLOSED) & Black Friday Sale!

2011-11-25T08:22:00.000-08:00

Well, it's time for the 10th and final day of the 500 Follower Giveaway Spectacular.

Don't worry, you still have until 11/30/11 to enter for all of these great prizes!

Todays giveaway is brought to you by ME!

From my shop Chaotic Creations by My So-Called Chaos!

I'm having a huge Black Friday through Cyber Monday sale!

All weekend long the prices will remain marked down.
Every order will come with a free gift.
And I'm offering free gift wrapping & card upon request!

So if you order a gift for someone, I can wrap it up pretty and fill out a card for you with what you'd like said and mail it directly to them-or I can wrap it pretty and send you the order & blank card to fill out yourself! :) So much fun!

Black Friday Sale Prices

All Earrings only $5.00!
Bracelets only $5.00

All necklaces only $10.00

Small hair clips only $3.00
Large hair clips only $5.00

Headbands only $5.00

Beanies only $10.00

Children's scarves only $20.00
Long scarves only $25.00 - $30.00 (depending on width.)

Plus, custom orders will be the sale price too, so if you want to order something special with specific colors or sizing as a gift, or for yourself-it too will get the sale price, free gift, and free wrapping! :)

What am I Giving away?

One winners will receive a pair of earrings of their choice.
One winner will win a hair clip of their choice.
One winner will receive a custom made crocheted headband.
One winner will receive a custom made beanie.
One winner will receive a surprise prize!

That's 5 winners and 5 different prizes!

Click read more to enter!

You have until 11/30/11 at 11:59pm MST to enter all of the giveaways!
Don't forget to check them all out!

Thankful

2011-11-23T13:37:00.001-08:00

I'm taking a break from all of the giveaways today, and in the spirit of Thanksgiving, making a list of things I'm thankful for. I haven't been the best at keeping up with the 30 days of Thanks, so I'm going to do them all there.

I'm Thankful For:

♥ Shoes on my feet, and a coat on my back. The Utah CoOp has been posting Angel tree people on Facebook for the last few days and it breaks my heart to see how many children, special needs people, and elderly people want the simplest things like coats or shoes. I am very lucky to have the base necessities.

♥ Good in the world. While it breaks my heart to see all of these people needing and wanting, it completely lightens my soul to see how quickly and adamantly people respond. Most of the people in need are quickly claimed within minutes. I've taken three myself.

If you'd like to help, "Like" The Utah CoOp on Facebook and claim and Angel.

You don't even have to live here, you can mail them the things you buy.

♥ A steady paycheck. I'm grateful for my job. Not only do I have a steady paycheck and really good benefits, but I work with some amazing people and as long as I'm working I'm not micromanaged or watched like a hawk. Some people are not that lucky.

♥ Framily. Jon & Megan, Doug & Julie, Avid, Gayvid, Shawn & Justin, Brian, Angel, Max, Ken, Matt, Ashlee, and a few more. These people are truly the friends I can count on when I need a little extra help or a pick me up. They're so close, they're basically family.

♥ Josh. I didn't mention him above because he gets his own thing. I know sometimes he feels like the odd one out as a bunch of us are now dating-but I pray he never feels like I don't want him around. He's my best friend, the person I'm closest to, my roommate, and I love him more than he'll ever know.

♥ Kristina. She also gets her own category because like Josh, I can always count on her and she's the first person I run to when I need someone to talk to. I'm so lucky to have her, she's my soul mate.

♥ My family. I don't see them nearly enough, but I was blessed with a very loving family. Yes, we had our trials, but they are loving and supportive and I am grateful for them!

♥ My grandmother. She practically raised me alongside my parents. Summers and weekends at her house, going to the movies, going to church, sleepovers, road trips, disneyland, gardening, lunch dates, birthdays, camping and much more. I don't know what I'd do without her.

♥ A cozy little apartment in Salt Lake City. I've loved where I've lived before. Growing up on the farm where crickets chirped and frogs croaked outside my window, my first apartment by the college, Southern California, etc. But none of them compare to my love of this city I now feel is my own with a house full of friends and love.

♥ The Lover. It's been two months of dating him pretty regularly now, and even though I sometimes worry about little things or worry that he does, I am thankful for every moment of it. I'm thankful for our long talks, the kisses, the flowers he bought me (oh yes, he's the first!), dinners together, cuddling and watching movies, good sex, texts throughout the day, and his all around amazing company. I sincerely hope we have a future together, but if something happens and we don't-I'm thankful for these moments we've had.

♥ Four wheels. I'm lucky to have a car, even though it costs a lot to maintain and fix when it breaks, I am so lucky to have it!

♥ The hearts of Godchildren. I'm thankful for Kailee and Kaden, and that their momma loves and trusts me with them, and knows that if anything ever happened to her I'd love them almost as much as she does and raise them as she'd want. I am so completely honored that she would name me Godmomma to them. They completely have my heart.

♥ The love of honorary kiddos. Though I may not see them as much and am not involved with their dad anymore, Devin and Haley still have a very special place in my heart and when I see them they hug and kiss me and tell me how much they missed me. It's nice to know they miss me as much as I miss them.

♥ My iPhone. Best phone ever.

♥ Carpooling. Saves so much on gas and gives me great company for the ride!

♥ Coffee. Seriously. Coffee = God.

♥ Seeing my friends happy and successful. Seeing Jon & Meggy getting engaged and feeling more love than they ever expected fills me with joy. Seeing Max with his game selling out all around the world and him getting to travel and see it through is amazing!

♥ My Computer. It connects me with all of you! :)

♥ Having been raised with a strong work ethic. I started babysitting at 10, and by 13 my grandpa had us earning out own school clothes by hauling hay in the summer. I'm so beyond grateful that my family instilled a strong work ethic in me as a child, because I'm ever the best at any job I have.

♥ My big cozy bed. I finally have it the way I want it, and someone to share it with from time to time!

♥ Good lyrics and quotes. Sometimes these feelings inside can't be explained by my own words, so I borrow the words of others-how I love words!

♥ My Etsy Store. I love having an outlet to share my crafts with the world! Big Black Friday sale and giveaway coming tomorrow! Also, new product! :)

♥ Hula Hoop. I haven't used it much lately, but man do I love that thing!

♥ My Bloggy followers and friends. You all make this day to day thing possible. The posting, the giveways, cards in the mail, and thoughtful words and comments. I love you all.

♥ Snow. There is something so peaceful and calm about the falling snow. The whole world goes quiet. I'd like a huge snowstorm over the weekend, where I can curl up with a warm blanket some hot cocoa and a good book. Mmmm.

♥ Having a voice. I am able to speak out and stand up for myself. Even though I may not always be heard, I can at last proudly proclaim "HERE I AM."

♥ Liberation. I feel like I've liberated myself from things in my past. Small minded thinking, doormat tendencies, etc. Here's to all the things I've liberated myself from, and the liberation yet to come!

♥ Good food. It brings people together. Not only for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, but for cooking a big meal with friends and sitting down to eat, or going to a restaurant and staying long after the plates have cleared just to chat and catch up. Lovely.

♥ Love. Love love love, in all things love. I have so much.

♥ Laughter. Great medicine, great workout, and boy does it color a dull world!

Have a laugh!

What are you thankful for?

Also! Don't forget to enter all of the giveaways that are running until November 30th!Check out the list HERE!

CLOSED 500 Follower Giveaway Spectacular Day 9

2011-11-22T14:14:00.001-08:00

Time for day 9 of the 500 Follower Giveaway Spectacular

Just FYI-I'm skipping tomorrow since it's Thanksgiving.

But I'll be back Friday with the last awesome giveaway!

Today's giveaway is brought to you by Slumber Parties by Alicia Barr.

I've known Alicia since I was 16. We were really great friends in High School, and we've managed to stay in touch even though she joined the marines, went away to war, she got married, had a kid-and here we are-still friends! I love it!

Let's get to know her a little better:

Tell me a little bit about yourself and your life:

I am a United States Marine Corps Veteran, and a single mom. I work a full time job, which helps pay the bills, but never seems to be enough. So I became a Slumber Parties Consultant in November of 2011. This provides me the means to have my own business with my own flexible hours, giving room for financial freedom, and the means to have a college fund for my son. I love being a Slumber Parties consultant, it's fun and I am able to help people reignite that spark within their relationships, all within a comfortable and confidential setting.

When did you get started selling these things? I started selling Slumber Parties products in November 2011

Why did you start? Own my own business and FULLY control my own finances

What is your favorite thing about it? Financial Freedom and the wonderful women I have met!

Where would you like to take this hobby/career? I would like to be able to make this my full-time job, so I can stay home with my son during the day and work around my own schedule.

Anything else interesting about it? It's a fantastic company that actually regulates its products, unlike many other Romance Enhancement Products.

What is she giving away?

One winner will receive a bottle of Coochy Rash-Free Shave Cream

Coochy is a rash-free, conditioning shave cream that is gentle for all parts of the body. It softens skin and hair for a for a divinely smoother shave.

To Qualify for this Giveaway:

*Must be 18+

*Must be a follower here.

Not a follower? It's ok! Click the Follow button at the top or to the right!

Note: Trying out Rafflecopter for the giveaway. If you previously entered and left comments, they will still count-new entries will go through here.

Click read more to enter!

Don't forget to come back Friday for the last day!

And don't miss any of these other awesome giveaways!

CLOSED 500 Follower Giveaway Spectacular Day 8

2011-11-21T10:21:00.001-08:00

It's time for day 8 of the Giveaway Spectacular!

Today's giveaway is brought to you by Bernie from Budugalee.

Let's get to know Bernie:

Tell me a little bit about yourself:
My husband and I own a rubber stamp shop in Billings Montana. You think it would be every girl's dream. I'm not a stamper, I prefer digital images. However, I love helping folks to design their own custom stamps.

On Oct. 30th. I had my first year anniversary. Whoo Whoo! Nobody killed anyone in a year. Always a plus. I share my home with our dog and three cats. The cats think they own the dog.

Since I started crafting I have become a graphics whore/hoarder. If there is a free grapic I will add it to my huge stash.

When did you get started making these lovely things? I was not crafty until January of this year.
Why did you start? A friend's blog had a challenge. Do something new this year. So in January I decided to try to so something new. I liked to send cards, so why not make some?
What is your favorite thing about it? I can feel crative like the other kids. I really enjoy doing custom cards. I have had some friends ask me to whip out some cards personal to them or a sitaution. That is quite a bit of fun. Knowing that you can make something to make someone's day!
Where would you like to take this hobby/career? I would like to see more than a couple sales a month. It would be cool to actually sell the cards in a shop.
Anything else interesting about it? The people I have met is the most interesting. People who are willing to share images. I find my images via the web and Etsy. Many are for "personal use only." However, there are folks who are genrous enough to allow me to use their images.

What is she giving away?

A $12 gift card to her Etsy Store!

That's enough to buy 4 cards!

To Qualify for this Giveaway:

*Must be a US Resident

*MUST be a follower of My So-Called Chaos.

Not a follower? No problem! Click the pretty little follow button at the top or to the right!

Note: Trying out Rafflecopter for the giveaway. If you previously entered and left comments, they will still count-new entries will go through here.

Click read more to enter!

Don't forget to come back tomorrow for day 9 of the giveaway!

And don't forget to check out days 1-7!