A weekend of disappointments

This weekend was a like a punch to the stomach. Disappointment after disappointment.

The craft show was awful. Friday night I did really well, cleared out a lot of my stock and gained some new fans. Yay! Saturday morning I woke up and the roof caved in...

Not only was it freezing all day, it rained constantly and left us with a river in front of my area of booths. We actually heard people say "We can't go in there, how are we going to get across that yuck?" My poor mother froze her tush off. I was running on only a breakfast of cold nachos, and if you know me at all you'll know I can be a monster if not fed properly. The staff was less than accomodating. While most of our neighbors were nice, we had a booth full of catty, super snobby girls on the side of us. I had a very loud conversation with my mother about how it was a shame that some of the vendors were so snobby, how fellow crafters should be supportive and friendly to one another... because you just never know who you're being snobby to.

I was miserable. I won't be going back.

The rest of today proved to be disappointing as well. People that expect you to be their shoulders, their ears, suddenly disappear when you need their support. People that love to make a quick jab at you when you're down but never say congrats when you've done well. I won't be expending my energy on those so-called "friends" any longer.

I don't mean to sound melodramatic, but there was much more disappointment that I'm just not comfortable sharing. I feel emotionally and physically drained by it.

Hopefully the rest of the weekend will be better. I have a trunk show on Monday that I'm really looking forward to. For now, I'm signing out. I'll be back when I have a more uplifting post to share.

Night friends.

Thursday Thirteen

This morning I'm curled up on the couch reading old posts (yes I'm lame) and I stumbled upon a Thursday Thirteen. I read and clicked on another. *gasp* I forgot how much I adore lists! When I lived at the apartment, I wrote lists constantly. Kept them all over the apartment. Drove Babers batty. Now the only list I have is our grocery list.

Lists are theraputic for the obsessive compulsive mind. Therefore starting TTs up again is only helping me..... right?

Thirteen reasons why I love this time of year

1. The Baber Furnace. J has an incredible amount of body heat at night which he insists on sharing with me, and at this time of year it really comes in handy. He has freakishly cold feet, but I can overlook that because his huggy wuggy arms keep the Baberwife warm at night.

2. Gumbo.













Kind of a weird choice mid-July in 100 degree weather. As soon as we get the first cold front, I'm going over in my head whether I want to make chicken and sausage gumbo or seafood gumbo.

3. Sweaters. The big soft snuggly kind. If J let me have a Snuggie, I'd wear it in public. I just love wearing fuzzy sweaters with sleeves are long enough to tuck my hands in, or cowl necks that cover your face from the nippy wind.

4. Camping.

Our usual camping group went last weekend and had a blast. Not so much fun in warm weather. We brought the camper and opened the windows... the only thing better would have been sleeping in a tent under the starry sky, but J prefers camping in the camper. *snort* (I am so getting a whipping over that one.) Click here to see our first camping trip.

5. Fires.

No, I'm not a pyro, but put me in front of a fire and I zone out. Zombie style. Don't try talking to me, I ain't listening. When I would visit J in Oberlin he would start the fire and let me spruce it up. There's something very theraputic about building a fire, and its comforting and makes you feel safe.

6. Pajama pants. Okay so I wear these year round, but I *need* them more in the winter. We keep the temp in the house at a ridiculously low number, so I stay in pj pants during this time of year. Especially heart the fuzzy flannel ones. Which I'm down to only one pair of. Hint hint. I wear mine to the point of them ripping and still walk around in them, tripping and almost busting my face. J literally has to make me throw them away.

7. Hot chocolate. With milk. Enough said.

8. Outdoor activities. The cool air of fall always gives me a new found energy. Summer is great and all, but it just zaps the life of me sometimes. Every time I take Mini into the back yard I eye the leaves all over the ground. Do you know how badly I want to run through them? And for some reason I feel like I need a soccer ball.

9. I get to ignore my toenails. You should see mine right now, the paint is so old I have a little moon cresent of color covering the very tip of them. I know, not attractive, but its the last thing on my to-do list right now and at least I can hid them in boots.

10. I don't feel guilty about my dirty car. I love her and all, but I wash her only like... never. During this time of year, well, its just too cold to and I can let go of one more thing to feel guilty about. Cuz we all know I have issues.

11. Thanksgiving! Yes, that deserves an exclamation mark. And I'm not just thinking about the food (though its definitely a front runner). In November we are reminded of how thankful we should be, and I relish in that. Its a shame we don't give thanks every month.

12. Christmas!!

Love it more than #11, therefore its gets two marks. (Shut it.) Family time. Good food. Showering my loved ones with presents. Watching the kiddos rip open their presents and squeal. The tree! Christmas morning! (Sorry, I'll try to keep the marks to a minimum from now on.)

13. And now, this time of year makes me think about our life as a married couple. December 13th will make one year for J and I. ONE YEAR. Already. Wow. I feel like I've waited for this all my life and now its just flying by, all the while me screaming "SLOW IT DOWN BUSTER, I need to remember this."

Click here to play along. Comment if you have a TT so I can come read yours! What are your reasons for loving this time of year?

Giveaway Sneak Peek

Just a little peek at a giveaway I'm doing after the weekend. I need to regain my sanity after the big local show I'm in and THEN I can focus on spoiling you guys with more deals and freebies.

The Gem Necklace. Sparkly. Sessy. Great with any fall wardrobe.

Recipes Around the World

I'm almost always looking for a new recipe, especially new ways to cook chicken. In this segment of Recipes Around the World, Rhonda of Louisiana shares her super easy go-to chicken recipe that her family loves. Enjoy!

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Name: Rhonda St. Martin
State: Louisiana
Hometown: Baton Rouge (Brownsfield)
Three words to describe yourself: Loyal, Caring, Mother
Recipe: Parsley Parmesean Chicken


Parsley Parmesan Chicken

1/4 cup Italian salad dressing
2 pounds chicken fryer parts (I use whatever I have on hand)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Cooking spray

Pour salad dressing into a large bowl. Add chicken, coating well.
Cover and chill 4 hours or overnight, turning chicken occasionally.

Combine Parmesan cheese and next 5 ingredients in a shallow dish. Roll chicken,one piece at a time, in crumb mixture. Coat a 13- x 9- x 2-inch baking pan or a baking sheet with cooking spray. Place chicken in pan, and spoon excess dressing over chicken.

Bake uncovered at 350° for 1 hour or until chicken is done. Serve immediately or package for freezer.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings.

Review: This is so YUMMY that I cook up a double or even triple recipe.

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Want to share a recipe from your neck of the woods? Leave a comment with your email address or email me at JillryLove@gmail.com.

Wordless Wednesday: Puppy Taco

Damask Love

You all know how completely obsessed I am with damask print. An item I'm crushing on, compliments of JuliaSherryDesigns.





















Click the clutch to visit and snag yourself one of these hot little numbers.

xo Jill

Super Mommyness

I grew up under the arms of a SuperMom, a woman who had three children, a full time job teaching English at the same school we attended and had a part time gig selling make up, all while being able to juggle homework, meals, after school activities and family fun. Because of this, I've always been intrigued by other mommies and how they manage to get through the day.

Starting today, I'll be doing Super Mommyness once a month, a feature on mothers and their tricks of the trade. If you want to be featured, simply shoot me a message at JillryLove@gmail.com.

And now, on to our first Mommy!


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Name: Christy Woest Atkinson

Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA

# of Children: 3 by birth, 2 of the heart...ranging in ages from 8 months-9 years.

Occupation: After 9 1/2 years teaching preschool, finally able to be a stay at home mommy!

What's a normal day like for you?

I know that most think us SAHMs watch Oprah and eat bon bons all day, well sorry to burst your bubble but it is Wife Swap we watch, Oprah is soooo 2000. Seriously, what is considered "normal"? Every day here is quite the adventure. For example, today it is the adventures of "make sure the laundry is done before mildew sets in".

What are some holiday treats your kids love that are cost effective for a large family?

Since my oldest started preschool, we have been making "chocolate PRENTZELS" for the holidays. They are super easy, super cheap, and look so cute in those little snowman shape gift bags when we give them as teacher gifts!

Favorite place to shop for gifts during the holidays?

Anywhere there is a sale, that's where! I am all about a coupon and free shipping online! I can't say that I have a favorite. I start making my LIST early on, then keep my eyes on the ads and online. For example, Old Navy offers great deals for cardholders this time of year. A couple of weeks ago they had the "stuff n save" sale, I got 50% off my entire purchase and 10% off all December purchases....plus rec'd a $20 coupon in the mail. Woo hoo!

How do you cope when the to-do list is piling up?

Cope? There is no "cope", you just "do"!

Any tricks for quick meals during the week?

SLOWCOOKER! I have discovered that it helps me keep my sanity, and my family is ever so grateful for it. Sure helps not to have to start prepping dinner during homework time...

How do you escape or unwind?

I fill up my ginormous soaking tub, grab a book, and hideout for as long as they let me.....

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Back by popular demand

I've always wanted to say that. :)

Visit Jillry to purchase.

Don't wait till it's too late: email me at JillryLove@gmail.com to receive Santa's Secrets, a mailing sent out every Sunday filled with secret specials, discounts and new products.

xo Jill

Sunday Stealing

Found this interesting little meme over at Mom's place. I'm winding down from a long weekend of camping and thought I'd participate. Leave me a comment if you do this too so I can come check it out!

Take Part in Sunday Stealing


Sunday Stealing: The Over the Top Meme

Part One - Describe:

Your hair? Short auburn inverted bob

Your mother? Creative, caring, fun

Your father? Strong, silent, Italian

Your favorite food? Fajitas

Your dream last night? Oddly enough, about my fleur de lis earrings

Your favorite drink? Diet Dr Pepper

Your dream/goal? I'm living my dream - designing jewelry for a living!

The room are you in? living room

Your hobby? photography

Your fear? heights

Your TV? 52" flatscreen, obnoxiously large

Your Pets? rat terrier mix, the Mini Monster

Friends? handful of friends, but only one or two really true ones

Your life? I'm loving it!

Your mood? happy, even though I'm pooped from camping

If you're missing someone? I tend to blog about it

Your best friend? my husband of 1 year, friend of fifteen

Part Two - The Where's?

Where do you want to be in 6 years? with my husband and maybe a mini-us in the home we've built, still designing jewelry for a living

Where were you last night? camping under the stars at Camp Livingston

Where did you grow up? right where I am now, in Central, a small town in Louisiana

One place that I go to over and over? Hobby Lobby

Your favorite place to eat out? Sammy's Grill

Wish list items? rolling jewelry case, custom jewelry table with built in shelving for my beading materials, ruby toned faceted studs for my second earring hole, kitchen island

Last time you laughed? just earlier today, my husband makes me laugh constantly

Last time you cried? got a little teary-eyed last night holding a friend's dog, I missed mine :(

Part Three - The What's?

Something that you aren't? fake, bossy, blond, mean

Last thing you did? unloaded our camper

What are you wearing? old tshirt & jeans

Something you're not wearing? jewelry. *gasp* I know...

Your favorite store? Hobby Lobby

Lovers Kisses & such

More photos yo. Just a few taken before a night out last weekend with friends. Unfortunately, I didn't bring my camera around with me all night so I just have a couple of silly ones to post...

including a lover's kiss photo:















Baber and I have always taken kissie face photos, but I haven't been toting the camera around like before. Glad I got one in before the year is over. ;) Here's a lovers kiss blast from the past (turn away now if you have a weak stomach):

The ever elusive Baber smile next. Can you believe it? It wasn't even begged for, he was just having that good of a night! (That photo scares me a little. Man, I love him.)

I finally claimed another piece of Jillry to keep for myself. (Blogger is being impossible today, excuse the sideways photo.)

The Locket of Love on. *sigh* Heart this one.

Off to put a little TLC on the huge pot of chili I'm cooking right now for camping this weekend. Heading to our favorite spot, Camp Livingston in Pineville for some 4 wheeling, fire building and marshmallow roasting.

Have a great weekend y'all!

xo Jill