Hi friends! FabulousFunFinds is holding a silent auction to help a family in need. Please take a moment to stop by and view the *fabulous* items for auction by amazing artists. You can even bid on my TimeKeepers Necklace. All proceeds go to this family in need. Thanks for your time and for helping out. 
Lately J and I have been eating our go-to breakfast in the mornings: Lucky Charms & Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Sunday morning I felt like treating us...
The weather is so nice out that I'm taking frequent breaks from finishing up orders and pieces for my fall line to warm my face in the sun. The Mini Monster is loving these breaks as well!
Um, hi. *dusting off blog cobwebs* I know my posts have become sparratic and practically non-existent these days, but its for a good cause. :)
I'm learning a lot these days since I've plunged into my jewelry business full time. I've got a lot to say, so brace yourself.
I've learned that I am definitely a creature of habit, of schedule. One who needs order and routine. Yesterday I all but growled at my poor husband for coming home early. The weird thing is... I LOVE when he comes home early. Its quiet in this home apart from the tv in the background and Mini puppy snores. He comes in with a smile and kisses for me, and yet I felt irritated. Felt, torn by it.
I had gotten into a routine. 6 am wake up, getting him off to work with lunch and goodbye hugs. Onto computer to process orders. My work day continues and by 2pm I'm doing housework and prepping for dinner.
I loved having him come home around 5-6ish and sniffing the air full of comfort food aromas. Commenting on how pretty I look today and how nice the house looks. With him coming home early recently, its thrown off my schedule. He's in before the housework, before dinner, before I've primped. I feel less successful because of this and I know that's silly. Its like the mystery is gone. I don't have a magic wand anymore.
Baber, I'm soorryy. This is me apologizing, again. Most of you know my husband reads my blog. And you know he loves when he's the subject. (What man wouldn't??) Though I apologized for my irritable mood yesterday and this morning, I thought a public apology could do nothing but fluff his ego, right? For him, its probably the equivalent of coming home with flowers when he's saying sorry.
So there. I love you Baber. Come home early today. Please? :)
This morning I put housework first. I just took all my nice work slacks off hangers and folded them to be put away. To bring my jeans and shorts in the front. It made me smile. I'm learning that I am a lot more colorful than I thought I was, now that I don't have to pull on my black slacks every day.
Another thing I realize is that while I may not have the drama I had to deal with at my past jobs, there will always be negativity. For instance, in the world of crafts, there are lots of copycats out there. And some are so obvious. It just.... makes me really sad that some people out there call themselves artists and yet cannot come up with their own original ideas. Aren't they ashamed?
Last but not least, I've learned that just because I'm at home now doesn't mean I'm not busy. Some people think this is a joy ride. Like some think SAHMs just sit at home and watch soaps... So not true. I know their days are filled with chores, child care, errands, meals and more. Its a busy lifestyle but its worth it. I'm up before sunrise every morning and some days I work up until bedtime. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE it and wouldn't trade this blessing for anything, but I am actually working harder than I was at my office job.
I am less obsessed with my body now. No skinny chics around whining about how faattt they are, how they need to lose weight. I'm no longer comparing myself. And while I'm less fat-free food conscious, I'm exercising more.
Grocery shopping no longer feels like a chore. J hasn't been to the dreaded Walmart in a month and he's loving it.
I'm generally happier. Floating even on some days. Being creative is like a high for me. I was scared I couldn't do it on command, but I've learned that's just a challenge.
Things even out. Life stays balanced if you work at it. I'm learning something new every day about myself, my husband, my family. Who's behind you, really supporting you. Who you thought were friends, but who really aren't.
I'm getting there... and I'm sure there will be more posts like this to come. :)
I hope everyone had a great long weekend. We sure did. Ours included:
Lotsa jewelry orders received. Woot.
Great friends.
Strawberry margaritaness.
Riding on the river on my lil bro's Teryx.
Baber silliness
Big bowls of chili with loved ones.
Maw Maw sneaking peppermints in J's candy stash (cuz he loves them so).
This morning I got a request for custom boutineers for a wedding. Wowza! I'm stoked to try my hand at this. I've been doing bridal jewelry for years, but boutineers? And the chic is super quirky but stylish with her good taste, so I am going to have fun with this. One word: peacock feathers. Oh shoot, that's TWO words...
Speaking of weddings, I'm currently doing bridesmaid and bridal jewelry for two fabulous ladies. I'll post pics soon!
Is anyone up early enough to appreciate VH1 in the mornings? I MISS videos!! VH1 has them on for a good part of the morning.
My craft room is getting spruced up. J set up the new computer last night while I tried my best at organizing. I'm thinking shelves, window boxes, a new table, maybe some wicker baskets. Anyone want to share their organizing tricks?
Alright, let me get busy. I just felt like popping in to say hi.
Hi. And cheers to a short work week!!
Its the sounds of another happy morning.
The clink of my spoon against my pretty blue cereal bowl, filled to the brim with Lucky Charms. The mini puppy sighing as she naps in her bed. The tap tapping of my nails on the keyboard. The aquarium's trinkling water noises.
The only thing that would make this morning better is having my Baber home. To eat cereal beside me; its our weekend ritual now. To try to kiss me before I've brushed my teethies while I fuss and duck.
I miss him. He's been working so hard lately on this new project at work. Every morning I wake with him before the sun is up. I pretend its to make his lunch, today with pineapple chunks and turkey and cheese sammiches and lots of sweet snacks for his sweet tooth. But mostly, I wake early to see more of him, to get a few more cuddles in, a couple more hugs in, one more kiss in.
Everything happens for a reason... I hear this running through my head over and over these days. I was laid off twice in two years at two different jobs due to lack of work in my field. Couldn't help but to think that this was a sign. I had been much busier than usual with my jewelry, so I went for it.
Financially, we knew things would be different for a few months so I have been careful with groceries, combining all my errands in one day to reduce gas use, etc. The week I'm laid off, the contractor of the crew J is working with brings him an ice chest full of specialty meats, to thank him for his work. My parents bought seafood from a man at Daddy's work and gave everyone in the family shrimp as a treat just days before I was laid off. J's parents sent us home with some chops as well.
I don't have to buy meat for a month.
And J is working serious overtime these days. I miss him around, to make me laugh and love me, but I know we need his overtime right now. And I appreciate him so much, how he's working his butt off to provide for us. Not that I'm not providing, its just that he's going to be the big bread winner for now while my business is building. I just can't help but feel like things really do happen for a reason. And that God works in mysterious ways.
Enough of that. I'm feeling quite thoughtful this morning but I must stop before I get weepy. These days a Pampers commercial can send me into tears.
Hope you all have a relaxing long weekend. I'm off to enjoy the sounds of morning a little bit longer...
Life is grand. *sigh* Here's what I've been up to lately: (scroll down for specials at JillryLove.com!)
At the request of friends, I am posting about my new FULL TIME business venture: Jillry.
Yes, you heard right! I am finally devoting all of my attention on my jewelry business. After 13 years of jewelry making, this day has finally come. I can hardly believe it, I just want to pinch myself!!!
Screeeeeech! Hold up a second. I was prodded by the beautiful Lindsey to tell my story. So, grab a coffee, tea, or whatever choice of caffeine you may have and have a seat with me.
All my life I've sort of bounced from job to job. I graduated from LSU in Fine Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design. My senior year I was contacted by a local photographer/graphic designer who wanted me to join his company as soon as I graduated. It felt like a dream come true. Two years later and I was twiddling my thumbs on the job. Graphic design is a very competitive field and the work just wasn't there.
I moved on to an association management firm where I managed associations and planned their conferences. Stayed there two years. Learned a LOT including patience and self worth. I learned not to ever let anyone talk down to you, no matter how much higher up on the totem pole they are from you. I also met a lot of dear, dear friends that I still stay in touch with to this day. One I call my BFF. One strong gal helped me find my spiritual side. You get the point.
Bounce, bounce and I ended up being administrative assistants to real estate agents. I loved the organization part, I was bored to tears with the rest. Exactly two weeks ago (on a Wednesday) my boss called me into his office at 4:30pm. Told me he was sorry, but he had to let me go. Again, I was in a situation where the business just wasn't there. (Damn economy.) I was told he admitted he felt sick letting me go. Which of course made me feel a tiny bit better... :)
The past few weeks I've been on the job search, but to be honest I wasn't seeing anything that was setting me on fire. While I was submitting my resumes, I was doing so half-heartedly. In the meantime, I was home doing what I love best: making jewelry and NESTING.
Man can this woman nest. J was walking in the door every evening to a fragrant home with dinner on the table, our surroundings clean and tidy, laundry done and I would even get a wild hair and take the trash out - eh hmm, HIS job ladies!
Monday my friend Michelle texted me, telling me to bug the lady she works with who I sent my resume to the week before. So, I did. The lady told me there were two job opportunities, but that I had to do some testing first. She sends me 30+ miles into town to "test", fill out a gazillion forms and watch a stinking video. I was there for over 2 hours.
Needless to say, I was exhausted and antsy to get home when I was done. Driving home, I thought about this possible job opp. Every single bone in my body was screaming NOOOO!!! Don't do it!! How can I not? I would sass back at myself. I have to get a job. But I don't want another desk job!! Yes, I'm crazy like that.
About ten minutes of dreaming and I had my mom on the phone. I always call her when I need to talk things out, find clarity and get an opinion that matters. She was excited and supported the idea I had of trying to work on my jewelry business full time. She even offered to help me when I got busy!!
The second I walked in the door I went straight to my ledger, worked on numbers until it made sense. I. Can. Do. This. I thought, my heart soaring.
Two hours later dinner is cooked and I'm nervously waiting on J to get home so I can "present" my idea to him. He shows up, gives me my kisses and heads for the shower. I can hardly wait to sit down to dinner to tell him! I make our plates, head toward the table and KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.
You have GOT to be kidding me. My sis and nephew have stopped by for a visit. We eat dinner while chit chatting and J turns his head to me and says: So how was your job thing today?
I squirm in my seat a little. Can we talk about it after company leaves? I ask. I love my sister and nephew, but at this point I was considering physically picking them up and tossing them out the door. They left soon after my comment.
When I did tell J he seemed very tentative... he didn't show any emotion but said he felt that if I could make it work, then great. I could always go back to work if it didn't, right?
I tried not to let it get me down. I knew in my heart that I could make it work.
The next morning I received 3 orders before 10am. I was sure to text him about it. Later in the day I received a text from him stating that while he realizes he doesn't show it, he's excited and happy for me.
And now we're here. :) Today was my second day on the job and I am crazy in love. I was meant to do this. I've been dreaming about opening my own boutique one day and it actually feels doable at this point.
So that's it! Here I am, sitting in my pajama pants in a clean, uncluttered house with a pot of red beans and rice on, blogging my little heart out. Next I'll package up all my orders for the day. Maybe I'll create more new items, or work on the custom orders I have waiting for me. I am my own boss. Ahhhh!!!!
There's so much more to say, but I'm going to close shop for now. I have some creating to do. *beam*
xo Jill
A peek at what we get to wake up to every morning.
(She's not being her usual self in this first attempt video. We believe she's camera shy.)
This morning I threw a curveball at you guys:
What song(s) trigger a memory for you? I really enjoyed reading about your memories and the songs that brought them to life.
I had a hard time thinking of one song that really stood out for me. The song(s) that kept popping into my head are ones that bring memories of my parents back in the day.
Journey, and specifically the song Faithfully brings a memory from a very young age of my mother and father dancing in the den. I remember sitting indian style, my legs tucked under my nightgown before bed while the old radio was playing. I can see my mom and dad dancing; my daddy being silly and making my mom giggle.
One more: Rascal Flatts The Broken Road. This song... It is everything I feel about the journey of my life and J's life before we became a couple. We've known each other since we were 15 years old, crushed on each other, loved each other's company and humor. Since high school, we've been in and out of each other's lives. Making our mistakes, learning, growing, finding out what we want out of life and finally meeting somewhere in the middle along the broken road. Just listen to the lyrics - I can't without choking up.
My picks this week - yes, I gathered them up! These are all from my feel-good music selection.
Bloc Party – I Will Remember
Santigold – Lights Out
Muse – Starlight
Silver Sun Pickups – Lazy Eye
Jack’s Mannequin – The Resolution
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Michelle
Heart Shaped Box (cover of Nirvina)- Amy Lee
The Animal in Me - Motley Crue
There for You - Flyleaf
I Feel it All - Feist
Hear Me Out - Frou Frou
The song that triggers a memory: Right Here Waiting by Richard Marks.
In Michelle's words: When David was over seas for work, I would listen to that song over and over again. I would call him and play it...I even emailed him the lyrics. I cried myself to sleep many nights playing that song. We had only been dating about 6 months when he left for Africa. And I was right there waiting for him when he got off that plane. The moment he stepped of that plane that song started playing in my head as he walked towards me in slow motion. I knew at that moment that he would be the man I would marry. On our wedding day, as I was standing there in my big white dress and veil, the doors opened and I saw him standing on the other end of the asle. Our eyes met and he had that very same look on his face as he did the day he stepped of that plane. I didn't see anything else and neither did he...I will never forget the look in his eyes. Later when we were looking at wedding pictures he told me he didn't even remember seeing my daddy walking me down the isle!
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Christie
The song that triggers a memory (In Christie's words): Such a question for a Monday morning! So I'll just say that the self title album, in general, by Third Eye Blind, has huge memories for me. We listened to that, along with Korn, Dr. Dre, and Eminem coming home Highway 101 from California with our friend, Paul. It was the longest drive of our life, but we talked the whole time about everything. This cd was playing when we were driving along the ocean, and we decided to pull over because the moon looked like it literally was going to fall into the ocean, and the ocean was so close to the road. We played in the water, leaving the doors to the car open and listened the the music. It was peaceful and I don't think I've had another moment like that again.
Butthole Surfers - Pepper
Radiohead -High and Dry
Aqualung - Brighter Than Sunshine
Staind: Outside, So Far Away, Right Here Waiting
Franz Ferdinand - Do You Know Girls
Metric - Help, I'm Alive
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Jodi
Augustana - Hey Now
The Sundays - When I'm Thinking About You
Liz Phair - Friend of Mine
Kalan Porter - True Colors
Song that triggers a memory (In Jodi's words): Rachmaninoff Theme from Paginini - saw the movie Somewhere in Time with my fiancé at the time. I loved this classical music that was woven throughout the movie. The credits rolled by so quickly that I couldn't get the entire title so he went up to the projection booth and asked them to let us see the title. They took the lens of the camera and used it to magnify the words so we could write it down. I wanted it in our wedding but we couldn't find the music so a family member handwrote the music so it could be played. Subsequently we named our daughter after the main character in the movie.
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Roxanne
What music triggers memories (In Rox's words): Yesterday, I was in a downloading frenzy, as our 20th wedding anniversary is coming up and I've been reflecting on all the music that reminds me of my hubby...stuff we've listened to over the years. I know I always bag on the boom-chang music, but I have always loved dancing with him, two stepping, old time waltzes, you name it.
This is a sampling of what I downloaded.
I'm Not Strong Enough To Say No - Blackhawk
Headin' West - Dan Seals (We listened to this album when we first got together)
Fast Movin' Train - Restless Heart
Some Fools Never Learn - Steve Wariner
Where've You Been - Kathy Mattea
Sold (The Grundy County Auction) - John Michael Montgomery (OMG I get dizzy just THINKING about dancing to this one!)
When I'm Away From You - The Bellamy Brothers (I could do a whole blog post about what this song does to me...)
20 Years Ago - Kenny Rogers (This is the first song we ever danced to)
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Kelly
Unkle Bob- Swan
Leeann Rimes- What I Cannot Change
Tegan and Sara- Dark Come Soon
Mandy Moore- Gardenia
Lifehouse- Storm
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I just have to say that Sara B's song Gravity has been in my head since the dance Kayla & Kupono did on addiction on SYTYCD. The dance was breath-taking and brought tears to my eyes it was so moving.... that song, I feel, was what made the choreography that much more powerful.
If you wanna hear it pronto, its playing on my blog ipod now...
Keep remembering.
xo Jill
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If you want to participate in Music Share, simply shoot me an email at blueeyez055@aol.com (or leave a comment with your email) and I'll put you on the mailing list. Every Monday morning I send out an email prodding you for your newest favorites. Simply reply - to me only - with your 5 songs and I'll include them in my Monday Music Share post.
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I'm generally a pretty happy person. Mornings are my thing, so I usually wake up picking around with my husband and mini monster puppy. I find joy in cooking, tidying and - *gasp* - even laundry. Lately nesting is all I want to do.
Yesterday J and I had lunch with the parents at this great lil pizza joint. I am now in heart with that little place because of a small yet highly significant conversation J and I had there about a month ago. Yes, I can make even hole-in-the-wall pizza joints sentimental these days...
At Home Depot later, we tried to make sense of paint colors for our kitchen. Purchased a funky lamp for the den and some outdoor solar lights for the flower beds. Going home and putting everything together and in their new places felt awesome. It made me HAPPY.
I then happily grilled steaks and made julienned potatoes while my hard working hubbers relaxed on the couch. Worried a little when he ate less than I, but let it go when he called me outdoors to look at the night sky. Pink cotton candy clouds floating along the dark blue and it was so beautiful.
Life is good, I thought. Its been my mantra for over a month now.
Mini took off after the neighbor's cat for the 148th time. J hollered at her to come back and I shrugged. She'll come back eventually, I said, not bothered in the least. This usually bothers the tar outta me and I'm sure to give her the stink eye and cold shoulder when she misbehaves. Instead I shrugged it off.
What's that about?
*sigh* So, my point. Is there just so much happiness in the world? Will this go away? Can I keep it for a little while longer? And most importantly, how in the world can it get any better??
I think it will. I just hope it doesn't burst this lovely bubble I've been living in.
Evening ladies!
First of all I must make a couple comments about this week's music choices.
Christie's music selections -High five on Sir Mix A Lot! And Landslide? Dear to my heart. The first time I heard that song I knew it would be the song I danced with my daddy to at my wedding.
I'm always amazed at how Kell is one step ahead of me on songs. I had Jordin Sparks on my list this week and wondered" #1 - Am I too old to listen to Jordin Sparks? and #2 - Is it silly that I like her new song Battlefield? I don't watch, and due to a singing phobia cannot watch, American Idol. SO, I don't hold that against her, but just knowing she was on it makes me feel a little lame for liking her music. However, Kelly is one cool chic and therefore it is confirmed to be COOL to listen to J. Sparks.
Jodi - seriously? Your music is downloaded onto my iPod every.single.week.
And now for my choices:
Stevie Ray Vaughn - Pride & Joy
Sarah McLaughlin - Silence
Christina Milian - Dip It Low
Def Leppard - Love Bites
Maxwell - This Woman's Work
A quite spastic mix of music, if I do say so myself. Pride & Joy is me and J's song and evokes serious kissie-faced-ness; Silence gives me chills every time I play it; Dip It Low makes me want to run (have you ever SEEN THIS VIDEO??); Love Bites is just awesome hair band goodness; and This Woman's Work isn't nearly as strong unless you watched the choreography made for it on SYTYCD (recent episode) . Tear.Jerker.
And now for your picks this week:
Jodi
T-Pain - Freeze
A Fine Frenzy - Lifesize
Marc Broussard - Gavin's Song
Missy Higgins - Scar
Sara Bareilles - Everyday Stranger
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Kelly
Keri Hilson- Knock You Down
Jordin Sparks- Battlefield
Ani Difranco- You Had Time
Gomez- How We Operate
Roisin Murphy- Ruby Blue
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Christie
Stevie Nicks
- Crystal
- Landslide
Queen
-Somebody to Love
-You're My Best Friend
-Another One Bites the Dust
-Under Pressure
Poe
-Hello
-Beautiful Girl
Sir Mix-A-Lot SEATTLE REPRESENT!!!!!!!!!!!
-My Posse's on Broadway
-Buttermilk Biscuit's
-Squaredance Rap
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Thanks for participating!
Dance all night.
xo Jill
___________________________________
If you want to participate in Music Share, simply shoot me an email at blueeyez055@aol.com (or leave a comment with your email) and I'll put you on the mailing list. Every Monday morning I send out an email prodding you for your newest favorites. Simply reply - to me only - with your 5 songs and I'll include them in my Monday Music Share post.
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Last night we're laying on our couch, me on one side of the L, Babers on the other. He scoots up to me and puts his head on my tummy.
"I hear your belly gurgling," he says, and mimics the noise it made.
Then he looks up and gives me a sweet face. "When you have a baby in there I'm going to lay my head on your belly like this and listen to it."
Which of course made my eyes tear up, again. Then I look at the angle of his lounging body and say "Well, that would be kinda awkward 'cause my belly would be up here." I raise my hand to the height my belly would be.
"That's okay," he says smiling. "I'll just make a pillow ramp."
I love him, I love him, I love him.
Shame on me for getting this out so late. Its been a long Monday...
So it seems you want to share more than just five songs every Monday. I thought I was asking for too much! From now on, if you want to share more, go for it. Let's just keep it to a max of ten for now. Deal? :) Oh and BLESS YOUR HEARTS for putting your songs in the form I post them in, it really helps speed things up for me.
My picks this week are all over the place.
Nadia Oh - Hot Like Wow*
Citizen Cope - Let the Drummer Kick*
Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For
Eyes on Fire - Blue Foundation
Dave Matthews Band - Crush
Duffy - Mercy
Kerli - Walking On Air
Little Big Town - Bring It On Home
*These I "discovered" while watching So You Think You Can Dance. I'm OBSESSED with this show, likely from my years of dancing, but the music they choose really makes me want to dance again.
REPEAT: Nadia Oh's Hot Like Wow. This song is on and I'm fourteen again, twirling in my den, leaping and pulling all sorts of muscles...
And now for your, may I say FABULOUS picks:
Kelly
Priscilla Ahn- Dream
Meiko- Said and Done
Tegan and Sara- You Wouldn't Like Me
Ingrid Michaelson- Giving Up
The Reason feat Sara Quin- We're So Beyond This
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Lauren
Brad Paisley - Find Yourself (Cars the movie soundtrack)
All American Rejects - Gives You Hell
The Fray - You Found Me
Poison - Every Rose Has It's Thorns
Grey's Anatomy Soundtrack - Miss Halfway & Grace
Mandy Moore - Have a Little Faith
Kate Voegelle - Kindly Unspoken, Only Fooling Myself, It's Only Life
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Nicole
Frank Sinatra - Mambo Italiano
311 - Plain
Counting Crows - Anna Begins
Sugarland - It Happens
Bad Religion - Skyscraper
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Jodi
Jaime Kyle – Untangled
A Fine Frenzy - The Minnow And The Trout
A Fine Frenzy - Near To You
Tristan Prettyman – Madly
Phil Stacey – You’re Not Shaken
Sarah Thiele – Can Change Come
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Christie
Third Eye Blind - Motorcycle Drive By
Third Eye Blind - I Want You
311 - Love Song, Amber & I'll Be Here Awhile (acoustic version)
The Fray - Heartless
Taylor Swift - You're Not Sorry & The Way I Loved You
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Michelle
Regina Spektor - On the Radio
Feist - 1234
Feist - I feel it all
Regina Spektor - Begin to Hope
Say Good Night & Go - Imogen Heap
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Jamie
Nickelback - Rock Star
Cindy Lauper - Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Footloose
I Will Survive
PussyCat - Don’t You Wish Your Girlfriend (Was Hot Like Me) *
A few things I'm in love with right now:
A sweet gift from my bloggy soulmate. She requested a penpal and man do I love giving and receiving mail, so I jumped on board! Here's my first package from Kelly.
Oh how I love this black and white print. Its on nearly everything I own these days. She acts like she knows me or something. ;) I've already put it to use in my craft room, a photo for another day... Thanks Kellers, I adore it!
Last night J and I were putting fresh sheets on the bed together. I can't remember exactly what started it, something about me not fluffing his pillow anymore...
"I'm so over you tonight," I huff. Its our new thing to say when one of us is being needy or impossible.
"Well, if you are, I guess you'll have to find someone else to change your oil." Sarcastic tone. Its ON.
"And you'll have to find someone to cook for you."
"Yeah well, who's going to fold your panties?"
"Who's going to fold YOUR panties?" J hesitates. I can see his gears winding.
"You'll have to find someone to put up with your hair all over the bathroom floor," he's smirking now. He thinks he's so funny. (He is.)
"And you'll have to find someone to put up with your chest hairs in bed!"
One look, a forced angry-face, and we busted out laughing. Jump, plop in bed and we're already wrapping legs. It was a serious fight.
"That was nice," I say laughing.
"Yeah. Guess we need that every once in a while as a reminder to appreciate all the little things we do for each other," he responds with a sigh, throwing his leg over me.
I smile. Shove myself closer into his warm body.
Ahhh, married life is fun.
Now that J and I have our own home, we're having fun fixing it up. My biggest problem is my kitchen design - I simply cannot settle on what I want. More than anything, I want beautiful color, warmth and a place where my loved ones want to hang out.
These images are from BHG.com, the first place I visit in the mornings. I've never naturally leaned toward design, so after a few questions thrown as my bestie, she sent me to this site. Hello, why didn't I think of that? I ooo and ahhh over the magazine itself, but the site has endless design ideas...
The kitchens you see below are the closest to my current kitchen color scheme. Black appliances, white ceramic floors, wooden table (that I may eventually swap out), white cabinetry, warm sandy walls, silver and white lighting pieces. They all inspire me and have pieces that I plan to mix into our kitchen.
Which do you like best?
I love the natural, organic look of the window shade. This would tie the wood table into the cool colors of the ceramic and countertops.
These cabinets just blow me away. I actually feel my heart speed up as I look at them. I WANT them! This ocean color is one I plan to throw in the mix, along with reds and oranges.
I'm on the hunt for an island as I have not nearly enough counter space. I love the way the odd mix of black and wood really pop and make the room glow. Really digging the painted shelving to the right of the photo - a great idea for a blank wall that's been screaming at me.
Good evening fellow music lovers :)
With our weekend vacation coming up, last Thurday I was scrambling to get some new music downloaded for our 4 hour trip. I was looking for some 90's rock to keep J happy....(Plus, J likes to hit SKIP when one of my "weird" songs comes on. The nerve.)
The songs I share with you today were an effort to keep both our ears happy, as well as keep us awake during our road trip. It seems that rock is the genre that gave us a great soundtrack for our vacation. Here are some of my favorites from our combined playlist:
Breaking Benjamin - Breath
Alice in Chains - I Stay Away
Stone Temple Pilots - Creep
Framing Hanley - Lollipop (A remix from Lil Wayne's rendition. Awesomely funny and hard-hitting.)
Kings of Leon - Use Somebody (Can't say enough about these guys. Do yourself a favor and check them out if you haven't already.)
Hollywood Undead - Sell Your Soul
Godsmack - I Stand Alone
Pearl Jam - Black
Safety Suit - Stay (This song makes me swoon and is my newest fave.)
Saliva - Click Click Boom
What's on REPEAT for me: Paramore's Decode. I simply can't get enough of the lead's voice, the hard hitting beat and how it makes me want to run. (Read: This song is healthy for you.)
Some of YOUR current favorites:
Nicole's Playlist
Jamiroquai - Hot Tequila Brown
Counting Crows - Anna Begins
Mark Knopfler - What it is
311 - Amber
Dance Hall Crashers - Good for Nothin
Nicole thinks her music taste may be a lil odd, which tells me I'll love these songs. I can't wait to get home to listen to and download these!
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Michelle's Playlist
Flyleaf - Something I Can Never Have
Seether - Careless Whisper
The Fray - Heartless
Anberlin - The Love Song
Quietdrive - Time After Time
Michelle, these are right up my alley - cover songs can be a beautiful thing. Le sigh.
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Thanks to Nicole & Michelle for sharing today! Visitors: Feel free to leave your newest music loves in the comment section. :)
Rock on.
xo Jill
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If you want to participate in Music Share, simply shoot me an email at blueeyez055@aol.com (or leave a comment with your email) and I'll put you on the mailing list. Every Monday morning I send out an email prodding you for your newest favorites. Simply reply - to me only - with your 5 songs and I'll include them in my group email as well as on this blog.
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Imagine: Having a group of people with a variety of music tastes personally delivering new music material to you. Wanting new music and simply checking your email (or this blog) every Monday for hot new or great old picks from music lovers like you. Sharing your passion for music and your own personal favorites with others.
I'm starting a Music Share beginning Monday. If you want on board, simply email me, letting me know you're in: blueeyez055@aol.com. I know, its a silly old email but I'll eventually get one specifically for this project.
How it works: I email everyone on board Monday morning to prod them for the music they want to share. This may be your latest MP3 downloads, CD purchase, or something you heard on the radio. It can be old, it can be new. Simply reply to my email if you want to share new music that week. Later in the day I'll send an email out with all our music choices compiled as well as post it here on this blog.
I will not share any personal info or emails on this blog or in the email. However, if you prefer to give me an alias, I'll gladly have fun with it! (Ex: Jillybean's new picks this week are...)
As for now, I'm signing off for a little R&R in Orange Beach this weekend with my husband, sister and nephew. Can't wait to come back and see who all is on board with my Music Share!
Have a fabulous weekend!
xo Jill
This Friday we are heading to the beach. I. Can. Not. Wait.
Lately the office has been hard to take. Today isn't so bad, but I finally had to hole up in my office and just avoid as much as possible. Never under estimate an office full of men - they probably get way more done because there's less drama, less cattiness, just LESS in general.
I want to be home making a living off my jewelry so I can avoid this nonsense. Nuff said. Not going to happen anytime soon. *pout*
Some photos from a few past weekends of riding on the river:
