Twilight Convert

I am the first to say that I am officially a convert. To liking the Twilight series that is. You see, I was the girl that just didn't "get" Twilight. I thought it was weird. I hadn't read the books, but I didn't have any desire to. I thought the movie was overly hyped. Why did everyone want to go see that? It was just another wannabe series trying to capture profits after the Harry Potter phenomenon. Nothing, and I mean nothing, could be as good as Harry Potter, so why would I even want to watch this nonsense.

A girl that is in love with a vampire!?! REALLY? Why? That makes no sense. That is just weird. She needs to run away as fast as she can!

Oh, you tell me that the vampires have sparkly skin? What the heck? That just sounds dumb!

So, my mom rented the movie shortly after it came out. I watched it thinking I would not like it. Guess what, I didn't. I thought it was fine, but not worthy of all that hype.

I just kept hearing good things from friends and coworkers about the series. They told me I just have to read it to "get" it. It sounds silly to a person who hasn't read it, but it isn't weird like that when you read it. The characters are so much better in the book. It isn't like Harry Potter at all. It is more of a love story. There is no comparison because they are so different. It is not a series trying to be like Harry Potter. Just read it because it is so good.

Alright, alright. If grown adults are telling me this series is good, I guess I should see for myself. It's not like I was vocal about thinking it was weird with the exception of my coworkers I eat lunch with who thought it was AH-MAZING! I told them I wasn't interested, but then I was out of the loop a lot when they talked about Twilight stuff. Plus, they kept telling me it was good. Fine, I guess if I am going to think something is weird, I should at least see for myself and read it. Not to mention, the more I hear their conversations about Edward and Bella the less weird I actually thought it was. Oh, and my mom dragged me to New Moon and I have to admit I liked it.

So, I read it. AND I LOVED IT!!!!!!! Oh my goodness, the BEST books I have ever read. Harry Potter is still up there too, but oh man Twilight is tied for first. I have never been so connected to characters in a book before. I laughed, I cried, I was on the edge of my seat, yada yada yada. It was just awesome! I read them so quickly too. I just couldn't read them fast enough. I wanted to see what was going to happen and then when it was over, I was so sad! I wasn't ready to be done reading those books. I am seriously planning to read them again soon! I just can't say enough good things about these books! READ THEM! If you think they are weird, go get them from your library and see for yourself. You might still think that a vampire and a human in love is the weirdest thing you have ever heard, or you might think they are just about the most fabulous books you have ever read. I kinda feel bad now for telling my coworkers that there was no way I would ever like those books. Now, I have had to bite the bullet and tell them they were right and they are great. I'm telling you people, don't judge a book by it's cover! The saying is true!

I also decided to re-watch the Twilight movie. I have to say, I really did enjoy the movie. BUT, I don't think that they portrayed Edward and Bella in exactly the way I see them in my mind. Edward was a little too gruff in the movie to me. He was much more gentle towards Bella, even in the beginning when he thought he would possibly kill her (with the exception of their first meeting). I also thought they could have stuck to the story a little more, but overall it was good.

So, I am now officially a convert to liking Twilight.

January reading total: 4 books

Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn.

In progress on Pride and Prejudice.

Let me just say right now, I know it is a classic, but after Twilight I am just not hyped to read it. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy have nothing on Edward and Bella. :)

What's In Jennifer's Closet?

Well, it's that time of the week again! It's time to start our school and work weeks. I have a busy week ahead of me with 2 tests and a paper due, but I have a fun girl's night with Melissa planned for the weekend to look forward to!This week for "What's In Jennifer's Closet?" I chose to feature one of my favorite skirts for fall and winter! This skirt is from The Limited a few years ago and I actually bought it at my local consignment store The Pink Closet (where I may or may not have gotten myself into a little trouble over the weekend due to a 50% sale and her secret stash of Lilly P in the back that the owner brought out for me! I know, I know, I'm supposed to be saving. I am just so bad at it!) Back to the skirt! I just love wearing this skirt to school, work, or church. I am actually planning to wear it tomorrow. Tomorrow I am going to pair it with a mustard yellow turtleneck, black tights, black knee high boots, and some chunky jewelry. When I wear it church, I like to pair it with heels and a nice sweater. It is a very versatile skirt! My favorite thing about it is the pretty flecks of color in the fabric! I can pair it with mustard yellow, orange, blue, gray, and so many other colors. I hope you enjoyed "What's In Jennifer's Closet?" this week!

Fabric Plans

Denver Fabrics is having a great sale right now and I figured I had better get a couple cuts of jersey that I liked while I could get it for $4.75 a yard! I have a couple of patterns that are at my current skill level that require jersey, but all the jersey I have found in Savannah has been upwards of $10 or even $15 a yard. Considering that I might mess up, I just cannot spend that much money on fabric right now. If you are a sewer, run over there and grab some cuts for yourself! They have quite a few cute fabrics! Here are my plans for the fabrics!I am going to research other techniques for the sleeve closing there because I think it looks Becky Home-Ecey to put elastic at the bottom of the sleeve to tighten them. I am sure I can find a way to make them cinched without looking like they do in that picture. I think this will be a cute top with this fabric!I think I am going to make the far left pattern with the bow to the side. I am in love with this jersey print and I am planning to find a contrasting solid jersey for the band under the bust and the bow/straps. I am thinking either that pretty turquoise or the fuchsia color for the contrast. I'm really excited about this one!Last, but not least is this little beauty! I am planning to make the short sleeved dress because I just think it looks so chic and with this print I can see me wearing it during Savannah's HOT summers! I just fell in love with this print! I ordered extra of it so that I could line up the pattern just so. From the sewing blogs I have been reading, I have concurred that this is a time consuming challenge. However, it always turns out looking so pretty and the best way to learn is to try challenging things!

Don't worry girls, this is not exclusively a sewing blog now! I am still going to talk about other topics and shopping at "real" stores, but I am just so excited by my new hobby that I can't help but blog about it! It is really all that has been on my mind lately, so I guess that translates into blogging about it! :) I am really looking forward to being able to make some fun garments! I hope everyone has a great weekend! I must sign off now and do that paper that is hanging over my head...and the laundry! Talk to y'all Monday!

Friday Random Thoughts

I meant to do another sewing post, and a shopping guide for Valentine's gifts this week...but then I got in a fender bender Wednesday that threw a whole wrench in my day, Thursday was busy busy catching up from what I missed Wednesday and it was Thomas' sister Kelly's birthday, and now it is Friday! Where has the week gone? I'm definitely not complaining though! I am glad it's here! By the way, do not worry about me with my accident. It was really small, very very minor damage to both vehicles, and do one was hurt. It was really not a big deal and things like this happen in life.

So what's been going on in this belle's life?

School is starting to get busy again. I have 2 tests next week, and a paper to write this weekend. It isn't very long, but I haven't wrote one in about 2 years. Economics at my school isn't heavy on writing, rather doing math and graphs for projects. I am going to have a busy weekend getting ready for all of this!

I have been working diligently everytime I get a spare minute on a cute little wool dress from my first go around with buying patterns from Vogue Patterns. It is this one without sleeves. I plan to wear it with a turtleneck underneath and tights and boots or even heels depending on the occasion. I have completed the bodice section, and I am working on the skirt. Let me just say it is quite a challenge for me. I have had to learn how to line a dress and what the heck understitching is...yeah, that only took me 3 hours to figure out and do! I really like how it is coming along and I really hope that I have it done in time to wear to church this weekend! I will definitely include it in my post about what I have made so far on my new machine, so don't fret! Oh, and just so that I can prove to y'all that I really AM flying by the seat of my pants on this whole new hobby of sewing clothes, I am going to share with y'all are glaring mistake I made. Y'all were all really much too sweet and kind on my last post saying that y'all could never make those garments and that I must be pretty good...I'm not and I am totally beginner and learning as I go. That's the best way to learn in my opinion.

So, I am feeling all full of myself the other day after finishing the bodice section. It looks so good...other than the fact that the lining shoulder seams don't totally match up...but that's the inside and this is my first garment so I am calling it a success. I think to myself that I could probably whip out the skirt portion in no time and put it all together in the next few hours. I had already done the pleating and darts that needed to be done (which is the hard part) and it was time to sew the side seams with RIGHT sides together. I throw them together, pin, and sew both sides...without realizing that I sewed them with one on the RIGHT side and one on the WRONG side. So, imagine looking in the mirror and in the front you have the front of your fabric, and the back you have the inside of your fabric. Pretty glaring mistake...and now I have to rip it all out and do it again. Unfortunately, this fabric is black and royal blue wool boucle and it is next to impossible to see the threads and it is very easy to snag the fabric. I am going to spend hours pulling that out!

One last thing! Vogue Patterns is having a 3 day sale right now and ALL patterns are $3.99. That is just awesome! I just bought all those other ones for $4.50 and I thought that was good, but if I would have waited a couple days I could have saved a few more dollars. Oh well, it isn't that much of a difference! You do not have to be a Club BMV member, it is open to everyone!

Also, Victoria commented on my pattern post about the gray dress. I couldn't find your email Victoria, so I am going to post the info on it here. It was a CLEARANCE pattern which is why you may not have seen it. They only have the pattern that starts at a 6 or 8 still available. It says 14, but it isn't the same as ready to wear you buy at the store. You probably already knew that though! Here is the link to it.

New Patterns

This will be the week of sewing posts, so get ready! Well, not the whole week, but I do have a couple posts planned for this week on this topic. I know most of y'all don't sew, so I will skip the boring technical info and focus on what I have made and what I plan to make. I have amassed quite a number of patterns in the month that I have owned a sewing machine. I have been browsing the Vogue Patterns site in particular and I have found so many great garments that I want to make! I also joined this club that gives me huge discounts on patterns (read $5 a pattern vs. $20-30 a pattern). So far I have made a few items that have turned out great, and a few that were AWFUL! Not that the pattern was awful, but I am just learning. Tomorrow, I am going to share what I have made over the last month and what I am working on now. However, today I want to show y'all my latest order of patterns I have made. I just got the bug to go over to Vogue Patterns website and see if there were any new spring patterns. They partner with designers such as Anne Klein, Micheal Kors, Alice & Olivia, Tracey Reese, and many more to make patterns and many times they resemble what is in their current line. They were having a big sale today for club members and I stocked up on patterns. Some of them are AVERAGE difficulty and some are EASY. I am only doing EASY ones right now, but eventually I am sure I will get to the point of making an AVERAGE garment. Here are the patterns I added to my collection today. I am so excited! Now the question is, which one should I make first?Rachel Comey - I think this one would be really fun if I could find a leopard print to make it out of! I would love to wear this on a night out on the town! Anna Sui - This is going to be a great day dress that will easily go from winter to spring. The website has a picture of the far right paired with a turtleneck, tights, and boots as well and it is so cute!Anna Sui - How cute will this be with a pair of sandals! I am envisioning a cute palm leaf print or something like that! Micheal Kors - Cute tunic dress that is so me! I could even shorten the length and make a tunic shirt as well!DKNY - I LOVE this print and I am crossing my fingers that I can find a cute polka dot print like this one! I just love it with the tights! Imagine this with a cute jacket and the tights and it will be a perfect transition into spring!

The rest are just regular Vogue patterns not affiliated with a designer. This particular one just is a great knit dress that I can wear with boots and tights in the winter. That is my favorite thing to wear and this pattern has a few different options for sleeve length and even a sash, so I think it will be a good one to make before it winter is over.This green sheath excited me so much! It is so classic and the pattern comes with so many options! The neckline is gorgeous! It is perfect for work and school this spring and summer! I already have a fabric I bought recently that will work perfect for it!

I just really like the neckline of this top. If you haven't noticed I seem to buy a lot of dresses! I just adore dresses and would live in them if I could! I am the most comfortable in them, but sometimes I need a cute top! This will be a cute one for spring and summer!

What's In Jennifer's Closet? Workout Edition

As y'all all know, I have jumped on the fitness train. I have been going to the gym for about a week and a half now and I am so glad I am back at it. I can't believe how much more energy I have and believe it or not, I can already see my muscle tone coming back! I am definitely sticking to this routine! Well, a new fitness routine called for a new fitness wardrobe. I looked in my drawers after the first training season and realized all I owned were Soffe shorts from high school, that truthfully do not even fit anymore, and some old cheerleading t-shirts. That is just not gonna cut it! I decided since I had 2 nice workout outfits, if I could get 3 more complete looks that would make it so that I had enough for the entire week. I decided it was definitely a NEED, not just a WANT, and then I went shopping! I bought all of my stuff at either Gap Body or Target. Below there is a break down for any of y'all that may want to run to those stores and grab some stuff for yourself. I just went a week ago, so I'm sure it is all still available. I am super excited about my new purchases and I feel much more confident and put together at the gym!

Solid Blue Halter- Gap Body
Pink and Gray Striped Sweatshirt - Gap Body (clearance, so it may not be in store)

Blue and White Striped Tank - Gap Body

ALL Pants (Semi-Fitted Champion) - Target (I just want to say these are the BEST pants ever! They are cheap at $20-$25, comfy, and a nice fabric that wicks away sweat)

Blue and Pink T-shirts - Target

ALL Sports Bras - Target (These are also my very favorite sports bras! Get one, they are awesome, cute, and comfy)

Thank You So Much!

This is exactly why I love blogging! The outpouring of love from my readers during this time that I have been feeling down has made me feel so much better. Y'all really are the best and thank you so much for thinking of me. I really hate to get people down in the dumps when they read my blog, so I try to keep it upbeat and fluffy. Sometimes, I just can't help but be a little more serious. I am putting everything in God's hands. He knows the desires of our hearts and he knows our needs. He will work out everything to be his perfect plan. I spent a lot of time this past weekend really thinking about what it means to put it in his hands. I am still going to worry for those in my life that are in need, but all I can do is pray for them and show them I am here for them. I used to think that when people said to put it in God's hands it meant not to worry about it anymore. I have come to realize that I just can't help worrying for those I love and God understands that. I have given him my worries for them, and I am rejoicing for all of the many blessings that he had given us. I have prayed for peace about this and although, I can't help but worry to a point, I also know that everything will work out. God's plan is more perfect and wonderful than any of us can fathom. He never promised us that everything would be easy and there would be no times of trouble, but he has promised to be with us, to hold us tight in his arms, and to comfort us during those times. I'm sure this post sounds like a bunch of rambling right now, but I just needed to get out where my mind is right now. I really appreciate all of y'all for your prayers and sweet words. They meant more to me than you can imagine. I am in much better spirits now. My mom had some good news today on the job front, and there is a possibility of an even better second job that might possibly work out. I am just praying that the Lord leads her to where she needs to be with that. He knows her needs. I am still praying for Ashton's mother and for the surgery to go well. It is a very long and private story, but she didn't have her surgery last week. I could go on and on, but I don't want to bore y'all with updates on everyone and truthfully, it isn't my business to share. I just have my closest friends who are more like family to me on my mind lately. So...thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom on my heart. I will be back tonight with "What's In Jennifer's Closet?" but I felt that I needed to get this out first.

Leave of Absence

Please excuse my leave of absence from blogging this week. I have really been having a time. There is a lot going on right now that is diverting my attention from blogging. If you would be so kind as to add me to your prayer list right now, I would really appreciate it. My mom lost her second and very needed job yesterday, she is having a root canal today, Ashton is having a bit of a bad time right now with a few things, and her poor mother is in need of an emergency surgery. I just am not up for blogging right now with all of my family and friends needing prayers and support. I am planning on coming back to blogging on Monday with a special "What's In Jennifer's Closet? Workout Edition" and a post on all the items I have made with my new sewing machine. Thanks for understanding and for praying for my family and friends.

Valentine's Day Pet Style

The holiday filled with hearts, roses, candy, and love is just around the corner. Thomas is already filling my head with ideas of what to buy him, and apparently he has already picked out my gift. I personally LOVE Valentine's Day! We celebrate Valentine's Day in our home as a day to tell your ALL of your loved ones (family and friends) just how much you love all of them as well as that significant other. My mom always buys me some little present and of course candy and a fun card. Last year, we had a fun girl's day making cookies, getting manis and pedis, and then I went out for a fancy dinner with Thomas. I can't wait to see what is in store for this year. Now y'all know that I cannot leave out my little Lucky for Valentine's Day! He will get some little cute present and of course delicious homemade dog treats! Here are some fun Valentine's Day pet finds and pet-themed items for the owner that I LOVE for this year!

Pecan Pie Puppies

Lydia & Pugs

Little Dog Fashion

Happy Pet Paws
Bentleys Bones

I Lick You What dog doesn't need their own cupid wings!

Very Vintage

3 Dogs and a Chick

Survivor Heroes Vs. Villains

How many of y'all watch Survivor? I know it has been on a long time, but I have been a fan since season 2! I have watched almost every season and I absolutely adore this show! I would totally love to be on it except that:

• I am the pickiest eater alive, so I couldn't eat fish (yuck!), or rats, or anything they eat other than fruit and rice. Yeah, I would be emaciated. I imagine I would eat it if I got hungry enough, but still. Plus, I would make my team lose in those eating challenges. I have to look away when I watch it!
  
• I am prissy. Really prissy. I like my products and clothes. I brush my teeth like 3 times a day, so I really couldn't imagine going a month without doing so. I would be the person on there whining the whole time.
  
• Bugs are drawn to me. When I was a kid, I was always eaten up. I would also be the person with bug bites all over them and I would be crying about that too.
  
• I am not an outdoors girl. My number one fear is snakes. I depise them! I am terrified of them. I can't even look at them without a shiver running up my spine (yet I watch discovery channel specials about them, go figure!) Seriously, have y'all noticed how many snakes are on this show. If I was on it, I would be looking at the ground all the time for bugs and snakes and wild animals. I would be a nervous wreck. I would have to be sedated!

I could keep going, but I think y'all get the idea. I am way too high maintenance to do this show. I love the social game of it, but I don't think I could handle the elements. Big Brother would be more my style. Still, I just love Survivor. I have major respect for anyone willing to go out there and actually compete in this game! It is not for wimps. If you watched last season, you will know that 2 people had to taken out for medical reasons and 1 almost died!Well, Survivor Heroes Vs. Villains (played in Samoa again) is coming back in February and I am EXCITED! I love that some of my faves might be back again. I am also looking forward to hopefully seeing Russell and Coach again! They were my fave "Villains". I was all for Natalie last season since day 1, but I really enjoyed watching Russell's game (didn't agree with him though). For those of you that watch, here is a potential list of players for this upcoming season! I am most excited about the possibility of Colby, J.T., James, and Cirie for the Heroes and Coach and Russell for the Villains. I do have to say that I am sad that Yow Man and the Professor don't seem to be on any potential lists of players. They were some of my faves! Do any of y'all watch Survivor? Who are your faves and most hated players?

Whipped Into Shape

I didn't get this post up last night like I had planned so you will have to forgive me. I just ran out of gas last night and chose to lay in bed and read Eclipse for hours on end...I know that is not a very good excuse but I really can't put these books down. Moving on...

Recently, my mom decided that she was going to do The Biggest Loser that a local gym in our town is putting on. It works pretty much the same as the show I imagine (never seen it), and she has a made it her goal to loose X amount of weight. Basically, she is going on a lower calorie eating plan and working with a trainer to make an workout plan. She will be weighed and measured once a week, and it lasts until September. I am so proud of her making this huge step to get herself in shape! Blog World, let's give her a huge round of applause!

In addition, I was able to sign up to join this gym with her as a partner (not as a part of TBL, but it was a special deal for me to get a normal gym membership for a support to the contestant) and I am able to use the trainer as well for creating a workout plan for my fitness goals. I have really been in need of someone to tell me what I need to do for my body in order to tone up. I am a member of our school gym, but unless I go to a class (which is problematic since I usually am not able to make it there from work in time to go to the classes) I really have no clue what to do. The elliptical only does so much. I need to do hand weights in order to get the sculpted arms I really want to achieve. I am very excited to meet with my trainer tomorrow and come up with my specialized workout plan! I really hate working out since I am out of shape, but I think that having my mom there to work out with and the fact that the gym is walking distance from my house will give me the get up and go to actually get in shape. Not to mention, I need to get toned for my wedding. Those pictures last forever people! The gym also has a bunch of classes at times that could work for me, so that is also exciting. I am looking forward to Yoga on Saturday mornings.

Wish us luck with our new track to fitness!

What's In Jennifer's Closet?

It's a new year, and I am getting back in the groove! Do you know what that means? "What's In Jennifer's Closet?" is back every Monday! I had so much fun trying to think of what item in my closet to feature this week! It had to be fun since it will start the series in 2010! I decided that this week I would feature one of my favorite party dresses! I bought this dress last year and if you are a long time reader of my blog you might recognize it since I wore it on my cruise I went on last May. This dress is really fun to wear! It is hot pink silk dupioni made by Molly B. It is a show stopping party dress that is so very me! I have worn it two times, both styled slightly different. That's one thing I really like about this dress! It is so classic and timeless in style that you can accessorize it differently and create a multitude of looks! This is a dress that will stay in my closet for a very long time! This picture shows how lovely the color is! The shade is breathtaking!

I think the next time I wear this dress, I will pair it with this necklace that I made. It has the exact shade of pink Swarovski crystal in it!

Here are the ways I have styled it in the past!Valentine's Day 2009 - This is the occasion I bought the dress for!

Bahamas Cruise 2009 - Excuse the horrible picture quality in this one. Unfortunately, the ENTIRE time we went on our cruise, it rained...stormed terribly...and the boat rocked all the time...to the point of making everyone sick...and EVERY picture of us together on the boat with the exception of the one in my header is blurry. Oh well, it makes the memory stick!

Wants Vs. Needs

I don't make New Year's Resolutions per se. I make different goals for myself at numerous times during the year. Usually when a new semester starts or at the beginning of summer, I make some new goals for that segment of my life. With the New Year and the new semester, I decided I really need to make a few goals for myself. One of those goals is to pay down and save up! Ever since I got engaged, I have felt like I needed to get serious about finances. Yes, I am a college student, but I can't use that excuse for not making the most of what I have! That is an excuse I made quite often! Well, the way that I have decided to do this is by these 2 steps:

• Limit eating out! - I eat out way more than I should admit to! Breakfast here, lunch there, it really adds up! I have to cut it out for my wallet and my waistline (another goal for this year is to get fit for my wedding...post to come!)


• Limit what I buy for myself! - I am a shopaholic! We all know it. There is no denying it! However, I really don't NEED anything. I WANT lots of things. So, with that in mind, I am going to start asking myself if I NEED it, or if I just WANT it. That is my new mantra!

This isn't going to be easy. I know there will be times when I slip up and that is okay because just like with dieting, if you constantly deny yourself, then you will binge. I am going to allow myself something every now and then, but not as often as I am buying thing for myself at the present. So with all that said, I have already failed miserably! Yes, I admit it to my family and friends who read this blog and the blogging world!

It started out innocently enough. I deemed that I NEEDED a planner. Yes, NEEDED! Why? Well, I have a hard time keeping up with my busy life, plus big time wedding planning is starting in a matter of weeks, and it will be helpful for me to write homework down in for school. Totally a NEED! Right? So, I decided to go buy the large Lilly planner from Palm Avenue here in town. I got off work, drove over, and went on in. I bypassed the sign that Fall 2009 was 60% off; I just slightly out of the corner of my eye peaked over as I made a beeline for the stationary. The sweet girls asked me what I was looking for. I told them. They were out of stock...oh no!

Should I get the smaller one?

Should I try to order it online?

What to do?

So I walk around the store while I think about it. I can't help myself, I need to weigh my options for a moment. I decide to half-heartedly browse that 60% off sale as I think it over. One thing leads to another, and I grab a dress a start looking at it.

Sabine Shirt Dress Printed in Lillys Pink Little Master of the House

Well, those sweet girls show up again ready to put it in the dressing room. I can't say no now! "Okay, put it in the room." I follow them over there, as I don't want anything else to be put in there to tempt me. I get in the room. I can't even think about the planner options now. All my mind is on is willpower not to buy this precious dress that I have liked and wanted ever since August that is now marked down 60%. I have a hard time resisting Lilly. I can walk away from just about anything, but Lilly I cannot. It makes me giddy and excited. It makes me feel so happy. I just can't even think straight when it comes to Lilly. So, of course I am going to try it on. I have no self-control. I mean really, we all know how I am! Of course it fits, and just beautifully I might add! Totally fit perfectly and looked great in every single angle! I had just about talked myself out of it when those sweet girls show up again. "How is everything working out for you in there?" I can't lie. I love it! I open the door and they both oooh and awww over how cute I look. I know they are paid to do this, but it really makes me want to buy it more. Especially when they start talking shoes and accessories. Did I mention my Pandora glass beads matched perfectly! I have a blue and green one and a pink and green one...perfect match. It was fate. I needed the dress. I took it off, walked up to the counter and bought it...along with the small planner. There we have it! NO SELF CONTROL! None! I did make one small concession. I had planned to buy a more expensive than I normally spend on make up Bare Minerals Starter Kit, but instead went with my same old cheap-o Neutrogena foundation. I like it well enough, and especially if I get a Lilly out of the deal! Oh well, I got a WANT and a NEED! I am blaming it on those sweet sales girls! They always pop up right when I get a hold of myself, just in time to break my willpower!

***I know it is improper to talk about money. Please don't think I am being improper. I think this is a problem that lots of us in America deal with and I am willing to put it out there in hopes that maybe I can help someone else who might be wanting to try to pay down and save up like myself. Plus, if I put it on here I am more likely to actually stick to it.

Reading

This past summer I renewed my long time love of reading. Through high school and early college, I really didn't make the time to read much with the exception of the Harry Potter series, but even that I did not complete in those years. I had been making excuses that I didn't have time with school and work and life, but I realized this summer that if I keep making excuses I will never make time to read. When it's not college, it will be that I am married, or work, or babies, or a multitude of other things. Reading is something that I liked to do for me, and even through my hectic life, I needed to make time for me. When summer started I read a couple of good chick flick books that I had been wanting to read and thoroughly enjoyed them. So, right after the most recent Harry Potter movie came out, I decided that I would restart the series and read it to the end (a task that I had set out to do about 4 times in the past, thus the reason I have the first two books pretty much committed to memory). I finished the series this Fall and I decided to keep on going with my new hobby. Here is a list of the books I read in 2009!

• Multiple Blessings
• The Devil in The Junior League
• The Nanny Diaries
• Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone
• Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets
• Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban
• Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire (my personal favorite of the series)
• Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix
• Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince
• Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows
• Julie & Julia
• Peter Pan

12 books in a year, half a year actually. I would have to say that is not bad. So, the reason I am going on about all of this is because I am trying to keep a log of the books I have read and get suggestions of books I should read. In 2010, I want to read a lot more. Not to mention, Thomas bought me that pricey Kindle and I want to put it to good use! I have a small list of books that I am planning to read, and I have decided this year I want to read more of the Classics. I am sorely lacking in those! So here is what I have read/plan to read in 2010.

• Twilight (already finished)
• New Moon (currently reading)
• Eclipse
• Breaking Dawn
• Emma
• Pride & Prejudice
• Possibly more of the Jane Austen books, but I may get tired of romance after two of them, so I am leaving myself open to different books.

So, what books have you read this past year that were good? What suggestions do you have for me? What is your favorite Classic that you have read?

Post-Holiday Blues

Well, the holidays have come and gone. I always have a small underlying feeling of sadness during this time of year. I absolutely adore Christmas. Like most people, I would have to say that Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love the lights, the nativity sets, the trees, the movies, going to the church play, Santa Clause, the story of Christ's birth, buying gifts for everyone on my list, and seeing their faces when they open them up and love them! Everyone is in a cheerful mood, and even the teller at the bank wishes you "Merry Christmas"! I cannot think of one thing about the Christmas season that I do not love! I just love all the fun that leads up to Christmas, but I have to say that Christmas Eve is my favorite. The anticipation on Christmas Eve is the best! For a long time, my brother Jeremy and I would make Christmas cookies during Christmas Eve day, and then in the evening the whole family would eat a large Christmas dinner and go to church, and before bed we would read The Night Before Christmas and The Littlest Angel which is a book that belonged to my mother when she was little. It is my favorite tradition. I love to sing the carols in the candlelight and hear the beautiful story of Jesus' beginning at the service. I go to sleep that night with my mind buzzing with excitement, even now when I know Santa and his reindeer are not coming to the house. It's the anticipation of the next day and the joy that it brings. However, when Christmas day is upon us and as it draws to an end, my little bit of sadness starts. It's over for this year. We have to wait for all of this wonderful excitement until next year. Yes, there is excitement during all times of the year and they are all wonderful in their own right, but there is nothing like Christmas! So, here I am getting everything together after the holidays. I have a lot on my plate right now. I just got home from a trip to North Carolina to visit my Dad. I also just got over a bad cold and am dealing with some other minor health problems. School starts on Monday, and I am certainly not ready to go back after last semester. I am praying that I have less anxiety about school this semester. I need to go buy my books and some new school supplies. I have to do the laundry and clean the house. I have errands to run and bills to pay. Life is moving forward. The holidays are over. It is great to get back to a normal schedule, but it still makes me feel a tiny bit of sadness in the midst of all the happiness of the New Year that Christmas is over until next year. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year, and I look forward to getting back into my blogging schedule. Welcome to my new followers! I promise I usually am a good regular blogger, I just cut way back over the holidays so that I could savor every moment! Alright girls, I have to go now. I have a pile of work calling my name and lunch date with Thomas in 30 minutes. Have a great day!