Top Ten of 2012

 Nothing makes you look forward to a new year like looking back over the past one - whether it was wonderfully special and rewarding (like this last year was for me) ,  or a disasterous mess that you cant wait to put behind you and forget, (I've had a few of those in my lifetime also),  nothing says "bring it on!' like a look backwards to propell you into the new year.

I also enjoy reading all the "Top Ten" posts that pop up all over during this season of nostalgia and reflection. I especially love seeing which of my li'l ol' posts were your top favorites!
So in spirit of the season, here is yet another the list!
 Top Ten Blog Posts of 2012 :
1. For Really Big Mistakes ....
2. Broken Glass
3. Project 52: Now Here's the Kicker ...
4. Dealing With Disappointment
5. Project # 49 - Christmas Lights
6. Project #16 - Waterfalls
7. Project #25 - The Steam Engine
8. Holy Hot-Pink-Butterfly-Pen, Batman!
9. DIY Room Makeover: Part 1
(Which just reminded me - I lost the part 2 post!  I will post that before the end of this year, hahaha!)
aaaaaaand.......
10.  Starting New and Project 52 ....

I also follow of few blogs regularly that I wanted to share with you, take a peek - you may find yourself adding them to your own personal favorites also!

Top Ten Blogs I Follow :
1. The Life of Mrs. Miles ( my mentor's blog - love her!)
2. Kandee the makeup artist (she has tutorial videos and vlogs on youtube also)
3. Kevin & Amanda (my newest addiction)
4. 1000 Awesome Things
5. A Beautiful Mess
6. Huge Love  (the talented sister of Kandee the makeup artist, from #2 )
7. The Velvet Doe
8. DavidFunk.ca
9. journey.  (my cousin's blog - love her!)
10.  I Am Photograph ( good tips for photographers)


What about you?

Are there any good memories/traditions or routines from that past year that you're committed to continuing on into the year ahead? 
Any bad habits, negative attitudes or destructive patterns you've resolved to leave behind and begin a fresh new year without?

Do you have a "Top Ten" list to share also? Feel free to make your own and post the link in the comments below, I'd love to read it! ;)


I wish every single one of you a SAFE & Happy New Year,  and I'll see you all next  year! ;)

I'm outta here  and gone like 2012,
-J  ;)

Baby, It's Cold Outside . . .

One of my li'l munchkins YEARS ago, all bundled up. Look at those kissable CHEEKS hey? haha  Well,  to quote a buddy of mine from Facebook this morning, "what??? the world didn't end???!  I was not expecting this. I better go do some Christmas shopping..."   Ha! 
Well,  I'm all prepped for Christmas in the gifts department thanks to my friend and mentor BARB who so graciously gave of her time, effort and ingenious crafting skills to help me MAKE all of my gifts this year!!!

Check it out...
a delicious rosehip tea blend concocted by Barb herself!  ( you can go to her blog  HERE to see more, and I think she will be posting a DIY soon if you want any recipes or packaging how-to's)

 

Vanilla-scented sugar, (made with natural whole vanilla beans) for when you're feeling "fancy"!  It tastes as heavenly as it smells!  ( What? I had to try some - quality control, you know)  

(photos by Barb)


Speaking of COLD though, we didn't just sit around making sugar and tea and sweet little treats like a couple o' suckers, OH NO, we did quite a workout too.
This is why I believe that most people ( myself included)  NEED a workout partner - someone to keep you accountable, someone you can rely on to MOTIVATE you on the days that you just feel like skipping your 4k run in favor of a warm blanket and a book on the couch by a fire.
To add a festive "tune" we tied bells to our ankles so that we jingled along as we ran, hahaha! It was hilarious but we got smiles and waves from everyone we passed, hahaha. See how easy it is to spread Christmas cheer?
 

 

(both photos by Barb)

 

And I can tell ya, a good workout like THAT makes the blanket and the book and the fire that much more enjoyable afterwards!

 

 



But there is still the matter of FOOD for the holidays, so I'm headed out to pick up all the fixins and put my name on the reserved list for a  gi-normous turkey!

 

If I don't post again before Christmas, I wish each and every pair of eyes reading this a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and I'm sending you all hugs through the computer right now!

 

 

Gone like the last of the vanilla sugar in the jar on my countertop,

 

-J, xoxo

 

 

What I’m most thankful for:

In light of the holidays, I decided that instead of my usual “Friday Favorites” post I decided I’d share with you What I’m most thankful for: . . .

My totally awesome kids – they brighten my whole life, my li’l mama heart is bursting with love for them . . .

 

My Family . . .

 And my friends (I have far too many dear friends and photos of you all for me to post here, sorry.! I just found these few in a Facebook album) I love you all!  . . . .

Church family . . .

 Our little town – an valley oasis in the middle of the desert . . .

 

Holidays that bring everyone together and remind us of our many blessings in this life . . . .

I'm also especially thankful for all of my blog followers and readers, for your comments, your encouragement and your support. My heart is forever thankful for each precious one of you!  

From my thankful heart to yours,

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

-J, xo

 

 

Are We There Yet?

I can almost see it if I stand on my tippy toes and squint real hard . . .  
the faintest hint of  . . . .
wait for it!  -

photo credit

AUTUMN
 My absolute FAVORITE time of year.  This golden season slips by waaaaay to fast every year for my liking so I try to enjoy evey minute of it.  
So these last few mornings as I wake up to temperatures that begin just a hint cooler than a broiler oven the usual heat wave at 6.am, and a wad of kids' school supplies receipts replaces most of the money in my wallet, I find myself hyperventilating  eagerly anticipating the big yellow school bus (my kids don't ride it but that's not the point) and the parental happy dance that accompanies the return of my sanity  the First Day of School, which marks my favorite season.  ;)

THINGS I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO:

crisp sunny days and crisp crunchy leaves = perfect jogging weather

baking apple pies

picking out pumpkins and carving them

three words:  Pumpkin.  Spice.  Latte.

some new decorating DIY projects around the house with my fantastic kid-helpers (it's not child labor if they're having fun, right?)

a fun road trip to coast planned (photo adventure time!)

Halloween costume parties

Thanksgiving (I LOVE TURKEY)

Coming up with a fun birthday party for my son who turns 11 this year (any good ideas for a pre-teen's birthday please post your suggestions in the comments! )

Christmas present shopping ( I like to start mine in fall and be FINISHED by December 1st)

Dreaming up new Christmas dinner recipes to try ( Mmmm MORE TURKEY!)  If you have any good ones please feel free to share and I will post on this blog (to your credit of course ;)




What seasons and their accompanying activities/festivities  do you look forward to?

Standing on my tippy toes and squinting really REALLY hard,
-J