Before and after!

As part of my 4 Simple Goals, I wanted to create a serene resting/working space in my bedroom... which I have. And now, I'm going to share an embarrassing before photo and some preeeeeety after photo's. My room is super tiny, and I have a lot of stuff so I think I did a pretty good job of utilizing my space. :D


So, that's a before shot... when I was still living out of suitcases and rummaging through boxes. Soooooo scary!


And after!! Isn't it lovely?


The room lacks a closet, so I had to utilize a corner of the room to hang shelves and clothes. THIS was a tedious task... complete with pouting fits. I was at Lowes almost everyday for a week returning and exchanging!


Pretty hangers!! So far I only have a few, but I'd like them all to look pretty.


I had to rearrange the room like 5 times, trying to figure out the best placement for my bookshelf. Maaaaajor pouting fits ensued, but I really like it's final resting place.


And since painting isn't allowed, I just covered the walls with pretty pictures and photographs!!

Do you have to do your crafting at home? Or do you have a separate space to do it all? I can't wait until I'm rich enough to rent out a studio space for all my jewelry making... I would have so much fun making that cute too! <3, jenn

A great weekend

Sometimes us girls need to have a little face-time with Mom... and that's exactly what I got this weekend! My mom (AKA Momma Bear), treated me to a much needed visit, and I can't wait until Christmas when I get to see not only her, but my beloved sister as well!

We didn't go anything too exciting, but it was just nice to hang out again. Momma Bear arrived late Friday night, and we went to out to dinner at an awesome restaurant called Fairground Inn and had ourselves some yummy Italian cuisine. I had classic spaghetti and meatballs, and my mom had stuffed peppers (which is what I'll be getting next time I'm there!).

Saturday was an all day shopping event. We started the day with a bite to eat at the restaurant I work at, Tilted Kilt. We chatted with the girls, and even had a few laughs with a few of my regulars. Then we braved the mall. We found some pretty awesome deals (my favorite being a pair of gray jeggins on sale for $10, originally $40) and I even picked up a few Christmas presents! Yay me!! After the mall we took a quick detour to Bed, Bath, and Beyond for a little browsing and a massage... yes, a massage. Who could pass up testing THREE massage chairs on display after a long day of shopping?? Definitely not us. We finished the day with a tasty salad from Panera and our Italian leftovers while we watched Letters to Juliet.

Gotta say, cute movie. Wanna know what's really fun about it though? Having actually been to Verona, and jumping excitedly with my mom when we spot the custom apron shop next to Juliet's house. Yeah, we're silly like that.

Today Momma Bear had to begin her long journey home early, as it started snowing overnight and there were already a couple inches on the ground. I was bummed to see her go, but the couple nights that we got to hang out were definitely worth it.

I hope everyone else had a magical weekend!
xo, jenn

PS- I would have loved to post pictures of our weekend adventure, however my little point and shoot camera was badly destroyed Thursday night. Sad panda Jenn.... let the pouting fit begin...

30 Days of Blogging

The other day I was perusing my friends Facebook statuses, and I noticed a few of them declaring that they would attempt to be Facebook free for 30 days... Well, I commend them for their effort, but I've met me- I couldn't go 24 hours without checking my account. But I started thinking about what other personal challanges I could set for myself when it hit me. 30 straight days of blogging. I've neglected my poor blog so much in the past 6 months, and with the new year coming quickly, I thought it would be a great way to ring in 2010. Also, it should help me defeat the winter blues!

If you have any ideas or suggestions, or a few questions, PLEASE share them. So far I only have a few ideas for posts, and I really want to make this happen!! Stay tuned!
xo, jenn

Happy Turkey Day!!

Words just aren't enough, so here's a video instead!! I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend. I will be cuddling up on the couch to watch a movie, then joining friends from work for a tasty Thanksgiving feast and wine!
xo, jenn

New Header!! WHAT?!?

That's right. I've given my much neglected blog a facelift! FINALLY. I'm not very computer savvy, so this is as exiting as it's gonna get for the time being. If I'm a very good girl, I might invest in a proper blog design for my birthday next year. I hope you like it.... My poor boyfriend and roomie had to endure one of my infamous pouting fits while I worked on it today, and now my brain hurts.

But I'm so happy it's finally done!! Yay me. Hope everyone is having happy days. xo, jenn

To do list

I've been super busy this week working on pretty-fying my bedroom (simple goal numbero uno!). It's still got a long way's to go, but I'm really excited with the way it's turning out. Can't wait to post before and after photo's.

To-do list for this evening:
1) Put up pictures.
2) Make some tasty dinner.
3) Write my penpal.
4) Make a pair of earrings.

It's only 6pm, so I feel this list is completely do-able, as long as I don't get distracted by the television. Hehe! I also finally bought and set up my new webcam! Many new pictures to come!! Happy Saturday. xo, jenn

4 Simple Goals

I've missed out on alot in my blogging community during the past few months, but one post that I caught and really enjoyed was Elsie Flannigan's 4 Simple Goals post. And I decided to play along!

1) Create the prettiest bedroom sancuary.I generally spend a lot of time in my bedroom, and my newest bedroom is definitely going to be a design challenge! It lacks a closet and is very tiny. And I have ALOT of stuff. It will take craftiness to create a space that is pretty, as well as functionable! 2) Eat more fruits and vegetables. With all my moving around this summer, I will not deny that my diet has become, uh, bad. Lots of taco bell and other quick fixes. I want to eat healthier so I have the energy needed to live every day to it's fullest! 3) Purchase a bike. This is an important one- I've wanted a bike for years, and since my new job requires me to stay fit, it's the perfect time to by one! I can ride my bike to and from work (or even to the corner store) and simutaneously exercise and save the planet (two for one!) 4) Make a stylish camera bag. Last Christmas I got a snazzy new camera, that I love, but I don't use it. My excuse? I don't have a camera bag... Silly right? And because I'm stubborn, I haven't wanted to spend money on some boring camera bag- I want a pretty one. Good thing I went to Style School!

Today was a good day. I had an AHmazing delicious breakfast with the roomie at Cracker Barrel. Then my wonderful parents and sister visited from Pennsylvania, and I treated us all for dinner at the new restaurant I work at. And afterwards, roomie and I went shopping! Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Definitely! xo, jenn

New hair!

Yesterday I treated myself to new hair color. For the past 9 months or so, I've been sporting multi-tonal hair... cool light brown on top, and firey orange underneath. It was fun while it lasted, but over time it's become too much to keep up and I needed to freshen up. I'm loving my new, all-over, chocolate brown!! I feel so dark and sultry... however, I am still a dork, as you can tell be the photo's. ;)


Hope you're having a beutiful week! xo, jenn

Artist Spotlight

Good morning! It's time for another Artist Spotlight! I still plan on making this a regular Monday post, however I was just too tired last night to get to it. Also, I'll be changing the look of this post a little bit. Instead of scouring youtube for the particular song I want (which can be difficult sometimes since I like abstract artists as well as mainstream), I'm going to make a mini playlist!!

Today I'm featuring Paper Route. I discovered them at a Paramore concert I went to last December in Berlin, bought their album, forgot about it, then rediscovered it as I was driving around my sister's car one particularly pretty summer day(she bought the album too)! Since then, they've been a regular rotation in my music selections. I especially enjoy "Dance On Our Graves." I hope you enjoy them!

a new chapter

There is so much to say, I don't even know where to begin...

In my last post, I expressed excitment over my upcoming summer and all the wonderful things I had planned. Now summer is over, and I have to admit that it definitely was an adventure! So many things happened! I helped my family move, fell in love, left Germany, visited tons of family and friends, went tubing a GAZILLION times, watched my sister get married to a wonderful man, drove across the United States, moved some more, then rocked out at Dia De Los Toadies! Now I'm working to catch up and get settled in my brand new home. There are boxes EVERYWHERE, and I'm so happy to start this new chapter here in Watertown, NY. It's definitely going to be another adventure, I'm sure of it.

I'll be posting photo's and highlights, as well as working to give my blog a much needed facelift. Thanks for sticking around. ♥

jenn

21 days!!

No, not how many days since my last post (though it's pretty close). 21 more days before I move!! That's right, I'm moving. Where to? Why, back to the United States!! The past three weeks I've been super busy organizing, packing, and cleaning... all while working to try and save money for my exciting summer ahead.

I won't lie that I've been wicked stressed. Moving always takes alot out of me physically and emotionally. Simutaneously, I'm so excited I could just burst. Remember when you were little, and it's christmas eve, and you feel as though you could just jump out of your skin with anticipation to open up all those cool presents?? That's pretty much how I feel. I'm so ready for the next exciting chapter of my life, not to mention the amazing summer I have planned, that the days just aren't moving quick enough.

This past year in Germany has truely been a dream come true. Granted, I still had to work, pay bills, do chores, etc.- but I've also had an adventure many don't have the luxury to experience... did I take a few days for granted? Of course, I did. But in the end I appreciate all the places I've seen, the people I've met, and the wonderful friends that I will never forget.

Over the next 2 weeks, I will probably list highlights of my year, as well as little details of my plans for the upcoming months. However, after I officially hit the road my posts will be few and far between. But once I get set up in my new abode- keep an eye open! Come September, there will be exciting new developments!! Shh, I can't share them yet, but I'm really excited.

I'm off to continue my cleaning and organizing tasks. I hope everyone had a very lovely memorial day weekend! xoxo, jenn

Artist Spotlight

Do you have those artists that you've listened to forever? The ones that you listened to back in grade school, and even though you are certain that their earlier stuff will always be their best, you always gasp for joy when you see a new album? For me, one of those bands is Garbage. I was always a fan of how dark Shirley Manson was, and she was never afraid to show it. Garbage was even cool enough to have their song "I Think I'm Paranoid" featured on the playstation game Gran Turism 2!! I'm not much of a video game girl, but I still think that's pretty cool. xo, jenn

A peak at Egypt

So I thought I would go ahead and share some of my favorite pictures from Egypt with you. It was very difficult to choose what ones to share as I took over 800 photos by the vacations end, most of them with my iPone using the Hipstomatic app. It was from that pool that I chose from.A view of one of the local markets in Luxor.The Winter Palace. Made very famous due to films.Karnak Temple of Amun Ra.

Temple at Edfu.Kom Ombo... this was my favorite temple! It is a dual temple, serving both Horus and Sobek. The only one of it's kind!A felucca boat... I took a TON of boat pictures. This one was taken from the botanical gardens at Aswan.Mmm, spices!A few of the other girls with our tour group, soaking up the sun on top of a boat.Hey, that's me!Me madre walking along the beach at Makadi Bay.The Pyramids of Giza.The Sphinx.

I will probably post a few more later taken from my regular camera, once I get them uploaded and steal the ones from my sister's and mother's camera. I'm suffering from a brutal migrane, and I'm having a hard time finding the will to do anything productive... like take my poor iPhone into the shop for repairments. Sad day. It will be missed.

Back later with another artist spotlight! loves, jenn

A break in the clouds

It's been dark, dank, and dreary all week long... and after spending a few glorious weeks under the sun, the last thing I want is cloudy skies raining on my parade. Today we finally had a bit of sunshine, something I'm so very thankful for. It wasn't quite as warm as I would have liked, but I'll take what I can get. Forcasts show rain returning tomorrow.

How's the weather in your neck of the woods?
xx, jenn

A wonderful surprise!

Hello there! Remember me?? That's right, I'm back. My vacation is long over, and although my brain my not have been ready to face the harsh obligations of the day-to-day, it's now time to get my butt in gear again. I have to say though, Egypt was pretty spectacular. I had so many great moments during my two-week vacation, and I promise to share a few of those moments with you soon. But first, I have something very exciting to share!!
While away exploring tombs and temples, I was awarded The Beautiful Blogger Award!! I cannot express how happy this made me, especially since my blog is still a baby learning to crawl with the fierce desire to walk, so I owe a great big Thank You! to miss Megan of Just Awful- Thank you so much for making my day!

The stipulations of the Beautiful Blogger award are thus: thank the wonderful person who awarded you, share seven interesting facts about yourself, then award seven more bloggers! Since the first has already been accomplished, here's some facts about me you probably didn't know:

1) I love peanut butter. It has become my go-to snack as I try to achieve a healthier lifestyle. It tastes great on bread, apples, celery, and a spoon. I like pickles too, but not together.
2) I am a cry-baby. Not a cry-baby in that I cry when I can't have something I want- I pout for those instances. No, I'm a cry-baby in that I weep with every episode of Grey's anatomy. And sometimes, during those occasional weeks when I'm feeling extra emotional, I'll even get choked up over a hallmark commercial.
3) I listen to Britney Spears. She's great to groove to when I'm feeling sluggish and need a pick me up.
4) I have never seen Braveheart.
5) I sometimes wish I was a natural redhead- I have the fair skin and the freckles, now I just need the hair.
6) I have traveled to 11 countries, excluding my native country (the US)... there are at least 11 more countries I would love to see!
7) I have three tattoo's. One down my spine, one on my right wrist, and my newest one on my right side. I can't wait to get my fourth!

And now, to award seven more bloggers. The blogs I nominate all have something in common. I have stumbled across their blogs because all of them have been recent online classmates of mine, whether it was style school, indie biz, or tell your story (or all three!). Here goes!

1) pb&j sammich
2) grrfeisty
3) One Pearl Button
4) Caitidid Designs
5) Kaleidescope Explosion
6) A Catalog of Enchantments
7) Suck it Up, Princess

And there you have it! If you choose to accept your award, then you must:
- Thank the person who nominated you and link to their blog.
- Copy the award and paste it to your blog.
- Tell us seven interesting facts about yourself.
- Pass this award on to 7 fantastic bloggers you have discovered.
- Contact your nominations and let them know they’ve won.

Happy blogging! xx, jenn

200 Camels

Today I found out that I am worth more than 200 camels in exchange for my hand in marriage. To that my mom replied that after two weeks with me, my suitor would likely come back and tell her to keep her camels AND her daughter. To which everyone had a good laugh... It's true. I can be a handful- but in the best sort of way I think!

So far Egypt has been a dream come true, and I am loving every minute of it!! I have seen old temples in amazing condition, botanical gardens, enjoyed a felluca ride, visited a Nubian village, held a crocodile, and received a henna tattoo (it's so pretty)! And there is still so much to do on our Nile river tour, followed by a week on the red sea... Thus far I have taken approximately six to seven hundred pictures between my iPhone (the hipstomatic app is AMAZING fun!) and my little digital. Eek! I promise to post my favorite ones upon my return.

My time is quickly running out at Volcano Net internet cafe, so once more I shall bid you good tidings and farewell! Be back sooooooon!!

xoxo, jenn

Safari Chic and Farewell!

I'm very happy Safari Chic is in style right now... it made shopping for new Egypt appropriate clothing much easier than anticipated. I'm leaving for the airport in less than thrity minutes, and flying out in less then four hours. I feel so frazzled- I'm one of those last minute packers when it comes to vacations. I get so excited about going that all of sudden the time to leave has arrived! And I'm never ready! Hahaha, one day I shall learn I suppose.
Farewell dear readers! I shall return in two weeks sunburnt and full of Egyptian tales!!

xoxoxo, jenn

Wishlist Wednesday

Here's a pretty list of things I want RIGHT NOW!

This pretty dress from H&M.

These pens are amazing. I currently have the small set, but this large set would make me soooo happy!

Succubus Shadows by Richelle Mead. The fifth in the series.

Pretty tape!

This pretty Snail Meeting print by Paper Sparrow.

Adorable coffee mug set from Trixie Delicious

And this awesome belt bag from bonspiel creations

Unfortunately the last 2 items are already sold... But I have my fingers crossed that there will be more like them!

Also, I'm sure you have probably noticed that I've been tweeking my blog a bit. More tweeks to come... it's slowly but surely coming together!

Artist Spotlight

[source]
Soooooo, I love music. LOVE it. NEED it. To work, to get ready, to drive around in the car, to dance obnoxiously in my room... but most definitely to work. It fills that void of silence, and unless I actually want to get something accomplished, movies and tv just aren't the same. In fact, I'm one of those easily distracted people who gets sucked into whatever is on the TV (be it a movie or cartoons directed to 3 year olds). So I choose music. And I enjoy a large spectrum of artists and styles. And since music is such a big part of my creative process, I've decided to share some of my favorite artists (or new artists that have recently caught my attention) here every Monday. Hopefully you might be able to discover a new artist that appeals to you, or even suggest some of your favorites to me. Either way, I think it will be fun!
[source]
This week I'd like to introduce INNERPARTYSYSTEM. I discovered this band last year after a friend played their album for me, and they quickly became one of my most played artists. They originated in Reading, Pennsylvania in 2002 and are classified as Electronic. They have a moody/brooding feel to them, so I generally play them when I'm feeling dark and twisty, or really deep in thought. My favorte songs include "New Poetry", "What We Will Never Know", "Way We Move", and "Heart of Fire".

Happy listening! jenn

Technologic Curiosities

A while back, I saw a video advertising the new Microsoft Courier. A combination of tablet and netbook, the little gadget looked amazing! "I want one of those!!" I remember saying out loud, then proceeded to watch the video another three times. Then I saw an ad for the new iPad Touch... well that looks pretty cool too! It would definitely come in handy for traveling, especially with all the crazy weight restrictions airlines have stated enforcing. So the big question is- which one do I get? (Haha, assuming I could actually afford either one of them!)
I really like the IDEA of the courier. I like the functionality, of being able to use it like a tablet- draw, make notes, create, etc. And I like that it serves as a planner as well. My hesitation is of course would I actually use it? I can't count how many times I've said "Alright. This month I'm going to start using my planner, and stick with it!" Armed with renewed motivation, I keep it up for about a month- before becoming distracted with another self-improving project. However, since I have decided to turn my hobby into a business- the gadget could prove to be very useful. Maybe not so much now, but in the future, when my business is THRIVING!
Then there's the iPad Touch. I like this because I can pretend it's the apple mactop that I dream of owning but cannot afford. Also, because of it's slim design and light weight, it's very portable friendly. It's also compatable with the apps I already own for my iPhone, and I can easily watch videos on it while I'm traveling. Or stay up to date on my favorite blogs. Or read books! The possibilies are quite endless.

It's a very tricky decision. Either way- my biggest worry is how long it would take me to break it. Or rather, how quickly. Anyone who's met me knows I have a reputation for repelling technology. Seriously. My laptops for example- if I don't spill something on it first, then the laptop will leap from hands just to get away from me. Like committing technological suicide. It makes me sad a little.

So what one would you choose? ♥, jenn

It's April!

This month is going to be so exciting! I'm so happy April has finally arrived. Allow me to break it down for you:
Today, April 1st, I registered for Elsie and Rachel's art journal class "Tell Your Story." It's a 6 week art journaling class, with prompts everyday, with a total of 42 prompts!! Yes, I am a geek and have done my math to figure out this number. Don't judge me.
Then, in 9 short days, I get to go to Egypt!! Yessssss! Not only am I going to Egypt, a dream come true in itself, but I'm going on a cruise as well. My very first cruise! I cannot even express how excited I am... before you ask, let me just say that I will not be seeing the pyramids. I know, I know- but the pyramids have been there for QUITE some time... I'm sure they'll still be standing if I go to Egypt a second time. And besides, there so many other cool things to see too!! There's so much history, and I feel so privileged that I get to witness it. Together with my mom and baby sister, we will fly to Luxor and set sail down the nile for a 7 day cruise. Following the cruise, we will then spend one week at the beach. Doesn't that sound amazing? Ooooooo, I can't wait!

As if that isn't enough excitment, 4 days after I return from Egypt, I will be getting my 3rd tattoo!! I'm a little bit more weary about this event, as it will not be sandy beaches, but painful needles. However, my dear friend says that I like pain- that's why I always hurt myself. So although I'll be sweating bullets, it's still going to be exciting. This also happens to be the same day that the art journal class starts. Busy, busy day!

I hope your April is just as amazing! How does the month look for you?

loves, jenn
[egypt source 1, 2, 3]