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]