I know What I Like...

It has come to my attention that I'm a bit picky.

I'll pause why you pick your jaw up off the floor.

I know, I can't believe it myself.

Anyway, of course my adoring hubby was the one that kindly pointed it out to me.  I was in denial for quite a while, but recently have come around to accepting it.  I mean, I do like what I like and the opposite holds true.

I don't like cheeseburgers.  I like hamburgers.  But I like cheese on my chili.  Or on my french fries.  Or nachos and pretzels.  Just not on my burger.  It really annoys me when a fast food place ignores my request for  hamburger.  NO CHEESE.

Onions and I have a similar relationship.  I enjoy onion rings, but don't really like them on my sandwich.

Lately, I've been challenging my hubby with my preference of whipped cream.  No, this isn't a dirty joke.  We get coffee most mornings and I enjoy whipped cream on my hot coffee.  But please don't top my iced coffee with whipped cream.  It doesn't melt the same.  Plus, then you have the tall lids.  Ugh.

Anyone else out there with contradictory tastes?  I know I'm not the only one, but at least I'm starting to admit it.

Stages

So there must be a seven step process with coming to terms with job hunting.  Kinda like the same process one goes through when quitting smoking or dealing with grief.

I've been through the fear-of-starting stage and I overcame that.  I made a choice to really start looking and create a resume.  I spoke to family/friends and wore everyone out.  But actually make the choice was exhilarating, liberating.  I got an emotional rush.

I think I had a sub stage or something about possibly moving. I couldn't find any good leads for a local position so I had to come up with another plan. Got hubby on board, spoke to the family, and actually drove around to possible locations to scout them out. It was fun to dream.

Suddenly, moving seemed terrifying.  Its a lot of work; plus trying to time starting a new job, selling a house, and kids school schedules seems impossible.  I spoke to a contact about a local job that might work, but it turns out she quit that facility.  And she wouldn't recommend me going in to it, it was that bad.  So while I appreciate her candor, it was disappointing.  She told stories of colleagues that can't find jobs or are spending months and also have to move.  So then I became depressed.  I don't really want to go through the stress or expense of moving, but I might really have to.  Plus, the job market is difficult and I'm in a part of the country where I still don't have a lot of contacts.  So while I have been throwing myself a pity party I've come to terms that the actual timeline of events might be messy.

So, I am also facing the choice again, how bad is it for me to really change jobs?  I really want to do something different.  I need a change.  This whole process is teaching me patience on a new level.  I can't go buy a new job, or new work environment.  I can't ask someone to buy my house and it be done the next day. This part of life is definitely a dance, and I'm unfamiliar with my partner.

Ok, that's three stages, right?  I wonder how many more before the end?  Anyone else know which stage is next?

still trying

Another month, another lack of posts.  Will this ever change?  I hope so, because I'm not ready to give up.  Anyway, here is a taste of what I've been up to and what I hope to share.

• Handsome learned to climb into his crib, while his sister climbs in and out to play with him during nap time.  Time for a new bed for Handsome.
• New bed calls for new bedding, new paint, big boy decor, you get the idea.
• Why paint one room when painting two rooms gets you twice as high? (high on change and improvement, not fumes)
• Haircut!
• TV Drama:  I'm addicted
• Blue is my favorite color, honestly.

I can't wait to share what we've been up to.  I hope you'll keep reading!

Sweet Carolina Home

You may have noticed (hopefully) that I'm making some changes around here.  I'm struggling with Blogger to re-direct the blog to my new website.  I'd love to hear some feedback of the new look and if you had any difficulty finding the new place.  Sweet Carolina Home better reflects the direction of this blog, not to mention the address is easier to type.  Thanks for reading!

Coccadotts

My Princess has an obsession with swimsuits.  I've mentioned it before.  She names for them, one is the "cocadot" swimsuit.

She means polka dot.  But I think it's cute, so I don't correct her that often.  She also has a sweet tooth.  She loves cupcakes, but she calls them muffins.  Sometimes, she calls them coo-cakes.  but usually, she calls them muffins.  Well, I recently went to a new bakery in town and it's called Coccadotts.  They specialize in cupcakes.  I had bought some for work, but loved them so much I had to purchase more to bring home.

Aren't they beautiful?  And they have fantabulous flavors, for example, cannoli cupcakes, shiraz, watermelon, and triple chocolate, just to name a few.

 

(sorry for the horrible phone pic)

 

 It's hard to pick just one when that all look so good.  I think this is going to be a bad discovery.  Coccadotts Cake Shop, the next place I'll buy cupcakes for a kiddos birthday instead of making another disaster like last time.

Coccadotts has no idea who I am.  I'm simply sharing my discovery since it made me smile.

Soul Detox

Its been a little while coming, but I've been needing a soul detox.  My job isn't the most jolly of places, my kiddos are/have been in a screaming phase, we've moved across the country leaving behind our church, friends, the only sense of normalcy I've known, and the closest Chipotle is three hours away.  Yes, I know these are third world problems, but they hurt me just the same.  I'm very thankful for my house, family, and we have plenty to eat.  But I still feel something's missing.

I noticed at the smallthingsblog.com she joined the #SheReadsTruth community, so of course I clicked the link to see what it was all about.  I browsed around before I found the study they were reading from.  Turns out, its from YouVersion and there is an app, but I don't have a fancy phone.  So I signed up directly from the YouVersion website and browsed the reading plans.  The Soul Detox plan is what the SheReadsTruth community is doing, and it speaks to me as well, so I jumped right in.

I decided to start from the beginning, so I read my first one last night.  I'm getting excited for a change.  I feel toxic inside and its spreading to other aspects of my life.  I don't want to be remembered as bitter or negative at work, by my kids, or my hubby. I need to change something, and digging into to the Bible is great place to start.

Feel free to join me, a little encouragement never hurt anyone.

May Birchbox

My May Birchbox is here!

This month's theme is Gossip Girl.  I admit, I haven't seen the show so I really didn't know what to expect from this box.  Nevertheless, I'm happy with the products.

• Miracle Skin Transformer Body SPF 20 in glow
• fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15
• Kiehl's Abyssine Cream
• Bvlgari Omnia Crystalline fragrance
• Birchbox Notecards

So far, I've tried the body lotion, its kind of like a concealer for legs/arms/wherever you have scars or blemishes you want to cover.  It's really thick and has a tint to it.  I was nervous it would make me look orange, but I was pleasantly surprised. I've also used the lip balm. It is really light and adds nice, sheer color.  The Kiehl's moisturizer is nice, too.  I'm not sold on it yet.  It might be a bit thick for me and the summer humidity.  The fragrance really isn't my thing, but overall, I'm pleased with the products.

April Birchbox

My April Birchbox has arrived!  I had a few hiccups getting my box this month, but in spite of the post office being slow about forwarding my mail and the delivery confirmation telling my my package was undeliverable, my box only showed up a few days late.  I, however, am just late posting about it because of my own inefficiency.   Anyway, on to the goodies.

This month's theme was earthy and organic inspired products.  Now I'm not the most green person around, but I can appreciate a good, natural product.  I don't like to buy things just because they are natural and organic, the product better be effective and wow me.  This box delivered.

• Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift.  Ok, maybe not a green product, but it smells great, and my daughter loves it.  Another perfume sample to add to my collection.
• Zoya nail polish in Lotus.  Its a lovely purple color, no tuolene, camphor, or formaldehyde, goes on opaque in one coat, and lasts at least 50% longer than other nail-polishes.  I really like it!
• Juice Beauty Oil-Free Moisturizer.  Its a nice, light moisturizer that contains natural salicylic acid for acne prone skin.  Its also great for oily skin.  I was pleasantly surprised after trying this product.  I normally don't like things with salicylic acid, I feel they are too drying for me, but this one works great!  
• Amika Obliphica Nourishing Hair Mask.  I'm a sucker for hair products.  Its my beauty weakness.  I love this stuff.  I've only used it twice, but I can my hair feels softer and the ends don't feel as rough.  I might have to splurge on this product.
• Dropps Laundry Detergent.  This the "lifestyle extra" for my box.  I am currently washing a load of sheets with it right now.  Individual packets are always nice to keep down the mess with detergent, but the really factor is the scent and stain removal effectiveness. 

So there is my April Birchbox.  Any questions about the products?  Any fabulous new products you've tried recently?

Moving

We are mostly moved in to our new place, however we don't have internet yet.  Our provider isn't able to come out until Wednesday!  That's a long time to live with out consulting the internets, which I do for just about everything.  Weather, what to eat for dinner, how much money I have, buying shoes for my children, how high to hang the curtains, EVERYTHING.  It's been a challenge and I only have a few more days.  With that being said, you probably won't hear from me for another week, maybe less if you are lucky.  Hope you had a happy Easter!

Sticking to the Budget

What's better then sticking to your budget?  Doing it in style.  As you may remember from previous posts (here and here) Hubby and I strive to operate on a mostly cash budget, utilizing an envelope system.  While the system works well, paper envelopes do not.  We also tried a small plastic accordion  folder, but didn't have success with that either.  Thank goodness for the internets.  I found an awesome solution on Etsy and took the plunge.

This is the carrying case.  Don't you love the gray and yellow?

This is the interior.  It is lined with a thicker cloth and feels rather substantial.

.....And of course the envelopes.  I love that they are all different patterns.  The seller pre-printed the category labels for me.  The zipper pouch is for coins.  We have been using these envelopes for over a month and I LOVE them.  Hubby can just take one or two envelopes and leave the rest at home.  He actually prefers that method since he thinks the carry-case is too girly.

If you are the crafty type, I'm sure you could make this easily.  I am not.  It is my first purchase from Etsy and I am incredibly pleased.  (link to seller here.)

What do you think?  Any Etsy addicts?  Would your Hubby carry this around?

February Birchbox

As you may have noticed, I've been a bit of a blogger slacker this month.  Life's been busy with house hunting, job drama, plus I didn't feel like I did anything blog-worthy.  I like to post about my Birchbox because it is one thing I have to look forward to every month.  Its my surprise, and as you grow up, those don't happen very often.

• Glow and Go Travel Puff by colorescience pro.  it is make up on the go, powder in puff form, also available in a compact
• Designer Liner by eye rock.  stick on cat-eye liner strips
• Digital Download Green River Ordinance.  six tunes by an indie rock band
• Waterproof Makeup Remover by La Fresh.  ecco-friendly, moisturizing eye and lip make-up removing wipes
• G-1 Moisturizing Face Cream by Benta Berry.  an all-natural moisturizer
• Heart Shaped Nail File because it is cute and fits well in your purse

I love my monthly surprise.  Any of you tried Birchbox?  Any questions or feedback?

Shelf Styling

My favorite part about my living room are the shelves.  Especially the tall ones.  I've always loved the idea of a wall full of shelves.  Filling them with books and time-worn treasures warms my soul like hot chocolate sliding down your throat on a cold winter day.  Here's a peek inside my soul.

the whole thing.  plus a bunny.

Shelves from Target online.  Candlesticks from World Market, bunny from Mom.

 

Top shelf, left side.  Hive vase from West Elm.  Clear glass pumpkin jar from Walgreens filled with M&Ms.  A Pharmacist Prayer framed, a gift from my MIL.  Three things, similar color scheme.

Top shelf, right side.  A lovely poetry gift to my hubby from when we were first dating.  Hurricane from Crate and Barrel, filled with candle and sea shells collected from our many beach walks.  Paper weight stolen from my Mom, gnomes from West Elm, gifted from my Mom and Hubby.  Five things, again similar color scheme.

Upper middle shelf, left side.  Another poetry piece, glass bottle and tea light arrangement, collection from West Elm, World Market, and up-cycled wine bottle.  Again, similar color arrangement.

Upper middle shelf, right side.  Mercury glass vase, West Elm,  framed print, gift from Mom, love letters, from Target, stacked books, apple, hubby's NYC souvenir.  I had to play with this arrangement until I found one I liked.  The apple does get moved often and is currently living on the top shelf.  Let's just say munchkins can reach him so he gets moved a lot.

Middle shelf, left side.  Two black and white photos of my kiddos, framed in Target frames.  Basket is from Pier One.  Black and white photos are my favorite.  I like the clean look.

 

Middle shelf, right side.  Books collected since childhood.  Its a combination of mine and hubby's.  This is just a small bit of paperbacks.  I tried to put them in a color arrangement, but it really doesn't have much of an impact on a small scale.  Notice how these two lower shelves are more kid-friendly, in other words, nothing can break.

Bottom two shelves.  Mainly heavy books.  I felt we need to anchor the shelves a bit.  The milk crate baskets are from Target and are VERY functional.  I can't recommend them enough.  One acts as a filing cabinet for important paperwork.  The two others hold throw blankets and toss pillows.  The teal boxes are also from Target.  One houses loose photos, and the other CDs.  Who uses CDs anymore?  I'm stuck storing them.  Also, notice the toys on the floor.  The toy basket/shelf organization is another post, for another day.

And that's my shelf post.  Seriously, I love rearranging them.  I call it therapy.  In another month or so, I will "winterize" them.  Can't wait.

How do you display your treasures?  Anyone else find rearranging trinkets therapeutic?  Spill.

Steal of a Deal

Do you read magazines?  I love them, but rarely spend the money.  Glossy pages are something I rarely splurge on except for plane rides.  And a subscription?  Forget about it.  But in four to six weeks, that will change.  And I have this woman to thank for it.  I didn't know Amazon has a magazine sale.  Heck, I didn't even know magazines went on sale.  Nevertheless, I didn't let my lack of knowledge hold me back.  I took it ran...straight to the Amazon checkout.

I ordered House Beautiful and Coastal Living.  Two things I aspire for and maybe these subscriptions will help my ideals come to fruition!  At $5 and $8 for a 10 issues each, I will at least get a lot of eye candy on the cheap.  House Beautiful is normally $5 per issue!  Amazon has the sale going on through October 11th, so don't delay!

So what do you think?  Are you a magazine glutton or rarely partake, like me?  What are your favorite glossy pages?

Counting Down

Nearly one week left!  Eight more days of work.  I've spent the last few days packing and we are getting down to the wire.  The majority of things are done; now we are working on the last minute things that can't be done too far ahead of time.  I guess that's why they are last minute things, right?  I am so tired and physically exhausted.  I'm sure in a few days I will be mentally exhausted as well.  I have had a very kind friend come help me pack, otherwise I think I would be in a worse shape.

I am getting excited, and I hope that exhilaration will carry me through the next week and a half.  I have said many good-byes, and a few see-you-laters.  The next week will be difficult at work.  I am looking forward to Saturday when I will see my Mommy.  Its been 8 months! since I last saw her!

The next week will continue to be busy: family haircuts, more continuing education, last minute good-byes, lots of cleaning, packing boxes, then loading the truck.  I had some retail therapy last night to help me cope.  I purchased new plates, bowls, glasses, and a shower curtain.  I can't wait to see them in the new house!

Rim Plates from Crate and Barrel Outlet

Rings Glassware from Crate and Barrel

Ruffles Shower Curtain from Target

I have a few more posts planned, but I am waiting on pictures from a friend.  I hope to post at least twice before I leave, but I can't make any promises.

Gold Dust

This last weekend, I attempted to tackle my bucket list.  One of my amazing co-workers and I went to Silas and Maddie's for ice cream with my kiddos.  We planned it out for days; trying to avoid graduation mayhem in a college town, watchful for good weather, and most importantly, nap schedules.   We had awesome luck. While the line was out the door, it moved quickly and was definitely worth the wait.  Oddly enough, we both chose the same flavor, Gold Dust.  It is vanilla ice cream with Oreos, Snickers, and caramel.  Pure deliciousness, especially served in a waffle bowl.   I should go again so I can get a picture.  Princess liked it, except for the snicker chunks.  Those were immediately dropped on the ground.   Handsome snubbed his nose.  He ate some, but I think he was boycotting because I wouldn't let him hold the spoon.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Afterwards, we walked to South Park.  It was crawling with kiddos and parents.  Somehow, one bum managed to sleep through the chaos on a park bench.  My kiddos, as usual, preferred to play in separate areas.  Handsome made a bee line for the stairs on the tallest slide.  I casually walked behind him until I realized he had no fear and was going to slide down by himself, without hesitation.  I rushed down to the bottom, but he was already there, ready to go again.  Boys.   I tried to keep them on the shady side.  It worked for a bit, and I got a few pictures.


Handsome loved this alligator. I gently bounced it for him, but of course he soon figured out how to make it move. Let's just say he made it jump more vigorously. Another not so suprising difference between boys and girls.











This is pretty much the only picture of Princess.  She is far too busy to be bothered with pictures or to even look at the camera.  Maybe next time.

All in all, we had a great time.  The kiddos got worn out, mom got a few pictures, and we all got ice cream.   Princess didn't even throw a fit when we left!  She waved and told everyone "buhbye" a million times.  Even more impressive, Tiffany and I didn't talk about work!  That's true friendship.  So what did you do this weekend? Anyone else eat ice cream and jump on alligators?

Mini Vacay

Most of you know hubby and I took an extra long weekend to the coast in order to secure housing for our impending move. Being the first time away from our children overnight, much less four nights, we weren't sure what to do. Two things were on our mind, sleep and food, both perferably without interruptions. Beyond that, we didn't have any plans. So, we improvised; made up rules as we went.
First rule, NO McDs. None. We actually avoided fast food the entire time while were gone. The exceptions were airports, were we really didn't have a choice. Does Starbucks count? I'm saying no, since its just a drink. Otherwise, we ate were our food was brought to us. We ate s-l-o-w-l-y. We enjoyed all-you-can-eat crab legs and seafood, pizza, (twice!) PF Chang's, a local bakery/bistro, and even Chili's.
Second rule, eat food unattainable in Kansas. I know we broke that with Chili's, but seriously we don't get to eat there anymore. We enjoyed mostly local establishments.
Third rule, coffee every morning. There were two Starbucks where we were staying, and of course one in Target. Our morning iced white chocolate mocha with notfat milk signaled we were serious about the day. I'm pretty sure I gained 5 pounds. Maybe 7. And I was doing so well before we left. At least we did some walking. I also got to do a bit of shopping. Yippee for JCrew Factory store! I think we went to Target three times.
Fourth rule, peruse shopping venues for future houseware purchases. We price shopped for pots and pans, shower curtains, deck furniture, etc. Its a good thing we couldn't buy anything. Our hotel was a studio apartment style place in a shopping area. We were literally living above Pottery Barn and Anthropologie. Needless to say, I had sweet dreams every night.
Fifth rule, sleep in. This one didn't work. And not for lack of trying. The bed was a Murphy bed with hard pillows. Ugh. We had East facing windows. I woke at first light, neither of us really slept until we got home. I guess you can't win them all.
We did get to walk on the beach, and we visited the Garden City Pier. It is in the town I will be working, and the only place we took "vacay" pictures.
























The water was a beautiful blue-green, the air smelled sweet, we were "home", almost. Less than a month until it will be! Who is going to be my first visitor?

My New Baby

Previously, I mentioned my iPad arrived. Here are the pictures to prove it.  Don't drool on your computer.

 That's the black cover protect-er thingy.  It also works to prop it up on a desk, but it use it mainly on my lap.  I'm still trying to figure it all out.  For instance, I can't upload pictures to my blog from my iPad.  There are apps available, but I think it is retarded to have an app simply for uploading pictures to blogger.  Typing is going to take a bit getting used to.  FYI, you can't rest your fingers on the keys.  For one, there are no "keys" and two, you add extra letters unintentionally.  I guess I need to spend all my waking hours glued to my iPad.  haha.  Nevertheless, I am enjoying it.  I've put a few more apps on it, but I haven't had a chance to mess around too much.  You know, kids and laundry and stuff.  Maybe my next day off in 4 days.  Or maybe I'll just forgo sleep.  One of these days I'll get my priorities straight, until then I'm addicted. Thanks, Apple.

That was quick

I suppose I was a bit hasty yesterday. I whined about not having a computer, missing the internets, and impending boredom and doom. I acted like a spoiled brat. I guess that is because I am one. Today, my iPad arrived! It was scheduled to come on Tuesday, so naturally we were very surprised! Unfortunately, my life isn't a bed of roses, so we did have a few complications. Since I'm not the type to make a long story short, here are all the gory details. In order to set up the iPad, we needed to connect it a computer and iTunes to register it. Of course, we cannot wait until Monday or (horror) Tuesday. Normally, this would only take 5 seconds, however we were missing said computer. Fortunately, we have some lovely friends who also have a Mac. After some schedule wrangling, kiddo feeding, and three hours, we were set. Sort of. Hubs is the mastermind behind the security for our Internet connection. I mean, so good, he can't get the iPad connected since the apple is missing. Durn security and smart hubby. So he purchase a one day Internet subscription so we could add stuff to the iPad and I can surf. Sweet hubby. I guess I'm not the only addict in the house. So, yes, I typed this whole post on my iPad. You should all be impresses. Especially since I deleted it once. The WHOLE thing. And had to start over. I am one dedicated blogger.

Another Delay...

My lovely Apple is going into the shop today.  Its extended warranty is about to expire and it needs a bit of cosmetic updating and cleaning up to hopefully last a few more years.  I'm not sure if I know what to do without a computer in my house.  I mean, I spend 8 hours a day on a computer at work and a good chunk of my free time.  I'm not sure what is wrong with me.  My kiddos will love the extra attention, maybe I'll get my house cleaned and a room packed.  Who am I kidding, I'll find another way to waste my time.  Anyway, I'm sure when Apple is coming back, hopefully Monday.  Next week is going to be busy work week, I'm picking up an extra shift and working a longer day, so I might not be back for a while.  I'll try my best to return ASAP.

Clean Day

Cleaning is overrated.  It dries out my hands, makes my house stink like chemicals, takes valuable time away from my family, and never lasts more than 5 minutes.  However, I suffer an emotional breakdown when surrounded by clutter, dirty dishes, mountains of laundry, and general toddler debris.  Seriously, ask my hubby.  I had one Saturday night.  On Sunday, we attacked the house while the kids napped.  Praise the Lord they napped at the same time.  It is refreshing to know a few areas are clean and re-organized.  We'll see how long it lasts.

Recently, I have discovered new cleaning products.  I love them.  It's called Mrs Meyers Clean Day.  They are good for the environment (nice plus) and smell awesome.  I want to buy more cleaning products because they smell so amazing; I need multiple scents. My current fave is lemon verbena.  Seriously, you should try them.  While I'm not really a hippie/Mother Earth freak, I do like the idea of not cleaning with harsh chemicals.  The products aren't antibacterial, which means I'm not contributing to resistant bacteria strains.  So while I still despise cleaning, at least I found a product that makes it a bit more enjoyable for me and keeps my family safe.  Check them out.