Pillow Thought

Tuesdays Look {whats in our closet - Spring Edition}

2012-02-28T11:20:00.001-08:00

I really love doing lookbooks for Tuesdays Look

but it is super time consuming in finding the perfect items for a look

and I can't find everything I find in the stores online..

soo I am doing another little episode of What's in Our Closet... spring edition.

Floral Wedges: Forever Young

Pink Ruffle: Cotton Tails - L'AMOUR brand

White Bow: Target

Once again you have heard a lot about Elle Bowtique lately..

but seriously i'm one lucky girl to have my sister customize bows for me on a regular basis! I just have to tell her what I'm looking for and the colors I need and she whips up something amazing every time! Here are some of my favorite spring ones she has made for Lexi.

Hair Accessories: Elle Bowtique
Sun Hat: Baby Gap

my little girls 20 month session

2012-02-27T11:19:00.008-08:00

I decided to do a kind of Peter Rabbit inspired session with my little girl.. I have been scheming it up for quite a while now but just now was able to get nice enough weather to execute it! So I kinda missed her 18 month mark, she will be 20 months in a couple of weeks!

Dream by Priscilla Ahn on Grooveshark

My Papaw passed away 3 years ago.. and his house is just sitting.. 1/2 way the same way it was when he was still there. There are a lot of memories going back there and visiting. I always love to go rummage through things and climb up in his attic. We spent every Easter over there along with countless other times... My PaPaw had a nice big garden in the back & when I decided on the theme.. this seemed like the perfect spot for it! The garden is no longer there but the memories are.. and it added the perfect sentimental touch to Lexi's session! 80% of the props were things I scrounged up from his house. big thanks to my husband and sister who are most likely the best assistants ever!

Headband: Elle Bowtique - her shop will open back up this week

Romper: Chic Baby Rose

Pass It Forward & St. Jude drop off

2012-02-24T07:21:00.003-08:00

Ok,

soo you might see what I'm about to post around the blog world today..

but The Shine Project is launching this new site,

www.spreadtheshine.com

and new Project

Pass it Forward

TODAY!

Soo I am here to help spread the word of this amazing project

Here's how it works..

if you have been around my blog since Christmas you might remember

my R.A.C.K. post - (random acts of christmas kindness)

basically this project has the same idea..

EXCEPT

you get to follow how your Random Act of Kindness travels..

Example:

You do a random act of kindness,

give them the SHINE CARD

[back of card]

and then that card gets passed along.

and each person who receives this card gets on this site..

and follows the directions to either log your act of kindness or see where your card travels to

BY each and hopefully everyone who comes across it

soo i know this is just a little snippet of information for this project

so you can go check out

Ashley's LeMieux blog to get the 411

of this project & where you can get your own SHINE CARD

**************************************************************************************

SO ON ANOTHER NOTE

My sister & I delivered the headbands

Elle Bowtique

graciously made & donated to St. Jude yesterday!

go like her on facebook here

to get updates on all of her amazingly cute bows to come...

Meet Michelle, the one behind Elle Bowtique
click here to see the rest of her family session

She ended up donating 60 headbands!

So instead of originally doing every 10 commenters it ended up being every 3 1/2 commenters.

and these aren't just any headbands.. these are incredibly cute headbands!

They are a super cute Spring Line that will hit her Etsy shop soon

once she is back in Cali and settled from her trip here in Memphis

Sadly all we were able to do is drop off at their Donation Office at St. Judes.. it would be quite overwhelming for the girls there to be bombarded with donations everyday but they assured us they would be soo excited to get them!!

if you see something you LOVE and HAVE TO HAVE

you can go ahead and shoot her an e-mail

to get your name on the waiting list!!

mlgib11{@}gmail.com

postmark the subject

{Pillow Thought sent me}

Friday's Film {My Heart Skips a Beat}

2012-02-23T07:17:00.000-08:00

My heart skips a beat for....

1.
This song,
Lenka- My Heart Skips A Beat
i heard it a couple of weeks ago & couldn't find it anywhere then heard it again the other night & googled it immediately before I forgot the words! LOVE IT!

2.
bbq pop chips, i could eat a whole bag of you in one sitting!

via

3.
the fact that a week from tomorrow me & ty will be in Cabo, where almost 6 years ago we spent it honeymooning.

4.
Dinstuhls Chocolate Covered Strawberries

5.
and of course this little girl, seriously its so sad but I can't even really remember her at this age.. it seems like soo long ago!! I do, but I can hardly fathom how teeny tiny she once was!! ohh i miss it, but i love this stage!

sorry I had to switch it up for you today... today is your fridays film & tomorrow you will get a thursdays tip

Target Fun Find

2012-02-21T22:16:00.000-08:00

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There were all sorts of pretty white dishes at Target the other day!

but, these especially tickled my fancy!

I have done away with our other dishes last fall and started bringing in all white. I'm pretty sure these would have been added to our collection if we were living at home & it wouldn't be such a pain to pack back!

someone go by them!!

i'm hoping i don't regret sneakily buying them and hiding them from the hubs

{the price tags in the picture aren't for whats pictured}

Tuesdays Look {pastel skinnies}

2012-02-21T09:58:00.000-08:00

via

I'm totally loving pastel/chalked hue skinnies right now!

If I had a pair, you better believe I'd be wearing them today!

via

I'm posting this tonight, b/c I will be up early in the am tomorrow headed to a long awaited Dentist appointment... i have put it off wayyyyy to long! I'm dreading it!

my monday mornin' thought.. via instagram

2012-02-20T07:03:00.001-08:00

It is beyond me how people eat healthy on a daily basis. Seriously, I ~~try~~ tried for real for 3 whole weeks.. but it kills me & I swear the cravings for cookies & candies increase by about a million times! If you missed my healthy kick I tried/still trying to start.. you can read about that here. This week and last has been a bit of a struggle. My motivation is dying out.. since we will be at the beach in like two weeks and I see no results.

I know thats an absurd way to think.. but why cant belly fat disappear over night?

I know I worked hard for a good two years for you to get there, but I'd like to see you gone by week 4, mmhk? i'm lookin like an ethiopian over here..

I still try to exercise -my goal as of late is Run 1 mile.. walk another. Atleast 3-5 times a week.. I'm not sure if its because I'm running on a treadmill in our bedroom.. but that is one DREADED mile I have been running! I look at the time about every .5 seconds.. which i'm sure makes it seem all that much longer! But it SUCKS! and I can't seem to push myself to run any longer..

oh and did i mention my sister is in town...

making us eat at all these amazing food places & baking fresh homemade chocolate chip cookies?? ya I had five of those suckers tonight.. i am just proud of my self I managed to run 3 days last week.
That means 14 miles in the last 4 weeks.. my goal is to hit 20 by the end of February.
i have majorly slacked at doing my other exercises i started with that 30 day challenge
they were super good ones.. but then i pulled some random muscle in my stomach so i took a break off of it and never started back up like i was... see that's my laziness that comes out!

the most amazing hot & sour soup your mouth will ever set taste buds on..

bbq nachos..... yum!

It has been so nice having my sister in town! lame we don't live near each other anymore! Our girls have been hyper little things running around like crazy and having major giggle fest!

Well I hope yall had a good weekend!

If you have instagram you can find me on @lindseymarlor

Friday's Film {DIY Bow Bracelet}

2012-02-17T16:08:00.000-08:00

ok so if you can get pass all the spunk this girl has she shows how to make a cute little diy for bow bracelets!

my valentine...

2012-02-15T07:28:00.000-08:00

I decided to focus more on video than still shots for this holiday and I loved capturing the little things about this girl!! Here is a snippet of our Valentine's!

Valentine's Fun Find

2012-02-14T11:25:00.002-08:00

Stole My Heart by Little & Ashley on Grooveshark

I have two fun finds for you today!!

Plastic Stripe Straws
TeaCupcakes

Ok, as for straws... the paper straws are pretty and all but literally every time the paper straw hits my lips i get the heebie jeebies! I use straws often, like almost every time i have a drink out of a cup.. so I use them.. not just for photographing. SO, when I saw these plastic stripe straws from Hobby Lobby I had to have them! They come in a pack of like 12 or 14? and mine were mixed colors pink/lime green. You will just have to see what options you have when you get to Hob Lob.. also they were kinda tricky to find.. seriously you might not see them if you don't search the aisles up & down in the party area.

The teacupcakes are from Francescas... if you don't have one near by you can search their website in your area to see what locations carry their products.. I think they are pretty cute!!

We decided to have our official romantic dinner last night so the stress is off of me today! My sister and niece fly in today and I can't wait!! Happy Valentine's!!

Mondays Recap {our weekend}

2012-02-13T07:26:00.000-08:00

Coffee Shop by Landon Pigg on Grooveshark

Let's just say it has gotten a bit freezing here in Memphis, and we are "supposed" to get a chance of snow today.. we will see..

seriously, i could eat this girl to pieces.. not even kidding.
how are moms so lucky to have these sweet babies??

Friday night was a nice little date night for me & ty.. one of my best friends had her birthday dinner downtown at the Trolley Stop Market so me and ty decided to make a date night out of it! After dinner with everyone me & ty went to see The Vow... It was soo nice getting out and having us time! This was pretty much our valentine date night.. Lexi had her first sleep over.. at my parents and it was our first night apart! It surprisingly was easier than I had imagined considering i tend to get a little sick to my stomach when i think about not being with her for long periods of time. I struggle with worrying but she was in the best hands possible.. and we both did just fine! It was a little trial run for when we have to leave her next month.. i still try not to think about it too much.

Sunday night we had dinner with my parents as usual and made some
Valentine cookies!

Tuesday is most likely going to be a pretty busy day.. so i might be a little mia!

So see you Wednesday?! Hope yall have a fun Valentine's!

2012-02-11T22:36:00.000-08:00

First of all, we appreciate every. single. one. of you who entered this giveaway and spread the word for us!! Sadly only one could win.. but we will have an updated post when we drop off the bows for the little girls at St. Jude!! Elle Bowtique has around 50 bows she is donating and we can't wait to see the faces on those girls!!

ElleBowtique Winner Announced............

Friday's Film {Valentine's Day}

2012-02-10T08:08:00.000-08:00

Technically I'm cheating b/c I posted this one last year when I hosted friday films on my photography blog before Pillow Thought ever came to life...... soooo I figured this would be a first for all of you to see anyways! Want to run down memory lane with me a little more?! Well last year we were living in sunny california & at the beach this weekend last year!! ohh california weather I do miss you!!! badly!

lexi's vday shoot last year... her 18/19 mo./vday shoot for this year is soon to come...

Thursday's Tip {Valentine's gift/lunch sack printables}

2012-02-09T07:08:00.000-08:00

What you need:

Brown Paper Lunch Sacks

Printer

Plastic baggie (optional)

Mini clothes pin (optional)

Bakers Twine (optional)

Treats

PERFECT FOR:

kids lunch

husbands lunch

door step drop offs

friends

family

neighbors

etc...

Click on the link below to get full image size

http://i657.photobucket.com/albums/uu298/lindseymarlor/FREE%20PRINTABLES%20from%20Pillow%20Thought/vdaybagprintablespillowthought.jpg

just right click and save image as!

Directions for printing:

Make sure you change your print paper settings to custom
change the dimensions for paper size to 4.6 x 8.7 in.
put the sack in the printer just like so...

(if you get an error saying paper jam.. keep trying, i promise it will print.. we printed 7)

Hope these come in handy for some of you!!

Fun Find {160 uses for Coconut Oil}

2012-02-08T08:12:00.000-08:00

So a couple of weeks ago when I got on my eating healthy kick I wrote down a whole bunch of ingredients I needed for the grocery store.. Coconut Oil happened to be one of them.. then I got into conversation about Coconut Oil with my mom and she didn't think it was "that healthy" to cook with... well I got on another research kick and discovered how amazing Coconut Oil really is.. and since I bought a jar that night I've been putting it to good use!!

Everything (info) beyond this point of this post belongs to
Hybrid Rasta Mama

Offering a myriad of health benefits, coconut oil is affordable, readily available and completely natural. I use it for EVERYTHING. Literally. I buy it in 5 gallon increments and keep it all over my house. I even have some in the car. So here is a little information to inspire you to check out this amazing oil!

Coconut Oil Is:

Anti-bacterial (kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum diseases, and other bacterial infections)
Anti-carcinogenic (coconut oil has antimicrobial properties so it effectively prevents the spread of cancer cells and enhances the immune system)
Anti-fungal (kills fungi and yeast that lead to infection)
Anti-inflammatory (appears to have a direct effect in suppressing inflammation and repairing tissue, and it may also contribute by inhibiting harmful intestinal microorganisms that cause chronic inflammation.)
Anti-microbial/Infection Fighting (the medium-chain fatty acids and monoglycerides found in coconut oil are the same as those in human mother's milk, and they have extraordinary antimicrobial properties. By disrupting the lipid structures of microbes, they inactivate them. About half of coconut oil consists of lauric acid. Lauric acid, its metabolite monolaurin and other fatty acids in coconut oil are known to protect against infection from bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi and parasites. While not having any negative effect on beneficial gut bacteria, coconut oil inactivates undesirable microbes.)
An Antioxidant (protects against free-radical formation and damage)
Anti-parasitic (fights to rid the body of tapeworms, lice and other parasites)
Anti-protozoa (kills giardia, a common protozoan infection of the gut)
Anti-retroviral (kills HIV and HLTV-1)
Anti-viral (kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other viruses)
Infection fighting
Has no harmful for discomforting side effects
Known to improve nutrient absorption (easily digestible; makes vitamins and minerals more available to the body)
Nontoxic to humans and animals

Daily Dosage:

Here is a chart outlining the recommended daily dosage of virgin coconut oil for persons over the age of 12. Coconut oil may be consumed by children under 12 but it is advisable to check with a healthcare practitioner on the proper dosage. Any good naturopath will have the information at the ready. (Starting at 12 months of age, I gave my daughter one teaspoon per day and she weighed about 16 pounds at that time.)

Weight in pounds/kilograms	Number of tablespoons of coconut oil daily
175+/79+	4
150+ /68+	3 1/2
125+ / 57+	3
100+/ 45+	2 1/2
75+ / 34+	2
50+ / 23+	1 1/2
25+ / 11+	1

Type of Coconut Oil to use:

Expeller pressed (refined) coconut oil can be used for anything. It does not have a coconutty smell or taste.
Virgin (unrefined) coconut oil tastes and smells coconutty and is great for cooking and baking where you want that flavor. You can use it for anything but it will impart a coconut taste (mild) and odor (pleasant in my book)!
Food grade should always be used.

160 Uses for Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil for Personal Hygiene/Body
1. Age Spots (also known as liver spots) – applying coconut oil directly to the age spot will help it fade.
2. After Shave – coconut oil will help heal your skin after shaving without clogging pores. Great for razor burn!
3. Baldness – apply three times a day to affected area of hair loss. Coconut oil supports cell regeneration.
4. Birth Marks – can be used after a laser removal treatment to aid in healing. Can also be applied after an apple cider vinegar treatment to help support and aid the fading process.
5. Body Scrub – mix coconut oil and sugar together and rub all over! Rinse off and your skin will be super soft! You can add in essential oils if you would like a specific smell.
6. Bruises – applied directly to the bruise, coconut oil enhances the healing process by reducing swelling and redness.
7. Bug Bites – when applied directly to a bug bite, coconut oil can stop the itching and burning sensation as well as hasten the healing process.
8. Burns – apply to burn site immediately and continue applying until healed. Will reduce the chances of permanent scarring and promotes healing.
9. Chapstick – just rub a little into lips and it not only acts as a softening agent but it also has an SPF of about 4 so you get a little protection!
10. Cradle Cap – having issues with dry skin on your baby’s scalp? Coconut oil will not only nourish your baby’s skin, it also helps eliminate cradle cap. Just rub a teaspoon onto scalp daily.
11. Dandruff – coconut oil soaks into the scalp moisturizing dry skin and relieves symptoms of dandruff. It also helps to control oil secretion from the scalp, another leading cause of dandruff.
12. Deodorant – coconut oil alone can be used as a deodorant, but even more effective in combination with cornstarch/arrowroot powder and baking soda!
13. Diaper Salve – very comforting on a rashy bum with no harsh chemicals. Also safe for cloth diapers.
14. Exfoliator – coconut oil mixed with sugar or sea salt is a very nourishing and effective exfoliator and safe to use all over the body.
15. Eye cream – apply under the eyes to reduce puffiness, bags and wrinkles. Use on the lids in the evening.
16. Face Wash/ Soap – mix equal parts coconut oil with either olive oil or castor oil and use in place of soap when washing your face. Wet face, rub oil in and leave on for two minutes, rinse and pat dry. One teaspoon should be adequate.
17. Hair conditioner/ Deep Treatment - use as a leave-in hair conditioner by applying a teaspoon of coconut oil to your ends and then running your fingers through your hair to distribute the rest! For a deeper treatment, rub in a tablespoon of coconut oil onto your dry scalp and gently work through to the ends. Put a shower cap on to prevent transfer onto bed linens and leave on overnight.
18. Hair Gel/ Defrizzer – rub a little between your palms and either scrunch into hair (for curly hair) or finger comb in through from scalp to ends (for wavy/straight hair).
19. Healing - when applied on scrapes and cuts, coconut oil forms a thin, chemical layer which protects the wound from outside dust, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil speeds up the healing process of bruises by repairing damaged tissues. Plus, it smells a heck-of-a-lot better than anything from the pharmacy.
20. Lubricant – it is an all-natural, perfectly safe personal lubricant. Not compatible with latex!
21. Makeup Remover – use a cotton swab and a dab of coconut oil and you would be amazed at how well it works!
22. Massage Oil – pretty simple; grab some and rub!
23. Moisturizer – simply scoop some out of the jar and apply all over your body, including neck and face.
24. Mole Remover – when applied after an apple cider vinegar compress for several weeks, moles have been known to “slide off” or just disappear.
25. Nipple Cream – works great to nourish cracked, sore or dry nipples. Apply to a cotton ball and leave on your nipples between feedings.
26. Oily Skin Fix – prone to oily skin or an oily T-zone? Use a pea sized amount underneath makeup or alone to reduce the appearance of oil.
27. Pre Shampoo Treatment for Hair – rub a little into scalp and hair before shampooing. This is especially useful for those with course or frizzy hair.
28. Pre-Shave – coconut oil will prep skin for the pending damage caused by shaving.
29. Skin Problems – coconut oil relieves skin problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.
30. Stretch Mark Cream – coconut oil is great at nourishing damaged skin. It may not be the magic stretch mark cure but it will help.
31. Sun Burn Relief – rub liberal amounts of coconut oil into the affected area.
32. Sunscreen – see my post on natural sunscreen for more detailed information.
33. Swimmers Ear – mix garlic oil and coconut oil and put a few drops in affected ear for about 10 minutes. Do this 2-3 times a day and it usually works within one or two days.
34. Tattoo Healing and Moisturizer – continued use of coconut oil on tattoos will help keep the pigment from fading. Used on new tattoos, coconut will hasten the healing process and decrease the chance of infection.
35. Toothpaste – there are numerous recipes out there but I just mix coconut oil and baking soda and dab a little of the mix on my toothbrush.
36. Wrinkle Prevention and Wrinkle Reducer – rubbing coconut oil on winkles and sagging skin helps strengthen the connective tissues to bring back that youthful look!

Coconut Oil for General Health and Wellness
37. Breastfeeding – for breastfeeding moms, consuming 3 ½ tablespoons of coconut oil daily will enrich the milk supply.
38. Bones and Teeth – coconut oil aids in the absorption of calcium and magnesium leading to better development of bones and teeth.
39. Digestion - the saturated fats in coconut oil help control parasites and fungi that cause indigestion and other digestion related problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. The fat in coconut oil also aids in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, making you healthier all around.
40. Energy Boost – coconut oil boosts energy and endurance making it a great supplement for athletes as well as those needed a quick pick me up.
41. Fitness - coconut oil has been proven to stimulate your metabolism, improve thyroid function, and escalate energy levels, all of which help decrease your unwanted fat while increasing muscle.
42. Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose making it great for both diabetics and non-diabetic.
43. Lung Function – increases the fluidity of cell surfaces.
44. Nausea – rub some coconut oil on the inside for the wrist and forearm to calm an upset stomach.
45. Nose bleeds - coconut oil can prevent nose bleeding that is caused by sensitivity to weather such as extreme heat and extreme cold. This condition happens when the nasal passages become dry because of cold or dry air resulting to burns and cracks in the mucus membranes so bleeding happens. To prevent this just put coconut oil in you nostrils. Coat your finger with coconut oil and then lie down and coat your finger inside your nose. Doing this will strengthen and protect the capillaries in the nasal passages. A Vitamin C supplement will also help prevent nose bleeding.
46. Oil pulling with coconut oil offers a two for one health benefit!
47. Stress Relief - relieve mental fatigue by applying coconut oil to the head in a circular, massaging motion. The natural aroma of coconuts is extremely soothing thus helping to lower your stress level.
48. Vitamin and nutrient absorption
49. Weight loss - the saturated fats contribute to weight loss and controlling cravings. Also increases metabolic rate.

Coconut Oil for Health Problems (when taken internally it is known for aiding, preventing, relieving or even curing these health issues)
50. Acid reflux/indigestion aid if taken after a meal
51. Adrenal fatigue
52. Allergies (seasonal hay fever)
53. Alzheimer’s/Dementia
54. Asthma, even in children
55. Autism
56. Bowel function
57. Bronchial Infections
58. Cancer (has been shown to prevent colon and breast cancer in laboratory tests)
59. Candida Albicans
60. Cholesterol - improves HDL ('good' cholesterol) to HDL ('bad' cholesterol) ratio in people with high cholesterol
61. Chronic Fatigue
62. Crohns Disease and resulting inflammation
63. Circulation/feeling cold all the time
64. Colds and Flus
65. Constipation
66. Cystic Fibrosis
67. Depression
68. Diabetes - helps keep blood sugar levels stable and/or helps with cravings
69. Dysentery
70. Eczema – in addition to taking it internally, many have success applying it externally, but some don't
71. Edema
72. Energy boost
73. Epilepsy (known to reduce epileptic seizures)
74. Fever Support
75. Flaky, Dry Skin
76. Gallbladder disease and pain
77. Gas
78. H. pylori
79. Head Lice
80. Heart Disease (protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis)
81. Hemorrhoids (can applied externally or internally twice a day)
82. HIV
83. Hot Flashes
84. Hyperthyroidism
85. Immune System Builder
86. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
87. Jaundice
88. Kidney Disease
89. Kidney Stones (aids in dissolving them)
90. Liver Disease
91. Lung Disease
92. Malnutrition
93. Mental Clarity
94. Menstruation Relief regarding pain/cramps and heavy blood flow
95. Migraines (with regular use)
96. Mononucleosis
97. Osteoporosis
98. Pancreatitis
99. Parasites
100. Periodontal Disease and tooth decay
101. Prostate Enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
102. Rickets
103. Skin problems
104. Scurvy
105. Stomach Ulcers
106. Toenail fungus
107. Thrush
108. Thyroid Function (regulates an overactive or underactive thyroid)
109. Ulcerative Colitis
110. Underactive thyroid gland - results have shown subsequent thyroid blood tests becoming normal after ingesting coconut oil daily
111. Urinary Tract Infections (Bladder Infections)

Coconut Oil and Health Problems (when applied topically it is known for aiding, relieving, or even curing these health issues)
112. Acne
113. Allergies/Hay Fever – rub a little inside the nostrils for quick relief. The pollen will cling to the oil.
114. Athletes foot
115. Back pain/sore muscles
116. Boils and cysts
117. Canker sores
118. Cellulite
119. Circumcision healing – although I am personally against circumcision, I have read that coconut oil is a really great healer for this.
120. Decongestant – rub coconut oil on the chest and under the nose when congested from a cold or allergies
121. Ear infection – place a few drops inside the ear twice daily for relief from pain. Also fights the infection itself.
122. Genital Warts (through topical application over 6 weeks, and coconut oil enemas twice a day depending on the location of the warts)
123. Gum Disease and Gingivitis (use as a toothpaste or rub directly on gums)
124. Herpes (applied topically and taken internally)
125. Hives (reduces the itch and swelling
126. Pink eye (applied around and in the eye)
127. Ringworm
128. Toothache
129. Warts
Coconut Oil and Cooking
130. Butter Substitute - use 1 cup to 1 cup ratio when replacing butter in recipes with coconut oil.
131. Nutritional Supplement – melt and add to smoothies.
132. Replacement for butter/lard/Crisco/PAM in its solid form for greasing pans, pie crusts, etc.
133. Replacement for various oils in liquid form – baking, cooking, sautéing, etc.

Coconut Oil and Pets/Animals
Check with your veterinarian but the recommended dosage for animals is 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight twice daily.
134. Aids healing of digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel syndrome and colitis
135. Aids in arthritis or ligament problems
136. Aids in elimination of hairballs and coughing
137. Applied topically, promotes the healing of cuts, wounds, hot spots, dry skin and hair, bites and stings
138. Clears up skin conditions such as eczema, flea allergies, contact dermatitis, and itchy skin
139. Disinfects cuts and promotes wound healing
140. Great for dogs and cats for general wellness. Just add a teaspoon to their water bowl daily.
141. Helps prevent or control diabetes
142. Helps sedentary dogs feel energetic
143. Helps reduce weight, increases energy
144. Improves digestion and nutrient absorption
145. Makes coats become sleek and glossy, and deodorizes doggy odor
146. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) have been shown to improve brain energy metabolism and decrease the amyloid protein buildup that results in brain lesions in older dogs.
147. Prevents and treats yeast and fungal infections, including candida
148. Reduces allergic reactions and improves skin health
149. Reduces or eliminates bad breath in dogs
150. Regulates and balance insulin and promotes normal thyroid function

Other Uses for Coconut Oil
151. Chewing Gum in Hair Remover – just rub some coconut oil over the stuck chewing gum, leave in for about 30 minutes, then roll the gum between your fingertip. Voila! It’s out!
152. Goo Gone - just mix equal parts coconut oil and baking soda into a paste. Apply to the “sticky” area and let it set for a minute. Then scrub off with an old toothbrush or the scrubby side of a sponge.
153. Insect repellent – mix coconut oil with peppermint oil extract and rub it all over exposed skin. Keeps insects off better than anything with DEET! Tons safer too.
154. Moisturizing and cleaning leather products
155. Oiling wood cutting boards and wood bowls
156. Polishing Bronze - all you have to do is rub a little oil into a cotton towel and then wipe down the statue. It cleans and helps deepen the color of your bronze.
157. Polish Furniture - coconut oil with a little bit of lemon juice to polish wood furniture. However, I recommend you test it first on a very small, unobtrusive part of your furniture to make sure it works the way you’d like.
158. Seasoning animal hide drums
159. Seasoning cookware
160. Soap making – coconut oil can be used as one of the fats in soap.

Tuesday's Look {so nautical}

2012-02-07T10:24:00.000-08:00

I have been on the nautical kick lately with our own wardrobes so I wanted to share some Nautical inspired outfit ideas! Hope you enjoy!

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via

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{Monday mornin' thought} love languages

2012-02-06T07:37:00.000-08:00

What Can I Do (But Love You) by Joy Williams on Grooveshark

soo let's see... this book

"The 5 Love Languages"

could have me talking for days on different topics but i will try to narrow it down & make it somewhat organized

i'm not so much a reader.. i hardly ever buy books. unless its for lexi or for a photo prop :)

But right before Christmas I headed to grab my mom one, my parents are both readers

Anyways I was browsing forever trying to find the perfect one when I came across
The 5 Love Languages...
I had read a blog post prior that someone was talking about love languages so it kinda intrigued me... so i bought it and grabbed my mom a different one.

(I actually forgot my mom has a kindle until my dad mentioned it to me afterwards... and the one i ended up getting her she had already- side note flop)

so I have read half of it. ha

i struggle finishing books?!?
maybe i'll have a follow up of what "ive learned" once i actually finish the thing...

but during the period of time I did read that book I found everyday scenarios more clearly & I was able to pin-point situations that could go differently. I was correcting family members. Why is it so much easier to fix others rather then ourselves??

Ex: I was at my parents for the holidays & we were skyping with my sister & she was venting about something... well my mom was offering advice.. and I was like noo all she wants is someone to vent to. just to listen. not to hear advice. (i had just read about that in my little book) so it was fresh on the mind!
oh brother, do I have a problem at taking my own advice! same scenario happens a while later and what do i do?! give advice. my sister is a great listener, a great advice giver, and always seems to make me feel better when I am down. and what did i do? well I wasn't there for her how she needed me -she needed a listener. I wasn't filling her "love tank"

Literally when you think of The 5 Love Languages.. you think its a book for you and your spouse.. it's good for that but you can relate it to whoever you love.

I got to thinking about Lexi's love language.. and i think every human's love language will change as we grow & encounter different stages of life. But Lexi's love language right now is Quality Time..
I notice I am way more impatient with her when I am in the middle of a "deadline" or project and I have no time to pay her all the attention she deserves. She just throws an even bigger tantrum.. b/c she is not getting what she wants.. leaving me with even smaller patience.

BUT what does she want?

95% of the time all she wants is my attention. She can't tell me things yet so it comes out in that sassy little whine. It's a nice wake up call to remind my self that she just needs me. a lot of me.
needy like her mom

I read this story - I can't even remember where from, but it, hit home...

"I ran into a stranger as he passed by, "Oh excuse me please" was my reply.
He said, "Please excuse me too; I wasn't watching for you." We were very polite, this stranger and I. We went on our way and we said goodbye.
But at home a different story is told, How we treat our loved ones, young and old.
Later that day, cooking the evening meal, My son stood beside me very still.
When I turned, I nearly knocked him down. "Move out of the way," I said with a frown.
He walked away, his little heart broken. I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.
While I lay awake in bed, God's still small voice came to me and said, "While dealing with a stranger, common courtesy you use, but the family you love, you seem to abuse.

Go and look on the kitchen floor, You'll find some flowers there by the door.
Those are the flowers he brought for you. He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.

He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise, you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."
By this time, I felt very small, And now my tears began to fall. I quietly went and knelt by his bed; "Wake up, little one, wake up," I said. "Are these the flowers you picked for me?" He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.
I picked 'em because they're pretty like you. I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue."
I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today; I shouldn't have yelled at you that way." He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay. I love you anyway." I said, "Son, I love you too, and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."

sad huh? it is life, we do get in a hurry..

"Inside every child is an 'emotional tank' waiting to be filled with love. When a child really feels loved, he will develop normally, but when the love tank is empty, the child will misbehave."

"Their misbehavior was a misquided search for the love they did not feel. They were seeking love in all the wrong paces and in all the wrong ways."

My love language is Words of Affirmation, Physical Touch, and Quality Time

and i'm pretty sure they all rank EVENLY. I'm kinda needy

My husbands is Words of Affirmation.

"Your emotional love language and the language of your spouse may be as different as Chinese from English."

In the book it talks a lot about Keeping the Love Tank Full.

Here is one main point that I have pulled away from the book.

"Whatever the quality of your marriage now, it can always be better... People behave differently when their emotional love tanks are full."

"Once the experience of falling in love has run its natural course (remember, the average in-love experience last two years), we will return to the world of reality and begin to assert ourselves...

Little by little, individuals patterns assert themselves. They are two individuals. Their minds have not melded together, and their emotions mingles only briefly in the ocean of love. Now the waves of reality begin to separate them. They fall out of love, and at that point either they withdraw, separate, divorce, and set off in search of a new in-love experience, OR they begin the hard work of learning to love each other without the euphoria of the in-love obsession.

Some couples believe that the end of the in-love experiences means they have only two options: resign themselves to a life of misery with their spouse, or jump ship and try again. Our generation has opted for the latter.

Before we automatically conclude that we have made the better choice, perhaps we should examine the data. According to a substantial body of research, the divorce rate for second marriages is at least 60 percent, and rises when children are involved.

Research seems to indicate that there is a third and better alternative: We can recognize the in-love experience for what it was- a temporary emotional high - and now pursue "real love" with our spouse.

True love cannot begin until the in-love experience has run its course.
We cannot take credit for the kind and generous things we do while under the influence of "the obsession"

OK back to me... I know that was a novel, but seriously such a good part of the book!

and I do realize this doesn't apply to every couples situation...

my goal now:

make sure my husband and lexi have "full love tanks"

that means extra sweet notes of appreciation and word of encouragement to my husband

and giving lexi my full undivided attention when she needs me

My husband is not perfect.. but he sure knows how to be the sweetest guy in the world! It may not always come out but it does.. he has my whole heart. my "real love" heart. and it's moments like this when I can't help but be grateful for what we have!

getting messages like this when you open the shower curtain after having said goodbye for a week of long distance is very much appreciated!

Maybe try and figure out your mans love language, and use Valentine's to start catering to it!!

Don't forget to enter the Elle Bowtique massive giveaway if you haven't already!

Bucket Toyz Giveaway Winner Announced

2012-02-05T22:27:00.000-08:00

Congrats Rachael!! E-mail me at lindseymarlor{@}gmail{.}com

so i get things squared away!!

Elle Bowtique Giveaway

2012-02-04T19:06:00.000-08:00

I have been very excited about this little secret ever since Michelle (my sister) decided to throw this ginormous giveaway... and it is finally here!!!

ONE LUCKY reader will receive ALL of these amazingly crafted
bows, headbands, and interchangeable elastics
a whopping value of $340

courtesy of Elle Bowtique!

EVEN if you don't have a little girl of your own, these would be the perfect gifts!!

oh it gets even better...

You MUST LIKE
Elle Bowtique on facebook here
&
Pillow Thought on facebook here

LEAVE ONLY ONE comment for this one! duplicates will be deleted.

you must share this link

http://pillowthought.blogspot.com/2012/02/elle-bowtique-giveaway.html

via facebook
{your -optional- second comment}

share it with your girl friends, have them enter and if they win
make them pinky promise they will split the stash!

**WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED February 12th**
We will be delivering them to St. Jude in Memphis the weekend of Feb. 25th.
(followup of pictures to come)

Friday's Film {Valentine's DIY Cake}

2012-02-03T10:41:00.000-08:00

Here's a cute little video that might make the little ones dance and it might make you want to go make some sweet vintagey circus love ~~cup~~cakes! Super easy & cute..

I found some valentine'sy cut-outs just incase you want to try!

1 2 3
- check out Michaels too.. seems like they have a good selection that can work for this type of thing!

Hope yalls weekend is filled with some fun!

Thursday's Tip {Valentine's Gift Ideas for HIM }

2012-02-02T08:30:00.000-08:00

5 Gift Ideas for the MAN in your life..

(boyfriend, hubby, or dad)

1.
Peel Remote
for.. Android phone, Iphone, Ipad app

If you are not interested in the remote aspect they have a a free app on itunes & android market!
grab it on plum district for half the price (limited time only) I have already downloaded the app.

2.

Bodygard
A seven-in-one solution to any emergency, this tool includes glass breaker, seat belt cutter, sonic alarm, high and low beam LED flashlight, red emergency flasher, thermometer, and digital tire gauge. 4.5"L x 2.5"W x .75"D.

What more does a man need in one little contraption??

3.
Collar Stays
Personalized Hidden Message

4.
WeWood Watch
sorry I couldn't shop for just him.. I want the one on the right!! Oh and for every watch you buy they plant a tree.. it's the gift that keeps on giving!

5.
iCade
IPad Arcade Cabinet

FUN FIND ALERT Super Bowl Foods

2012-02-01T12:37:00.000-08:00

ok sooo this website

Eat Yourself Skinny

might be as close to amazing as you are going to get in the food department!

Seriously,

the food, the pictures, the blog design, the explaining for nutritional dummies...

is all there!

soo with Super Bowl coming up

i'm sure the word HEALTHY is not the first word to come to your mind!

well let me just tell you that you can go browse Kelly's amazingly cute blog and find just about whatever you want to make & bring it to your Super Bowl Party!!

She went ahead and got you started with a link up for others to share Super Bowl Party snacks..

here

But I will go ahead and give you my jump start for what I have been eyeballing!

Skinny Chocolate Chip Cookies

Tomato and Bell Pepper Tartlets

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Picatta

oh and did i mention to you that she goes ahead and adds all the nutritional info on her post??

tells you how many:

old points

point +

calories

fibers

carbs

fats

etc..

reading too much into good food isn't always a good idea but if you are a stickler its there for ya!

check her tabs on the left hand side to find all recipes under 0, 1, 2 ,3 +, etc..

i know, amazing right?!

*don't forget to go enter this weeks giveaway*

Tuesdays Look {mint}

2012-01-31T11:54:00.000-08:00

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{Monday mornin' thought} going out...

2012-01-30T12:47:00.000-08:00

Wanna know something about me?

first off, are you a stay at home or a going out type of person?

I'm most definitely a going out..

and i am talking about eating.

I like to eat at places.. not grab it & go.
I do the drive-thru thing but only when i'm in a hurry or by myself..

anyways, what sparked this little thought was the fact that eating out at places creates memories for me,
places remind me of special people and times
Chipotle, Hogi Yogi, etc... he has too many to name - Ty
Mosa Bistro - my mom
Arby's, Chikfila, Bajio, Chili's, Krystals, etc... - my sister, we had our certain lunch dates that we had often when we lived by each other!
Mill Hollow - Less
Craigos, Fazoli's - Bre

i seriously could go on & on...
give me a friends name and I will tell you a certain places that remind me of them, and I will tell you the exact store i picture too!

tyson used to prefer going & getting food and bringing it back home but he has gotten much better about eating out at places.. I just feel like eating out somewhere brings in a new environment and creates more memories..

Sundays are different... a homecooked meal with the family is perfect! In Idaho Tysons grandparents had us over almost every Sunday for dinner.. and out here my parents have done the same! I think I get a little spoiled on not having to cook! But it too, is creating memories & i love it!

I pinned these whole grain pancakes with berry cream syrup a while ago and the ingredients looked like it got a little complicated.. so I suggested it for Sunday Dinner... and so we had ourselves breakfast for dinner and my amazing mother whipped it all up!! I did help but all credit goes to my sweet mom for sure!!

whole grain pancakes with berry cream syrup

via

they were delicious and it was definitely worth going and buying the extra ingredients!! We really liked the berry cream syrup.. I forgot to bring the fruit spread so we swapped it out with just some grape jelly and tasted just as good! The fruit spread is sugarless... so its basically trying to save you on all the sugar of regular syrup.. any way you do it I'm sure is just fine!

*don't forget to go enter this weeks giveaway*

Bucket Toyz Giveaway

2012-01-29T22:11:00.000-08:00

Remember last week when i posted about me & lexi's latest fun find??

Well Bucket Toyz is going to giveaway one of their

Bucket Toyz -123 Primary Numbers

to one of Pillow Thoughts lucky readers!!

value of $28.00

perfect toy for the little ones, perfect birthday gift, perfect baby shower gift

perfect for learning your primary colors and numbers!

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER:

{1st Comment} Like PILLOW THOUGHT on FB

For Additional Entries:

{2nd Comment } -make "i <3 pillow thought" as your facebook status tagging Pillow Thought in your comment! (to tag just type in @pillow thought as you type it in your status)

{3rd Comment} Follow me along on Pinterest

Winner will be announced next Monday!

Friday's Film {i won't give up}

2012-01-27T10:38:00.000-08:00

how sweet is this fridays film? such a good little message with the world we live in now days.. seriously i hear about a celebrity divorce every other day... i was watching the Today show the other morning and they were talking about all the divorces happening and Kathy Lee & Hoda (both being divorced) even recognized that about 1/2 of those celebrity marriages could be salvaged if they just would have tried.. people call it quits to easy! Things are never always peachy people! We all struggle..

When things get rough, ride it out!

Give it all you can, that's all i'm saying!

my happy place

2012-01-26T14:04:00.000-08:00

no thursdays tip today.. just me.

Two little Birds by Bob Marley on Grooveshark

this is one of my happy places.

somewhere really pretty just taking pictures.

the picture above was taken when I was pregnant visiting my sister in Portland a couple years ago we decided to go visit their Japanese Gardens and as soon as we got there it started pouring down rain! Luckily it let down and we were able to enjoy the rest of the day and enjoy sister bonding moments!

today it is also pouring down rain and i am stranded in the house with no vehicle

but i was able to get my 1 mile run in while lex was down napping thanks to an extra treadmill laying around at the parentals.. ty lugged it up our stairs for me & i have officially taken advantage of working out while lex is napping two days in a row! and that makes 4 days in a row running a mile.

can i just say that i am proud of myself. i dont stick to these kinda things and I get kinda down on my self when i think sheesh i have to do this for like 4 more weeks???

so i think blogging about it has helped me.

I have some projects I want to start doing but having no car kinda puts a little damper on that..

so hopefully next Thursday there will be something fun to share!

fun find {bucket toyz and blueberries}

2012-01-25T10:35:00.000-08:00

This morning has consisted of breakfast, playing with lexis new bucket toyz, watching toons, and lexi becoming a blueberry.

I found these super cute little bucket toyz off of etsy.. and they came in the mail just yesterday.. so I opened it all up and let her play with them this morning! She loves "cleaning up" putting them in and out of the bucket & i'll start trying to teach her, her numbers soon. She keeps surprising me with what she is learning. I sometimes forget that she is "ready" to learn.. and that I am the one that she will gain all of her knowledge from so it is kind of a heavy burden if ya know what I mean!? so these little bucket toyz seemed too cute to help her start!

I am so not even kidding when I say she has probably eaten half of the carton of blueberries that we just bought last night! She is obsessed with blueberries to say the least!

this is her whining "more, more" face.. she says please now too which kills me,

because how can you say no to a polite 18 month old???

seriously, this was the third and last bowl of blueberries for this girl today!

Tuesday's Look {14 steps to be healthy}

2012-01-24T08:10:00.000-08:00

{first off, here's a little something from me}

the one who ~~sucks~~ stinks at working out and eating healthy.

{my goal}

let's start with a little intro to this post..... I have a goal in mind, and I am hoping to stick with it for the next 30+ days. I am not going to lie, I am possibly the worst eater/worker outer and I have no concept of the nutrition value in food. And I want to lose my baby belly that never really went away.. actually a year ago (a year post baby) I actually looked slimmer than I do now.. and that is how I knew ok i BETTER do something before I start to lose myself and I never feel the way I used to.

so that, along with the fact that me & ty are lucky enough to go to Cabo in the beg. of March... I am bound and determined to change my eating/exercising pattern for the next 30+ days.

and i better be ready to get into a bathing suit.

i hope!

i literally have not stuck to a workout since high school which was forever ago! I played sports year round in high school (soccer & track) and going to practice & games was all i needed. I have struggled since high school making it a point to go to a gym, I have always started the "oh i am going to work out" but i never stick with it longer than a week.
sooo thats my goal, to stick with this 30 day challenge

ok so I am not worried about losing weight.. I am worried about losing the nasty belly I have that makes me feel like I look like i did when i was 20 weeks prego! Ok, so if any of you are thinking you look fine.. you have not seen me naked. period. not arguing with anyone on this.. I think it is perfectly normal to want to maintain the best you. whatever that may be.

and that is why I choose to lose my belly that has no longer allowed me to wear tight fitting shirts.. I still love my slouchier style tops.. but when your old t-shirts are hugging on your midsection.. that didn't use to... that might be when you have a problem.

and that is my problem...

{what i'm changing/doing}

ok so I am a little naive on healthy foods.. that has been my goal to try and figure out what to eat.

so I have a family friend who is doing weight watchers..

so I thought hmm weight watchers that seems perfect.. they literally tell you how many points you can have per day and you abide by that little rule.

i'm pretty sure I am a snacker.. I like to snack a lot. I like sugar. I like carbs.

ok so I didn't give the whole weight watchers thing a try.. but I did try to take some of the rules and apply it to my eating style this past week so I got on a kick of trying to figure out whats good to eat.

ok, so the whole concept of weight watchers was too confusing for me.

I need a personal nutritional trainor or a calculator right there next to me everytime I grab a piece of food. it seems like for me, I would basically be starving myself if i tried to stick to weight watchers.

After eating dinner I want a treat.. some kind of dessert to satisfy that craving..

I'm pretty sure all points would have been used up by that mid afternoon..

ok so anyways I'm getting side tracked.. I just watched this little intro video on Beyond Diet

it STRESSED

if you can eat the right foods

you can eat ALOT!

ok so this seems like the path I am going to go.

I still need to figure out what the "right" foods are..

it gave me a little jump start of ideas..

but basically thats my goal as of now!

{how i'm exercising}

I have started the Body Rock 30 day challenge

i kinda wing it.. i'm not too hard core but I figured whatever i can do off of her workout is better than nothing! I have continually had sore muscles so I figured it's whatever I manage to do from it, helps!

if you want to attempt it.. i would highly suggest it.
i'm currently at week one day 4

it gives you good suggestions on workouts that you can do in your living room with out any equipment! I just now started introducing running last night. just a mile. but I am happy with that.

and i am doing all her workouts in my living room while lex is down napping.

each day they tell you to have a motivational word..

here are some tips from Womens Health if you are interested in getting fit...

14 easy ways to burn more fat

via

1.
Don't Diet

The Women's Health Diet isn't about eating less; it's about eating more—more nutrient-dense food, to crowd out the empty calories and keep you full all day. That's important, because restricting food will kill your metabolism. It sends a signal to your body that says, "I'm starving here!" And your body responds by slowing your metabolic rate to hold on to existing energy stores.

What's worse, if the food shortage (meaning, your crash diet) continues, you'll begin burning muscle tissue, which just gives your enemy, visceral fat, a greater advantage. Your metabolism slows further, and fat goes on to claim even more territory.

2.
Go to Bed Earlier

A study in Finland looked at sets of identical twins and discovered that in each set of siblings, the twin who slept less and was under more stress had more visceral fat.

3.
Eat More Protein

Your body needs protein to maintain lean muscle. In a 2006 article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers argued that the current recommended daily intake for protein, 0.36 grams per pound of body weight, is woefully inadequate for anyone doing resistance training and recommend that women get between 0.54 and 1 gram per pound of body weight. (If you want to lose weight, use your goal body weight as your guide.)

Add a serving, like 3 ounces of lean meat, 2 tablespoons of nuts, or 8 ounces of low-fat yogurt, to every meal and snack. Plus, research shows that protein can up postmeal calorie burn by as much as 35 percent.

4.
Go Organic When You Can

Canadian researchers report that dieters with the most organochlorines (pollutants from pesticides, which are stored in fat cells) experience a greater-than-normal dip in metabolism as they lose weight, perhaps because the toxins interfere with the energy-burning process. In other words, pesticides make it harder to lose pounds.

Of course, it's not always easy to find—or afford—organic produce. But in general, conventionally grown items that you peel—avocado, grapefruit, bananas—are fine. But choose organic when buying celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries, nectarines, sweet bell peppers, spinach, kale and collard greens, cherries, potatoes, and imported grapes; they tend to have the highest levels of pesticides.

5.
Get Up, Stand Up

Whether you sit or stand at work may play as big a role in your waistline as your fitness routine. Missouri University researchers discovered that inactivity (4 hours or more) causes a near shut- down of an enzyme that controls fat and cholesterol metabolism. To keep this enzyme active and increase your fat-burning, break up long periods of downtime by standing up—for example, while talking on the phone.

6.
Drink Cold Water

German researchers found that drinking 6 cups of cold water a day (that's 48 ounces) can raise resting metabolism by about 50 calories daily—enough to shed 5 pounds in a year, with essentially zero additional effort. The increase may come from the work it takes to heat the water to body temperature.

7.
Eat the Heat

It turns out that capsaicin, the compound that gives chile peppers their heat, can also fire up your metabolism. Eating about 1 tablespoon of chopped peppers (red or green) boosts your sympathetic nervous system (responsible for your fight-or-flight response), according to a study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology. The result: a temporary metabolism spike of about 23 percent. Stock up on chile peppers to add to salsas, and keep a jar of red-pepper flakes on hand for topping pizzas, pastas, and stir-fries.

8.
Rev Up in the Morning

Eating breakfast jump-starts your metabolism so it's no accident that those who skip this meal are 41⁄2 times as likely to be obese. The heartier your first meal is, the better. In one study published by the American Journal of Epidemiology, volunteers who got 22 to 55 percent of their total calories at breakfast gained only 1.7 pounds on average over 4 years. While those who got zero to 11 percent gained nearly 3 pounds.

9.
Fight Fat with Fiber

Research shows that some fiber can fire up your fat burn by as much as 30 percent. Studies find that those who eat the most fiber gain the least weight over time. Aim for about 25 grams a day—the amount in about three servings each of fruits and vegetables.

10.
Eat Iron-Rich Foods

Iron is essential for carrying the oxygen your muscles need to burn fat. Unless you restock your stores, you run the risk of low energy and a sagging metabolism. Shellfish, lean meats, beans, fortified cereals, and spinach are excellent sources.

11.
Get More Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for preserving muscle tissue. Get 90 percent of your recommended daily intake (400 IU) in a 3.5-ounce serving of salmon. Other good sources: tuna, fortified milk and cereal, and eggs.

12.
Drink Milk

There's some evidence that calcium deficiency, which is common in many women, may slow metabolism. Research shows that consuming calcium through dairy foods such as fat-free milk and low-fat yogurt may also reduce fat absorption from other foods.

13.
Eat Watermelon

The amino acid arginine, abundant in watermelon, might promote weight loss, according to the Journal of Nutrition. In a laboratory study, adding this amino acid to the diet of obese mice enhanced the oxidation of fat and glucose. Snack on watermelon and other arginine sources, such as seafood, nuts, and seeds, year-round.

14.

Stay Hydrated

All of your body's chemical reactions, including your metabolism, depend on water. If you are dehydrated, you may be burning up to 2 percent fewer calories, according to researchers at the University of Utah. Drink at least eight to twelve 8-ounce glasses a day.

ok back to me again, here are some of my rules i made for my self for the next 30 days

1. no pasta
2. no dr.pepper & cokes
3. Eat more fruit - and try to eat some vegetables
4. cooking more food my self- if you have been following me on pinterest I have been pinning a lot of food ideas on my workout tools board.
5. drink more water.. my friend Bre introduced me to that water bottle above & love it! (target has them)

and I did take a before picture of my midsection.. just for my own motivation

ok, sorry if this post doesn't apply to you what-so-ever

this is whats going on in my life as of now so I am posting it!

Mondays Recap {me time}

2012-01-23T15:58:00.000-08:00

My mom and dad were sweet enough to watch lex for me most of Saturday.. I was meeting an old but good friend for lunch for her bday and she was running a little late so I went next door and got a much needed manicure.. I did the shellac nail polish.. they don't have tons of options, so I decided to stick with a Valentine's look... red/pink with shimmer sparkles in it. Looked all pretty for our date night!

I think everyone needs to splurge a little every once in a while in life.. it keeps things fun i think! We went to Texas De Brazil before we headed to the Grizzlies game.. it's pretty expensive but it tasted soo good! Not sure I eat enough food for the price but it was a nice little treat!

I am so not a cook, nor do I ever sit there and make time to fix me a nice little breakfast because ty normally doesn't eat it.. but I made sure to this weekend and it was quite good! I was able to get "me" time in, thanks to my parents, and it was greatly appreciated!! Hope you all enjoyed your weekend!

Friday's Film {a thousand years}

2012-01-20T11:00:00.000-08:00

I'm looking forward to a real date night this weekend.. we are heading to the Grizzlies game Saturday and most likely dinner downtown beforehand... my parents are watching Lex and can I just say how nice it is to be living near them!! It's been so nice! So we are "taking advantage" this Saturday and taking a night out on the town for just the two of us! I'm pretty sure we never have just us time. I can't even imagine if we took her to the game, I'd be chasing her off the court I'm sure!

But she will be getting lots of mimi & papi loves i'm sure!!

I also made some valentine decor this week.. and I printed out some of my prints at kinkos on textured paper and hung them on bakers twine with mini clothes pin, loved how it turned out!!

Thursday's Tip {Pinterest, hit or miss?}

2012-01-19T07:48:00.000-08:00

First off,
One of my good friends Less, made a funny little post right before Christmas about Pinterest Hits & Misses.. I thought it was pretty clever because quite frankly we all see these amazing tips and think holy moly this is such a good idea!

So I'm going to share my latest flop of my own but I'll start with an intro of Leslie's post...

Here is the deal. I LOVE Pinterest. There are a lot of amazing clothes, DIY's, recipes, crafts, you name it. People have some serious talent. Where do they think of these things? It is nice that people are willing to share their ideas so that others can experience the same joy. But I am going to be honest with you, I have tried several things on Pinterest that have been a total FLOP. Most of them are recipes. So I am going to share with you my successes and flat out failures.

FLOP #1

Don't these cookies look sooooo delicious and moist?

via

Well mine turned out looking like flattened poop. They pretty much tasted like it too.

In the recipe it says to add between 2-4 egg whites. Okay, there is a BIG difference between 2 and 4 whites. Just give it to me straight! I added 4 and they were waaaaaaay too runny.
Note to self: add egg whites and then assess the batter consistency.

Flop #2....

Delectable Yogurt Covered Pretzels.

Mmmmmm...
via

The recipe calls for three ingredients. Yogurt, powdered sugar and pretzels. Well, when you mix together the yogurt and powdered sugar it is way too runny to stick to the pretzels. I think whoever posted this is forgetting the fourth ingredient: ALMOND BARK. Whoever posted this recipe needs to get punched in the face. I will accept fault for the chocolate cookies, but these....not my fault.

I dipped one pretzel into that watery mess and decided to call it quits. Hence, no picture.

Next time I am saving myself the headache and going to Sprouts.

I sure feel better now that I shared it with you. All I can do is laugh.
-Leslie

Ok, so back to me (Lindsey)

So living in an apartment for three months our walls are pretty bare.. and I have been itching to start some photo projects.. well I started on one & finished with a major flop!

via

Ok, so I did use a different gloss medium so i'm technically not sure if that made a huge difference.. quite possible?! but I was VERY disappointed with my little project (less than $20).

What went wrong?
i did two different 11x14 canvases.. and each i did differently.. but both had end results with scuffs & tears - wondering if its the gel medium I used? I bought it from Archivers (scrapbooking place) and the one in the tutorial blog I saw it off of used Liquitex gel medium.. which was quite a bit more expensive and I had a much harder time even finding it in stock at Craft Stores.. I'm thinking if I do try the whole canvas & print thing I might try mod-podging it instead of the transfer!

I found 11x14 canvas at Hobby Lobby 2 for $3.99? and printing a b&w on LASER printer (imp. to use laser- b/c inkjet will bleed) but that was under $5 for two.. NOW if you want bigger size like 16x20... price increases quite a BUNCH! so I did 11x14.

both of my canvases looks like crap in person.. so those will unfortunately not be making their home on our naked apartment walls!!

If you have had a flop and you want to share or the links do so in the comment section! I would love to hear about your pinterest, hit or miss!

Tuesdays Look {Rain Boots}

2012-01-17T15:02:00.000-08:00

It's Raining by Inara George on Grooveshark

Showers or no Showers needed

image via

I'm not quite sure why, but I have fallen in love with the idea that rain boots can be worn with out rain.
I have seen it pulled off a lot lately and I'm kinda in love!

Big Girls - 1 2 3 Little Girls - 1 2 3 image via

{Monday mornin' thought} strawberries

2012-01-16T08:47:00.000-08:00

Weekend Hi-lights

1. Shopping with my mom & baby girl

2. Having Ty all to my self on Sunday

3. Buying a Strawberry grow Kit & "planting it" (Target in the dollar section)

4. BBQ take out & movie marathon from Red Box

5. Sunday Dinner with my family

6. Making my first trip to Archivers & loving that store, lots of projects to come...
7. singing "bum bum bum bum.. ayyy ayyyhh" everytime we change a diaper.. lex has learned to sing bum bum & ay ay.. and its possibly the only way to make diaper changing less dreadful.. she for some reason thinks of it as torture.

Friday's Film {A dream is a wish your heart makes}

2012-01-13T10:31:00.000-08:00

want to know someone who I think is super strong??

It's my friend Tosha I have talked about..

Yesterday was a big day for my friend Tosha and her family.
Their little girl got her new hair-do.. and i have to say she is just as adorable as she was before!
I was reading her last blog post (go read) about Taleah's Buzz Party, she was the only princess allowed to join! Her husband, brothers, & father-in-law all shaved their heads with Taleah.

Something I thought was so sweet was, that Tosha's sister brought Taleah a barbie with a shaved head! Then today someone tagged her on fb with this picture below... Bald is Beautiful.

via pinterest

Reading about the things they face changes my perspective on a lot of things.

I dont know about you,
But when I experience or read about things that are before foreign to me I grow a greater appreciation for them and look at them in a different light. some examples..

The Sullengers - good friends of ours who lost their 18 month the night before Lex was born. this could be a whole post in itself but "going" through that trial along side them has immensely changed my thoughts on many things! Especially to cherish life with little ones. They are super strong!

Little People, Big World or Little Couple - both shows we dvr- It's funny how a show like this changed a lot of my perspective. I totally looked at little people differently.. they were not different. They became normal in my eyes.

All-American Muslim - my perception of Muslims have changed.. when I saw a lady in a head wrap in Victoria Secret I looked at her differently. as a normal person, just like she should be in the first place. Sadly I am not going to lie.. the 9/11 incident changed my thoughts of Muslims when I was on planes.. I did get paranoid. I hate to admit it.. but I'm glad for shows like that on TLC where you can realize first hand THEY ARE normal US citizens with just a different religious belief!

I'm Mormon/LDS... I've had my fair share of running into people who perceive my religion to be different. read about some of that here.

Thursday's Tip {Family Flip Book}

2012-01-12T08:18:00.000-08:00

I am going to be sharing a lot more photo projects here on this little blog..

I hardly ever print out images unless it is for some type of project.. I still haven't done anything with our last family pictures we took.. which will change in the near future.

Anyways, this little photo project was on my to-do list before Christmas and I actually got it done the week I put it on my to-do list. But I am just now getting around to sharing it. I wanted a more personal book where Lexi could learn some of her closest relatives since we don't see all of them in person on a regular basis.. (we do skype often) I still need to get some family members added but since I decided I was going to do it asap before I got side tracked I just used pictures I already had of family members.

Here is the family flip book I designed... I just printed the images at our local photo shop.. I wanted them a certain size so I made it a little more complicated but I really wanted them printed on photo paper b/c I think photo paper is best at showing true color.. then I took it to our local print shop and had them laminate & spiral bound it. The whole project I would guess was less than $15. The most expensive part was customizing my photos to be 5x5.. they charged me a little extra for that. But I got out of the copy shop only spending maybe $3-$5 i think??

Things I learned:

1. Be careful of which image you put on the spiral bound side.. half of my head ended up getting spiral bounded.. it's not that big of deal.. but something I would maybe change next time.

2. You will have to glue stick or whatever you want to use the two photos back to back to get them laminated so there is an image on front & back..

I also added a little page for a picture of Lexi and put "Lexi (me)".. so she could learn herself.

Oh, and I added a pic of diggy.. he was just important!

{a little more about me}

2012-01-11T00:07:00.000-08:00

time to get a little personal.

quote via

places we've lived:
Well... me & ty got married March 31st, 2006. the summer after we were married we left for Seattle, Wa for his job.. and every year after minus one.. we have left to somewhere new doing the same thing for his job while he finishes school...
Living in Idaho, Seattle, Raleigh, NC, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, LA, San Fran area.. and now back to where I grew up.. Memphis, TN.

Every place we move we make it a goal to make a list of all the things we want to see and do.. we try and take full advantage of living in a new place. I'm pretty grateful for all the things we have been able to experience!

favorite drink:
Dr. Pepper or a Cherry Coke.. or i like to mix them 1/2 and 1/2.

favorite place I've ever eaten at:
Ninja New York- a themed restaurant in NY
Well Tyson and I had seen an episode on Travel channel the theme was Extreme Bathrooms.. For some odd reason I have a fascination with the whole Asian/Japanese vibe and look.. so I loved it! And apparently I don't know much about ninja's because you walk in off the streets into this low lit room- you wait for your reservation and then they call you and you go down this elevator (just me and ty).. the lights get even lower as you go down. Tyson mentioned I bet they are going to do something.. I was thinkin ya right this is a restaurant. Little did I know right when we get out of the elevator we get a ninja yelling at us (keep in mind it is way dark) I of course screamed like a little kid [totally wasnt expecting it] and Tyson was just like "I knew they were going to do something like that".. So anyways throughout the night we had sneaky little ninja's randomly coming by and scaring us.. We also had two ninja-magicians come by to our table and did magic tricks to add to the experience. It was soo much fun and our waiter was hilarious! [very sarcastic & looked just like what I thought a ninja should look like]

When did you first find out that you’d be a parent? How did you feel?
We were technically not trying.. and not preventing... so we were leaving being parents up to chance I guess you could say.. We had been married for 3 1/2 years. One day, I was late on my cycle.. (tmi?), had random heart burn.. and thought hmm thats odd wonder if it means anything?.. Headed to the dollar store to pick up a little test and headed on my way to school to meet a group. Went into the school bathroom and took the little test.. took it wrong, apparently. b/c i couldn't figure out if i was pregnant or not... soo another waiting game til i got back to my car after our "meeting" was over and re-read the directions.. it's really not that hard.. and apparently it was a faulty stick.. went back home with the second stick... and realized there was two little lines... they were faint. still unsure so I went back to the store to get a legit test.. that READ IT OUT PREGNANT OR NOT PREGNANT.. and took the test again and I remember my exact reaction.. I was giddy and screaming/talking to myself saying omigosh I am pregnant! most likely over and over again.
It was a fun little suprise to share when Ty got home.. because we were both not expecting it.. he didn't believe me :) until I showed him the proof.. hah

favorite tv show:
I have always been obsessed with FRIENDS.. it's pure timeless and something I could watch over and over and still laugh at their humor! we have all the seasons on dvd.. and not currently having tv they are getting watched a good amount!

favorite place we've been to out of the country:
Xel-Ha in Cancun.. I'm not so sure why I loved it there so much but it was just the perfect day with just me and my husband! The food was great and the exploring was even funner!

favorite place we've been to in the country:
Going to a Jimmy Fallon show in NY was pretty high on our list...

Scariest experience of my life:
TIE between a creepy man experience and me & ty getting lost down-downtown Cancun at night.

Favorite Quote:
my sister pinned this on pinterest a little while ago and I think it is perfect!

Jobs I had before I got married:
I babysat, worked at Dairy Queen (ice cream place in the mall), Hobby Lobby, Express, & Abercrombie & Fitch.. sad to admit that last one.. but let's just say I did it for the discount!

least favorite: Hobby Lobby- I was a cashier.. the owners didn't believe in cash registers at the time so they only had "adding machines" let's just say I messed up quite a lot & it was quite stressful!! It is the only job I have ever had where I had excessive dreams about being at work. Worst night sleep ever! (they got real cash registers shortly after I stopped working there though)
only pro was that I got dang good discounts!

favorite: Dairy Queen..
This was my first real job.. I worked their with my best friend & we had a fun little group we worked with! Lots of memories from that job!

let's just say i like working on my own schedule a little better!!

Do you like your job now days?
Well I am a full time mom.. and yes I love that job!

I am also a photographer... I started out doing landscape photography and loved the growing experience.. Then I started doing family & friends. Then I stepped into the bigger sea and took on sessions with people who would contact me. I have started to notice when I get "over booked" I start to dread sesions.. and get burnt out. MY BIGGEST FEAR. I do not ever want to get sick of taking pictures.. so I LIMIT how many sessions I will take on. I especially love {styled sessions} someone with a vision of what they want...

I want to enjoy what I do.. and I want my families memories to come first. I hate when I see photographers who get so "overbooked" they have no memories to show for of their own family.. that's not why I got into photography. I want to capture MY life first and foremost.

Then I found another creative outlet that let me experience the same satisfaction my photography gave me and that is this little blog here. I love blogging, sharing, and findings inspiration.

SO for now... Photography as a business is something I love to do on the side.. but for now I am focusing on my family.. and blogging and see where this takes me! It is very therapeutic for me.

If you could do anything now, what would you do? Why?
I would love love love to be an editorial type of Photographer.. shoot fun products and create pretty environments! Would absolutely love to work with Sweet Paul Magazine.. their stuff is right up my alley!!

Is there something about me that you’ve wanted to know?

{Monday mornin' thought} hold up

2012-01-09T12:59:00.000-08:00

Love Whiplash by Jayme Dee on Grooveshark

Ok, i fibbed.. the good news for the calendars is going to have to wait..
I'm still working out the kinks for it.

But, we did however have a fun little weekend! Pretty much all settled in.. just waiting for tv & internet to get put in today.. still bumming off someones wifi & my cell phones wifi hot spot with poor connection.

I absolutely hate how long it takes for techs to arrive.. they were suppose to come 9-12 AM... and it is now 3 o'clock and still nada.... around 1 ty called to see what the hold up was & they told us it had been moved back to 12-4.. a telephone call would have been nice!

and umm they have one hour to keep that promise of the 12-4 slot.. not going to get my hopes up..
but i really do miss our tv shows & fast internet!

Lucky Commenter, Numero Uno

2012-01-08T22:02:00.000-08:00

whoever thought if you comment first you won't win....

was wrong!

Congratulations Jaclyn - jaxthayn@gmail.com

you are the lucky little winner!!

I will e-mail you and get your shipping address!

Thank you for everyones support!

Plus, I have good news coming later today for those of you who still really wanted this calendar!!

so keep checking back :)

Friday's Film {Breakfast Interrupted}

2012-01-06T13:40:00.000-08:00

tomorrow morning..... whats your plans?

it's the weekend.. do you have special Saturday traditions?

do you want to make a pretty little breakfast for the ones you love?

this charming little video kinda makes me want to make a feast

even though ty does not usually eat breakfast

{Thursday's Tip} Speeding Tickets from the Air

2012-01-05T21:58:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard of being pulled over by a cop who "clocked" you from the air??

Well Ty got pulled over in Nebraska from one.. and I thought it sounded absurd! We thought maybe there was some other risky business going on around him so thats why they did it.. but once we started googling it we found another story a man had posted on a blog & matched tysons almost to a T.

Want to hear how it works??

this is the man on the forums words..

(saves me a lot of time to try and re-type tys story except ty wasn't speeding that much)

Mans version that matches tys:
"On Saturday, I received a speeding ticket in the state of Florida that came from an airplane measuring device. I am assuming its some sort of stop watch measuring the time between two lines. My question is how in the world can one airplane clock multiple cars at once? In the area where I received the ticket (I was given a ticket for 87 mph in 70), there were at least 10 State Troopers rotating on and off the expressway. While I waited for the officer to complete the paperwork, I counted 11 people pulled over and it was a constant rotation on and off the expressway to get more."

How it works:
There are measured lines on the highway, an officer or trooper in an aircraft visually looks for a vehicle that appears to be traveling faster than the posted speed limit. The vehicle he picks out is usually also traveling faster than surrounding traffic. He starts the measuring device when you cross the first line. He ends the speed measurment when you cross the second line.

Then, the airborne officer radios your vehicle information to the ground unit, who pulls you over. Usually the airborne officer will keep your car in sight until the ground unit pulls in behind you and the airborne officer verifies that he has the right car.

another neat little tid-bit:
"Yes it is quite normal for them to pull over multiple violators. As mentioned in the previous post, it is possible for them to have more than one spotter timing different cars.

Actually having done it, there are times that the spotter(s) have to stop calling out cars because all of the officers are already busy with cars stopped.

By the time you realized there was a speed enforcement operation, they had already obtained your speed. (probably well before you slowed down and realized there were officers in the area - typically on the far side of an overpass or around a curve)"

via

MORAL OF THE STORY:

BEWARE of those odd white horizontal stripes on the HWY

while traveling on road trips..

It might save you from getting a Speeding Ticket

oh i almost forgot,

the cop was nice & let my hubs off with a warning :)

lucky, lucky!

lots of love

2012-01-03T22:39:00.000-08:00

I have never been one for co-sleeping..

That does not mean that we have never let her sleep in our bed.. but i feel that everyone gets a better nights sleep when we are in our own spots..

Tonight is different.. ty has been gone for 6 days now, lex was a super daddys girl before he left & has constantly been calling for him ever since.. which is really sad to hear! She is starting to understand things.. but kinda not?! She has no idea where or why he's not here and still expects to see him places we go..

He drove 12'ish hours today and is in Nebraska.. and he has 13 1/2 more hours to drive tomorrow to be here in Memphis.. with us!

A while back I talked about some exciting news I had just found out about.. well that exciting news was that we were moving to Memphis (my hometown) for Tysons off track in school for his job (just 3 months)... sadly Idaho-Tennessee makes for a long drive! I just stayed here from Christmas b/c a one way ticket back to TN was kinda on the ridiculous side!!

Anyways, Lex has been on a melt down kinda phase.. tonight it was over putting her diaper back on and getting her into her pjs. it was huge, humorous, then on the verge of ridiculous! She finally calmed down and I went to put her down.. I held her for an extra long time tonight.. and the second i put her down into the crib she started crying (this is not too uncommon and normally doesnt last too long) well it lasted longer than normal and you could tell she was just totally upset... so i go back up and try calming her down and holding her again... then lay her back down.. same thing. After a while of her being super upset I went back and got her.. this time I just took her out of the room (10:15) put her originally down around 9.

So I end up just going and laying down with her in my bed and I had my phone with me.. she saw the light flash on it and immediately wanted to hold it.. so I said do you want to call daddy? and so I did... she knows its him when it calls him. it has his picture and she is a little too familiar with how my phone works..

sooo as soon as he answers she goes into this dramatic scream and crying.. super sad cry.. like wanting him to hold her through the phone type of cry. so sad to see.. so she wouldnt let me hold the phone so he sat on speaker phone with us for a good while.. she snuggled on my chest right along with the phone.. she was wanting comfort from him through the phone.. it was kinda weird.

I had been worrying about him driving (nothing new) but it kinda set off an extra alarm with how weird Lex was acting toward him on the phone tonight.. like she needed him right then.
Even Ty mentioned it kinda sketched him out with the way she was acting.. so once he said that I immediately said well maybe you should just stop at the next big city.. then a couple of minutes later he put me on hold b/c his grandmother was calling. He comes back on the phone and tells me she called to tell him he should probably call it a night. Um ok #4 person that thinks you should stop.. so he pulled over at that exit. No clue if anything would have even happened but I'm resting here easier knowing he is safe and not on the road so late!

Moral of my story... there are nights like tonight that remind me of how thankful I am for my little family & how much I need them. And there are nights where you break the "mommy/daddy rules" and snuggle with your extra sassy 18 month old baby, even if it means you won't get a good nights sleep!

because, she needed a little extra love and comfort tonight!

Tuesdays Look {Whats In My Closet}

2012-01-03T11:52:00.000-08:00

I figured I might start this new little segment into the blog..

I tried finding items out of my closet online to share... but apparently 80% of the things I looked for online were M.I.A. so I decided to just get the camera out for this little post..

so here is a glimpse into my closet

1. Francesca's 2. H&M 3. American Eagle

4. Charming Charlie 5. Forever 21 6. Forever 21 7. Urban Outfitters

8. Cathy Jean Shoes
sadly, these are my favorite shoes ever.. love the style of them. They get worn ALOT... but I don't think I got what I paid for... they were around $90 and the toes have been scuffed up after 3 mo. of wear.. and the sole cracked & the heel is pretty worn down... lame!
Carlos Santana out of all people has some boots that looked really similar to mine at Macy's but they only have them in black in stores... I actually got a pair of the black but I'm waiting to see if i think I will actually wear them... i might still return those?!? need to decide soon.. i'm kinda indecisive like that!

Don't forget about this weeks current giveaway.. 2012 Whimsical Carnival Calendar

{Monday mornin' thought} some things are just destined

2012-01-02T08:08:00.000-08:00

I feel like things just happen for a reason.. because they are suppose to.

Because, Heavenly Father sees the bigger picture.

This goes for little things..
This goes for bigger things..
The bigger things may be harder to except as destined especially if its not the plans we were hoping for.

but i think in the long term.. we will find that it is indeed destiny.

Let's go back to the little things..
I can't help but think of the last giveaway I hosted.. giveaways are just fun... only one person wins which stinks.. and I want no control over choosing who that one person is... so random.org does it for me.

After the winner was chosen last time I received a sweet little e-mail..
Something like this...

"Thank you so much for this giveaway! I can't tell you how excited I am. Like I said, I have never won anything and this just made my week. My husband (for the 2nd year) is deployed in the Middle East and it is putting it mildly when I say this week is a little difficult. So I am sending you a HUGE THANK YOU for perking me up!!"

This little e-mail seriously made my day! I didn't feel bad anymore that the others who entered didn't win.. I felt in this instance the right winner was already taken care of..

I am not saying that everyone who "needs"to win will actually win every giveaway out there...
But I am saying,
There are certain instances in your life where you will see someone above playing a role in how things play out in life...

this weeks current giveaway.. 2012 Whimsical Carnival Calendar

Giveaway Whimsical Carnival 2012 Calander

2012-01-01T11:17:00.000-08:00

I decided I would do my own giveaway to show my appreciation to those of you who read this little blog of mine..

I decided to make a little Whimsical Carnival (using my prints) 2012 Calendar from Paper Coterie...

This is a look at what you would get.. other styles of calendar could still be an option..

but I thought this one was cute!

example of what one looks like..

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Requirements to Enter:

1. Like Pillow Thought on facebook

2. Like Lindsey Marlor Photography on facebook

3. Leave a comment with your e-mail & saying you did both

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* Eleven Fun Finds *

2011-12-31T21:08:00.000-08:00

1. Li Lash I got this for Christmas.. so I will have to keep you posted on how it works!!

2. Haba Doc Haba

3. Fuzzy Nation Chinese Crested Leopard Wristlet

Meet Ferocious,

Lex loves purses or bags especially when we are out shopping.. she puts it around her arm and on her shoulder.. soo this was a fun find at Macy's today!

4. Printable B&W Posh Cupcake Holder Box

5. Some people have Pillow Thoughts.. others have Shower Thoughts

6. Metallic "&" sign.. want it on a pretty little shelf.

7. Bella Couture Dress for a pretty little Blythe Doll, ahhh how stinkin cute is this doll? I want one now!

8. Japanese Tape -Metallic Lace

9. A yummy Breakfast.. chocolate, m&m, and a pretzel

10. Altered bubblegum machine/memory jar/ mini photo dispenser

11. SNEAK PEAK of tomorrows New Year Giveaway.......

Friday's Film {You Is...... }

2011-12-30T01:00:00.000-08:00

I couldn't help but smile when I saw this on a blog yesterday... Me & Ty watched The Help with my family last week for the first time... and ty kinda started this little saying as a running joke to say..... it makes me smile!

If you have not seen The Help yet I suggest you do so! It broke my heart to "re-live" the things they went through! I'm from the South & I'm from Memphis.. so I grew up hearing all about Martin Luther King and his movement (Memphis is unfortunately where he was shot).. It played a big part in school and we had several field trips to the Civil Rights Museum.

All I have to say is I loved every bit of this movie, seeing the good & the bad. It had sad parts where I couldn't stop bawling, it had funny parts, and then there were a couple of times when I wanted to slap Hilly around.. but it was played out so well and had such a good flow throughout the entire movie!!

I kept thinking about those moms who just took advantage of being mothers, who didn't really play their role.. It made me grateful for my little girl and the privilege I have to be a stay at home mom.. to raise her, to guide her, and to always be there for her.

As hard as it is some days dealing with her sassy little 18 month old self,

I could not be more blessed to spend every moment of every day with her!

She is kind, She is smart, and She is IMPORTANT! She will always be my first priority!

{Thursday's Tip} DIY- sometimes you just fall in love

2011-12-29T00:15:00.000-08:00

Well I feel rejuvenated from a nice little Christmas break so I'm ready to start blogging again!!
I'm going to share with yall my most recent blog crush.. Stylizimo

sometimes you just fall in love.

I have fallen in love with just about EVERYTHING on this blog!

If I had a clean slate on a house....... hers would be mine.

everything about her style is gor-gee-ous! no lie.

seriously.. love the simplicity

AND if i didn't have a kid and a dog.. you better believe I would start painting everything white just like her!

best of all she (Nina, whose Norwegian) does DIY post on her home decor

most ideas you have probably seen before, but hers just seem so much more inviting!

here are 9 of my faves...

1. DIY Dining Table

2. DIY Wooden Letter

3. DIY Candle Holders

4. DIY- The cutest bird feed you will ever see

5. DIY Sofa Pallet

6. DIY Wall Calendar

7. DIY Chalkboard

8. DIY Couch for your basement or playroom

9. DIY Pallet Headboard

Santa had a little too much milk & cookies

2011-12-24T10:31:00.000-08:00

Santa wasn't very jolly this year for us.. he might have been doing us a favor and trying not to scare Lex anymore than she already was of him. But it looks like he was taking a little cat nap during our photo sesh! We did however like the little Winter Wonderland at Bass Pro.. not to mention seeing Santa was free & we got a picture there.. just bought a digital one online for $10.

Holiday Makeup Inspiration

2011-12-23T08:37:00.000-08:00

Since, I didn't get a Tuesday's Look in this week... I am going to co-join it with the Friday's Film today!

I don't think anything could look bad on this girl either!

Her skin is near flawless!

Here are a couple of idea tutorials she has for your make-up over the holidays!

Mistletoe Kiss

Midnight Kiss - New Years Look

Loved this tip:

"dry skin comes with the territory in the winter season.. using a cream foundation will reduce dry flakes around the nose and cheeks... Usually Cream Foundation won't have spf so you won't have to worry about your face looking 5x whiter than the rest of your body when you are taking a flash photo."

I almost always have this dry problem on my face out in Idaho..
like i said before, I am not big into the expensive brand make-up and I have fallen in love with the
Loreal true match
super-blendable
compact makeup
(it does have spf though)

Starry Nights

2011-12-23T06:37:00.000-08:00

We went to Starry Nights tonight & Lex loved it! She for the first time got to get out of her carseat and sit with dad in the front seat ewwing and awwing at all the Christmas Lights! Visited Mistletoe Village & got some hot cocoa & smore kits! Fun little ending to our night!!

Posh Pipsqueak Giveaway Winner...

2011-12-21T07:39:00.000-08:00

Winner of Posh Pipsqueak -Posh Legs

Congratulations Molly!! You were comment number 13!!!

I will e-mail you shortly to get your address!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-20T19:47:00.000-08:00

I might be a little M.I.A. around here this week..

We are busy soaking up the holidays with my fam in Tennessee! We officially started our Christmas shopping on Monday... and it might have been the worst/only option we really had since we were traveling for the holidays.. We did cram in some presents in our suitcases.. but thought it was smartest to just buy when we got here! Definitely fighting some crowds! I'm pretty sure we got all of Lexi's done tonight so just me & ty left.. we are just buying what we want and calling it a suprise.. still have to manage to find some stocking surprises for him so there is something to look forward too.. but I am looking forward to seeing Lexi see Christmas this year..

Lexi being the first child, might get a little too spoiled on just about everything..

but we can't help ourselves! Hope yall are having fun festivities this week!

Friday's Film {Francesca Battistelli -This is the Stuff}

2011-12-16T10:05:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have just one of those days?! Where everything is going wrong??

Haha I know I have had plenty of them, and every tiny thing gets to me.. luckily today is just starting for me & i am proud to say today isn't one of those days...

but, love the quirky little video and the message!

It's not the end of the world!

I forget how big I'm blessed!

just remind yourself about this little message when you are in the middle of christmas mayhem with the extended family this coming week :)

Thursday's Tip {Santa's Milk & Cookies & snacks for the Reindeer & Elves}

2011-12-15T09:01:00.000-08:00

I have went through and found some of the cutest ideas I have seen for what to leave for Santa & his reindeer on Christmas Eve!

We will start with Santas milk & cookie ideas....

First up is...
Dear Santa stationary, vintage milk bottle, and a cookie!

via Karas Party Ideas

Second up is..

(Photography by Naomi V Photography, styling by Sharnel Dollar Designs, Printables by Polkadot Prints)

You just put cookies in a muslin sack attach either a printable or an iron on... want the cute little milk bottle? Check out this post i did to find out where to locally get the mini milk bottles....

Third...

Caramel & Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows... find out how to make these over at One Charming Party

Fourth...
North Pole Ideas via Kara's Party Ideas

Who said Santa couldn't have a coke?

Fifth...
Decorate your own Milk Cartons?

via WantsAndWishesDesign

Sixth....
Grab a chalboard, leave a message along with a little somethin for Santa & his reindeer!

via Country Living

Seventh....
simple but oh so cute! found over here

Eight...
love the see through milk carton & snowballs! check out this post to find out where to buy it!

via Sprinkle Bakes

Ninth...
Milk Carton printable found over at TheSweetOccasion

Tenth but not least...
This one just looked really pretty!

via stylemepretty

If you want some more Milk inspiration check out these fun post!

Fun Milk Carton - Milk & Cookie Party - DIY Milk Bottle - Milk Mustache

Now for the Reindeer Snacks!

First off.....

The Story of Reindeer Feed and free printables

Secondly..

Magic Reindeer Food... and how to make it here

click the link above to find out how to make this eco-friendly reindeer feed.

"What the reindeer don’t eat, the birds are certain to enjoy later."

Third....

Reindeer Munchies or this one could work for Santa and the elves snacks too... recipe over here

Now a little something for the Elves!

How cute are these mini donuts?!

via here

"The box of donuts is really a pill box....Emma's holding her favorite, a cheerio dipped in chocolate, then sprinkles. The others are cheerios dipped in confectioners' sugar and cheerios rolled in cinnamon sugar."

Hope these drew some inspiration for some of you and maybe it can be the start of a new Christmas tradition?! I know I can't wait for Lexi to start enjoying stuff like this!

Posh Pipsqueak Giveaway!

2011-12-14T07:49:00.000-08:00

If you have little ones you will love this giveaway!

PoshPipSqueak is giving away one of their Posh Legs to one winner!

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HOW TO ENTER?!

(required)

1st Comment include:

Like Pillow Thought on facebook.
copy & paste the url of your favorite Posh Legs off of www.poshpipsqueak.com
your e-mail

ex: I liked Pillow Thought on fb, lindseymarlor@gmail.com, ex: I would love to win the http://www.poshpipsqueak.com/leopard-posh-legs2-color-options-p-177.html if i win!

(optional)

For additional entries:

Comment: Facebook about this giveaway

Comment: Tweet About it

Comment: Blog About it

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Winner will be announced next Wednesday!!

Tuesdays Look {My new favorite shoes}

2011-12-13T18:54:00.000-08:00

So I was trying to waste time until I met up with ty.. so i was shopping and I found the CUTEST boots!!

I hardly ever find anything really good at Ross i'm more of a TJ Maxx kinda girl but I fell in love with these!

we had a date night and just went to dinner... but i was feeling pretty blessed to just be hanging out with these two.. and i love when restaurants have it all decked out in Christmas, totally a mood setter!

lex fell asleep on the way home considering she had slept maybe 15 min. all day.. so ty was taking advantage of some cuddle time b/c the second you put her back in her crib from falling asleep in the car she wakes up!

My favorite part of the whole thing was that they were only 30 bucks

and they have the exact same ones on

LuLus for $79.50!!!

Moral of the story........ they really do have good buys for less!

We have a LUCKY little winner for Stella & Dot by Rochelle!

2011-12-13T07:49:00.000-08:00

Retails for $79

The Winner of these gorgeous Stella & Dot Azure Couture Earrings is.........

[Every entrant was entered once.. going from oldest to newest]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*congratulations*

Leanna Hernandez!!

"So glad i found your site! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE those azure couture earrings!

They would make me feel merry & bright. Would love to ring in the new year with those beauties on!"

I will be contacting you today to get your info!!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I wish all of you could have won! but, hopefully we can have Rochelle back for another Stella & Dot giveaway!!!

{Monday mornin' thought} my little snowgirl

2011-12-12T09:31:00.000-08:00

Lex kinda cheats at peek-a-boo.. glad we caught it on camera! :)

Here's my Christmas Playlist..

Merry Christmas by lindsey marlor on Grooveshark

I kinda think I jinxed us from getting snow for Christmas this year..

Ok, so it is kind of ironic.. but TN (where i'm from) has now had snow twice this month (which is super uncommon)! Idaho on the other hand has had just about none this month! I complained in November of it snowing.. but we have yet to have snow this month!! Kinda lame because December is the only month I ever look forward to the Idaho snow.. just because it gets you all in the mood for Christmas! We are headed to TN this weekend to spend Christmas with my family & I could not be more excited! Thursday is our only chance for snow before we leave so i'm hoping we at least get some snow on Thursday!?

I'm going to have some fun post up this week!

Tuesday: Azure Couture Giveaway announcement...

Wednesday: I will be announcing ANOTHER giveaway!! so stay tuned!

Thursday: Fun Christmas Tip/Ideas you won't want to miss!

Friday: haven't got that far...

Friday's Film {High Fashion People- Strike a Pose}

2011-12-09T08:29:00.000-08:00

i'm sorry in advance if i offend anyone with todays post.

watch it first.

then we will chat :)

dear fashion bloggers,
please don't stop your ridiculous posed bodies. We really do enjoy a good laugh every now and then.
this video just put it into perspective of how ridiculous you can sometimes look...
but hey?! you look cute while contorting your body into who knows what.
Don't get me wrong.. there is a point of cute and then there is the point of taken too far.
just a thought?
after all, I am a photographer I work better behind the lens.

sincerely yours,
just a pillow thought

Thursday's Tip {Santa's Key & a Christmas Tip}

2011-12-07T23:00:00.000-08:00

Santa Baby by Pink Martini on Grooveshark

Santa's Key

I bought a silver & red glittered key ornament last year at Wal-Mart.

I'm not sure if they still carry them this year or not? but any old keys will do.

Hang the keys on your tree until Christmas Eve..

that night, let the kids leave the key on the outside of your door for Santa to come in!

this idea is so nice for homes with kids who do not have a chimney.

I went ahead and made these little labels to share with all of you, you will just need to
grab a hole punch and I used a glue dot to get them to lay together how I liked.
Print on thick cardstock! (less light will shine through the paper)

Click on the image & then hopefully it will be ready to print!
If not, e-mail me @ lindseymarlor{at}gmail{.}com

Want another fun little Christmas Tip?

My sister has a 3 year old and she has changed her text message alert noise to christmas bells...

so everytime she gets a text message or e-mail alert...

her phone goes off and she tells her little girl that Santa is just checking in on her making sure she is being good so now Kinsey gets all excited when "Santa text"!

I thought it was pretty clever!!

Get the ringtone: (free)

On the Android Market the app is called Zedge and they have free ringtones and notification sounds.. be careful when you look at the notification sounds because some of the titles are a little tasteless.

so search sleigh bells

btw, i just spent the last thirty minutes going through that app

applying specific ring tones to all of my favorite people!

I'm sure there is a similar app for those of you who are not on the android market!

Wednesday's Fun Find {Thank Attack - Random Act of Kindness}

2011-12-07T09:53:00.000-08:00

Remember this post? Where you RACK people :)

Well I have come across this cute little blog Raising Memories and she shared her how-to on

Thank Attacks.....

it's a clever and yet so simple idea! Spread the love to neigbors or your mail man/lady!

I still have a big Hershey kiss waiting to go in our mailbox for our mail lady.. I guess I should actually put it in the box since I have had it for over a week!

my stella & dot wish list + GIVEAWAY! {Tuesday's Look}

2011-12-06T00:13:00.000-08:00

Ok, this first one is absolutely adorable!
The necklace is for your little girl (ages aprx. 3-7) and the matching bracelet is for you!
such the perfect christmas gift idea!!

1 2

obsessed with teal & coral! just gorgeous!

3 4 5

studded earrings

6 7

love this necklace wrap!

the cutest iphone accesory!
the iphone is on my christmas list so let's hope the hubs sees this post!

9

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!!

Have you heard of Stella & Dot yet??

Stella & Dot is a vintage inspired jewelry company that also is branching into premium accessories like leather goods.
I encourage you to click on their website link and look around,
look at some of the press and all of the celebs that are loving their pieces.

ENTER TO WIN THESE LOVELY LADIES

The Azure Couture Earring. Retail value is $79.

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Requirements to Enter:
1. Like Rochelle Stella and Dot on facebook
2. Like Pillow Thought on facebook
3. Leave a comment with {your e-mail & favorite piece off of her site!}
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Winner will be announced next Tuesday!!
**These would be gorgeous Christmas gifts or perfect on your own ears!**

{Monday mornin' thought} a never ending To-Do List

2011-12-05T08:43:00.000-08:00

I am feeling like I have a million things on my to-do list!!! I think I start way too many projects but I have about a million ideas that run through my head that always seem fun at the time!

I still never finished Lexi's 1year video I started.. i ended at 4 months... just 6 more months to go of it!

I never started her 1 year book.. still have to get to that.

Never made our personal blog into a book.. that one just scares me with how LONG it will be!

Still finishing up my friends family session I did a couple of weeks ago. i'm bad friend.

I have to go find a place that will clean out two of my camera lenses.

I wanted to make Lex a little book of our family members with their names so she could learn all of them better. I need to get this one done this week!

this is just the main projects that are on my mind... hopefully i can start working on them one by one and start finishing them! It shouldn't be that hard but it somehow is?!

If you want to check out how to make your own Holiday To-Do List, framed and all...

visit here, fossil jut featured one from Eighteen25..

Christmas Sticker Book for a dollar?!?

2011-12-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

Do you need a little reason to follow Pillow Thought on facebook?!

{do so on the right hand side with just one click}

Whenever I see deals that I really love I will post about them on facebook...

just like I did with this little notebook I just got in the mail!

Ink Garden had them for a DOLLAR..... you just pay shipping.. but it is totally customizable and I decided I wanted to make one especially for Christmas and especially for stickers..... so once Christmas is over I will pack it away & bring it out next year!

Enter promo code: dollarbook or: holiday50 for 50% off {i cannot promise this deal is still going on.... }

I was very impressed how these printed!! the covers are laminated

Thursday's Tip {Packing for the Holidays}

2011-12-01T08:20:00.000-08:00

I'm posting over here today on this topic so please stop by :)

Random Acts of Christmas Kindness Scavenger Hunt

2011-11-30T11:06:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of RACK'ed? R.A.C.K?.........
Random Acts of Christmas Kindness?

I came across these ideas and thought it would be the perfect thing to start off the Christmas Season with!

Sites I drew my inspiration from...... here , here, here, and here

I went through ideas and decided on about 15 that I thought would be fun to do with my family.. then i sat down and shared them with Ty, and figured out which one we wanted to do....

1. Leave Quarters at a Laundromat

(we live in a little college town so i'm sure some poor college students loved it when they saw these!)

2. Leave the correct amount of change on a vending machine.

3. Leave Dollars in the Kids Section at the Dollar Store

(I wish we could have seen their faces!.. there were no kids in that sections when we did this)

4. Pay for the tab of the person behind you.... we handed the cashier the little R.A.C.K.ed label for her to give it to them with their receipt so they would know what it was all about.

5. Find a Dirty Car and leave a car wash gift certificate.

(this is where it felt like a scavenger hunt for us)

6. Ok, so I am totally not sure if this one was ok to do?? haha but we left a promo code on one Redbox for a free dvd rental (you can only use the promo code once per account... so if you have used one before it doesn't work.. anyways hopefully that one was ok to do? because I am totally posting about it)

Hopefully the people who found these little gifts will pass on the Random Acts of Kindness Chain.

I realize posting about this defeats the whole purpose of it being discreet.. but I figured if it can spark some of you readers to do the same then it is probably worth it!!
This one would be good to do with friends, family, or a youth group.

If you want to do something like this you can use the print offs i made.. just click on the image & hopefully it will be ready to print that way? If not, e-mail me & i will be more than happy to send it to you! lindseymarlor{at}gmail{.}com

i also made a special one for the Dollar Store.. b/c I didn't want adults using this dollar...

Tuesdays Look {Cabin Fever}

2011-11-29T12:34:00.000-08:00

Doesn't an escape to a cabin somewhere up in the mountains sound nice right about now??

Snow Globe by Matt Wertz on Grooveshark

Cozied up with the family on the couch with a warm fire place, snow, and a Christmas movie?

I have become obsessed with looking at Etsy Treasurery's lately so I figured I would make one for todays Tuesday's Look.. just click on the picture & it will take you to the etsy shops!

Monday Morning Thought/ evening.......

2011-11-28T22:56:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Song by Mindy Gledhill on Grooveshark

Well, we finally put Christmas out.. some of it atleast. We do not have tons other than garland, tree, and a wreath. Sad.. we'll see what else I'll scrounge up this week to decorate with! Me & Lex made a trip to the doctor this afternoon... she has bronchitis. She is coughing up a lung in the middle of her sleep as I write.. so sad to hear and watch on the monitor! It sounds horrible and she seems so uncomfortable.. During the day she seems like her normal self for the most part.. her cough attacks seem to get worse when she is eating or sleeping. They gave her some medicine so I am hoping it starts to kick in these next couple of days! I sometimes think its impossible to not get sick over the holidays being around all the family?! Anyone else ever notice that?

Fun Find {DIY Fabric Bows & More}

2011-11-26T20:11:00.000-08:00

Ok, so if you follow my little lexi pinterest board you might have already seen this........ BUT, one of my husbands cousin has introduced this site to me & it has a million kazillion tutorials on different style bows!!

I know my taste might be a little different from yours, so you can go check out Fabric Bows & More to find all the ones you want to make!

Christmas Spirit.... i'm getting excited!

2011-11-26T10:20:00.000-08:00

Let me just say I am getting very excited for Christmas now that Thanksgiving is over! I'm hoping to get Christmas decorations out this weekend and I was going through Lexi's pics from last Christmas.. and she is totally not the same baby girl! It's crazy how fast she's grown!!

studly little Diggy

Merry Christmas!!

Hot Cocoa in an Ornament

2011-11-24T12:44:00.000-08:00

Winter Song by Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson on Grooveshark

When I saw these cute little ornament hot cocoas I was immediately obsessed! If you are having a Christmas party these would be the perfect little statement pieces!! OR they could be the perfect little gift set! You can just use napkin holders for their "stand" if you are having a little party.

The Recipe I used:

3/4 cup of milk

5 tsp. of hot cocoa powder

sprinkle in some Cinnamon

5 or so marshmallows

I mixed the cocoa powder, milk, cinnamon separate and heat for 1 1/2 min. and then used a funnel to pour inside the ornament.. then added the marshmallows. I used an x-acto knife to cut the hole for the straw.

if you check out the site above they too had their own way of making their hot cocoa.

I am...

2011-11-23T08:42:00.000-08:00

I am because.....

I saw this from here and thought it seemed like a fun post! If you haven't been able to tell already, things are going a little different this week. Simply because i want to post whatever I feel, exactly when i feel it this week since it is like a vacay week for most. And you can get to know me a little better?!

Don't be afraid to comment, I'd love to hear from each of you who drop by.

I am weird because...

I almost always drink out of a straw, even at home.

I apparently always slurp my spoon while eating my cereal (ty seems to notice this every time without fail)

It takes me a while to be myself around people.

I hardly ever wash my face before I go to bed.

I will find out the ending to suspenseful or scary movies before I watch them.

I always hit the dryer on a few time before I am ready to fold so I don't have to iron.

I will not watch/read anything remotely scary or makes me feel yucky before bed. (so i don't dwell on all the possibilities of bad things happening)

I don't like feeding lex super messy food unless I know she's getting in the bath right after.

I have no motivation to be the perfect housewife and cook good meals and always have the house spotless.

Dishes?, nah!

I am a bad friend because...

I have forgotten a really important friends birthday twice. (not in a row)

I get side tracked on getting favors done.

I sometimes pick spending time with my husband over girls nights. (i'm getting better since we have been married for almost 6 years)

I am a good friend because...

I would do anything for any of my best friends at any moment.

I'm not flaky. (pet peeve)

I don't forget bonds we've made and try to keep them alive.

I cherish good friendship.

I am sad because...

I live so far away from family.

I live in cold snowy weather.

I feel I don't have enough room to put crap away.

I don't live in a city to have every kind of shopping & food place right by.

I am happy because...

I have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life.

God blessed me with the ability to capture our life through photographs.

It's the holidays and the Christmas spirit is about to start!

I have my husband and baby girl to come home to.

I get excited about...

Spending time with family.

Planning parties.

Social gatherings with friends.

Having a Dr. Pepper & some candy.

Anything Chinese themed.

Themed photo shoots.

Date nights, even if its the three of us.

Traveling.

When ty does something for me unexpected.

Anything new lexi discovers she can do.. i have proud mommy moments on just about every little thing.

if you make one of these share the link in the comment section so I can read!

DIY Kid Friendly Snow Globe

2011-11-21T22:06:00.000-08:00

First of all, this is a fun little craft to make with the kids.. mine is obviously not old enough but it is super easy to make and fun for her to play with! Best of all, she can't break this snow globe!!

What you need:

Voss Plastic Bottled Water (World Market, TJ Maxx, or certain grocery stores...)
Clear Karo Syrup
Water
Glitter
Plastic Snowflakes (Joannes in the craft section for 99 cents a package)
E-6000 Glue

How to make:

Pour 1/2 water, 1/2 karo syrup into the bottled water.. shake it around
Add in glitter.. start off with small amounts (read below for more tips)
Stir them all around
Add in plastic snow flakes
Glue the cap shut (read below for more tips)

Things I Learned:

Don't use a ton of glitter.. do a little and add more as you go.. too much glitter will make it hard to see the plastic snow flakes.
I thought it would be cute to do a colorful glitter snow globe & add plastic fish but it didn't look too cool and all the glitter stayed on the fish and make it not look so pretty.
The glue can be messy! Don't glob it everywhere on the top cap or else you will have drops of glue that fall in your globe. Grab an ear swab and use that to dab around the cap to seal the top shut.

You can probably play around with ideas to get a perfect match or you could just do it without accents inside..

it still looks really pretty and mesmerizing with just glitter!

This would be a fun little craft over Thanksgiving with all the kids!

Friday's Film {Autumn Amore Makeup Tutorial}

2011-11-18T09:53:00.000-08:00

I loveee the warm tones all year long..
so if you don't already do the warm tones.. maybe try it for the Fall?!

Thursday's Tip {Ruffle Chiffon Flower Tutorial}

2011-11-17T15:03:00.000-08:00

These are super easy and possibly my favorite style of flowers for little lexi's head..

For the tutorial go check out The Mother Huddle

Tuesdays Look {Well Suited & Shoe Diagram}

2011-11-14T23:22:00.000-08:00

Is your man in the market for a nice suit?

Mine happens to be for job/school purposes and I came across these very useful tips from EmilyPost.

I am loving the European Style with the more skinny or narrow lapel.. (as seen in image no. 2)

1. Go to an established men's store where trained professionals are on staff. These experts are more knowledgeable about make, style, cut, and fit than most of us can ever hope to be. They can teach you the different between traditional, European, and athletic styles and which will work best for you.

via

2. You should be aware of the following fit issues:

If it feels too tight, it probably is. You should be able to fit the flat of your hand in between your chest and the front of the jacket when buttoned and the back vents should lay flat.

If it feels a little big, it can probably be tailored: men's suits can often be taken in a full size.

Trousers should fit at the waist (one finger inside the waistband) so you have room when you sit.

3. The correct jacket length? Stand with your arms hanging naturally at your sides. The jacket should hit just under the curve of your derriere.

4. The sleeve of the jacket should hit where your wrist bends so that your shirt can poke out 1/8" to 1/4".

5. Trousers: a "full break" is the bottom of the pant altered to hit 1" above the floor. Pleated trousers should have cuffs.

via

Have you noticed that celebs now days are wearing their pant legs to hit around their ankles?

via

Ryan Gosling was a perfect example of how to wear a good suit in Crazy Stupid Love

Need more suit tips?

click here to see:

how to compliment the suit

7 ways to see if your suit fits diagram

how to wear a shirt

how to buy the right shoes

How to tie a tie.. windsor (broad spread collar) or *The four-in-hand (narrow suits)

Don't worry ladies, I haven't forgot a little something for you either...

(if the eye candy wasn't enough)

in case you were curious what the specific names were for each kind of shoe...

via

Mondays Recap {a little winter frosting}

2011-11-13T23:00:00.000-08:00

It's already that time of year for these parts..

this is what it started with..

and this is how it was not even two hours later..

Where are you from?
&
What was your weather like this weekend?

Vintage Fall Engagement Sesh

2011-11-13T20:33:00.000-08:00

Meet Kristin & Josh, Kristin was my best friend all growing up and never in a million years would I have ever thought I would be taking her engagements! I'm going to share a little bit of their session here.. the rest is on my photo blog
I am pretty proud of myself I edited 82 images in one week! We just shot these last weekend...

VIP treatment, i tell ya!

Autumn Splendor Photo Challenge

2011-11-13T20:26:00.000-08:00

click here to see more

Friday's Film {Veterans Day}

2011-11-11T16:15:00.000-08:00

Happy Veterans Day!

video platform video management video solutions video player

This just breaks my heart that BOTH parents have to be gone!

We have many veterans/soldiers in our family.. one couple that is married but don't have kids yet and they both came back in September.. they served near each other and luckily are home for a while!

Hope yall have a good 11/11/11 kinda day!!

Thursday's Tip {Thanksgiving Touches}

2011-11-10T11:09:00.000-08:00

Ok Thanksgiving is obviously known to be the holiday for two things...

Eating a ridiculous amount of food
Being Thankful

Sooooo i bring you both today!!

Hope you enjoy, because I thought these two were pretty darn cute!!

1. Honeyed Pears in Puff Pastery

go to SprinkleBakes.com to see how they made these babies!!

2. Thankful Printables.. just click here to grab them!

"Each strip has an empty space to write what you’re feeling grateful for. They can be used as napkins rings, tags for branches of trees, which would make a terrific conversation piece, or be as creative as you’d like. You’ll see we printed them on kraft paper to make a very thankful paper chain.

(A fun project for the kids while dinner is preparing.) "

I'm Thankful for...

1. A hardworking husband who I love sooo much and couldn't do without!

2. my precious little girl who gives me more joys than I ever thought possible!

3. Planes, so they can fly me to see my parents and close friends! (be back in 6 weeks!!)

4. Skype, so I can see loved ones from afar and not feel like it's been months since i've seen them! I love being able to see my neice grow and her latest personality!

~~5. The Holidays.. it gives an excuse to be excited about something and brings loved ones closer!~~
6. 5. ahh how could i forget the Camera, so I can relive past memories.

I Challenge You:

Make it a goal to at least type/write down 5-10 things you are thankful for - before Thanksgiving!!

even the small things count!!

Pillow Thought

Tuesdays Look {whats in our closet - Spring Edition}

my little girls 20 month session

Pass It Forward & St. Jude drop off

Friday's Film {My Heart Skips a Beat}

Target Fun Find

Tuesdays Look {pastel skinnies}

my monday mornin' thought.. via instagram

Friday's Film {DIY Bow Bracelet}

my valentine...

Valentine's Fun Find

Mondays Recap {our weekend}

Friday's Film {Valentine's Day}

Thursday's Tip {Valentine's gift/lunch sack printables}

Fun Find {160 uses for Coconut Oil}

Tuesday's Look {so nautical}

{Monday mornin' thought} love languages

Bucket Toyz Giveaway Winner Announced

Elle Bowtique Giveaway

Friday's Film {Valentine's DIY Cake}

Thursday's Tip {Valentine's Gift Ideas for HIM }

*FUN FIND ALERT* Super Bowl Foods

Tuesdays Look {mint}

{Monday mornin' thought} going out...

Bucket Toyz Giveaway

Friday's Film {i won't give up}

my happy place

fun find {bucket toyz and blueberries}

Tuesday's Look {14 steps to be healthy}

Mondays Recap {me time}

Friday's Film {a thousand years}

Thursday's Tip {Pinterest, hit or miss?}

Tuesdays Look {Rain Boots}

{Monday mornin' thought} strawberries

Friday's Film {A dream is a wish your heart makes}

Thursday's Tip {Family Flip Book}

{a little more about me}

{Monday mornin' thought} hold up

Lucky Commenter, Numero Uno

Friday's Film {Breakfast Interrupted}

{Thursday's Tip} Speeding Tickets from the Air

lots of love

Tuesdays Look {Whats In My Closet}

{Monday mornin' thought} some things are just destined

*Giveaway* Whimsical Carnival 2012 Calander

* Eleven Fun Finds *

Friday's Film {You Is...... }

{Thursday's Tip} DIY- sometimes you just fall in love

Santa had a little too much milk & cookies

Holiday Makeup Inspiration

Starry Nights

Posh Pipsqueak Giveaway Winner...

Merry Christmas!

Friday's Film {Francesca Battistelli -This is the Stuff}

Thursday's Tip {Santa's Milk & Cookies & snacks for the Reindeer & Elves}

Posh Pipsqueak Giveaway!

Tuesdays Look {My new favorite shoes}

We have a LUCKY little winner for Stella & Dot by Rochelle!

{Monday mornin' thought} my little snowgirl

Friday's Film {High Fashion People- Strike a Pose}

Thursday's Tip {Santa's Key & a Christmas Tip}

Wednesday's Fun Find {Thank Attack - Random Act of Kindness}

my stella & dot wish list + GIVEAWAY! {Tuesday's Look}

{Monday mornin' thought} a never ending To-Do List

Christmas Sticker Book for a dollar?!?

Thursday's Tip {Packing for the Holidays}

Random Acts of Christmas Kindness Scavenger Hunt

Tuesdays Look {Cabin Fever}

Monday Morning Thought/ evening.......

Fun Find {DIY Fabric Bows & More}

Christmas Spirit.... i'm getting excited!

Hot Cocoa in an Ornament

I am...

DIY Kid Friendly Snow Globe

Friday's Film {Autumn Amore Makeup Tutorial}

Thursday's Tip {Ruffle Chiffon Flower Tutorial}

Tuesdays Look {Well Suited & Shoe Diagram}

Mondays Recap {a little winter frosting}

Vintage Fall Engagement Sesh

Autumn Splendor Photo Challenge

FUN FIND ALERT Super Bowl Foods

Giveaway Whimsical Carnival 2012 Calander