So we have this horrible light fixture in our dining room (which we are replacing) but last night Paul pointed this out and I just had to share...

has to be the funniest shadow EVER!!!

Horrible becomes Beautiful

So last year a neighbor dug up her backyard to plant some horrible trees....well now they have bloomed ....

and look beautiful...my only suggestions are...

1) lose the price tag...they have been out there 

for like a year there is no returning them

2) get rid of that scraggly stuff in between the trees

Stormy Weather?

So here comes the rain?  When walking back from lunch/library visit I noticed that it's starting to look like rain is finally on it's way.

I get back to my desk and Zach (an attorney I work with) 

emailed me and said that a bad storm is brewing and I 

should go home before it hits.  So I left work around 3:30.

So I get home from work and see this....

NOOOOO!!  Hold on little one...RAIN IS COMING!!!

New bud on it's way =)

The Mighty Ducks are back!!

Saltines = Duckies come running!

More Saltines = Duckies feel safe enough to get inches away.

Some have a few cracker crumbs on their backs to enjoy later =)

 

 

 

 

 

One mama and two males...what happened to the

 other mama duck and her two lil ducklings?

Spring Glamour

So we have this beautiful tree in our front yard...

and on Monday when I was walking out to my car I saw this...

then Tuesday morning I saw this...

Beautiful!  I love this tree!

this one sprang up too...I missed it's before picture.

7 is the number of....

writing instruments currently on my desk!  

I didn't even need to gather them up for this photo...

they were all just laying like this on my desk.  Why?

Mighty Ducks!

So every year it seems that the next generation of ducks starts out in my back yard.  

 

but this year there are TWO mama ducks...

She only has two ducklings.

When I grow up...

When I grow up by Shirley Temple

When am I going to start feeling like a grown up?  I have friends with children and even my little sisters have children so I realize that yes I am an adult but I just don't have that feeling of being a "grown up".  I mean believe me I know I am not in my wild 20s.  "Staying up and out all night" days are gone and believe me I've made those "stupid mistakes" and learned from them like we are all supposed to do.

Sure I graduated from college and have my full time job.  I'm engaged and planning a wedding.  I think about my finances.  I budget.  I grocery shop.  I pay my mortgage.  I keep track of my 401k.  I do all those things that grown ups do.  But why don't I feel like a grown up?

Does it have to do with the fact that I don't see my current job as my career?  Is it because I still have a list of things to do with my life?  Or is it more like a self image than the actual thought of being a grown up.  I just can't believe some people would look at me and think "look at that grown up over there."

It's not like I feel young ~ I cried the whole day on my 25th birthday because I felt that I was officially old.  Also, believe me when I turn on the radio in my car, I immediately know that I am not young. The music SUCKS and that statement in itself makes me feel old.

But you know when you are a kid and you think....when I grow up....and you have that whole list of stuff that you rattle off that you want to do.  When do you finally feel like that check list is complete and maybe I should have written it down because apparently I'm too old now to remember and fear that I'm forgetting something!

Ding Dong ...

(cough cough)

So I'm not that big on Avon products except for this eye makeup remover that they sell which goes on sale for $1.

When it goes on sale, I stock up.  This stuff is great for several reasons 1) it works ~ it will take off the hardest to remove mascara in one to two swipes 2) it doesn't burn your eyes and 3) it moisturizes!!  So recently when I grabbed an Avon book from our firm kitchen and noticed this was on sale, I thought perhaps I need to find a few other things to try and then blog about them.  So, I decided to get some mascara.

The brush on this is super tiny so it really grabs every little lash.  I can tell a difference in the length of my lashes too.  They do seem longer.  Also, since the brush is so fine it doesn't clump up on your lashes or leave big clumps on the ends.  It also dries super quick so it doesn't smear when applying to the lower lashes.

However, I did have a problem with my Avon order.  I ordered a black dress.  When it came in, I went to the restroom to try it on and two problems 1) this dress had some HORRIBLE built-in "shape wear" which was basically this rubber tubing you were supposed to slide into ... NO THANKS and 2) it REEKED of cigarette smoke and bad perfume.  I feared trying it on for two reasons 1) what if I couldn't get out of that rubber tubing and 2) what if I couldn't get that smell off of me.  Needless to say, I went back to my desk and emailed the Avon lady and asked for a refund.  She was very professional.  Offered me my money back or a credit towards other purchases.  I chose money back and she came in later that week dropped off my money and took the dress.  So, at least you know if you order something and you don't like it Avon will take it back. However, maybe the Avon lady shouldn't smoke around her selling items.  

Happy Earth Day!!

Click on this link http://green.yahoo.com/pledge to make a pledge to reduce your carbon foot print.  You will be amazed at how much something simple makes a difference.  When you're done, take your reusable mug over to Starbucks and enjoy a free coffee on them (today only in honor of Earth Day)!

So much to do....such little time to do it.....

I'm late, I'm late for A very important date. No time to say hello, good-bye, 

I'm late, I'm late, I'm late I'm late...

Why is it that when I am busy...I AM BUSY and when I'm not I have absolutely NOTHING to do. I feel like this weekend is just jammed packed with stuff to do and I keep thinking...I HAVE ONLY TWO DAYS TO GET IT ALL DONE!?!? So even though it is only Thursday I feel like I am already frantically running around like the white rabbit worrying about not getting it all done.

Time management sounds like the obvious answer but it really isn't because I've put off everything until now. Sometimes you just have too much going on and not enough time to do it.

So in order to make it through this weekend, I am prioritizing what ACTUALLY needs to get done vs. what can really WAIT. Plus, if I put all this pressure on myself I will not enjoy any of my weekend. Also, I'm going to try to get some of the errands I need to run done tonight.

How often do you run around like the white rabbit?

4 Scents

1) Miss Dior Cherie ~ I love this perfume and for a while I was wearing it all the time...until the bottle became half full...now I have been wearing some of the others more.  (It's expensive!)

2) CK One Summer (circa 2008) ~ Unfortunately, this summer romance will be ending soon.  As I stated in my A to Z post ~ it will become impossible to find soon.

3) DKNY Red Delicious ~ I've bought this twice on eBay for $20 each time.  

4) Ocean Pacific ~ I fell in love with this perfume back in college and I used to get it for CHEAP at perfumania .... I recently bought a small bottle on eBay and have been wearing it for the past week.  Everyone has complemented it.  So it has definitely made it back into the line up.

Box for my Jewels

So after receiving my engagement ring and especially after almost losing my diamond necklace on a daily basis I decided that I needed to get a jewelry box.  I found this at Ross for $10......

I love it.  It is mirrored glass with Damask.  

Also, it's a pretty big box so room to grow into =)

Picture Perfect

I saw this and just HAD to share =)

Just a lady? enjoying a lovely day in the park!

Does it Work?

Sally Hansen Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Pens

NO!!!!!  This nail pen didn't go on smooth or dry quickly as it boasts in its name.  The pen applicator was big and messy.  On the packaging it states that it should work in two coats.  Well after several minutes, the first coat was still tacky and not dry and after the second coat you could still see my nail through the color.  Within a few hours, it began to chip off!  This nail color smelled like that nail polish from childhood pretend makeup kits and worked about as well. Needless to say, I'll be returning this and getting my money back.

See I told you...

So like I said in my A to Z post, I love old Madonna songs.  So yesterday at Target I bought this CD to listen to at work....

It has some of her newer music along with some of the great classics  ... 

I'm offically old now that Madonna's music can be referred to as classic...LOL!  

Some of my faves on this CD...Vogue, Into the Groove, 

Express Yourself, Dress You Up & so on! Happy Monday!!

Buyer's Remorse No More!

First Check Out Related Posts:

http://worldaccordingtoshia.blogspot.com/2011/03/chasing-skirt.html

http://worldaccordingtoshia.blogspot.com/2011/04/buyers-remorse.html

I found a shirt and it was only $8!

In solving this problem I think I created something quite cute.  I paired this formal skirt with a "boyfriend tee" from Target.  This t-shirt has a mini pocket.  I think the casual and formal mixed together creates a cute outfit.  {Notice how the skirt looks kinda blue in the pic...it ISN'T...it is MINT!!}  For once I think I beat the dreaded back of the closet it goes saga.  Send me some pics of your problem pieces that you found a way to rock and I'll post them!

A to Z

I thought I would share some things that I love....

 

A ~ Audi - I absolutely love Audis and I want one but for the sake of my sanity I will not get one because if it got damaged I wouldn't be able to handle it.  I joked with Paul and said that I would have to move my office to my car because of the fear someone would ding it in the parking garage.

B ~ Blogging!  I absolutely love writing my blog.  I have really been trying to step it up and put some great posts up.  I literally feel guilty when I don't blog.  If I miss a day I usually want to post an apology.  Like yesterday...no post...Shia was catching up on some sleep.  No excuse though!  My new mantra is quality posts.  I really put a lot of time and effort into each new post so I hope you enjoy!

I'll even handwrite out a rough draft or an outline for a blog post if need be!  On damask paper of course...lol.

C~ CK One Summer circa 2008!  I absolutely love this fragrance the catch though is that every year CK One Summer is new so finding it now is hard.  I bought the first bottle in 2008 and last year bought my second bottle on ebay for $20.  Getting low again so I just looked on ebay $65!!!  Talk about supply v. demand.  

D ~ Damask!  Hello have we met?  I absolutely love this pattern.  Two Christmases ago my Mom gave me this great bed set it has finally made it on my bed.  Thanks Mom!

E ~ Eighties Music - Especially Madonna!  I absolutely love jamming to some classic Madonna.  True Blue is one of my favorite Madonna songs.

F~ Flats! I love wearing flats!  They are cute without the pain.  I just got these at Target for this summer.  I will say that they are the squeakiest shoes I have ever owned but I love them.

G ~ Guess Handbags!  I absolutely love Guess handbags.  I used to have quite a few more but I donated some to charity when I reorganized my closet.  I love these bags because they are unique not many people carry them.  

H ~ Honey Nut Cheerios!  As crazy as it sounds but if I buy this cereal I can eat it three times a day if needed.  I just love it!!

I~ Ideal Image!  Awhile back Taller and I went to a Bridal Show and I won some money off a hair removal package.  I decided to use it on my chin.  I used to be VERY self conscious about hair on my chin.  I used to carry and have tweezers everywhere.  My biggest fear was being that old lady with a beard because I couldn't see the hair and no one would tell me and they would just laugh behind my back.  Now no more worries.  The hair is GONE! 

J ~ My Jetta!  I have a love/hate relationship with it.  I love it but I hate that it has been the beacon of parking lot dings and scratches.  LEAVE MY JETTA ALONE PEOPLE!!!  (See this is why I can't have an Audi)

K ~ Kissing goodbye & goodnight!  I love that Paul and I always kiss goodbye and goodnight.  It just happens and I think it is the sweetest thing ever!

L ~ Laughing!  What can I say I like to laugh.  I had a friend growing up who's mother said she didn't like me because I laugh too much.  Well get over it you old bitty, I laugh and I like to make others laugh with my incredible wit. =)

M ~ Moulin Rouge!  I am not one to say that I have favorite movies or favorite actor/actresses but I LOVE this movie.  The first time I saw it I was pretty skeptical I think I literally said...Nicole Kidman singing bleh. But by the end I was bawling my eyes out.  The music in this movie is great!  If it's on tv...I DVR it!  Speaking of which, I am pretty sure it's on the DVR as I type!

N ~ My Nieces!  I love these little rugrats!  Marissa is 5, Kaelyn is soon to be 2 and Leah is soon to be 1!

O ~ Orchids!  I love Orchids and the first flowers Paul bought me was orchids.  I've never owned a live orchid because I'm too afraid that I will kill it and I would be devastated!

P ~ Paul!  He is the love of my life and my best friend!  I still can't believe I was lucky enough to find him! (I also love my pets AND PARENTS but Paul wins the slot)

Q ~ Quiet!!  OMG I can not say this enough SHUT UP!!!  My office is SOOOO noisy!  I just love when it's quiet...ahhhhhhh!

R ~ Rootbeer!  This is the only drink that I will give in and not get the diet version if it isn't available.  I will drink it and glady accept the calories that go with it.  

S ~ Sweet & Low!  What can I say this is my vice.  I went without it for awhile but now I am back on the wagon.  

T ~ Twix!  I can normally pass up candy but not if it happens to be a Twix bar.  That's why they give you two in the pack - they are just that good they know you want another one.

U ~ Ulta!  I don't know what I did before this store.  I love it!  Not only do they have EVERYTHING...it goes on SALE!!!  Going soon to get some B2G1 Redken styling products!!

V ~ Vacations!  When's my next one?

W ~ White Pizza!  I only discovered this a few years ago (thanks to Paul) and I love it.  I hate tomatoes so I didn't eat pizza, so white pizza makes me normal.  Before I would say...I don't eat pizza and I would hear GASP!?! YOU DON'T EAT PIZZA?!?  Now I do!

X ~ Xtra Daylight (ok you think of something with X) Even though I hate setting the clock ahead an hour I love that it is not dark out when I leave work.  I hate driving home in the dark feeling like the day is completely over.  

Y ~ Yellow!  So I used to hate yellow.  Face it sometimes a generic yellow crayon doesn't even work.  When I started thinking about wedding ideas, I fell in love with damask and thought about putting that Tiffany blue with it but then I thought perhaps I should incorporate Paul into the whole mix and since his favorite color is yellow I put damask and yellow together and fell in love.  I love yellow now.  (okay maybe not those yellow shorts Paul insists on wearing EVERYWHERE)

Z ~ Zombies!  I love zombie movies!  I just think...what would I do if the world became full of zombies...

Some letters I could think of multiple things but I really just tried to put the first thing that came to mind when thinking what do I love that starts with.....

The end of Tuesday monotony!

I hate Tuesdays! I hate Tuesdays more than Mondays! I hate Tuesday because I get home from work and realize...dang it's only TUESDAY. This past Tuesday though Paul suggested that we have a little sunset picnic at the beach. So when I got home from work we headed over to Ponte Vedra Beach. It was so peaceful. There was NO ONE there and Paul and I sat on a blanket eating our picnic dinner watching the waves and the sunset. The shells I took to remember our special Tuesday night! {sorry the pic is so blurry I guess I only picked the smallest shells on the beach}

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Astrological BS

I looked for my horoscope on glamour.com and found the following....

Aquarius January 20 - February 18

Today’s horoscope

It's not surprising that people turn to you when they have a conflict they can't resolve by themselves. After all, you give good advice. And, a lot of the time, you just listen -- which is what most people need, most of the time, anyway. If a coworker comes to you, lend them your ear. But hold off on lending them money. It might be the kind of fix that doesn't fix things for them (or you) in the long term.

Read More http://www.glamour.com/horoscopes/sign#ixzz1JWs3n4WL

and of course when I want to prove a point is the 1 out of 100 times that this COULD pertain to me.  However, I think I give great advice because I'm a know-it-all not because my sign happens to be Aquarius.   Anyways back to the point I was trying to make, it is okay to check your horoscope once in awhile for a giggle but to introduce yourself as your sign or blame your faults on your sign is RIDICULOUS.  Also, aren't you just stereotyping yourself at that point...wouldn't you rather be an individual rather than be tagged as a crazy Gemini.  Don't even get me started on match making through signs, "OMG all the Virgos I've dated have been jerks."  Sorry honey it wasn't because he was a Virgo ... he's just a jerk.  Maybe you need to evaluate why you keep finding jerks rather than what their sign is.  So anyways, just use your horoscope for fun ~ don't use it as an oracle to your life.

Leah is walking...

My sister sent me this video so I thought I would share....

National Library Week

It is National Library Week so no matter where you live head in to your local library to support it.  The days of only getting books at the library are long gone now you can check out DVDs, CDs and Audiobooks, read magazines, surf the web on computers, free wifi for your laptop, etc.  

The Downtown Jacksonville Branch is the library I visit the most.  I have turned my lunch hour into peaceful lunches in the gorgeous courtyard and flipping through magazines looking for new blog ideas. 

I just learned that the library system here in Jacksonville is facing a big budget cut.  The cut will result in a branch closing and all libraries to be closed on Sundays and Mondays and reducing the daily hours.  Also, a budget cut on new materials. 

The library is something we all take for granted, I mean when you were a kid and you had a report to do...face it the library encyclopedia sets was where it was at ... but now we've forgotten how great it is.  I only recently started going to the library regularly when I discovered books on CD.  My long commutes are now not so bad when listening to books on the way to and home from work.  My road rage has dropped significantly as well.  I even have Paul hooked on them now.  Seriously, great libraries is now a must on places we are considering moving.

On a budget?  Hello did I forget to mention that all of this is free with a library card?  Of course if you miss your check in date you will have to pay a fine but other than that FREE!  Also, our library here in Jacksonville as a great website.  You can renew your items online, search for new items, place items on hold to be picked up at your local branch from other Jacksonville branches, download ebooks and audiobooks, find out about events happening at the library and so much more!

Does it work?

So as I said...name a product and I've probably tried it or I'm thinking about trying it.  My lastest test was Sally Hansen Nail Effects.

As you can see there are many colors and patterns to choose from.   So starting off I was very skittish that this was going to work.  I wasn't really happy about the price which ranges from $8.99 to $10.99 depending on where you buy them and the fact that you only get 16 nail effects.  Never fear I found solutions to both of these problems.  First I bought mine at Ulta with a 20% off coupon (and/or use your $3.50 off coupon) and when applying the nail effects I realized I could use one nail effect for two nails.   So the box states that the nail effects will last for 10 days...let's see....

So as you can see I picked the black and white flowery pattern (which ironically is called Cut it Out...didn't I just do a post titled that....yes I did).  On the left hand side is how they looked Day 1.  They were quick and easy to put on and Sally Hansen supplies you with everything you need to put them on.  The best part...no waiting to dry!  I NEVER wait long enough...NEVER!!!  I took a shower right after I put these on and NOTHING came off.  

So on the right side you will see that Day 7 I had peeling from the base up.  The nail tips barely chipped or came off.  Part of the reason for the base peeling is that within these 7 days my nails grew to twice as long. Also I think operator error is part of the problem, I think the more you do it the better you will get at putting them on.  I think the black and white pattern also helped to hide any missing spots.  

So all in all I think this product will eliminate ANY need to pay for a manicure.  Even at $10.99 when did your last $18 manicure last 7 days.  I can never keep a manicure perfect for one day and these nail effects didn't become unwearable until literally Day 7.  

So now I am on the look out for them to do toenail nail effects....wouldn't that be awesome!

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Cue the Crickets

{Remember when I went to New Hampshire last year and wrote in a

notebook while I was gone from the blogging world...

well I wrote this and never posted it so here it finally is....enjoy!}

So it's Sunday late evening and we are staying in because everything is closed.  It is super quiet.  The nothingness and the overwhelming sense of calm just makes me think of death, you know like slowing down equals time ending.  It always has.  Just those quiet moments with the sun going down, peaceful and quiet just makes me think of how short life is.  We live in such a fast paced world.  Everything is go go go.  I'm guilty of "wishing for the weekend" so in a sense I am "wishing my life away".  These moments of calm are just daunting to me in a way.  Creepy?  I know.  But when you think about it don't we just rush and do so much to experience life?  Aren't we just trying to do enough to make our lives meaningful?  But who's life is more meaningful?  Someone who lives on their 3rd or 4th generation farm out in the rural area or the modern family that are involved in a million and one activities and are constantly trying to beat the clock?  I stopped wearing a watch for part of that reason.  I was tired of being a slave to time - constantly needing to know what time it is.  But going back to this daunting calm, I even experienced them when I was young.  Quiet summer evenings, my mom would be giving me a bath or getting me ready for bed and it would make me think of "the end".  At this point I was young - no mad go go go lifestyle so why the morbid thoughts?   Am I just a city girl at heart with a need for the hustle and bustle?  Or is it just human nature?  I hate my commute and hectic days but long for them when it's too calm?  

So how do we obtain a middle ground....not too busy and not too calm?  Doesn't the hustle and bustle always sneak in and overtake everything in some way.  If you are thinking, no I have my time managed just think back to your last holiday get together and all the time stress that went into spending time with family.  A lot right?  Don't kid yourself...A TON!  How often do we try to make holidays easier?

Also people say all the time that there aren't enough hours in the day.  Think about the last time you had to wait.  You were annoyed right?  Come on we are all guilty of getting extremely annoyed at having to wait and feeling like our time is being wasted.  

Basically our time is precious and everyday we take it for granted.  I'm not suggesting that we all go back to that daunting quiet farm house in the middle of no where but maybe something in between the nothingness and the exhausting hustle and bustle.  

Put more effort into the balancing act.  Don't just say it.  Do it.  Everyone needs to budget money these days but time budgeting is just as important.  Concentrate on the quality of your life being measured by your happiness and not how much you need to do vs. how much you are getting done.  We all have a to do list but maybe budgeting your time will make you realize that it all doesn't have to be done all at once.

So maybe with all of this said, next time I experience one of those calm peaceful moments I'll be able to sit back and enjoy it and not have that looming fear of time ticking away.  [or maybe I am crazy....always a possibility =)]

Memories

So, I've always wondered why I can remember everything that's happened in my life at odd moments.  According to researchers, scientists have known for a long time that our brain cements memories during the hours we sleep and it seem that recollections are also hardwired into your brain when you're awake but when your mind is wandering.  

I feel like when I am having a zen moment and my mind wanders all of a sudden I'll replay some odd moment in my life.  It can be high school drama or a moment from my childhood and when it is over I think man where did that come from, why did I just think of that and how did I even remember that?  I've worried that I had possible pent up issues but now it is nice to know that it's just a normal brain function for memory.  WHEW! I thought I was crazy =)

Buyer's Remorse....

So as I posted before (click here), I bought this skirt to fulfill an obsession for another skirt.  I attempted to wear it today but then realized that I don't have a shirt that goes with it and it is more like a mint green than a blue.  I just hate when you buy something and it doesn't work or it requires hunting for the right top or the right shoes.  It makes it a hassle and forget any deal I got on this skirt if I now need to go and buy a shirt and or shoes.  I actually had a feeling that this was going to happen so I took it with me the other day on a shopping trip looking for a top and NADA.  I thought okay well a white shirt would surely go...but you know when you have a feeling like...this isn't quite right so then the entire day you just feel like you look awkward.  So needless to say my Monday morning was a wreck because I only pulled like a million shirts down out of my closet to see if they would work and then didn't even end up wearing the skirt at all.  I finally said screw it and pulled out something else.  

So now I am thinking I will return it but of course there is that haunting voice in my head saying...no give it a try look for a top and it will be great.  However, there is also that "I told you so" voice telling me that I will never wear this skirt and it will end up in my closet with clothes that I never wear until like a year from now when I donate it to the vets.  (I love this clothing charity ... they will pick the stuff up from your house and they do yearly pick ups on Veteran's Day and they supply you with information to write it off on your taxes!)  Also, I know for a fact that when you are looking for a particular something when you are shopping you NEVER find it. 

Thankfully I didn't do the unthinkable....I haven't torn the tag off yet so I CAN return it!  Seriously though, I am perplexed...I really don't know if I should try getting a pale gray shirt .... but now I am on a quest for a pale gray shirt?  AHHHHHHH!  I know what I should do but will I do it?  (SEND IT BACK!!!!)

Paul and Shia's House

So since time is getting shorter and shorter to when Paul and I want to move.  We have been trying to narrow down our dream home plans.  Basically, Paul has drawn out how we want the inside of the house to lay out but as for the outside we have finally narrowed it down.  

Beauxville

I absolutely love this house.  I love everything about it.  

The color, the clapboard, the decorative windows...

everything EXCEPT it is missing the "swoop".  I know what

 you are saying...what the heck is the "swoop".........

Kellswater

See how this one has a slight curve to the roof line.  

I absolutely love that so Paul and I are going to see if the architect can

 add some swoop to the Beauxville and make it the perfect 

Paul & Shia house.  (I can't see why he couldn't they're both his designs).

There has been some talk of not doing the clapboard and going all stone.  

I am rooting for the clapboard but I do love cobblestone houses....

I can't wait until we start building.  There will definitely be blogging related to its progress once that day arrives....now all we need is a LOCATION!