I'm Finally Back...

Alright, my hiatus has been long enough!  My life has been so hectic, crazy, bizarre, and down right stressful! I'm so excited that I'm getting into the holiday season: crafting, cooking, and dressing up for different things.
Right now, I'm working on my second cheesecake, listening to Sleeping at Last! I've loved them for a very long time... click here for free Christmas music from noistrade!

I'm also, about to turn off the music and watch The Holiday.

mine are in no particular order:
1) Elf (ok yes, this is first for a reason)
2) Little Women (not actually a "Christmas" movie but, I watch it every holiday season)
3) The Preacher's Wife
What are your favorite Christmas movies?
Here's also a sneak peak on what I've been working on!

Upcoming This Week

I love my new i-touch! it is amazing!
Ok now for the big news! Tomorrow I will be baking and crafting up a storm and I will be documenting my whole thanksgiving with an hour by hour photo!

What are your thanksgiving plans?

8 Shifts a Week - To the Tune of (8 Days a Week)

This week starts two new shifts at work... This is how I feel right now:

At least, at least I don't have to work on Thursday. Thank goodness for that... But, my computer just said it was 5:00, which means it's time for me to get ready for work!
Have a great Sunday evening... Do some relaxing for me!

Lauren

Latin

I got a solo! 

I'm in a Civic Choir in town. 

I auditioned last week for a solo...

This one to be exact!


I'm so excited! I hope to get actual footage/sound when I have my concert.
This piece is so pretty. Let's just hope I can hit those high notes!

How is your Thursday going?
I hope well!
Lauren

What are you watching?

It's time to come clean...

I love watching TV shows...

There are so many that I love.

Here are my favorites:

10) Gossip Girl

I know, I know, it's rather corny... 

But, I love it for the drama, the boys...

Penn Badgley

and...

 

Chase Crawford

and for the fashion!

9) Buffy the Vampire Slayer

  I would never want to get in her path!

8) The Biggest Loser

Um... Enough said, these people are all about changing their lives... and watch out for

Jillian Michaels

She is so intimidating!

7) 30 Rock

All the characters are so complex! I love love love it!

Liz Lemon, Jack Donaghey, and Tracey Jordan are my favorite characters!

Oh, and Kenneth!

6) Parenthood

 This show is just amazing!

5) The Office

 DUH!

4) Friday Night Lights

Good drama, great acting, and...

Taylor Kitsch

3) Chuck

This show is just stinkin' funny! And you can't forget about...

 Zachary Levi

Bonus: He's a born-again believer!

2) 90210

I love absolutely everything about this show!

1) Vampire Diaries

And the number one goes to this show... It's not about the vampires...

The story is just too good!

What are your favorite shows?

I'd love to see some posts!

24 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 25

1. Go to a Nebraska Husker Football Game.
2. Go to the College World Series
3. Road Trip to Springfield, MO - To visit Red Velvet
4. Buy a Nice DSLR
5. Go to Omaha at least Once a Month
6. Learn to Make Sushi
7. Learn to Crochet
8. Learn to Play Guitar
9. Read the Bible in a Year
10. Get out of Debt (loans)
11. Learn to Work with Clay
12. Go to a Roller Derby Game
13. Read at least 20 Books
14. Save $1500 
15. Re-decorate My Room
16. Craft at least 2x a Month
17. Bake Once a Week
18. Grow My Mark. Business
19. Get Down to My Ideal Weight
20. Sew at least Once a Month
21. Take the GRE
22. Make a Quilt
23. Spend My Money Wisely
24. Go Sledding

I've accomplished 1 out of 24! I hope these goals are doable. I think it's good to have goals. A lot of mine are things I've just procrastinated! I hope I do well!

 

Hope everyone is having a good week!

Lauren

Today is the Anniversary of my Birth

It's my birthday!

I can't believe I'm 24!

I'd been working on a list of things I wanted to do before I turned 25, I hope to get that up here before the end of the week!

So many exciting things are happening this week! 

I went paintballing for the first time this week!

I'm going to my first Husker game on Saturday!

And of course, my birthday!

This morning, the guy I'm dating took me out to breakfast and then I went to work.

Had some great food at work, and one of my co-workers bought me a mini cake!

Then I came home and passed out and woke up to my phone ringing. It was my guy and he had my birthday presents at the front door. My bike (I had purchased it for $5 at a garage store, it needed a new chain, tubing, and brake pads), he went to get it fixed and also bought me a Stephen King novel. Insomnia. 

Hope everyone has a great day!

Happy Veteran's Day.

Thank you to all the Veterans who have served this country!

Great Gatsby

Well, I finished the book and I really enjoyed it. It was rather tragic and had many errors in the plot. I feel sorry for the narrator Nick Carraway and everything he had to deal with, including: Tom, Daisy and Mr. Gatsby himself.

I understand why he was so reserved to become friends with Gatsby. I can't believe Gatsby did all that he did just win back a "love" who would in the end betray him.

Well, I could type all day on the subject, but, I'm just excited that I already finished my first book for the month. My birthday is in 6 days!

Lauren

Happy Wednesday

I'm already a fourth done with The Great Gatsby.

It's actually pretty good... I'll have to find the movie on Netflix when I'm done.

I found two different adaptations! I'm excited to watch both!

I'm also downloading Sleeping At Last's November EP! I really enjoyed October! 

I'm hoping November doesn't dissapoint!

I wonder if Switchfoot or Relient K or Coldplay has come out with anything new?  Those are my three favorite bands. Followed by Sleeping at Last. I will have to google and see what's going on with everyone.

Well, I need to get ready for the day, and get back to my book.

Have a great Wednesday! (I can't believe how fast the week is going!)

Lauren

November Book List

(Picture from Weheartit.com)

Alright, this is a day late, but here is my November book list:

Week 1: The Great Gatsby

Week 2: The Awakening and Other Stories

Week 3: The Picture of Dorian Gray

Week 4: The Scarlet Letter

I missed my 100th Post!

But, I did tie for third place in the costume contest! I won $7.50. Oh well. I tried! I was planning on getting some much needed sewing done yesterday, but, besides my obligations outside my house (work and small group) all I did was sleep. I've been so tired as of late I need a new mattress. Mine has had it!
Today, I start training for host at work. Then I come back and work the evening shift! It will be a long day of work.

Is anyone voting today?
I haven't decided yet...

Sleeping at Last!!

They came out with an EP one for each month!

I just bought October! I can't wait for november...

Check them out at Sleepingatlast.com!

Welkomen November!

November is finally here!! Why am I so excited? Because that means my birthday is right around the corner!

Well, I've decided to blog again, after a long hiatus, I've come to realize that I don't have to be a perfect blogger! I don't need a daily thing to blog about or just enjoyment in writing...


As you all know, last night was Halloween. I just picked up a new shift at work so I now close on Sunday nights. We had a costume contest and the theme was the 1920's.


Here's my costume:

 

The winner gets $50! Second receives $25, and third receives $15. I spent about $50, so it would be nice to win some sort of money! 

Another very interesting thing that happened last night was the cutting of my precious ring finger on my right hand.

Here's how the story goes: I was reaching down to get a coffee cup at work, and the coffee cups were stacked improperly, one fell and a huge thick piece stuck right into my finger, right to the bone. It hurt to say the least, there was blood everywere... ok not everywhere, I'm embellishing the story! Four bandaids later, and threats of ducktaping my "tiny fingers". I started to feel a little better. It just hurts to put any pressure on it. I hope I don't need stitches. : |

Well my faithful readers, I do have some exciting things planned (I promise). I will let you know if I win the costume contest or if I need stitches!

UPDATE: I tied for third place!

-Lauren

Life in the Fast Lane

I'm not sure where my blog is going to go. I feel lost. I use to just write about what was going on in my life. Then I decided to expand and blog about different things. I'm not sure where I want it to go. I think I should take a hard look at why I'm blogging, and then I will come back hopefully with some new ideas...

Lauren

Grab My Button

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New Blog Button

New Blog Button!!!

Welcome Autumn!

Do you actually know how excited I am? 

I mean really excited! 

It's AUTUMN! 

That means I get to scour the web for recipes and crafts. 

I always think of Fall as perfect crafting weather.

Time for dreary days bundled up in sweaters!

My mind is racing.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for change!!

Tutorial Tuesdsays: How to Crochet (Basic Stitches to Granny Squares) Lesson 1

 from Pip at Meet at Mikes
I've always wanted to get past the basic chain stitch in crocheting, but all the books I try to read and follow just make me impatient and my stitches start to look very messy. 

Thanks to Pip over at Meet at Mikes she's given tutorials on how to make "granny squares". With the help of the tutorials, I'm hoping by Thanksgiving I can make one!

If you would like to join me in this complicated (to me) endeavor sign up here! Every week I'll add a new tutorial on crocheting.

Even if you have experience, join in the fun!
I'm very excited!

Lesson 1:

How to Make a Slip-Knot

Thanks Pip!

Lion Brand How To 

Craftster.org

Good luck!

Lauren

Makeup Mondays: Primer

I'm back babies! I can't believe how long my hiatus was. I'm finally getting in to a new kind of normal!

Today we're talking about primer!

mark Primed for Perfection Face Primer - $10

Smooth on this ultralightweight, fast-absorbing lotion before you apply anything else-it will not only provide a perfect canvas for your makeup, but will also help it last all day! Formulated with optical diffusers and oil-controlling ingredients to help conceal imperfections and fine lines. 0.4 fl. oz.

What is primer? Here's a recent (edited) article by Christa Jonna Lee from Glamour.com...

Face primers are relatively new in the beauty arena and for a while they made me a little doubtful about how my skin would react. I'd always wondered whether it would clog up my pores since the whole point of it is to fill in every crease and crevice, making your face smooth and ready for blush, foundation, etc. But I plunged ahead and tried a couple of the latest, brand-spankin'-new primers, and this is what I found:
First off, they don't clog up pores like I thought they would! The trick is to find one that that's oil-free.

Though they fill in lines for a face-lift effect, they stick to the surface so it doesn't invade and block up the pores.

• Smooths the skin's surface and evens out the skin tone
• Helps to better disguise blemishes and lets you blend your concealer/makeup in more evenly
• Makes your foundation stick around for longer
• Fills in fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduces shine
• And finally, like I said before, it doesn't clog pores!

Great huh? If you have any questions, or would like to place an order, email me at lmwilliams2009(at)gmail(dot)com!

Thoughtful Thursdays: Why I Love Autumn!!

Fall is my favorite season!

Autumn is a wonderful time -

There's Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Apple Ciders

Pumpkin carving and leaf raking (or piling and jumping into)

Sweaters and pea coats

Fireplaces and bonfires

The smell of fall and the leaves changing colors

Just typing this makes me smile! But, I do love me some Autumn!!

What is your favorite season and why?

What I Want Wednesdays: September Goals

Here are my goals for September:

mark. goals:

1) Make business cards

2) Make labels

3) Send out at least 5 magalogues with samples

4) Plan 1 party

5) Order Party Kit by September 30

6) Make blog button for store

blog goals:

1) Make new layout

2) Keep up with weekdays

3) Make blog banner

4) Make blog buttons

Tutorial Tuesdsay: How to Be Alone

I have been MIA, but I will be back here and there. This is a quick post, and you've probably already seen this video because it's gone viral, but I'm going to share it anyway and also another one by the same person!

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7X7sZzSXYs&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpunQZ4cUyI&feature=related

What I Want Wednesday: Craft Room Edition

Hi Everybody! Kam here from Campfire Chic. Lauren asked me to be a guest blogger and I’m really excited she let me do one of her What I Want Wednesday features! It’s the middle of the week, and I don’t know about you, but I’m in the need of a little motivation/inspiration to get me to the weekend!

I want to focus on craft spaces today! I love looking at images of creative spaces and imagining what I would do in my own room. So, today I’m bringing you five things I found on Etsy that I would love to have in my space in the future.





    •    Keep Calm and Craft On
    •    Overdue Book Calendar
    •    Vintage Fan
    •    Braided Rug
    •    Bunting



Thanks, Lauren, for letting me take over for the day :)

<3 Kam

No Regularly Scheduled Posts This Week

Due to starting my new job this week and finishing up stuff from my old one, there will be no regularly scheduled posts this week. I will keep you updated!

Have a wonderful Monday!

Follow/Feature Friday: Campfire Chic

Through Justine, who started secret pals...

I met Kam from Campfire Chic!

She's awesome!

We've been emailing, tweeting, and snail mailing (on my end)! And our conversations

are never dull! We have a lot in common and she's just the sweetest!

For my first ever: FOLLOW/FEATURE FRIDAY I thought I would give some love to

KAM!

I interviewd Kam via email this past week and here is what she had to say:

1. What's with the name?:

My boyfriend and I spent a long weekend in Sequoia National Park after I graduated in May. I was worrying about money, not having a job lined up like others in my cohort (it was a graduate program), but also feeling really inspired to craft thanks to the beautiful surroundings. One night we were sitting around the campfire enjoying some hot chocolate and it hit us: why not open an Etsy store focused on the outdoors? We began brainstorming shop names, products, and marketing campaigns. The following week, Campfire Chic was created. I wanted a name that would remind me of where we were when the idea came about, and I love alliteration-hence the Chic! I opened the shop with a handful of journals I made using wooden postcards I purchased at the Visitor Center in Sequoia, some ribbon purchased at a local scrapbook store, and some big ideas.

 From Campfire Chic

2. How did you get into embroidery/cross stitch?:

I have been scrapbooking regularly for the past six years, but last fall I found myself in a rut and in need of trying a new craft. I found Andwabisabi's Etsy shop and I was hooked! She offers a free pattern if you sign up for her newsletter, so I made sure I could complete a pattern before spending money on more...Her patterns are sooo cute, it's hard not to buy multiples when you get to her shop! I started creating my own patterns the same week I opened Campfire Chic. It's a lot of fun!  As for embroidery, I'm still learning! I am taking Wild Olive's The Embroidery Project: Going Beyond Fabric and Floss class and was inspired early in the course to try my hand at creating my own patterns. I currently have only word patterns in my shop, but my goal is to have a few more up as soon as possible.

3. Apples or Bananas?

Apples! Especially those Granny Smith apples, they're so tart and tasty. I used to love bananas when I was younger, but I can't stand them now. It sounds picky/high maintenance of me, but I even ask for "no banana" in my smoothies. I guess it could be worse!

4. What other things are you passionate about?

It may be unrelated to crafting/blogging, but I am passionate about working with college students, especially student leaders. Working on a college campus allows me to interact with amazing individuals and express my creativity. College students are amazing beings with big ideas and a huge capacity to get things done. In other news, I'm passionate about the environment, letting my family and friends know I treasure them, and tacos. Yes, tacos. We go way back.
 

5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, your blog, your etsy shop?

I was just asked this last week, but in a totally different context! Well, in five years I will be 29 years old. I hope to be working on a college campus while balancing the work I want to put into my blog and shop. I don't need to be the next blog star, but I want to still be inspired to post regularly and create something new every day. If Etsy is still around *fingers crossed* I would love to be a part of a team by then and possibly showing at craft shows...maybe even Renegade one day! I also see myself about a bazillion pounds heavier if I don't regulate my relationship with tacos. Just sayin'

6. Any new things coming in your etsy shop?

I'm working on some more embroidery patterns! I also have a few ideas in my notebook about items for geocachers. It's a small market on Etsy right now, but I love it so much and I have noticed several other bloggers do it too! I hope it's a hit ;) Also on my hope-you-can-pull-this-off list: jewelry (charm bracelets, earrings, necklaces), soy candles, picnic blankets, and other things to be used outdoors. I'm excited!

7. What is your dream job?

Hmmm, I'm not sure about specifics, but I would love to be able to have a job that allows me time to do things I love and challenge me to try new things that I may find I love, too! I just completed a journal page for Janel's Journaling for a Cause course about what (as a child) I wanted to be when I grew up and I listed hairdresser, marine biologist, teacher, clothing designer, and medical examiner (I'm twisted, I know). Based on this list, I think my dream job would be in one of the "helping" professions. Maybe a taco truck diver? Taco taster? Taco photographer?

Doesn't she sound awesome?? Check out her Etsy Shop and her Blog!

I've been so glad I've gotten to know her!

I'm not doing a giveaway per se, but for the first person to make a comment, will receive a pdf file of one of her embroidery/cross stitch patterns!

Please, these are for personal use only!

Thanks Kam for letting me feature you!

Oh and check out secret pals!

Thoughtful Thursdays: Blog Wars

I'm Switzerland... I wanted to be France, but they're a bit one sided!

-Me, yesterday on Twitter

Winner

Winner of the lipclick:

Lennon's Leading Lady!
Congrats!!

What I Want Wednesdays: The Expensive Edition

I'm a pretty content person, but there are a few things that I would enjoy!

1. Home Ec Class

It has already started, but, I have until Sunday to make up my mind. But for me it's a huge commitment because the price is $60. That's without supplies, so of course you can see my reservation.

2. New pair of TOMS

Recently TOMS seem to have become a negative thing. I ask the question: How?

Seriously, you buy a pair of shoes, they give a pair to a kid in need. How is that a negative thing?

I honestly think they are like the cutest things, and so comfortable, but, that's just me!

! don't know what pair I want yet, also, the internet won't let me go on TOMS.com :(

I also need a black pair for work!

3. Kindle Covers

I could go the amazon.com route. 

They have a Moleskine cover I like.

But, Etsy has some super cute ones.

I've also found some good tutes (tutorials).

Decisions, decisions.

4. Instax Camera

I've had a love for camera's since I was a child. I was always upset I wasn't allowed to play with my mother's polaroid. 

Any in the instax family will do! I just want one really bad!

5. HTC EVO

Enough said, click the link. I am up for a new phone next month. I should start saving my little pennies so this little beauty can be mine!

6. A Digital SLR

I don't even know what type I should get!! I need some help, but, since I've taken a couple classes in college, I've been itching for my own!

7. Bike

If you've been reading my blog, you found out I bought a bike, and then had to take it back because, well I bought it at Walmart! First mistake. Again, I don't know the first thing about Bikes, so any help would be much appreciated!

This is a wimpy list without pictures. But, I blame this on the coffee shop I'm at! Ugh!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

BTDUBS, what are you wishing for?

Lauren

Tutorial Tuesdays: Whoopie Pies

I feel bad for getting this out so late, but the internet at home hasn't been working. So, I trucked down to a local coffee shop for some craft/blogging/internet/God Time!

Last night, I made the best whoopie pies ever!

Actually, I don't know if they were or not, because I've never made them before.

Here's a step-by-step with pictures. Sorry, I was working quickly, so the pics aren't the best!

Classic Chocolate Whoopie Pie

from Bakerella

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
4 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup milk

Step #1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Step #2: Line baking sheets with parchment paper (this was great because there really was no sticking!)

Step #3: In a bowl, sift together, flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.

Step #4: In another bowl, beat butter, shortening and sugar with a mixer on low until just combined. Increase speed to medium and beat for about 3 minutes.

Step #5: Add egg and vanilla and beat for two more minutes.

Step #6: Add half of the flour mixture and half of the mild and beat on low until incorporated. 

Repeat with remaining flour and milk and beat until combined.

Step #7: Using a tablespoon, drop batter on baking sheet two inches apart. Bake for about 10 minutes each or until pies spring back when pressed gently. (that was the coolest part)

The batter was so yummy!

Step #8: Remove from oven and cool for about five minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool completely.

1 TBS of batter should make about 48 two-inch cakes or 24 pies.

2 TBS of batter should make about 30 four-inch cakes or 15 pies.

Mine made about 41 cakes.

Salty Peanut Butter Filling
from Bakerella
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (or crunchy)
3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup confectioners sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

Step #1: Beat peanut butter and butter on low until creamy using a mixer.

Step #2: Add sugar and salt and beat on low to incorporate. Increase speed to medium and beat for about four minutes until the filling is light and fluffy.

Step # 3: Spread filling on flat side on one cooled cake. Top it with a second cake and press gently.

Messy, but oh so good!

With a little help from mr. diet dr. pepper and the movie "Barefoot in the Park", it made for a wonderful evening!

Have a wonderful Tuesday! Let me know if you make the whoopie pies and let me know what you think!!

Lauren