Window Shopping December [Linkup]

It's the last Friday of the month and that means a Window Shopping linkup.

Rules: Browse Etsy and linkup. 

That's it!

You could always grab a button if you wanted.

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.atravelingwife.blogspot.com" title="a traveling Wife"><img src="http://i45.tinypic.com/5n4pr6.jpg" alt="a traveling Wife" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Snowman Stemless Wine Glasses

ArtSeaCreationsJC

 

Vintage Cordial Glasses - Gold Rim

TheFrabjousDay

 

AHeriloom's Michigan State Cutting Board

AHeirloom

 

New Digs Change of Address Postcards

I definitely want to do something like this.

jackandellapaper

 

Moving Announcement

nowanorris

 

Change of Address We Moved Cards

anewhistory

 

iPhone 5 Case Cover

Case822

 

Funny Valentine's Day Card

Ahh, so funny!

JulieAnnArt 

Wood Sign

SignsMakeASmile

 

Tissue Box Butt Design

This would be so funny to put in our half bath. The guests would get a kick out of it.

8thApril

 

Now Linkup!

 

Jet Lag

Today, all three of us (Hubby, the puppy and I) are hurting. 

Our bodies are sore. We need more sleep. We are sick of eating out. 

We are tired of the four walls of a hotel room.

--

Yesterday we officially left California for our new home in Indiana. 

We were able to Skype and talk to our family before our flights to wish them all a Merry Christmas.

Then we boarded our plane and headed to Indiana. 

--

Now we sit in our hotel room awaiting our belongings. 

We get to see this out the window.

 

And this is on the stove.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Until tomorrow. Have a great day!

Happy Holidays

We are wishing you all a very Merry Christmas.

May your day be filled with joy and happiness.

Travel Day Makeup Products

I know that there are a ton of people that travel during this time of year.

And a majority of people travel by car or airplane. 

My family is definitely one of those people that will be traveling this holiday.

So, I wanted to share with you all my travel day makeup routine.

You will find, through many different resources, that you should not wear any makeup while traveling. It can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Either way, I do not feel like a real person unless I have something on my face. Most of the time, that something is mascara.

Well let me share with you the products that I use before I head out the door for my travels.

• Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hr Full Coverage Foundation - color Light
• Covergirl Concealer stick - color 705 Fair
• Aloe Setting Powder
• Sonia Kashuk Blush - color 03 Sunset
• Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner - color Onyx
• Maybelline One by One Volume Express Mascara - color Blackest Black 

And the final look...

 

What kind of makeup do you wear when you travel?

Moving Tips - Guest Post

This moving thing is crazy but I have to say I am thankful that I have not had to  move twenty-two times. Read more from the lovely Stefani.   --    Hi Jenn's wonderful readers! My name is Stef and I blog over at Miss Jo and Co.   

  You can find me talking about most anything on my mind...from my wedding night, to my kick-butt daughter, and even my embarrassing lack of sexiness. I'm so glad that Jenn invited me to guest post while she's moving cross-country. I'm going to tell you a few things I've learned about moving to and living in a new place, because as it turns out...I have a bit of experience. In my life, I've moved a total of twenty-two times. No, my parents weren't in the military, we weren't in the witness protection program, and we're not gypsies. We're just a tiny bit crazy, turns out.  From those twenty-two moves, though, I've learned a few things.    Before the move...   1. Be a minimalist After 22 moves, the one things I've realized is that you really can have WAY too much stuff. I do a purge of our house every few months, just because I can't stand having clutter...and we still have more than I'd like. But let me tell you, minimalism makes moving so much easier. And if you don't want to be crazy like me, then before you even think about packing, give away some stuff to Goodwill and throw out the junk.    2. Organize and plan Throwing everything into boxes without an regard for where it's coming from or where it's going makes things so stressful. Don't do it. Trust me. It may be the quicker option now, but when you move into your new place you will definitely regret it. So, pack things into boxes that are labeled by room and put like with like (All the books together, all the decor together, etc.) Also, don't put too much heavy stuff in one box, because you won't be happy when you have to actually move it.   3. Take a break The temptation before you move is to book a lot of time with a lot of different people and fill up your calendar, since you'll be leaving soon. Which is great, until you get totally burnt out and then it's moving day and you have no energy whatsoever. Take a break from packing/socializing/everything - maybe go out with your family and see your favorite sites from the town you're about to leave. Take some time to appreciate where you're leaving from.   When you get there...   1. Get it over with Moving is tiring, and by the time you reach your destination it's really tempting just to take things slowly and unpack as you go. But you have so much more time to explore your new place when you just get the unpacking and tedious stuff over with. Put everything in its place, forward your mail, set up the utilities...all the boring stuff. That way you'll be able to settle down and meet new people!   2. Be a tourist I've found that the best way to get to know a city right off the bat is to act like you're a tourist for a few days. See what the city has to offer, check out their website and message boards, and take some time to explore. Talk to people about what they love most about the area. The locals always know the best places to eat, shop, and play. And you just might meet some new friends!   3. Get involved Last but not least...get involved. Meet your neighbors (bring them cookies or something and introduce yourselves!), find a Church or community center to frequent, do some volunteer work...the more you get involved, the more connected you'll feel to your new home and the happier you'll be there.    Moving can be tough - physically, emotionally, socially. But it's not impossible. Take it from a pro...as long as you embrace the experience and do all you can to minimize the stress of it, it won't be that bad. It might actually be a little fun.    Thanks again, Jenn, for letting me guest post!   What moving tips do you have?   -- Thanks again Stef for taking a load off my calendar today.

Feeling Lost

The last two days have definitely been filled with a lot of emotions. 

Tuesday was packing day. Due to the nature of our move, we were able to have a company come in and pack all of our belongings. Then Wednesday was loading day. 

Now everything we own is stowed away on a moving truck. 

Not only are our belongings gone but so are our vehicles. 

A car hauler came yesterday to pick up both of our cars.

I am not sure what to do with myself now that I am living out of a hotel room.

But I can tell you that the puppy is loving it.

She is enjoying the extra pillows for comfort and the TV in front of the bed. 

Spoiled dog!

The next step is for Hubby to finish his job here, we will transfer hotels one more time in California then we are off to Indiana on Christmas day. There we will anticipate our shipment so that we can unpack and get out house put together.

 

Stay tune for tomorrow's post. I have a lovely friend discussing moving tips. 

She has moved twenty-two times, so she has experience.

 

Moving Update

Today, I do not have much to offer to you all. 

I am sitting in our hotel room about to head over to our condo to meet with the moving company.

All of our belongings were packed into neat little or big boxes and are now ready for the moving truck. After today, all of our most precious belongings will be stowed away in our luggage and the rest in boxes. 

This move came upon us really quick and I hope the rest of the process goes smoothly.

Google

Enjoy your day and stay tuned for more updates tomorrow.

12 Things You Don't Know About Me

I thought I would do something fun and let you all in on a part of my life not many people know.

This could potentially be scary and embarrassing. So let's get on with it.

Here are the twelve things that you do not know about me.

• I competed in Miss Teen Michigan years ago.

• I wear my retainers every single night. We call them my no-no's. 

• I have never broken a bone in my life.

• I have never been pulled over by a cop while driving.

• I started taking college classes my senior year of high school.

• Every single night I have to sleep with a blanket over my ear. It's protection people.

• I have a love affair with chips and salsa. I could and do eat them every day.

• I absolutely love cleaning toilets and I would clean them every time someone used it if cleaning supplies didn't smell so bad.

• This is my happy face. And Hubby does not like it.

• I have never, ever had my blood drawn.

• I have flown in first class once and I would love to do it every time.

•  I have fainted once before, in the shower. Not fun.

Now it's your turn. What are 12 things that I don't know about you?

A Moment of Silence and Remembrance

Many of you will see, or have already seen, bloggers silencing in remembrance of the 

families that were affected by the tragic event at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

I have chosen to silence my blog today.

My thoughts go out to all families involved along to the following individuals.

via google

*I have disabled comments for this post.

Kitchen Island Virgin

I am finally back from Indiana. Now it is seriously crunch time before the big move, which starts on Tuesday. 

This has been such a whirlwind and feels really rushed.

I am positive that everything will work out just fine and that Indiana will be good to us.

If you follow me on twitter then you saw some sneak pictures of our new home. 

The pictures were taken super quick while leaving after we met with our landlord.

I absolutely love how large the kitchen is. I am a kitchen island virgin no more.

I will totally be whipping up some delicious meals in here. 

 

The front entry is one of my favorite things about this town home. 

It has such a vast, open view that makes the house feel so welcoming.

Now the fireplace. Oh, I will be snuggling up with this bad boy with some tv shows. 

After all the stress was gone for finding some where to live, we were able to 

head to downtown Indianapolis to check out what the city offers.

The surrounding area is so beautiful with huge houses lining the streets.

We stumbled upon the capital while driving around.

Then we also stumbled upon this. I have seen them a ton on tv but never in real life!

Make sure to watch til the end to see what Hubby has to say - ha.

Now let the packing and purging commence!

*I am still looking for people to guest post during my move. 

If you are interested please let me know!

TTTT Intro

Yay! Welcome to the first episode of Tea Time Talk Thursdays.

If you like the video please be sure to subscribe to see more videos in the future.

Also, if you have any topics you want me to discuss in any upcoming videos, leave a comment below or email me. I would love to see what you have to say.

Lastly, if you want to be a guest on an episode, let me know. I can't wait to have some guests.

Birthday Celebrations

Today I celebrate my 25th Birthday!!!

via google images

I hope you all have a fantastic day. 

I think I might go eat some cake!

I am such a little Kid.

Today, I am in Indiana with the Hubby looking for our future home.

I thought it would be fun to share with you all what Indianapolis may have to offer or some of the activities I am looking forward to doing.

Go Ape!

Treetop Adventure Course

I have grown to love adventure challenges and I think this would be a blast. This course consists of rope ladders, crossings that include the Log Balance, Flying Carpet 

and Tic Tac Toe, 2 tarzan swings and 5 zip lines.

How fun!!

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

 I am not sure what we will see here but I am sure we will be here at least once.

I am not a huge car fanatic or race fanatic but it is something fun to do.

Indianapolis Zoo

  I love the zoo, any zoo. I just love seeing all the different animals and how they interact.

I am such a little kid.

I am sure there will be plenty more things we want to see and do.

But the first task is to find a home.

My Candle Closet

During the fall and winter months in my house you can find at least one candle burning.

Yet while I am typing this I do not have any candles burning. Oh well.

Well I went into my candle closet I may or may not have a candle closet and found a bunch of not useable candles. I hate to through the glass containers away so when the candle no longer burns I set them aside until I need the container for something. 

I noticed that many of my nonburnable candles have a similar or complementary scent so I decided to make a layer candle. This would allow me to continue to use those scents.

The three candles I used to layer were all from Bath and Body Works in the scent 

Fresh Lemonade, Passion Fruit & Guava, and Mango & Spearmint.

I added a candle wick to an empty glass candle container.

Then I started to melt down the wax in a pot of low boiling water.

It took about 7 minutes per candle.

Once the wax melted, I poured them into the empty container layer by layer.

Now I have a lovely candle that I can burn. The scents really complement each other.

Here is what you need:

• Candle wax (in any combination of scents and as many different scents)
• Candle wick (at least height of glass container)
• Saucepan taller than the height of wax you need to melt. 
• Water

Directions:

• Add enough water to the saucepan to come to the height of the candle wax you need to melt.
• Heat water to a light boil.
• Place a candle wick in an empty glass container.
• Once water is to a light boil, place one of the candles in the water to melt the wax.
• When wax is melted, pour into glass container with wick in the center.
• Place that container in the freezer to harden up the wax while putting the next candle in the pot of water to melt.
• Continue this process until you have melted all the candle wax for your new candle.

What do you do with your burned out candles?

I've Been Tagged - Christmas Style

Who doesn't like a good game of tag - you're it? I also think it is pretty fun to play virtually.

Well, I was tagged by the lovely Stefani @ miss jo and co. for Tag - You're It, Christmas Style.
This is where it all started (I believe), Lanaya at Raising Reagan .

Let me just jump right into those festive questions.

What makes Christmas such a special holiday for you and your family?

Growing up, Christmas was know to my sister and I as a gift giving and receiving holiday.

Since getting married and not spending Christmas with my family or in-laws, my Hubby and I keep this holiday as a day to relax, drink lots of booze and eat lots of food. Of course we still exchange presents but I definitely do not think that should be the main focus of the holiday.

I can say that Christmas is not my favorite holiday (please don't hate me!).

Were you told the truth about Santa by your parents or did you find out another way? And, do you plan on lying to your kids (if you have them or plan on having them)?

I was not told the truth exactly, but my Grandpa had typed up a report stating the facts why it was impossible for Santa to be real. I was crushed - kidding! I already knew at that point. Either way, I still receive one or two gifts from Santa, which actually comes from my parents.

I will always be a child at heart.

Real tree or fake tree?

My family always decorated a fake tree and that is what I do in my house. 

I would like to one day get a real tree and see how bad it really it.

Do you open presents on Christmas morning, Christmas Eve or both?

On Christmas Eve we would open presents from my Mom's side of the family and Christmas day was the remainder of all the gifts. Now, the Hubs and I open all our presents throughout Christmas day. Whenever we get a chance to skype with family.

What is your favorite Christmas movie to watch? Favorite Christmas song to sing or listen to?

My all time favorite Christmas movie is How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
I am talking about the one with Jim Carrey. Love it!

As for Christmas songs, I am loving anything sung by Michael Bublé.

 And now for the fun part, tagging other friends.
I would love to see your answers to the above questions.

Lyndsay @ Trial by Sapphire
Elle @ Elle-oh-vee
Jaime and Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings
Erin @ Shades of Gray and a Pinch of Pink
Steph and Laura @ A Brunette Duet

Holiday Hand Lettering

Wow, where did yesterday go? If you ask me, it never really happened.

I guess we are all allowed an off day.

I wanted to share with you all what I chose for my December desktop wallpaper calendar like I do each month. I always download them from Smashing Magazine because they have a large selection.

I chose the Holiday Hand Lettering.

 

I love the dark colors and the snowflake.

We are moving to...

This weekend was definitely a dud. 

Hubby left for his work meeting and I will be meeting him where our new home will be.

Onto that in a moment...

So my weekend consisted of staying cooped up inside due to the 

rain and watching Christmas movies.

--

I know you all are dying to know where we are moving to!

And the winner is...

Indiana!

We are excited and nervous. Everything is happening so quick.

How was your weekend?

*Linking up with Carissa @ Lowercase Letters for Miscellany Monday 

and Sami @ Sami's Shenanigans for Weekend Update