Gretchen's 365

I am moving...

2011-10-07T17:50:00.000-07:00

I have moved my {365} blog over to my main blog~you can now find me HERE. I have decided to combine my blogs into one {a little this & that}.

I hope you will continue to follow along!!

*this blog will remain~but all current posts will be updated at www.gretchenclarkblog.com

See ya there!!

365 {10.5.11}

2011-10-05T20:42:00.000-07:00

Today I had a few moments to sit on the sofa with my favorite doggie!!

(taken with my iPhone~RIP Steve Jobs).

I was eating Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, and I wanna know...could you say NO to this face??? Yeah, I can't either (Mike and Josh have no problem saying no to Kodi, which is probably why he sits next to me at dinner, or any other time I have food, LOL!!).

365 {10.4.11}

2011-10-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

My week has been kind of up & down~lots of changes and adjusting to new stuff. I would like to think I am a "go with the flow" kinda gal, but occasionally I can get a little grouchy and just want to take a nap, LOL!!

This morning I responded to a bogus bank email and then immediately new it was fraud~ARGH! (I hate when I do dumb stuff like that!!)!! After an hour on the phone with the bank fraud department, and changing all my accounts, a visit to the branch to get a temp debit card, and a dust storm on the way home from work...I just wanted to go home and take a nap (with Kodi)!!

The sky started looking really weird!! When I got up to look outside, I saw a rainbow, Mike thought I was weird, because I really got excited about it.

I think God sent it my way today~isn't HE fantastic like that??

365 {10.3.11}

2011-10-03T19:25:00.000-07:00

I had today off, with hopes off getting lots of stuff done~big FAIL!!

I had an appointment at noon and since it was right near where Ashley lives (she has this week off), I stopped over to visit with her and Hershey :)

I realized at 3:30p.m. I didn't take out anything for dinner...so it was the Clark family standby...Spaghetti (which is well received on any night around here).

Hopefully tomorrow I will be a little more organized!

365 {10.2.11}

2011-10-02T19:56:00.000-07:00

Here is my weekly iPhone photo dump...

From left to right:

Yummy chocolates from a sweet patient at work

Putting away laundry

Still LOVING my homemade laundry soap (recipe HERE)

My last self portrait with Dr T's charts as a backdrop :(

Kodi and his favorite ball.

Frozen yogurt~YUM!!

Cheap date night with Mike (we both ate for $3 at Costco).

My new small camera tote (Vera Bradley).

Mike was happy with his team today :)

365 {10.1.11}

2011-10-01T16:40:00.000-07:00

Happy October!!

Today I have been working on updating my blog~I am giving it a major overhaul!! I am hoping it goes smoothly...

I am trying to talk in HTML codes today~not a very easy task!!

All this looks like mumbo jumbo to me!!

365 {9.30.11}

2011-09-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

It has been one very busy day!!
I wrapped up final details in the office, enjoyed a good-bye lunch with my work peeps, and good-bye dessert with some church peeps!!

Tonight we got together over froyo to see our friend Richard before he leaves tomorrow, for Missouri (which is so weird because the doctor I work for is also moving to Missouri!!), as he starts a new beginning in the military~I heard a lot about Missouri today, LOL)!!

Good Luck Richard!!!

365 {9.29.11}

2011-09-29T19:39:00.000-07:00

Every end is a new beginning!
I have mentioned before that the office I have worked in for 9 years is closing on September 30th, which is TOMORROW!! Today I pulled charts for the VERY last time!!

The last couple of months have been really surreal; especially leading up to this final week. I am amazed at the outpouring of love and appreciation that the patients have shown all of us!! Of course they are sad that their doctor is moving away, but surprisingly they are also sad that they won't have us (Ashley, Josh and myself), to assist them anymore. We have gotten so many nice comments, cards and gifts that it makes me really thankful to have touched these people in a special way, (a smile, taking some extra time on the phone, listening, even when I wasn't in the mood!!!). I try to live my life by the golden rule "treat others as you would like to be treated." I guess I write this to say, you never know who's life you are touching, so make sure you treat everyone with respect and kindness!!

Ashley and Josh have gotten new jobs~HOORAY!! I will continue to work until the end of November to assist patients with record transfers and billing issues. I have a few things in the works, and I am excited to see what my "new beginning" will look like!!

365 {9.28.11}

2011-09-28T17:10:00.000-07:00

Last night I dropped my truck off at the garage because the "check engine" light has been on *boo* for over a week. Mike replaced a few parts, but it was still runny badly!! So we bit the bullet and brought it to the shop. Luckily it was a $100 fix (gotta love that!! usually it is $500+).
Mike called me today at 11:30 and said it was ready to be picked up. I could walk, or take the Alex Bus over to the shop. I decided that since Josh comes home for lunch, I would just hitch a ride with him when he goes back into work~on his scooter.

Of course my brain was thinking POTD (photo of the day)!! My original plan was to take a photo of both of us on the scooter (I had my tripod and remote all ready to go), but for some reason, Josh was not "down" with that, LOL!!

Why wouldn't a 22 year old boy want to take a photo with his mommy hugging him on his scooter?? I don't know either, *wink*

So Josh took a photo of me! And he MADE me wear a helmet (safety first!).

And it is so nice to drive my truck and not stall at the stop lights anymore!!

365 {9.27.11}

2011-09-27T19:28:00.000-07:00

I got a phone call from Josh on my way home from work, he wanted to know what I was making for dinner (a question he asks me EVERY day, LOL!). I told him either grilled chicken or lemon chicken (I knew what was coming next)...

"Mom, make the lemon chicken!!!" This meal is usually requested by Josh for his birthday or any occasion when he gets to pick the meal.

It is pretty yummy if I do say so myself!! Josh was a happy camper tonight!

The recipe is HERE!

365 {9.26.11}

2011-09-26T20:57:00.000-07:00

Today while I was checking out FB, a few of my friends mentioned how to enable the NEW Facebook timeline~I was curious, so I went through the 8 steps to enable it, you can get them HERE. I have to say, even though I do not know where anything is, LOL!! I like the design and the new timeline!!

*if you don't have the new profile yet~my profile will still appear as the old format, until everyone changes, which I think is 10/3. but if you enable the new format, anyone who also has the new format will be able to view it in the new version.

365 {9.25.11}

2011-09-25T17:48:00.000-07:00

Dumped my weekly iPhone photos onto my computer :)

Here is my weekly phone dump: (from left to right)

* My favorite brown sandals broke at work *sad face*
* Wondering if my hubby gets tired of seeing me in jean shorts and tank tops (my uniform), LOL!!
* Still LOVING my new washer & dryer!!!
* Crazy Pete eyeballing me
* Posting insurance payments at work
* So happy the apples are back in season (they are nothing like the ones from Woodstock!!)
* Date lunch with my hubs!
* Saturday morning coffee
* Church program (currently learning to be BOLD)

Linking up to...

365 {9.24.11}

2011-09-24T19:12:00.000-07:00

Mike is at the church tonight helping out with a youth function, so I went grocery shopping (my least favorite job!! glad it is done!), and while I was there, I picked this up for dinner...

I call it Sushi Saturday!! (and yes I ate two before snapping the photo, cause I was hungry!).

I put my groceries away and sat down with my dinner, while I checked my email/Facebook. Kodi of course was sitting right next to me hoping for a few bites (don't worry~I gave him 3~YES he is spoiled!!).

I really do not know when my Saturday nights became so darn exciting?!

365 {9.23.11}

2011-09-23T19:30:00.000-07:00

When I first got my DSLR camera, my family was not as excited about all the picture snapping as I was (but I was determined to learn!!). Luckily I have 4 pets, who, for the most part, do not mind getting their photo taken one bit!!

I had to grab my camera today when I saw Crazy Pete laying on the landing in some really nice lighting (I am always looking for nice lighting!!)...brought back lots of camera learning memories.
Thanks Crazy Pete!!!

365 {9.21.11}

2011-09-21T19:56:00.000-07:00

I have not walked Kodi all week, because of my schedule, (it is too dark by the time we are finished with dinner). Luckily tonight I was able to take him~we both have missed it!! The sky was extra pretty tonight when we walked through the park at 6:45 p.m. and the temps are cooling down and it was so WONDERFUL!!

365 {9.20.11}

2011-09-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

Today I worked a 10 hour shift~so when I got home after 5:30, I did not feel like making dinner~I went for my old standby~grilled cheese & tomato soup!! This is such a comforting meal for me!! YUM!!

*I use my George Foreman grill for my grilled cheese sandwiches, it makes them EXTRA YUMMY!! Just like a panini.

365 {9.18.11}

2011-09-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

My weekly photo dump :)

From Left to Right:
The "check engine" light came on in my truck this week *boo*
The empty bag of Tootsie Rolls at work
my eye, LOL!
Charts at work (which I will miss, 2 more weeks until my office closes~crazy!!)
My favorite cup (filled with Crystal Light Raspberry Lemonade)
Trip to Auto Zone to figure out what is wrong with my truck (my awesome hubby will fix it for me).
Yummy Pizza Mike and I had on our trip to Old Town Scottsdale
I ate 2 pieces (an skipped my weigh in on Saturday, LOL!)
my NEW iPhone case~LOVE it!!!

365 {9.17.11}

2011-09-17T19:46:00.000-07:00

It has been a few days since I have done a Kodi photo *wink.*

Today Kodi, Josh and I had a fun game of catch in the living room. Kodi had a blast~this is his favorite ball (it is a little worn out!!). I was happy to put off my to-do list to play with that cute doggie and Joshie!!

I am getting to be quite the procrastinator, I blame Kodi, LOL!!

365 {9.16.11}

2011-09-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

Today Mike and I had a date "day" (as opposed to date night). Since it is mid September, I have been thinking ahead for our annual Clark/Worthington Christmas Photo shoot. I had a few places that I wanted to check out~so Mike and I decided to make a date of it.
Mike always takes good care of my vehicle~safety first!! Checking the air in the tires.

We drove to Old Town Scottsdale~which I love!! So many neat things to look at!!

This reminded me of Kodi...

Not sure what type of plant this is, but it looked neat!!

We even saw some ducks :)

I cannot resist posing with some random lawn art!!

And my hubby is the best!! He always holds my purse for me while I am snapping photos (LOVE him).

We ate lunch at a YUMMY Pizza place, but I took photos of that with my iPhone (will probably be included in my weekly photo dump this weekend).

It was a fun day!! And I think I found our photo "spot", I emailed a photo to the kids for their opinion, LOL!

Our last stop was a cute little gelato place (I think I am going to skip my WW weigh in tomorrow~for reals!!). We both decided on espresso chip (it was really hard to make a decision!!).

Check out all those flavors!

Such a fun day with my one of my favorite peeps!!

365 {9.15.11}

2011-09-16T10:57:00.000-07:00

My Thursday POTD (photo of the day) is a little late, LOL!! Yesterday I worked an 11 hour day, so when I got home, I made dinner, and Mike twisted my arm to watch a movie with him (there really wasn't too much twisting involved!!). We watched Secretariat and it was a really good movie!! By that time it was almost 10 pm and I was too tired to update the old blog!

So here it is...
Living with 2 boys this is something I find more often than I would prefer *wink*

365 {9.14.11}

2011-09-14T19:48:00.000-07:00

Today I had lots of stuff to accomplish, but for some reason my motivation is somewhere else!! I did however, make it to the post office to mail a package to my friend Anja in Germany. She asked me to order something in the states for her and ship it~I was happy to help a girl out!! I decided to write out a few letters while I was making the trip to the post office :)

And while I was taking my POTD (photo of the day), I spied a cute doggie taking a nap!!

365 {9.13.11}

2011-09-13T18:47:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of Pinterest?? It is an AWESOME website that is a virtual pin board~it is FULL of EYE CANDY!! There is so much to look at, and so little time!! Tonight it is rainy and dark, and sorta feels like winter here in AZ (even though it is 90 degrees outside, LOL!). I am browsing and pinning and enjoying some time wasting!!

If you want an invite just leave me a comment with your email address :) I will be happy to ~~enable~~ hook you up!!

365 {9.12.11}

2011-09-12T20:04:00.000-07:00

I know I say it a lot, but I LOVE my iPhone!! On my way to work, when I am stopped at traffic lights, I check my email, Facebook, or snap a photo (I am quite a multi-tasker!!).
While waiting (forever!!!) for the light to turn green on my way to work this morning~I thought I would snap a photo and send it to my hubby (I do this quite a bit, no surprise there, I bet, LOL!!). Does anyone else do this crazy stuff??

I got a little busy at work this morning, then was preoccupied with other stuff and totally forgot to send it to him...

So here ya go Mike~this is me driving to work thinking about YOU :)

365 {9.11.11}

2011-09-11T19:53:00.000-07:00

Here is my weekly photo dump~I seriously LOVE my iPhone!! Just some random shots from throughout my week.

from left to right:
worked on statements at work this week
found a mushroom on my walk
Kodi checking out the bunnies on our walk
home sweet home (my favorite place to be!!)
snack (which I should NOT have bought~they are addicting!!)
dentist appointment
me with my clean chompers
date night in
my Sunday indulgence (after I ordered I realized that pumpkin spice is back~getting that next week!!)

365 {9.9.11}

2011-09-09T17:03:00.000-07:00

Today I had my "every 6 month" dental appointment~am I the only one that gets excited that you get to go home with some goodies??

I have one small cavity, and an old silver filling that needs to be replaced~so it looks like I will be going back before my usual six months :(

365 {9.8.11}

2011-09-08T19:52:00.000-07:00

Tonight Josh and I took Kodi to the Bark Park~He loves running free and playing with the other dogs. He sat on my lap in the car on the way over and the way home from the bark park~I don't think that doggie is at all spoiled~do you???

The photo is blurry, since it was pretty dark and the lighting at the park was terrible~but that's all I got for today :)

365 {9.7.11}

2011-09-07T17:46:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in a previous post, that the office that I work at is closing at the end of this month (I have until the end of November). I have worked there for 9 years and it is kind of bitter sweet. I really do enjoy the job that I do there, but sometimes change is a good thing, right?

Today I had my first interview. It has been quite a while since I have been the interviewee (I was usually the interviewer). I wasn't really too nervous, I had extra copies of my resumes (which were requested), and I checked with my fashion consultant, A.K.A. Ashley, regarding my attire. When I arrived (which was 25 min early), I was interviewed by 3 people that were probably the ages of Josh, Ashley and Nate~now that made me feel a little OLD, ha ha!! Boy, things have changed~now I sound like my mom *wink*

I think the interview went well~I will hopefully know in a few days :) I will keep you posted!!

365 {9.6.11}

2011-09-06T19:48:00.000-07:00

Today I enjoyed seeing my friends back east posting on Facebook about their kids going back to school and the arrival of fall.

When you live in Arizona~fall comes much, much later than September 6th. Today in Phoenix it was 107 degrees and the kids here have been in school for almost a month now.

But today I put our dinner in the crock pot and lit my favorite candle, that I purchased at The Christmas Barn on one of my visits back home to Connecticut.

Inside the house it is 78 degrees, we enjoyed Apricot Pork Roast for dinner and it smelled like Cinnamon Apple~pure bliss, for a moment.
Happy Fall!!

{365} 9.5.11

2011-09-05T16:24:00.000-07:00

This was supposed to be yesterday's post, but my camera's battery pack died and needed to be recharged for me to upload my pic's.

Yesterday Ashley and my friend Cindy came over to make our own laundry soap (we are so domesticated!!). I came across this recipe on THIS blog. I was a little leery about it, because I LOVE the smell of Tide~but $20 to make the batch and it lasted 9 months (family of 4), I was all over that savings!!!

I used it this morning and I was delightfully surprised with the light clean scent, and it did a WONDERFUL job on my laundry too! I am thinking this may last me an entire year!!

It is really very simple to make and took about 10 min.
You can find all the ingredients at Walmart for just under $20~I bought my 5 gal bucket at Home Depot for $4 (to mix and store the soap in).

Ingredients
1 4 lb box Borax
1 4 lb box Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
1 4lb box Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
3 bars of Fels-naptha soap

2 small containers of oxyclean or store brand oxyclean (I bought the big tub)

Start out by grating the Fels-naptha soap (I used my 25 year old food processor {that I origianally purchased when the cutie below was born to make my own baby food} and it worked GREAT). It looks like grated cheddar cheese.

Then mix everything in the 5 gal bucket~VIOLA! That is it!!

This is how I store mine in my laundry room, (you use 1 Tablespoon per load).

and since my battery died at the last step~it is a good thing Cindy brought her camera~you can see us with the finished product~HERE.

Let me know if you try it, and if you like it!

365 {9.4.11}

2011-09-04T22:08:00.000-07:00

I take lots of photos each week with my iPhone, so I thought I would try to do a weekly photo dump.

Here is Sept 1-3 (from left to right)
new contacts
new GPS which I finally used
camera gear (did a mini shoot on Friday)
Fruit stock up at Costco
lunch
my Illustrator class (that I am VERY behind in)
Kodi's toy
nap after playing
TO-DO list for the weekend
Friday night date night
Pete eating his treat before Kodi steals it
putting dishes away
off to my WW meeting
Saturday nap
movie with my hubby

365 {9.2.11}

2011-09-02T16:44:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine had a baby boy two weeks ago, Mike and I went over last week to drop off a meal and I was hoping to snap a few photos, but baby "W" was not up for a photo shoot.

I went back today, with props, and he did so good!! I cannot wait to have a few moments to edit the rest of the session, but here is one, cause he is so darn cute I couldn't wait!!

365 {9.1.11}

2011-09-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

Last night I uploaded 487 photos to Costco's Photo Lab (they do a really nice job and since my screens are calibrated they come out perfect!!). If you know me, than you know that I Love, Love, LOVE to look at photos. I could sit and look at photos for hours and hours, even other peoples photos!

{I love my digital camera and look through my picture folders on my computer quite often, but there is just something about holding the photo in my hand that I just LOVE, so I always print them out}.

After work I ran over to Costco to pick them up (3 huge envelopes~when I told the girl I had a lot, she asked if I was Gretchen, LOL!!), I could hardly stand the suspense, but I waited until I got home, got comfy in my cut off sweats and tank top and ripped into them!! Unfortunately dinner needed to be made, so I had to put my picture gazing on hold.

This stack is September through December 2010 (I take lots of photos, LOL!!). I am hopefully going to finish up my 2010 Project Life album soon (actually it may be 2 volumes). The hard part is narrowing down what photos to put in the album, cause I LOVE them all.

**Project Life 2011-2012 version will be available for purchase in Oct/Nov, more info here. I am super excited about the new binders that are coming out (cannot make up my mind which one I am going to get).

365 {8.31.11}

2011-08-31T19:09:00.000-07:00

Let me start out by saying that I LOVE MY HUSBAND!! Mike gets up everyday WAY before me (at the butt crack of dawn!), so he takes his shower first. This morning when I stepped in the shower, I found this!!!

SERIOUSLY!! how am I supposed to get clean with this amount of soap, LOL!!

Luckily I only had one foot in the shower when I discovered it, so I replaced it with a full bar (In Mike's defense, it was pretty small when he got in this morning too, LOL!).

And just so you can get the correct perspective, here is another shot.

Good times at the Clark house!!!

And on a random note~am I the only one that cannot believe that tomorrow is September???

365 {8.30.11}

2011-08-30T19:22:00.000-07:00

tonight while I was doing some work on my computer, I noticed Pete looking at me, LOL! I cannot believe he stayed still for the picture!!

He is making himself comfy on the bean bag chair that Mike took out of Ashley's closet last night, to use while he watched some videos on the computer. Crazy boys (Mike and Pete)!!

(taken with my iPhone, Instagram app)

365 {8.29.11}

2011-08-29T20:09:00.000-07:00

Monday's are rough!! I always have a little trouble getting back into the swing of things after the weekend!! Am I the only one??

Tonight I came home made dinner, took Kodi for a walk, cleaned up the dishes, made lunches, then dished up a bowl of watermelon (MY FAV!!) to enjoy while I checked my emails and Facebook, then realized I had not taken a photo for today *gasp*

So here ya go~a photo of my nighttime computer surfing snack :)

365 {8.28.11}

2011-08-28T19:03:00.000-07:00

Grocery shopping is one of my least favorite jobs! I usually try to get it done before Sunday, but I am very good at procrastinating with that chore, LOL!! I usually end up going right after church on Sunday's.

Of course I procrastinated again this weekend, so this is what I did this afternoon~blah!!

Some guy was looking at me weird for photographing my shopping cart, LOL!! Good thing that does not bother me *wink*

*kind of blurry, I know!! (I love me some CARBS!!)

I am always glad when I am done for the week!!

365 {8.26.11}

2011-08-26T19:57:00.000-07:00

Today I had the pleasure of making a meal for my friend Kim, who just had a baby boy.

The best part of that deal...was holding that little guy!! Unfortunately he was hungry when I was there, so I didn't get any photos of the cutie, but next week I am going back, with my camera and props!!!

On the menu:
Parmesan Chicken (one of my family's favorites), recipe HERE, Baked potatoes and broccoli. This was what was for dessert, cause Kim said not to bring anything fattning, LOL!! Hope they liked it, LOL!!

365 {8.25.11}

2011-08-25T20:14:00.000-07:00

Tonight after dinner, Mike and I decided to tackle some of the yard work in our front yard (hooray!!). In Arizona, it is still over 100 degrees even at night, but at least the sun is not beating down on you, so it is much cooler to do outside jobs at that time of day (or very early).

With both of us working we finished the front yard in about an hour. We were dirty and sweaty~so we decided to take a night swim~my favorite kind!!

And now I can cross the weeding/yard work off my list (which makes me VERY happy!!).

*the backyard scheduled for next Thursday ;)

365 {8.24.11}

2011-08-24T19:08:00.000-07:00

Just about every night I take Kodi for a walk, and just about every night I pass by this park bench, which is in desperate need of some paint!! Although from a photography view~I think it is pretty cool!!

(taken with my iPhone Camera + app)

365 {8.23.11}

2011-08-23T19:29:00.000-07:00

Josh had played a string instrument since 2nd grade. He started out playing the violin (took a break during high school, cause it wasn't cool), picked up the electric violin for a while, then one day he decided he wanted to learn the guitar.

One thing about Josh, is when he puts his mind to something, he does it!! He practices everyday, and I may be bias, but I think he sounds pretty darn good!!!

In between songs, he has to check his text messages, LOL!!

and his audience is pretty cute!!

365 {8.22.11}

2011-08-22T19:01:00.000-07:00

Today was Josh's first day of class (he has been on a little break). Of course I had to wish him a Happy First Day of school, but since his class started at 11:30 am and I was out of the house by 7am for work, I had to do it by text (yup, I am a mom and I can text~pretty impressive, LOL!!). This is our typical conversation.

*and I just love how the iPhone has little bubbles for the texts~So FUN!!

365 {8.21.11}

2011-08-21T19:56:00.000-07:00

Sunday nights are pretty laid back around the Clark house~it is usually only Mike and I for dinner. This is our typical Sunday night dinner (and just for the record...I am horrified at the finger prints on my toaster, which has been wiped clean after this post!!).

And of course no meal is complete without dessert~and in case you are wondering this is 0, yes ZERO WW points (I found out yesterday that the Fat Free and Light whipped cream has 0 pts~I was all over that!!)!! And it was DELISH!!

365 {8.20.11}

2011-08-20T17:19:00.000-07:00

I have said it before, I LOVE lists!! LOVE them! My hubby does NOT (especially when I make them for him, LOL!). Friday he said I could make a list for him, with a few items that I wanted him to tackle~now that is super EXCITING!! I could have filled up the entire list, but I wanted to be nice.

Check out the progress today~HOORAY for my hubby!! He ROCKS!!

*this is the list I use (everday) and love it!! You can download the PDF here

365 {8.19.11}

2011-08-19T16:57:00.000-07:00

Three weeks ago I got an Gel Manicure, which was really nice!! I was skeptical about the claims that the polish does not chip...well, it didn't!! I was supposed to go today and have the polish removed and redone, but I decided that I just do not want to spend $39 + tip every three weeks. So I soaked off the acrylic polish myself, cause I am ~~cheap~~ resourceful.

Exciting stuff today huh???

365 {8.18.11}

2011-08-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

Josh was having a little after dinner treat tonight~If you have not tried this brand of Ice Cream, we (the Clark Family) think it is the best ice cream ever (for store bought that is)!! Since I am trying to stay on track with WW's, I only had 1 spoonful (teaspoon)~which was definitely not enough!!! LOL!!

Taken with my iPhone using this app.

365 {8.17.11}

2011-08-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I ordered a Memory Keeper Box from Paper Coterie, since I had a $40 coupon to use. It arrived a few days later, and let me just say~I LOVE IT!!!!

Then I found out that I could order another one with the same coupon code~SWEET!! All you have to do is pay for the shipping (which is around $9). So of course I ordered another one!! Here are my 2 memory keeper boxes, not sure what I am going to put in them, but right now they are sitting on my shelf in my craft room (and make me smile when I look at them!!).

If you would like to order one, you have until August 31st, use the coupon code BEGINANYWHERE.

I am not being paid to endorsed or promote these products~just LOVE them!! I may even order another!!

And so you can see the size of the memory keeper box~I took this shot.

Let me know if you order one!!

365 {8.13.11}

2011-08-16T19:32:00.000-07:00

Just about every night I take Kodi for a walk, and just about every night the sprinkler's are on in the park~some nights I want to run through them, because at 7:20 pm it is still 105 degrees in Arizona. One night I may get the guts to do it, LOL!!

taken with my iPhone (a little blurry cause Kodi's leash was on my picture taking hand, LOL!).

365 {8.15.11}

2011-08-15T19:29:00.000-07:00

I used to be a hair stylist, many moons ago!! My family likes the fact that they get FREE haircuts, but they do not like the fact that they have to WAIT forever before I set up my makeshift outdoor hair salon. ( I have OCD and do not want hair flying everywhere~so we cut hair outside!!)

Tonight I gave Josh a haircut (since he is starting classes next week~and in return he will let me take a first day of school photo, I think he may be kidding me about the photo, LOL!!).

This is my outdoor salon set up~a bar stool, cape, clippers, shears, water bottle, and duster, but NO A/C and let me tell ya...it was stinkin' hot out at 4:30 pm, in Arizona!! So that explains no final haircut photo, we were both sweating to death and could not wait to get back inside!!

Time to schedule Ashley and Nate for a h/c!!

365 {8.14.11}

2011-08-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make...these photos were not taken today, They are from last Sunday. But while I was editing the pic's from Nate's birthday party last week these seriously cracked me up!!

This is not condoned at our house...

Could you say no to this face???

DELISH!!

He did not get left out :) But he is not allowed to eat at the table, LOL!!

365 {8.13.11}

2011-08-13T18:57:00.000-07:00

I was soooo excited to find out that when I updated my Camera + app on my iPhone, that you can now add text to your photos~SWEET!!!

I think it ~~might be~~ IS time, for Josh to put away some of his shoes!!!

365 {8.12.11}

2011-08-12T16:12:00.000-07:00

Josh was telling me about a documentary he watched the other day about dogs. He said that they make you live longer~I believe it!!!

I was NEVER a dog person until this crazy mutt came into our house!! He has such a great personality, and yes I am one of those crazy people who talk to their dog like a person, LOL!! I seriously LOVE him!!

365 {8.11.11}

2011-08-11T23:33:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for a few of my special friends who made me laugh over frozen yogurt!! Because today, to be quite honest, I was quite irritated over a situation!! But after a few hours of laughter and a yummy treat, I feel much better and I am moving on!
Thanks FRIENDS!!

365 {8.10.11}

2011-08-10T19:47:00.000-07:00

I am the type of person (the crazy type~as my hubby would say, LOL!), that likes to get as much stuff done ahead of time as possible~I pack Mike, Josh and my lunch every night (yeah, I know those boys are spoiled!! But I figure since I have everything out~it is just as easy to do it all at once and clean up once too!), which really makes my morning run SMOOTHLY!! I really like having the extra 15 min to check FB before I leave for work, LOL!!

Here they are~all set and ready to go!!

(taken with my iPhone)

365 {8.8.11}

2011-08-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

Part of today I worked on letter folding and envelope stuffing~which confirmed one thing...an assembly line job is probably not the best choice for me, LOL!!

365 {8.7.11}

2011-08-07T21:07:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated my favorite son in law's birthday!!! His birthday was July 30th, but last weekend he did not have time to do the Clark Celebration.

We had his favorite dish of hotdogs and sauerkraut, and this year Ashley made him a Pizzookie~directions here. I only had a bite (because I am trying to stay on the WW wagon! but it was DELISH!!). Here he is while we sing to him.

And of course I always get a "creepy face" pose from him~and I threaten to put it online, LOL!!

Here it is

365 {8.6.11}

2011-08-06T19:50:00.001-07:00

Today was my WW meeting (down 1.6 pounds~woot woot!!). The topic today was snacking, and can I just say that is one of my FAVORITE topics!! Our leader is the BEST!! She always brings in snack ideas every week (that is why I LOVE her so much, LOL!). After the meeting, Ashley and I stocked up on some fun new snack items~YUM!! (I am thinking that may be a photo of the day idea, LOL!!).

365 {8.5.11}

2011-08-05T20:11:00.000-07:00

I love when I find a wad of laundry on top of the dryer, LOL!! This is Josh making me feel like I live in a college dorm.

Ok, time to put the sheets on the bed!!

365 {8.4.11}

2011-08-04T20:22:00.000-07:00

This is what tonight looks like at our house~all the boys on the couch (Josh playing XBox, Mike doing homework~but really, I think he is checking FB, and Kodi sitting by his favorite person). I love HOME!!

365 {8.3.11}

2011-08-03T19:46:00.001-07:00

Monday I found out that the office I have worked in for 9 years is closing. It is a little sad~but I have had time to process it and I am ok!

Today I updated my resume. It has been over 10 years since I have had to do that~Is it just me or is it hard trying to sell yourself?? I applied for 10 positions today and surprisingly, I am not worried (at the moment anyway, LOL!!). It is scary and exciting all wrapped up into one! Sometimes change is good~and I am excited to embark on a new ADVENTURE!!

to be continued....

*Mom I blurred out my info (she always worries about me putting too much info online)!

365 {8.2.11}

2011-08-02T19:39:00.000-07:00

I usually take Kodi for a walk every day after dinner~but to be quite honest...some days I don't feel like going!! Today was one of those days!! Luckily Kodi is strong willed and barks and whines until I go!

So I put my walking shoes on, and packed up my bag (which holds my keys, phone, doggie poop baggies, and a collapsible bowl for Kodi~I guess you could call it my doggie bag, LOL!!). I looked at the bag before I put it on my shoulders and it reminds me that LIFE IS GOOD!!!

I was trying to have a good attitude, and thankfully I took time to "smell the roses." I sometimes get too busy and forget how beautiful the desert landscape is!! That really got the thankful ball rolling!!

I am thankful for the water fountain that is at the half way mark on my walking trail (Kodi is especially thankful, LOL!).

I am thankful for some happy mail!! (I have a little bit of a magazine addiction! can you see it?? it is hiding on the bottom).

And I am thankful for this crazy pooch that forces me to go on a walk when I don't feel like it~cause I always feel better once I finish!!

of course, I am Thankful for my iPhone~which I used to take all these pictures tonight :)

365 {8.1.11}

2011-08-01T20:02:00.000-07:00

I am back on the WW wagon!! I fell off a bit over the summer and gained a couple of unwanted pounds *sad face here*

But on Saturday I weighed in and I am back on TRACK!! it Feels good!! I do struggle with tracking my daily points~so my goal this week is to track every.single.day!!! Here is today's points~and now that I look at it, I find that I like to snack when I get home from work, LOL!!

Another shocker~green peas are 3 points for 1 cup (who knew??), luckily I caught that before I ate them~cause I only ate a 1/2 cup instead to save up for a 2 point WW bar, LOL!! The Dark Chocolate Raspberry are my FAV!!! Check them out HERE.

365 {7.31.11}

2011-07-31T17:03:00.000-07:00

I LOVE watermelon!! It is my favorite fruit! Last year I read a blog post on how to cut up a whole watermelon quick and easily~I was all over that!! Cause the way I used to do it took forever and made a mess. So I figured since I had this bad boy on my counter ready to cut up for the week...I would use it as my 365 photo.

I start out by cutting the ends off the watermelon, then cut it in half.

Then using a sharp knife, cut along the outside, getting all the rind off (I put a plastic grocery bag in the sink to keep the rind in, then just throw it out).

Then cut strips.

Then bite size pieces (we have big mouths here, LOL!!).

It takes me about 10 min from start to finish!!
Finished product...Big bowl for the week, snack for our lunches tomorrow, and of course what I couldn't fit in the bowls is a little snack for me *wink*

365 {7.30.11}

2011-07-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

I have been chomping at the bit to participate in Ali Edwards, Week in the Life, project, but I have so many irons in the fire right now, I know I would be biting off more than I could chew. But after seeing all the participants photos, I decided to do a DAY in the life project. That way I could play along for one day and not get overwhelmed in the process. I decided to use my iPhone, just because I wanted to make it as easy as possible.

Here is what my day looked like:
part one...
wake up, shower, make bed, get ready, coffee, WW meeting, another trip to Costco (to pick up snacks suggested at WW meeting, LOL!), check FB and email, Clean bathrooms and vacuum, quick lunch (greek Chobani yogurt with 1/2 cup Honey Bunches of Oats cereal), some Kodi petting time.

Part Two...
lots of laundry, snack, taking Kodi for a walk, Mike fixing his car while I grilled our dinner, working on my Adobe Illustrator class, contacts out, face washed, nighty nite!

it was a lot of fun!! Maybe I will attemp an entire week once my life slows down a bit!!

365 {7.29.11}

2011-07-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

*lots of photos today*
I had a to-do list a mile long today!! But I only got one thing done... but sometimes that is Okay :)

I started off the day getting a gel manicure, which was really AWESOME!! Supposedly the polish stays on and does not chip for 3 weeks~SWEET (pardon my short stubby fingers, LOL!!). I didn't get too crazy with the polish color this time!!

And since Ashley and Nate both had the day off, and my hubby gets out early on Friday's, we went out for lunch at the BBQ Company, which is not the best choice for dieters!! Ashley and I are starting back up at WW tomorrow morning~so hopefully we didn't do too much damage, LOL!!

This was my lunch..

Nate wasn't in the mood for a photo, LOL!! (I warned you it was going online NATE!!!).

It was funny how we ended up being seated, but it was nice to get Ash and Mike together!!

Then Mike and I went to Costco (which was on my list), I love that place!! It took me a while to get everything put away and organized, but once it was done it felt AWESOME!!

And I cannot wait to eat one of those nectarines!!! YUM!!

365 {7.28.11}

2011-07-28T21:55:00.000-07:00

Just some randomness for today...
Josh has Thursday's off from work, so I usually leave him a little to-do list (which I am sure he loves, LOL!!), since I leave for work at 7am and he is still sleeping.

Here are his jobs for today~and if you notice number one~we found out that Kodi still has valley fever :( so he is back on another round of meds to hopefully clear it up!!

He did most of the jobs, but the pile of stuff is still on the counter at 10 pm!

365 {7.27.11}

2011-07-27T15:57:00.000-07:00

I have been procrastinating about my ironing pile!!! So today I had the goal in mind to TACKLE it!! I am happy to report that I got all the clothing items ironed *woot woot* (still have a few place mats, cloth napkins, etc, but those will be a breeze!!). Luckily I send all Mike's stuff out to the dry cleaners, cause he would probably run out of clothes, LOL!!

On the upside, it is like having a new mini wardrobe *smile* Some of those shirts I have not worn for months, HA!

*I love Kodi in the background :)

Is it weird that I hang things by color??? My closet is also color coordinated too~a little OCD, maybe???

365 {7.25.11}

2011-07-25T19:22:00.001-07:00

Tonight I am TIRED!!! I think I am still trying to catch up from lack of sleep from my trip and a busy weekend!! So I am cheating a bit and using some pic's I took yesterday at Jess's Birthday Celebration :)

Of course these two cuties were invited to the party!!

Cutie 1

Cutie 2

They get along pretty good now, I think they are FRIENDS!!!

Okay, I am off to VEG OUT on the couch :)

365 {7.24.11}

2011-07-24T17:37:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated Jess' Birthday, which was actually last week, but since Mike and I went out of town last week, we pushed it up to today!! It is always nice to keep on celebrating, IMO :)

Nate was the cake holder (so Jess could blow out the candles), while Josh played happy birthday on his guitar, we all sang HB 2 U, and I snapped the photo~quite a team effort if I do say so myself, LOL!!! I am so loving Mike in the background singing, LOL!! (I am sure he will hate this photo, but that is what happens when you sit next to the birthday girl~you get in the photo!!).

And of course there is always presents involved in a Birthday celebration!!!

HaPpy BiRthdaY JeSs (a little late)!!!

365 {7.23.11}

2011-07-23T20:48:00.001-07:00

This morning Josh was hanging out in the living room with Kodi~so of course I asked if I could take their picture...(I was expecting a NO, since I usually have my camera in their faces most of the time, LOL!!. I was quite surprised when he said "ok"). I LOVE this photo :) two of the cutest boys IMO!!

365 {7.22.11}

2011-07-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

After work today I stopped at the grocery store to stock up on a few items~including my FAV Greek yogurt!!! I was never a fan of yogurt, but I LOVE this stuff!! I eat it for breakfast every morning with a half cup of Honey Bunches of Oats~So YUMMY and only 3 WW points!!

*I am super excited about the new black cherry flavor that I found today!!!

365 {7.21.11}

2011-07-21T19:23:00.000-07:00

Mike and I took a quick trip to CT this week~it is always so nice to come back home!!!

(taken with my iPhone)

365 {7.16.11}

2011-07-16T21:03:00.000-07:00

This week has been crazy busy for me!! I almost forgot about my weekly challenge photo~luckily I made it just in time, LOL!! This week's inspiration is:

"materials"

I am a big paper crafter!! I love scrapbooking, card making, anything to do with paper, (I even like office supplies, LOL!!). So of course my materials had to include paper!! Here are the flowers I made last week for Ashley's birthday party (that are still sitting on my dining room table). Very fun and easy to make, tutorial is HERE.

365 {7.15.11}

2011-07-15T16:01:00.001-07:00

BUSTED!!
I wonder how many times this has happend and I didn't know about it??? CRAZY PETE!!

it has been an iPhone POTD (photo of the day) kind of week *smile*
(photo taken with my iPhone)

365 {7.14.11}

2011-07-14T19:48:00.000-07:00

This week has been a little (no, a lot)busy!! I have not had much time to play with my camera, but I am so glad I have my iPhone, so I can keep up with my POTD (photo of the day, in case your new around here)!!

I mustered up a little bit of energy to take Kodi on his walk tonight~this is what he looks like when we got back~POOPED!! I am sorta feeling the same way, LOL!!

photo taken with my iPhone
I think Instagram is one of the best iphone camera apps!!! And the best part~it is FREE!! LOVE that!! I used 1977 filter for this one~which I am really liking!!

365 {7.13.11}

2011-07-13T21:13:00.000-07:00

Today Mike and I had a meeting to go to, and since we finished at 5:20 p.m. (and we were starving), we decided to go out for dinner at one of our favorite places~YUM!.

I only drink Diet Coke when I go out for dinner, cause it is kinda bad for you, LOL!! I am hoping it doesn't keep me up tonight!

(taken with my iPhone)

365 {7.12.11}

2011-07-12T22:16:00.000-07:00

I have something going on every night this week~CRAZY!!!

(taken with my iphone)

Tonight Mike and I were meeting with a couple from church. We decided at the last minute to meet in the church office, instead of a public place. We had been talking for an hour or so, when I was distracted by a women who walked by the office (we are not really in a high pedestrian-walking area). She opened the door and started talking kind of sarcastically. Mike invited her in, which kind of made me a little nervous (I was thinking...where is my phone??? does she have a gun in her purse, can I take her, should I call 911!!!). What can I say, I live a sheltered life, LOL!!!

Her name is Marnie, she is 40 years old, and has a masters degree in teaching. She definitely has some mental health issues, but after listening to her, (which was VERY hard to follow most of the time, but I think was very therapeutic for her), Mike told her that we would try to get her some help. She did not ask us for money, we gave her a ride to her friends house, Mike got her phone number and hopefully we can get her the care she needs.

If you are the praying type, please say a prayer for Marnie!! And that we can find her the help she needs to get better!!

Oh yeah, and since we got home waaaayyy later than anticipated, the photo above is what I am snacking on at the moment ;)

365 {7.11.11}

2011-07-11T19:42:00.000-07:00

You may remember my Warby Parker try on post (HERE). Well, can you believe I didn't choose any of them??? I actually ordered 5 more designs for another home try on, and found the ones I really liked (after consulting with my young and hip kiddo's, LOL!!). So I am finally sporting some new spec's!! And I must say, it is nice to see!!! My other glasses were 2 years old (since I usually use my vision benefit allowance for contacts), so my prescription had changed a bit.

My hubby thinks I look like a geek~well I kinda am a girlie computer geek!!!

And the best part~when you buy a pair of WP glasses, they give a pair to someone in need~kinda makes me feel good!!! You can find out more about their program HERE.

(photo taken with my iphone~Instagram App)

And for inquiring minds the lenses I chose are Webb 220.

365 {7.10.11}

2011-07-10T18:44:00.000-07:00

Here is coffee maker take 2!!!

Last week you may remember my post about the new Keurig I purchased (post is HERE), well lets just say my hubby thought it was a big fat FAIL!! His biggest complaints...his coffee tasted like plastic, was not strong enough and didn't fill up his cup. He is a SERIOUS coffee drinker (he told me I could keep it if I wanted to, but knowing he wasn't enjoying his morning coffee kinda made me feel BAD!!).

I wrapped up the quirky (as he called it) coffee maker and returned it to Walmart (so glad they take most everything back, LOL!). Then headed to Bed Bath and Beyond and purchased this baby!! We have already tried it out and the coffee is strong, non-plastic tasting and fills his cup to the brim~HOORAY!! He is now Happy coffee drinker :)

365 {7.9.11}

2011-07-09T21:33:00.000-07:00

Party's are a big deal at the Clark house!! I always make the "birthday peep" whatever they want for dinner and of course I always have to do some sort of theme or party idea to make them feel celebrated!! And it is fun for me, LOL!!

We celebrated Ashley's birthday this afternoon with Lasagna, salad, and french bread (she chooses that every year, LOL!). I had a little "pink" cupcake type theme going on.

I have been wanting to make these cupcake jars for a while, and Ashley's birthday party seemed like the perfect time!! These were the "favors" for everyone to take home, since we had ice cream cake and cupcakes for the birthday girl!! I was really happy with the end result and they are super easy to make!!

And here is the Birthday Girl, with Hershey, getting ready to open her presents. Two cuties if I do say so myself!!

Ok I am off to bed~I am partied out!!

365 {7.8.11}

2011-07-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

Today is my favorite daughters birthday!! I can hardly believe that she is 25 today!! Where did the time go? I am so glad I am not aging though, LOL!!

I am putting the finishing touches on Ashley's party tomorrow~and just pulled these babies out of the oven~I am going to do something really fun with them~it will probably be included in a POTD post tomorrow, or the next day, LOL!!

I thought I would look through my scanned photos for a picture of Ashley celebrating her first birthday and I was disappointed that I only had about 4 photos, and they were grainy and blurry!! Such a bummer, since I LOVE photographs so much! Well, I guess I am all set for grand kids, LOL!!

Here is one that cracked me up!! Man, we all look so young and my brother looks like he is 10 (he was 16 there)!! And I was really sporting the 80's permed/big hair too!! And I love Ashley's chubby legs and peach fuzz hair (she didn't have hair until she was 2).

And here we are today (well really last year), Me and Ash!! She is the BEST daughter in the world!! And I am so blessed to be her mom!! Love you Ash!!

Happy Quarter of a Century!!

{365} 7.7.11

2011-07-08T11:21:00.000-07:00

I am a little late with my Thursday POTD (photo of the day) post!! Because I had a fun night out last night with some crazy gal's, LOL!!

You may remember in June I participated in a 30 Day Photography Challenge. Well everyone in the group loved it so much that the officiator decided to keep it going with a weekly challenge. Here is my photo for week one...

"what you eat"

I made up this salad for lunch on Wednesday, and it was DELISH!!! I used my favorite TJ's salad dressing too!!! Spicy and Delicious :)

365 {7.6.11}

2011-07-06T20:24:00.000-07:00

Today Mr. UPS man delivered a much anticipated package!!!

3 years ago, when I first started getting serious about photography, I purchased my very first lens, a 50mm 1.8m, which I have LOVED and used a lot.

50mm 1.8

Then after hearing several photographers rave over the 85mm 1.8...

I saved up and purchased it…well, I sort of had buyer’s remorse, but I thought I would grow to love the lens. Well, I hardly EVER put it on my camera. So I decided to sell it.

85mm 1.8

so I could upgrade to the 50mm 1.4 (I know it sounds similar to my 50mm 1.8, but it is WAY sharper and has a lower Aperture).

I also decided to sell my beloved 50mm 1.8, since I wouldn’t be using it anymore.

bye bye lens...

It was a little sad wrapping it up and mailing it off to it’s new owner. But this bad boy is on my camera and has already helped me get over the sadness~can you say LOVE?!

50mm 1.4

365 {7.5.11}

2011-07-05T20:02:00.001-07:00

Today our coffee pot broke *sad face here* NOT a good day (on a Tuesday, which is really a Monday, after a LONG holiday weekend, with NO coffee~argh!!), for it to break!!!

So after work today I bought one of these *smile*. I have heard from several people who have them, how much they LOVE them!! My hubby is not as excited about it as I am, LOL!! I wanted to try some iced coffee tonight, but staying up until 2am (with caffeine rush) on a Tuesday night is not my idea of fun!!!

I should have lots of energy tomorrow!!!

365 {7.4.11}

2011-07-04T14:32:00.000-07:00

Today is just a relaxing day at the Clark house (sort of). I am finishing up things on my to-do list and Mike is working on a paper for school. We went to lunch at Jersey Mike's, YUM!! Then we ran a few errands...we picked up this stuff (see photo below), cause someone is going to be starting P90X tomorrow (hint, it is not me or Josh, LOL!!). My hubby even got me a Under Armor shirt for my daily walks with Kodi (he is sweet like that!!), mine is the purple one (just in case you were wondering).

And since his stuff was all stacked up nicely on the stairway, I thought...POTD (photo of the day). Notice Pete, one of our cats, being curious and posing with the goods, LOL!!

and for the record, Kodi and Dewey were curious about this stuff too *wink*

365 {7.3.11}

2011-07-03T18:52:00.000-07:00

It has been "stinkin" HOT here in AZ!! Today was 115 degrees, but Kodi still likes to go for a walk even in the heat~he is a CRAZY dog!! (don't worry I bring water for him). Can you say NO to this face??

Today we went for our daily walk at 5:30 pm, which was still a little too early (the sun was still up), and it was windy and dusty (possible thunderstorms tonight~it is monsoon season).

We even had a tumble weed fly right by us, LOL!!

(pictures taken with my iPhone)

365 {7.2.11}

2011-07-02T15:51:00.001-07:00

Today is a lazy Saturday afternoon at the Clark house, we were all taking a cat nap, when all of a sudden a huge boom of thunder woke us up!!! In most places, rain is no big deal...but in Arizona it is AWESOME!!!

365 {7.1.11}

2011-07-01T18:16:00.001-07:00

Happy July!!
Wow! June really flew by!!

I was feeling a little un-creative today, since my 30 Day Photography Challenge is over *sad face here* But, no worries...I will get back to my usual 365 posts...

I have been taking a course in Adobe Illustrator, so I can increase my skills in graphic design (which is sooo fun for me!!). Illustrator has a little bit of a learning curve, but I am up for the challenge!!

Today I had a few moments to play around in the program and make a new signature (a little basic, I know).

And I am so glad my hubby is a student (finishing up his Master's Degree), so we can take advantage of the student discount, cause Adobe software is EXPENSIVE!!!

365 {6.30.11}

2011-06-30T18:15:00.000-07:00

Today is Day 30, the LAST day of my 30 Day Photography Challenge...

"self portrait"

It is hard for the photographer to become the photographed, LOL!! But I don't mind having my picture taken. Since I am the memory keeper/picture taker of the family, I am usually the one snapping photos (mama~razzi) and documenting "life".

This is how you will usually find me after work or on the weekend~denim shorts, and a comfy t-shirt (minus the necklace~forgot to take it off from work today), I am all about comfort!!!

Wow!! These 30 days have been a lot of fun and FLEW by!! It was nice having a subject each day to photograph, but I have kind of missed "looking" for random things from my everyday life to blog about, LOL!!

365 {6.29.11}

2011-06-29T16:03:00.000-07:00

Today is Day 29 of my 30 Day Photography Challenge...

"black & White"

Since I don't own a zebra...
This is what first came to mind when I was trying to think of something that was black and white~one of our many starbucks mugs.

365 {6.28.11}

2011-06-28T17:02:00.000-07:00

Today is Day 28 of my 30 Day Photography Challenge...

"flowers"

As I have posted before...I do NOT have a green thumb!!! I received this orchid as a gift for my birthday (back in March), and SERIOUSLY cannot believe it is still alive!!

*my mom will be proud, LOL!!*

365 {6.27.11}

2011-06-27T17:05:00.000-07:00

Today is Day 27 of my 30 Day Photography Challenge...

"from a distance"

Today right as Josh was leaving the house, I heard a lot of squawking coming from the front door area...Josh noticed a baby bird right next to our front door, but every time we went to move him back up to his nest~a couple of really LOUD, "angry" birds (LOL!! love that game, btw!) started to attack us. Let me just say~I definitely shot this photo from a "safe" distance, LOL!!

No worries though~Mike will go out and brave the loud birds to rescue the little baby~he is a softy like that!!

365 {6.26.11}

2011-06-26T17:08:00.000-07:00

Today is Day 26 of my 30 Day Photography Challenge...

"close-up"

I knew that no one in my family would want me to do a close-up of them, LOL!! So the next best thing for a close up....the raspberries I bought last night (I grocery shopped on Saturday night~such an exciting life I live!!).

And with all my food photography...I ate them (plus a few more) when I was done~YUM!!

365 {6.25.11}

2011-06-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

Today is Day 25 of my 30 Day Photography Challenge...

"something pink"

When I saw this challenge, I knew exactly what pink item I would use, my paparazzi shirt, LOL!! I think it is funny, but my family thinks it is TRUE *wink*

And I thought I would add a little camera "bling"~ I ordered this necklace thinking it would be smaller~I was greatly surprised when I opened the package to see how big it was.

365 {6.24.11}

2011-06-24T16:09:00.000-07:00

Today is Day 24 of my 30 Day Photography Challenge...

"animal"

We have 3 cats and 1 dog (crazy, I know!!). Kodi is usually pretty good about doing photo shoots, but today he was a little tired, LOL!! (Kitty, Pete & Dewey were no where to be found).

Some days I think I would love to be a dog~but then I think about how they eat cat poop and I change my mind!!!

365 {6.23.11}

2011-06-23T18:13:00.000-07:00

Today is Day 23 of my 30 Day Photography Challenge...

"sunflare"

Another fun technique is shooting directly into the sun (be careful not to look at it or you will see spots for a while, LOL!).

I shot a few this afternoon and these were my 2 fav's...

I could have combined yesterday and today, hands with sunflare!!

and another just for fun!!

365 {6.22.11}

2011-06-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

Today is Day 22 of my 30 Day Photography Challenge...

"hands"

First off...Thanks to my AWESOME hubby for being my photographer once again!! He doesn't mind as long as I am not shooting him (with my camera, that is), LOL!!!

I am not a fan of my hands (or feet for that matter!!), but I am ok with photographing them, LOL!!!

365 {6.21.11}

2011-06-21T16:32:00.000-07:00

Today is Day 21 of my 30 Day Photography Challenge...

"Faceless Self Portrait"

I was going to do my usual...which is, take a photo of myself in the mirror with the camera in front of my face, but I have done that soooo many times, I wanted something new and exciting!!!

I thought about it at work today and had an idea...but then, as I was walking into the house I spotted the yellow lid to the chlorine bucket, Viola', I got my sharpie pen and I was good to go!!!

This was my original idea (below), which I tried too (always good to have a back up plan, right?!). But the yellow lid was the winner :)

*thanks to my hubby for being my photographer~LOVE YA!

365 {6.20.11}

2011-06-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Today is Day 20 of my 30 Day Photography Challenge...

"Bokeh"

and for my non-photography peeps here is the definition of bokeh:

In photography, bokeh is the blur,or the aesthetic quality of the blur, in out-of-focus areas of an image, or "the way the lens renders out-of-focus points of light." Differences in lens aberrations and aperture shape cause some lens designs to blur the image in a way that is pleasing to the eye, while others produce blurring that is unpleasant or distracting—"good" and "bad" bokeh, respectively. Bokeh occurs for parts of the scene that lie outside the depth of field. Photographers sometimes deliberately use a shallow focus technique to create images with prominent out-of-focus regions

One of my first lessons in photography was learning how to shoot with a shallow focus, I thought that was the COOLEST thing ever!!! I loved blurring the background~it is still one of my favorite things to do!!!

365 {6.19.11}

2011-06-19T19:06:00.000-07:00

Today is Day 19 of my 30 Day Photography Challenge...

"Something Orange"

I don't think I own anything orange!! Luckily my "POP" theme, Fathers Day centerpieces included some orange *smile*

365 {6.18.11}

2011-06-18T19:12:00.000-07:00

Today is Day 18 of my 30 Day Photography Challenge...

"Your Shoes"

I wouldn't consider myself to be obsessed with shoes...but every time I buy a new pair my hubby thinks I am crazy, LOL!! Here is a view of my shoe rack inside my closet (don't look at the dusty ones, LOL!). Since we live in Arizona, and the weather has been Stinkin' hot...I mostly wear my sandals.

And most (NO ALL) of the time when I am home or running errands~you can find me sporting these $2.99 Old Navy flip flops :) what can I say...I LOVE to be comfortable!!! (and yes, I know that I am overdue for another pedi!!)