#RandomActsofDecember

I am so beyond excited to tell you all about this wonderful project I've teamed up with Jen over at Peace, Love & Fitness for! We talked about it for a few weeks before we actually got down to trying to plan it out, but here are the details I can tell you now.

Northwest Ohio had better watch out! Jen and I have the goal of doing 100 "random" acts of kindness in the month of December. That's between the two of us, not each individually. I'm using quotation marks around the word random because most of these will be somewhat planned out because they involve a little bit of money or planning of some sort. The randomness will be more in who receives the kindness and less in the planning if that makes sense.

So what can you look forward to from December 1 - 31? A lot of kindness, love and good karma flowing around Northwest Ohio! We've got things from donations to gift cards to even bigger and better things in the works!

To see what we're up to, be sure to like both our Facebook pages - Handmade Creativity and Peace, Love & Fitness - and follow us on Instagram - Me and Jen. You can also follow along with the hashtag #RandomActsofDecember to see what we're up to. We're going to try to get pictures of as many things as we can!

Day 23: Tattoo/Jewelry - Capture Your Grief - Pregnancy/Infant Loss Awareness Month

If you caught yesterday's post about words, you'll probably recognize the wording on this. I've already written a huge post about the ins and outs of my tattoo so you can read that if you're interested in more than I have to say here. The picture above is the one I took to the tattoo guy.

Day 22: Words - Capture Your Grief - Pregnancy/Infant Loss Awareness Month

An angel in the book of life
wrote down my baby's birth,
And whispered as she closed the book
"Too beautiful for Earth."

Of all the quotes and poems I've read over the years, this one speaks to me the most. I started to write that I wasn't sure what it was exactly about this particular poem that spoke to me the most, but then I thought I do know.

According to the poem, my babies mattered. They counted for something. Their names (though they really didn't have names) are recorded somewhere and because of that they existed. None of my babies were born in any traditional sense, but I like to think that they were all born. Unfortunately they were born into Heaven and not Earth.

Day 14: Family - Capture Your Grief - Pregnancy/Infant Loss Awareness Month

When my journey began, my family looked much, much different than it does now. While I still have my parents, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc., I would consider my main "family" to be myself and Minnie.

I live with my parents so they are still a very large and important part of my life, but if I had to pack up and leave tomorrow, it would likely be just me and Minnie. Even though my "family unit" has changed so much it is still so full of love and for that I am so thankful.

Day 10: Beliefs - Capture Your Grief - Pregnancy/Infant Loss Awareness Month

Before my losses I had never thought about my beliefs surrounding loss through miscarriage. My general belief about what will happen in general has always been that we will one day meet again in Heaven. When I thought more specifically about my beliefs and my miscarriages things got a little more foggy for a bit. I was finally able to come to some sort of loosely shaped beliefs that I hope I can explain so that others can understand as well.

I have had three miscarriages but have lost a total of four babies. I believe that each of these losses/babies were the same, or a combination of the same, two spirits. For some reason these spirits weren't quite ready for earth and so they have begun a cycle, of sorts, of coming and leaving and it won't be until they are ready that they will be born on earth. Because of some of my fertility issues, some of which are now physical and unchangeable, I don't know if they will eventually be born to me or for me, but I have faith and believe that they will eventually be mine.

In my mind, there is no doubt that these two spirits will some day be a part of my physical life. If for some reason things don't work out that way, I know that I will some day meet them in Heaven.

Bubble Pizza - Foodie Friday - Project Pinspiration #10

A little while ago I stayed at a friend's house overnight. It was a slumber party of sorts with her and her children. This bubble pizza sounded like a great, kid friendly meal that we could easily cook for dinner. It also helped tat she had all the ingredients on hand already.

Here's how our version turned out:

Day 7: You Now - Capture Your Grief - Pregnancy/Infant Loss Awareness Month

Right now I feel like I'm in a decent place with my grief. I've gone through a lot of stuff in the last few months and through it I've done a lot of soul searching, and am still working on it.

The tattoo I got back in April was a big step in having some closure to everything. There's a post coming up in a couple of weeks that will talk more about that, or you're welcome to read my original tattoo post. Since getting that tattoo I've felt more at peace with everything and while I do still have some sadness, on the whole I'd say I'm doing ok.

Day 4: Legacy - Capture Your Grief - Pregnancy/Infant Loss Awareness Month

I know what a legacy is but I had to look up the actual definition to be sure I understood it correctly and also so I could think about how it relates to my miscarriages and the babies I lost. Truth is, I'm not sure how it applies.

I find legacy to mean that what is left after someone is gone - what they are most remembered for. Based on that definition, and because of the circumstances, I would have to say that they have left behind pain - both emotional and physical - but at the same time there is hope.

So I guess there I have it. The legacy my babies have left behind is hope. Hope for the future, that some day I will have children, and also that some day I will get to meet them.

Day 2: Identity - Capture Your Grief - Pregnancy/Infant Loss Awareness Month

Unfortunately none of my pregnancies made it to a stage where there was any real discussion about their futures. There were no nicknames, only a little wishful thinking about what they might be named. So because I can't really speak to their identity, I'll use this post to talk about my identity and how it has changed since my miscarriages.

Day 1: Sunrise - Capture Your Grief - Pregnancy/Infant Loss Awareness Month

[Picture of this morning's sunrise (hopefully) will go here when I wake up]

There was really no sunrise this morning as it was super foggy. Plus I slept way in because I'm not feeling the best. That said, I have no picture to share today.

Today is Day 1 in CarlyMarie Project Heal's Capture Your Grief Photographic Challenge. If you are participating I would love to follow along in your journey this month as well so feel free to leave your links below!

I already know I won't be doing every single day, but I'm going to try to do a majority of them. You'll be able to find pictures and a blog post for the days I do participate here, as well as pictures on my Instagram.

It's so fitting that Day 1 is a sunrise as it's the very first day of the month and the project. I hope you'll follow me on my journey to bring awareness to Pregnancy/Infant Loss, as well as work through some of my own feelings and thoughts on the subject. 

October 2013 Preview

I just wanted to take a couple of minutes and give everyone a preview of what's coming up for October. October is a very busy month around here with my birthday and Miscarriage/Infant Loss Awareness Month. Add in the regular posts - Ipsy, Minnie Monday, the occasional Foodie Friday and/or Project Pinspiration - and the month is sure to be jam packed.

If you've been following my blogging journey for a while, you may remember last October was mostly dedicated to sharing the stories of women who had experienced the loss of a child - sometimes multiple times. This year will be a bit different. This year I will be participating in CarlyMarie Project Heal's Capture Your Grief Photographic Challenge. I plan to do as many of these daily challenges as I find apply to me and you'll be able to find blog posts and Instagram photos sharing my thoughts and perspective on each of the daily topics.

You'll also find more regular blog posts scattered throughout the month. My usual Ipsy post will be up, a few Project Pinspiration things, general life posts and hopefully a Foodie Friday or two. If there's anything else you'd like to see, please let me know!

At this time, what I've got more or less planned for the month is below, but as always it's subject to change for any and every reason. I've put the days I know for sure I have something I want to share down but I may, and probably will, add more. Also, this way you should know which days to check out Instagram for a snapshot version of my perspective if you're only interested in that.

Warm Bacon & Cheese Dip - Foodie Friday - Project Pinspiration #9

I made this a while ago, a long while ago, but I'm just now getting around to posting it. I don't really have an excuses for that, it's just how life happens sometimes.

And this is how mine turned out:

September 2013 Ipsy/Glam Bag

This bag is a really pretty blue color but I have to admit I'm not necessarily fond of the pattern. I think this would be really cute if the lace was real.

As far as the products go, this is probably one bag that I will use every single product in, except for one. That's a pretty good deal I think.

Quick BloggyCon13 Recap

Ok so now technically that should say "I went to..." but whatcha gonna do? If you follow me on pretty much any of my social media sites OR you caught my post from last week, I'm sure you figured out that I spent the weekend at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio for BloggyConference 2013.

It was such an amazing experience and I had so much fun meeting fellow bloggers and learning about all sorts of things. I'm not even sure I can put into words that make sense how much I enjoyed it. The time away from everything was a plus as well. It's nice to get away even if it's just for a day or two to recharge and reconnect with yourself.

Bloggy Con or Bust!: What I'll be Wearing

As I'm sure you know if you follow me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, tomorrow I'll be heading over to Cedar Point for Bloggy Con! I am so beyond excited to meet up with some of the people I've been talking to on Twitter for a while, as well as those whose blogs I've been following! I decided that I would need to pick outfits in advance because let's face it, my last minute packing skills are less than acceptable and I almost always forget something - sometimes many something.

The conference is 3 days long, beginning on Friday night with a meet and greet dinner. Saturday and Sunday are full of sessions where we'll learn all sorts of exciting things. The weather is supposed to be cooler this weekend - in the 60s and 70s after having been near 100 earlier this week! Welcome to Ohio in the fall! So that said, all outfits will also have the option of being worn with a charcoal gray cardi, not pictured. Also, most of the accessories are not pictured.

I miss my mom - Minnie Monday

I know! I know! It's been a while, but things have been kind of busy around here. I've been busy growing and turning into a small cat, as opposed to a kitten, and mom's been busy working and being social. So there are a few new things going on at least.

2013 Bucket List - Update #2

At the beginning of the year I wrote up a bucket list of things I'd like to get done this year. The list only had 10 things on it to start, but I've added a few things since then.

It's already September and I'll admit I'm a little behind on some things. Here's how things are shaping up:


 (If you see a link for the event/activity/whatever it means I've done a blog post on it)

1. See The Beach Boys at our local fair
2. Start fertility testing
3. Get a new car
4. Have 1 student loan almost paid off
5. Find a new book series to fall in love with - The Mortal Instruments
6. Get a tattoo
7. Have a scrapcation (scrapbooking vacation) with Kelley
8. Win at Monopoly
9. Do at least 50 Project Pinspiration things*
10. Organize my scrap/craft stuff
11. Attend a blog conference
12. Walk 100  miles (not all at once, total over the year, including walking done for work and for fun/exercise on my own)

 *As of September 5, 2013 I have done blog posts about 8, but have done 8 more that I haven't done blog posts about:

• Vicks shower disks
• Fiesta lime rice
• Bead/pearl bangle bracelets
• Jolly Rancher Vodka
• Bottle cap stamps
• Strawberry ice box cake
• Braided/beaded bracelet
• Beaded Bobby Pins

That's not too bad I think. I really need to pick up on the Project Pinspiration though and get the blog posts for my completed projects done.

Beach Boys Concert!

I really should have had this post up ages ago. I don't know what's taken me so long to get it up, but here it is so there you go haha

Our local county fair has a concert every year and this year it was the Beach Boys. I grew up listening to them since my mom was such a fan - hey mom! - so I was really excited to hear they would be there this year. My mom decided to splurge and got tickets for me, herself, my sister and my sister's boyfriend.

Diamond Candles Review & Giveaway

I received a candle complimentary from Diamond Candles. They are also providing the candle for the giveaway. 
All opinions are 100% my own.

I was beyond excited when I was contacted by Diamond Candles about trying one of their candles and hosting a review. I've seen friends like them on Facebook and post or re-post pictures in hopes of winning one and I have to admit that it got my curiosity going.

What exactly is a Diamond Candle? What makes it different from any of the thousands of other candles out there?

Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream Review - Influenster

 

I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.
All opinions are 100% my own

2 week recap - Minnie Monday

I bet you probably didn't know that watermelons are among the most dangerous fruits in existence, did you? Well at least they look and smell that way to me. I just HAD to check this one out a few times to make sure it wasn't going to roll away or sprout legs or something else equally random and scary.

July 2013 Favorites - Beauty, Craft, Food and Lifestyle

It feels like forever since I've done a proper post - maybe because it's been since April. It seems like as the months go on it's harder to find new favorites. Some things are pretty much Holy Grail products so new things that I LOVE are few and far between.

Also, this month I managed to film a video AND write this post. However, somehow between filming and this post I think I forgot some of my favorites...that said, some may be missing from the post below, but if it was mentioned in the video and not down there the info for it will be in the info bar of the video on YouTube.

This post may contain some affiliate links.

Rainy day naps and bedtime cuddles - Minnie Monday

Last week was a great week for naps! It rained on Monday and I got the most lovely nap under mom's bed.

July 2013 Ipsy/Glam Bag

This bag is super cute and great for the beach since it's a see through pink plastic. That's a good thing since their theme this month is Beach Beauty.

Overall I'm pretty happy with this bag, yet again. I'm so glad I made the switch to Ipsy and dropped Birchbox. The quality and value of the products I've gotten in my Ipsy have far out done the ones I had been receiving in my Birchboxes.

Let's get fit! - Minnie Monday

Yes! You caught me sleeping...again. I'm a kitten and I'm always awake when I should be asleep and asleep in the middle of the day. BUT sleeping wasn't all I got done last week.

June 2013 Favorites

I usually have a blog post for my monthly favorites that includes a lot more than just beauty. This month time got away from me and all I have is a video of my beauty favorites. Hopefully next month I'll have both a video and a blog post.

Storms are Exhausting and New Toys - Minnie Monday

Last week was another exciting week! There was a big storm, a trip to the vet and new toys! So much going on in just 7 short days. I'm not even sure where to begin! Maybe at the beginning...

Sunkissed VoxBox 2013 - Influenster

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

I was beyond excited when I got the email telling me I had been chosen to receive the Sunkissed VoxBox from Influenster! It feels like forever since I've gotten an assorted box from them. Yes, I've had a few product specific boxes but it's been about a year since I received one with multiple products.

Some of these products really couldn't have come at a better time. Keep an eye out for more in-depth reviews after I've had time to properly test out each of the products!

Feeling so much better - Minnie Monday

This week is SUCH a difference from last week. I haven't felt this good in a very long time - possibly even ever! Mom says I'm full of piss and vinegar and, to be honest, I'm inclined to agree.

Sick last week - Minnie Monday

Last week was really kind of awful. I was sick for most of the week and spent the majority of every day sleeping. While it was nice to cuddle up with mom, It was really, really no fun being sick.

Weight Loss Update - June 2013

If you've been following along, maybe even looking for a weight loss update, you'll probably know that it's been several months since I've done an update on my weight loss. Really, it's because I gained some of the weight back and I had been stuck bouncing around the same 5 pounds or so for those several months.

Looking back, I probably should have posted updates in those months also since weight loss isn't always sunny and about losing weight. Sometimes - most of the time? - weight loss is about struggle and it's a process. Sometimes we lose weight, gain it back and then lose even more. Sometimes we lose weight, gain it back and then have problems losing it again. Again, it's a process.

Party animal! - Minnie Monday

Last week was my first taste of window watching and boy was it fun! There are birds that like to sit on the part of roof there and while it seemed a little scary at first, it ended up being a lot of fun.

I'm growing so fast! - Minnie Monday

It might be hard to tell, but I'm growing SO fast! Mom says I look more like a small cat now than a kitten. This is kind of exciting since I'm not even 12 weeks old yet! I'm finally eating about 1/2c. food a day now and I think this is really what's been helping me grow so fast.

June 2013 Ipsy/Glam Bag

The theme of this month's bag is "On the wild side." You can see from the bag itself that they're maybe trying to get us out of our comfort zone a bit on this one. For me, they succeeded!

I know that usually my Ipsy and Birchbox posts come close together each month, however there will not be a Birchbox post this month, or any month in the foreseeable future. I have cancelled my Birchbox subscription. If you'd like to know why or have me to a comparison of the two services, I'd be glad to do so, just let me know!

Just hanging out and watching Netflix - Minnie Monday

Last week was such a busy week. Mom picked up a lot of extra hours at work and since I'm not quite used to her schedule, I was really missing her. When she was home I took every opportunity to spend time with her. We hung out a lot and watched Netflix.

Crafting and helping mommy - Minnie Monday

So I've been here just over a week and I'm FINALLY adjusting to everything. I know where my litter box and food are, even though I oopsed and pooped on mom's carpet once, and I love all my toys.

Make your garden beautiful with Miracle-Gro and The Gro Project

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Miracle-Gro. All opinions are 100% mine.

Now that it's officially after Mother's Day, I've been itching to get out in the garden and make things pretty again. Truthfully though, the great care we gave our flowers last year paired with the mild winter we had has given us some beautiful flowers already.

The tulips have come and gone, as have the crocosus. The peonies are blooming - it is after Memorial Day as well afterall - and the lilies have great greenery which tells me their blooms later in the season will be beautiful as well.

Since the majority of our already established plants and flowers are doing so well, all that's left is to add a few finishing touches and random pops of flowers to complete the yard.

That's where Miracle-Gro and their ideas for fun garden projects come in!

There's a new member of the family: Minnie

Minnie is the newest member of the family. She's approximately 7 weeks old and she's just come to live with us this weekend. Minnie's mom, Luna, is my sister's cat who lives with my sister's boyfriend and the rest of his family.

Guest Post: How to choose the right sunscreen

This post written by Tammy Mahan who has 20 years of healthcare experience and enjoys sharing her knowledge by writing for Healthline.com. 

How to Choose the Right Sunscreen

Choosing the right type of sunscreen may be more important than you realize. Not all sunscreens are created equally. You may come across two different brands of sunscreen but there is one significant thing that needs to listed on the bottle. That is protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

According to the skin cancer organization, the sun emits two types of rays. The first is UVA (ultraviolet radiation) the A signifies that it is a long wave. This means that UVA rays penetrate the Earth’s ozone layer and can reach you. The UVA rays are what cause your skin to wrinkle, sag and leather. 

UVB rays are a short wave ray that can also penetrate the ozone layer of Earth can still reach you. During the hottest part of the day between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, these rays cause sunburns.

Birchbox May 2013

This month's Birchbox is "all about you," a beauty tell all of sorts. To be perfectly honest, I don't see how these products necessarily fit that theme. At first glance they don't seem like any products you might keep a secret from friends so they'll be "your" products or anything so I don't know.

May 2013 Ipsy/Glam Bag

The theme of this month's Ipsy/Glam Bag is Spring Fling. I really think this month's bag pattern is adorable, though it says "summer" to me more so than "spring." Still, it's a nice bag.

Also, my life is in the midst of an upheaval of sorts so I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to film a video for this bag. I may have one up later, but I doubt it especially since it won't be an unboxing (unbagging?) like usual.

If I could re-do my wedding invitations

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Paper Direct. All opinions are 100% mine.

My name is Jessica and I'm addicted to Pinterest.

There, I said it. Pinterest makes me want clothes I'll never have enough closet space for, food I'll never have enough time to eat and plan, or re-plan, another wedding. I have pinned and repinned so many ideas, it's nearly overwhelming. Lately, my If I got to do it over - Wedding board has been overflowing with ideas. Looking back at how things actually happened, I also got to thinking about what I'd do differently. Pretty near the top of the list: invitations.

You may have seen the tutorial I posted for them some time ago (if not, you can find it here). You'll notice that I did everything for these invitations. I cut the paper, printed all the information, glued it all together, etc. My mom even helped with the embossing. It was a lot of work and at the time I was pretty proud of what I'd done.

Get Your Backyard Ready with Flood Wood Care Staining Guide & Flood Better Backyard Sweepstakes

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Flood® Wood Care for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

It's spring! That means it's time to dust off your outdoor furniture and get it looking nice so you can enjoy it until next winter. Sometimes when we get out our outdoor furniture we notice it doesn't look quite as nice as it did when we last saw it.

Don't worry! That's where Flood® Wood Care comes in! They take the guesswork out of making things - from small pieces of furniture to you're biggest deck - look beautiful again with their interactive guide.

Just answer a few simple questions about your project:

What type of project is it?

What's it made of?

What's its current condition?

What finish do you want?

What color do you want?

Once you've answered those questions, their Staining Made Simple guide gives you amazing, customized results! It will tell you what to buy, where to buy it and how much you're going to need. You can also watch how-to videos and print out instructions.

They really couldn't have made it any easier.

Recently, while wasting, err spending, time poking around Pinterest, I came across this beauty:

I like the simplicity of the white paint, but as a lover of natural wood, I would love to keep as much of the integrity of the natural wood showing. I think this would make a great little coffee table of sorts in the middle of a group of chairs on a patio. It would also make a great conversation piece because, let's be honest, where the heck would you even find one?! I sure don't know where I would, but if I did, this is what I would do with it.

If you'd love to do this, or any other project, for your backyard this year you're in luck! Flood is hosting a Better Backyard Sweepstakes where you could win a $1,500 gift card for staining and other backyard projects!

They're also giving away $10 gift cards daily - 12 each day to be exact! And it's all part of the Flood Better Backyard Sweepstakes*!

For details and to enter go to: Flood Better Backyard Sweepstakes

Don't forget to share it with friends to get even more entries! Sweepstakes ends May 17, 2013.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States of America and (D.C.) 18 years and older. Ends 5/17/2013. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds, and prize descriptions visit www.facebook.com/flood. Void in Puerto Rico and where restricted or prohibited. This Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You understand that you are providing your information to Sponsor and not to Facebook.    

April 2013 Favorites - Beauty, Craft, Food and Lifestyle

The month really got away from me. About mid-month I started thinking about what I had been using so far in April and by the time I knew it, it was already May 1! So a little late, but here nonetheless, here are my favorites for the month of April.

Beauty

Be a Bombshell Blush - Sweet Cheeks

I've really liked using this blush this month! A little bit really goes a long way but I like the way it looks on my cheeks. With a light hand it adds a nice, rosy flush. I would caution though that it also has a slight highlight effect with some shimmer - not glitter, just a shine of sorts - on my skin at least.

e.l.f. Eyelid Primer

This has been my go to eyelid primer for a while. It's $1 and it works great. I would probably pay a bit more than that for this, but don't tell e.l.f.! It's a great deal and really helps keep my eyeshadow in place without creasing and without turning my eyelids into oil slicks. It also helps the color show up better.

CoverGirl Eye Enhancers Trio - Cafe au Lait

These have been my go to eyeshadows for some time now. I actually just took them out of my every day bag so I'll be forced to try something different. I usually use the brown shade on its own, or with a bit of the middle color. For whatever reason I have a hard time using the white one.

CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm - Ballet Twist

Yes I know this has been a favorite before, but it's still a favorite. I carry this in my purse and use it all the time. I don't need a mirror to put it on and it looks good with anything.

Craft

Food

Granola Bars

My mom is trying to insist that I cannot live on granola bars alone, that's how much I've been eating them this month. They're such a quick thing to grab on the go. I'd like to eventually look into making my own so that I can control the ingredients and maybe make them healthier.

Marzetti Old Fashioned Caramel Dip

I think we had a coupon for this and we got it on sale on top of that. Boy was that a mistake! We ended up buying two containers of it this month! I always forget about this until the fall or until we have a coupon and it's on sale. It's delicious!

Cheribundi Cherry Black Tea Refresh

This is not just a favorite because I did a review or am doing a giveaway about it. It's a true favorite. I only wish I'd had more of it this month. It was really delicious and I think I'll have to suck it up and make the 30-45 minute trek to the only store in the area that carries them.

Lifestyle

Sims

I got back into The Sims 3 this month. I really love designing and decorating houses the most. My favorite thing is to start with 1 Sim and very little money and see how many generations it takes to get a great home without cheating.

Sims Free Play

A friend of mine, Angie I'm looking at you!, made the mistake of telling me there's a Sims game you can play on your phone...and it's free. I've been hooked ever since - see other Sim favorite above.

Kittens

 My sister's cat had kittens this month and boy are they cute! I want one. I'm getting one when they're big enough. It's just so hard to wait for them to get big enough! I'm sure I'll post pictures and do a whole post when the one I want finally gets to come home with me.

Walking

This month I started going on weekly walks with my neighbor. Not only is the exercise good for me, the company is also great! She's super nice and always has great advice.