Tuesday, July 31, 2012

How I make that Money Honey {my 8-5 life}

 
Blogging is a bit of an "escape" for me. I don't tend to talk too much about my "real job" - I spend enough time focusing on that when I'm in the office. I love that Lindsey over at The Bargain Blonde hosted this link-up. I think it's a great way to get to know the "other side" of some of our blog-friends!
 
We can start with the bit of a shocker - I don't have a college degree. It's one of my biggest insecurities to date, although I do plan on going back in the near future. When I do go back to college, I know my study focus will not be related to the field I work in now, although I would have never have learned my true passion without working where I do now.
 
via
 
I work at our local courthouse as a "Judicial Support Specialist" and as the "Drug Court Clerk".
The first thing people generally ask is "oh so you're the lady that types everything that people say in court?" ... short answer, No. Technology has evolved, so now we have a big fancy computer system that does that.
 
Instead, I am responsible for making sure the judge's files are prepared for court, inputting data into our database, drafting criminal and civil judgments, handling exhibits during trials, write letters, and help the judges out in any other way they may need.
As the Drug Court Clerk, I mainly run statistics, keep track of the clients that are in and out of the program, and help coordinate community events and programs.
 
My job is never boring, I will give it that. My weeks are filled with tumultuous divorce cases, wacky criminal trials, dramatic people, and even the occasional positive hearing (like a Drug Court graduation, adoption ceremony, or courthouse wedding!)
 
I like my  job, I do. However, I don't see myself making it a career. When I first accepted the job, I thought I wanted an office job, and the criminal justice field amazed me. Now that I have been working there for nearly 6 years, I know that I want to take my career path in a little different direction.
When I began working with the Drug Court Program, I never thought I'd really take a liking to the program. I could not have been more wrong. Thanks to my opportunity to be involved with the program, I know that my career will be something that helps people. I want to be a part of something that is involved with positivity, with helping people to achieve a greater good.
 
Part of me feels silly being 25 and wanting a career change. But they say 40 is the new 30, so I'm not ridiculous right?!

via

 
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Monday, July 30, 2012

I'll take this over junk mail and bills anyday!

It's too often that I check the mailbox to find useless coupons, bills, junk mail, and the occasional magazine!
Last week was great - and I may be spoiled! I received so many fun things, I never want to go back to the old days of oil change coupons and power bills!



First, I received my beautiful bracelet from the beautiful Shanni over at Shanni Loves! This was part of the jewelry swap over at The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife. Melissa is a rock-star - and this swap was super successful! If you'd like to partake in the jewelry swap, head over to her blog, new guests are welcome for next month's swap!

Now typically, this isn't something that I would buy - and I usually wear my watch, and haven't really gotten on the "arm party" train yet of layering bracelets and such....but I fell in love with this little piece!

I love how the white beads are iridescent and almost take on whatever color you pair it with!  



Next, after a pretty rough day, I had a surprise package on my doorstep! I had almost forgotten I took part in a mug swap! I was paired up with the ever so bad-ass Destiny over at Rockin' Mama. Not only is this girl not afraid to say what's on her mind (and what all of us are thinking....UNCENSORED!) she is thoughtful too! She turned my blog header and favorite quote into this adorable mug! I can only hope that she likes her mug as much as I love mine!


Last but certainly not least - was a package that I got in the mail today.
I cannot WAIT to try out this little box. Craftistas was sending out products to review - and I have to say, I'm hooked! Monthly subscription services have swept the nation with boxes like Birchbox and Bluum but  this one is strictly for the DIY-ers or ones that aspire to find their crafty niche. Each month, they send you a box with most of the goodies you need to embark on your very own DIY journey! 
This month, I received some great fabric and studs to make an envelope clutch!
I can't wait to set some time aside and show you all the finished product!
Head over to their site to get signed up for your very own!



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Sunday, July 29, 2012

Sunday Social - {Week three}

Sunday Social


This could be one of my favorite link-ups. Sometimes, on a Sunday, while sipping my coffee, it's nice to have some writing prompts. These questions also give me a chance to get to know more all about all of you, which is quite possibly my favorite part! 
Be sure to link up with Ashley and Neely - the more the merrier!


This Weeks Questions:

1. What is your dream job? 
This one is a tough subject. I just got the call on Friday that I was not chosen to fill a position of a job that I would consider a "dream job". My dream job is not in a specific field necessary, but rather possesses certain qualities. My dream job is one that I would stay challenged, and I would be a big part in facilitating positive changes within people. I have a passion for helping people, and love an environment that is always changing, quickly moving, and inspiring.

2. If you had just won the lottery and didn't need to work for money, what would you do with your time? 
I would blog, and spend my time making pretty things (duh!) I would also like to begin the venture on building a dream home, spend time with family in great locations (top of my list, Ireland), and spend some time and money on some local organizations that I truly believe in. I would go back to school, and spend more time learning a foreign language. 
(From the looks of my list, I feel like I'd keep myself and family pretty busy)



3. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? 
I wanted to be a "big fancy business woman". I wanted to sit at a big table, making conference calls, making big decisions. (I will be the first to admit, I was on a crazy power trip when I was a little girl. I also didn't take into consideration that big cities scare me and "big fancy business women" typically don't flourish in small towns!)
 My back-up plan was to be a meteorologist (aka....weather girl!)

via


4. What piece career advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field? 
Don't take your work home with you. I work in a difficult place - 99% of the time, people aren't at the courthouse because they want to be, and often times their anger and frustration is taken out on you. Keep it separate, and you'll do fine.


5. Biggest Pet Peeves either in life or in blogging or at work:
In life: people who habitually "flake out" (things happen, but cancelling plans last minute over and over is a pet peeve), and public wedge-ie picking! 
In Blogging: I am not "established" enough in blogging to have developed one yet - I'm still just sitting back and observing. Give me some time, I'm sure I'll come up with something!
In Work: what isn't my pet peeve at work? Attorneys not turning in paperwork on time, defendants constantly making excuses "no, I don't know why my UA shows amphetamines....must have been in the muffin I ate this morning...". Co-worker wise, probably my biggest pet peeve is the nosey-ness that goes on, not pulling their own weight, and office supply stealers (I still am missing my favorite pen, whoever you are!) ha.
 

6. Biggest Fears:

Spiders (and everything else creepy-crawly), water I cannot see the bottom of, not being in control of a situation (motherhood has probably single-handedly cured me of this fear though, I'm learning to be more laid back everyday!)



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Friday, July 27, 2012

It's O.K......Friday?

My cheery mood from my Friday's Letters post has quickly declined. You know those rockin' interview outfits? Well they must not have rocked hard enough - it turns out that I did not get the job.
Now, I have a job. In fact, I have a very steady job that locally is considered a "good one". But this was a great job. A job actually coordinating a local treatment court program....and I wanted it, bad.

In honor of the cute little "It's Ok Thursday" - I am posting my very own "It's Ok Friday".


Its Ok Thursdays

Tonight I will be changing into my pajamas when I get home, cuddling my two boys, watching movies, eating horribly (because unfortunately that's what I do when I'm down in the dumps), and maybe even having a good cry....but it's OK.
source unknown

I in no way take for granted all of the good things I have going for me, and the beautiful life I already have, but sometimes that little ego shot of "why aren't I good enough for that job?, takes a toll on you - and the only cure for it is some cookie dough!



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Fridays Letters

Outfit #1 - Shirt: Apt9 for Kohls, Blazer: Maurices, Pants: Old Navy, Shoes: Jessica Simpson (only $11 at our local Ross!) Bracelet: Stella&Dot

Outfit #2 - Shirt: Ralph Lauren (Ross find), Pencil Skirt: Thrifted, Shoes: Jessica Simpson, Earrings: Stella&Dot
Dear Interview(s), you are stressful, but you are over. Thanks to some cute new outfits, and a lot of preparation I felt confident - and now I'm just awaiting that much anticipated call. Dear Destiny from A Rockin' Mama, I absolutely loved my mug - it was the first "Two.Shades.of.Lovely" swag I ever received, and I will proudly sip my morning coffee out of it (post to come soon!!). Dear new hectic schedule, lay off a bit will ya? I miss only seeing my husband about 10 minutes a day. Dear Days, I could use a little more than 24 hours in each of you, just sayin'. Dear Polka Dots, it's nice to have you back - I was obsessed with you at age 6, and now, I am growing more fond of you every day. Dear Danielle, you may or may not be a super hero. Hosting that Christmas In July Flash Sale was amazing - thank you for allowing me to be a part of it. Dear 15 year old girls, apparently we have the same taste in television. Pretty Little Liars has me obsessed. Dear husband, baby fever is sinking in - how about #2? Dear garden of ours, it was our first shot, but you're doing so well - and nothing tastes as good as a home grown veggie! Dear long week, I'm glad you're ending - and there is light at the end of the tunnel (and hopefully a large glass of wine too!)


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Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Christmas In July Flash Sale Extravaganza!

Danielle over at Framed Frosting was one of my blogging "inspirations". She had the cutest layout, the greatest fan base, and always came up with innovative posts! This is no different - Two Shades of Lovely is taking part in it's first FLASH SALE as part of Christmas In July!


Christmas In July MEGA-shopping Event  
TONIGHT AND TOMORROW {July 26th and July 27th} 
**starting at 8pm EST each night** 

There will be 20+ shops EACH NIGHT selling discounted items with FREE shipping! 

 You MUST be a fan of the Framed Frosting Facebook page to participate in the event! 
You MUST have a PayPal account in order to purchase shop items. 

Here's How It Works: 

 1) Head on over to Danielle's Facebook page at 8pm EST. There will be instructions posted on how to claim/purchase your items. Also, feel free to comment if you have any questions! 

 2) A new shop item will be posted every couple of minutes, so be sure to refresh your page often! If you see an item you'd like to buy just comment on the photo with your PayPal email address. Also be sure that if there are different color choices, name choices, etc that you list those too! 

3) There will be a select quanitity of each item available. So that means if you want it, be quick to comment with your e-mail or the deal might become full and you'll lose your chance to buy!! 

4) The MEGA-shopping event will be run in this fashion with about 20 shop items posted each night. Then over the weekend, shops will be sending out your invoices for the items you purchased! 


Shops for Thursday Night - July 26th

JEWELRY: 
Stella & Dot 
Elisabeth Ashlie 
Chloe VS Tank Loved 
Twillypop 
Streeter Ltd 
Whispering Sweetly 
Five Sixteenths 
Cloud Nine Designz
 Beyond the Blackboard
 Little Bears Necklaces 
Lovely Little Whimsy 
Blue Soul Designs 

HAIR ACCESSORIES & FASHION: 
Peas & Carrots 
Missionary Kerrie's 
Two Shades of Lovely 
J&M's Eye Candy 
Breeze Creations 

BLOG DESIGN: 
Melissa Rose Design {blog designs} 
Yours Truly {social media icons}

ART & PRINTS: 
Framed Frosting Shoppe 
Knotted Tree Photography 
Three Bees Designs 

OTHER: 
Garage Sales R Us {monogram canvas} 
The Not So Ordinary Shop {camera strap covers} 
The Cozy Project {coffee sleeves} 
Red Letter Paper Co {Christian-based cards} 
Blood Orange Designs {babysitters notepad} 
Bonn Bonn Boutique {his and her coffee mugs} 
Yellow Umbrella Designs {stationery} 
Cherished Bliss {PDF sewing patterns for children's accessories} 

Hope to see you tonight & Happy Shopping!! 

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Sunday, July 22, 2012

Sunday Social - {Week two}



Hey everyone! I am super excited about today's Sunday Social! I'm back for my second week in a row, and the prompts keep getting better and better! Be sure to go visit Ashley and Neely - both of them have great blogs, and do a great job hosting this link up every week!

1. What is your favorite handbag you've ever owned? 

I've had my fair share of designer handbags - each adorable and perfect in their own way. I'm notorious for switching bags weekly (sometimes more than once a week) until this Mary Poppins-ish bag landed underneath my tree this Christmas. My best friend knows me to the core - she found this little gem at her local Ross and knew it was the perfect bag for me, and I've been wearing it ever since.

It has plenty of pockets - for EVERYTHING.
It is a great color - perfect for spring, summer, fall, winter.
It has withstood baby spit up, food crumbs, numerous concerts, countless late night outings, and everything in between!

2. What is your dream handbag you lust over? 

A little pinterest picture started it all - this bag just screams perfection! I know it's seasons old, but I love the color, I love the style - and I'm currently setting my sights on getting one of these bad boys when I reach my goal weight!
Coach handbag



3. What are the daily essentials in your purse or work bag?

 Necessities? Cell phone, lipgloss, a ponytail holder, hand sanitizer, my kindle (or a good book), emergency snacks for the little man, and a toy (for grocery store meltdowns!!)

Don't get me wrong I keep WAY more in my purse *you'll see below* but those are the must-haves.

4. What's in your purse (with pictures)?

I'm kind of embarrassed and impressed at the amount of stuff I have in my purse right now! Everything from a Kindle, to an emergency diaper, Ben Harper ticket stubs, and extra hair hairbands!

I can't wait to see what all of you have in your bags!

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Thursday, July 19, 2012

{Current Crush Thursday} - Coral&Mint

Today is the first time linking up with Danielle over at Framed Frosting for her ever so popular Current Crush Thursday posts. I don't know why I haven't linked up sooner - turning my Pinterest addiction into a post - what could be better?!

Current Crush Thursdays
It's no surprise that I'm a tad behind the trends....but this once unlikely duo in my head deserves a post all of it's own. I'm loving the coral&mint trend that has swept the fashion world, wedding magazines, and the handmade market as well!
I can't get enough of it - and wanted to show you all a few of my favorite looks.


1 - This Color Block necklace from The Swan Lake is gorgeous!
2 - These earrings are the epitome of my jewelry style from Exquisite Artistry
3 - These great shoes from Urbanog stole my heart - and are in the mail!
4 - This whole party makes me swoon! I wish my mom would have thrown me a day spa party complete with these adorable decorations when I was turning 8! (via)
5 - This nursery alone gives me baby fever! (via)
6 - This dress - the pleats, the colors - so perfect for a summer wedding or date! (via)

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Wednesday, July 18, 2012

What Comfort Zone?

*If you know the original source - please let me know*
 "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." - Marianne Williamson

I have been learning a lot about fear and insecurities lately. The fear of change, the fear of rejection, the fear of the unknown and all of the insecurities that come along with those fears. The above quote really hit home. I felt like standing up,doing a little celebratory booty shake and saying "you're right, who am I NOT  to be everything I dream of?!" It was an instant charge of empowerment, just the little boost that I needed.

It's easy to settle - to become so comfortable and familiar in how things are, that even if you are unhappy, you do not take the steps to make that initial change. 

For me, my insecurities are the root of me being reluctant to make any changes in my life...and by reluctant, I mean almost not going for a job I really wanted because I was afraid that I was not qualified enough, didn't fit the "role", and was afraid of that letter I'd get int he mail telling me I didn't get the job. 
I'm blessed to have a supportive husband. A husband that inspires me and urges me to step out of my comfort zone. When I'm feeling insecure, he is always standing in my little cheer section telling me to take chances. I'm also lucky to have friends who are also equally as supportive, but not as kind and gentle as my husband, haha!

Here we are a month or so later, the application has been submitted, and I have interviewed for the position - awaiting a second interview next week. Regardless of the outcome, it's empowering to actually take a step outside of my comfort zone - a small step, but I'd like to think this is just the beginning. It's a lesson I hope to pass onto my son Noah - do not let your insecurities hold you back - be confident in who you are, after all...
"The future belong to those that believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt.

I will try to blog without the fear of not having blog followers or comments, but instead I will blog because I enjoy it.
I will try to keep the shoppe filled with things that I enjoy making, regardless of what "sells".
I will try to say no to people because I am afraid of disappointing them. At some point "me time" and time with family counts for something.
I will try to commit to living a healthier lifestyle - on the journey to be happy with my appearance. 
I will try to take chances, do things, go places that may not be in my comfort zone.







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Tuesday, July 10, 2012

What an honor - the Liebster Award!

Thank you to Christine from Mavy May Designs for this awesome award! Christine is as cute as a button - and the things in her shoppe are equally as adorable! Check her out here.  




What is this Liebster Award?

"The Liebster award is given to upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome."- Adrian (Adrian Loves Owls)



The Rules:

- Each person must post 11 things about themselves.

- Answer the questions that the tagger set for you PLUS create 11 questions for the people you've tagged to answer.

- Choose 11 people and link them in your post.

- Go to their page and tell them.

*No tag backs!*



 
11 Things About Me

1. I am an only child.
2. I am allergic to just about everything- watermelon, pineapple,avocado, dairy, cranberries...the good stuff.

3. I met my husband when he showed up at a BBQ I was hosting when he wasn't invited.
4. I am afraid of deep water (but mostly the fish that live in it - and nibble your toes!)
5. Nick Carter from the Backstreet Boys sang to me on stage when I was younger- I just about died! (totally dating myself, but I begged my mom to take me to that show!)

6. I hate plain water - always have, probably always will - I swear by those Mio drops to make sure I get my 64oz. of water in each day.
7. I was a little childhood actor - I even auditioned to be Darla in the Little Rascals (needless to say, I didn't get that one, but the little girl that did was adorable!)
8. My son and I have the same pouty face - and it works with my husband, without fail every time!
9. I am coming to terms with the fact that I will never be a morning person.....ever.
10. Before I had my son, I had never held a baby or changed a diaper (insert only child syndrome here!) - and was so nervous - but now I'm a champ at juggling babies and changing diapers in the most awkward of places.

11.I'm ultra cheesey when it comes to Halloween costumes. I always want to find "group" costumes to do with friends, or now, my husband and son (last year, Clark Kent-hubs, Superman - Noah, and Wonderwoman - me)




Jeni's 11 Questions

1. What is your dream job?

 - I would love to be a Kindergarten teacher. I think all of the important things you need to know you learn in kindergarten, and I'd love to be a positive influence young children's lives.


2. If you could have any animal as a pet what would it be?
- If climate and survival did not come into play.....penguin, hands down.
(We'd have to name him Puffin - since that what Noah calls Penguins these days)

3. What is your favourite thing about yourself?

- As I grow up, I'm starting to see myself and accept myself for who I am. I don't spend as much time trying to "perfect" myself, instead I take time to enjoy my life with the ones that I love and make those positive changes by changing my lifestyle (eating healthy, etc.)

4. What is your favourite flavour of ice cream?

- I miss ice cream (that whole no-dairy thing!!) - but I have found a Rice Ice Cream that I absolutely love - just plain vanilla. Mix that with a little non-dairy cookie dough that I conjure up, and it's like heaven in a bowl!

5. What does your dream home look like?

- My dream home is a rustic log cabin - on plenty of acreage - with a fantastic view (plenty of room for the kid(s), and pet(s) to roam!)

6. If you were stranded on a deserted island what album would you want to have?

- Oooh, that's tough - but Ben Harper "Both Sides of the Gun" would chill me out - and I'd never get sick of it.

7. If you could have any super natural power what would it be (invisibility, super strength, x-ray vision, etc..)?

- My husband thinks I'm crazy for not choosing flying - but the eavesdropping woman in me chooses invisibility.

8. Chocolate or vanilla?

 - vanilla.

9. What is your favorite place to go (Country, a place in your home, a park, etc...)?

- The drive to the Oregon Coast. Something about the beautiful scenery, the winding road, the wind, it always calms me.

10. What was your favorite cartoon growing up?

- David the Gnome! and Eureka's Castle - anybody remember those?

11. What is your favourite era for fashion and why (40s, 60s,etc..)?

- I'm not very fashion intellegent but I love the 1960's sheaths and suits - think what they wear in MadMen. The lines are so clean, and the silhouettes are great. I think the look transfers over pretty well - I know I am a sucker for a good pencil skirt still!




Questions for You

1. If you could vacation anywhere, where would be it?
2. What is one of your family traditions?
3. What was the best concert you've ever been to?
4. What skill do you wish to learn?
5. What is (or who) can always cheer you up?
6. How did you meet your best friend?
7. When did you start your blog, and why?
8. What is one goal that you want to achieve by the end of 2012?
9. If you could go back and tell the high school you one thing, what would it be?
10. Backstreet Boys or Nsync?
11. What are you most proud of?


Ricki @ Adventures with Rogue Baby

Bonnie @Bonn Bonn Boutique
Elena @ Cropped Stories
Sofia @ Lovalafashion
Ashley @ Oh Wells Instead of What Ifs
Vanessa @ Pure Joy and Adoration
Kristin @ Tales From the Nook
Michelle @ Tres Michelle
Rachel @ LaLa Lists
Laurie @ Pocket Sized Birdie



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Sunday, July 8, 2012

Sunday Social


Today I am linking up with Ashley & Neely for this weeks Sunday Social. 
You ask what is a Sunday Social - well it is just that. A topic of questions - This week it is all about T.V. - and we answer them & link up!! What a great way to make new friends!!! 
I LOVE MEETING NEW FRIENDS! 
So head on over, grab a button & link up! 

Favorite TV show of the past:

this is hard for me to pick just ONE tv show from when I was younger...So I'll pick two! My favorite CHILDHOOD show was most definitely David the Gnome. Most people I talk to have never heard of the show (except for my husband, we knew it was a match at that point!) I think it was on at an odd time, or a smaller station, but it's the one show I can truly remember watching when I was just a little tike.


via

As I got a little older - tv definitely played a huge role in my childhood, as lame and sad as that sounds. I wanted to be Clarissa from Clarissa Explains it All, do my hair like Kelly Kapowski from Saved by the Bell, and date James VandDerBeek from Dawson's Creek.
But my favorite show of them all was Boy Meets World. If I'm ever lucky enough to catch it on tv, I always watch a few episodes and reminiscence.

via

Favorite TV show currently


We're "that family" that doesn't have cable...but I definitely get my fix from our Hulu and Netflix services. I'm a sucker for "trashy" tv and can't get enough of shows like "Shark Tank" and "Revenge", but my absolute favorite that I can never get enough of has to be "Modern Family" (I guess it doesn't hurt that "Phil" went to my high school, so I have a bit of a soft spot for him!)

via

 
Which Reality Show would you NEVER do?

I'm not even sure if it's still on....but you could not PAY me enough to be on Fear Factor - I hate bugs, heights, and deep water...needless to say this show was NOT made for me. I don't want to be anywhere near the set ;)

Which Reality Show would you LOVE to do?

I think it'd be such a great experience to be on a motivating show like the Biggest Loser. I think it's an environment that I'd shine in - the constant hounding from personal trainers, and getting to see everyone around me making positive changes.  I'm not sure if I could drop everything and join a reality show of any sort at this point though!


 



TV personality/character that you feel is most like you?

I'm a tad dramatic, a lot emotional (at times), have a diehard love for glitter, can plan a party like nobody's business, and am insanely afraid of ridiculous things like spiders - I AM Cam from Modern Family (yes, the gay man) in a nutshell.
I don't sleep clown...but that's a small detail!
via


TV character you'd want to date?

Both of the TV Characters that I find extremely attractive are slightly out of my reach. I don't mean that in a "oh, we'll probably never meet" sort of a way, but they are both rumored to not like women....but a girl can dream right?!

Neal Caffrey - White Collar
via
 

Wentworth Miller - Prison Break (don't let the name fool ya!)

via


Happy Sunday!


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Saturday, July 7, 2012

Calorie-Friendly Adult Summer Cocktails

Summer is a time for Barbecues, Pool Parties, Holiday Festitives, and other excuses to get together and enjoy the sunshine! With that also comes a lot of really good food, yummy desserts, and fancy summer drinks.
With that also comes a ton of extra calories - and who wants that?!
I've been concocting different combinations of favorite flavors of mine to make some swimsuit-friendly cocktails - and I wanted to share some of the best tasting ones with you!

Note: Each of these recipes makes about 3 Quart size Mason Jars. The recipes can easily be adapted to be served in a pitcher, and the amount of alcohol in each drink can vary or be omitted. The caloric count may seem a tad high, but there is a healthy helping of alcohol in each of these - they are a one-serving per BBQ kind of drink!

These are also perfect for making before the party - they store great, and will even freeze. I left mine in the freezer overnight, gave them a quick shake, and they were ready to be served when guests arrived!

My personal Favorite!

What you'll Need:
1 bottle of Blueberry Vodka (don't worry, you'll have plenty left over!)
(I used Stoli, but there are other variations as well)
1 pitcher of Crystal Light - Lemonade
2-3 cups fresh blueberries
1 handful of fresh mint

1 - spread evenly in your mason jars, the mint, blueberries, and Crystal Light.
2 - add vodka to taste (each mason jar in this recipe had approximately 4 1.5 oz. shots of vodka in them)

*Note: these freeze WELL! They do not freeze, but can be kept in the freezer until serving. Give them a quick shake and you're good to go!
*Note: Don't be fooled if you can't taste the alcohol - there is plenty in each jar!


What you'll Need:
1 bottle of Whipped Vodka (don't worry, you'll have plenty left over!)
(I used Pinnacle, but there are other variations as well)
1 pitcher of Crystal Light -  Pink Lemonade
1 small bottle of Club Soda (insert fizz factor)

2-3 cups fresh raspberries

1 handful of fresh mint (optional)


1 - spread evenly in your mason jars, the raspberries, and Crystal Light.
2 - SLOWLY add approximately 1 cup of Club Soda to each jar (this is not an exact measurement, I just topped each jar off with enough club soda to give the drinks fizz)
2 - add vodka to taste (each mason jar in this recipe had approximately 4 1.5 oz. shots of vodka in them)


*Note: these freeze WELL! They do not freeze, but can be kept in the freezer until serving. Give them a quick shake and you're good to go!
*Note: Don't be fooled if you can't taste the alcohol - there is plenty in each jar!



What you'll Need:
1 bottle of Sweet Tea Vodka (don't worry, you'll have plenty left over!)
(I used Firefly, I'm a sucker for a cute bottle)
1 pitcher of Crystal Light - Lemonade

1 handful of fresh mint (optional - I suggest it!)


1 - spread evenly in your mason jars, the mint, and Crystal Light.
2 - add vodka to taste (each mason jar in this recipe had approximately 4 1.5 oz. shots of vodka in them)


*Note: these freeze WELL! They do not freeze, but can be kept in the freezer until serving. Give them a quick shake and you're good to go!
*Note: Don't be fooled if you can't taste the alcohol - there is plenty in each jar!

***as always, please consume responsibly =)









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