Some of you all notice my status on facebook a few weeks ago, and know that I've been working on a sewing project. Ya see, every year during Christmas break, I like to take on a sewing project to keep me busy. Two years ago, I made 7 Christmas stockings (for my future kids, too...whenever they decide to arrive...not that I am ASKING for 5, but I made enough "just in case"). Last year, I made curtains. So...this is what I've been up to lately:
28 December 2009
My BIG Project - Christmas 2009
Some of you all notice my status on facebook a few weeks ago, and know that I've been working on a sewing project. Ya see, every year during Christmas break, I like to take on a sewing project to keep me busy. Two years ago, I made 7 Christmas stockings (for my future kids, too...whenever they decide to arrive...not that I am ASKING for 5, but I made enough "just in case"). Last year, I made curtains. So...this is what I've been up to lately:
Shout out by Tamara at 12/28/2009 01:42:00 PM 12 holla back(s)
26 December 2009
Christmas 2009 - Favorites
CHRISTMAS 2009:
~ My Favorite Thing(s) ~
What was YOUR favorite thing(s) from this Christmas season?
Shout out by Tamara at 12/26/2009 04:35:00 PM 3 holla back(s)
24 December 2009
23 December 2009
Christmas Songs
HERE'S ANOTHER QUESTION TO SPARK SOME CONVERSATION:
(1) What is your FAVORITE Christmas Song?
(2) What Christmas song is your least favorite, and why?
Shout out by Tamara at 12/23/2009 08:32:00 AM 1 holla back(s)
21 December 2009
Christmas Quiz
Shout out by Tamara at 12/21/2009 09:22:00 AM 5 holla back(s)
07 December 2009
I know. I KNOW.
Shout out by Tamara at 12/07/2009 11:48:00 AM 6 holla back(s)
24 September 2009
Tail-Gate-ing
Shout out by Tamara at 9/24/2009 03:23:00 PM 7 holla back(s)
12 September 2009
New American Idol Judge
Shout out by Tamara at 9/12/2009 09:53:00 AM 3 holla back(s)
11 September 2009
MY STYLE
I normally don't do QUIZZES, but in light of my recent & crazy experiences from HELL (with bugs, of course), I ended up taking a fun lil quiz (thanks, Beverly)
Go here to take the quiz.
(ps- if you want to post your results, paste them into a Word document first, then paste them here...just FYI).
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Tamara, you are an Earthy Casual
You're interested in creating a welcoming home where people feel comfortable and happiness flourishes. You appreciate the warmth and individuality of natural materials and handcrafted things and are inspired by colors and forms from nature. You love mixing up different textures and are sensitive to the tactile qualities of objects. Your style is grounded and solid, not flighty or frilly. And you are never taken in by the trend of the moment.
You value comfort. Your home is a warm and open friendly place, and you feel happiest when everyone is cared for and relaxed in your space. Elements like pillows, throws, overstuffed furniture, and good lighting set the mood. You may also enjoy layering different fabrics or mixing patterns to create a cozy effect.
Putting your style to work!With your style and needs in mind, here are a few tips to make your home a little happier:
1. Your Design Challenge: UNIFY The good news is, you probably have many things you love and have collected, and no one would ever say your home is boring! You've done the hard part; now you just need to pull it all together. If your furniture seems like a mish-mash, unify it through similar upholsters or slipcovers. When grouping objects, try to find something they have in common. If they share a shape, color or material, they will look like a collection. A tray is every decorator's secret weapon for making groups of small objects look purposeful and sculptural. If your accessories are all over the map, try subduing the upholstery or wall color, so your small items are the stars.
2. Your Happy Place Make this room as comfortable and inviting as possible by bringing in some real furniture like an armchair or a sofa if you have the space. A little lamp on the counter or decorative hanging light can set the mood. Stools are great perches and can easily be moved around. Don't forget to bring your personality and style into this room: hang some art or display a collection of family photos in mixed frames. Consider bold, happy colors in the kitchen as well, like brightly colored pots and pans, big bowls for corralling fruits and vegetables, and trays for spices, oils, teas and pepper mills.
3. Be Party-Ready All the Time! Food: Devote space in your pantry or on a shelf for go-to party essentials: crackers, dip, chips, nuts—whatever you like to serve. Keep on hand a collection of attractive bowls and cocktail napkins, and you'll be able to set a spread—instantly!
Drink: The simplest and chicest thing is to have a drinks tray or table always set up. Include a mix of pretty glasses, an ice bucket, a lovely pitcher, and bottles of soda and water. When the bell rings, just add ice and limes.
Mood: Nice, flattering light makes us feel good. So nix the harsh, direct light from overhead fixtures in favor of the softer glow from floor and table lamps. Also, keep some votive candles and a couple of hurricane lanterns for setting around the room.
Scent: The first thing you notice about a home is how it smells. Use naturally fragrant cleaning products. If you find a scented candle or fresh potpourri you love, stock up on it. Any scent you like, whether perfume or linen spray, can be used on upholstery, bedding or just spritzed into the air.
You know your style.
Shout out by Tamara at 9/11/2009 04:15:00 PM 1 holla back(s)
05 September 2009
oh. mY. GOsh. GROSS!!!
Shout out by Tamara at 9/05/2009 02:53:00 PM 8 holla back(s)
15 August 2009
I did it again...
Here's how it all started:
So what do I think about it now?
1. I AM still getting used to it, so I'll let you know in a day or two.
2. Little darker than I expected, although I like the redish tones in it!
3. WAAAAY shorter than I expected.
4. It'll grow out fast...always does!!
5. I HATE the way it smells after it is freshly colored! yuck!
Shout out by Tamara at 8/15/2009 11:32:00 AM 8 holla back(s)
09 August 2009
Wonderful time of year
4. Seriously, it took us 10 minutes to get this shot! It was so hot outside, and I didn't have a great place to sit. So, this is the best one...please ignore the messy hair and rolls. Gotta love pics by the river!
5. Souvenirs. Every year, for our anniversary I wanted to get something memorable. Something that would be useful...something that wouldn't rust, die, or collect dust just sitting on a shelf. This has become one of our favorite traditions in Nauvoo--shopping from store to store, trying to find the "perfect" gift for ourselves. Last year, we couldn't find one BIG gift for us, so we decided on two separate smaller gifts, and this year we did the same.
For me, I bought the above...three little iron stars. I will use them to decorate the walls of my home. Haven't decided exactly where yet, but I'm excited to put them some place special. As for Steven, he purchased the book below. He LOVES reading, and has already been caught flipping through the pages.
Shout out by Tamara at 8/09/2009 07:38:00 PM 8 holla back(s)
28 July 2009
New Shampoo
Introducing....
Aveeno Natural Shampoo & Conditioner.
I really enjoy trying new Shampoos. Maybe I'm even addicted. It seems like everytime I get a new haircut (which I need to do soon), I try a new shampoo. The kind I just finished using was Bath & Body Works. I REALLY like their hair care products as well, but they were not on sale this week, so I went to Wal-Mart to check out their selection.
I browsed the isle for quite some time, sniffing and smelling the many varieties they have. This one was the first one that caught my attention, and it's the one I ended up purchasing. I've been using it for 2 days now, and my hair has NEVER been so soft and luscious looking!
The smell...refreshing!
The before & after...amazing!
Try it! You won't be disappointed!
Shout out by Tamara at 7/28/2009 12:24:00 PM 4 holla back(s)
22 July 2009
Love that Hair Video
Well, it's not the BEST creation I've ever finished, but HEY--it was fun. And so, I thought I'd share it with you!
First...the poem!
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LOVE that hair!
Like a pig loves to stink.
I said I love that hair
Like a pig loves to stink.
Love to call it in the mornin'
Love to call it in the night.
I say "Hey there hair!"
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And now...for the debut of the coolest & most outrageous video EVER:
Shout out by Tamara at 7/22/2009 12:37:00 PM 0 holla back(s)
20 July 2009
Oh....I....Wish I were an Oscar Meyer Weiner
C'mon now....join in with me in singing the HOT DOG national anthem:
"Oh...I...wish I were an Oscar Mayer Weiner
'cuz that is what I'd truly like to be.
For, if I were an Oscar Mayer Weiner
then everyone would be in love with me!"
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Seriously...I used to know a lady who drove a beat-up old van, and everytime we'd ride with her somewhere in it, and see anything related to a hot dog, she'd salute and sing the song. Ahhhh...such memories...LOVE it!
I have actually been past one of their cooporate factories (I guess that's what you call them) and it was really cool. And yes, I put my hand to my forehead and sang the song out loud! It was run!
I also had an experience about a year ago, where one of their prized Weinermobiles (did you know they had a contest several years ago where you could win a day to use the Weinermobile and there were about 20,000 entries?)...anyway, it was parked in a local motel parking lot here in Central Missouri. I again, saluted, sang, and thought seriously about going and parking myself beside the automobile until someone came out to let me take a tour inside.
Some fun facts about the weinermobile: (bet you didn't know these...)
1. In 2007, a Weinermobile driver in Wisconsin was arrested. He had a license plate that said "yummy" on it, and the plate was allegedly stolen. Well, the policeman forgot to look at the fine detail...it said it was a stolen license plate ONLY if it was not attached to a weinermobile.
2. Again, in 2007, a Weinermobile was towed on Chicago's famous "Magnificent Mile" for parking in a "no parking" zone. It's license plate said "WEENR" (I wonder if that is in texting language, or if someone can't spell correctly in the corporate office).
3. On July 17th (yes...just 3 days ago), a Weinermobile crashed into a home in Wisconsin. The driver thought she was going in reverse...and after slamming on the gas (and not hitting the brake quick enough), rammed into a house destroying a garage and ruining the home foundation. Here is a picture of the mishap:
Fun facts about the Weinermobile drivers:
1. They are refered to as hotdoggers (no, I didn't make that up, either).
2. There are seven Wienermobiles in existence currently, with each assigned a part of the country. The hotdogger position of driving the Wienermobile is an open position to U.S. citzens and the duration of the job lasts for one full year: from the first of June until the following first of June.
3. Each vehicle only holds two hotdoggers.
4. Both current hotdoggers and Oscar Mayer recruiters visit college campuses across the country in search of the next round of hotdoggers.Only college seniors who are about to graduate are eligible for applying to this hotdogger position.
5. Currently there are about 500 hotdogger alumni.
Shout out by Tamara at 7/20/2009 04:36:00 PM 29 holla back(s)
15 July 2009
Summer so far...
2. Not taking a shower until LATE. This is something that I love doing. I'm not really sure why, either. When I think about it, I feel gross and wonder why in the world I continue to do it. So don't freak out...I just sleep in until 10 (and sometimes 11), work, play, then shower around 3 or 4. Nice, I know!
3. Games, games, games. I am really addicted, ya'll. I just bought a plane ticket to visit my sister and nephews who are in Texas right now and will be leaving in T-minus-two-weeks. And I don't know what I'll do without my favorites: Biggest Loser Challenge, Luxor, Pyramid, Mario Kart, Super Mario 3, & Guitar Hero World Tour. Most of the first games are addicting games on King.com. You can challenge others and play in tournaments. You get "jewels" for playing...I have 998, and I'm still not sure what you actually do with the things. Ya...and you thought facebook applications (farming, scrabulous, bumper stickers, etc) was dumb!
5. Sewing. (the picture above is the actual one I'm working on) This is something my mother taught me to do when I was little...simple cross-stitch stuff. When I got back from Chile, I wanted a really HARD one to do, and something that I'd frame and hang in my home. Well, folks...I can guarantee that it's been hard...so difficult that I only take it out once a year, if that. I hope to finish it by the time school starts back. However, I'm not sure how much longer I can do it...my neck aches, my fingers are tender from being poked so many times, and my butt cheeks hurt from sitting for so long!
6. School. As far as my online Linguistics class goes, I only have my final research paper to complete and the final exam. I've finished the book, done the online posts, and watched the videos and typed up my commentaries...Cha-Ching! So, I don't have much more to go. Next week, I start a one-week intensive writing class. We are supposed to write for at least one hour each night, and bring in stuff to share/edit in writing groups. I've vowed to work on my blog some during that time, and rant and rave about all sorts of cool stuff...so get ready, 'cuz it's sure to be interesting!
Well...that's about it, I guess. I'm off to play a few rounds of Pyramid before I go to bed, then to call Steven and see if he'll sing me a "good-night" song like he did last night.
*I'm so overworked*
Shout out by Tamara at 7/15/2009 11:12:00 PM 3 holla back(s)
27 June 2009
Two sweet boys
Filipe:
Put both of them together &
what a pair of handsome boys!
Shout out by Tamara at 6/27/2009 09:14:00 AM 2 holla back(s)
25 June 2009
Crocodile Tears in my Pillow
What a terrible day!
First, the kiddos at school were terrible!
Second, the Kind of Pop died today, and he is my all-time favorite!
Third, Farrah lost the battle to cancer today. What a fighter!
Shout out by Tamara at 6/25/2009 07:28:00 PM 2 holla back(s)
13 June 2009
Time for FUN!
Well, that has been my thoughts lately, until last night.
I finally did it.
I broke down, and bought it, along with another surprise. But then, is it even possible to own the first without the second? No, not in my mind!
What did we buy, you ask?
&
I know, I know...Steven & I are spoiled! But, we sure are having FUN!
Shout out by Tamara at 6/13/2009 12:45:00 PM 4 holla back(s)
26 May 2009
good & WORST
Shout out by Tamara at 5/26/2009 07:54:00 PM 4 holla back(s)
19 May 2009
Who's your Idol pick?
...Opinions anyone?
- originality
- has a funky jaw-thing when he sings, but i think it's cool
- love the way he can make ANY song modern
- plays multiple instruments
- very humble
- i would actually buy his CDs
ADAM LAMBERT
Favorite things about ADAM:
- he's been the one who I picked to win the whole thing from the very start
- Gay, NOT gay, who cares? The boy can sing!
- Although not such a fan of all the screeches and screemies, he is SOOOO talented
- Stage presence
- Very polite in saying thank-you to everyone
My favorite song from Adam this season:
Shout out by Tamara at 5/19/2009 03:47:00 PM 5 holla back(s)
16 May 2009
Super Saturday
Shout out by Tamara at 5/16/2009 06:50:00 PM 7 holla back(s)
09 May 2009
The GOOD & the NOT-SO-GOOD
- I finally am finished typing my exams
- I have my last few weeks of teaching school planned out (sort-of)
- Steven & I made the BEST homemade pizza tonight
- I went downstairs to find some beautiful flowers today
- My Mom & Pop gave me a gift certificate to my Favorite Restaurant...all I have to do is find time to go one weekend
- I will be playing the piano at church soon (hint, hint), so that means I get to practice! Back to the 'ol piano! Maybe that means my next purchase should be a Baldwin...whadda ya think?
- My Idol pick *Adam Lambert* is in the final 3!
- I love watching American Idol on my new t.v.
- I'm going to be released from my church duties tomorrow
- I'm so busy, I'm actually glad I'm not a *mom* yet!
Reasons what I am not-so-grateful today:
- I have sit here at the computer WAY too long today working (NOT playing...ugh!)
- I still have to actually TYPE (or record on paper) my lesson plans for the next few weeks
- I have a PILE of papers to grade downstairs, and if things had gone according to plan today, they would have already been graded
- My kiddos just got done doing a HUGE cultural project involving writing a paper, making a PowerPoint presentation, making food, etc etc etc. Out of the 3 classes I have graded, I have found a total of SIX projects (and they worked with partners) that are completely copy & pasted from an online source (illegal, I might add), or totally copied into a translator and THEN copied and pasted onto the paper. I mean, these are my BEST kiddos (5 out of the 6 of them, that is). I have already confronted 2 of them, and now on Monday I have to go and face 4 more of them. Just approaching them w/o being TOO judgemental is hard. I know these are junior-high kids, and there is a *small* part of me that thinks "maybe they think as long as they put the website on their resource list, it is okay" or "maybe if I only copy every other sentence and stick an AND or BUT in there, it is okay". I really don't know what to think, and I am HIGHLY upset by this!
- Steven's arm is hurting again...and we STILL don't know what the heck is wrong with him. One day it's his elbow, the next day it's his wrist, then his knees, ankles, etc etc etc. It's frustrating not being able to help him, and it's even MORE frustrating for him, I'm sure.
- MY BACK IS KILLING ME FROM BEING HERE IN THE COMPUTER CHAIR SINCE 10 AM THIS MORNING! (it's now 10pm this evening!)
Shout out by Tamara at 5/09/2009 07:58:00 PM 3 holla back(s)
27 April 2009
A new addition to our family...
Shout out by Tamara at 4/27/2009 06:10:00 PM 25 holla back(s)