Uh Oh...

It just hit me... a month from today, I have to put on a swimsuit.

YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We've booked a midweek get-away at one of the waterpark hotels in Wisconsin Dells. It's the first time we've done this and I'm excited about that, but not about the prospect of putting on my swimsuit. Eek. Must get back on the exercising bandwagon! And quick!

I haven't run in nearly two weeks. I don't want to give up on it either. So I'm hoping to get back into the swing of it this week. I know I can do it!

Fashion Faux Pas I Have Recently Witnessed

It's winter and inevitably, that presents some fashion challenges. The need to stay warm competes with the want to stay fashionable. Boots need to keep your feet warm and provide traction... not just look cute. But some of what I have witnessed in the past few weeks breaks most laws of fashion and practicality.

1. Sweater vs. Sweater Dress. If it doesn't cover your butt, chances are it's a SWEATER and not a sweater dress. I don't care if you're built like a toothpick, if it doesn't cover your butt when you bend over you probably shouldn't wear it to work without pants. And while we're on the subject of sweater dresses, they can be very cute! Just make sure they cover your business end!

2. Bare legs... when it's below zero. Seriously. This just makes you look stupid. Throw on a pair of tights. Keep a spare pair of tights or pantyhose in your purse or your desk in case you get a snag. Again, your legs may look fantastic, but you just look ill prepared if you're walking around in windchills of -40 degrees with bare legs.

3. Heels and sloppy cargo pants. Extra points for pushing the fashion envelope... but not a good look.

4. Clashing bright colors. Teal sweater with lime green velvet pants in the middle of winter. I'm still seeing that every time I close my eyes.

5. Grown men carrying back packs. I can't remember if I've already blogged about this or not. But grow up! You work in an office, you're not in college anymore. If you don't want a briefcase at least get a messenger bag. Grown men should not carry backpacks!

I've finally caved to the long walk to the parking lot and carry my super sassy heels in my purse or bag while hiking in my snow boots. Keeps me from falling on my butt! I've also taken a blanket to work because it's so cold in my office. But I'm trying not to fall victim to any of the aforemention fashion faux pas.

And the winner is...

Ashley is the winner of my Blog-i-versary Giveaway! Congratulations!

And thanks to everyone who entered!

I'm hoping to get back on a regular schedule of posting, it's just been crazy busy here the last week or so!

We're still in the deep freeze, but not nearly as cold as it was. It got up to 20 degrees yesterday.
While that certainly felt warmer, my head was not so appreciative of the sudden 30 degree shift in temperature. Whenever there is a drastic change in temperature like that, I get a wicked headache and yesterday was no exception.

I'm ready for spring already!

Okay... It's been freaking cold.

I can't get over how cold it's been the past couple of days. Today, it actually went above 0 degrees. I've had to go in to work early the past two days, and at 6:30 AM it's been -10 degrees. Overnight windchills have been as low as -40!!! Unreal!

The school district cancelled classes both Thursday and Friday. Same deal in my hometown, so my mom was out of school for two days, too. Hopefully she caught up on some much needed rest.
Fortunately Alex's daycare stays open on days like this. Many daycares close, which is something I don't understand. Isn't that a time when parents really need you?

We have bundled up, snuggled under the down throws and the down comforter, layered up with turtlenecks and sweatshirts. I'm going to make some hot cocoa tonight and hopefully the three of us will watch a movie. This cold weather is for the birds... oh WAIT! Even the birds had enough sense to fly south for the winter. I think they're on to something...

My Little Monster

I finally finished my latest crochet project tonight. It's a Pink Monster. It was a pain to begin with, but I love the finished result. I made it for my former boss, who is having a baby next month. We were all instructed to make "Ugly Dolls." Google it and you will find a website that has kits you can purchase. Problem is, I don't sew. My meager sewing skills barely helped me attach the limbs to this little monster. So I found this pattern and gave it a shot. I'm already plotting making another one for Alex. I've had to hide this one, because I'm afraid he'll fall in love. Up next in yarn world... another scarf! FINALLY!

What is wrong with me??

I completely missed the Golden Globes this year! I know awards shows tend to be trite, and the same actors and actresses seem to get nominated whether they are playing superheroes or space aliens, but I normally LIVE for award shows. I love the fashion, the glamour, the jewelry, the men in tuxes. -sigh-

To be completely honest, we don't get to the movies much anymore. The last movie I saw in the theater was "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." It was really funny. Before that, it was "The Queen." Seriously. We just don't go to movies much. By the time you pay a babysitter, then pay for the movie, it's just too expensive. But I still love seeing the stars and hearing their speeches. I also appreciate the awards for writing, directing, and other behind the scenes categories... I guess because I was a behind the scenes person myself.

I can't believe I missed it. I blame my latest project. The project in which I am using pink fur. I'm not quite ready to reveal the finished project. Some pieces still need to be attached. I feel a bit like Dr. Frankenstein piecing this thing together, but the final product is going to look great.
I hope to post the finished picture tomorrow. (Hope that piqued your interest!)

My Blog-i-versery Giveaway- Closed

Updated Jan 14 5:00PM CST... The contest is officially closed. Some sweepstakes site got ahold of my link and I am being inundated with entries. This is not a sweepstakes. No more entries are being accepted. Sorry to change the rules, but I did not intend for this to be a coast-to-coast contest. I will draw a name from the entries I have recieved so far and will announce the winner Jan. 17 as planned.

Okay... here's the big giveaway announcement! I'm giving away some of my favorite things.

Here's what's included:

• A green bag (that's red) from target. It zips up and fits in your purse, so you can always carry one with you.


• A pink "Cool" makeup bag. (It came with my Ralph Lauren "Ralph" perfume 3 years ago. It's never been used. I love it, but it needs to go to a good home.


• Pink and navy blue argyle note cards. Love these too, and so will you.


• Purple pen and purple fine point Sharpie. Sharpies are so cool.


• A beading kit with silver tigertail, clasps, and finishing, plus two full tubes of glass seed beads in hot pink and green/navy/iridescent. I went through a phase where I thought I would make jewelry. I'm not good at it. Maybe someone else will have better luck!


• (not pictured) "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen (updated... couldn't find a hardcover, so it's a lovely soft-cover version.


• A bookmark crocheted by moi.

Here's the deal...
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(If you already follow my blog, you will automatically get an entry for that.)