tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43161815883816649722012-02-16T21:08:42.834-06:00Simplify life. It's a motto I am trying to live by, though not so easy at times.Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.comBlogger461100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-208005690547382752011-12-15T07:59:00.000-06:002011-12-15T07:59:47.671-06:00

Zoey Marie Parks 10/24/11 - 8:47 pm7 lbs 12 oz - 18.5" We are in love

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-20222215063640721982011-07-05T08:31:00.000-05:002011-07-05T08:31:53.453-05:00

GIRL!!! Here is a creepy face pic...I am in love! p.s. Tutu's everyday!!!

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-36647429557963516582011-06-22T09:20:00.000-05:002011-06-22T09:20:03.083-05:00

Today is the anatomy scan!  I am so excited and so nervous.  I am praying that the little one's organs and bones are perfect.  I'm also hoping to find out if we are having a boy or girl!  Any guesses?

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-1460353821595313922011-06-20T15:30:00.001-05:002011-06-20T15:30:56.648-05:00

As well as the growing belly, I've been working on growing a garden. Well, my family has done most of the work.  It has really taken off.  We have 40 tomato plants, 30 bell pepper plants, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach, peas, green beans, onions, zucchini, and watermelon. I have a strawberry plant but the dang squirrels won't stay out of it. What are you growing this summer?

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-88046846883700252442011-06-16T08:34:00.000-05:002011-06-16T08:34:52.905-05:00

So I have been M.I.A for a long while.  Everyday life got in the way, etc.  I could come up with a ton of excuses.  My biggest excuse will be here around November 6th! Keeping it classy with a work bathroom pic Introducing Baby Parks!  I am 19 weeks 4 days pregnant.  We find out next week if it will be a sweet little girl, or a wild little boy.  This little baby is nothing but a miracle.  We had

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-34306633128186691632010-11-01T09:46:00.000-05:002010-11-01T09:46:41.273-05:00

The holidays, that is.  I have already started my Christmas shopping and I am pretty darn proud of myself.  I have a lot more finished than I expected.  I am working on my cookie exchange invites and working on the Thanksgiving menu. Cookie Exchange 2009 I am hoping that this holiday season I won't look like this: The only thing I need to get motivated on is cleaning my house.  As of right now,

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-50976270192364834242010-10-25T11:05:00.000-05:002010-10-25T11:05:10.756-05:00

Winter is coming, I can feel it. I wish I could just pack up and move south. I need sunshine and ocean breezes in my life. I just do. I love my house but I wish we could sell it and be on our way. There are just too many projects that have to be done before we put it on the market. The kitchen needs brought out of 1968 to 2010. The living room floors need re-done. The basement needs cleared out

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-23874495686451555462010-09-21T04:20:00.019-05:002010-09-21T04:20:00.587-05:00

Today I am 26.   Something you don't know about me: I was born at 4:20 a.m. & my initials spell RAP.  No joke. Even after I was married, I never dropped the P.  image found here  I sure don't feel 26.  Some days I feel 10, most days 85,  & other days 16.  I am sure that is normal. For my birthday I bought myself some cupcakes from my dear friend Cari at Lexiloo Sweets & Treats.  Pumpkin and

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-21965635862786994922010-09-20T12:24:00.000-05:002010-09-20T12:24:47.448-05:00

image found here I am having a mental block.  I could blog about my fabulous Silhouette win from Making it Lovely...but I haven't had time to really play with it or take pics of what I am making. I could blog about my birthday that is tomorrow... but I want to save that for then. I could blog about my lack of motivation...but that doesn't sound fun. So, I guess I will blog tomorrow. Have a

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-23578186407777343702010-08-24T07:21:00.000-05:002010-08-24T07:21:55.655-05:00

SILHOUETTE MACHINE GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!I want one of these soooo badly! If the Gods of Random Generator doesn't pick my number, I just might have to beg Santa for one!p.s. Grosgrain has amazing tutorials on her blog. Look around and give her some comment love :)

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-72803647959266085372010-08-23T10:11:00.000-05:002010-08-23T10:11:50.795-05:00

This is the cute mama and her sister.  The theme was Jungle babies with pink and green colors. It was also a pool party-which was a blessing because it was incredibly hot that day. These are the decorations I made.  I made tissue paper poms   I painted those little masks.  That was a chore!  I haven't painted since I did paint-by-numbers as a child.The little white flowers were made of napkins,

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-86475416840051675232010-08-16T13:27:00.000-05:002010-08-16T13:27:17.709-05:00

In an effort to make my life as organized as I can make it, I have been using a new technique.  Every night I use 5 mins to complete one small task. At this point, 5 mins is all I want to spare.  When work slows down it may become 15mins. I focus on one particular item each night.  Last night was sorting mail (and the monstrous piles of junk that comes with it).  Tonight I will do a load of

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-90081978156678999572010-08-13T10:03:00.001-05:002010-08-13T10:03:40.480-05:00

I don't know what the hell is wrong with me lately.  Kevin and I took an amazing vacation to Naples a few weeks ago and since I've been back I feel like I'm loosing my mind.  I can't make any decisions.  I am unmotivated to do anything.  I am busy at both jobs and I'm ready to run away from it all. I guess vacation was too good.  Reality is beating the crap out of me right now. On a happier note,

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-43364407633505173032010-07-21T10:45:00.002-05:002010-07-21T11:14:15.873-05:00

I have a mad crush on three things... 1. My husband-of course! 2. Sugarcult 3. Motion City Soundtrack My husband has my heart.  The other two - they have my ears.  I go all teeny bopper when I hear their music.  It takes me back to my college days and being 18.  When I was 19 I met the guys in Sugarcult and I couldn't say hardly anything...  Dorkiest moment EVER!  Well maybe not ever, but

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-57070776532021380322010-07-14T14:07:00.000-05:002010-07-14T14:07:01.700-05:00

The Beginning The Middle The End

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-14107972748434160042010-07-01T07:44:00.024-05:002010-07-01T07:44:00.229-05:00

I love thrifting and yard sales.  I have not had any time lately to do either.  So can you imagine how excited I was when my mom called and said she found a deal for me? I purchased 14 hampers full of fabric and various other crafts.Yes, 14!  Most of which are fabric.You can be jealous now ;) She picked it up for me.  They loaded the entire bed of a truck full of the hampers.  It is now sitting

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-2383848118309109492010-06-29T13:09:00.001-05:002010-06-29T13:12:16.831-05:00

This is what I feel like... I wrapped up the baby shower last week.  It was a success!  I will post pics when I find my darn camera cord. This week is crazy busy.  I have been to the physical therapist for my wrist (I have tendinitis but it's almost all better now!)  I am doing hair every night-except Wednesday.  Wednesday I am cleaning house.  My Dad, Step Mom, and Sister are coming down

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-49883094041622965772010-06-22T13:16:00.000-05:002010-06-22T13:16:06.873-05:00

So, today I had a thought.   I hear and read  so many stories on line about my generation needing babied in the workplace.  The bosses are told we need more recognition than any other generation before us.  They are told that we just don't accept not being  awarded for doing our job.  They say we get this from our parents.  That the world revolves around us and that we are spoiled.  I always felt

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-1115892709568027562010-06-18T13:51:00.000-05:002010-06-18T13:51:28.770-05:00

f you missed the first part, click here. So, while we were at the Indian Mill, there was an older gentleman sitting in the museum.  By older, I mean old.  Silver hair, saggy eyes, pen in the pocket of the shirt, old. He asked me if I enjoyed Indian history, where I was from and where I was going-small talk. I thought he worked there.  My friend Jenny caught up with me around that time.  We walked

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-10087605982140453882010-06-04T14:47:00.002-05:002010-06-04T14:47:29.015-05:00

My husband, Kevin, FINALLY let me cut his hair.  He gets it cut about 3 times a year.  It would be more frequent if I could just get scissors close enough without him running away. This week his time was up. Snip, Snip, Chop, Chop And the final results... I love his "long" hair but this is more work suitable.

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-73503241237626621542010-06-01T20:50:00.001-05:002010-06-01T20:50:45.144-05:00

The baby shower invitations are in the mail so I want to share with you how they turned out.  Sorry for the poor quality pics, its late so I had to use my flash. We created mini diapers out of fabric and inserted the invites. Though a jungle of green,Audree is waiting to emerge to be seen,Join the Jungle fun oh please come,this is a day to celebrate a brand new mom. Monkeys, tigers,

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-26322541381248703942010-06-01T12:45:00.001-05:002010-06-01T12:49:07.704-05:00

My weekend was pretty eventful.  I had a very busy day at the salon on Saturday (yay!). Once work was finished, I had plans to spend the weekend with my ex-wife best friend, Jenny.  My hubs had to work so it was girl time.  Saturday night we decided to go out "clubbin".  We started "clubbin" when I was 18 and she 25...  We only go out once in awhile now and when we do, we feel old.  My best

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-67505622002270589002010-05-24T10:18:00.000-05:002010-05-24T10:18:23.868-05:00

I had a successful yard sale!  I had fun with my friend, Heather.  It was a lot of work, but I got rid of a lot of junk. Saturday was cloudy and a bit rainy.  We had to cover the tables with tarps twice because of sudden down pours. Sunday was VERY sunny.  I stayed in the shade about 90% of the time.  I still ended up with a red bib. I wasn't kidding.  I am very fair and the sun is attracted to

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-89423156573330293942010-05-17T15:04:00.000-05:002010-05-17T15:04:21.953-05:00

I am having my first yard sale.  Its a lot of work but I hope the payoff is worth it.  I have been going through boxes and inhaling a lot of dust.  The hardest part? Pricing!  How do you know if its a fair price?  My hubs thinks everything is more valuable than it really is.   So, with a margarita in my hand, I am going to be selling my junk precious items this weekend.  Who knows, maybe after a

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-36217339900797760682010-05-14T09:24:00.004-05:002010-05-14T09:28:34.126-05:00

Take time to stop and smell the roses poppies! On my frantic way out the door this morning, I had forgotten my cell phone.  I ran back in to get it and on my way out, I noticed my poppies were in bloom! Last year, I missed them because we were on vacation.  Back home there was a bad rain storm and the poppies met there death sooner than usual.  So I didn't get to enjoy them. I love my poppies.

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-16253287621003318472010-05-12T22:21:00.001-05:002010-05-12T22:24:34.917-05:00

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-82596046141504793282010-05-11T09:21:00.001-05:002010-06-01T20:52:12.529-05:00

No, I'm not preggers... but someone dear to me is. My cousin, Ashley, is due with a sweet baby girl.  I am helping with the baby shower in June. The theme is Jungle Babies and I am coordinating with Lime Green and Pink! I have the invites 80% complete.  I am finishing them this week.  I will post pics after I mail them out.    As for the decorations, I plan to make these: And some paper

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-59476288852785060622010-05-07T09:17:00.001-05:002010-05-07T09:19:47.433-05:00

I have had my eye on an organization called Matter of Trust for some time now.  They are an amazing organization that uses hair to clean up oil spills.  Now that we have had a major oil disaster in the Gulf, the word about  Matter of Trust is getting out.                                                 You can check out the You Tube video HERE. Here is how it works: Salons collect hair, free of

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-47299540133627956632010-05-05T07:36:00.004-05:002010-05-05T07:42:12.969-05:00

I am having the BEST WEEK EVER!!!  I just received a very prestigious award! The queen The Queen, Mrs Dixon,from The Doll House just blessed me with this: How special do I feel right now? Pretty darn special-it's my first blog award!  Makes me feel like this: Thank you so very much, Mrs Dixon! I was asked to share 5 interesting things about myself. 1. I am currently renting space at a salon and

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-58091478149463631422010-05-03T10:25:00.000-05:002010-05-03T10:25:38.847-05:00

Sometimes, there is enough time in the day to... Sleep the day away... with your best friend.

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-58605645445095646742010-04-28T19:10:00.002-05:002010-04-28T19:11:29.989-05:00

My cousin's baby was turning 1 and I needed a gift.  I didn't know what to get her so I searched blogland and found a few examples of felt letters.  I decided that would be my gift.I made the Mail Bag after I made the letters so I could make sure everything fit.  These were my postcards.  I made the address' and the stamps removable so they could be switched out. These are the other side of

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-60093284086436149132010-04-21T20:26:00.001-05:002010-04-21T20:29:28.669-05:00

I have been neglecting this blog.  I don't feel guilty though. Well, I don't feel guilty all the time.I have had a lot of life changes.  I started my own business, as a hairstylist.  I rent space at a cute little shop in Newark, The Beauty Shoppe. I plan on updating both blogs more frequently.   Enough of that, check out what I made!  It's a little girls hair accessory organizer.  I used: -a

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-37448442023274785642010-02-10T19:42:00.003-06:002010-02-10T20:37:44.909-06:00

I recently discovered a new blog.  Miss Priss is funny, sweet, and has a bit of an attitude. I love it! I followed her tutorial and made myself a headband. Go Here and make one yourself! This is how mine turned out. Here is my new friend sporting the headband Have fun! I found my headbands at the Dollar store- 6 for $1! Don't forget to give Miss Priss some comment love :)

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-68176922653010414102010-02-02T11:36:00.000-06:002010-02-02T11:36:22.321-06:00

Only the Best of Etsy Sample Packages GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!You must see this!!! This is one very cool way to see what Etsy has to offer. I love Etsy and this is one more reason why.Andrea of Only the Best of Etsy is offering a great giveaway via Grosgrain.Check it out to enter!

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-5228740483590465432009-11-16T15:33:00.001-06:002009-11-16T15:34:38.568-06:00

The time has come to get started on my 2nd Annual Christmas Cookie Exchange. I was hoping I would not have to have this at my place again but all the local party halls are too expensive for my taste. So, my mom has graciously offered to help clean, organize, decorate....in other words, be an additional host. I am so thankful for that because after last year (my first year), I did not think I was

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-64377014337547396762009-11-09T13:41:00.001-06:002009-11-09T13:46:15.670-06:00

I started working on my christmas gifts.  I decided, for the first time ever, I would make all my christmas gifts.  I took my 20% off everything coupon to Jo Ann's and had at it.  2.5-3 hrs later, I had almost everything I needed.  * * * For the men in my family:    Pint glasses with chalkboard tags  image:bookcuz on flickr Remote Pillows For the women in my family: Dish towel

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-15006796392496830182009-11-03T14:44:00.000-06:002009-11-03T14:44:15.668-06:00

Beki at Pameringbeki is hosting an ornament exchange! I am so excited to be apart of this. I love Christmas and I always try to tie a personal ornament to my families gifts. photo : tomosia on Flikr.com To join in on the fun, go HERE and follow her instructions.

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-90896449205663672012009-10-27T13:55:00.001-05:002009-10-27T13:56:17.823-05:00

Want to win this? All you need to do is spill the beans. Visit Pampering Beki and leave a confession HERE to be entered to win. What is my dirty little secret? Read through her comments to find out!

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-19802102449006883232009-10-14T08:05:00.003-05:002009-10-14T08:08:24.415-05:00

Visit USB Geek and you will find some cool USB toys for your desk. I found this mouse pad and hand warmer and I love it! I got it in the mail yesterday. I had to try it out first thing this morning. I sit right next to a window and my right hand can become numb from the cold air. This was my solution.  This thing plugs into any usb port and only reaches 42 degrees so you don't have to worry

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-406724456426723392009-10-12T13:45:00.000-05:002009-10-12T13:45:31.735-05:00

How Much Fabric? Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!! Grosgrain is giving away a fabulous little fabric buying reference book. Be sure to check it out! Just click the title above!

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-87670811752858459852009-09-04T12:46:00.003-05:002009-09-04T12:55:17.188-05:00

Check out Wight House Gifts.She does wonderful vinyl lettering. Find the giveaway here Its simple, 3 chances to enter:-Leave her some comment love-Follow her-Link back to her blogThere will be TWO winners so get your bum over to see her

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-59643342367566296312009-09-04T08:54:00.002-05:002009-09-04T09:18:23.961-05:00

I am very new to sewing so I need to build up my stash of fabrics. I figure it wouldn't hurt to find a few giveaways to help. Check out Needle Little Inspiration for few fabulous fabric give a ways such as this one. All the giveaways are in celebration of her Open House. Be sure to give her some comment love for all her hard work and all the goodies!

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-41776210437688469972009-09-01T10:33:00.004-05:002009-09-01T13:16:06.864-05:00

Summer is winding down but now is a perfect time for some BBQ. I am no pro at the grill, so I substitute with the crock pot. Not quite the same but still oh-so-yummy! Here is a very simple BBQ Chicken and Corn on the Cob recipe:Boneless/ Skinless Chicken breast, trimmedYour fav. BBQ sauceCornSalt & Pepper ButterCooking SprayAluminum foilSimply spray your crock pot with some cooking spray-this

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-13407657272682511802009-08-27T21:38:00.004-05:002009-08-27T22:34:50.315-05:00

Great promo!Courtesy of Oops,I Craft My Pants you can find a promo code onBrylane homefor a FREE mini sewing machine with purchase.I picked up this throw for $4.99 and paid the same in shipping for a whopping $10! Can't wait to get it!

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-52265965248396041652009-08-27T07:56:00.007-05:002009-08-27T22:35:20.240-05:00

I am new to sewing. In fact, 6 weeks new. When I took my first lesson, my teacher commented that the iron would be a very important step. Huh? It didn't cross my mind that I would have to iron. It makes perfect sense, but I don't have a lot of experience with one. So, I found this portable ironing board on Martha. Find it Here. I whipped this up in just a few minutes. All you need is a

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4316181588381664972.post-7521646019197966142009-07-28T12:06:00.002-05:002009-09-14T13:59:12.132-05:00

I used to think life was only about pleasing others. That was something I did (and still do) to the point of becoming angry and being left empty handed. I am learning that it is OK to do things for yourself. There really is ENOUGH TIME IN THE DAY if you make yourself a priority. I am also figuring out how to make that happen. This is a blog to share that with all of you. Any suggestions

Renandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852859662704049178noreply@blogger.com3