Drift Wood Jewelry Rack

When we lived at the South Beach house and I visited the ocean every day I was able to gather beautiful pieces of drift wood.

For this project I used large smooth pieces at least three feet in length. Then I took those little hooks and screwed them in. I eyeballed all the measurements. At the top I screwed in closed eyelets and threaded thick twine through.

All that was left was to hang them up. This was an extremely easy, visually stunning craft project. It took me a total of maybe a half an hour and that's because I took my time dusting them all off. The studs in the wall took a while to find, too. 

The result is a beautiful jewelry rack that reflects the time I spent enjoying the beach. This is by far my favorite craft project to date. 

Pick-Me-Up

If I'm upset or need a pick-me-up my number one go to method is pampering.  Most of which includes good hygiene I should be doing more often anyways.  As most of you know I've been extremely stressed out lately and there seems to be no end in sight.  So tonight after Jasper went to bed I had some "me time".  What a difference it has made on my outlook.  Yes, there is still a million things to do and only a nano second to do them in.  But, I have faith they will get done in time.  It will take hard work and we'll be cutting it close but it will get done.

Tonight's pick-me-up:
#1  I took a nice luke warm shower.  I love luke warm showers.  Crazy, right?
#2  Scrubbed my body with pretty smelling soap.
#3  Washed my hair once and then put in deep conditioner.
#4  Shaved my legs and armpits while the conditioner did it's job.
#5  Rinsed out the conditioner and washed my upper body again because conditioner is a guaranteed way to get pimples everywhere.
#6  Twisted into funny positions so I could spend time scrubbing my feet.
#7  Shower was done so I gather supplies and head out to the living room.
#8  Put on a slinky pajama outfit, lay down a comfy blanket and get to work ...doing absolutely nothing naughty.
#9  Spray Thermasilk leave in conditioner/detangler and comb out hair.  For those interested, apparently Thermasilk is no more.  Now it appears to be Sunsilk?  Don't quote me on that.  I bought my bottle ages ago.
#10  Rub Infusium 23 Moister Replenisher all over my hair but especially at the ends.
#11  Brush it and play with it a little more.  I love my new hair.
#12  Use the foot scraper thingy on my feet until they feel smooth as a peach.
#13  Apply Liz scented lotion on my arms, hands, legs, feet, tummy and a little on my cleavage.
#14  Painted toenails hot pink.
#15  Painted fingernails two coats of a pretty purple.
#16  Apply nighttime moisturizer to my face.

#17  Spoiled myself with a bottle of cream soda.

 

All the while I was watching the 2012 MTV movie awards with my hottie Honey.  Did anyone else catch the bit with Joe Manganiello in a fireman's outfit?

Holy shit!  He is, hands down, my biggest celebrity crush ever.  That man is fucking hot!

It's been the best night I have had in a long time.

Move it

I felt the baby move the other day. I'll be 17 weeks tomorrow. I was having a particularly crabby day. Nothing seemed to be going right and I was getting pretty upset. It was just one of those days. Then I felt baby peanut do a triple rotating backflip (or something close to that). It was the best pick me up I could have hoped for. I was grinning like a fool the rest of the day and everything was perfect. I love being a Mommy. We should get to find out the sex soon. Yay for ultrasounds!

I can't get enough of this picture. Jasper was trying to walk with Justin's shoes on but he needed some help. Those suckers are heavy. He thought it was great fun when Daddy came to save the day.

Hot DAMN!

Top ten hottest males and where you may know them from. In no particular order because I keep fighting with myself deciding who gets to be on top. Man, I'm wicked.

Tyler Hoechlin - MTV's Teen Wolf

Jensen Ackles

Jared Padalecki - Supernatural brothers Sam and Dean Winchester


Jake Gyllenhaal - Prince of Persia


Kellan Lutz - Twilight

Chris Evans - Captain America

Chris Hemsworth - Thor

Ryan Reynolds - Green Lantern


Alexander Skarsgard - True Blood


Joe Manganiello - True Blood

If you are interested in more utter swoon worthy people, head over to my Pinterest board Sexy, Steamy and Hot. Not on Pinterest yet? Well then aren't you the slug in a grasshopper race. Perhaps you should get on it before I whip out my pointer fingers and "pchew pchew" you. (I'm referencing shooting you with my finger guns.)

Sexy, Steamy and Hot
Sexy, Steamy and Hot
Sexy, Steamy and Hot

Dude, seriously. Go check it out.

Butterbeer

I've been having a rough couple of days and I know exactly what would make me feel better.

A cozy chair like this
In a 3 season porch like this

In a house like this
Overlooking property like this
With a big glass of hot buttered rum like this
In a cup like this

Watching weather like this
Reading a book like this

Yep, that would do me worlds of good. Sigh.

Random Dishes

I want a cupboard full of things that make me smile. Why have a set of boring cups and plates that all look the same? I want to have only one of a variety of cool dinnerware. I want people to be excited that their cup is the coolest. Wouldn't you want to drink out of one of these?

Of course I'd like to do this "only one" thing with plates, saucers, bowls, you name it! But today's focus is on cups. This next cup is a doozy that I'm all giddy over. I absolutely want this cup.

The best part? When you put hot liquids in it, the cup changes to white and says, "Mischief managed." It can be found here for about $21.

Oh yes, I am so going to have random awesomeness in my cupboards. Just you wait and see.

Pinterest

I freakin' love Pinterest!!! I am thoroughly addicted to it. I hadn't heard of it until Heather over at Heather Drive mentioned it on her blog. Naturally, I had to check it out. It's like your internet bookmarks + scrapbooking + notes. First you make a board (like a file) and name it. Then you can "pin" stuff to your board. Say you come across an awesome DIY project online. Click the "Pin It" button (that you install on your favorites bar), write a quick note about it (or no note at all), then post it on your board. Ta-daa!! Now that note and a pic will be on your board. Easy as that!

I have one board titled "Dream House Inspiration" and I'm pinning all of the dreamy things I'd like in our future home. Even silly things that I know aren't going to happen. But that's what a "dream" is all about, right? So now I can go to that board and it'll show all of the pins (pics and notes) I've saved to it. If I click on one of the pins it'll take me to the original website it's from. Awesome right!?!?! I'm in love.

This pic shows some of that persons boards.

Oh yeah, you can link your Facebook, Twitter and Blog to your Pinterest account. Just like Facebook, people can like the pins. Just like a Blog, you can follow other people and they can follow you. That's a great feature when you find people who have similar interests as yours. The cool stuff just comes to you because they do the work for you!

There is also a little feed on the side that doesn't take up much room. It tells you who's repinned what. Because one of the funnest and addicting things on Pinterest is you can re-pin (jack, steal, copy) other peoples' pins. So they do the leg-work, you think it's a super idea, you re-pin it to your board for later.

This is browsing someone browsing stuff. It looks like it's all wedding related. The feed of the people they follow is on the left.

If you would like to join me on this most awesomeness of awesomely sites, I'd love to have more people to share in the awesome.

Well, I'm off to pin some more! Join me fellow pinners!!

Wizarding World

I love Harry Potter stuff! I read the books a few times. Read them to my sisters a few times. I never read the last book though. Oops! I'm so SO excited to see the final movie. Justin and I are going this Friday to the 6:10pm showing. Woop woop! I love date nights. *sigh*

It's sad that it's over but it had to happen. Hey, there's always the theme park!! In honor of my Potter fever I've changed the music around here. Enjoy!Found the picture here.

Darth Vader Coffee

Darth Vader is hiding in the coffee pot!Please tell me I am not the only one who sees him.

I love the smell of coffee brewing. I decided it was just the pick-me-up I needed so I went to it and flipped open the top. Got down the filters. Reached over to grab the coffee. Raised the coffee to pour. Then I said, "Holy geez it's Darth Vader!" and started laughing like crazy. Jasper thought it was funny too because he started laughing with me (at me).

...You do see him too, right? I love coffee but Darth Vader coffee makes my day.

Me Again

I like talking about myself. Hence the freakin' blog people. Things have a way of changing on you. It is because of these changes that I am telling you about me yet again. Most of the info is still the same. Same name, same wonderful husband. Of course we have Jasper now. Can you believe he'll be a year old in less than a month?! Note to self: plan birthday party. We got a puppy a few weeks ago. He is a great pyrenees and we've named him Appa. He's the cutest, sweetest, most mellow fluff ball you will ever meet. We are on the coast now with the beach as our front yard. It's amazing! I never thought I'd love living on the coast but I think I may be willing to trade it for the country. Whoa huh?! That's big stuff. We moved into our new home with my Mother-In-Law, Debbie. This way we all get a cool dreamy house and it's affordable. Complete awesomeness.

I am ridiculously happy. My crazy pills are working like a dream. We have an awesome house that is slowly turning into our home. We still have a bunch of unpacking to do. *sneer* I dislike that part.

Jasper is walking now! He talks quite a bit too. Justin and I are doing fantabulous of course! We're soul mates after all.

Okay, enough about other people. Let's talk about me in my "About Me" update. I'm spoiled by my husband and I like it. I spoil him too. I love walking on the beach and finding sea treasures. I've started to pick up the garbage that is littering our section of paradise. You can read about in Operation Fishy. Teaching Jasper to do our part to help keep the world sparkly.

I have bazillions of craft ideas bubbling inside me. I can't wait for my area in the garage to be cleared up so I can tackle them. I'm looking into a way to make a profit from home. Not an easy task and I'm sure it'll be years before I actually accomplish this. Plus, my job rocks so why quit it?

Let's see...I love our little boy so much I bust out smiling at just the thought of him. We have a new fishtank and getting things for it makes me excited. I'm a kinky person. I love to go to the movies. I can stare into tide pools for hours. Shaving my legs makes me feel pretty. I have a list of tattoos in mind. I'm already saving for Jasper's 5th birthday. We are going to Disneyland. It will be a bonus if my family can join us. Mountain Dew is my drink of choice. When I'm nervous I hum an annoying tune of three notes over and over. I'm addicted to ebay. I like to shop victoriously.

I love Disney! Nickelodian is getting some kick butt shows too now. My faves are Wizards of Waverly Place, iCarly, Victorious, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Spongebob, Fairly Odd Parents, Mighty B, I'm sure I'm missing some but you get the just of it. I like cartoons. Correction: I LOVE cartoons. Jasper is going to grow up with them just like I did. Good thing Justin is a movie buff too. :)
I'm excited for the future and all the fun things we'll get to show Jasper! Possibilities make me goofy happy!!!!

Be Mine?

Me and Justin have been together for... wow how bad does that make me look? I'm not really sure. It feels like we've been together forever and there wasn't a time when I didn't know him. At the same time, it seems like I just met him yesterday and found out about the elusive "love". Funny how eternity and and yesterday can intertwine huh?

Update: Justin informed me that we have been together for 3 years, 10 months and 6 days. I feel like I should have known at least part of that. I suck at remembering our anniversary. Sorry Nuggs.

I have the best husband in the world. I've said that before and I'll keep saying it. He has done so much for me and for our family. Justin was there when our world was falling apart and held us together by being strong. He's been my shoulder to cry on more times than I can count. He can make me laugh no matter what mood I'm in. He's my soulmate and my best friend.

In honor of Valentines Day, we are going to go through my top 10 favorite couples out there. Me and Justin not included. Let the smooches begin!!

1. Tristan and Yvaine - From the movie Stardust. They make me sigh and feel warm and fuzzy.

2. Beauty and the Beast - Locked up in the castle with the beast (who is actually a nice guy). I sense a little bit of dom and sub. Me likey.

3. Tarzan and Jane - I LOVE this couple. They are sweet to each other. Take risks for each other. Protective. Plus, Tarzan is hot. Bwahahahaha!

4. Corey and Topanga - Who didn't love this cavity inducing couple growing up?

5. Wolf and Virginia - From the movie The 10th Kingdom.

6. Gabriel Tauhou and May Northcott - From the books of The Silver Dragons series by Katie MacAlister.

7. Danny and Sandy - From the movie Grease.

8. Miss Piggy and Kermit- When I was younger I used to be in love with Kermit The Frog. I also thought that I looked identical (IDENTICAL I TELL YOU) to Miss Piggy. We had the same nose, both bigger girls, both ...aggressive. I was convinced I was the person version of Miss Piggy and Kermit was my future boyfriend.

9. Shrek and Princess Fiona - Shrek and Justin have many similarities. I call him Shrek and he calls me His Fiona.

10. Most of my romance book couples - I can't choose the last couple. There are so many wonderful matches I've read that it is impossible to choose. I leave it open ended.

I love the stories with a strong dominant male, perhaps slightly aggressive, and a quick-witted, gorgeous female who can kick ass. Throw in some paranormal, a little danger where the chick needs saving, a surprising tidbit when she proves she can kick ass and it never fails. I'm hooked. Is it any wonder why I devour books? I'm going to go read. Or should I make my own steamy bedroom scene? Humph... No contest. ;)

Fairy Dresses

Peonies in a Vase
Originally uploaded by judy stalus

Peonies are so pretty, don't you think? They make me all warm and peaceful inside. Like a light sprinkle before the sunshine. This picture makes me think of our future sunroom in the morning, before I go out to collect eggs with my cute basket and cowboy boots.

I love how fresh they always look. Frilly, girly, full, country, vintage, fluffy. If you turned them upside down they would make the perfect fairy dress.

They are my favorite flower but I don't think I've ever had the chance to see them in person. I wonder what they smell like...

Irish Wolfhound

Originally uploaded by Sighthound

I love this breed! One day when we have a huge yard and farm we're going to get one of these amazing dogs. They are extremely loyal and great with kids. I love big dogs and this is definitely a big dog. They are freakin' cute! I've already decided on a name for our future puppy too. We shall call him Paladine. Lurves it!

101 Things I love

I'm making this list so I can look at it whenever I'm feeling down or troubled. This has helped me find myself and not take things for granted. I am a lucky person. I have an amazing life. It is about time I appreciate it.

The following is a list of 101 things that make me blissfully happy:

1. My husband, the love of my life, Justin
2. Our baby boy, Jasper
3. Sitting by a river
4. Walking on the beach
5. Christmas
6. Disneyland
7. Road trips
8. Laying my head in my special spot on Justin's chest
9. Autumn
10. The color of deep amber
11. When the trees change colors
12. Blossoms on trees
13. Peonies
14. Reading a good book
15. A farm
16. The smell of the country
17. Clear night skies
18. A clean house
19. Gardens
20. Koi fish ponds
21. Full moons
22. Pumpkins
23. Camping
24. Playing games
25. Fuzzy slippers
26. Churros
27. Getting my hair done
28. Going to the movies
29. Wolves
30. The idea of fairies and magic
31. Kittens and Puppies
32. Crabbing
33. Getting a new tattoo
34. Justin's muscles
35. Fireworks
36. The smell of a campfire
37. Not having to go to work
38. Cotton candy once a year
39. Swimming when it's hot out
40. Falling snowflakes
41. The zoo
42. The aquarium
43. The smell when the first raindrops fall and wet the ground
44. Love notes
45. A great nights sleep
46. Taking a bath and relaxing
47. Our cats
48. A hot cup of coffee
49. Watching a storm
50. Family get togethers
51. The excitement of concerts
52. Eating amazing foods
53. Home cooked meals
54. Having the toilet paper go "over" not "under"
55. Rainbows
56. Stretching after a workout
57. Apple picking
58. Home grown tomatoes
59. Staying in a hotel
60. Being loved and respected
61. The black and orange woolly caterpillars in the fall
62. Dark, dark bedrooms for sleeping
63. Wandering around stores/second hand stores/mall leisurely
64. Good hearty laughing
65. The way my legs feel after I shave and moisturize
66. Whimsical country style
67. Working out in workout clothes
68. Laying out in the sunshine
69. Smiling when I'm happy
70. Mood music, upbeat for peppy, something to sing with for lovey, songs that are a bit naughty
71. Amazing views
72. Baking with an apron on
73. Books and bookmarks
74. Putting on fresh pj's and lounging all day
75. Putting on warm sweats/sweatshirt after a day of swimming in the river
76. A massage from Justin
77. Getting my nails done
78. Giving the cats catnip and watching them act goofy
79. Clean sheets and pillowcases
80. Painted tootsies
81. Romantic passion and sex with my husband!
82. Getting surprised with a gift
83. Oversized plush towels
84. Chopping wood
85. Beautiful classical music that perfectly describes love
86. Dangling my feet into the water
87. Photographs of Scotland, Ireland and Alaska
88. Unhurried hiking
89. Picnics
90. Sunlight breaking through the forest onto moss covered ground
91. Birds, bird seed and bird baths
92. Chickens
93. Doing daily chores on a farm like feeding all of the animals
94. My wedding ring
95. Good magazine subscriptions
96. Ice cream cones
97. Shimmery things like sand, snow, or stones
98. Amethyst
99. Sitting by a fire, inside our out
100. Birds singing
101. Flowers blooming
102. Perfume

And there it is! What makes me happy, peaceful, loved and zen!

About Me

My name is Tayia. I'm a wife and soon to be mommy. I was born in the same town I live in now; Toledo, Oregon. It's a nice little town, but I'd prefer a little more country living. I am the oldest of 3 girls. My sisters are Stephanie and Samantha. Aaaannnd I live a pretty boring life. I like it that way. I'm not a people person. People get on my nerves and I panic if I'm in a place with lots of them. Even one or two I'm not a fan of. I don't like small talk or the emotions that often come along with others.

Let's talk about what I do love. I love: reading, snow, rain, water, the color of ice tea, Harry Potter stuff, All things Twilight, anything mystical and magical. I like to escape to fantasy worlds. I've recently tried my hand at sewing and I'm loving where that's going. I enjoy craft projects. They help me to relax. I used to coach cheerleading and although I still like it and get excited when it's brought up, the High School drama is too much for me to handle. I'm a much happier and stress free person without it.

Let's see, what else do I like? I love sitting outside and watching nature, just as long as no person can see me. I don't like people. I love fall. It is my absolute favorite season. The crunchy leaves and the smell of the air. Mmm I can smell it now. I am a huge fan of camping and all things that go with it. Campfires, crawdadding, the hotdogs, marshmallows (even though they make me sick) swimming and freezing. Ahh that's the good stuff.

Hrmm, I like poetry, I like to sing, I love photography, I played the flute all through my school years. I was pretty damn good if I do say so myself. I heart to cuddle with my husband. Anything Christmas makes me smile and cheers me up. I think penguins are really cute. Wolves are by far my favorite animal. Not to mention my favorite sci-fi subject, werewolves. The hot ones! :)

I married the man of my dreams on October 18, 2008. It was a small, very personal wedding and I basked in every second of it. My sister, Samantha, and Justin's brother, Josh, officiated the wedding. While my other sister, Stephanie and Justin's best friend Ira were the People of Honor. The weather was awesome. The place was beautiful. And there were maple leaves and pumpkins everywhere. Simply amazing.

I have an absolutely wonderful husband, Justin, but I like to call him my Snuggle Bean, Nuggy and Nuggs. He is the best thing that has happened to me and I love him more than I can describe.

There is soon to be another man in my life. We've decided to call him Jasper Nolan-Lee Perkins. Our little man! We are so excited for him to get here!