First Friday (fri-yah) of February!

This week hasn't been as exciting as last week, as this week was a tad bit more stressful.
Learning a new job (remotely) can be difficult on top of a toddler who doesn't sleep through the night and feeling disorganized can put a real damper on things.

But that is all a work-in-progress! I've got some techniques and tricks I'm putting together to try and see how that helps me.

Since today is Friday Favorites, I thought I'd share a few things that put a smile on my face this last week.

**Warning: My inner tomboy is about to come out**

5 Things That Make My Heart Happy

.F.E.B.R.U.A.R.Y.

My most favorite month out of the whole year [it could be that it's my birth month and Valentine's day...just saying]!

I'm not your typical girl who loves all the romantic stuff that goes with love.
Don't get me wrong, I like the romantic things - there's other things that can totally win my heart.

I'll be linking up with Momfessionals for Show And Tell Tuesdays for things that make my heart feel full.

.L.A.U.G.H.T.E.R.

Hands down, one of the things in life that makes me feel so full!  I like love to laugh! Friends, family, Andrew, my little one...those are my absolute favorites to laugh with.  I love to be funny. I love to make jokes. I like to have a good time.

I can't hold a straight face most of the time.  I love laughing!

.C.O.F.F.E.E. & .N.O.T.E.S.

A for sure way to my heart...coffee. Delivered. I love surprise coffees.  For years, my dad did this when I worked and lived with him.  Now...Andrew has taken that task on.  And boy, does that make my heart just melt...[especially when it's ordered extra hot].

.C.R.A.F.T.I.N.G.

I am a huge fan of crafting and sewing....and nothing more makes me feel so loved than when I get time for myself to craft/sew!  It's been a hobby of mine for about 5 years now.
One day I decided, I wanted to teach myself to sew. And so I did. I sat down with my mom's sewing machine, picked up a few super easy patterns and some fabric [does anyone know what the feeling of buying new fabric is like?! HEAVEN]

Just a few items I've made that has really struck my creative side...


.C.A.T.S. & .D.O.G.S.

If you really want to know how to melt my heart to a huge pile of mush...animals. Namely cats and dogs.  I am a sucker through and through for these little furry friends.  If I could, I'd adopt way more cats and dogs. Buuut, I'm limited now. I've been cut off at 3 dogs and 1 cat...and now a child [lol].

These are my fur babies that make my heart skip a beat!  They each have their own individual personalities and are sweet in their own ways.

Emma:

Ellie: Emily: Harley: And last, but not least... .D.A.T.E. .N.I.G.H.T.S. I love my date nights with Andrew. It's adult time to get out of the house and just have 'us' time.  Whether we go to downtown Portland to Portland City Grill or the local bar & grill in town it's bound for a fun time. 

Taco salad from Mojave (one of the locals)

Don't get me wrong...these things help make my heart happy, however my number one person that makes my heart extremely is my daughter!  She is my little sunshine in this thing I call life!

What makes your heart happy?  Share below!   Happy Tuesday friends!

A Few of My Favorite Things: January 2016 Edition

Here is January's round up of my favorite this this month:

1. Dove Dark Chocolate


Yes. This little red square of dark chocolate is just what I like after lunch.  I usually keep a bag of these close by so I can satisfy my craving for something sweet.

2. CC Slochy Knitted Beanie



I have the black one and the beige with fluff ball...and LOVE them.  Seriously, I am not a hat person, but when it comes to these beanies, they are so comfortable and soft! Especially during this extremely cold weather we had at the beginning of the month.  I got mine at Janelle James Boutique located in Tigard, Oregon.

3. Coffee (sugar-free, nonfat vanilla latte to be exact)



Yes, I am from the NW and I am a coffee addict.  I say that loosely because we all know coffee isn't all that bad for you.  Infant, there are a lot of benefits to drinking coffee.  I'm sure it's better black without all the added things like syrups and milk.  My favorite drink of choice: non-fat, sugar-free vanilla, extra hot, light foam latte.  I've been known to getting 2 lattes a day - eek!  Keep that one on DL between you and I...


4.Boogie Wipes



Spend, but I love these things!  Not only do they smell good, I keep a pack of these in my handbag.  My little one hates her nose running whether it's from a cold or from throwing a tantrum - she runs around saying "nose, nose, nose" while pointing to her nose.  That means "please wipe my nose".  What can I say, she's a clean child.

5. 101 Dalmatians

As of this month, my mom had purchased 101 Dalmatians fro my little one.  WOW- the memories of this movie.  And boy, does this movie catch my little ones attention #score



Welp.  There it is. This month's "A Few Of My Favorites: January 2016 Edition".

What are some of your favorite things from January?  Share below!

What's Up Wednesday [01.27.16]

Hello and happy Wednesday!

Today I'll be linking up with Shay for 'Whats Up Wednesday' - so excited!  First link ups with this lovely lady!

What we are eating this week...

A 'very plain' order of #10

Ever so often, I get to go out on a lunch/dinner date to Pho Van with Andrew. And Sunday it was! It's one of my favorite places - Vietnamese Beef Noodle bowl!  Except, I'm lame and get get the #10, chicken noodle, with just chicken, broth and noodles.  I swear, they all think I'm this crazy lady, but what can I say...I'm weird with food. Once this piping hot bowl of yumminess comes, I add my own flavoring of Sriracha sauce!  Of course, I get an order of the salad rolls and a diet Coke to top it all off. Mmm...makes my mouth just water thinking about this delicious soup!

What I'm reminiscing about....

Day 2 of our 'Spirit Week' [Just us girls].  We sure know how to make work fun!

Day 3 of Sprit Week - Legggggs for days!

My old 'Kroger/Fred Meyer' co-workers and all the good times we had.  Seriously, best bunch of people to work with!  I miss working with them already #sadface

What I'm loving...

This. New. Bag.

This new bag has arrived!  I ordered this for myself for an early birthday gift to myself/congrats-on-the-new-job.  Stole this little gem for a fabulous deal online.  I'm so in love with the padlock style on this bag.  Can't wait to use it!

What we've been up to...

Just working away. Learning as much as I can about the new job [and by the way, I am totally loving it!]  We did have a proud mama moment this week - using the big girl potty!  Who knew you could be so excited to see your child use the big girl potty?  Of course, it has to be her idea to use the big girl potty...and waiting until she's almost 2 is fine with me.

What I'm dreading...

My baby will be turning 2 in February.  Don't get me wrong, I've so enjoyed watching her grow up, but 2?!  Wow...time has sure flown by.  I feel lie just a few months ago she was 2 months old.  I will say though, I am super excited for 2!

Oh...and the dentist.  Went to the dentist the other day, to find out I need to have a filling. Really?!  A filling? So...I'm totally dreading that part. #sugaraddict

What I'm working on...

Becoming a better me!  2016 is my year to shine! I'm excited to see what this year has to offer!

What I'm excited about...

Birthdays!  Celebrations!  As if we didn't have enough excitement during the holidays, we [my sister, my daughter, and myself] top it off with birthdays in January and February - go us!  Although, I will be turning *gasp* 31 [and it's an odd year], I'm still excited!

What I'm watching/reading...

This is the current book I have been 'trying' so hard to get read between bedtime routine and falling asleep at night. It's a struggle sometimes. But so far, I love it!

Currently watching a handful of shows - Younger being one of my absolute favorites right now!  If you haven't seen it (TVLand) go see it!

Also, just finished catching up Teen Mom OG where Catelynn and Tyler got married - seriously, such a gorgeous wedding!

I did catch up as well on the Kardashians.  Yes, it's my guilty little pleasures in life that keep me sane.

What I'm listening to...

At this very moment? Total silence. And it's pure bliss!
But as of lately, it's been the Ke$ha or Sum41 station on iHeartRadio.
Occasionally, I'll throw on the Lil Wayne station for some 'hard-core' rap. [because it's motivating and I can]

What I'm wearing...

Currently LOVING the blanket scarf trend right now!  I love pairing the plaids with the stripes, or the animal prints with bright colors!  Being from the NW, I like to keep my neck toasty warm.

What I'm doing this weekend...

Yes, this is a birthday margarita. Courtesy of last year's birthday outing.

It's the start of the birthday weekend!  In our family, my sister is born on January 25 and I'm on Feb 6th...so birthday dinners and outings typically begin this time of the month.  Which means, Saturday night - first birthday dinner [for me].

What I'm looking forward next month...

Lots!!!  But most of all, for the new job to take off!  I love learning! It's been a little "rough and weird" transition since we all work remotely from our homes.  I'm hopeful this week's training will get me up and running like the wind!

What else is new...

That about sums up life right now - birthdays.  Pretty low key.

Favorite Valentine's Day Treat...

Dove Dark Chocolate squares. Need I say more?

What's even better than the above?  The Dove dark chocolate WITH almonds!  [that's a little added protein, right?!]

Black, Lace & Tassels - JJB Style

Hello friends!

This weekend has been quite productive.  Well, maybe Saturday wasn't the most productive, but it was relaxing nonetheless.

One of my very good friends owns a boutique on the west side of town in which I went and visited (once again).  She's always getting new fashion pieces in.  I love going to see whats new and trending! Plus-she lets me model the outfits.

Here's what I found:

I saw this top with all the colors, textures, and designs and had to have it.

Another top that was too cute to pass up!

I am in *love* with this concept of a simple lace design down the backside of a simple shirt.  I mean, I would wear just the top itself without the lace, but the lace adds a little elegance and softness to the top.  I bought both in black and red[dish]. A great casual/weekend top!


LACE, LACE, LACE...everywhere!

This black lace embellished top with sleeves is perfect for the transition into Spring.  I do love black, so naturally, I would pick this top!  This one definitely made it into my wardrobe!

And how could you not pass up these cute little necklaces?!  Tassels. That's all I can say. Definitely a trend of the season for necklaces!

Here are some other looks I found this month, but didn't end up buying. (Hey, I was being very good at keeping a budget this month).

Look at those sleeves?! Simple.

We all know, I'm by no means a hat person...but it's a nice photo accessory.

An added bonus when I visit Janelle James Boutique...I get to see my sister (store manager)!

PS. Happy Birthday sister!

Check out their Facebook and IG pages for the latest fashion arriving!

Janelle James Boutique FB

Janelle James Boutique IG

Janelle James Boutique Website & Blog

Aside from fashion and shopping, I did do some productiveness in the 2016 life planning department.

I will post more from that later this week.