LiFe {unscripted}

Picking Favorites on a Monday Night

I've had a lot of favorites lately.  And after being home today for our districts last bad weather day (favorite!), I thought I'd share them in list form.

Favorite songs as of late:

1. As It Seems by Lily Kershaw - beautiful song - was on a television show and so touching.
2. It's Time by Imagine Dragons - Adam and I sat in the car while we finished listening to it - it's not often that we both like the same song.
3. Free by Graffiti 6 - Such a fun song and reminds me of our first dance song at our wedding (smile).

Favorite T.V. Shows

1. Revenge - I am all caught up, thanks to my iPad and the ABC app.  It's very soap opera-ish, I think, but great actors make it really good t.v. 
2. Scandal - WOW!  Shonda Rimes is incredible.  First Grey's, then Private Practice and now this show - a definite must watch, in my book.  
3. Criminal Minds - not a new favorite, by any means, but the season finale was so amazing.  A real edge-of-your-seat-nail-biting episode.  And one that ends with a great song (see song no. 1).

Favorite Products

1. Bath and Body Works wallflower in Green Grass - this scent is making our home smell like summer and I love it.
   
   
   
   
2. Bath and Body Works body Cream in Pink Chiffon - another summer-y scent that I am enjoying...I've used BBW body cream for ever, and this one is right up there with my Vanilla Bean Noel favorite.
   
   
3. Gold Glitter - and LOTS of it.  I glittered the front of the "h" I made for a word I am hoping to spell over our mantle.  
   
   
   
4. The Silhouette is still one of my all time favorite scrapbook products.  Recently, I needed to make a card for a friend for, in his words, "sometimes Hallmark doesn't have a greeting for everything."  And it's so true!  In this case, the Silhouette came in handy and worked like a charm.
   
   
   
5. I've not been much of a eye make up wearer.  Like ever.  That's why I love finding cool make up at discount stores, like Big Lots (lol!), that make it fun to experiment without spending lots of $.  Plus, this one, by Philosophy, has instructions - fool proof.  A favorite.
   
   
   

And finally, my favorite photos from the weekend (plus, the one from the last post).

1. Laughter among friends - we all agreed that laughing was our favorite form of exercise.
   
   
   
2. Needless to say, we did a lot of "exercising" Friday night during our girl's night out.  I mean, how could we not?!
   
   
   
3. And of course, you knew it was coming (wink, wink, smile!)...A new favorite of my happy camper with his new squeaker toy.
   
   
   

Whew.  Lots of favorites lately, huh?! 

Thanks for dropping by :)

Friday Favorites

My nail lacquer obsession love is back.

I couldn't resist on a trip to Walgreens this week.

First up, Mint Sorbet by Sally Hansen (I am so not a hand model or awesome nail tech - but I am all about a do-it-yourself-mani!)

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I definitely LOVE this color, but it may have something to do with my mint green love lately...but I will say that I have yet to be unsatisfied with this Xtreme wear Sally Hansen polish quality.  It's great stuff.

Next up, Brides Maid by Milani.

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I have a feeling this color will be on my nails a lot this summer.  I love it so much.  It actually looks more bronze-ish in real life.  Great not-too-gold- but-not-too-silvery color.  And great quality of polish, too.

And finally, Tart Deco by Essie (again, I'm TOTALLY NOT a foot model, but I do love a diy'er pedi!)

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I put this color on my toes because I was not sure how bright/orangish it would dry.  But after seeing it on my toes dry, I will definitely be putting it on my nails too.  It's a great summer color and actually matches a bathing suit I have...bonus!

Okay enough polish, now off to my other favorites from the week.

This photo of Henry

It's been raining here this week (thank the Lord!) and today when I arrived home, Henry met me at the back door and then just stood there like, "awe man!  It's still raining?!"  He decided not to go out in it.

But then later he did, and that brings me to another favorite.  These John Paul wipes

These things are the bomb at getting his paws clean enough to get back on the bed :)  And the best part? He does not seem to mind one bit when I use them on his sensitive paws. 

A definite highlight of the week arriving home Tuesday night after an extra long day to find a Studio Calico box on the counter.  Inside was this months kit, and these babies I snagged just in time to add them to my cart.

Adventure Stamp Set by Studio Calico

Good Stuff Stamp Set by Studio Calico

Super cool designs by the sweet and talented-beyond-words, Kelly Purkey.   I cannot wait until Friday night when I can spend some time in my scraproom playing. 

And last but not least...it gave me goosebumps....

Thursday night's episode of Grey's Anatomy made my favorites list this week.  Man oh man, if you have not seen it yet - I will not spoil the ending, but seriously - watch.it.soon.  After last season, I had a hard time getting "into" this season, but I am so glad I stuck with it.  This week's episode made me feel like I did watching the very first and second seasons.  Cliff-hanger episode = great t.v. to me. 

Thanks for dropping by :)

Friday Favorites

A few of my favorite things from this week.

1. This quote by Gilda Radner.  I love the idea of "making the best of it."  Easier said than done, especially when you are in the thick of it...whatever the "thick" is.  But the idea is so wise, I think.

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2. Springy pastels make me happy.  Especially when I am wearing them.  I love this complete outfit.

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3. This incredible technique that involves water color!  I *heart* watercolor, ya know?! ;)

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4. This photo of my sweet, Henry.  Happy to greet me with a sweet smile and wagging tail each afternoon when I come home from work. 

 

5. Also on the Henry subject - I was drinking a refreshing beer tonight and noticed this in my glass...can you see it?!?!

Take a closer look..

A paw print :)  It made me smile.

 

6. This SomeeCard made me LOL this evening!  I downloaded this book after hearing lots of great reviews.  I'm excited to dive into it - but also have been putting off starting it until I know I have ample time - I've heard it's a page turner ;)

 

7. Oh, Hello Friend is having wonderful reader appreciation giveaway's this week!  I just love nice people, and I truly believe that Danielle is just that+super creative and a great source of inspiration.  I added an OHF button to my blog because I love her designs and her store makes me smile - and you can too, if you'd like! If you haven't entered the contest yet and would like to, click here.

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8.  And finally, I am also borrowing Danni's blog post topic from Wednesday titled, Getting to Know You.  I love the idea of short and sweet answer's.  Answer these if you are still reading, have a second or two, and feel like introducing yourself - or telling me a few short and sweet things about you if I already know you :)  I'd love to hear your answers!!! 

I'll start:

NAME: Rebecca Trump.  Friends call me, Becky, Beck, or Becks.
BLOG URL: http://rebeccaleighann.typepad.com
TEA OR COFFEE: Coffee
TIME I WOKE UP TODAY: 5.40 AM
FAVORITE GUILTY PLEASURE TV SHOW: Shameless - I can't wait until the 2nd season comes out on iTunes.
MY DREAM VACATION WOULD BE:  Greece, Italy, Pompeii.  Any or all of them would be a dream.

 

Thanks so much for dropping by  (I'd really love to hear from you :')

 

Friday Favorites: Color

This green + navy blue and white chevron dress from Spool No. 72.  I am loving the idea of mixing colors together.  Especially bright colors.  This dress is adorable and affordable.  My kind of dress!

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This scene from my classroom today.  Paint, paint, acrylic paint everywhere.  I have a stressful love for painting in my classroom.  Stressful because of the potential mess, but love because the kids look forward to this all year and get super excited when we start.  I save this project for the end of the year in hopes that my students will know how to mix colors, and also feel somewhat comfortable drawing.  But the kitty cat painting on the right took my breath away today.  A freshman girl who has never painted started that painting today.  At one point I glanced over at her working and was just stunned.  She was diligently painting her heart out - unafraid.  Seeing colors. Looking.  SEEING.  She has not been a student that has felt super confident in her art projects this year.  But today, without worrying about doing something wrong she put paint on a brush and a brush to a canvas.  And it looked amazing.  I love moments like that in my class.  Love.

Sorry for the tangent, it just really inspired me today.  As a teacher and as a creator of art. 

These nail polishes and color names.  I'm not sure if it's legit or not, I tried researching them but sadly could not find a whole lot of info.  The image was credited to cloudtaster over and over...not sure if they are for real, but I absolutely LOVE the idea of them!  The Office never ceases to crack me up!

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This set of Koi water colors + a water brush.  I bought them a while back from Amazon after Lori recommended them.  I have used them SO MUCH over the past two weeks and cannot say how much I enjoy the ease of usability and clean up.

New Nike Free+ 2 running shoes for Adam and I.  I love the bright colors of these and seriously, these just make me happy to go to the gym.  New shoes or new work out clothes always does.

And finally, kisses from Henry (sighhh...!)  I know, I know ;)  He's just too cute.

When I lay flat on the floor, he loves getting up on my tummy and going in for kisses.  Sweet everyday moments that brighten my days. 

Thanks for dropping by :)

Friday Favorites

First

This poster from www.educatorstechnology.com

I really think it's interesting how on point when it comes to myself...well, all except for the paw prints on the right side :) 

Second

Orange, blue and grey .

I originally pinned this photo of this gorgeous nursery by Angela Furr.  I'm not looking for nursery room ideas (don't get any ideas!), but I really like how the grey walls are a nice base for the orange and blue. 

Third

This class by artist, Lori Vliegen. 

image via Elvie Studio

If you click the link from her blog, it will take you directly to the website where you can sign up.  I signed up for it few weeks ago, and am SO glad that did.  Her lettering has inspired me for over a year now, so I was thrilled to actually get to learn how she does it.  If you've ever wanted to improve your cursive hand writting+add an artisitic touch to your writing, this is a great class to get you started!

Fourth

The Noun Project.

I found the noun project, a few months ago.  I immediately fell in love with the concept.  It's a website full of vector images that are based on nouns.  The best part is that they are free to use!  I just love the concept of having an image for commonly used words.  As a teacher, these can be so useful for my English language learners.  But artistically, they can be the inspirational basis for so many fun art projects. 

In fact, the noun project was my inspiration for this drawing that I finished yesterday.

Looking at my Second & Third favorites, can you see how both of those were also very inspirational to me as I worked on this drawing?!  It's almost like a time line of events & items that I experienced and saw while I worked on this drawing. Pretty sure it's spot on with my First favorite, right?

And Fifth

This excerpt I received as an email from a sweet friend. It's a bit long, but so worth the read. 

"Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven't thought about it, don't have it on their schedule, didn't know it was coming or are too rigid to depart from their routine.

I got to thinking one day about all those people on the Titanic who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful night in an effort to cut back. From then on, I've tried to be a little more flexible.

How many women out there will eat at home because their husband didn't suggest going out to dinner until after something had been thawed? Does the word 'refrigeration' mean nothing to you?

How often have your kids dropped in to talk and sat in silence while you watched 'Jeopardy' on television?

I cannot count the times I called my sister and said , 'How about going to lunch in a half hour?' She would gas up and stammer, 'I can't. I have clothes on the line. My hair is dirty. I wish I had known yesterday, I had a late breakfast, It looks like rain' And my personal favorite: 'It's Monday.' She died a few years ago. We never did have lunch together.

Because many people cram so much into their lives, we tend to schedule our headaches.. We live on a sparse diet of promises we make to ourselves when all the conditions are perfect!

We'll go back and visit the grandparents when we get Steve toilet-trained. We'll entertain when we replace the living-room carpet. We'll go on a second honeymoon when we get two more kids out of college.

Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. The days get shorter, and the list of promises to ourselves gets longer. One morning, we awaken, and all we have to show for our lives is a litany of 'I'm going to,' 'I plan on,' and 'Someday, when things are settled down a bit.'

When anyone calls my 'seize the moment' friend, she is open to adventure and available for trips. She keeps an open mind on new ideas. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. You talk with her for five minutes, and you're ready to trade your bad feet for a pair of Rollerblades and skip an elevator for a bungee cord.

My lips have not touched ice cream in 10 years. I love ice cream. It's just that I might as well apply it directly to my stomach with a spatula and eliminate the digestive process. The other day, I stopped the car and bought a triple-decker. If my car had hit an iceberg on the way home, I would have died happy.

Now...go on and have a nice day. Do something you WANT to...not something on your SHOULD DO list. If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting?

Make sure you read this to the end; you will understand why I sent this to you..

Have you ever watched kids playing on a merry go round or listened to the rain lapping on the ground? Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight or gazed at the sun into the fading night? Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask 'How are you?' Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head? Ever told your child, 'We'll do it tomorrow.' And in your haste, not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch? Let a good friendship die? Just call to say 'Hi'?

When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift....Thrown away.... Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over."

It is actually an excerpt from the book, Forever, Erma: Best-Loved Writing from America's Favorite Humorist.  A book I have never heard of before yesterday, but was so touched by the sentiments in each paragraph.  A reminder to not take the things or people you love for granted. 

Thanks for dropping by :)

iMovie 2011, I love you.

For Christmas, Adam gave me the 2011 iLife/iWork bundle.  After years of only having TextEdit, I was ready to take the plunge into 2011 Pages :)

Little did I know that updating my Mac would give me such a cool new feature in iMovie!

Movie Trailers!!!!

....specified for any and every kind of movie trailer you might want to create!

I'll give you one guess as to which I picked first...

Henry Trailer 1 from Rebecca Trump on Vimeo.

Henry, of course! ;)

Mostly drag and drop, and a few "insert texts" and I was "Share" ready!

Oh how I love you, Apple. 

Smart, smarhhht, Apple. 

Christmas Joy!

I case you have not noticed...National Lampoons Christmas Vacation was added to Netflix!!! Literally MADE my night last night while I wrapped gifts!
iPad+Wrapping gifts+Netflix=Wonderful.

This movie on said iPad from Netflix???

BONUS Christmas JOY!!!!

a summer love

Netflix!

Notice the laptop on the table? 

While sewing this summer I have been watching instant movies/entire t.v. show seasons through Netflix.

I love that I can watch a great show like Law and Order S.V.U. and stop it if i realized I've actually seen it on t.v. and then just proceed to the next episode.  There are so many movies and t.v. shows that are quickly being made into the "watch instantly" option. 

LOVE.

I do realize that this might be "old news" to lots of folks, but to me it's like I've stepped into the new cool way to watch movies :P

Definitely feel like I've gotten my money's worth from Netflix this summer :)