30 Day Photo Challenge

I am SO excited to be co-hosting the 30 Day Photo Challenge next month with my good friend Sherry from Oh So Lovely. We have both been looking for something fun and fresh to do, so when we got our heads together, we came up with this wonderful challenge!

The concept is simple, really. We have come up with 30 interesting photo opportunities, and each day in the month of August you have the opportunity to document that day in a special way.

Sherry has some great ideas of how to display the results of the challenge over on her blog, so go check them out! Also, we've already gotten some questions about the details of the challenge, so visit her post for the answers to some questions you may have.

I will be leaving for (another) vacation next week, so I'm excited to see how my pictures turn out while I'm away!

I will be using my iPhone to document my pictures, and editing them in Instagram (the best photography app, ever!). So, I've made the list my background to remind myself each day of what to be looking for!

If you are interested in joining us, leave me a comment and we'll get your name put on our official list. That way everyone can see who is participating, and we can visit each others blogs for inspiration. This is a great way to network and get us out of our proverbial comfort zones and "meet" new people!

Below is a button you can add to your site, just be sure to link to me or Sherry.

<center><a href="<a href="http://www.shortjenn.blogspot.com/"><span class="s3">http://www.shortjenn.blogspot.com</span></a>"><img border="0" src="<a href="http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb306/sherrylynn87/photochallengebutton.png"><span class="s3">http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb306/sherrylynn87/photochallengebutton.png</span></a>" /></a></center><textarea>

I hope you'll join us!

-Jenn (With 2 N's)

When It's Time To Change

As you can see, I've made a few minor changes to ye ol' blog. (And this video always cracks me up.) Thank you Brady Bunch for teaching us all about life. :)

I've got a new fun & funky background, and if you notice on your left there are two more ways to connect with me! Via Twitter and my Pinterest page. Just click either of the banners and you'll be directly linked to my sites.

I also made a few other minor changes, (new fonts) but only the absolutely OCD people like me will notice. Or the CDO people. =D

Happy Wednesday, Ya'll!

-Jenn (With 2 N's)

Blogger's Anonymous

Hi.

My name is Jennifer.

And my life is so hectic I can't get to my blog.

(Hiiiii Jennifer.)

Regularly scheduled blogging will resume shortly. =)

In the meantime: a sneaky peaky of what I've been up to.

Orange Blossom Special - $8

-Tshirt wrapped headband, with 2 orange, cotton rosettes.

I was just fiddling around, and took a strip of t-shirt I already had cut out (about 1.5" width) that had been stretched out (it makes the fabric roll into itself), and started wrapping it around a cloth headband. I LOVED the effect it gave. Consequently, it's a super comfortable headband.

The Tessa Rosalie - $6

-Miniature hot pink daisy, accented with light pink tulle, with a green & yellow button center. Attached to a narrow, lime green stretchy band.

This little cutie (above) is named after THIS little cutie (below)!

The newest cousin to enter the family: Miss Tessa Rosalie herself! She's gorgeous (the perfect blend of her Momma and Daddy) and I LOVE her. Congrats Alex & Serenity!!

Black Diamond Beauty $6

-Puffy black flower (cotton & satin mixed) with a large argyle button center. Attached to a no-slip stretchy band.

As you can see, I'm kind of obsessed with hair accessories at the present time. It's just so much fun! If you are interested in any of the pieces above, or a custom made piece, just send me a message at jlsdesign@att.net. I'll be happy to oblige!

And if you can keep a secret...I'm looking into opening an Etsy shop when I get a few more pieces under my belt! I'm super excited about it, and hope it all goes as planned.

Happy Crafting!

-Jenn (With 2 N's)

Where has the morning gone?

It's Friday! I was hoping I wouldn't get to this point with only one blog under my belt for the week, but alas, that is what has happened.

It's been a busy sort of week. But, the weekend is upon us, and I'm looking forward to it!

I have had lots of interest in my new hand braided headbands, so I will be hitting the thrift stores this weekend to find some t-shirts! And I've had a hankering to do some new projects that do not involve hair accessories (I know....I'm obsessed), so I'm going to see if any of the local craft stores have some good deals on scrap material.

I've found some wonderful inspiration over on Pinterest for some new crafts, and I can't wait to try them all!

Awhile back I purchased some large and small canvas tote bags from Hobby Lobby that were 1/2 price. I've been itching to do something with them, and I've found tons of ideas this week.

I've seen this done before, and just love the effect the painted doily gives. The tutorial looks super easy, and would be very inexpensive!

This bag just spoke to me. :) I love how it's not perfect. And the patterns are all totally different but they blend so nicely. I don't own a sewing machine, and frankly, sewing machines and I don't usually get along, so I would hand-sew my tote, which I think would give it a nice effect.

If you know me, I mean, REALLY know me, you know I kind of love flip-flops. I have more of them in my closet than regular shoes. I just love them!

So when I found these DIY flip-flops, I feel madly in love. I ADORE these zebra ruffled flippies. The tutorial is in-depth, and requires a sewing machine, so I've been contemplating how to create these sturdy enough by hand sewing them. Ideas??

These, on the other hand, would be MUCH easier to create. And I also love the way they look! I actually used this tutorial and created some flippies, but I used braided cotton (similar to the headbands.) Unfortunately, they didn't turn out so fabulous. So I am going to rip out the fabric and do it over.

So that's what's been going on! Lots of brainstorming and contemplating. Hopefully this next week I'll be able to get back to my craft table and have some stuff to show you!

Have a wonderfully FABULOUS weekend!

-Jenn (With 2 N's)

Crockpot Southwest Cheesy Chicken

This recipe was made during my lunch break one day (since it goes in the Crockpot) so, no fancy cast of characters picture. Sorry. I know, it's disappointing. ;-) But nonetheless, this dish is delicious, so here we go!

3 frozen chicken breasts (no skin, fat trimmed)

6 oz. Neufchatel Cheese (1/3 less fat cream cheese)

1 can Gold & White corn (drained)

1 can pinto or black beans (drained)

1 can mild Rotel (partially drained)

1/2 medium sweet or yellow onion

What's nice about this recipe is that there is hardly any prep time at all! Makes for an easy week night dinner.

Cut the frozen or semi-frozen breasts into chunks and dice up the onion. Set aside. Combine the rest of the ingredients just until incorporated. It helps to cut the cream cheese in chunks as you are mixing it together. Season the chicken to your liking, and add it to the mixture. I used a combination of cumin, chili powder, Lawry's, garlic salt, kosher salt and black pepper. Just be sure you don't get it too spicy, because you will have some heat from the Rotel.

(Originally I used regular Rotel, and I'm a wuss, so with the added seasonings it was a little on the spicy side. Next time I'll be using mild Rotel.)

Turn the Crockpot to medium/medium-high and let it hang out for 4-5 hours. I put mine on at 12:30 and turned the Crockpot off at 5.

A few tips: It turns out pretty soupy because of the Rotel and cream cheese, so if you are wanting to serve this in tortilla's you might cut back on those two. However, if you add in the rest of the cream cheese, which is just 2 more oz., you could have a lovely soup. (Maybe even some more Rotel if you like things tomatoey and spicy!)

I served it over jasmine rice, and it was very good, but could have used just a little extra juice to soak into the rice. So, I will be adding the rest of the block of cream cheese into my next batch.

This is a really versatile recipe, so get creative. If you like it hot, add in some jalapenos or chilis. (Not my cup of tea, but you go right ahead!)

Also, if you aren't starving like I was, take the time to shred the chicken while it's in the Crockpot. It will make the dish go further. Although, this recipe was PLENTY for 3 people, and we had leftovers.

One last thing: To thicken up the mixture before serving, turn off the Crockpot and let it sit for about 30 minutes. It helps to thicken the sauce, and gives you a chance to get everything ready.

Info from Sparkpeople.com

Enjoy!

-Jenn (With 2 N's)

Auntie Jenn Loves Friday

It has been a whole stinking MONTH since I last saw this little man and his precious Momma. (Who just happens to be my best friend in the entire world.)

We have a date today, and Auntie Jenn couldn't be more excited!! He's grown so much, and I can't wait to kiss his little cheeks! =)

Oh yeah, and it'll be good to see his Momma too. *teehee*

-Auntie Jenn (With 2 N's)

White Girls CAN Dance!

Let's get real here.

1. I'm white.

2. I was raised in a conservative home. (For which I'm thankful.)

3. I am a musician, therefore I
haveshould have rhythm.

4. I can keep a beat.

5. I'm white.

Source

I know I looked a fool, but Monday night I went to my first Zumba class. I've heard rave reviews about it from quite a few people, and decided to try it out.

There were about 25 other women, 1 instructor, and an hour of sweating like I never knew imaginable, but I had a BLAST!

Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance fitness program that was created by a choreographer in Colombia in the 90's. I have no idea why it's taken over 20 years to get to America and become a craze, but at least it's here now!!

I was worried because I knew that Zumba was a mixture of dance and aerobics, and as I've already stated, I'm as white as they come. I have ZERO rhythm when it comes to moving my body to music. It just doesn't happen. But, a friend of mine that also goes to the class told me "There is no wrong way to Zumba," and she was right!

Half the time I was doing my own thing...completely off from the instructor, but it was so much fun, and I was MOVING (which is what counts).

Tonight will be the second class, and I'm so excited for work to be over so I can get my Zumba on! You should check with your local fitness facilities and community centers to see if they offer Zumba classes. It's hard to classify it as exercise because it's so much fun, but you will sweat like no tomorrow. And according to SparkPeople, I burned a little over 700 calories!!

-Jenn (With 2 N's)

Recent Projects À la Instagram

The craft table is complete! And before I could get a beautiful picture of it, I went and messed it up. I've found out I'm a messy crafter.

One of my favorite little girl's had a birthday today! So, I spent the weekend making fun hair things for her. She moved with her family at the beginning of summer, and it's been a killer without her and her sister here. I miss them something fierce, but I sent lots of love in her birthday package, so I know she will love them!

Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining (Big Mama & Lil Baby)

-5 strand, hand braided headband in black and gray. Accented with 4 hand woven rosettes.

The adult sized headband was custom ordered, and I had JUST enough material leftover to make a Lil' sized headband for the birthday girl!

Purple Rain

-Purple daisy clip, accented with black tulle and purple & gold center embellishment. Attached to a black stretchy headband. (Can be worn as a clip or headband.)

I have a secret...the middle embellishment is an old clip-on earring I found at a garage sale!! I think I paid a quarter for a handful of old earrings and broaches. Score!

Double Flower Power

-Stacked flower buttons on cloth headband with frilly pink fabric accent.

I'm so happy my craft table is set up, and I can get back in the groove of using my hands to make things. It's better than therapy, people!! And I've found something out: It's hard to mindlessly snack when your hands are busy crafting. Weight loss for the win! =)

What have you been doing with your time?

-Jenn (With 2 N's)

(All items can be duplicated or customized. If you're interested in purchasing, email Jenn at jlsdesign@att.net)

Jennifer's Journey

Recently I've come to a crossroads in my life. Part of it is, in thanks to Pinterest, where I've found some serious inspiration. I've told you how I keep boards about Fashion, Crafting, Decorating, etc., but recently I started a new board called Healthy Inspiration.

I found so many inspirational quotes, photos and articles that made me realize just what it is I've been doing to my body. As much as I would like to convince myself that I'm okay or healthy, it's just not true.

I've spent pretty much my whole life on the outside of everything. I was the kid in school that got picked on and picked last. (For obvious reasons.) And I'm just really ready for a change.

It's kind of a catch-22 for me. I've made these statements before, it seems, in one form or another. I've tried countless times to shed the pounds and get healthy. Last year I even lost 30 pounds, but I didn't keep it off, or go further than that. I'm really good at starting strong, but I fizzle. And the fizzle happens quicker and quicker the more times I try.

Sister sent me a link to this video. I got it one morning this week, and cried while watching it, laying in bed, realizing so many things. Everyone always tells me I'm one of the happiest people they've met, and I'm full of life and energy, and that's true, but there are so many parts of me that aren't happy. I'm not happy with "me".

So, I'm resolved to start with the baby steps I know I can take. And one of those steps came in the form of a wonderful find online. A friend of mine, very dear to me, had told me of SparkPeople before, but I never checked it out.

I visited the site this week, and signed up. But really, it wasn't just signing up. They ask you numerous questions about yourself. The site calculates your BMI and asks what kind of goal you want. It helps you choose a realistic weight loss goal (or healthy living goal) within a safe amount of time and at a safe pace.

It asks you to set 3 "fastbreak" goals, which are small goals that are easy to accomplish within the first few weeks. One of mine was to drink all of my required water for the day. So far, I've stuck to my goal! I purchased a water bottle awhile back, and I LOVE it! It's 28oz, so it's much bigger than most, and if I fill it 3 times I have all of my water in for the day. To me, this is MUCH easier than trying to drink 8 glasses of water. (Even though they are the same amount, it's a mental thing.)

They have tons of tools at your disposal, and everything is FREE! It's wonderful! You can set meal plans for the day, with recommendations from the website, or you can input your own food choices and it calculates the calories, fat, carbs, etc. all for you.

One of my favorite tools is the recipe builder. You can input all your ingredients, and how many servings you want the recipe to be, and it will calculate calories, fat, etc. for you. Then you can add your recipe to your meal planner for the day!

(The recipe above is a new one I made last night, and it was delicious!)

I've been contemplating actually uploading this post, but for me it's all about accountability. If I just tell myself I'm going to do better, it never works. So, I'm opening myself up, and letting you all know about my goals so that YOU, my friends, can help me stay accountable. Ask me periodically how I'm doing. I won't mind!! I need you to know that I'm working toward something, so you can help me along my journey.

So here's to my journey...it won't be a short one, but I know I can make it the whole way.

-Jenn (With 2 N's)

Giveaway Hosted by Oh So Lovely

Everyone could use some cute baking supplies in their life, so head over to Oh So Lovely where Sherry is hosting a fabulous giveaway!

Just follow her blog, comment and your name is entered!

-Jenn (With 2 N's)

Relaxed & Ready to Roll

We're back from vacation, and I'm ready to get back to blogging! We had a wonderful time in Branson, and my body is definitely having a hard time adjusting back to "work time" and not "vacation time."

We ate tons of delicious food.

Did some very productive shopping. (My first Coach purchase!!!)

Visited the Branson Auto Museum.

(Which was totally worth the $12 admission.)

Caught a few shows. Namely the one with the hunky brothers, who tap dance/clog and get my heart to thumping. ;-)

Made a midnight Taco Bell run. Cuz' you can get away with that kind of thing on vacation.

And just had a wonderful relaxing time!

But now it's back to business. This weekend I got my craft table completely cleaned off and set up! *happy dance* So I should have some awesome stuff to show you soon. And hopefully a few tutorials to share. I've been pinning away over at Pinterest.com and can't wait to tackle some of the crafts I've seen!

I hope everyone is enjoying their Tuesday, after having Monday off!!

-Jenn (With 2 N's)