Hoo Are You? #46

I'm back at work after a six day break. The break can't be called a "vacation" because it included a trip to rural Idaho for a funeral. I was able to get back home Friday evening and used up the rest of the vacation to find the will to craft and rest my weary (both physically and emotionally) self.

So since I've had such a long break and have another one coming up in 8 days, I decided I should probably just post something already!

So thanks to Night Owl Crafting I'm participating in another "Hoo Are You?"







1. How did you spend the 4th of July?

Well, it wasn't that spectacular. Since everything has been up in the air with leaving town for a funeral, we didn't really put together a plan for the 4th. Last year we were in Las Vegas, the year before we went up the canyon, roasted S'mores and made it down in time for fireworks. But this year, we got Olive Garden to-go, and watched a movie and then watched the TV celebration. I wouldn't suggest it as a patriotic celebration of your freedom.

2. What were a couple of your favorite things you ate on the 4th of July?

Well...yesterday I had both the Zuppe Toscana soup and the Carbonara Chicken and Ravioli and both were really, really good. In fact, I get to eat the rest of it tonight! However, in the past my favorite 4th of July treats have been anything hot off the grill and pie. Because I'm a flag-waving American and I love grilled foods too.


5. Did you watch fireworks?

We discussed it and looked up all the places that would have shows in the valley, but because of city budget cuts, and the fact that I HATE the parking nightmare after the fireworks are over, we decided to just scrap the idea. We ended up leaving all the windows open, watching the neighborhood fireworks and watching the Macy's 4th of July celebration on TV. Fun Fact: up until yesterday I had absolutely no idea there were TV specials for the 4th of July. Ever since I can remember we were outside with sparklers or at Town Days Celebrations. And I'm going to make it a goal to never watch TV fireworks again. Not even close to as cool as the real thing.

4. What is your favorite firework?

The really, really big ones they always use for the finales. The kind that are so big that you're slightly worried because they seem a little too close. The kind that are so loud that you feel the boom in your bones and even though you're anticipating it, it still makes you jump. They're usually gold and really glittery too. I love those ones.

5. How hot was it where you were for the 4th?

Not as hot as it usually is on the 4th. It's usually pushing 100 but yesterday was overcast and as the sun went down it was hovering at 81 degrees. Which was nice, but not at all common. Then again the weather has been weird like that all year. Weird enough that people went skiing yesterday...in bikinis and speedos.

Hoo Are You? #43

Today...because it's one of those days, I'm participating in Night Owl Crafting's Hoo Are You! Just so you're aware...I have zero energy or motivation today. Hopefully tomorrow's different!

1. How often do you wash your vehicle?

Well...how good is never? I'm horrible with washing my car. I'm totally that person who has the dusty car that you see "wash me" written all over. Except mine doesn't have anything written, my neighbors are nice and keep their opinions to themselves. But it doesn't mean it's not needed. Have I mentioned how much it bugs my husband that my car is dirty? (Hint: a lot.)


2. When riding in a car with someone, who usually drives, them or you?

He does. Unless we're on a road trip and he needs some shut eye, but it's just what the man prefers. And really, who am I to argue?

3. How many states have you traveled to or through?

The ones seen below:


I've lived in Utah, Colorado, and Washington State (dark gray). I've just traveled through Texas, New Mexico, and Oregon (light gray). I've visited the rest of the states! (The rest of the grey!) I realize Hawaii is dark gray, but I haven't lived there - I went there on my honeymoon. And technically, I should have just highlighted Maui. I've never been to the big island. And obviously the rest of the white are states I haven't been to yet!

4. What kind of music do you listen to the most?

Everything. No joke. I mostly listen to top 40, but I shuffle through my various stations every day. I listen to top 40, country, rock, alternative, hip hop and the list goes on. Really I should just say the stuff I don't listen to: hardcore gangster rap and screaming hard rock.

5. Do you prefer the window down or air conditioning?

Air conditioning. But I used to drive a car that had a sunroof and I fell madly in love with it. I miss it sometimes.

Hoo Are You? Memorial Day Edition

(Images courtesy of Pinterest)

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Hi. It's Tuesday. Yesterday I realized it would be a long week and so far I've been proven correct. So in an attempt to perk up and try to look at the bright side, I'm participating in "Hoo Are You" over at Night Owl Crafting - Memorial Day Edition.

1. What is your favorite thing cooked on the BBQ?

That would probably be either steaks or hamburgers. However right now our BBQ isn't working... I have a brother who worked at Lowe's and gave us a rough diagnostic that it's something called the regulator and it'll cost around $20 to buy and fix. Except my husband is using this as an excuse to purchase a new BBQ. Its only two years old and I told him that if we could make it to another summer with this one, we could consider looking at new ones next year. Nice try. We're fixing the one we have.

2. How do you celebrate Memorial Day?

As a family we would try to go visit a couple graves but the last two years as a married couple - my husband always had to work so I used it as an excuse to sleep in and run errands. I know it's not very patriotic of me...but it's the truth.

3. Do you like your handwriting?

Yep. Most of the time.

4. Do you still have your tonsils?

Yes. My husband does not. He had them removed over a year ago. It wasn't a pleasant experience...for either of us.

5. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off?

The only reason I untie my shoes is so I can slip them on the next day because I took them off without untying them.

Hoo Are You? Wedding Questions

This week's who are you is wedding themed!! So I decided to get in on the action...



1. What type of diamond cut do you like?

Well this is a boring answer, but round. Mine is a round cut and it's perfect for me.

2. If you're married, when is your anniversary? If not, what month would you like to be married in?

My anniversary is December 13th. It was the first big snowstorm of the year. And it was CHILLY!!


3. What were or would you like your wedding colors to be?

Mine were mostly red, black and white with pops of orange and hot pink. I loved how it turned out.

4. How many bridesmaids did or would you have at your wedding?

I had three. My two best girlfriends and my little sister!


5. How long have you been married?

2 years, 5 months and 5 days!

Hoo Are You?

Today is one of those days. You know the ones? When you look outside and the weather is not only dreary, but SNOWING?! Yep. I said snowing. I've lived here all of my life and I swear it has never snowed this frequently in April - ever. I'm not going to say anything about hoping that this is the end of it because I've said that before.

Instead I'm going to participate in Hoo Are You Tuesdays at Night Owl Crafting. You should participate too - it's fun getting to know people like this!!




1. Do you plant a garden or flowers, or neither?


I live in a condo. Therefore there isn't a place to do any of that junk. But I do plan on having a nice backyard one day. However, I have an intense dislike of yard work. (Probably because it was a punishment as a kid...) The beauty part about my future yard is that my husband LOVES it. He says that mowing a lawn is relaxing. Well knock yourself out, big guy! I've already given him control over our future yard. We're both very pleased with this decision.

2. Does it bother you to have your blinds or curtains open after dark so people can see in your house?


Um...yeah. My husband and I like to play a game where either of us do a strange or crazy random thing to make each other laugh from time to time. I don't think we should subject our neighbors to our madness. That and I've seen one too many scary movies.

3. Do you like to go camping?


Honestly I haven't been camping since my Senior Trip in High School. We camped at Lake Powell, it was heaven. My husband and his family were huge on camping and hopefully we'll be able to go this Summer. I just have one hangup that bothers my husband. There must be a modern-ish toilet...or I'll basically be the most unpleasant person to camp with. I'm very passionate about the fact that women weren't made to pee in the woods.

4. Do you have a laptop or a desk top computer?

We have both at home. We have a laptop and a Mac. The Mac is sexy, and the laptop is useful when you don't feel like getting up and going to the other room. Guess which one gets used the most?

5. What time during the day do you have your most energy?


Probably between the hours of 6:00 pm & 8:00 pm. I get a burst around 10:00 am when I'm at work, but I'm afraid that doesn't happen on the weekends. Weird. Must have something to do with the fact that I'm usually curled up on the couch catching up with my On Demand shows. In pajamas...feeling guilty that I should probably go to the gym, but I know I won't make it until at least 1:00 pm. If ever.



*I have no idea why blogger is messing with font size with the questions. Best of luck reading the really small ones. I can't seem to make it stop!

25 Things...

I read US Weekly from time to time and they started articles based off of a Facebook idea. It's called the "25 Things You Don't Know About Me," and usually they're about celebrities. I thought it'd be fun to list some of mine, even though I'm not as interesting as those people.

1. My name is the product of a disagreement. I went nameless for three days and my parents arrived at Jessica/ Jessa because they hated all others. To this day – Dad only called me Jessica and my Mom only calls me Jessa. (Except if I was in trouble.)
2. My first car was an Oldsmobile Alero. It was a 99’ and it was white. I inherited it from my older brother who had leased it.
3. My second car was a white 03’ Honda Civic after the Alero was traded in. I was originally told I’d have a used car, but since I kept my mouth shut, I let my Dad talk himself into buying a brand new car.
4. I’m LDS. (Mormon.)
5. My husband is only 3 years older than me. However, he looks older than his age and I look young for my age – so we’re often confused as siblings. It’s weird. Also, when people find out we’re married, my husband gets the stink eye because people assume he’s a cradle robber. Once I was confused for his daughter…but in our defense, the confused person wasn’t very bright.
6. I’m afraid of heights. I always have been. It wasn’t until I was 24 that I was finally able to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland…for the first time ever. Splash Mountain still scared me and The Tower of Terror made me think I was going to die.
7. I was a cheerleader in high school. Make as many jokes as you want – I loved it.
8. I have two brothers, one sister, two brothers in law, three sisters in law, two nephews, three nieces and one niece/ nephew on the way. I’m my parent’s second child. And I married my in law’s baby. Confused? Me too.
9. I live in a condo right now and I dream of having a house with a big backyard.
10. I’m not a morning person. At all. Whatsoever. I don’t speak English until well after 9 a.m. and usually skip breakfast if it means I can sleep for five more minutes. I’m horrible in the morning.
11. I don’t have children yet. I don’t have pets either. They’re on the to-do list for “a later date.”
12. My favorite TV show of all time was Friends. I cried during the last episode because I was so sad to see it go. I’m also an expert in Friends trivia.
13. I’ve already gone on my dream vacation! I went to Italy last summer and it was amazing! I hope to go again one day!
14. I love Vanilla coke and Cherry Limades from Sonic.
15. My birthday is 3/21. I tell people the easy way to remember it is counting back from three, 3-2-1. Many people remember my birthday – even if they don’t want to.
16. I really, really, really dislike grocery shopping.
17. I can’t sleep with the closet door open. It freaks me out. My husband makes fun of me for it.
18. I usually make a big breakfast every weekend. It didn’t start out as a tradition, but now it’s expected.
19. According to the last time I was tested, I type 82 wpm.
20. I have a weird thing about not standing too close to microwaves. I don’t trust them.
21. I’ve been stung by a jelly fish. Luckily there are many types of jelly fish, mild to poisonous. I was stung by a mild jelly fish, so nobody peed on anyone that day.
22. I don’t like seafood. It makes me cringe. The only seafood I can handle is shrimp and tuna fish.
23. I can’t hide my emotions on my face. I don’t know why. It makes it hard to lie. It also makes for a pretty awkward situation too.
24. I have a debilitating fear of sharks. I’ve had recurring nightmares about them since I can remember. My husband makes me watch shark week because he thinks it’ll help me face the fear but it’s very stressful for me. In Hawaii I went snorkeling and ended up hyperventilating because I kept worrying a shark would swim by. I ended up needing to use a water noodle like the little kids in our group because I couldn’t stay afloat with all the hyperventilating.
25. My husband has 500+ nicknames for me and adds to the list every day. I think he loves to get a rise out of me so usually they’re disgusting or insanely weird.

Ultimate Blog Party: 2011

5 Minutes for Mom is partying it up Vladnik style. (Name that reference) Basically a get-to-know you free for all. And it starts today and ends the 8th. You should really check it out!


And so we begin:



Hi!

I'm Jessa. It's short for Jessica but usually only telemarketers call me that. I'm from Utah - born and raised! I waste A LOT of time catching up on blogs and online browsing. I say browsing because it's usually just wishful thinking. I blog about my favorites and fun finds. I'll blog about other things that make me happy from time to time too. I'm addicted to decor, food, life, craft and family blogs. It should be categorized under: disease. I love photography as a hobby. I still have a lot to learn but my best friend is my Canon DSLR camera, Lola. I haven't blogged about her yet, but I will one day. She's sassy.

I love my faith, family, friends, crafts, photography, decor ideas, and witty writing. Please see my favorites link up top - you'll know what I mean.



I got married December 13, 2008 during a snow storm. Aside from the miserable weather, the day was the best because I literally married my best friend. (No seriously - we we really were friends before we started dating.) He makes me smile just thinking about him. I'd rather be with him than anywhere else. He's probably one of the world's biggest Boise State Football fans...alive? From September to January he's in full blown, Orange and Blue, Football crazy mode. We'll usually travel to see them a couple times a year. I think I've been made a fan by proxy - but I have to admit, I like them. Coach Pete is crazy awesome. So is Kellen Moore.


Some things to note around here:

What I Want Wednesday : this is the day that I tell you about my newest crushes online. Usually it's clothes but from time to time I'll tell you about other things I'm obsessing over.

Shoes: They pop up constantly all over, whether I'm participating in Peace, Love & Applesauce's Friday Shoegasm, or if I found some out of the blue to share and sigh over. (She's a freaking genius to have a place to gather and gush about shoes.)


You can find me on Twitter, Good Reads, and Blog Lovin' too!

Want to know more? Send me a message or comment!


**If you're a comment hater, you need not apply.

My Regime...

I don't pretend to be a beauty expert but I have been a make up lover for over 13 years now. I have the things I love and products I stick to and I have brands that failed me terribly. I've found that drug store make up works for me and mineral make up just plain doesn't. I've learned there are products I'm willing to spend a little more on for quality's sake. I've learned there are some cheap-o products that get the job done too.

So I'll walk you through my morning routine and give you my thoughts on products I have at my house as we speak...



Soft Soap Body Butter: Coconut Scrub
I have sensitive skin so if I use ANYTHING with perfumes in it...I'll usually break out in a rash. That includes my favorite body washes from Bath and Body works. If I'm gifted them, I'll use them anyway and endure the rash - but really, I shouldn't. I find if I stick to really plain brands my skin doesn't protest and the Soft Soap gets the job done. I like the scrubs because I like to think I get even cleaner with them. Also - for grocery store body scrubs - this one smells fantastic!



Neutrogena Acne Wash: Pink Grapefruit
I love that it took me 5 years to learn that the reason my skin completely changed in my 20's was because women don't get acne until those years. I honestly thought I had survived puberty without awful skin, but no - oily skin and acne greeted me in my twenties with open arms! I've gone through TONS and TONS and TONS of products looking for something that clears up acne and fights the oil. I think I finally have a combination that works for my skin: I start out with this face wash. Then...



Clean & Clear: Astringent for Sensitive Skin
I use astringent. When I was a teenager I seriously never washed my face, I rarely used face wash, went to bed with my make up on and everything and STILL had clear skin. Now if I don't do this, I'll regret it for two weeks while I grow a little garden of blemishes all over my face. I find that the astringent is just an extra step in clearing up and preventing blemishes. (I prefer the term "blemish" to "zit," I don't know why - just do.) Then...



Eucerin: Sensitive Skin Facial Lotion with SPF 30
Believe it or not I listen when people scream at me to use lotion with SPF in it. Again...I purchase stuff for sensitive skin because if not these lovely little bumps start cropping up across my cheeks. I use this every morning and my face thanks me because after using face wash and astringent, my face is screaming for moisture.




Dove Soap:
I'm sorry but the use of soap isn't dead. I happen to be pretty hygienic and I feel like body scrub doesn't quite get the job done. I'll usually use soap BEFORE my body scrub and dove has a lot of moisturizers in it too. Living in Utah, especially during the winter, my skin needs as much moisture as it can get - so that means starting in the shower too.



Tresemme Hair Products:
BEFORE I got married I used to spend a LOT more on shampoo and conditioner. It is overwhelmingly apparent that drug store and grocery store shampoos and conditioners have alcohol and other harming ingredients, but sorry folks - the budget calls for it! I truly miss my expensive stuff because while I might be an idiot - I thought I noticed a difference. My hair just felt better! I try to mix it up with shampoo and conditioner every time I buy it. Now for my hair - I need volume because it's sad and limp. So I always buy volumizing shampoo and usually either an anti breakage/ moisturizing conditioner to combat the dry climate and Utah winter. With Tresemme I actually notice that my hair has more volume. Also - it smells great!






Wet N' Wild Concealer: Light
That's right. Wet n' Wild. I think it's known as the "cheap" make up that you bought as your "first" make up. I know my first lipsticks were all wet n' wild. It's $1.99 and I use it still! I've tried TONS of concealers - TONS! And honestly - this stuff covers up like paint! I have dark circles and blemishes from time to time and this concealer is thick and gets the job done. It smells cheap, but it works and doesn't irritate my skin.



Maybelline Dream Matte Mouse
I never have any luck with foundation. I never really had to use it up until about a year ago when I noticed that concealer and powder weren't cutting it. I have huge pores. I wanted to get something somewhat transparent. I also didn't want to worry about that "line" along my chin and hairline - I wanted something that blended well. I like Dream Matte mousse because it does both - it's not thick and heavy feeling on my face and it blends really well.



Covergirl Pressed Powder
I've always used Covergirl except for the 6 month period when I used bare minerals. My skin has never had a bad reaction to it, I like how it doesn't leave a shiny finish and it does it's job. It just works.


Loreal Extra Volume Mascara

I've used this mascara for almost 6 months now. Before that I used Maybelline Volume express. I like "Volume" mascaras because honestly - very few applications so my mascara goes on quickly and I spend less time on make up in the morning. I like the Loreal mascara because with the first coat you notice how easily it sticks to the lashes and it requires about 2 coats and you're done. I like a nice fan of lashes and it does it's job. I have a couple complaints though: it dries out quickly! I think I've bought 8 bottles in the last 6 months! Also...kinda flaky. I still like it but I'll probably go back to my tried and true Maybelline Volume Express after I'm done with this fad.



Almay Liquid Eyeliner: Black Pearl
Almay is known for playing up eye color. I bought this and it's for Hazel eyes...I don't have Hazel eyes. I have brown eyes. Almay thinks I need purple or brown eye liner. I disagree. Fun fact about this liquid eyeliner: it's shimmery! I normally buy Maybelline liquid eyeliner but it's hard to find the correct kind. I like it in this shape - this means that the applicator isn't some flimsy little brush - it's a foam point and goes on quickly. The flimsy brush requires a steady hand and time. Emphasis on time. The foam point is where it's at. I like the little sparkles in Almay's Black Pearl- its kind of fun.


Now: For eyeshadow I have YET to find one that feels just right. Since I have brown eyes, blond hair and fair skin it's hard to find the correct eye shadow that fits ALL outfits and personality. When I've had professionals work with my eyes they ALWAYS put purple on me. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. And a mulberry color on my lips. While I know they're very complimentary to my skin, I never buy them and wear them. I like browns, grays and nude lips. Sorry! Right now I'm using smoky browns but I'm not sure it's right. I usually go with a slight smoky eye because let's face it - this is daytime wear. I think next I'll try to find more gold and brown.





Bonne Bell Lip Lites: Cappuccino
And again we revisit middle school make up. What can I say? It's tried and true. I am a bit of a lip gloss hoarder though. I probably have about 18 in my stash and all around this color with variants of pearl and gold finishes. Some are slightly pinker than this shade but its always the same thing. I've noticed that I HATE when a lip gloss feels cake-y and smells like wax. It MUST smell sweet because this stuff goes on right under my nose - I'll wipe it off if it smells waxy. With Bonne Bell's cappuccino I've worn it literally since I was 13. Seriously. Its nude and perfect for day wear. I also like the Vanilla Icing in the Lip Lites too - and they seem to last me FOREVER. I've bought expensive lip glosses but these will always be in my purse as my go-to lip glosses.


Kiko/ Make up Milano: Bronzer
I am very fair. Not in the "pretty" category of the word - I'm just whiter than white. I'd even go as far as to describe my skin tone as transparent. It takes YEARS for me to get some sun and the smell of self tanners makes me gag so I'm stuck being pasty. Bronzer is the only thing that saves me from looking dead in the morning. Bronzers are tricky because many can leave an orange finish. With bronzer I find that paying a little more usually gives me a good quality bronzer. Normally I buy the $18 Victoria's Secret bronzer, which feels ridiculous but I refuse to be orange. Right now I LOVE my Kiko brand bronzer. I'll be very sad when it runs out because I don't want to purchase make up online and, well...I bought it in Italy. No, I'm not a snob, my bronzer broke when I was there for a once-in-a-lifetime trip and I had to find a new one. I went into a Kiko store and immediately wanted to buy everything but limited myself to this bronzer for 9 euros.




Hairspray: Bed Head or Big Sexy Hair
Hairspray is something I don't really budge on either. Once you find a great hairspray it's tough to go back to drug store/ grocery store hairspray. While these are more expensive they really mean what they say when they market firm hairspray. Bed Head is like liquid cement, Big Sexy Hair has the right amount of give. Also - Bed Head smells great. While these cost more I feel like they're worth it because they get the job done.



While I know that I'm not really telling you about brand new and magic products but these are the products I can't live without.

And if anyone has the 411 on good eye shadow - I'm all ears.