Halloween Time...Geek Style!

Last Halloween was so depressing! Mike and I carved pumpkins last year and within 48 hours, they completely rotted! (The nerve of that mold...ruining my holiday spirit!) But that wasn't the worst part of our Halloween last year; we had no trick-or-treaters, even though I had a mount of candy, and Mike and I just sat watching TV movies all night. Totally pathetic.

Well, this year I was bound and determined to make a change. And here was my first brilliant idea...

Say hello to our pumpkins this year. I'd like to see the mold attack these beauties!

I saw this amazing craft blog a few months ago that gave me the idea to paint computer monitors as pumpkins as a replacement for carving. Since Southern California is so hot during October, I thought it was the perfect idea for two computer geeks like us! Don't worry, the monitors were completely useless and about to be recycled. It makes me giggle to think what the recycle company is going to say when they see these bad boys...

This one is mine...an alien pumpkin I've been carving since I was young thanks to my brother. It's a tradition now.

This one is Mike's.

I do have to say, we are getting some weird looks for neighbors, but it has put Mike and I in the best Halloween mood ever! This year is lookin' up!

I Simply Remember My Favorite Things.....

There are a few things in life I love enough to blog about. Obviously Mike, my family happenings, occasionally work...and of course ruffles. But as soon as I saw the first episode of this show, I knew it would make my 'Top 10 List of Things Jessica Loves'. I love everything about this show, but mainly it is because of all the singing.

That's right...I'm in love with GLEE!!!!!

This hysterical show is about a high school Glee club that embraces their inner dork and belts out amazing vocal talent and fun dance moves. I only wish my high school had a Glee club like this...or at all. I would have totally joined! But the real reason I love this so much, is because I would die if my world had time for jazzy dance routines and awesome song solos in the middle of the day. Well, without getting labeled as 'that crazy girl'. Sadly, our world doesn't approve of a 25 year old brunette expressing herself through a jazz number in the grocery store. One day...

Another reason to love this show...the costumes. How cute are these yellow dresses? I love that half of them are modest! (The others just need a cute white cardigan.) Seriously people - take a look at this picture and tell me you don't want to start a Glee club with me!

The last reason I love Glee...the germaphobic guidance counselor, Emma. She is always wearing the cutest outfits and bringing back jeweled brooches in a big way. I love her little cardigan ensembles.

Bottom line here, you should catch at least one episode of Glee to see what you are missing. You can watch all the episodes online at Hulu.com.

Unfortunately Glee is not my husband's cup of tea. But as the great, supporting husband that he is, he sits with me every week and plays Suduko on his phone while we "watch" Glee together.

I love it!

Costa Rica Vacation

Mike and I went to Costa Rica a few weeks ago and it was phenomenal! We went with our good friends Jared and Jen Harris for a week at the Allegro Papagayo Resort in Guanacaste. Our week was amazing! Our hotel was nestled into a lush forest and unfolded onto a black sanded beach which had the softest sand I have ever felt! We were able to go on a few excursions which included a tour through their main town of Liberia, a zip-line adventure and a hot springs stop, and - in true tourist fashion - snorkeling. It was a breath-taking adventure and Mike and I were so grateful to have the opportunity.

One of the things I pride myself in is finding deals. When my co-worker mentioned AppleVacations.com, I was naturally curious. Mike and I did some research and we found a great All-Inclusive vacation option for a really reasonable price. So, we had a blast and didn't break the bank!

Here are some pictures of our trip. More to come...

Sunset from our room

The resort and ocean from our room

The black-sanded beach

The nearby volcano and scenary

Our resort from the beach

Our week was wonderful and we were so happy to have some down time together. Mike and I were finally able to relax and be care-free again. (sigh) It was just magical. I'll post more pictures of our adventures soon.

What can I say..

What can I say, I'm just a sucker for ruffles! (not the chips mind you...). I'm so excited to see ruffles in style lately. And for those fashionistas out there that read this blog, I know I'm a little late on announcing my love, but I've been holding it in for a while.

As I'm getting older (a whopping 25 and 1/2 years old), I've realized that my tastes are being refined and I love it! Somehow finding your unique style is quite refreshing. My dad always teases me about my random loves, but let me paint you a visual picture. Growing up, our house had a very monotone feel inside; white walls and grey carpet in every room. That is...until you got to my room. I had bright purple walls! I guess looking back, it was my way of rebelling...Mormon style!

Back to my point, I've been noticing some great trends lately and I just felt I should blog about them. Not because I think everyone should have the same loves as me...but because I've noticed that all styles are trendy right now. It's nice to see variety and see how people choose to express themselves. Here are some of the things that have caught my eye:





How could someone NOT like ruffles after seeing these gems? If anyone is curious, most of these selections are from J.Crew and the high-collared Ruffle dress is from Shabby Apple, the cutest dress store! www.shabbyapple.com

I know my last post was all about jewelry and this post is all about ruffles, but like I said, tastes are being refined. All in all...I think the bottom line is the fact that I love being a girl!

Stella & Dot

One of my passions in life is to find great deals and let my friends know about my discoveries. So, with that said, about two months ago, I found this great jewelry company called Stella & Dot. I loved the different collections and signature pieces they offered since I am a huge fan of unique and timeless jewelry. I decided to host a party by inviting a Stylist (or consultant) in my area to bring her inventory to my party for all my friends to view and try on. The party was a success and I had a blast talking to the Stylists and trying on the different pieces. Plus, in the end I was able to get great deals on jewelry I wanted since I hosted the party.

After thinking about how much fun I had, and how awesome my jewelry selections were, I thought to myself, ‘Why can’t I do that?’ So, I want to officially announce that I am now a Stella & Dot Stylist! I figured I’m social enough with different groups and I love the jewelry, so it is a win-win situation.

Now, don’t worry, this blog won’t turn into a Sales Blog! But, I will say if any of you are interested in Stella & Dot jewelry, take a look at my website and let me know what you think! www.stelladot.com/jessicapless

Just one more thing to keep me busy! Also, I've included a few pictures of the jewelry I fell in love with.











Also, I will be posting pictures from our Boston trip soon! Stay tuned...

Hello, My Name is Jessica and I'm a CRAFT Addict!

One of my big reasons I wanted to start a blog was to share some of the crafting projects I have on my plate. By no means am I the Picasso of the craft world, but I think I can proudly say that I can hold my own. But one of the things I LOVE to do is to see what other people are doing...and use their ideas to benefit me. So, as a true addict, I have craft list of things I want to do in a few days, a stash of projects to do when kids come and a whole mother-load of ideas when we buy our first house. These projects also range from cute little flower headbands to a whole refurbished kitchen in Cape Cod style. Now, before any of you ask, Mike does know about my "little" addiction and he actually thinks it's cute. Sigh...I married the perfect man. Moving on.

One project I was super proud of was making my own fabric Binder Clips. My good friend Michele (Head of the PTA mind you...I have friends in high places) needed a cute and inexpensive gift for her incoming PTA staff. Well, I brilliantly pulled this fun little number out of my craft list. Like I said...I've got a craft project for everything. Seriously...try me. ;) Not only did we do our own personalized Binder Clips, but we also made our own note pads for them. And let's be honest...everything is better when it is unique and personalized.



Well, the Binder Clips and notepads were a huge hit with the staff! And to be honest, I am always looking for a good reason to use my craft ideas...especially if it helps a friend out! So...this blog entry is ushering in more entries about my craft adventures as well as the adventures Mike and I take! Stay tuned.

I'm working on it...

I have a theory. Bare with me here. There is that old saying that the Cobbler’s children have no shoes. I’ve pondered this saying and I have to say...AMEN! Think about it...the Cobbler spends day-in and day-out making shoes for other people. He has to appease clients and listen to their absurd demands; even though he knows better. And at the end of the day, the last thing he wants to do is make more shoes. This is how I feel sometimes with the internet. Don’t get me wrong...I love my job. I couldn’t have asked for a better company...but, at the end of a stressful day, the last thing I want to do is be on the internet. I spend my days researching websites, seeing what elements work, implementing marketing strategies, calling clients, and managing projects. Some days, the last thing I want to do is get on the phone, organize a project or sit in front of my computer to check emails or who updated their status on Facebook for the billionth time that day.

Don’t get me wrong. I love the internet. It’s because of the internet that I have a job and get bills paid. But, I am a strong believer that there needs to be checks and balances in life. Ask yourself...once home from a stressful, draining day, do you think the baker wanted to bake? Or the Butcher wanted to butch? Or the Cobbler was dying to cobble? I think not. I think at the end of a grueling day, the last thing they wanted to do was cobble, butch, or bake. They probably just needed some down time.

I have to say, I love getting updates from all my friends and family! It makes me so happy that I can see what is going on it everyone’s lives. But, for the last few months I have felt like the Little Engine That Could...and I just have to say...this Little Engine is pooped! And Mike and I just had a great Anderson Family Vacation last week. So for those of you that have vacationed with my parents, (The Corry’s) you will know that this Little Engine is still pretty pooped!

So...with that said, hopefully that gives everyone a little insight to why I have been neglecting my blog duties or I haven’t been quick to return any calls. But, fear not faithful Blog followers... I have regained my inspiration to blog and I can’t promise perfection, but I can promise that I’m working on it.

For those I have neglected....my apologies. I hope you know that the following is sincere. Happy Birthday to everyone that had a b-day that I missed. Congrats on Graduating from High School Nic, Micayla, and Rach! I am so proud of you! And finally...Congrats on the Engagements Lisa, Katrina and Spencer! We can’t wait to see you and we couldn’t be happier for you! Marriage is amazing! (See...there has been a lot going on...) ;) I love you all!

Happy Birthday Marci!

Happy Birthday Marci! I hope you have a fabulous day and I just want everyone to know what an awesome sister-in-law you are! We have had some awesome memories these last 4 years and I really love that you are in our family. To traveling together, (mis) diagnosing mini-stress fractures, shopping (and getting the same thing half the time) to laughing together over random things...you really are an amazing sister and I'm grateful you are in my life and keeping my brother on the straight and narrow! Have a fantastic birthday and know that we love you. Oh, and also know that we will be bringing your birthday present with us when we come and visit in June. Love you!!

Happy Birthday Gram!

Monday, May 4th was my Grandma's 95th birthday! Whoo Hoo!! Mike and I were able to head down to San Diego for a day to spend some quality time with her and all my aunts, my parents, my cousins Heather and her adorable daughter Mikayla, Debbie and Rachel and my uncle Danny. It was a pretty sweet day. First of all, this was Mike's first day off (besides Sundays) since our Anniversary. So we were able to spend the entire day together and it was magical! I love spending time with my husband...he just gets so busy with work, school and his calling that he never has spare time. But the day was perfect. I keep forgetting that we are only a 2 hours drive away from my family! We visited with everyone and went to dinner (at 3:30p.m.) to El Torito. Then we had carrot cake and icecream and watched Gram open her presents. She is such a fiesty woman and I am so proud of her. I mean...come on...95 years old!!

One of the greatest things about seeing my extended family is my aunts. They are a hoot. My mom has 4 sisters (2 older and 2 younger) and I love each and everyone of them for different reasons. I guess I see a little of myself in each of them. But I love Carol's giving heart, D.G's youthful attitude towards life, Patty's assertiveness and Jeanne's sense of humor. But most of all, every time we are all together, it seems there is a ton of laughing and a lot of love. But, there is one of the sisters I love the most...my mom. I'm always really proud of my mom. She has so many traits I want but she is very humble about all of her talents and gifts. She doesn't hide them, but she has a great way of making everyone around her feel at ease. It's a talent!

Well...it was a fabulous day and I loved seeing everyone. Happy Birthday Gram! I love you!

I'm Back Baby!!

My Goodness!! I haven't blogged in a while! Eek...where did my the 3 months go? Well, with that said, I now must calm my Blogging Buddies and let them know I am still alive and I promise to never ignore my blog for so long again!

Now, there are so many things to report. These last few months have been crazy! I can't believe my last entry was in December. So...quick recap. Mike and I went to Northern California for Christmas (yes I know it is March...moving on) and we had a blast! Adam and Marci came home as well, so my parents were thrilled to have the whole family - and additions - home for the holidays. If any of you know my parents, you know that their vacations aren't truly vacations. They had us booked up for the entire week! We went to San Francisco and stay a few fabulous nights there shoppings, going on food tours, and watching IMAX movies. If that wasn't enough to keep us happy, we had dinner parties, games nights (one of my favorite things) and movie nights. But the best thing (Mike's opinion especially) we did was go Go-Kart racing! We had to suit up in helmets, suits, neck braces and we sped down that track going a whopping 40 miles per hour! (For my mom and myself...it was really like 35...or 25 mph, just depending on who was cutting us off or slamming into us.) This track was intense...so much so that I felt it was my duty to ruin the track by smashing into the side...more like skidding into the side. (this is right before my speed dropped down to 25mph or so.) Yes, the day at the track was pretty awesome - except when my dad slammed into me going full speed. Could have done without that. But have no fear my Blogging Buddies...I slammed into him on the 2nd lap. And, as some of you might be imagining...Mike, Adam and my dad were competing the whole time for 1st place. I'm so proud of my Mikey for kicking my brother's and dad's trash in one of the races! Adam then kicked everyone's trash in the second race. Now, as a disclaimer...my dad should have been in 1st place for both races, but for some reason he kept getting sent to the penalty box. Serves him right for crashing into his daughter. I guess you can guess who was in last place...but my mom and I kept telling everyone it was because we are too loving and kind...right...

We had an awesome Christmas with my parents and I love going home! Just seeing the rolling hills, the obese horses we have, and the peaceful breeze that sweeps through the porch just warms my heart. I always feel at home there - that is until I try doing the dishes and realize my parents have organized everything completely different. Why didn't they think of me when re-organizing the kitchen...you never know when I'll pop in to do the dishes. Anyways, Christmas was perfect and I loved being with my family again. It is so different when I'm with Mike's family since we see each other every week (which I love), but I really do miss seeing my parents and just talking with them and laughing about everything.

Now, you might be wondering where all my fabulous pictures are of this vacation...and that would be in my head. My camera broke down right before our trip. (rest in peace little Canon!!) Mike graciously offered me his camera, but it just wasn't the same. So...that is my (legitimate) excuse for no photos. Just let my eloquent words paint the perfect picture for you. Ha...good one. Anyways, We really had a fabulous vacation and I can't wait to go back to Northern California for some more racing, food tours and fun!

Moving on to New Year's Eve. I'm happy to report we did not get into a car accident this year! Yeah for us. Last year (right in the middle of wedding planning) Mike and I got into 2 car accidents...but this year, we are starting fresh and so good so far! *crossing fingers!* Our New Years Eve was pretty fun. We watched a movie with Aunt Sue, Teri and Bob. It was so foggy that night we couldn't see any fireworks - but we hear them. Poor Mike was tuckered out, so by midnight, I gave him a little kiss and sent him to bed. Ah the joys of married life...a New Years Eve kiss is just another kiss from the one you love. It is still magical though!

So that takes us up to January! 2009 started with a bang for us. We spend quality time with friends and family, but it was back to the grindstone. Our lives now consist of work, Mike's school, our callings and occasionally spending some time with friends. For me, work went from busy to light-speed! We have been hiring new people to help even out the workload, but I find myself doing the work of 3 people sometimes. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining...I'm the kind of person that THRIVES off chaos and stress. So even though it has been draining, I still love my job! I find myself craving for new struggles and "roadbumps" because I know I'll get through it and be a better leader! As a reminder to those who might not understand what I do...I am the Account Executive at LACED Interactive. No...that doesn't mean I'm an accountant. Quite opposite acutally. I deal with all of our clients as their main contact. I organize, manage and maintain projects and client relations. I'm the "mom" of the agency so to speak - making sure everyone plays nice with each other while getting projects completed and keeping clients happy!

Mike has also been super busy with work and school and his calling. (Executive Secretary). I always wonder how he juggles it all...and then I get my answer when he crashes on Sunday afternoons. He is a hard-worker and I'm really proud of him! He is such a great provider.

Well...I think this post is completed. But don't worry...I'll be posting soon about some exciting things! To give you a little preview of what's up next...Mike and I hit our 1 Year anniversary on Feb. 22nd, I have some Young Women activity updates and remember....I only blogged up to January! Stay tuned!