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!