Antique-ify

So, I am embarking on a creative adventure. I have somehow re-found my creative energy and have decided to start making jewelry, headbands, and aprons. I think I am going to stick with those three for a while. I have lace, pearls, feathers, broaches, fabrics, and ideas galore, so I figured, why not put them to good use. People will have something creative to wear and I may be able to pay my  child's daycare. To be honest, It truly lies in the need to survive.  Let's be honest.... This economy sucks. Point blank. If I can spend my spare time and creative juices to make somethings for a relatively inexpensive price (we are talking $5-$20 at most) and make some things that will make people feel pretty, why the heck not? It keeps me sober, it keeps me busy (i know, like I really need any help), and what girl doesn't like lace and pearls?! I am going to share with the world my little bit of creativity and talents.

So, they say when life gives you lemons make lemonade.... I say, when life gives you lemons, slap some pearls and lace on it and make them pretty! Who really likes lemonade anyway?


I hope this adventure is a good one! If nothing else, at least I'm having fun!

Love and antiques!

Focused? Says who?

So last night, like any good American my adorable Hubby and I watched the Presidential Debate last night on TV. Like a good American, I should totally care about foreign policy, except for when I am exhausted... then I get a little out there, and can't focus, and our conversation turns out like this. And Jack can attest. You can't make this stuff up. Unless you're really tired and delusional.

Me: Mitt hit it out of the park with that Flag pin. It is totally bigger than Bammy's.

Jack: What did you say?

Me: I am just saying... Mitt is looking a little more American than Mr. Prez right about now. And then the tie... oh, you add the tie and he totally wins.

Jack: *snickers*

Me: What do you think those ties cost?

Jack: I dunno... maybe $150-$200 bucks. Probably some sort of rare Raw Charmeuse silk...

Me: I bet that is where my taxes went last year.

Jack: *laughs* The President only gets paid like $200,000 a year.

Me: SHIT! plus a jet, plus a wardrobe, plus fuel, plus chauffeur. He totally doesn't pay for that.
Look I'm just saying.

Jack: Ok, Dear.

Me: Look I am just saying Mitt won. I mean look at the tie. His is red and blue stripes, add the cheesy smile in and he hits all demographics. With his red, white, and blue he is a total shew in. If he wasn't such a fako loser, I would totally  vote for him. But he sucks, and so does Bama so I will write in somebody... Maybe even YOU, honey! *with a big smile*

Jack: *Awkard look*

Me:  WHAT?!!!! How much do you think Romney paid one of his political advisors to tell him about the pin and tie... "Look, Mitt, You have got  to wear a bigger flag pin than the President. Everybody knows he isn't patriotic any way. Oh! And where a red AND blue tie. That will get 'em... We should even get Paula Dean to bake an apple pie for the Debate leader. THAT's a true American in your face stance on politics. No? Too Much? Okay, red and blue tie, and bigger flag pin it is. *slaps him on the butt* Knock 'em dead tiger"

Jack: Awfully talkative tonight aren't we?

Me: I'm just tired........And dillusional.

Jack: Me too.

Me: Good. Can we go to bed?

Jack: Thought you'd never ask.

Then he threw the remote at me to turn off the TV because clearly he was too tired to turn it off himself and we went to bed. This is the American way. It's all about the way ya look. Take note, Obama. You totally lost, man. Put that money to use dude.

The little, but meaningful word, that is apparently NOT in my vocabulary

Ok, so lately everyone around me has been trying to teach me a nice little word, that for some ungodly reason I just can't get out of my mouth.....N-O! Seems simple right? Well it's not. I am a people pleaser. I want to help. I want to see you smile. I want to be involved. So, naturally, when someone asks me to do something, I say....YES! Sure! No Problem! Just tell me when and where! Oy-vey.

I am exhausted. I LOVE helping my friends. I love the joy I get out of helping! Just this past weekend we had the best time of our lives in the Sweet and Savory sisters booth! (You can go see their blog HERE!) They are totally ( ) this close to being famous, but most importantly, they are like the sisters I never had. Weekend's like that I am glad I said yes! However, this weekend is the 2012 Miss Smithville Blue Jean pageant for the Chicken Pie Festival.... I kid you not. You just can't make this shit up! And guess who got wrangled into being in charge? Yeppers, you totally got it. This girl. I have spent this week finding mums, making programs, lining up dj's, fixing the chicken costume, getting tiaras and sashes ready. Sounds fun right?! Luckily, I have some of the most amazing friends who step-in within a moments notice.And for YOU guys (Erin, Miloy, Will, and Christen) I am totally grateful! Now... if I can just find someone to wear the chicken costume and do the chicken dance.....

Anyway. You get the point this week has been hectic. Last week was hectic with midterms. Next week is going to be hectic with a Memorial disc golf tournament for my amazing husbands brother, Josh Franklin (which I totally need to wrangle up some sponsorships for... No shame honey. Shameless plug) And then the next weekend is Walk a Mile in her Shoes for sexual abuse victims, and that night is my sweet friends birthday party. I'm thinking you get the picture and I have probably totally lost you by now.

I am going to start saying no. I have a child, I have a husband, and I totally need to start taking care of me. I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband that puts up with my craziness. He loves me when I cry, when I'm tired, when I don't do the dishes, when I bring home takeout, and even when I leave the clothes in the washer for a day. (don't act like it's never happened to you)

So, I have taken a vow and I am going to share it with you. After November 3, I WILL NOT volunteer for anything and will use the word "no" until January 1st. November and December is for family. If it doesn't have to do with family, it is out the window. Or at least I am going to try.... I'm kind of a softy sometimes, so please don't use puppy dog eyes or the face my son uses and we should be good to go!

Will I ever rest???

Okay, I am usually a pretty happy girl, and I try to "stay posi" (stay positive for all you uncool folks out there)
However, I am just plain overwhelmed!Between working a full-time job, taking a full load of classes, being a full time mother, wife and zoo animal keeper, I am just ready to cry sometimes. Please don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my life and would not change anything. (Ok, actually you could just go ahead and give me that degree and say screw the 1 1/2 semesters that I have left. That would totally help.)

I am just tired. Sometimes I feel like people in my life think I don't do anything, or at least whatever I do isn't enough. I'll trade ya. I know I am nowhere near the "Busiest Mom of the Year" award or even the "Best Mom of the Year", but I do MY best and I am always doing trying to do the next right thing, so just bear with me.

So which one of you are on your way to my house?

Some days I rant and whine and cry, While on other days i feel completely put together and on point. The only thing that matters is that I stick to my guidelines that I lay out for myself: 1)Do the next right thing, and 2) Take One Day at a Time.

So today I will make my list of things to get done, follow my "rules", and do a little school work in between some work. After work I will pick up my son and we will have fun and clean the house. Maybe make a game of it. I gotta enjoy his helping hands while I've got them! lol Doesn't hurt that he is only 2 and wants to do whatever mommy is doing! SCORE! 

So  with that, It is time to put on my big girl panties and DEAL WITH IT

Teehee... Couldn't have said it better myself.

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Make your own Room Scents!

Ok Guys, I got this off of Natural Living and Parenting's Facebook page.

I am going to try it tonight! I can't wait to see how they turn out! I will post pictures this weekend!

My house is gonna smell better than cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning! Eeek!

Aren't they precious????

DIY Natural Room Scents

Throw out all those canned room sprays and make your own natural and safe room scents using simmering waters infused with spices, herbs & fruit.

Fragrant items for naturally scenting your home:

Citrus - I've tried other fruits. Some of them smell good initially, but they don't hold up for more than one use. Citrus is sturdier, longer-lasting, and gives these scent recipes freshness. Lemons and oranges are particularly fragrant and have the best staying power in these scented waters.

Herbs - Any herb can be used for making a room scent, but the ones that are sturdier and on woody twigs hold up the best. My favorites for room scents are rosemary and thyme.

Pine or Cedar Twigs/Needles -- There may be other fragrant trees that will work, too; pine and cedar are the two I've tried for their appealing, fresh fragrance.

Extracts -- A touch of vanilla or almond extract improves most room fragrance mixtures. Mint extract has a nice fresh scent.

Spices - You can use ground or whole sweet spices. The whole spices look prettier, if your scented water will be in a location where it will be seen. I have found that cinnamon sticks and whole cloves have the most scent staying power. Cinnamon sticks can be rinsed off and reused several times. -

Good luck! I'll let you know how mine turned out! I love upcycling and using natural products to make wonderful things!

Is it Friday yet?

As a full-time mother/employee/student/wife, I have little to no time to actually do things that are necessary to keep myself alive. Contrary to my husbands beliefs I do not get to do the little things done that I want to do. You know, like take a bubble bath and read dirty books?

This weekend I am going to start reading my new book The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin. I can't wait! It is time for me to take control. :) I WILL be happy. I am starting to feel a "funk" coming on that is a little depressing. I always have so much that needs to be done, but when the funk comes waltzing in I can kiss my chores good-bye. It takes away my "want-to" and throws me on the couch. It is terrible and I refuse to get  to that point.

Yesterday, I decided to go grocery shopping and get some groceries to cook what my hubby calls "real" dinner. Apparently corndogs and PB&J sandwiches do not count as home cooked meals. pssshhh. Whatever. My two year old would totally beg to differ!

So last night was stuffed chicken breast and tonight is gonna be Steak wrapped in bacon. Adventures on the grill. Oh dear, I can already see myself failing miserably tonight, but I am going to try anyway because this is what I have to do to make myself stay away from the black hole. I will make some new projects, finish some old ones, and cook to my hearts content. Maybe even throw in a few loads of laundry and clean the floors while I am at it! Yeehaw! ha


I'll put up any projects that I may have throughout the weekend :)

Till then, rest easy with another cute picture of......

My honey and our chicken Sally Mae :)

Keep rocking in Serenity

Here we go again....

Hi. I'm Candice. I'm sober, and believe it or not, my life is anything but boring. I have a crazy child named Hudson whom I absolutely adore. I am recently married to the most amazing man on the face of the earth and inherited two beautiful children at the same time. :) My life is anything but complete. I learn something new everyday. I take one day at a time and sometimes one minute at a time. Trust me, around here it's necessary. (sometimes even a breath at a time)\

If you want to check out my old blog, you can go here . There were some ups and downs in there, but I thought it was time to switch to a Blogger account, so here we are.


And, to start with introductions, you're gonna get wedding pictures, because, well, that is what I have on my work computer.

 This is my step-son Will

 My Daughter by marriage Ansley, and my son  Hudson

 Myself and the Hudster

 He refused to carry the pillow down the aisle, so he carried a truck and Will carried the rings.

Oy-vey

 My cutie-patootie Hubby, Jack

 Brother by marriage, Stu-baby and best friend Miloy

Plus the adorable niece down in front.

 See, I told you she was freakin' adorable. Meet Sofia, Hud's BFF

 This is me. Miss now MRS. *sigh*

 We were a match made in Wonderland.

Both equally goofy. And sober.

 Gee, Jack, could you make your smile a little bigger? ;)

I had my first dance with my son. He will always fill my soul.

How could you not love that face? Just Presh....

So there you have it. MY family. I have a family. So hard to believe. Three years ago I had nothing, and now this. One day I will get into the ups and downs of my life. I have PLENTY of stories.

My life is beautiful. My family is beautiful. My love is beautiful. I love life. I put on foot in front of the other. I keep moving and I don't back down. One day at a time.